Fcc Newsletter May 09

Faith Community Church MAY 2009

Sunday School 9:30 am Coffee & Doughnuts 10:25 am Sunday Worship 10:45 am Wednesday Nights 6:30 pm

Email: [email protected] Web: faithcommunityonline.us Blog: www.faith-community.blogspot.com/

54662 Ash Road, Osceola, IN 46561 574-674-8494

Kingdom Economics Economically, the past year has been horrendous for many people. Some are in despair as they consider all they have lost, both in terms of money and in regards to the self-worth they derived from their jobs. This economic downturn gives churches an opportunity to step into the gap and be a blessing in people’s lives. No single church can solve the whole problem, but many working together can at least make a small dent. Here at FCC, our people are trying hard to make life a little easier for our families in need. Our benevolence team, some of whom have struggled themselves, have been faithfully administering the funds and supplies that other church members have given. Our food pantry is being utilized, Angel Food boxes are being delivered, and funds are being allocated. In the midst of all of this economic turmoil, FCC is witnessing a miracle. Our weekly giving has been the highest in the church’s history and we are meeting our budget. This is a time to give praise to God for His provision! Beyond tithing, those who are able are also giving offerings. Recently we took up a special one to help reduce costs for our youth on some upcoming events.

DR. RANDY SMITH, LEAD LEAD PASTOR

Likewise, we want to replenish the benevolence team’s depleted budget by receiving a special offering on May 10th. This will be a tangible way for those with “plenty,” or at least “more,” to help those in need. But we are not limiting ourselves to helping only our own. On Pentecost Sunday May 31st we will receive our annual Pentecost Offering for missions. This year’s will go toward the ministry in Nepal, one of the most impoverished countries in the entire world. (You think we’ve got it bad here? You ought to see the living conditions there). God is doing a marvelous work through our missionaries. In the Kingdom of God, money is viewed differently than in the world. God’s economy is characterized by self-sacrifice. Consider these verses: NIV 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. 13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality,

Let’s continue to do all the good we can during this special window of opportunity. While the world reels at the markets’ downturn, Christians have a chance once again to remind people it is vain to trust in money. Instead we should return to the phrase imprinted on our currency: “In God We Trust.”

-Pastor Randy