Faith. January Pastor Patrick s Ponderings. Keep In Mind... Jan. 4. Jan. 11. Jan. 13 & 27. Jan. 29

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1 Faith January 2015 Newsletter of Faith Community Church, Connelly Springs, NC Keep In Mind... Jan. 4 Epiphany Sunday Jan. 11 New Elder Installation Jan. 13 & 27 Elders Meetings Jan. 29 Souper Bowl for Hospice Pastor Patrick s Ponderings This month we will focus on the a ribute of God s sovereignty. What does it mean to say God is sovereign? To help give a rich understanding of God s sovereignty, I will turn to Arthur W. Pink s defini on. In his book The Sovereignty of God, Pink writes, to say that God is sovereign is to mean the supremacy of God, the kingship of God, the god-hood of God. To say that God is sovereign is to declare God as God. To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is the Most High, doing according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, so that none can stay His hand or say unto Him what doest Thou? (Dan. 4:35). To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is the Almighty, the Possessor of all power in heaven and earth, so that none can defeat His counsels, thwart His purpose, or resist His will (Psa 115:3). To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is the governor among the na ons (Psa 22:28), se ng up kingdoms, overthrowing empires, and determining the course of dynas es as pleaseth Him best. To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is the only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords (1 Tim 6:15). Such is the God of the Bible. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

2 Student ministry items... As I type this it is the last few weeks of I've spent many hours thinking about all that has happened during the last 365 days, and I can't say how thankful I am for all the good things God has done this year. I got to experience my first bap sm as a pastor, then I got to watch my uncle be bap zed a few short weeks a er. We've had some awesome services here at FCC; we have served our community and others around the world. I got to spend another summer with some awesome students having fun, serving, and growing closer to Christ. All I can say is God has blessed us beyond belief. Although I can reflect on this past year and rejoice in what God has done, I am also reminded this life will not last forever. James tells us that life is but a mist that appears for a li le while and then vanishes (James 4:14). The longer I'm on this earth the more I realize how true this really is. My grandpa always reminds me that days tend to drag on, but years will fly by. My prayer for 2015 is that we all gain a sense of urgency when it relates to sharing The Gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray you will join me for the ride! ALL4HIM Pastor Jeffrey ><> New Sunday night study star ng January 11th, studying the book of 1 Timothy Looking ahead: Winter Jam concert in Greensboro, February 14th. CONGRATULATIONS! Tucker Beck and Tyler Stamey our newest NC State University Alums, graduated with degrees in December. Tucker is the son of Carl and Jennifer Beck, and Tyler is the son of Keith and Shannon Stamey. New BABiES!! Congratula ons to Chip and Delyane Sherrill, proud new grandparents to Parks Henry and Julia Frances Gurley, twins of Marian and Dwayne Gurley. They arrived on Friday, December 26th at 8 PM. Parks: 5 pounds 4 ounces and 19 1/2 inches Julia: 5 pounds 4 ounces and 20 inches Please pray for these babies, parents, and grandparents as they begin this journey that they will grow to love and serve the Lord!

3 Souper Bowl for Hospice Thursday, Jan. 29th 5-7 PM at Faith Community Church 2670 Shady Grove Rd. Connelly Springs Purchase a hand-thrown po ery bowl for $10 and you ll get to keep the bowl and have a bowl of soup, salad, dessert and beverage on us. OR you can just have the meal for $5.00 (no bowl)

4 From the FAMILY ROOM... Advent Candle Lighters (clockwise from led) Wendy Abee, Melissa Niehoff, Jana Farris, Amanda Shawver, & Lindsey Lawhon. All five ladies are expectant mothers. Thanks for serving our congregagon! January Birthdays THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! To Steve Lewis for the wonderful new choir risers. Steve donated the labor; materials were provided by generous anonymous donors. To the Worship Choir and soloists and to narrators, Harry Andrews and Lindsey Lawhon for leading us in worship on Sunday, December 21st. with the musical, The First Noel. (see photo below) Gail Powell Max Teffeteller Madison Johnson Andy Lawhon Tyler Stamey Keith Stamey Chase Brown Kaitlin Goodson Nathan Treadway Brently Corrado Jana Farris Lorraine Ribet Chip Sherrill Doug Benfield

