A Letter from Pastor Richard Strick 2016 Evangel.pdf · Boston and around the country. Joe isn’t...

10
A Letter from Pastor Richard Strick Glorify, Build, REACH The purpose of St. Peter’s First Community Church is to glorify God, build up the body of Christ, and reach out to those in our community and world to help them become followers of Christ. Evangel JULY 2016 “There are no little people and no big people in the true spiritual sense, but only consecrated and unconsecrated people. The problem for each of us is applying this truth to ourselves: Is Francis Schaeffer the Francis Schaeffer of God… As there are no little people in God’s sight, so there are no little places. To be wholly committed to God in the place where God wants himthis is the creature glorified.” - Francis Schaeffer, pg. 17-18, No Little People , 1974 There are so many good things happening in July of which St. Peter’s First Community Church gets to be a part! That means you! July 10th 9:30 am - 2:00 pm. Joe Reed will be in pulpit to share with us about the ministry work SPFCC has been supporting in Boston and around the country. Joe isn’t going to just talk about it though, he’s going to bring a friend from CRM and they’re going to help us experience what it is that’s going on in these other communities. Then we’re going to break for brunch after service and head into a brief afternoon session where you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to be part of God’s disciple making movement here in Huntington. In other words, if you’ve wondered what part you can play in God’s unfolding Kingdom, this is a great opportunity to explore that. As Joe paraphrased Francis Schaeffer in a recent blog, “In God's sight there are no little people and no little places. Only one thing is important: to be consecrated persons in God's place for us, at each moment.You’re an essential part of God’s mission in Huntington and we hope you’ll make time to join us Sunday, July 10th from 9:30 am - 2 pm. 4:00 - 7:00 pm The Drover Town Neighborhood Alliance (DNA) Block Party has been postponed until August 7th. July 17th 9:30 am. Brian Reynolds will be in pulpit to share with us about the ministry work SPFCC has been supporting in Vienna, Austria through Brian’s work in the classroom and his local church. Brian teaches art at the International Christian School of Vienna and will be sharing with us some of his reflections from Francis Schaeffer’s Art and the Bible , one of the texts he requires his students to read. He’ll help us understand the importance of art for the Christian life and the invitation for each of us to “come alive to the freedom that is uniquely yours to create to the glory of God” as Michael Card writes in the foreword for the 2006 version of this classic text. July 31st 9:30 am. Roger Vezeau with Youth For Christ of Northern Indiana will be in pulpit to help us celebrate our Youth Investment Sunday. We’ll be recognizing our volunteers, seeing what our children’s ministry has been up to this summer, celebrating the upcoming opportunities we have to invest in our children and youth, and starting to collect classroom supplies and snacks needed for the children’s ministry and Homework Help this year. Roger has been working in youth ministry for 32 years and has now turned the corner to training and equipping the next generation for youth ministry. Come join us this July as we celebrate that in Christ there are no little people and no little places. What matters is being consecrated people in the place God has called us!

Transcript of A Letter from Pastor Richard Strick 2016 Evangel.pdf · Boston and around the country. Joe isn’t...

Page 1: A Letter from Pastor Richard Strick 2016 Evangel.pdf · Boston and around the country. Joe isn’t going to just talk about it though, he’s going to bring a friend from CRM and

A Letter from Pastor Richard Strick

Glorify, Build,

REACH

The purpose of St. Peter’s First Community Church is to glorify God, build up the body of Christ, and reach out to those in our community and world to help them become

followers of Christ.

Eva

nge

l

JULY

2016

“There are no little people and no big

people in the true spiritual sense, but only

consecrated and unconsecrated people.

The problem for each of us is applying

this truth to ourselves: Is Francis

Schaeffer the Francis Schaeffer of God…

As there are no little people in God’s

sight, so there are no little places. To be

wholly committed to God in the place

where God wants him— this is the

creature glorified.” - Francis Schaeffer,

pg. 17-18, No Little People, 1974

There are so many good things happening

in July of which St. Peter’s First

Community Church gets to be a part! That

means you!

