Is It Really That Simple?
I’m reading through the book of Acts again, and this time around I’m struck by how “simple” the message was at the time. Without either a New Testament or years of church doctrine/dogma/history to draw from and muddy the waters, the message was “easy” and “clear” and had a name: Jesus. Jesus is the message, Jesus is the hope, Jesus is the promise, Jesus is our peace, Jesus is life. Of course living this out in a world that doesn’t know the story or person of Jesus is much more complicated, but for today, I am resting in the simplicity of my faith: Jesus.
For a more poetic take, here’s a beautiful summary of scripture I uncovered yesterday…
Stone, wave, leaf, fur, built with a Word,
Man and Woman born with the breath of God.
Given choice, we choose ourselves,
staining perfection.
Separated as sea
from stars.
But across the distance the Speaker
reaches to invite everything back to Him.
Disgrace and distance erased by Perfect Love
born, ripped, buried, and risen whole.
by Mike Kaiser
Simply striving to follow Jesus,
Pastor Char
Here’s What’s Happening at Faith
Youth Summer Kick-Off
June 15, 3pm-7pm. Come to celebrate the beginning of summer with the youth group. All students going into grades 6-12 are welcome. Meet in room 150 for lots of fun games, fellowship, and BBQ.
Legacy Chapel Commissioning-SAVE THE DATE
Join us on June 19, as we commission our renovated Legacy Chapel. Dinner will be provided at 6pm followed by worship through song, hymns, and God’s word at 6:45pm. It will be a night of remembrance and future hope!
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 Realm. Baptism will be offered in Round Lake during the retreat, contact the office for more information.
Discovery Bible Experience Training
Learn to hear God’s voice this summer through a season long, personal exploration of Psalm 119. Training in the simple, but powerful process of Discovery Bible Experience will happen Sunday, June 9 at 9:00 AM in room 200.
Our Daily Bread
The June-August publication of the Our Daily Bread devotional is now available in the Fireside Room. Stop by and pick one up on Sunday.
Power Up Kids Camp (VBS)
Power Up Kid’s Camp is coming up soon! 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. Register today to ensure correct t-shirt size. Volunteers: we still need at least 6-8 more folks to serve our kids. To register a child or to volunteer click here.
Amnion Walk for Life
You can save a baby’s life and spread the Gospel in our community by walking or sponsoring a walker at Amnion Pregnancy Center’s Walk for Life on Sat June 1 at 9:30 a.m. at Lac Lavon Park in Burnsville. Register to be a walker or support a walker at www.amnioncpc.org/friends/events.
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: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-95