Dear Friends Pursuing Christ,
Thank you for your participation in VBS. Moose on the Loose was led by Rangers Bev Claypool and Keith Murray. We had 36 children attend and 22 teens and adults work very hard to make it happen! It was a fabulous week! We learned about the relationship between Peter and Jesus and how God loves us and forgives us from our sins. We also learned the ABC’s of Faith. Admit that you are a sinner, Believe in who Jesus is and what He has done for you and Completely trust in Him. Good News for all! Your prayers, presence, and financial gifts made this possible. You are changing lives for Jesus.
During Lent, we did a study called the 7 Realities for Experiencing God. The teen small group asked the session if they could host a 24 hour prayer vigil at the church. You can pray at home, but for 24 hours the church will be opened Friday, August 17th at noon until Saturday, August 18th at noon. The prayer focus will be for our families, schools, neighbors and God’s House. Sign up at church to participate in this event.
The Friday small group will begin a new study called, Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit. It is a study based on Galatians 5, the reality of the fruit of the Spirit. Christopher Wright says, “(The Apostle) Paul longed that Christian believers should be filled with the Holy Spirit that Christ himself would actually be shaping their whole lives from the inside out…these are the qualities that God himself will produce in a person’s every day ordinary life because the life of God is at work within them.” At the introduction of the book a prayer is shared that John Stott prayed every day of his life. It is a prayer that I am praying and invite you to join with me. It has been transforming my life. God always hears our prayers. It has been a good journey to travel but it has been challenging!
Heavenly Father, I pray that this day I may live in your presence and please you more. Lord Jesus, I pray that this day, I may take up my cross and follow you. Holy Spirit, I pray that this day you will fill me with yourself and cause your fruit to ripen in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control.
Friday small group meets at Carole and George Gurnett’s on Fridays at 6:00 pm. Let Carole or Ilona know if you would like to attend. We are a kitchen table group, meaning we sit around the table and discuss God’s Word together and share how God is moving in our lives. There is lots of conversation, laughter and good food. Join us if you can.
It has come to my attention that our offerings have been suffering this summer. We are struggling to meet our budget. Please remember that while you are on vacation FPC is still in operation with doors open and ministries continuing. Your financial gifts are essential for doing the work of the Lord. The session seeks to be good stewards of all our resources. By the way, some have asked whether we are still saving loose change for God’s House. The simple answer is yes. All loose change which is brought in our God’s House containers will be used for maintenance and expenses for the new building. The next collection will be on Sunday, August 26th. Thanks for asking.
Have a blessed August. Keep your eyes on church news. Church Life has an event coming up to welcome in the school year and yes the Session will be reporting on God’s House opening.
Love and prayers, Ilona
FPC 