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The following is the weekly email from Faith Church containing events, announcements, and reminders.  View this email in your browser
September 16, 2020
Here's a little article about our food pantry for the Eastern Regional monthly newsletter: 

A Servant's Heart Food Pantry

Twenty-five years ago, a simple bookcase was the beginning of a blessing no one could have predicted, and it is still impacting people today. Faithful Christians at Faith Evangelical Church in Melrose, MA, led by Joan Dean, filled the shelves of that tiny bookcase with simple non-perishable goods to do their part in providing food for five local families. Fast-forward to 2020, and that bookcase has multiplied exponentially to become A Servant’s Heart Food Pantry which has proven to be an essential asset and lifeline to our larger community—particularly amidst this pandemic.

When I first arrived at Faith Evangelical Church about a year ago, I soon discovered that I was in the middle of a lot of activity going on throughout the week. I would hear doors opening, the hustle and bustle of boxes moved, voices calling out, trucks arriving, and strangers filling our doorways. I quickly learned this weekly routine of volunteers, deliveries, donations, and patrons was all a part of the ministry of A Servant’s Heart Food Pantry. This pantry, I discovered, is quite well-known throughout the city and is run completely by volunteers and donations—and it has persisted (thrived even!) now for 25 long years!

Each Friday the pantry opens its doors to all in the community who are in need of assistance. Through community donations, partnership with a food rescue program (Lovin’ Spoonfuls), and direct purchases, the pantry is able to assist over 150 families with quality food. Our patrons are varied, among them are low-income families, elderly on a fixed income, newly arrived immigrants, those in-between jobs, homeless, or in an emergency situation. Oftentimes, patrons leave with bags full of dry-goods, bread, fruits, veggies, meats, and more! The gratitude of some patrons is overwhelming. We also invite all to a monthly community dinner where we can become better acquainted, share a brief encouragement from Scripture, and enjoy delicious food together.

The arrival of the pandemic in February/March of 2020 only amplified the necessity of this ministry. As many lost reliable incomes and the world began to shutter its doors, our numbers have risen, and we found ourselves playing a key role within the community. The city government of Melrose actually reached out to partner with us in their effort to assist the most vulnerable during this challenging time. In addition to providing for our weekly patrons, we now provide the city with 50-70 bags of groceries to be distributed to residents by government employees and volunteers. Many recipients receive these goods with literal tears of thanks. We are so blessed to have the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ as we love our neighbors in a very tangible way—all in the name of Jesus.
As generous donations from community members continue to pour in, we continue to partner with the city and serve as a lifeline for many in our community. We pray that as we minister holistically, and give out bread for physical sustenance, that it may lead many to find the true Bread of Life—Jesus Christ, “food which endures for eternal life.” (Jn 6:27). 

From a tiny bookshelf and a small attempt to love one’s neighbor, to 25 years of faithfulness & dispelling a pandemic’s impact, the food pantry has truly been able to embody a servant’s heart, display the love of Christ, and fulfill, in part, his words from Matthew 5. “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Mt. 5:16
What small act of faithfulness can you perform today? What small faithful step can God use to embark you onto an unforeseen journey? May we place all our feeble efforts into the hands of the Almighty God who can do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine.
Amen
Jonathan Price, Pastor of Faith Evangelical in Melrose, MA.
Scripture Memory Verse
September 2020
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
Philippians 4:8
Announcements! 


Penny Crusade is HERE 
Week 3 - September 2020


Dig between those cushions, check your pockets & find that change, because it could be of eternal value! Penny Crusade goes to fund missionaries who bring the Good News of the Gospel all around the world! This year's focus will be on India.

Our goal as a church will be to raise $3,000. We are more than 1/3 of the way there! Giving is available at the church or through online giving--just designate your gift as for Penny Crusade.

Penny Crusade is the primary funding mechanism for missions in over 20 countries!

Meet Pastor Balu Nayak - Penny Crusade 2020
WHAT
We will gather over Zoom together in order to pray together. We know that prayer is powerful & that God hears our every word. Please plan to join us!

WHEN
Every Sunday - Sunday Morning Prayer - 9:30-10:00 AM
Sept. 23 - 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.
Our Building is OPEN! 
We look forward to welcoming you back!
What will services look like : 
  • masks, social distancing, & contact free- offering & communion
  • children remain with parents
  • shorter service
  • hand sanitizer, masks, & wipes available
Online : We will continue to stream our service over Facebook Live & YouTube. 
Questions : Please don't hesitate to contact us at FaithChurch@FatihChurchAC.org
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.
Finance Update
Thank you for your continual faithfulness
in giving to the Lord.
You may give online. 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. 
As Christians we are to be good stewards of our nation and our communities, therefore I want to remind you to take steps to prepare yourself to prayerfully vote this fall. Many communities have made mail-in voting as well as early voting widely available. The next election is the Nov. 3 election.

Though we take part in our civic duties in order to 'form a more perfect union', participate in our elections, pray for our leaders, and for God's will to be done through our elections, we ultimately realize that our hope is not found in parties or politicians. Our Savior will not be an elected official, nor be found in political office--it would be foolish to think so; the Bible is clear that there is one savior in heaven--eternally sovereign, unrivaled, and holds the heart of the king in his hands (Prov. 21:1). Let us keep God alone as our the true source of all hope, order, and peace.
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" 
Phil. 3:20
✟
We will be using Zoom app and website for our gatherings. You can download the app or sign up here. https://zoom.us/

Penny Crusade : Month of September
Elder's Meeting : Sept. 16
Prayer Gathering : Sept. 23
Prayer Gathering : Sept. 30

Women's Bible Studies meet every Wednesday

In Peter's 1st letter, he tells us, "Casting all your cares / anxieties on God, because he cares for you." (1 Pet. 5:7) We believe in the power of prayer. We pray to a loving & all-powerful God who went to the cross to prove his love for us, and for whom nothing is impossible. We put our trust and hope in him alone and we lift up the following requests to Him.
 
  • Pray for the Smiths as they settle into their new home!
  • Pray for Cullen Shay & the Shay family as he recovers from serious shoulder surgery.
  • Pray for Duane Crabtree who is recovering from breaking 2 bones in his foot
  • Pray for Joan Dean for healing, restoration, & comfort against neuropathy
  • Pray for Carolyn Smith's her health needs as well as her sister Marilyn. 
  • Pray for George Peabody as he continues to fight for better heart health.
  • COVID-19 - Pray for our leaders, those impacted physically or financially, and for the safety of the many essential workers. We also pray for the many teachers, school staff, students & parents who return to school this fall in one form or another.
  • The Lost - All around us there are those who don't know Christ as Lord and Savior.
  • Our Church - Pray for God to do a new thing in our hearts & minds, and be at work in our community throught us as we seek to remain faithful to Him.
  • Our Nation - & our leaders as we seek racial justice, battle this pandemic, return to schools, and approach a fall election.
"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 October 7th to continue to look at the life of Jaocb and his family in Genesis 34.

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.
Women's Online Bible Study
We also have a Women's Bible Study going through a book by SheReadsTruth
which meets over Zoom on Weds. at 7:30PM. 
1. Online - https://us04web.zoom.us/j/4742644778
2. By Phone - +1 646 876 9923
       Meeting ID: 474 264 4778
3. One Tap Mobile - +16468769923,,4742644778#
 ♪ Featured Song ♫
Johnny Cash - Old Rugged Cross

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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