5 Baptism of Remington Cross Treadway was celebrated on Sunday, December 28th. Pictured below are parents, Craig & Bridget Treadway, with brothers Nathan and Denver. Ponderings continued... There are three truths I want to highlight concerning the sovereignty of God. It is my hope you will be encouraged and your faith strengthened by them. First, the sovereignty of God demonstrates the cross of Jesus was no accident. Before the founda on of the world was laid, God had His plan set in mo on to bring about salva on for mankind (1Pt 1:20). Again, Peter preached on Pentecost and said, this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God (Acts 1:23). God s sovereignty shows the length and width of God s grace and love (Eph. 3:18-19). He is not a God who sits in heaven and hopes we figure things out on our own. He is a God who sovereignly works throughout all of history to make us His very own. Secondly, the sovereignty of God reminds us He can use all things for our good and His glory (Rom 8:28-29). This means God can even use our mess-ups, sin, and rebellion for our good and His glory. Does this mean we should con nue to sin, and do it freely? Paul responds, By no means! (Rom 6:1). Instead, the sovereignty of God keeps us from despair. I take great comfort knowing God can somehow use my sin or the sin of others to accomplish His purposes. Two examples are Jonah and Joseph. God used Jonah s to display His glory to Gen le sailors. Joseph told his brothers As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good (Gen 50:20). The sovereignty of God helps you keep short accounts by repen ng of your sins, and it li s you up because God has a plan and purpose for your life (Jer 29:11). Finally, the sovereignty of God is an anchor of eternal joy to my soul. Because God is in control and no one can thwart His plan, in Christ, salva on is secure (1Pt 5:10-11). Friends, we don t have to wonder what happens or who wins in the end. God is sovereign. He is in total control. Revela on is clear, in Christ we win! Satan, sin, and death have already been defeated (Col 2:14-15). We are more than conquerors in Christ (Rom 8:37). John declares, And they have conquered him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their tes mony Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! (Rev 12:11;12a). Indeed, there is much to rejoice concerning the sovereignty of God. In the grip of His grace, Pastor Patrick NEW ELDERS New Elders serving for 2015 are Tim Bernard, Jay Cli on, and Pete Grill. We thank God for calling and gi ing them and for their willingness to serve. SPECIAL THANKS to Martha Cli on, Tina Farris, and Ken Gath who faithfully completed their three year terms. The Elder team for 2015 also consists of Tod Blackwell, Aleta Hoyle, Carroll Hoyle, and Anne Powell. Please keep these folks in your prayers.

6 The Women of Faith held their annual Christmas Luncheon at the home of Horace & Carol Brown. Great food, fun, fellowship and a round of Dirty Santa was enjoyed by all in a endance. 2

