People have been attempting to make counterfeit money since its creation. All you need is a good quality printer, right? Wrong. There are stories upon stories of people who have tried to cheat the system and duplicate copies of our currency. Many have tried and few have succeeded. Why?
When it comes to American currency, they have gone to great lengths to make the counterfeiting process nearly impossible. The US dollar is one of the most unique and technically advanced notes in the world. It’s made with special ink and paper, watermarks and security threads, layouts and designs and color-shifting ink. It really is remarkable.
And it’s always evolving. It wasn’t too long ago that I had an older ten dollar bill that a local gas station refused to take in fear that it was a fake! I was a bit shocked and concerned, so I took it to a bank and they confirmed that it was legal tender. Whew!
Well, guess what? We live in a world where counterfeit preachers and teachers run rampant. Some are on your televisions in the morning, some are on the radio in your car, many have popular books on the bestseller list, and many creep their way into the church. In the second chapter of 2 Peter, the Apostle reminds the ancient church (and the modern church) to be on guard against these teachers. They are deceptive and subtle, yet as dangerous as roaring lions.
So what should we do about it? How do we discern between false and true teachers? Friends, this is of eternal value. As we will see in our text, we always have to go back to the authority and truth of the Word of God and remember that He will rescue the godly.
Can’t wait to see you all Sunday morning as we worship our wonderful Lord and Savior together!
Rob
THIS SATURDAY!
Join us on August 21, from 5:30-10:30 AM, for the First Annual FCC Catfish Classic at the Huxel Farm, 4040 Sunny Road, Washington MO 63090. Prizes awarded for largest and smallest catfish caught; brunch to follow.
This Sunday is Celebration Sunday for all our New City Kids! As school gets ready to start and enter into a new grade, we will also be promoting our children and students to the next grade.
What does this mean for you? Well, if your child is in school, they will now be in the age-appropriate class in New City Kids. All those entering into Kindergarten will now be going to ‘Downtown’ and those entering into 6th grade can join us for cake this Sunday before joining 212 Student Ministry on Wednesday evenings.
We will be promoting everyone this Sunday but all are welcome to stay in their class this week. We will have a Celebration cake and drinks during the first and second service downstairs. In addition, we will also have a time of prayer for our elementary, middle, high school and college students during both services.
Life Groups are almost here! As we finalize the details, group leaders, locations and nights, we want you to pray about which group will be best for you.
We will have signups on Sunday, August 29th as well as introducing each Life Group leader to the church. You will have an opportunity to meet each leader, ask questions and find your spot. *We are still looking for one to two more host families. If you are interested, please contact us here at the church.
We understand life is filled with many things, we hope you will make these groups a top priority in your discipleship.
Stay tuned for more information.
Volunteer Help!
“The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” - Luke 17:5
We love seeing how the Lord is working at First Christian Church and in New City Kids. We are BUSTING at the seams and we need your help!
As more and more families come back to church, we are in need of more kids volunteers.
We Want You!
The disciples had their worries when it came to following Christ and becoming kingdom-minded people. In Luke 17:5 they shout out, “Increase our faith!” What a subtle yet incredible prayer of faith. We are asking the Lord to increase our faith so that we may increase our ministry.
So, we are adding people to our children’s ministry team now. We need YOU to pray and consider being a part of this awesome team. You get to teach, help, pray and love on our kids as we point them to our savior, Jesus! Is there anything better than that?
We know that this may be a step of faith for you, but it’s only when we take those steps of faith that we are stretched and real growth happens. You can do this! You will get so much joy and satisfaction in being a part of this team. We have spots for teachers, helpers, check-in helpers, and more.
We will be available this Sunday and in the weeks to come to help answer your questions and get you connected. You can fill out a card this Sunday, connect with Christine Rash or you can email us at: kids@fccunion.org
Thank you all and may God continue to bless our church, families and community!
UPCOMING EVENTS
August
18, 212 Students Sand Volleyball
21, First Annual FCC Catfish Classic
September
6, Church office closed
11, All Church Safety/Security Seminar
14, Volunteer Shout Out!
18, Family Fun Fest
25-10/2, Ninos de Mexico Missions trip
October
3, Church In The Park
22, City of Union BooBash
23, 212 Students Hog Roast
November
14, All Church Thanksgiving
December
24, Christmas Eve Service
Mark your calendar for these special events. All events are subject to change so keep an eye on the "E-newsletter" and the "First to Know" bulletin for more details.
Jesus Storybook Bible - Family Reading Plan
Hi parents! This week's Jesus Storybook Bible reading is week three for August, "The Friend of little children". You can find it on page 256 of your book. Gather the kids around and have fun reading this story.
Keep it simple. Read the story and ask your kids what their favorite part of the story was? Or what picture did you like the most? And then say a short prayer. That's it!
We pray this is a blessing to you and your family.
Last week we continued our study on Galatians, Freedom in the Kingdom, with a study on Galatians 5:16-21, where we began to unpack specific examples of what a life governed by our own fleshly self-interests looks like. It was a powerful evening as students were certainly able to see clearly how relevant Scripture is to our lives today. This week we will be taking a pause from our series and having a special night of fun and fellowship in preparation for their return to school next week. 212 will not be at the Church building, but instead, we will be meeting at the Sand Volleyball Courts at the Union City Park from 6 PM to 9 PM. We will have a fire pit, along with marshmallows and hotdogs, as well as snow cones and ice-cold waters to enjoy as we meet up with the youth group from First Baptist Union for what promises to be a fun farewell to Summer.
