Dear First Pres,
"The Lord healed me!" "God brought the perfect job; it's just what I wanted." "God brought me into a new place of ministry." "God brought my family back together." "God helped me battle depression." "The Lord turned the life of our son around." These are just a few of the words listed on the cards of celebration that you turned in last week in worship. I wish you could have joined the staff as we read through the cards and celebrated them together on Tuesday morning. It was such an encouraging time to see how the Lord has been at work. Have you celebrated this week? If you haven't found a reason to celebrate, read through the quotes listed above again; then praise God for His power, grace, and love. God is at work among us as we move into new territory together. Be encouraged, First Pres, and celebrate! I am celebrating today that the Lord called me to be part of what He is doing in and through you.
Here are a few important things that are coming up in the life of our church. (Remember, it's always important to look through this whole email for all the important info. And, I really do hope that you will regularly look at our website to know the details of our upcoming ministry events.)
This coming Sunday is the 2nd Sunday of the month, so that means it's time for Community Groups to gather. This Sunday from 5-7 p.m. our 7 Community Groups will gather in various locations around the city for the continued purpose of building relationships, making new disciples, and living out the Gospel in our neighborhoods. I encourage you to make this a priority. Remember, even if you haven't been before, you are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Look for the details below about GriefShare. GriefShare is a ministry designed for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Later this month we'll be offering a one week session called Surviving the Holidays, which is a GriefShare curriculum. Then in 2015 we'll be offering the full 13 week experience. This Sunday is an orientation for anyone interested in learning more about this great and important ministry.
This Sunday is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. We're going to take a few moments in worship to remember and pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are facing tremendous persecution for their faith in Christ. There will be a resource in the bulletin that we hope will inspire and equip you to be praying about this throughout the month of November.
Finally, be looking in next week's FPC Weekly for a very exciting announcement about our search for a new Children's Ministry Director. It'll be another reason to celebrate.
Blessings,
P.S. Diane and I have decided to help lead our church's next mission trip to Albania, and we're taking our kids along. The exact dates are still being finalized, but it will be during summer of 2015. Interested in joining us? Contact Terry Jaurena for more details.
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