Hello Faith-ers

We had an amazing Sunday this last week. God moved through the service and we saw many people asking questions about how they can get involved in missions at Faith. We have been so excited to see the response God is stirring in people’s hearts.  We are seeing Jesus’ words in Mathew 28:19-20 really lived out. Jesus says…



19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

I believe many Christians focus on the evangelism part of this passage and they forget about the second part...to teach. We need to teach people about what Jesus has commanded us, not just tell them what he has done for us. We can tell people about our experience all we want (they might even be inspired by our experiences) but we also need to teach people about who God is so that they can have their own experiences with Christ.

That is why I am so happy to see our church be a church that is both deep [developing disciples] and wide [reaching the lost]. I am constantly amazed at how great our volunteers are at reaching out. We have a strong volunteer base and they do a great job! 

But, I’ve got to be honest with you…some of our volunteers have been feeling a little burnt-out because we have been short for a while on volunteers. So, as we are talking about reaching out in our World Tour series, I want to ask that you consider reaching out by volunteering in a ministry (if you are not already doing so). We need greeters, ushers, café staff, and Welcome Desk attendants. It doesn’t take much time: only about 30 minutes to 1 hour on a Sunday morning. 

And, only because it was pointed out to me by a person in an older generation, will I say this: most of the volunteers in this area appear to be in the older generation. We need the younger generations along with the older generations. So please consider volunteering where you can be the hands and feet of Jesus right at home. If you are interested in volunteering, contact [email protected] and let her know the position you would like volunteer for.   

See you Sunday, 
-Jon Oney

HERE IS WHAT IS COMING UP AT FAITH

JULY 14 ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
If you consider Faith Covenant your church home, please mark your calendar and plan to attend the Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, July 14 at 12:15pm. As a result of the change to a new fiscal year-end of June 30, this is the 2nd annual meeting for 2013. Topics this meeting include: Presentation and vote on the 2013-2014 budget; Ministry Highlights; Council Member term adjustment; and Facilities/Parking Lot Discussion. If you have any other business that you would like to share regarding this meeting, email [email protected]. Minutes for the last congregational meeting will be available in the lobby.

ALL CHURCH GARAGE SALE VOLUNTEERS
Our All-Church Garage Sale needs many volunteers to help sort, price, and arrange items before the sale and also to work the sale on July 25 and 26. All proceeds go to support widows and orphans in Kosovo. We would love your help. Please call Rick Drenk at 952.891.2997.

INFANT BAPTISM/DEDICATION
If you would like to either baptize or dedicate your child, please register to attend our one-hour parent class scheduled for 11am on July 14. Class is followed on July 28 by a service of celebration and welcome for your little one during worship services. Parent application is due before class, on July 8, to [email protected].

WOMEN’S SUMMER BOOK STUDY
Join us as we study and discuss the book The 7 Hardest Things God Asks a Woman to Do by mother-daughter authors Kathie Reimer and Lisa Whittle. They want women to come to a better understanding of knowing what is required of us as women and feel that by identifying and and dealing with these things, we gain the empowerment of the Lord who guides, strengthens, and enables us to do what he asks. Study is 7 weeks, and chapter 1 should be read before the first class. Books available at Faith for $10. Contact Jen to RSVP [email protected].

FAITH STEPS WALKING CLUB
Women of all ages, children (in strollers) and pets (friendly) are welcome to join our Women's Ministry weekly walking club! We will walk at various locations around the south metro from 9 - 10am on Friday mornings. This week, June 28, we will walk at Day Park (Early Lake Trail) at the northeast corner of County Road 5 and Southcross Drive; 14625 County Road 5, in Burnsville. Contact Natalie for more information: [email protected].

FAMILY CAMP AT COVENANT PINES
Family Camp brings the best of Covenant Pines summer programming, staff and the beauty of our natural environment together to provide an opportunity for families to grow closer to God and to one another. Camp begins after 4pm on Thursday and ends after lunch on Sunday. Our summer speakers are: Jim Sundholm (July) and Rob Jacobson (August). For further details visit CPBC’s website at http://covenantpines.org/summer-camps/

By Pastor Mike Lotzer

I’m blown away by this church!  There is an ever-increasing movement of God’s grace and favor on this unique family of Christ followers.  Case in point: We had thirty-two people come forward to be baptized in a service recently–how amazing is that?