July 10th

9:30 am - 2:00 pm. Joe Reed will be in

pulpit to share with us about the ministry

work SPFCC has been supporting in

Boston and around the country. Joe isn’t

going to just talk about it though, he’s

going to bring a friend from CRM and

they’re going to help us experience what

it is that’s going on in these other

communities. Then we’re going to break

for brunch after service and head into a

brief afternoon session where you’ll have

the opportunity to learn how to be part of

God’s disciple making movement here in

Huntington. In other words, if you’ve

wondered what part you can play in

God’s unfolding Kingdom, this is a great

opportunity to explore that. As Joe

paraphrased Francis Schaeffer in a recent

blog, “In God's sight there are no little

people and no little places. Only one thing

is important: to be consecrated persons in God's place for us, at each moment.”

You’re an essential part of God’s mission

in Huntington and we hope you’ll make

time to join us Sunday, July 10th from

9:30 am - 2 pm.

4:00 - 7:00 pm The Drover Town

Neighborhood Alliance (DNA) Block

Party has been postponed until August

7th.

July 17th

9:30 am. Brian Reynolds will be in

pulpit to share with us about the ministry

work SPFCC has been supporting in

Vienna, Austria through Brian’s work in

the classroom and his local church. Brian

teaches art at the International Christian

School of Vienna and will be sharing with

us some of his reflections from Francis

Schaeffer’s Art and the Bible, one of the

texts he requires his students to read.

He’ll help us understand the importance

of art for the Christian life and the

invitation for each of us to “come alive to

the freedom that is uniquely yours to

create to the glory of God” as Michael

Card writes in the foreword for the 2006

version of this classic text.

July 31st

9:30 am. Roger Vezeau with Youth For

Christ of Northern Indiana will be in

pulpit to help us celebrate our Youth

Investment Sunday. We’ll be recognizing

our volunteers, seeing what our children’s

ministry has been up to this summer,

celebrating the upcoming opportunities

we have to invest in our children and

youth, and starting to collect classroom

supplies and snacks needed for the

children’s ministry and Homework Help

this year. Roger has been working in

youth ministry for 32 years and has now

turned the corner to training and

equipping the next generation for youth

ministry.

Come join us this July as we celebrate

that in Christ there are no little people and

no little places. What matters is being

consecrated people in the place God has

called us!

Page 2: A Letter from Pastor Richard Strick 2016 Evangel.pdf · Boston and around the country. Joe isn’t going to just talk about it though, he’s going to bring a friend from CRM and

July 3 July 10 July 17 July 24 July 31

Snacks Yeiters Brunch provided

after service Rineharts Susan Enyeart

Reader Sandy Hacker Mike Hacker Barb Derr Jenna Strick Brandy

Kalhoefer

Acolyte Gabe Baumgardner Megan Engle Dana Meyer Bailey

Baumgardner Claudia Wilson

Ring Bell Meyer kids Rick Chesterman Claudia Wilson Scott Baker Foust kids

Sound System David Morrison Phil Engle Brian Royer Drew Morrison Mike Lyons

Video Tech Ryan Lemon Sandy Hacker Barb Baker Mike Lyons Phil Engle

Songleaders David Morrison, Lisa

Harter, Jim Hildebrand

David Morrison, Bonnie Hosler, Becky Lyons

Barb Derr, Adrian Halverstadt,

David Morrison

Ann Ambler, Lisa Harter, Jim Hildebrand

Something Biblical

Open/Close Duty Brian Royer Tom Jennings Tom Hosler Mike Lyons Brian Royer

Announcements Brian Royer David Morrison Ann Ambler Adrian Halverstadt Brian Royer

