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The following is the weekly email from Faith Church containing events, announcements, and reminders.  View this email in your browser
May 27, 2020
A Note From Your Pastor
Some Reading

I have been reading (or rather listening) lately to Uncle Tom's Cabin--the powerful book written in 1852 by Harriet Beecher Stowe--a white woman and abolitionist from Connecticut. The book portrays the horrendous nature and human impact of slavery and the American slave trade. This book quickly lit a fire in the hearts of Americans and is seen as laying the groundwork for the Civil War--which would encompass the entire nation just 8 years hence. 

This book's setting is in 19th century South, and follows a few characters as they either escape from their bondage of slavery or as they are traded from one owner to another--considered simply as 'property' rather than human beings. It is really unfathomable to understand what it was like to live such a hopeless existence. At the root of the sin of slavery & racism is pride, selfishness, greed, a lack of compassion, empathy, moral justice, as well as viewing others as 'less than'. 

Though the novel was published almost 2 centuries ago, I'm afraid that when I turn on the news, I see the same malady of sin at work today. Just within the past few weeks we've seen a young black man killed on the side of the road in GA, a black man in NYC's Central Park being reported to authorities for a fabricated accusation, and another black man in MN killed at the hands of excessive force by police. These stories (all of which understandably have 2 sides) are truly tragic and have broken my heart. Unfortunately, from this, I have not received consolation once I put my book down. 

We like to believe that we have 'evolved', that we have 'bettered ourselves' as a nation, but sin is still, as always, "crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” Gen. 4:7. Though our hands are not guilty of such atrocities, we are all subject to the same evil seeds from which they grow. We are susceptible to think of others as simply a nuisance, unequal to ourselves, or to fail to see their God-given value--made in His image and likeness. We are prone to think of ourselves first, last, and in-between. Such behavior only allows room for me and thus the 'freedom' to belittle or dehumanize others. 

Stowe's novel readily depicts the problem, but it also intersperses the remedy : "The slavery crisis can only be resolved by Christian love." Not legislation, arms or coercion, but Christian love. Though the Bible was misused by many to defend slavery, the true shining lights are those who take God's word seriously and fight for the justice clarified in Christ. In the Scriptures we see Jesus not condemning or belittling, but continually extending grace, healing, and salvation to 'the other'. We see him embrace those unlike him by birth and those considered culturally 'unclean' : Samaritans, women, Gentiles, children (simply unimportant), and those with disabilities. But we also see him embrace those who are unlike him by behavior : tax-collectors, prostitutes, betrayers, doubters & sinners.

At the root of our pride, selfishness, racism & sin, is a desire to be like God, to determine ourselves to be good & lovable and to receive love as a result. As Christians we have full security in Christ knowing that, though we were born sinners & have continually rebelled against him, because of what He has done for us on the Cross, we are fully forgiven, fully loved by God, and fully lovable. If we realize that we are overflowing with God's acceptance & love, there is no room to degrade or demean others, for that is not within us--but rather we will produce good fruit (love), as that is what Christ is within us. (Mt. 7:17)

Let us pray daily against this battle of sin, selfishness, and self-importance, and throw off the sin that so easily entangles.(Heb 12)  Let us fight for justice in our neighborhoods. Let us heed to right the wrongs, knowing that sin can only be overcome by Christian love in this world, in our country, in our homes, and in my heart.  For it is truly in this, that the words of Christ are freedom.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another:
just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another."
Jn. 13:34


"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you,
for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."
Mt. 7:12

 
"if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, ... Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
Ph. 2:1-4

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.
Mt. 5:21-22
 
"After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands."
Rev. 7:9


"We pray, Come, Lord Jesus!"
Scripture Memory Verse
May 2020
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,
for those who are called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:28 ESV
Announcements! 
COVID-19 & Phase I Opening

We are opening....but not yet.

You have probably heard that churches are permitted to once again resume operations and gather together under Governor Baker's Phase 1 for re-opening of the state. Though we are delighted to learn of this, and long to be together, we also want to be cautious and dilligent in keeping our congregation safe. Therefore, we are compling procedures & precautions to meet & exceed the State & CDC requirements for reopening.

That being said, this freedom should be utilized wisely. As Paul wrote 
 
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others." 1 Cor. 10:23-24

Just because we can open, doesn't necessarily mean that we should open. Though we are eager to gather again, we have chosen not to open immediately, but we will open at a date in the future once we are assured that we can protect our church (you) as best as possible under these circumstances. 

We do not live in fear, but we want to love our neighbor as best we can--which means keeping them safe. We will continue to worship together through online services, pray together over Zoom, serve the community through our food pantry, and encourage growth with one another. The Church has not shut down, not even for a second, even though our building's doors have been closed. Christ lives in us & is building us (His Church) into a spiritual house, a holy temple, a place in which God may dwell and be made manifest on Earth. So, until we physically gather together soon, continue to Be The Church
WHAT
Beginning this week, we are going to have opportunities to pray together online via Zoom. We will reinstate our regular Sunday Morning Prayer from 9:30-10:00 AM. We will also have our prayer gathering next Wednesday May 13th to pray. Please plan to join us!