Or think about this, we are consistently feeding hungry families with our second Monday of the month Food Outreach Ministry–a ministry that is 100% volunteer led! That is remarkable.  Perhaps you don’t know this; our staff is prayerfully asking how we can bless other churches and ministry staffs.  Both Pastor John Foley and I have recently preached at churches that don’t have the benefit of a large staff.  Isn’t it awesome that we can give pastors a well-deserved break to regroup and hear from God for no charge?  But most recently, I’m excited about VBS! The remainder of this week’s update is all about how our kid’s are leading the way. Let me explain:

Jon Dack our Children’s Ministry Director delivered a fantastic sermon this past Sunday!  If you were out of town go listen to it in our website under media + messages.  In the message Jon said we could take a lesson or two from the boldness of kids.  Jon Dack is right on is he not?


Practically this comes alive for me through the flurry of activity and joyful cheers from kids getting excited about Jesus.  What are they up to? It is our annual Vacation Bible School at FCC. What an event it is, let me tell you. The volunteers pour out their generous time and talent. The kids from our community, having no reason to come, are actually coming to hear the gospel.  And of course, there are those blinding neon shirts all around the building! The excitement and boldness of our kids at FCC is contagious I assure you.  

Think about it.  Kids can get us adults to do things we would never do otherwise–like when I do those voice impersonations of the Thomas the Train characters before bed for my two-year old.  Wow, did I just admit that in an article that people will be able to Google for all of time?  Seriously though, how passionate is your praise of God?  Kind David danced like a fool in front of the royal court and said, “I will become even more undignified than this for my God!”

Now I’m all for reverence. In fact, solitude and respect is the natural way I approach God, but what about the child-like boldness inside the heart of every Christ-follower?  How is that passion and boldness being grown in your own life this week?  If you don’t know, I dare you to pray a dangerous prayer: ”Dear God, would you give me an opportunity this week to be bold for you, to get excited about how good you are?”  See what happens and learn from those who keep it simple, our kids. 

Dear Beloved FCC,

Today the Sun is shinning, finally!!! Just this morning I was meditating on this incredible reality, "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and exact representation (essence) of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word." (Hebrews 1:3)  May the Sun and Son keep shinning in your life, my life, and everywhere the radiance of Jesus is impacting lives near and far.  I hope many of you get to join us for our World Tour sermon series throughout June.  In this we're highlighting FCC missions and asking, "what work or mission does God have for each of us?"  Keep in mind we have a special missions offering at the end of the service on June 23rd.  

Shine Jesus Shine!!!

Pastor John

Here's what else is happening....

Annual Meeting
If you consider Faith Covenant your church home, please mark your calendar and plan to attend the Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, July 14 at 12:15pm. As a result of the change to a new fiscal year end of June 30, this is the 2nd annual meeting for 2013. If you have any business that you would like to share regarding this meeting, email [email protected]. Minutes for the last congregational meeting will be available in the lobby.

Women's Ministry Summer Bible Study
Join us as we study and discuss this book by mother-daughter authors Kathie Reimer and Lisa Whittle, who want women to come to a better understanding of knowing what is required of us. By identifying and and dealing with these things, we gain the empowerment of the Lord who guides, strengthens, and enables us to do what he asks. Study is 7 weeks, and chapter 1 should be read before the first class. Books available at Faith for $10. Contact Jen to RSVP [email protected].

Walking Club
Women of all ages, children (in strollers) and pets (friendly) are welcome to join our Women's Ministry weekly walking club! We will walk at various locations around the south metro from 9 - 10am. Friday June 14, we will walk at Sunset Lake Pond. Contact Natalie for more information: [email protected].

Summer Knitting Group
Calling anyone with skill or interest in knitting and visiting: Faith's knitting group plans to meet at JoJo's Rise and Wine on the 2nd Wednesdays during the summer months, from 6:30-8pm. Plan to join us to learn a new skill, work on a project, and enjoy some lively fellowship!