Nursery Helper Dawn Williams and Dianna Whitesell

Megan Engle and

Drew Morrison Samantha Schultz

Sandy Shoemaker and Jana Krueger

Little Discoverers Teacher/Helper

Megan Condry and Lauren Baker

Barb Derr Megan Condry and

Lauren Baker Megan Condry and

Lauren Baker

Megan Condry and Lauren

Baker

Young Explorers Teacher/Helper

Jana Krueger and Jennifer Braun

Jana Krueger and Jill Gamlin

Jana Krueger and Connie

Baumgardner

Megan Condry and Robin Baker

Megan Condry

Kids Ignite Teacher/Helper

Megan Condry Sally Morrison

and Adam Myers Megan Condry

Dianna Whitesell and Dawn Williams

Dianna Whitesell and Dawn Williams

Greeter-Wm St Jennifer Braun Sandy and Kevin

Shoemaker Shari Brinneman

and Claudia Wilson Mike Ward Jennifer Braun

Ushers & Greeters - West

Theda and Vern Neel Karen and Jay

Rinehart Meyer Family

Robin and Scott Baker

Sandy and Mike Hacker

Usher & Greeters - Brett Evans Brett Evans Brett Evans Brett Evans Brett Evans

Usher - Center Gary Yeiter and

Kenny Foust Adam Myers and

Phil Engle Rick Chesterman and Rick Baker

Tracy Blocker and Terry Rodgers

Adam Myers and Phil Engle

If you are unable to volunteer as scheduled, please find a replacement and notify

Megan in the church office of the change as soon as possible.

Page 3: A Letter from Pastor Richard Strick 2016 Evangel.pdf · Boston and around the country. Joe isn’t going to just talk about it though, he’s going to bring a friend from CRM and

TEAM UPDATES

Women’s Team:

Rummage Sale Schedule:

July 18-20 - Drop off items between 9 am and 4 pm

July 19 at 4 pm - Set up tables, begin sorting

July 20-21 from 9 am until ? - Sorting and pricing items

July 21 from 5-7 pm - Early bird sale - cashiers and baggers needed

July 22 from 8 am - 2 pm - Sale - cashiers and baggers needed

July 23 from 8 am - noon - Sale - cashiers and baggers needed

July 23 at noon - ? - Clean up and tear down

We need many hands to make this an easy task for all, so please consider donating

a couple hours or as many hours as you can, as well as donating your unwanted

"treasures." A sign up sheet will be on the table in the William Street foyer or

contact Barb Derr with questions.

Fellowship Team:

“Spotlight for Families”: The Fellowship Team plans to soon begin running a

“Spotlight for Families” section in the monthly Evangel to help share information

and to encourage us to connect with another. Be looking for more information

soon regarding this spotlight.

Please also see the SPF Community Connection information in the

announcements section.

Youth and Children’s Ministry:

Please see the children and youth page for updates.

Finance Team:

May 2016

Income: Unified Budget Giving $ 14,089

Trust Income $ 1,261

Miscellaneous Income $ 894

Expenses: $ 14,252

Birthdays

07/01, Shanece Kelsey

Virginia Oden

07/02, Tracy Krieg

07/03, Justin Baker

07/07, Karen Rinehart

07/08, Chuck Hare

Kaiden Vanlandingham

07/09, Brandy Kalhoefer

07/10, Betty Henderson

Crystal Jarvis

Shane Jarvis

07/12, Dorothy Rodgers

07/14, Claudia Wilson

07/15, Marie Hockemeyer

07/16, Tammy Brown

Lois Stephan

07/18, Jean Ann Heiney

Jim Kramer

Dean Stonebraker

7/19, Madison Foust

Denna Strickler

07/23, Sophia Miller

07/25, Betty Moldenhauer

07/26, Carol Kimmel

07/28, Terry Rodgers

Joey Spiegel

07/29, Riva Callahan

07/31, Gary Newton

Anniversaries

07/02, John & Carla Bostel

07/05, Andy & Cassie Miller

07/06, Lynn & Ned Gamble

07/10, Justin & Nicole Baker

07/24, Shari & Brian Brinneman

07/26, Mike & Becky Lyons

07/27, Angie & Nick Albright

07/28, Ken & Dottie McCurley

Page 4: A Letter from Pastor Richard Strick 2016 Evangel.pdf · Boston and around the country. Joe isn’t going to just talk about it though, he’s going to bring a friend from CRM and

