Greetings from Romania, Part 2

Faith Family,

Week 2 has been as amazing as week 1! We kicked off our first camp of the summer with a great group of kids. Their constant smiles are contagious and it’s been a blessing to serve them and share Jesus with them. Here are some insights from our adult leaders, Tabi and Andrew:

I am SO excited to be here in Romania. Between Zebil and the centers, the first week was a blur. I can’t believe we are 3/4 done already–wowza! The first half of camp is for kids 12 and younger. They are so fun, but boy are they a handful. They love giving and receiving hugs. I’ve lost count of the number of hugs I received. I can’t wait to see what the second half of camp has in store for my team and I!

-Tabi Freeman

After all the traveling it’s hard to believe we are in Romania. Meeting new people and hearing new languages leaves you breathless. We are so gracious and thankful for this trip to the opposite side of the world. This is week two and everyone is meeting the true heart of Romania. This week kicks off the start of kids camp. There is so much energy and excitement all around. The kids are loving it and so are we! The team is blessed to have such amazing translators who really care about the children and Jesus. The children are all from different areas and want to know Jesus. It was astonishing to hear the children speak about the bible and their understanding is truly remarkable. This ministry is doing beautiful things. The team is doing very well and we are excited to see the children’s faith grow! 

-Andrew Larson

We will return to the states on Sunday. As much as we look forward to come home to our families, we will miss these kids greatly, and be sad to know that there’s still so much work to be done here. Please continue to pray for the children, the FGCI ministry team, and for safe travels home. We look forward to sharing more stories with you when we get back.

Fi binecuvântat (Be blessed)!

Nick

Here’s What’s Happening at Faith

Maximize Your Gift

Want to minimize the impact your RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) has on your taxable income? Consider a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). A QCD allows individual taxpayers older than 70½ years to donate up to $100,000 to eligible charities (like Faith Covenant Church) from their Traditional IRA tax-free. For more information contact your tax advisor or Erik Carlson, the local financial services representative from Covenant Trust Company at 847-583-3280 or ewcarlson@covenanttrust.com.

Garage Sale for Missions-VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Faith’s All-Church Garage Sale is July 18-20. All proceeds will go to the MOMS Program. Help this sale be a success by gathering donations at home and/or volunteering! Sign-up to volunteer for set-up, clean-up, and working the day of the sale at the Information Desk during these Sunday Services: June 16, 23, and 30. Donations for the sale will be accepted Sunday, July 14, 12-5pm and Monday, July 15, 4-8pm. Drop off at lower level. Do not leave donations at church at other times. Questions? Contact Kathryn at office@momsprogram.org.

Annual Meeting-June 23

All are invited to attend a congregational business meeting June 23 following the 10:30 service. This is an opportunity to hear about the ministry we are doing here together. Members will also vote on new council members and the 2019-20 fiscal year budget.

All Church Retreat

Registration is now open for the Faith Covenant All-Church Retreat at Covenant Pines Bible Camp, Aug 23-25. It will be a weekend of relaxation, inspiration, fellowship and fun! Register on RealmBaptism will be offered in Round Lake during the retreat, contact the office for more information.

Women’s Ministry Watercolor Class

Women of Faith Covenant – now is your chance to try out your artistic flair! Millie Johnson, longtime FCC member and painter extraordinaire, has graciously agreed to teach two watercolor classes! This is a must-attend – you’ll have a great time and will go home with a matted and ready-to-frame work of art! Wed July 10, 9-noon & Thur July 11, 6-9pmEach class is limited to 12 women. Register today by contacting Terry at tlangmaack@faithcovenant.orgCost: $10, payable at the class.

Infant Baptism / Dedication Class

Our next baptism/dedication Sunday is July 28. Parents of infants desiring baptism/dedication are asked to attend a one-hour class July 14, 9-10am. To register contact Terry at tlangmaack@faithcovenant.org.  Applications are due July 8.

Power Up Kids Camp (VBS)

Power Up Kid’s Camp is almost here! June 24-27, 9am-noon, for elementary children entering K-5 for the 2019-2020 school year. Cost is $15, which includes a t-shirt, snacks, and materials. To register a child or to volunteer click here.

MUUUCE-August 1-3

MUUUCE stands for “The Most Unbelievable, Ultimate, Urban, Camping Experience”. This high-energy, fast-moving, multi-day event is designed to give 6-9th graders a chance to connect with Christ and their peers. Save the date! For info, go to northwestconference.org.

Bible Memorization Challenge

Pastor Brad issued a challenge to our Faith Family in 2017 and would like us to take this challenge once again: to memorize 52 Bible verses in 52 weeks for 2019. These verses will be posted each week in this Faith Update blog and will be in the worship folder each Sunday. To see a full list of verses so you can practice adding a new one each week while keeping up with those you have already learned, click HERE. The verse for the week is this: Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20