WRITE IT DOWN
Love God. Love Others. Live Out.
Another January has rolled over leaving us comfortably settling into 2017. But will this just be another year? When we arrive at the end of our annual calendar will there be any noticeable changes in our lives, or will everything look the same? It’s possible that New Year’s goals and hopes have already been dashed by detours and rocked by reality. But what if we relentlessly committed to the proposal that PROCESS>PERFECTION? While we may not see how we can arrive at our end-goal, our immediate concern should be, “What next step do I need to take to move me in the right direction?” While this principle is transferable to every facet of life, I would especially focus our minds on how this impacts our spiritual growth in Christ. I’m not content to be at the same place in my walk with Jesus at the end of this year as I am today. I want to be more like Him; I want to know more about Him; I want to be closer to Him. So what do I need to do today to begin moving me in that direction?
FCOG
MONTHLY Feb. 2017
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and d earl y loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12
As I have sought the Lord on these things, there are some specific actions I believe He is calling me to. I started making an “Obedience List”. This is a list of actionable steps (most of them small), that I sense the Spirit of God whispering into my life. In the past I may have sensed God leading me to do something, but I would allow distractions and busyness to keep me from completing some of these promptings. Frankly, enough time would pass that I would forget about that God-whisper, or the action would no longer seem relevant. So, this year I simply started jotting down those actions so that they would be before me, and I would be more likely to pursue obedience. There is an interesting scene in Habakkuk where God reveals a future vision to this prophet. God says to Habakkuk, “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.” Admittedly the context of what is going on in this passage is somewhat different than what I’m describing, but there still is an interesting principle I believe we can apply. There is power in writing down what God is revealing to us. We are a busy people; a hurried people; an often hopelessly distracted people. But if we write down simply and clearly what God is showing us, we can read it “on the run.” We can have these precious revelations from God’s Spirit and His Word to remind us along the path of life what steps truly matter. So what is the Spirit of God whispering into your life? What is your next step in the process of growing in Him? Would you write it in a journal? On your tablet or phone? Perhaps a sticky note? Put that next step in front of you so you will not forget, and so you will be obedient in moving forward in the process of becoming like Jesus.
Blessings
Pastor Andrew
s y a SuFnebdruary in
Upbeat Gospel Worship . 8:45am Sunday School . 10am Contemporary Worship . 11am
New Series Beginning Sunday, February 5th at 8:45 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
God is the author of love. In other words, love would not exist in this world had it not been written in by the Creator. On the other hand, it would be impossible for our God to not have penned love into His world, because Scripture reminds us that God is love. (1 John 4:8) In other words, the very nature of God is love. So God lovingly created, and lovingly formed humankind in His image. Part of this image that God breathed in human life was that people may both know and extend His perfect love.
Join us Sunday, August 21 during 11 o’clock service Wethe Celebrate January Baptisms for our special moment Casey of Holloway child dedication.
Sin, however, corrupted that proposal. We still possess this love nature, but sin has skewed it, watered it down, confused it, and often perverted it. Part of God’s redemption of humankind is to rewrite that initial story of God’s love on each human heart. What does it mean to love well? What does it mean to love like God loves? How have we confused this concept or sold short the love story we were all designed to know? Let’s take notes on God’s love in the month of February. Each week, Love Notes, will unpack a section of the fifth chapter of Ephesians. Together we will be reminded what Godly love is all about.
S Y A D S E N D E W y r a u r b in Fe
Family Dinner @ 5:30pm Fuel Kid’s Check-in @ 6:15pm Adult Electives & Student Ministry @ 6:30pm
New Elective Classes Beginning Wednesday, February 8
SEAMLESS Women are invited to this Bible study each Wednesday evening at 6:30pm. Whether you’ve grown up hearing Bible stories or you’re exploring Scripture for the first time, the full story of the Bible can be overwhelming. The 66 books may seem disconnected at first glance. In this study, author Angie Smith shows you how the whole Bible-from Genesis through Revelation-connects as one beautiful, seamless thread. BONHOEFFER: PASTOR, PROPHET, MARTYR, SPY Dietrich Bonhoeffer has proven to be a great influential figure from the 20th century. This book study based on the biography by Eric Metaxas will dive deeper into how his life and writings have impacted the world. Bonhoeffer is a fascinating figure as he was embroiled in conflict and conspiracy against the Nazi regime in World War II. Navigating those troubled times forged Bonhoeffer’s views of discipleship, and thanks to his writings, the world still benefits from his wisdom today. Come enjoy a book study about this world-transforming leader.