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Steak Supper Committee: ALL who want to see the steak supper take place this

year should plan to meet on Tuesday, July 12 at 7 pm. At the meeting, committees

will be formed and schedules will be made to begin planning this year’s fundraising

event. Interest and attendance at this meeting will indicate whether or not we have a

steak supper this year.

Life Without Limits, a book written by Nick Vujicic, is part of the collection of books in our SPFCC library.

Nick was featured in the short film, Butterfly Circus, that we watched during service on June 26. If interested

in learning more from Nick, you are encouraged to check out the book in the library.

The Drover Town Block Party has been postponed until August 7th

from 4-7 pm. The Block party will be held at SPFCC. The Drover Town

Neighborhood Alliance is organizing the Block Party this year, and SPFCC is

partnering with this group. The Block Party will be different this year than it has been in the past, but will be

just as exciting! One new feature will be grilling ribs as part of a Drover Town project. If you are interested in

helping out with the event, please contact Pastor Richard, Megan in the church office, or the Missions Team

Leader - Claudia Wilson.

Card Shower: The family of Betty Jane (Cross) Henderson invites you to

participate in a card shower to celebrate her 90th birthday on July 10. Please

help give her a birthday to remember by filling her mailbox with birthday

wishes! You may send cards to: 801 Huntington Avenue, Warren, IN 46792.

Thank you from Jessica Baker: “Thank you for the celebration ceremony for my recent graduation and

accomplishments. I feel so blessed to be a part of such a loving and supportive church family. Also, thank

you for the wonderful daily devotional. It will be the perfect way to unwind after the long

shifts at the hospital.”

Thank you from Ron, Dianna, and Dawn: “The Whitesell family would like to

express our gratitude to everyone at St. Peter’s First Community Church. Thank you for

all the prayers, thoughts, cards, and support you have shown us these past few months.

God has been good to us. We are so thankful for such a great church family. Thanks again and God bless each

of you!”

Page 5: A Letter from Pastor Richard Strick 2016 Evangel.pdf · Boston and around the country. Joe isn’t going to just talk about it though, he’s going to bring a friend from CRM and

PRAYER REQUESTS:

Please continue to pray for:

All those facing financial, emotional, spiritual, and health stresses.

If you’re interested in visiting or sending a note to our shut-in friends, those in

local or nearby nursing homes are indicated below.

Heritage Pointe - Warren, IN

Joan Diffenbaugh

Betty Henderson

Mary Alice Shideler

Bettie Stensel

River Terrace - Bluffton, IN

Mary Gelzleichter

Heritage of Huntington

Maribelle Bechstein

John Hacker

Lavonne Haines

Maggie Schroeder

Ada Ulrich

Oakbrook Village - Huntington, IN

Jean Ann Heiney

SPF Community Connection

The Fellowship Team is planning events to give us the opportunity to better connect with one

another. See below for the schedule of events for the remainder of 2016, and be looking for

more information about the events as they get closer. “And let us consider how we may spur

one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together...but

encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Thursday, June 30th from 6:30-7:30 pm - God Speed (continuing each Thursday through October): St.

Peter’s First is launching its first annual community of walkers which will meet on Thursday evenings

throughout the remainder of the summer/fall months. God Speed will meet at

SPFCC weekly rain or shine. You and your family are invited to join the group,

and you are encouraged to invite friends, as well. God Speed will wrap-up the

season in October with a walk through the Labyrinth at Victory Noll. See you on

Thursdays!