I’d like to leave you with a Word from the Preacher, as Solomon refers to himself in the book of Ecclesiastes, “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain,” (Ecclesiastes 12:1-2).
Well, the sun and the light and the moon and the stars haven’t darkened, it’s not all as dramatic as that, but once again Summer is coming to an end and students will be returning to school, whatever that increasingly complex concept may look like for all of us this year.
With all that in mind though, one of the most deeply rewarding blessings about being a youth minister is the privilege of seeing young people committed to remembering, seeking, and growing in their relationship with their Creator. Our 212 students aren’t just showing up to hang out and play games but are genuine in their faith and genuine in their willingness to live out their faith in a world increasingly hostile to the Gospel.
It’s not just “our” kids though, it’s a blessing to see Chris Fusco’s group, and others as well, committed to doing the same, to being salt and light in their homes, their schools, and communities at large.
I realize that’s not everyones story, there’s no shortage of bad news to be heard “out there”, but isn’t it great to know the Lord is still at work, still at work in our lives, still at work in the lives our young people, and that the Good News is still impacting hearts and minds each and every day across our world?
It sure blesses me, and my hope and prayer this week is that it blesses you and you would take a moment out of your busy day to pray for our students as they head back to the mission field of life that is school.
Grace and peace to you friends, God bless and keep you in the week ahead.
We Need You
As I Am Music, our student-led worship band and music ministry, has grown so has our need for leaders and teachers. If you are musically gifted and would be willing to spend Tuesday evenings from 6-8:30 PM pouring into our students, I Am Music is looking for you. Even if you could only spare one Tuesday a month, please contact Shaun at shaunratcliff@fccunion.org so we can work together to help our students grow as musicians, Christians, and leaders.
High Hill has set the dates for their summer camps. To register or find out more information click here or go to www.highhillcamp.org/summer-camp/.
Bible Study
Tuesday mornings from 9-11 AM. The Bible is always applicable, so even if you can't make it at the beginning, you are always welcome! The gathering is in the Fellowship Hall downstairs.
Join us Saturday, August 21 @ 7 AM for a men's Bible Study at Red, White, and Brew Coffee Company.
Needs arise more than just on a Sunday morning. If you need prayer at any time, please know you can text ‘prayer2fcc’ to 94000 and a staff member will receive your request any time and be praying for you.
You can also email your request or call the church office to be placed on the prayer list. There is a prayer table in the lobby where you can place a prayer request in the box and we will pray for you!
We are family, and we want to support you in any way we can and prayer is always the first and best place to start. Please feel free to reach out to us at any time.
Join us in the Fellowship Hall downstairs for Celebrate Recovery. We will start with a time of food and fellowship at 6:00 PM. We have childcare starting at 6:30 PM. Please sign your child in at the welcome desk and a team member will assist you in helping them to their class. We want to spread the love of Jesus to everyone in recovery from life's hurts, habits, and hang-ups.
So many times we hear “leave a legacy'' which sure- we should leave a legacy; Dave Ramsey has spent the better part of his life teaching how to do just that financially with his ‘7 Baby Steps’. There are many people who have left legacies, like Albert Einstein in the educational world and who can deny the spiritual legacy left by Billy Graham? What if, instead of dying to leave a legacy we strive to live a life of legacy. Check out how Celebrate Recovery can help you start living your best life and living to leave a legacy. Click here to see our new blog!
Check out our Facebook page at @FCCUnionCR. If you have any questions, comments, or requests feel free to email us.
Tai Chi Fitness
Tai Chi Fitness Fun for All!
Monday's from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM, First Christian Church,Union will be a place to participate in a free class for (mostly) senior citizens, but anyone pursuing a healthier life is welcome. Tai Chi fitness is a program developed by Dr. Paul Lam, a Chinese physician living in Australia. It is used worldwide for anyone who wants to improve their physical health and strengthen themselves for fall prevention.
Tai Chi originated in the orient, but the emphasis will be on Christ, beginning and ending each session with prayer. Any reference to any kind of oriental philosophy will be turned toward Christ and His sovereignty.
The medical field and Medicare recognize its effectiveness in improving health and vitality. It is a slow-moving exercise designed to deliberately make a mind/body connection, enabling awareness of our center of gravity, weight distribution and where our balance lies. It is not rigorous, and we don’t get down on the floor. If necessary, this program of Tai Chi can be done by holding onto a chair or even sitting in one. So, if people can get into the building, they can do it! Sessions will be held downstairs in the large, blue room nearest the glass double doors.
Questions? Call the church office, ext 5, or Jenny Hannaford.
Have you ever wanted to do a Bible study with your spouse, kids or maybe a group of friends but you didn’t know where to start? Leading a Bible study can seem like such a big task. Planning what to say and what questions to ask can be one of the reasons people are so hesitant to lead a study. Well, what if we took all the planning and prep work out of it and made it easy for you to do right in your own living room?
As someone who attends First Christian Church you have access to RightNow Media, a website with hundreds of video-driven studies. There are studies on just about every topic you may want; from parenting to having “the talk” with your older kids, marriage, studies on books of the Bible and so much more. There are even cartoons for the kids that teach Biblical principles. And the best part is, it costs you nothing! If you would like to check out this incredible resource you can sign-up here.
