Newsletter (February 2008)

Compiled by the Faith Newsletter editor: Burt Pearson

Contents:
From Your Pastor
From The Nursery
Faith Kitchen Korner
Crystal, Alik and Sean Smith - Update
2008 Sweetheart Banquet
So You Want To Be A Deacon
Volunteers are Needed. Can you Help?
Worth Thinking About
Elder Responsibilities
February Activities

From your Pastor

Just this past week I was studying, and meditating on, a wonderful portion of Scripture found in John’s 1st epistle, the 4th chapter, verses 9 - 10. As John has already mentioned the subject of love in earlier passages (2:7-11; 3:11-18, 23), in chapter 4 he presents a full discussion of this topic. Notice that John describes the priority of God’s love both positively and negatively. In verse 9 he writes: NIV 1 John 4:9 “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son {9 Or his only begotten Son} into the world that we might live through him.” Positively, this message is too profound: we are completely unable to fathom the depth of God’s love for us. He gave his only Son to us! But then in verse 10, as John expresses God’s priority in negative terms, I am absolutely overwhelmed! “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for {10 Or as the one who would turn aside his wrath, taking away} our sins.” John doesn’t say “God loves us because we are God’s loving children.” No, the opposite is true, for Paul tells us that we have a sinful mind that is hostile to God (Rom. 8:7). And “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8), even while we were rebelling against God, and hating Him for ruling over us, and for requiring our duty toward him, Christ died for us.

John concludes by saying that God “sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

The Bible uses a strange, but a very good, word to describe what Christ did for us when he drank the cup of God’s wrath– propitiation. Actually, if you look for that word in most modern versions of the Bible you will not find it. The NIV translation says “atoning sacrifice” and adds a footnote saying—“the one who would turn aside his wrath, taking away sin.”

Why is propitiation a better word? Because it means to “appease” or to “placate.” And yet, the doctrinal truth of the Greek word there, hilasmos, is even richer than that. The best-selling author and Bible teacher, Jerry Bridges in The Gospel for Real Life, says that what happened in propitiation is that Jesus did more than deflect the wrath of God from us. He exhausted the wrath of God toward us. Jesus bore the full, unmitigated brunt of God’s wrath against my sin and your sin. The prophet Isaiah foretold this when he wrote NIV Isaiah 53:4-5, “Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Therefore, when Jesus cried out from the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30), it was not a cry of relief, but of victory. He had accomplished what he came to do, namely save his people from their sins. Jesus didn’t deflect God’s wrath away from us– he consumed it. That’s why Paul could write of our being “saved from God’s wrath through him.” (Emphasis mine) [Rom 5:9; 1 Thess. 5:9] And this is how God showed his love toward us while we were still sinners, rebelling against God, and hating Him for ruling over us, and for requiring our duty toward him. What wondrous love is this!

Grace and peace,
Pastor Bob Adams
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From The Nursery

Hello to All.

Scheduling a meeting for all the nursery workers and those interested in becoming involved in the nursery ministry is in the works. We will discuss the nursery vision, purpose and goals. We will together consider ideas such as ~ ages of the children in the nursery and how to best utilize our facility. I am excited about the ideas that have already been suggested.

I need to hear from you with you ideas and as to when would be the best time to meet. ~ After morning worship or an evening with coffee and dessert. ( I personally like the one suggesting food)

Please be in prayer about this upcoming meeting and watch the bulletin for a meeting date.

My contact info is phone# 633-7648 or btholmes @ bellsouth.net

Have a great day.

Tracey Holmes
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Faith Kitchen Korner

Happy new year to everyone. I hope everyone had a safe and happy one.

The kitchen is coming along nicely. A special thanks to Rudy Seiffer for the wood dividers he made for the kitchen drawers.

Pastor Adams’ installation service went wonderfully. Thanks to all who helped make it a memorable evening.

There are a few things I wanted to address:
1. The lost and found basket in the kitchen contains items that have been there for over a year. Please take the time to look over these items. They will be there until March 1,after which they will be donated to a thrift store.
2. Labels for placing your name and the date on food items in the refrigerator are located by the phone. Please do label what you place in the refrigerator as this is a food safety issue.
3. Cards will be in the kitchen for anyone interested in helping me in any capacity for kitchen duties. Please fill them out and return them to the green recipe box.

Thank you for all you help and support. I look forward to a great Sweetheart Dinner in February.

Respectfully Submitted by: Karen Thornton
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Crystal, Alik and Sean Smith - Update

Thanks to all who have prayed for Crys and Alik these past years. Wow - what changes in their lives! Two weeks ago we didn't know if, or when, Crys would be able to move to Germany to be with Alik. Last Sunday (January 13) they all flew to Frankfurt, Germany together and yesterday (January 21), after a week in a one-room efficiency, they moved into a brand new 3-bedroom townhouse in Eschenbach Germany. God has been so gracious.

They faced several trials during their first week overseas. Crystal and Sean's luggage didn't meet up with them until Friday, January 18; phone messages regarding who-knows-what (luggage, hopefully...) were left in German; cell phones that were "guaranteed" to work in Germany didn't. However, they are upbeat and excited about this new phase in their lives. If you plan a trip to Germany, just east of Prague, give them a call and hopefully you can stop by!

Thanks for your continued prayers!