Saturday, July 16th from 6:30-8:30 pm - Cornhole tournament at SPFCC: Bring a snack to

share. Water will be provided.

Friday, August 19th at 7:05 pm - Fort Wayne TinCaps game: Purchase your own lawn seat

tickets and meet us at Parkview Field. Stick around for the post-game fireworks, too!

Saturday, September 17th at 5:30 pm - Cubs night at SPFCC: The Fellowship Team will provide a ballpark

dinner.

Sunday, October 16th from 2-5 pm - SPFCC October Olympics

Friday, November 18th from 6-8 pm - Movie Night at SPFCC

Saturday, December 10th from 2-4 pm - Cookie Exchange at SPFCC

Isaiah 40:31

Page 6: A Letter from Pastor Richard Strick 2016 Evangel.pdf · Boston and around the country. Joe isn’t going to just talk about it though, he’s going to bring a friend from CRM and

HKC Update

*Summer Gatherings! Throughout the summer, the kids

from HKC will have opportunities to get together to connect,

continue forming relationships, and grow in their faith. They

also have a cool summer calendar and devotional to use to

draw closer to Jesus this summer.

Celebration Moment: It’s been fun to “run into” kids from

HKC around town this summer! It’s great to see them and

hear about their summers. a_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Youth Update

*Summer Youth Gatherings: The youth will be meeting

every other Wednesday and for various special events

throughout the summer. Be sure to check the summer

calendar for more details or contact Megan. We’ve got lots

of new and fun

activities

planned for the

summer. All

middle and

high school

students are

welcome to

attend.

*Operation

Backyard Beta: Sunday, August 7 from 10:30 am – 5:00 pm.

Middle and high school students from Huntington will come

together for the day to live, learn, serve, and have fun

together. If interested, please see Megan.

Celebration Moment: Recently I had a conversation with a

few of our youth who regularly attend. I was really

encouraged by what they shared and how much they

appreciate youth group. They said they preferred doing

activities with the youth group than their friends. They have

fun, are cared for, and can grow through youth group. a_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Homework Help Update

*Thanks to everyone who volunteered to help with the

program, provided snacks for the students, and prayed for us.

Our volunteers invested over 425 hours in the students this

year and our congregation donated over 1,500 snacks and

drinks!

*The upcoming school year will be here before we know it.

We are looking for volunteers who would be willing to

invest around an hour a week with the students. If you plan

to help again this year or would like to start helping, please

let Megan know.

Celebration Moment: Earlier this summer one of our regular

attenders came in to help inventory and level our books. We

had a fun afternoon working on this project. We were able

to get through over 100 books! Now students will know if a

book is an AR (Accelerated Reader) book and how many

points it is worth.

Children’s Update

*Thank you to all the kids who helped us celebrate Father’s

Day! The kids did a great job sharing a special Father’s Day

reading with the congregation and enjoyed making special

“pop” treats for their dads.

* Kids’ Summer Fun is underway! The kids had a blast at

Movie Night where they spent the evening with Baymax and

learned more about how Jesus cares for us. We’ve got some

fun filled events coming up for kids age 4 through 6th grade.

Surprise Night: July 8 from 6-8 pm

Olympic Game Night: July 13 from 6-8 pm

End of Summer Fun: July 23

It’s not too late to join in on the fun! Registration forms are

available in the William St. foyer. Be sure to grab one for

you and a friend!

*Mark your calendars for our Children’s Kickoff on Sunday,

August 14th. Join us as we recognize and celebrate a new

year in our children’s ministry.

*Do you like spending time with kids? Do you enjoy

smiling, laughing, and learning new things? If you said yes,

then volunteering in our children’s ministry on Sunday

mornings may be a good fit for you! We are looking for fun

loving individuals who want to share Christ’s love with the

kids. If that’s you, please contact Megan Condry for more

information.

