Hurt, Hard Times, and HOPE-Week One

Today we began an eight week journey through the Beatitudes in Matthew 5.  We are using the Beatitudes as a spring board to talk about our brokenness and the Hope and healing Jesus wants to do in and through our lives.

Today Pastor Gerten shared a message called “The Reality Choice”.  He shared we live a plastic existence where “everything is ok” and we do not allow our real self to be seen.  Our personal persistent problems are often the hardest to deal with and we grow to accept them as normal.

We must ask the question, “What pulls me away from God?”

What is it for you?

Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven”

The three points:

1. I must humbly admit I need help.
2. I must humbly ask God for help.
3. I must humbly accept help from other people.

House Moving Today

Today we will have a new neighbor at the church.  The Boles will be moving their new home to the corner of F Drive and Kalamazoo all day today.  We will share some pictures of the move in the days to come!

Upcoming October and November Series

We will be wrapping up “Origins” next week.  The series following is titled, “Hurt, Hard Times, and HOPE”.  This eight week series will focus in on the hurts, habits, hang-ups, and hard times we face in life and ultimately the HOPE we have in and through Jesus Christ.

There are many choices we make each day.  When it comes to hurt, hard times, and hope we pray that during this two month period many new and Christ honoring choices will be made.

Love in Action Part Two: Common Ground

Check out Common Ground at www.commongroundfbc.wordpress.com.

This is the new place to help the church be the church.

We all have gifts, talents, abilities, and stuff…we need to share them because people in our own community should not go without.

Take a few moments to check it out and we invite you to be a part.

Welcome New Members

We are thrilled to welcome three people into membership at FBC.  Corey Grazul and Randy and Susan Copas were accepted into membership on Sunday morning and committed themselves to this community and mission here at FBC.

Make sure to welcome them!

Love in Action

LOVE IN ACTION: PART ONE

Just over two months ago the church was challenged to be the church and care for those who are in a season of their life with hours cut from work, job loss, or need.  During this time we have collected to date over $13,000 and distributed just over $12,000.  It has been a blessing to those who have given and those who have received.

LOVE IN ACTION: PART TWO

This upcoming Sunday in the first week of our new series “Origins” we will present part two of Love in Action.  This will expand upon what has happened and happening so far in this faith community.  Come check out part two of Love in Action.

Week in Review

What a great last week!  Beth Moore was a great event.  Many women converged on FBC for the two day event to be challenged and inspired!  The worship arts gallery was amazing with many people saying they finally “got it” when they saw how everyday activities really could be acts of worship.  The church picnic was great yesterday with many people filling up the lot enjoying lots of great food and time with each other.  Thanks for all who put their time and effort into the events!

This week we hope you are continually looking for God all around you and seeking times to worship him in your everyday life (Rom. 12:1).

On this Sunday, Labor Day Weekend, we together will be sharing in the Lord’s Supper, a central point of worship.

Have a blessed week!

Happenings This Week at FBC 82409

This week is jam packed with great events and happenings around FBC:

Worship Arts Gallery.  The youth room has been transformed into a gallery, a place to reflect, worship, be inspired, and also be a quiet place in a busy week.  Stop in this week for a few minutes or a few hours.  Tuesday: 6:30am-5:30pm, Wednesday: 7:30am-7pm, Thursday:8am-5pm, and Friday: 8am-4pm.

Beth Moore Simulcast.  We once again will be hosting the Beth Moore Simulcast beginning Friday evening and running through Saturday morning.  The cost is $30 and can be paid at the door.

Angel Food.  The pickup is schedule for this Saturday morning.

GVC Cookout. 5pm Saturday evening at the Rutz home.

Annual Church Picnic. This coming Sunday at 1pm at 220 Lyon Lake Rd.  Individuals and couples bring one dish to pass, families bring two.  Hotdogs, hamburgers, lemonade and water will be provided.  Bring a chair or blanket to sit on along with plates and silverware.  Also feel free to bring anything to play in the lake.

Moving Dirt

In the next week or two, dirt will be flying in the field next to the church.

The field should be planted with prairie grass and also, the construction will being on the softball diamond and activity field.

These will be some exciting changes and make this field very usable in the years to come to many people.

Keep your eyes open.

Graduation Sunday

Congrats to all our grads this year.

Yesterday we were able to celebrate the graduation of 5 students from college and 7 from high school.

The college grads range from English to Business with plans to pursue MBA’s and also to get married.  Great work on your completion of college!

The high school grads were from Olivet, Marshall, Coldwater, and homeschooled.  The plans range from college to the military.

Corey, our youth pastor, did a great job speaking and sharing from I Timothy 4:12.

We look forward to hearing more about how God uses these students!