Wednesday, July 4, 2018 Volume 71 Number 16

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1 Wednesday, July 4, 2018 Volume 71 Number 16 Nothing brings a family together in close-knit unity like a cross-country road trip, does it? There s nothing quite like spending hours on end in the car with constant exclamations of Are we there yet? and I need to go potty! Road trips can test the limits of the most patient among us. Imagine a 250-mile road trip on foot. The Book of Exodus in the Old Testament shares the account of the Israelites exodus from slavery in Egypt to the land that God had given them the Promised Land the land of Canaan. Can you imagine an entire nation of people walking down I-95 the 250 miles from Richmond to South of the Border? That was the task before Moses and the Israelites those many years ago. If you remember, though, it ended up being a much longer journey for God s people. Their disobedience and rebellion caused a journey that should have lasted about two weeks to last 40 years. Talk about a road trip! I wonder how many times Moses was asked, Are we there yet? This summer, the Fairmount family is going to take a road trip through the Book of Exodus. Each summer we take one book of the Bible and travel through it together. If you are on vacation or away one Sunday, you ll be able to keep up with us as we study this fascinating text together. In its pages we will discover what makes us one as a church body what brings unity to the church. Some lessons will be gleaned from the positive things that Moses and the Israelites did some will be gleaned from their many mistakes. As we continue on our road trip to eternity, traveling it with brothers and sisters in Christ can sometimes be exasperating. But, when we travel in unity, the journey is much more gratifying and much more productive. At the conclusion of a long road trip is a destination that is well worth it - whether it s a road trip to Disney or the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls. We are on a road trip to the Promised Land heaven our eternity with God. Are we there yet? Nope. But we will be soon. Let s enjoy this trip together! Are We There Yet?... Page 1 Honoring America... Page 2 Annual Congregational Meeting & Dinner... Page 3 Mental Health Ministry Team Interest Mtg. Fresh Hope... Page 3 INSIDE THIS EDITION: Retirement & Farewell Reception for the Langleys...Page 3 Attendance & Giving; New Members...Page 4 Family Movie Night Manna Sunday Results...Page 4 Kids & Teens Page... Insert

2 In 1970, Billy Graham spoke in a ceremony honoring America at the Lincoln Memorial. He gave a challenge to her people to continue the tradition and principles set out by our forefathers. The Bible says in 1 Peter 2:17: Honor all men. Fear God. Honor the king. Today [we] have come together to honor America on her birthday. We are not only here to honor America but we have come as citizens to renew our dedication and allegiance to the principles and institutions that made her great. The Bible says: Honor the nation. As a Christian, or as a Jew, or as an atheist, we have a responsibility to an America that has always stood for liberty, protection and opportunity. The men who signed the Declaration of Independence were moved by a magnificent dream. This dream was rooted in a book called the Bible. It proclaimed freedoms which most of the world thought impossible of fulfillment. Honoring America July 3, 2014 The Bible tells us the God has a standard for men and nations and that His standard must be met. It is right and proper to honor our country, to rejoice in her liberties and to sing her praise. But this can be abused when we make it a substitute for God. We honor America but we do not worship her. We have stood tall in America in most areas, but on this Independence Day I call upon Americans to bend low before God and go to their knees as Washington and Lincoln called us to our knees many years ago. No nation is ever taller than when on its knees. I submit that we can best honor America by rededicating ourselves to God and the American dream. Today, I call upon Americans to raise your voices in prayer and dedication to God and in recommitment to the ideals and dreams upon which our country was founded. Let s dedicate ourselves to a renewal of faith in God, equality, justice and peace for all. Let s dedicate ourselves to building rather than burning. I m asking American s today, especially our young people, to pursue this vision under God, to work for freedom and for peace, to labor relentlessly, to love passionately, to serve selflessly, to pray earnestly, and to die nobly if need be. It will not be easy. The journey will be hard. The day will be long. And the obstacles will be many. The Bible teaches that God will judge any nation that turns its back on Him especially a nation like America which has been given more privileges and opportunities than any nation in history. Jesus said, To whom much is give, much is required. At President Eisenhower s first inauguration he put his finger on a verse of Scripture that every American should remember today: If My people which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). page 2 BIBLE CENTERED COMMITTED TO GROWTH COMMUNITY FOCUSED & GLOBALLY MINDED DEDICATED TO EXCELLENCE