Celebration Moment: It was a joy to see how much the kids

enjoyed movie night! It was encouraging to see how the kids

care for one

another and

are there to

help each

other. The

kids made

some great

connections

between the

character

Baymax, in

the movie,

and Jesus.

Please continue to pray for all the children & youth involved in these activities.

Pray for the volunteers who interact with them each week.

Page 7: A Letter from Pastor Richard Strick 2016 Evangel.pdf · Boston and around the country. Joe isn’t going to just talk about it though, he’s going to bring a friend from CRM and

Beautiful Tears

Have you ever felt yourself start to cry and then quickly

tried to blot the tears away before anyone noticed? Why is

that? Why are we so unsure of our tears?

I wouldn’t say I’m a big crier but then again maybe you

should ask those who know me well and they may just have

a different story. Recently, I’ve been more attune to the tears

I cry and to the tears of others.

Two contradictory and confusing phrases are grown men

don’t cry and real men cry. Where does that leave us?

Recently, I watched several grown men cry on national

television with no shame but because they felt something so

deeply that the tears came as an outward expression of an

inward feeling. As the last seconds ran down on the clock,

the tears began to come for the players, coaches, and fans of

the Cleveland Cavaliers. Truth be told, I’m not a Cavs’ fan

and I’m not even a big fan of the NBA but I’m always a fan

of the underdogs and Cinderella stories. In the minutes

following the game I witnessed something rare and beautiful.

Grown men crying, even weeping. The tears took the joy

and celebration of the moment to an even deeper level. It

wasn’t just about winning but about so many other emotions,

stories, journeys, and experiences. Some just sat in silence

as the tears fell, others embraced as they cried, and some

cheered as they cried. These strong men were overcome

with such emotion that the tears just came. I’ve never

experienced and can’t relate to the emotion of winning a

history making NBA game, coupled with ending a 52 year

drought for a city but I can relate to the overwhelming

feeling of emotion.

I cry when I am deeply moved by something. I cry

during movies I’ve seen a hundred times and while watching

television (sometimes at the most surprising shows). Then I

cry when I see redemption at work, when I see stories of

healing, when I see beauty, when I see God at work, when I

see love in action, when I feel hope, and when I experience

joy. I don’t ask for the waterworks or even have any idea

they are coming before they suddenly arrive many times. I

struggle with crying and often try to hold back my tears.

Something about it makes me feel weak but in reality I find

that it’s really beautiful. Tears signify something deeper

inside of us.

Sometimes tears are uncomfortable but I think it’s

because they are so raw and honest. We don’t know what to

do with the overwhelming rush of emotions. We aren’t

accustomed to being honest with ourselves, let alone God

and others. I think that’s why I hold them back. Can I trust

you with my tears? Can I trust that you will see what deeper

thing is going on here rather than just call me a cry baby?

I cry when I feel something deeply. Sometimes I cry

when I hear a song on the radio or read a verse of Scripture.

The amazing reality of the love that God has for me brings

tears to my eyes. The truth that I am loved by the Creator

causes me to cry sometimes. I remember over the years

crying as I said goodbye to people whether it be a few days,

weeks, or years. The older I get, the more I realize those

tears were tears of beauty. These tears symbolized how

much I enjoyed our time together, how we had grown, and

that we had shared something deeply impactful together.

Those emotions and experiences were so real that they lead

to an outward expression, the tears.

When I see others cry, it is a glimpse into their heart. I

see how deeply they feel and care. Sometimes when this

happens, I find tears welling up in my own eyes. I am

moved by how deeply they feel about something or even

realize how deeply I feel about this same thing.

“Jesus wept” (John 11:35). I remember back in the day

being so proud to say we had memorized this verse! As I

look back at this passage it is remarkably beautiful. We read

earlier in verse 33, “When Jesus saw her weeping, and the

Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was

deeply moved in spirit and troubled.” Jesus was deeply

moved by Mary’s tears and those who were along with her.