7 BUILDING FUND DONATIONS... BUILDING FUND DONATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS IN HONOR OF: The Women of Faith by Jay & Janis Bevis Horace & Carol Brown by Jay & Janis Bevis Phyllis Yoder by Jay & Janis Bevis Carolyn Murphy by Jay & Janis Bevis Patrick & Bethany Sheldon by Horace & Carol Brown Kyle & Tammie Canerday by Horace & Carol Brown Jeffrey & Morgan Dale by Horace & Carol Brown Verlon & Jane Phillips by Horace & Carol Brown Ms. Lila Burney by Horace & Carol Brown Ken, Karen & Kevin Gath by Horace & Carol Brown Pete & Tracey Grill by Horace & Carol Brown Murphy & Tracy Frye by Horace & Carol Brown Jay & Janis Bevis by Horace & Carol Brown Kevin & Tina Farris by Horace & Carol Brown Chip & Delayne Sherrill by Horace & Carol Brown Audey & Kathy Clark by Horace & Carol Brown Lila Burney by Ken & Karen Gath Our Precious Grandson Samuel Farris - by Kevin & Tina Farris Horace & Carol Brown by Kevin & Tina Farris Jerry & Edna LaMaster By Kevin & Tina Farris Horace & Carol Brown by Lila Burney Carolyn Murphy & Phyllis Yoder by Lila Burney Anne Powell She is an Inspira on! By the Loomis Family Jesus - by a Forgiven Child Hugh & Ann Blackwell by Horace and Carol Brown Ray & Martha Mar nat by Horace and Carol Brown Patrick, Bethany, Conner & Braxton Sheldon by Kevin & Tina Farris Kyle & Tammie Canerday by Kevin & Tina Farris Jeffrey & Morgan Dale by Kevin & Tina Farris Verlon & Jane Phillips by Kevin & Tina Farris Carol Brown by the Exploring the Bible Sunday School Class Ed & Edna McClured by Horace & Carol Brown IN MEMORY OF: The Parents of Hugh & Ann Blackwell by Jerry & Edna LaMaster Erma Gortney, mother of Tina Farris, by Jerry & Edna LaMaster Erma Gortney by Kevin & Tina Farris Terry Lee McClured by Ed & Edna McClured Ed Burney by Ken & Karen Gath Howard & Audrey Shull by Doug & Debbie Benfield Elgie & Ruth Benfield by Doug & Debbie Benfield Judy Shawver by Kevin Shawver Ronnie Swink by Shirley Fulbright OTHER SPECIAL BUILDING FUND DONATIONS In honor of Tucker Beck on his Gradua on from NCSU by his parents, Carl & Jennifer Beck In Honor of Anne Powell s birthday by Lila Burney Christmas Eve Offering The special love offering received on Christmas Eve for Burke United Chris an Ministries was $ Thanks for your generosity! Special THANK YOU! To the Exploring The Bible Sunday School Class, I want to thank each one of you for your faithfulness, love and support of our Sunday School Class this past year, and a special thank you for your dona on to the Building Fund in my honor for Christmas. I couldn t have been remembered in a be er way! I love each one of you and look forward to 2015 as we con nue our study of God s Holy Word! Be ready for the Book of Ephesians Christmas blessings to you and your family, Carol Ann

8 Nuts and bolts... JANUARY CREW SCHEDULE 4th Berry & Clarks NURSERY VOLUNTEERS during worship in JANUARY 11th Bernards & Fryes 4th Tod & Lori Blackwell 18th Blackwells & McGees 11th Hugh & Ann Blackwell 25th Loomises & Cliftons 18th Matt & Ashley Brown 25th Tim & Suzy Bernard schedule NO WOMEN OF FAITH IN JANU- ARY. Due to the increase in cold and flu illnesses, the Women of Faith will not have their monthly luncheon in January. Members are encouraged to take all precau ons to remain healthy. Lord willing, we will have our luncheon in February. Giving Update Monthly General Budget need: $19, December giving: $16, PTD* Variance: - $ Monthly Building Fund need: $2, December giving: $3, PTD* Variance: + $ *for the Period To Date July December 2014 Jan. 4 Jan. 11 Jan. 18 Jan. 25 Bethany Sheldon Bethany Sheldon Bethany Sheldon Bethany Sheldon Grace Offering: The Grace Offering for December was $ plus $43.60 carried over from November made the total Grace Offering $ Funds were distributed in the following manner: $42.38 Assistance to a church member $ Foothills Project $100 Pregnancy Care Center $100 Campus Crusades for Christ-Chicago $250 Back2Back $ Mission Trip to Mexico $100 Outreach Center Sustainer s Club $100 Home for Hearts Angel Tree $300 Op ons Ba ered women s shelter $300 Christ Centered Recovery Program $300 BUCM $300 Mee ng Place Mission $400 Good Samaritan Clinic $20.72 Carried over to December The first 11% of our weekly offering goes as a the to meet needs in our community and around the world. You are a part of this vital ministry when you give.

9 January 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sunday Schedule Sunday school 9:30 AM Worship 10:30 AM Student Ministry 5:30 PM Wednesday Schedule Dinner 5:30 PM GROW GROUPS 6 PM Choir Reh. 7:00 PM Praise Team Reh. 8:15 PM 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR! EPIPHANY SUNDAY Shawver Baby OUTREACH Tm mtg. 6 PM STEWARDSHIP Tm mtg. 6 PM Shower 2-4 P 5:30 PM 11 Worship Tm mtg Noon Elders mtg. 6 PM :30 PM ML KING Birthday observed :30 PM :30 PM Elders mtg. 6 PM SOUPER BOWL FOR HOSPICE 5-7 PM Church phone Mail: PO Box 957, Valdese, NC