facWEEKLY January 5
We hope you've had a good week, FAC Family! Here are just some of the great things happening in the coming weeks.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Worship This Sunday
How Do You Pray? | Matthew 6:9–13
Welcome to 2024! We’re looking forward to a great 2024 here at FAC, and though we could rush into programs and events, our first work should be prayer. But how do you pray? Do you know someone who is a strong person of prayer, like that’s the person you want praying for you? Do you ever look at them and wonder, how do you pray?
Join us as we start a new series for the new year, “How Do You Pray?” based on the Lord’s prayer from Matthew 6:9–13.
facSENIORS Bible Class
Date: starting January 7
Time: 11am–noon
Place: Fireside Room
Join the 55 and better crowd as Pastor Scott takes us through an in-depth study of the book of Revelation, starting this Sunday! This book unlocks the mystery of history and proves that God is in control. Revelation brings sense to our suffering.
You've probably heard that God will wipe every tear from our eyes. That verse is found in Revelation. And we are reminded in Revelation that Jesus Christ is the centerpiece of all creation. This is a book that brings comfort, not a book that brings a fear of the future.
Women’s Bible Study
Date: January 9–March 5
Time: 9:30–11:30am
Place: B106
Cost: $10 for materials
Women are invited to join us for Nancy Guthrie's Even Better Than Eden: Nine Ways the Bible's Story Changes Everything about Your Story. Guthrie traces nine themes throughout the Bible, revealing how God’s plan for the new creation will be far more glorious than the original. But this new creation glory isn’t just reserved for the future. The hope of God’s plan for his people transforms everything about our lives today.
Contact Elaine Ransil at ekransil@gmail.com for more information or stop by the table in the lobby to register. Cost is $10 for the book and study guide, and registration ends this Sunday, January 7.
The MomCo
Date: January 11 (2nd and 4th Thursdays each month)
Time: 9:30–11:30am
Place: E215 (Fireside Room)
The MomCo groups are gatherings of moms coming together for community, conversation and friendship. The goal of The MomCo is to meet each mom where she is and walk beside her as she embarks upon the crazy and beautiful journey we call motherhood.
The MomCo meetings may include guest speakers, demonstrations, and videos to help you navigate this journey. There will also be other moms who are on the same journey as you and understand the joys (and frustrations!) that it brings. These moms will be there to support you and help guide you.
Childcare is provided for ages 6 months–Pre-K. For moms interested in registering, visit the table in the lobby or our web page, www.facerie.org/themomco. If you have any questions or would like more information, feel free to contact Amy Watt at awatt7607@gmail.com or 814-602-1787.
DivorceCare & DivorceCare for Kids
Date: starting January 11 (open entry)
Time & Place: 6:30–8:00pm DivorceCare in E215
Time & Place: 6:15–8:00pm DC4K in B106
DivorceCare and DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K) are relaunching this month! FAC is again sponsoring some unique and vital support programs specifically designed for an ever-growing segment of our population that is often overlooked. These programs are nationally renowned, biblically based, and have helped over a million people worldwide.
Divorce Care is a 13-week program that offers healing, support, and hope to adults experiencing the pain of separation and/or divorce. Registration is appreciated but not mandatory. Find out more at facerie.org/divorcecare or call Chuck and Marybeth Master at 814-520-1947 for information.
Divorce Care for Kids is a 13-week program that's hands-on and kid-friendly for children ages 5–12 years who have or are experiencing hurt from their family break up. Registration is appreciated but not mandatory. Find out more at facerie.org/divorcecare or call Dennis and Dolores Smith at 814-454-2929 for information.
Sexual Integrity 101
Date: starting January 11
Time: 7:00–8:30pm
Place: C301
Cost: $20 for workbook (optional)
We all desire sexual integrity for ourselves or for others but may struggle with knowing where to start. Sexual Integrity 101 is a great way to get started—whether you struggle or know someone who does. This 8-part series is designed for men, women, parents, and more. It is for anyone who wants to find freedom from the effects of unwanted sexual behavior and betrayal, or to better understand the struggles others may be going through.
This course will show how shame and grace affect the healing process, give understanding about addiction and betrayal trauma, and get you started on the path to sexual health. Join us Thursdays starting January 11. Registration is free.
If you have any questions or want to learn more, reach out to Chenny Langness at cnlangness@gmail.com
facSENIORS Everybody’s Birthday Party
Date: January 12
Time: 6:30–8:00
Place: Youth Center
Cost $5
Join us for fun, games, cake & ice cream, and great fellowship! No matter when your birthday is, no matter how long ago you stopped celebrating birthdays, you won't want to miss this event. It promises to be an evening of fun! Register below or in the lobby.
facMEN Bible Study
Date: starting January 13
Time: 9:00–10:30am
Place: E215
Cost: $7 for materials
The Resolution for Men challenges men of all ages to become bold and intentional about embracing their responsibilities as leaders of their homes, marriages, and children. This study strategically inspires men to reconcile with their past, re-engage in the present by taking full responsibility for their wives and children, and then move forward with a clear resolution for the future.