I’m so comforted by this beautiful picture of Jesus. Jesus

felt so deeply what they were feeling that it led him to tears.

I’m incredibly grateful for a God who allows us to feel in

this way and also for a God who feels with us.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who

mourn” (Romans 12:15). I find that both in rejoicing and

mourning, we share tears with one another. The tears remind

me of our stories and of what it means to share life with one

another. As we cry, together, I am so thankful that we are

brothers and sisters in Christ. As I allow myself to feel

deeply, I experience joy, hope, and life. These are the things

of Jesus. “Laugh with your happy friends when they’re

happy; share tears when they’re down” (Romans 12:15, The

Message).

I’m working on letting the tears come, not holding them

back. I’m learning to let myself feel those things deeply and

be ok with the tears that are expressed. I’m finding it

beautiful that God continues to work in me, opening and

breaking my heart. I’m thankful that He allows me to feel

these things deeply, even if that means there are more tears.

I’m learning that it’s ok to cry. I’m finding and believing

that tears really are beautiful.

A Letter from Megan Condry

Page 8: A Letter from Pastor Richard Strick 2016 Evangel.pdf · Boston and around the country. Joe isn’t going to just talk about it though, he’s going to bring a friend from CRM and

SPFCC July Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

2

3 9:30 am Worship

4 Independence Day - SPFCC Office Closed

5 SeniorPak Prep 6:30 pm Community Prayer Service - 509

6 6:30 pm Life Church v. SPFCC 7 pm The Flock (Youth) 7:40 pm St. Paul’s v. SPFCC 8:50 pm SPFCC umpire

7 6:30 pm God Speed

8 6-8 pm Kids’ Summer Fun - Surprise Night

9

10 8:30 am Fellowship Team meeting 9:30 am Worship 11 am Brunch 12-2 pm Training with Joe Reed

11 6 pm Something Biblical 6:30 pm SPFCC v. The Awakening 7:40 pm SPFCC v. College Park 8:50 pm SPFCC umpire

12 1-4 pm Youth Let’s Be Creative

6:30 pm Women’s Team Meeting

7 pm Steak Supper meeting

13 6-8 pm Kids’ Summer Fun - Olympic Game Night

14 6:30 pm God Speed

15

16 6:30-8:30 pm Cornhole Tournament at SPFCC

17

8:30 am Children’s Team 9:30 am Worship

18 9:30-11:30 am Cooking with Love 6:30 pm SPFCC umpire 7:40 pm SPFCC v. Sugar Creek 8:50 pm SPFCC v. Nazarene

19 SeniorPak Prep 6:30 pm Council

20 Rummage Sale Set-up 7 pm The Flock (Youth)

21 Rummage Sale Set-up 5-7 pm Rummage Sale 6:30 pm God Speed

22 8 am - 2 pm Rummage Sale

23 8 am-noon Rummage Sale 12 pm - ?? Rummage Sale Clean up Kids’ End of Summer Fun

24

9:30 am Worship

25 5:30 pm Worship Team Meeting 6 pm Something Biblical

6:30-8:30 pm HKC Summer Fun

26 6:30 pm Property Team Meeting

27

28 6:30 pm God Speed

29 Youth Camping Trip

30 Youth Camping Trip

** All SPFCC softball games will be played at Evergreen Park unless otherwise noted. **

31 9:30 am Worship - Youth Investment Sunday

Page 9: A Letter from Pastor Richard Strick 2016 Evangel.pdf · Boston and around the country. Joe isn’t going to just talk about it though, he’s going to bring a friend from CRM and

A Note From the Ministry Coordinator:

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on

toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting

together, as some are in the habit of doing, but

encouraging one another—and all the more as you

see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25

How are we encouraging one another? How are

we spurring one another on to love and good deeds?

I’ve recently been drawn to reflect on friendship and

what it means to be a good, and a Godly, friend.

