Posted on Nov 22, 2019 in Devotions |
| And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.” (Acts 15:7 ESV)
This Sunday we will be “Learning to Learn” with Peter as we look at Acts 15:1-12 & Galatians 2:11-16. We will see how much we need the accountability of a community of God’s people to help us learn to live like Jesus. This will be the final message in our series on Peter. Please read these passages and join us Sunday at 10:30!
Thank you for your generous giving to our annual FBC Anniversary Special Offering last Sunday! We received a total of nearly $8,000! I definitely set our goal ($5,000) way too low! We are thanking the Lord for the help we will be able to provide to Haiti Foundation of Hope and Child Evangelism Fellowship through our generosity.
Tonight is the youth Talent (or no talent) Show and Soup & Chili fundraiser for Winter Youth Celebration! The fun and yummyness starts at 5pm. Please come support our youth, and be prepared to vote for your favorite performances, chili, and soups with your cash donations!
For those who have not heard (and those who need a reminder) the memorial service for Gini Bramlett is this Saturday (tomorrow) at 10am at FBC. Come and support Ron Bramlett and the rest of the family and celebrate the life of our sister in Christ. There will be light refreshments after the service.
Sunday night at 6pm will be the Community Thanksgiving Service at FBC. Please come and share in the worship and expressions of gratitude to God with our brothers and sisters from various Christian churches in our community. If you are able to bring cookies to share for after the service, that would be great too!
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael |
|
|
Posted on Nov 14, 2019 in Devotions |
And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. (Acts 10:45 ESV)
This Sunday we will be “Learning to Change” with Peter as we look at Acts 9:36–10:48. We will see the faithfulness of God’s work in His servants to overcome all “walls” between the people He loves. Please read this powerful passage and join us Sunday at 10:30!
Happy 166th Anniversary FBC (11/16/1853)! Praise God for His faithfulness to this church family for these many years and for all the ways He has used this body of believers to make disciples of all nations!
Please remember that we are receiving our annual FBC Anniversary Special Offering this Sunday! This year we will be contributing funds to Haiti Foundation of Hope, due to all of the unrest and enormous challenges there, as well as the local chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship, which has been enduring some financial challenges while also searching for a new Director. Please consider a generous gift for these important ministry causes! Be in prayer in this next week and ask the Lord what kind of sacrificial gift He would like you to share. Last year’s offering brought in over $4,600; Let’s shoot for at least $5,000 this year!
Along with our giving to Haiti Foundation of Hope, we have also been asked to participate in a special day of prayer & fasting for them on Monday, November 18. Here are some of their prayer requests:
Posted on Nov 8, 2019 in Devotions |
| But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” (Acts 3:6 ESV)
This Sunday we will be “Learning to Witness” with Peter as we look at Acts 3:1-21. We will see that the Christian witness is an eye-witness account of how the work of Jesus Christ changes lives. Read the passage and be sure to join us Sunday at 10:30!
Thank you so much to everyone for all of the help making our 9th annual Trunk-or-Treat a success! I don’t have exact numbers, but we know that hundreds of people from our community enjoyed the dinner, the costumes, the decorated trunks, and the 400 lbs. of candy!
Please also remember that we are receiving our annual FBC Anniversary Special Offering on November 17! This year we will be contributing funds to Haiti Foundation of Hope, due to all of the unrest and enormous challenges there, as well as the local chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship, which has been enduring some financial challenges while also searching for a new Director. Please consider a generous gift for these important ministry causes! Be in prayer in this next week and ask the Lord what kind of sacrificial gift He would like you to share.
Central Linn is selling tickets for a spaghetti dinner fundraiser to help Lizzie Leopard (who experienced extensive burns in a backyard accident), Tickets are 1-$10 or 2-$18. 100% of profits will go to the Leopard family. Tickets can be purchased at Central Linn. Dinner is at Central Linn HS on Saturday, Dec. 7th. They will be serving from 4:30pm until 9:00pm. You can also get tickets by contacting Elizabeth: 541-979-1774.
There is also a Papa’s pizza fundraiser for the Leopards at the Coburg Road location on November 13th. There are green flyers in the foyer at FBC that must be brought into the restaurant for the family to receive a portion of the funds.
Lastly, Elizabeth and I want to thank you with all our hearts for your generous and loving cards and gifts for pastor appreciation month. We couldn’t be more grateful to be a part of a church family that shows so much care and love for our family. May the Lord continue to bless you all!
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael |
|
|
Posted on Oct 31, 2019 in Devotions |
|
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” (John 21:15 ESV)
This Sunday we will be “Learning to Start Again” with Peter as we dive into John 21:1-19. We will recognize the grace offered through Jesus’ love that allows us to start over after failure. Please read the passage and join us Sunday at 10:30!
Today is the day for Trunk-or-Treat! Please be in prayer for all of the children and families who will be here on our campus tonight (6:00–7:30pm). We will be serving hot dogs, chili, and cookies in the fellowship hall, and of course LOTS of candy in the parking lot! Thank you for all of your generous donations! If you are having a vehicle involved, remember that we are aiming to eat at 5pm, pray together at 5:30pm (in fellowship hall), and be ready to man our stations! Please remember to greet everyone with a smile and the love of Jesus!
Read more…
|
|
|
Posted on Oct 24, 2019 in Devotions |
| Then they seized Him and led Him away, bringing Him into the high priest’s house, and Peter was following at a distance. (Luke 22:54 ESV)
On Sunday we will continue our journey through the life of Simon Peter by examining two passages: Luke 22:54-62 & 24:1-12. The purpose of the message, “Learning to Persevere,” is to realize the need for perseverance in the life of a Christian through the power of our resurrected Savior. We will hopefully see how these two events, not normally linked together, give us a great picture of how terrible failure can eventually turn into incredible hope for the future. Please read those two Scripture passages and join us Sunday at 10:30am!