This is a call to all men! It's time to be men of action. Join us as we begin this journey and resolve to be the men God called us to be. Book is required for this study ($7). Sign up at the table in the lobby or click the link below to register.
Contact Wes Palmer at wbpalmer8@gmail.com with any questions.
Under His Wings
Date: January 18
Time: noon–2:30pm
Place: E215 (Fireside Room)
The theme for this meeting is "Chilled, but Filled" with guest speaker Elaine Ransil. Bring your own lunch to the Fireside Room. Registration is not required.
Inquiries can be directed to Joan Giles at joan1719@gmail.com or Laura Cotton at tlcottons@gmail.com
New Journey with God Series
Date: starting January 21
Time: 9:30am
Place: B106
Cost: $9 study guide
How does a Christian behave when surrounded by a hostile world that doesn't understand who we are or why we do what we do? In three letters, Peter and Jude provide some answers: Abandon the old pagan ways. Learn the new habit of love. Put on the mental armor that will make you strong to face the suffering that may come.
Join us for this 9-week study of the books of 1&2 Peter and Jude as Tom Wright shows us the wisdom of their words today and reminds us, in the midst of hardship, that the God who deserves all praise is still "the one who is able to keep you standing upright."
Teachers are Clay Bannister, Matt Rogerson & Scott Taylor.
Intro to FAC and Membership Classes
Date: January 21–February 18
Time: 11:00am
Place: B106
Are you new or newer to First Alliance Church? Maybe you've been attending for years and have decided you'd like to become a member. Either way, this class is for you! Intro to FAC is a five-week course on all things FAC. Learn about who we are, what we believe, how to get involved, and the importance of becoming a member of the local church. This is also a great opportunity to meet others and build relationships!
If you'd like to be a part of Intro to FAC, use the link below to register. Deadline for registration is Friday, January 19. For questions, contact Kim Palmer in the church office at 814-833-9862.
Financial Peace University
Date: January 21–March 17
Time: 4:00–5:30pm
Place: E215
Cost: $80
Do you ever feel like you just can't get control of your money? You are not alone. You'd be surprised how many people are struggling with finances just like you. Our culture is designed to weigh you down with credit cards, car loans, and student loans.
It can be overwhelming … but it DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY. All you need is a little bit of knowledge, a little bit of direction, and a whole lot of encouragement from people who are on the same journey toward financial freedom. Financial Peace University is the perfect place to find all of this!
Join the Financial Peace University class and break free from financial pressures, get out of debt, and learn life-changing money principles. Click the button below to register or contact Valerie Kuntz at valerie.kuntz@gmail.com for more information.
Pure Desire: Compassionate Warrior
Date: January 22–June 10
Time: 7:00–8:30pm
Place: F203
Cost: $60
The Compassionate Warrior is a follow-up to 7 Pillars, designed for men who have made significant progress on the road to freedom from sexual addiction. You may have completed the initial work, but still find relapse sneaking up on you from time to time. You are reaching year 4, 5, or 6 of sobriety and find that you are still fighting daily for survival.
The Compassionate Warrior will take you deeper, and help you find the areas of your life where the enemy has laid emotional explosives. Finally, this course will help you identify the most profound areas of giftedness in your life so that you can be a warrior for others, not just yourself.
Reach out to Chenny Langness (cnlangness@gmail.com) for any questions or to get more information. Register and pay at the table in the lobby.
Believer’s Baptism
Date: February 25
Time: 9:30 & 11:00am during services
If you've made the decision to follow Christ but have never been baptized, what's holding you back? At FAC, we celebrate these things together as a family, and we're planning a baptism service for Sunday, February 25th during both morning services.
Baptism classes are a prerequisite for this, and these two classes will be held during the third and fourth week of January. If you're interested, you can register by clicking the button below or contact Pastor Scott at sshuffield@facerie.org or Pastor Chen at cvue@facerie.org
Registration deadline is January 21.
Prayer Request for International Workers
Remember Nhu is a ministry committed to ending child sex slavery through prevention, which is the most effective way to keep children safe and end this evil practice. Individuals and families at FAC sponsor girls and boys in Kenya, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Tanzania.
You can join us in becoming a difference maker by contacting Cindy Shuffield at cshuffield@facerie.org, and you can learn more about Remember Nhu by picking up a copy of our “Prayer Guide for World Missions” near The Hub.
Sunday Footnotes:
A gentle reminder to our Sunday family: if the service has already started, please refrain from using the center aisle to enter or leave the worship center, especially during the sermon time. Our camera operator needs a clear view of the pulpit.
Do You Have a Prayer Request or Praise?
"Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere" (Ephesians 6:18, NLT).
The staff and elders at FAC would love to pray for you. Send your request or praise to Pastor Scott through the form below.
Finance Information
Father, as we lay before you our financial offering, we give you all that we are and everything that you have entrusted to us. Bless these gifts for the sake of your kingdom and glory.
General Fund
Actual
Budgeted
Prior Year
Comparison
Last Week
$18,019
$34,463
$46,357
Year To Date*
$367,468
$438,705
$456,205