What makes a good friend? Do you have a good

friend? Are you a good friend? Why is friendship so

important? How do we better maintain Godly

friendships?

When I think about friendship and why certain

people have remained my friends over time while

others have not, the thing I keep coming back to is

that friends make each other better…we “spur one

another on toward love and good deeds,” (Hebrews

10:24). In friendship, we find mutual respect,

understanding, and encouragement. In order to truly

understand, respect, and encourage each other, we

must first get to know one another well. I wonder if

that is often a breaking point in friendships. We’re

busy. Committing to the time needed to get to know

another person well just doesn’t always seem worth it.

While reflecting on friendship, I’ve been reminded

again of the importance of following through on our

commitments. Too often, we receive a last minute text

message stating that our “friend” isn’t going to be

able to make it for dinner like we planned…because

something better came up. When we can’t be

committed to simple things, we don’t give friendship

a chance because we learn we can’t rely on one

another.

In addition to being busy, we’re prideful. Opening

up and being vulnerable and real about our lives, our

hurts, and our fears is difficult. It’s far easier for me to

act as if I’ve got it all together. Along with

encouraging me, those who have remained my friends

over time hold me accountable to my actions. If I

don’t show up when I say I will, they ask me why and

let me know it hurt them. It’s not always fun to hold

each other accountable, but it’s something God calls

us to do to help us grow in our relationship with Him

and in our friendships. With that, He also calls us to

forgiveness and grace. “Make this your common

practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for

each other so that you can live together whole and

healed,” (James 5:16).

As I think about the

friends in my life and

the characteristics of a

Godly friendship, I am

encouraged to be a

Godly friend and I

wonder what more I

can do to encourage

my friends to be more

like Christ. “When I’m

trying to understand

Him, I often ask: What

would a friend do?

Love me? Encourage me? Enjoy me? Push me to my

potential? Point me to the Word?” (Tune In by Jen

Hatmaker, pg. 91).

“What wouldn’t a friend do? He wouldn’t shame

me. He wouldn’t diminish my gifts or reconstitute my

insecurities. He’ll never support my jealousies. He

won’t justify my poor choices. He’d never turn his

back on me or hold grudges after I’ve apologized.

That’s the voice of the enemy. Don’t listen to any of

that,” (Tune In by Jen Hatmaker, pg. 91-92).

Where are you on the spectrum of friendship?

Have you committed to the time needed to get to

know your friends well? Are you encouraging one

another and holding each other accountable? Are you

pushing your friends to their potential? Are you

offering forgiveness and grace? I pray that you will

continue to challenge and encourage one another, that

you will continue meeting together and spurring one

another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews

10:24-25), and that we will all continue to grow

together to be more like Christ. ~Megan Engle

Page 10: A Letter from Pastor Richard Strick 2016 Evangel.pdf · Boston and around the country. Joe isn’t going to just talk about it though, he’s going to bring a friend from CRM and

Eva

ng

el

ST. PETER’S FIRST COMMUNITY CHURCH 206 ETNA AVENUE HUNTINGTON, IN 46750

Worship 9:30 am Conversation and Refreshments

10:45am

Glorify, Build,

REACH

The purpose of St. Peter’s First Community Church is to glorify God, build up the body of

Christ, and reach out to those in our community and world to help them become followers of

Christ.

ST. PETER’S FIRST COMMUNITY CHURCH

phone: 260.356.7728

fax: 260.356.7514

email: [email protected]

web: www.spfcc.org

https://www.facebook.com/StPetersFirstCommunityChurch

Megan Engle, Ministry Coordinator

Office Hours:

Monday-Thursday 8 am-4 pm

Richard Strick, Pastor

260.224.2146

[email protected]

Becky Lyons, Financial Secretary

[email protected]

Megan Condry, Youth & Children’s Director

419.733.1272

[email protected]

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through

faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of

God - not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Ephesians 2:8 & 9