I Know the Plans I Have For You
November 3rd - November 24th, 2019
The You Is Plural
November 3, 2019 • Brian Gerard
"For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope." This passage from Jeremiah (29:11) is one of the most popular passages of scripture. Unfortunately, the reason for that is based on a misinterpretation of its message. The Good News is that the true meaning is far more powerful - not just for you, but for everyone.
Breaking the Bounds
November 10, 2019 • Brian Gerard
At First Christian Church, we seek to be a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world, welcoming all to the Lord's Table just as God has welcomed us. At the heart of that mission, is our call to be a welcoming and inclusive church. Of course, a welcoming church also means a diverse church, which can lead to some tensions as we seek to serve Christ together. Join us for a powerful message that explores how we can overcome those tensions and break the bounds that divide us. As part of his message, Brian referred to the article, "Jesus loved outsiders. So why is the Church known for being judgmental?" by John Ortberg. A link to that article has been provided. We are also in the middle of our 2020 Stewardship Campaign. If you have not yet filled out your estimate of giving card for the coming year, please follow the link provided.
Not a Needy Person Among Them
November 17, 2019 • Brian Gerard
The early church had a radical approach to living in community that worked incredibly well. So much so that there was not a needy person among them. While recreating their approach may not work today, God's plan for us to take care of our community is still pretty radical. The good news is that if we live into it, we may just find there is not a needy person among us either. We are in our final week of this year's ministry celebration. If you have not already done so, please consider filling out an estimate of giving card for 2020 using the link provided.
Celebration Sunday
November 24, 2019 • Brian Gerard
2019 was an amazing year of ministry at First Christian Church. Through the grace of God and your sacrificial gifts, we were able to fund 36 new and continuing wholeness ministries with over $65,000! This message celebrates each of those ministries as well as the work we have done in addition to them. Today also marks the conclusion of our annual stewardship drive. If you have not had the chance to do so yet, please take a moment to fill out your 2020 estimate of giving card using the link provided.