Mailing address (regular US postage):
The Smiths
CMR 415 Box 5659
APO, AE 09114

Submitted by Marilou Richardson
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2008 Sweetheart Banquet

Faith Presbyterian Church Youth Group
Presents the
2008 Sweetheart Banquet
Sunday, February 10
6:00 P.M.
Faith Presbyterian Church
Merritt Island, Florida

All are invited and encouraged to join us for food, fun and fellowship.
“This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another” 1 John 3:11

RSVP by Wednesday, February 6 To the church office (452-1715) Or tear off and place the RSVP form in the offering plate.
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So You Want To Be A Deacon

Have you ever thought about someday being a Deacon or know someone you think should be? Let's take a look at what it means to be a deacon at Faith Presbyterian Church on Merritt Island Florida.

In the early church, a situation arose giving reason for the leaders to analyze the scope of their ministry. Those responsible for teaching and preaching found themselves unable to meet all the needs of the people in the local church. Recognizing legitimate needs of many, they were led to select qualified men to be dedicated to overseeing and meeting those needs. These were the first deacons, described below.

Acts 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Acts 6:2Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Acts 6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. Acts 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. Acts 6:5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

Criteria for being selected as a deacon are the same as for the position of elder, with differences being functions and responsibilities. The Apostle Paul gave Timothy the following qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy chapter 3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. KJV

Faith’s Diaconate has six active members each serving a three year term (years indicated below), with two rotating off each year. Replacements are nominated annually by the congregation and Nominating Committee, with the committee’s prayerful recommendations being presented to the Session and then to the congregation in the fall for their election.

Submitted by Michael D. Gallogly
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Volunteers are Needed. Can you Help?

We have all been so blessed in many ways during our lives. One of the greatest gifts we have is that of hospitality, which includes volunteering in many ways. We all have talents that can contribute to the lives of those unable to help themselves and to the less fortunate.

Care Wear Volunteers, Inc. is a nationwide group of volunteers who knit, crochet and/or sew, providing handmade items to hospitals for babies, older children and adults. Families usually keep the items as a memento, especially those for tiny preemies. For those who are not crafters, assistance in the form of donations of yarn, fabric and supplies can be just as valuable. All Care Wear items are given free to infants, children and their parents, and many others.

Care Wear Volunteers, Inc. is a non-profit organization [501(c)(3)] and donations are tax deductible. At the present time, Care Wear is an information source for prospective volunteers. There are no membership rules, no dues, no quotas, or obligations. Although the focus of Care Wear's efforts has been premature infants, it has been impossible to ignore the pleas for assistance for larger infants, children and even geriatric patients.

Some of the items that are needed are: Hats for babies, full term and preemie; blankets; kimonos; baby burial gowns; booties; lap blankets and hats for chemotherapy patients, adults as well as children; IV covers; and stuffed animals for the children’s unit (the Dollar Tree is a great place to get these). The greatest demand is for the larger preemie and full-term sizes of hats and booties.

Anyone can help in this effort. I work on my hand work while watching television and when riding in the car. Some even take theirs to ball games, as well as other sporting events. I will gladly collect all donations of handcrafted items or materials and coordinate deliveries to local hospitals.

If you have a question, you can call me at 321-631-8291, email me at mdgallogly @ aol.com or go to Care Wear web site, for more detailed information. Let us all share our gifts with the babies and with those less fortunate.

Submitted by Dawn Gallogly
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Worth Thinking About

In a year when Christmas fell on Sunday, Dr. John Hill ,a former pastor of Craig Avenue Tabernacle ARP Church, Charlotte, NC wrote a letter to his former congregation about the importance of worshipping, in spite of the busyness of Christmas morning. While Christmas is past, and it did not occur on Sunday in 2007, much of what he wrote is worth thinking about and could as well be applied to any Lord’s day.

Christmas, he says, “marks the most amazing entrance of the Lord God into the stream of human history. The Word became Flesh. The Lord Jesus humbled Himself and became a babe in the manger. This humility would some day lead all the way to the cross and to death. But on the first day of the week, we also celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. This seems to me to be a two-fold reason to be in Church that day.”

Whatever day of the week Christmas falls on, there should be morning worship, believes Dr. Hill.

He says, “Parents, instead of getting all bent out of shape about how busy you will be that morning, why not plan ahead. It can be done. And in doing so, you will be using this as and example of how important it is to be in Church. . . “What an opportunity to focus on Jesus and to give Him his rightful place on this special holy day.”

He says further that “If you have family, relatives or friends who will be at your home, include Sunday worship in your schedule. Most of them will be delighted to attend with you. (Having company has never been a very good excuse of missing worship on any Sunday).”

Also, think about the influence your witness will have on the neighbors who see you and your family dressed and headed off to worship!”

Submitted by Peg Krieg, and excerpted by the editor
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Elder Responsibilities

Following are the areas of responsibility for our Elders for 2008.

Activities Al Stewart
Administration (Clerk) Burt Pearson
Christian Education Tony Chambers
Discipleship Greg Scott
Outreach Herm Grey
Worship TBD
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February Activities

Dottie Bigham (Wales)   2-3   6 PM
C.E. Meeting   2-4   6 PM
Holy Communion   2-10   AM
Sweetheart Dinner   2-10   6 PM
Diaconate Meeting   2-11   7 PM
Session Meeting   2-20   6:30 PM
Titusville Bible Study (Tuesdays)   7 PM
1 John Bible Study (Wednesdays)   10 AM
Women’s Bible Study (Thursdays)   10 AM
Choir Practice (Thursdays)   7 PM
Ladies Fellowship Bkfast   2-15   9 AM
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