Dear Faith Family, 

Taking an inventory of how God has provided for our church is a task that can easily be overlooked. Yet when we do not intentionally think about, talk about and live out the ways God has met our needs anxiety or arrogance can quickly result.

It occurred to me while preaching at our three Christmas Services at Faith that I had the best “seat” in the worship center. The view of our fifty-year old congregation, from the center of the stage, is really something. One service was so full there was only room to stand; yet it was not the numbers that amazed me.  It is how God has brought our church family from struggling to on our way to thriving.

In 2012 I saw people of multiple ages and stages come to know Christ through FCC.  I saw mature followers grow deeper as disciples. And I saw cultural and generational barriers fall down as we worshipped as one family. Thank you so much for making all this possible church!

Thank You, thank you, thank you….

The FCC Ministry Staff feel so privileged to serve this church and this community. Thank you from each and every one of us for making it possible to serve in the roles that we do. Thank you for making Faith Covenant a church where my family can grow in Christ alongside warm and inviting people. For the countless ways you have given generously with your time, talents, and prayerful participation in the ministry at Faith in 2012 we are deeply grateful. Most of all though, we are glad to worship God alongside you.

Financial update

Praise God for providing. As we close 2012 all bills are paid, our mortgage has been illuminated, we have raised over $10,000 to go to human trafficking and tutoring initiatives locally and we are seeing an increase in people who are saying they are fully invested in Faith Covenant Church with their weekly offerings. I know that I am excited to give my tithes and offerings to Faith… a church that is experiencing renewal through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Calling all Small Group Leaders

Lastly, we will be launching new small groups at Faith in late February of 2013. This means that we are inviting those who are currently leading a small group and also those who might be open to leading to attend our January Small Group Training Seminar. We offer both a week-day option spread out over a Tuesday and Thursday evenings (Jan. 15 and 17 pm) or a Saturday (Jan 19) option. Please email Jen Sorenson if you would be open to attending the training.

Thank you for your faithfulness church. I’m humbled to serve, grow and lead alongside you.

Pastor Mike Lotzer

 
Picture
It’s Almost Christmas!

“I can’t believe more people aren’t coming here!”

This was a simple comment made by someone in our congregation after a recent Sunday service.  I feel the exact same way.  It is such a privilege to worship here with all of you.  I don’t feel that way because we “have it all together” or because what we are doing is particularly cutting edge or different or new, or anything of that sort.  It’s the simple idea that when God is working in us and through us, it is a beautiful, attractive, and exciting thing.

In the last couple of weeks at Rev and Fusion (our middle and high school Wednesday night programs), we talked about how Joseph and Mary each played a role in the Christmas story, and that God trusted them with this responsibility.  God easily could have just made Jesus appear in some miraculous display of teleportation, but he didn’t.  He used his people, relied on his people, trusted his people to care for and steward HIS son. 

When we love and follow God, he trusts us too.  What is God trusting you with this Christmas season?  He has given us not just salvation, but a Savior.  How will we share that message and that responsibility with those who so desperately need it?  This is my prayer of consideration for all of us in this season of Advent as we expectantly wait for the Once and Future King.

With that, here are some things you may want to know or be reminded of:

Christmas Eve service reminders:

-We will gather at 4:00, 7:00, and 8:30pm. 

-Childcare will be available only at the 4pm service for children up to 5 years old.

-Remember to pick up your business card-sized invites to our Christmas Eve services for neighbors, co-workers or friends, and let them know it’s good for a free cup of coffee at The Buzz on Burnsville Parkway after the service!

Sunday Morning Children’s Programming:

-December 23 and 30, there will be no “kid’s church” during services.  Childcare for children up to age 5 will still be available.

Financial update

-Thank you for your continued generosity with the Jubilee fund.  We are still accepting gifts for this fund which will go toward needed repairs in our facility, as well as continued blessings for our Freedom Initiatives doing justice work in our community.

-Gifts and offerings must be postmarked by Dec 31 to be counted in the 2012 tax year

One way you can help this Christmas season

Christmas can be a difficult time for many struggling with illness, the loss of a loved one, or other heartbreaking situations.  Please be praying for those struggling this time of year.  One practical way you can help is by holding on to your worship folder (aka bulletin) the next couple of Sundays and pray for those listed there and anyone else you know who may need it.  Prayer is the engine of this church – let’s keep it going strong!