Only 7 days to Trunk-or-Treat! The 9th annual trunk-or-treat will take place in the church parking lot (and fellowship hall for dinner) from 6:00 — 7:30pm on Thursday, October 31. Elizabeth is still looking for 10 more vehicles – can you help? Please be in prayer for this event – that we will be good neighbors and will shine as the light of the world. Pray for families, that they will read the gospel tracts and the literature about FBC and want to come back to know more! Please keep the candy coming – we are over 300 lbs., and the Beavers have a commanding lead! But there is still a week left Duck fans! We’d like to see another 100 lbs. And we are also in need of seven more people to donate 4 dozen cookies each (sign up sheet in the foyer). Thank you for teaming up to make this a special event. There will be a brief meeting after church this Sunday for Elizabeth to give some instructions and answer questions.
This Saturday evening, beginning at 5:30pm, is the Teen Challenge Western Shindig, which is their annual fundraiser. It is being catered this year by Bo Mack’s BBQ. We have a few people from the church who have purchased tables, and I’ve heard there is room for around 6 more people to attend. If you’re interested in a great meal (which is paid for) and a great time, please contact me (or Karen Joiner) ASAP!
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael |
|
|
Posted on Oct 17, 2019 in Devotions |
| By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35 ESV)
This Sunday we will be studying John 13:31–14:4, and the message is called, “Learning to Love”. We are following some key events in the life of Simon Peter and learning from his close interactions with Jesus about what it means to live like our Lord. Together from this text we will see love as the central character of Jesus and the central command of His ministry.
Only 14 days to Trunk-or-Treat! Elizabeth is still looking for 10 more vehicles – so come up with a decorating theme (or ask her for ideas) and sign up to join the fun! It is our desire to shine the light of Christ’s love for our community on this dark night. Please be in prayer for this event – that we will be good neighbors and will shine as the light of the world. Pray for families, that they will read the gospel tracts and the literature about FBC and want to come back to know more! Please keep the candy coming – I believe we are at around 205 pounds (which is about half of what we need)! And we are also in need of ten people to donate 4 dozen cookies each (sign up sheet in the foyer). The 9th annual trunk-or-treat will take place in the church parking lot (and fellowship hall for dinner) from 6:00 — 7:30pm.
Men – it’s that time again – time for our monthly Men’s Breakfast! This Saturday at 8am in the Fellowship Hall! Come join us for some great food, good discussion, and an important lesson from God’s Word about the basics of the Christian life! If you can help cook, please show up at 7am. See you Saturday guys!
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael |
|
|
Posted on Oct 10, 2019 in Devotions |
| If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. (John 13:14 ESV)
On Sunday we will be continuing our series on the life of Simon Peter by looking at John 13:1-17. The message is entitled, “Learning to Serve.” We will try to learn with Peter that learning to serve is one thing that teaches us what it means to be like Jesus. Please read the passage carefully and come Sunday ready to learn how to serve!
This Sunday I plan to do a membership class right after church, from noon to 3pm. Lunch will be provided. If you are interested in FBC membership, please let me know ASAP so we can plan for the class.
Read more… |
|
|
Posted on Oct 4, 2019 in Devotions |
|
Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” (Matthew 19:27 ESV)
On Sunday we will be continuing our series on the life of Simon Peter by looking at two passages: Matthew 17:1-8, and 19:23-30. The message is entitled, “Learning to Follow.” We will try to learn with Peter that following Jesus means following Him into suffering as well as to glory. Please read both passages and join us at 10:30 Sunday morning!
On October 13, I plan to do a membership class right after church, from noon to 3pm. Lunch will be provided. If you are interested in FBC membership, please let me know ASAP so we can plan for the class.
Read more…
|
|
|
Posted on Sep 26, 2019 in Devotions |
|
Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16 ESV)
This Sunday at 10:30am we will continue our sermon series PETER: Learning to Live Like Jesus. I will speak on Matthew 16:13-25, “Learning to Believe.” We will try to define who Jesus is in order to strengthen our belief and trust in Him. Be sure to join us! And please read the Scripture beforehand!
Remember that this Saturday there will be a concert here at FBC at 7pm featuring renowned Portland pianist Michael Allen Harrison. Donations will be taken for Adult & Teen Challenge in lieu of paying admission to the concert. All are welcome!
Sunday morning David and Hilary Ker, of Little Zebra Books, will be with us for Sunday School (9am) and the worship service (10:30). It will be great to hear from them and get caught up on all the Lord is doing in their ministry. Following the service, we will have a potluck! Please join us, and bring a main dish and salad or side dish or dessert to share!
But I will declare it forever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. (Psalm 75:9)
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael
|
|
|
Posted on Sep 19, 2019 in Devotions |
| And Peter answered Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” (Matthew 14:28 ESV)
This Sunday we will continue our sermon series PETER: Learning to Live Like Jesus. This time we’ll see how Peter was “Learning to Trust.” Our Scripture is Matthew 14:22-33. Please read that passage ahead of time and think about this question, Are you willing to get out of the boat? Be sure to join us Sunday at 10:30am!
Last Sunday we began a new adult Sunday School class using David Platt’s video series, “Counter Culture”. Be sure to come at 9am Sunday and be a part of the class!
This Saturday at 1:00pm we will have a memorial service in memory of Jackie Pilkenton. All are welcome to come. Please be in prayer for Harlan and Susan Martin and their family. There will be a fellowship meal after the service, if you plan to attend perhaps you can bring a side dish to share. Contact Marilyn Neuman with any questions about the meal.
Thank you for remembering in prayer the many in our church family who are battling various health problems!
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26)
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael |
|
|