Vision - week 2

Good morning and welcome to March! We are just 15 days from the first day of spring, kind of ironic considering my morning walk include the white stuff we are so over already! But that is Illinois - 60's one day - snow the next. it's all good in the neighborhood! Let's get this update started:

Message #2 on VISION happened yesterday as we continue to explore what we believe in God's vision for our church moving forward: FCC will become a passionate community of Disciple-makers!  If you missed yesterday, I would love for you to take 30 minutes and listen to the message on our website - it will up by noon today.  Here are couple of the highlights from the message yesterday:

** What is a Disciple of Jesus? A disciple is someone that wants to be like JESUS, someone that is committed to FOLLOWERSHIP, someone that is willing to SERVE OTHERS, and someone that understands their own BROKENNESS and realizes they need Jesus. We also considered this fact: merely attending church or being religious does NOT make you a Disciple - it is entirely possible to attend church services for decades and yet never become a Disciple of Jesus.

** What about a Disciple Maker? We looked at Jesus himself - the master Disciple Maker - what was the model of Jesus? He was very RELATIONAL - spent time with people. He poured his HEART and LIFE into a Few - and those few would eventually change the world. Jesus had a CRAZY love for sinners - and he didn't care what anyone that about it! Jesus knew about the power of PRAYER - the need to spiritually REFUEL. And Jesus had great balance in his life and ministry: a heart for the LOST, a desire to build up the SAVED, and a passion to equip his Disciples.

**Why does this matter? Simply put, there is NO OTHER PLAN! There is NO PLAN B! This is it - Jesus wants his followers - you and me - to make Disciples! So here is something to ponder: Who is YOUR ONE? Think of ONE person in your world that doesn't know Jesus - and do something about it! Do something about it this week. Pray. Engage. Take risks. Why? Because there is no other plan and you might just be the only Jesus some people see.

March happenings:

#1 - Area Men's Fellowship tomorrow night March 6 at 6:30pm - all men are welcome - the FCC van will provide transportation!

#2 - IF Gathering - this Saturday March 10 beginning at 8:30am - all women are welcome - call the office and talk to Mandi Ries if you have questions or need more info.

#3 - THIS Sunday March 11 - four things to remember:

** TIME CHANGE SUNDAY - spring forward - set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night!

** FRIEND DAY is this Sunday - who is your ONE? Invite them to join you!

** Congregational Meeting has been POSTPONED - will NOT take place following morning worship.

** PIZZA Potluck - connections event - 6pm in the Family Life Center - bring enough pizza for your family and a 2 liter bottle of pop/soda, along with your favorite board games.

#4 - Pancake/Sausage fundraiser - Saturday March 17 - come on out, stuff yourself and support a great cause!

#5 - Sunday March 18 - Meet and Greet for those who are new at FCC or simply want to connect with others and get more information about our church.

#6 - CAMA Good Friday service at 7pm on Friday March 30 at Lane Christian Church.

April/May peak ahead:

** Sunday April 1 is EASTER - no joke! Who is your ONE?

** Sunday April 8 - Rooted begins on Sunday morning - will you consider this 10 week spiritual journey?

** Saturday April 21 - Intentional Church Conference in Decatur - I have room for YOU!

** Sunday April 22 - Fan the Flame featuring Jason Gray and Chris August

** Tuesday May 1 - Rotary-sponsored Nelson's Chicken Dinner Fundraiser to support area food pantries, including FCC's!

Prayer requests:

Please lift up the following:

Ernie Harvey - surgery Wednesday in B-N
Scott Williamson
Bill Hopper
Rex Bell
Ruth Harvey
Kane Roberts

Have a great week - see you Sunday for VISION message #3!

GT