WHEN
Every Sunday - Sunday Morning Prayer - 9:30-10:00 AM
May 27 - Prayer Gathering 7PM

WHERE?
Faith Church's Personal Meeting Room - Click Here to Enter
Meeting ID: 221 622 9863
 
HOW? 3 ways
1. Web : Join by clicking above or using this website https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2216229863
2. Phone : Dial (929) 205-6099 & then enter Meeting ID: 221 622 9863
3. One tap mobile : +19292056099,,2216229863#

Questions?
Email FaithChurch@FaithChurchAC.org or contact the pastors.
VBS Volunteers Wanted!
The Christian Education Committee is making plans for Vacation Bible School this summer. A tentative date is scheduled for August 3-7 in the evenings. If you are interested in helping please contact Eleanor Jones or the church office faithchurch@faithchurchac.org
This year's theme is Jungle Safari : Exploring the Nature of God. 
Are you or someone you know in need of food assistance during this time? A Servant's Heart Food Pantry will be OPEN Friday 10-11:30 AM. Bags will be prepared for patrons to take and go--limiting exposure to spread any virus for all involved. 
 
JOIN THE CONVERSATION on Facebook! Since we can't meet in person, it is sometimes hard for us to feel like the family of God. So we created a couple of pages on our church Facebook page. We'd like to start a conversation and be in touch throughout the week in order to ENCOURAGE, PRAY, & BUILD ONE ANOTHER UP. This page is private & is for those connected to Faith Evangelical Church in order to continue to be the body of Christ during these strange times!
Finance Update
Thank you for your faithfulness in giving even in these trying times. We trust that God will provide for our needs individually and as a church family as we trust in Him and seek Him first. Even though we are unable to gather, please consider using the online giving portal for your tithes and offerings for this week Click here for the Giving link.
You can also mail your gifts to Faith Church 200 Franklin St. Melrose MA. Or come by the church building and drop it in the mail slot. Checks are still being processed and deposited on a weekly basis. We thank you for your faithfulness & trust in the Lord. 
We will be using Zoom app and website for our gatherings. You can download the app or sign up here. https://zoom.us/

Sunday Morning Prayer via Zoom : May 31 - 9:30 AM
Pentecost Sunday : May 31
Men's Group : June 3
Prayer Gathering : June 10
Prayer Gathering : June 24

We believe in the power of prayer. We pray to a loving & all-powerful God for whom nothing is impossible. We put our trust and hope in him and we lift up the following requests to Him.
 
  • Pray for Priscilla Harris' family (husband Harry), and friends in prayer as we got word that she fell asleep in the Lord yesterday. 
  • Pray for Kathy Baker for her job situation, that it may not be in jeopardy due to COVID-19, but that she may keep her employment.
  • Praying for the family of AC Pastor Bill Chadwick and Stroudwater Christian Church as they mourn his tragic loss
  • Pray for George Peabody for healing & strength with his heart
  • Pray for Joan Dean who is undergoing chemotherapy in her fight against cancer.
  • Pray for all those mourning : the families of BeverlyYngve, Ruth Crivello, David MacGibbon, Jones family, Knapp family.
  • Pray for Denise Martone as she recovers from fighting cancer.
  • Pray for Carolyn Smith and her ongoing health needs.
  • COVID-19 - Pray for our leaders who need to make difficult decisions, those who are negatively impacted healthwise or financially. We pray also for the safety of the many essential workers.
  • Mental Health - Pray for those struggling during this difficult season as it only tends to exacerbate mental health conditions.
  • The Lost - All around us there are those who don't know Christ as Lord and Savior. Please pray we can have an impact on these people and that the Lord would use us to reach them.
  • Our Church - Pray for God to still be at work & growing in us, even as we cannot meet together. May we continue to seek his face & long to walk more in step with God's Spirit.
  • Our World - India : This week we pray for the Fellowship of Blessed Hope Churches in southern India. We pray for Rev. a. Jerald, president of FBHC to lead the pastors to shepherd their churches according to Christ's example (1 Peter 5:1-3). We pray for fruitful efforts from the churches to reach their communiities with the glorious news of the Gospel. 
                  
  • Pray with us by picking up your copy of the 2020 Prayer Guide at the back of the sanctuary. 
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7
Ministries

Men's Group
The men of Faith Church gather each month on the 1st Wednesday of the Month for an opportunity to be in conversation, in the Word, and in prayer.  All men are invited to join us on the first Wednesday of the month as we ground ourselves in the Word and commit ourselves to growing in godliness. Lord willing, we'll meet digitally by Zoom June 3 to continue to look at the life of Jaocb and his family in Genesis 30

Mom's Together
Our Moms Together ministry continues with a monthly daytime playdate for moms and their children that will meet on the second Tuesday of the month at the church.  This is open to any moms who can make it, so feel free to invite a friend!  There is also a Facebook group where more details are announced about each gathering. If you have any questions, or to find out the details of the next playdate, please speak to Jenn Szafir.  
 

 ♪ Featured Song 
"Up Above My Head" by Randy Travis & The Blind Boys of Alabama

Online Giving





 



We now offer a fully secure online giving platform (called Aplos) that allows anyone the opportunity to make a one-time donation or to setup recurring donations on a monthly or weekly basis (either via ACH/bank account payment or via debit/credit card).
To access the online giving portal click here or on the photo above.

Faith Church exists to worship God, show His love to others and to develop dedicated followers of Jesus Christ, beginning in the community of Melrose.
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