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BECOMING A CONTAGIOUS CHRISTIAN Join us for this 6 week study to learn practical ways to grow in relational evangelism. As you move through this course you will discover your own style of communicating about Christ, how to build spiritually significant relationships, and how to direct conversations toward matters of faith. You will learn how to tell your own story of coming to faith, and discover easy-to-remember ways to present the gospel and even pray with someone to receive Christ. If you are wanting to be more confident in your ability to converse with others about faith in Jesus, this 6 weeks is an important step in that process.
Wednesdays @ 5:30 p.m. $3 for Adults . Kids Eat Free
1st 8th 15th 22nd
Pizza & Salad Turkey, Mashed Potatoes Chicken Spaghetti & Green Beans Soup & Cornbread
Mark your Calendars for Upcoming Family Jams
Wednesday, February 1 Wednesday, March 1
FCOG
OPPORTUNITIES to CONNECT Upcoming Events
ROMEO
(Men’s Breakfast)
Thursday, February 9 Meet at the Fellowship Hall at 8am and then head out for a hardy breakfast.
ON MISSION Graduating Class Colette Wall Cecelia Blevins Jacob Clark Tia Clark Sandra Elam Pam Peters Karen Rice Robin Ross Carla McCutchen Mike McCutchen Chizas Trent Deanna Sharp Darel Blakeley
Betty Blakeley Darrell Moore Donna Moore Paula Guderian Jeff Condray Greg Keirsey Tyler Bradshaw Bruce Yoder Kelly Yoder Jaclyn Porter Chrissy Rumsey Jessica Beck Melinda Thornton
Janice Trickett Candice McCuistion Todd Rice Amanda Rice Jenny Line Brandi Ledbetter LeeAnn Fuller Jennifer Shafer Mary Stafford Kimberly Cowley Nick Cowley Suzanne Perry Russell Perry
Molly Drog Willene Maas Robert Hormann Tom Day Mary Overstreet Colby Overstreet Kristy McCollough Sara Melugin Becky Cottom Dustin Cottom Shelby Botsford Shawn Botsford Matt Martin
Next On Mission Class Sunday, March 19 12:30-3:30 -orWednesdays April 19,
When God sent Jesus to earth, Jesus showed us exactly what it
to love. Jesus prioritized means love above everything else. Jesus is the ultimate example of love.
FCOG KIDS February 2017
THE LIFE APP: LOVE Choosing to treat others the way you want to be treated.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
WEDNESDAYS Check-in @ 6:15
February 1: Family Jam February 8: Love the Lord Night February 15: Chocolate Night February 22: Lifesaver Night
Sunday, February 5 FCOG 4th gradePB & J Ministry after second service.
Sunday, February 26 FCOG Kid’s Sing @ 11:00 A.M.
FCOG
FEBRUARY 2017
JOURNEY STUDENTS We start with a plan in mind, but things happen along the way that change our plans, change our minds, or even change our relationships. That’s when we have to decide to stick to the plan or change course. (a study in the apostle Paul’s journey)
JOIN US ON SUNDAYS & WEDNESDAYS. LET’S TALK ABOUT.
Sundays: Inductive study through the book of John Wednesdays: Feb 1: Family Jam Feb 8: Worship United (Area youth ministries gathering at FCOG) Feb 15: Road Trip = As you get to know God, be ready to rethink. Feb 22: Road Trip = God’s plan for you is to do the next right thing.
Let’s HAVE FUN
FCOG
STEWARDSIP STATS & INFO JANUARY GIVING $13,026 AVERAGE SUNDAY ATTENDANCE January 359 GENERAL FUND GIVNG Monthly Need $41,575.25 January Giving
$45,717
Variance
$4,141.75
Special Giving January
$3,176.30
TOTAL BUILDING FUND TO DATE $2,225,787.40
Would you like to join the effort of moving toward future relocation? Please contact Pastor Andrew to learn more about his exciting venture in the life of FCOG. Giving envelopes for our More than Bricks campaign are located in the pews. You can also contribute to the MTB campaign online by designating your gift.
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