facWEEKLY December 22
We hope you've had a good week, FAC Family! Here are just some of the great things happening in the coming weeks.
CHURCH OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED DEC 25–JAN 1
Worship This Sunday
Emmanuel: God of LOVE | 1 John 4:9–10, 19
The greatest gift ever given was given by God. The gift is love and like all gifts, it must be received.
Bring the whole family and worship together during the morning service as we sing Christmas carols and learn about God's great gift of love. The young children can sit with Pastor Scott as he reads the Christmas story to them. A special gift will be given to all children elementary age and younger.
There will be one morning service this Sunday at 9:30am, and our traditional candlelight Christmas Eve service at 4:00pm. There will be no childcare during either service, but we've put together busy bags for the evening service, so your children will enjoy it as much as you do.
Magi Offering
This Sunday evening at our Christmas Eve service, we will carry on our Magi offering tradition. As in years past, we encourage the FAC family to generously give above their regular tithes and offerings to contribute to those in our congregation who are in need.
All Magi gifts go to our Benevolence fund. When giving, please designate on your check, giving envelope, or Pushpay donation as "Magi offering" to ensure the funds go to the right place.
Year-end Giving Essential Information
The church offices will be closed the entire period from December 25, 2023 through January 1, 2024.
Any year-end giving for FAC or the C&MA must be received or clearly postmarked by December 31, 2023 to be credited to the 2023 charitable contributions. Contributions will be received on Sunday, December 24 and December 31, 2023.
Sexual Integrity 101
Date: 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: 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.
Bible Reading Plans for the New Year
Reading the Bible on a regular and consistent basis has several benefits. First, the Bible shows us God’s character and provides us God’s revelation of himself to his people. In each section of the Bible, we see God’s holy, unchanging, faithful, gracious and loving character.
Second, in 2 Timothy 3:16–17 it says that the Bible is “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness.” The next verse goes on to say that this leads to the completeness and equipping “for every good work.”
Third, regularly reading God’s word reorients our thinking so we can grow in maturity. To help you, we have provided two different plans: a three-year plan to read through the whole Bible and a one-year plan for the New Testament, both for weekdays only. Take the challenge!
Prayer Request for International Workers
Rob and Barbara Quiring are international workers supported by FAC. They served for many years in Ecuador and are now located in Nebraska.
They report, "The team at Share English is undergoing a transition of leadership again. Our current US director plans to step down at the end of January, and we are seeking a new team leader. We are also looking for a social media specialist to interact with visitors on our website, app, Facebook, and other social media."
You can learn more about them by picking up a copy of our “Prayer Guide for World Missions” near The Hub and you can partner with Rob & Barb in ministry by giving to the FAC Missions Fund.
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
$16,811
$22,887
$26,747
Year To Date*
$315,208
$379,826
$390,669
*Fiscal year begins September 1st