3 Tuesday, July 10, 2018 Dinner: 5:30pm Meeting: 7:00pm The Meeting will Address: The adoption of the Fiscal Year 2019 Budget (September 1, August 31, 2019). The Elders recommend approval of the proposed budget. Announcement of Deacon and Elder nominations. Members who are 18 years of age and older are eligible to vote at the meeting. Preceding the meeting, the entire church family is invited to a Fellowship Meal at 5:30pm in the Family Life Center. Reserve your place on the tear-off in Sunday s bulletin or call the church office. Childcare is not provided during the dinner or meeting. Peer Support Group Tuesdays from 7-8:30pm Activity Center (small building behind the Family Life Center) Childcare not provided. Confidential freshhope@fairmountchristian.org Retirement & Farewell Reception for Mike & Tina Langley Sunday, August 19th ~ 2:00-4:00pm To contribute towards a farewell gift for the Langleys (a trip to the Holy Land), make checks payable to Fairmount with Langley Trip in the subject line. Mail or drop off a check, or give online at fairmountchristian.org. BIBLE CENTERED COMMITTED TO GROWTH COMMUNITY FOCUSED & GLOBALLY MINDED DEDICATED TO EXCELLENCE page 3

4 NONPROFIT AUTO U.S. POSTAGE PAID RICHMOND, VA PERMIT #1479 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED P.O. BOX 788 MECHANICSVILLE, VA PHONE: (804) FAX: (804) FAIRMOUNTCHRISTIAN.ORG best viewed fairmountchristian.org Family Movie Night July 8th at 6pm Family Life Center Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, snacks & beverages, etc. for a fun family movie night in the Family Life Center. We'll provide popcorn and you can purchase a treat from the ice cream man if you choose. Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to come and watch Wonder on the big screen. Manna Sunday Results - 2,026 lbs. Thanks to all who brought food - we exceeded our 1 ton goal! Let s do it again next month. OUR CHURCH ATTENDANCE & GIVING 06/24 07/01 8:15 Traditional Worship: Children s Worship: 3 3 9:30 Contemporary Worship: Children s Worship: Online Views :00 Traditional Worship: Children s Worship: :15 Modern Worship: Online Views Total: 1,149 1,217 Bible School: Budget Requirements: $44,862 $44,862 Budget Receipts: $44,055 $50,423 Baptisms: NEW MEMBERS Perry Barber, June 24th Nick Blantz, June 24th SERMON SERIES FAIRMOUNT CHRISTIAN CHURCH MINISTRY LEADERSHIP TEAM Rick Raines - Senior Minister Chris Santasiere - Associate Minister Mike Langley - Associate Minister Tracy Thomas - Worship/Music Minister Ryan Card - Associate Worship Minister Josh Smith - Interim Youth Minister Ashley Sears - Children s Director Amber Grubbs - Early Childhood Director Brandon Woodard - Church Executive page 4 BIBLE CENTERED COMMITTED TO GROWTH COMMUNITY FOCUSED & GLOBALLY MINDED DEDICATED TO EXCELLENCE

5 Ashley Sears, Children s Director asears@fairmountchristian.org SUMMER FUN AT CAMP RUDOLPH Online Registration is Open! First Chance: Rising 2nd & 3rd Grades ~ July Join Miss Ashley for 3 ½ days of fun and learning at camp. Junior Week: Rising 4th & 5th Grades ~ July Enjoy swimming, campfire, worship, games, and messages from God s Word. Rising 6th Graders are encouraged to attend CIY MIX with FCC s middle school group (July 16-20). Sunday, September 9th Promotion Sunday & Fall Kick-Off Children will move up to their new classes in the morning. Come back that evening for an ice cream social, fun activities, and to learn about choirs and upcoming events. Amber Grubbs, Early Childhood Director agrubbs@fairmountchristian.org Rising 4th & 5th Graders Apply Now for JC Crew! JC Crew is a 4th and 5th grade youth service team that works together to plan, prepare, present, and pray for Junior Church. The team requires great commitment and is open to students who desire to serve the Lord with dedication and who seek to be disciples and be trained in their faith. Applications and reference sheets are available at the Kids Bulletin board and online. Training Date: July 15th, Noon-3pm, $3 Volunteer Dinner Wednesday, August 22 nd, 6:30-8:30pm All current, new, and retiring Children s Ministry volunteers are invited to this evening of appreciation and training. More details coming soon! Save the Date! Fall Festival - October 27th A HUGE thank you to everyone involved with VBS 2018 last week! CHILDREN S INSERT WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 2018

6 WHO: WHEN: 6-12th Grade Sundays from 9:30-10:50am WHERE: FCC Gym & Exit 34A Enjoy snacks and fellowship before gathering for a large group lesson, then break into small groups for deeper discussion. Afterward, students are encouraged to attend the 11:15 Modern Worship Service or serve within the church. Donations of packaged snacks are always welcome! WHO: WHEN: 6-12th Grade Sundays from 6-7:30pm WHERE: Check in at a kiosk, then meet in the Gym Sunday Night CONNECTion is on Summer Break! Check below for some special Youth Ministry Summer Events. FCYM Special Summer Events Mark your calendars for these exciting events! River Day - Sunday, July 8th after church Bonfire - Friday, August 3rd, 7-9pm FCC Flying Squirrels Night - Thursday, August 9th Summer Camps! It s Not Too Late! Check out the following camp websites for more information and to register: camprudolph.org oakhillcamp.org TEEN INSERT WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 2018