Hello, Faith Community! Last Sunday was an exciting day as we had two of our ministry partners at FCC.
Thank you to the many people in our FCC family who were a part of these special presentations! And, thank you for your generosity, which helps FCC partner with New Life Family Services and Options for Women! You can learn more about the FCC Prolife Coalition, which advocates for the preborn by informing the church about current sanctity of life issues, at fcchudson.com or on the FaithBase app.
Also on Sunday, Pastor Larry Szyman suggested reading “The Knowledge of the Holy” by A. W. Tozer as a follow up to the sermon. You can learn more and purchase the book at the following links or find copies available for purchase at FCC in the resource area next to the café in the Commons.
by Pastor Larry Szyman
Last Sunday we considered the song written by David for the leader of music in the temple. We saw a picture of God who is limitless in his knowledge and presence. Staggering and mind blowing are two words that come to mind when we consider God knowing everything (omniscience) that was, is, or ever will be, for all people, at all times, at the same time!!! It is equally “other” of God to be at all places at all times, particularly with his people. David marveled at God’s interaction in the womb of his mother—that his presence is that pervasive (omnipresence). God’s limitlessness sets him far apart: the Creator reigns over His creatures.
Yet, this infinite God became intimate. In Jesus, God Himself entered a womb, the Creator subjected himself to the indignities of the creature. That humility continues for 33 years as Jesus lived among a people, speaking words of life, healed the sick, cared for the marginalized until he was marginalized, mistreated by governmental officials, sentenced to death, and crucified. The resurrection was the event of events as this made a way for us to know, not only that we are known by God, but to know him. “This is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God and Jesus, whom you have sent.” John 17:3. In and through Jesus, we enter into intimacy with God the Father and God the Son through God the Holy Spirit.
Good news! You are known by God, and you can know him!
Come on Sunday as we welcome guest pastor, Dave Mobley, to Faith Community. His 37 years in ministry have many ties to FCC, including being a friend to FCC’s founding pastor, Gregg Heinsch. He also served as a church planter with Converge, served on staff at FCC-New Richmond and served as interim pastor at Torrent Church in Prescott. Dave is now retired, and he and his wife, Brenda, are covenant members of FCC-New Richmond. We look forward to Dave continuing in the “Real You. Real God.” series with “What Good are You?” (Psalm 73).
Does it ever seem like life goes better for those who don’t even know or follow God? The psalmist of Psalm 73 is having a crisis of faith, as he is tormented by the comparison of his life with those around him. It is always a temptation to gravitate towards envy of others when we are struggling. But is it dangerous to make conclusions about God and his goodness through our own limited perception of our circumstances. We are reminded by this psalm that God’s nearness to us in our struggle is our highest good.
This Sunday we also have the opportunity to rejoice with heaven as followers of Jesus are baptized. If you have friends or family wondering about following Jesus, this service would be a great opportunity to invite them to see baptisms. We always have guests with us, but this Sunday in particular, we will have guests with us because of the baptisms. Please look around you and look for others you don’t know and welcome them so they feel noticed and loved. Thank you!
Invite a friend! See you on Sunday!
Watch or listen to sermons in the “Real You. Real God.” series at fcchudson.com or the FaithBase app.
THIS Sunday, August 18 | 10:30 a.m. to Noon in the Refuge Room
(This is the same workshop that was first offered on July 14. If you missed it the first time, please come on Sunday or come back for a refresher!)
We want to do everything that we can to help everyone meet, know and follow Jesus. Sometimes, starting a spiritual conversation with your friends, family, and neighbors can be difficult. That's where the Five Thresholds comes in.
Would you or your ministry team like to be more equipped to make good, clear invitations to your friends, family and neighbors?
Please join Jill Willeke and Terri Nanda this Sunday, Aug. 18, following the first worship gathering. (There is no registration for the workshop.)
The company that hosts FCC’s FaithBase app and online giving will be performing some maintenance, beginning on Friday, August 16, 2019, at 11:00 PM Central and ending by Saturday, August 17, 2019, at 5:00 AM Central. During this time, online giving, online registrations and the FaithBase app will be unavailable.
The FCC Office will be closed on Monday, Aug. 19, and Tuesday, Aug. 20, as the pastors and staff spend time on retreat together.
Pastor Tim Porter returns on Aug. 25 from his sabbatical to conclude the “Real You. Real God.” sermon series. We’ll be celebrating FCC’s 35th anniversary and also looking forward to what’s next at FCC. And, we will be commissioning our newest pastor, Pat Stream, Pastor for Biblical Counseling. We look forward to celebrating these important milestones together as a family of families!
Prov. 15:1 (Godly speech)
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Faith Community’s K-5 and middle school and high school ministries partner with parents as you disciple your child. Our goal is to help children and students Know God, Do (act on) what they know, and ultimately Be (become) Christ followers who bring honor and glory to God. Fall registration is now available online at fcchudson.com and the FaithBase app for FaithKids LifeShaping (Kindergarten through 5th grade), Awana Clubs (age 3-years to 6th grade) and the Refuge (6th-12th grade).
AWANA CLUBS
THE REFUGE - MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
For many years, Faith Community has partnered with Options for Women of River Falls, a prolife non-profit organization supporting women and families facing an unplanned pregnancy. We’re offering the baby bottle fundraiser again this year as another way to support Options for Women. A record number of 260 baby bottles were passed out on Sunday! If you picked up one of the baby bottles, thank you! Please place your change or cash into the baby bottle this week and bring it back to FCC on Sunday. If you’d like to include a check, please write the check to Options for Women. (Please note that any check made out to FCC cannot be forwarded/cashed on behalf of Options for Women.) Thank you!
Pastor Tim Porter is now on sabbatical until August 25 to rest, refresh, recharge and learn. Please pray for him and his family. Thank you!
LEARN ABOUT FCC events and registrations at fcchudson.com or the app. Search for “Faith Community Church Hudson” on the App Store or Google play to download the app.
PRAYER REQUESTS + CARE NEEDS are posted on the Prayer + Care wall on the FaithBase app. You can also sign up on the app under “Emails + Registrations,” if you would like to receive an email when new prayer requests and care needs are posted.
Wondering if something at FCC is canceled? Check fcchudson.com or the FaithBase app.