Vision updated on website

Through prayer and conversation, our Strategic Team has been honing and crafting our vision statement and the values surrounding it.  It has been an effort not to mark a new path, really, but to identify the path FCC has faithfully walked for many years, and to clarify it.  If you are interested, please see the website for the language we are using as we move forward.  You will hear more about this soon. 

http://www.faithcovenant.org/#/home/mission-vision

Church office closed

The church office will officially be closed from December 24-January 1. If you have a prayer request or care need during this holiday week, please email [email protected] or call the church at 952.890.3110 and wait for the prompt connecting you with the pastor on call for that day. Pastors will be available to respond to immediate needs.


 
Greetings Faith family! What a winter wonderland we live in – how beautiful the snow is this Christmas season. After a snow-less MN winter last year, the view outside my windows is extra breathtaking, and the opportunity to cross country ski through the woods is a gift that Kirk and I have already enjoyed this week. I hope you are able to find joy and a bit of fun amidst the cold and snow this winter!

The advent season is in full swing, and my prayer (for myself as well as each of you) is that the Christ of Christmas doesn’t get lost in the rush of shopping, wrapping, shipping, decorating, and baking. I’m reminded of 1 Cor. 10:31 “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” This is my reminder this year as I bustle about, crossing things off the lengthy to-do list. All that this season brings is because of the Christ whose birth we celebrate… All that Christmas entails is because of the baby Jesus!

That said, it’s a busy time of year to be sure. And the same is true at Faith! Here are a few things you’ll want to note on your calendar(s):

The Songs We Sing! – We’re halfway through an advent sermon series that walks us through several well-known Christmas hymns. What a treat, to look at familiar words and tunes from a broader point of view, really focusing on the words and the author who penned them. Two weeks down, two to go! Join us this Sunday for week 3 and another song…

Wednesdays, December 19 & 26 and Sundays, December 23 & 30
Children and Student Ministries will enjoy a bit of rest – there are no programs these two weeks! Note: Childcare for kids ages 4-under will be available on Sunday mornings.

Christmas Eve Services are at 4:00, 7:00, & 8:30pm. Remember to pray about who you will invite this year – and be sure to grab several “invite” cards to hand out!

The church office will officially be closed from December 24-January 1. If you have a prayer request or care need during this holiday week, please email [email protected] or call the church at 952.890.3110 and wait for the prompt connecting you with the pastor on call for that day. Pastors will be available to respond to immediate needs.

During the month of January, we will again commit to preaching and practicing a month of “rest.” A number of events will begin in January, but several things will wait until February. Our desire is that you intentionally rest and enjoy a quieter pace with God and with loved ones after a busy holiday season… and that the new year begins with a degree of focus and refreshment.

God bless you all – enjoy the season!

 

Have you ever felt like you were apart of something really special: a winning sports team, a group that truly cared for one another and defied the odds? Being apart of the Christ's body at FCC is an exciting place to be these days.  I'm amazed at what God is doing and wants to continue to do.  And Christmas is a fantastic time to be riding a wave of anticipation and excitement to see what blessings come next.

In that spirit of advent and anticipation, we need your help. This year we are not spending money to promote Christmas through ad agencies or newspapers. We are depending upon you, our congregation, to get the word out. Think of someone you know who needs Jesus. Pray about it and give them an invite card to come check out one of our Christmas Eve services @ 4pm, 7pm, or 8:30pm. The cards are at the welcome desk in the lobby. Grab a handful and start investing in people’s lives by inviting them to church this Christmas.

We have a few other things listed below. And don’t forget we're continuing our brand new advent series this Sunday called “The Songs We Sing” at our new service times 9:30am & 11am. Hope to see you there! 

This is Pastor John, signing off….

HERE IS WHAT IS COMING UP AT FAITH

Remember: Worship Times have Changed to 9:30 and 11:00am!! 

Christmas Eve services (4, 7, and 8:30pm)
One of the most significant events of the Christian faith – a celebration of God’s gift of grace and reconciliation to us—his own Son, Jesus!