Community Impact Fundraiser
Take your family to dinner Monday, June 24 at Pizza Ranch in Lakeville and support Teen Challenge Leadership Institute. From 4:30 - 8 pm, 10% of your guest check will be donated back to Teen Challenge. Pick up a ticket in the lobby at the Connections Desk.

By Brian Martin

Without question, we have a staff that is supportive of one another.  We want one another to succeed, be healthy, and stay committed to our mission of renewal through Christ.

With that in mind, we have made a practical step to formalize that support and the systems surrounding it with the formation of a new staff team that will be responsible for Children, Youth, and Family.  This will help our team create a strategic and seamless spiritual development arc that walks with a young person from birth and prepares them into the college years.  The formation of our team will allow us to work within our strength areas even more, support one another in more practical ways, and ensure our ministry is increasingly effective and increasingly collaborative.

All the people you would expect will still be a part of this CYF (Children, Youth, and Family) initiative: Jon Dack and Shelly Brinkman remain our Children’s Ministry experts and lead programming from birth through 5th grade; Ryan Nyquist (have you met Ryan yet?) and Brian Martin will still be responsible for 6th-12th grade; and Lynn Nunn is the administrative assistant supporting this whole integrated department.  However, while the players still remain the same, the change means that Brian (that’s me) will also take on the additional responsibility of spear-heading this family initiative and leading and managing the team and our efforts.

My first goal is to simply understand better what is happening in the younger levels and begin to form strategy around a more family-centric model that considers implications across generations.  As we move forward, we will also work to streamline our communication pieces, coordinate our schedules, and be sure we are working toward a common vision in a common direction. 

What does that mean for you as someone who has kids in our programming?  From a day-to-day stand point, you’ll still go to the leader of each ministry area with questions or needs.  But from a medium-to-long-term standpoint, know that we have a renewed commitment to making Faith Covenant the best resource and source of encouragement for your family and for you as parents, as well as a commitment to being the best trellis on which the spiritual growth of our young people can grow.

And now, here are some other important things we want you to know!

VBS – We need YOU!

Registrations are pouring in, preparations are being made, and prayers are being said for our littlest FCCers (and many of their friends and neighbors) to join us for VBS June 17-21 (9am-Noon). With hundreds of kids to serve, we need your help to give them the best experience possible.  Specifically, we are in need of two things: we need 10 Crew Leaders to join our team, and 1 First Aid Attendant.  Can you help?  If so, please contact Lynn Nunn at [email protected] to get signed up for this amazing opportunity.

    Crew Leader: (Adults/high school students) Crew leaders guide their crew members (6-8 kids) through     activities, help facilitate learning, and join in the VBS fun!

    First Aid Attendant: Help with bumps, scrapes, and boo boos!  While medical training and/or CPR            training are a huge plus, compassion and common sense are the only necessity to serve in this important     role.


Summer REV/FUSION

Calling all students grades 5-12!  Did you know that our first week of summer programming started JUNE 2??  That’s right, we’re meeting most Sunday nights throughout the summer, and YOU and all your friends are invited!  We’ll be studying the Sermon on the Mount, play some amazing games, and have an awesome time connecting. 

REV (grades 6-8) meets from 6:30-8:00pm in Rm 150;

FUSION (grades 9-12) meets from 8:00-9:30pm in Rm 150. 

Current 5th graders are invited to join us this summer as well!  And current 8th graders may choose either (or both) levels to participate.  Full calendars for REV and Fusion summer plans can be found here: 

REV: http://www.faithcovenant.org/#/ministries/jr-high-revolution   

FUSION: http://www.faithcovenant.org/#/ministries/high-school-fusion.  

Questions, comments, or wise cracks can be directed to Brian at [email protected].


MUUUCE – Jr. High Experience

We cannot WAIT for MUUUCE this year!  All students currently in grades 5-8 are invited to join us for MUUUCE in Woodbury. It is going to be AMAZING! The trip will include Valleyfair, awesome music, a great speaker, and tons of other fun things to do.  Get all the information you need (including registration forms, etc.) on our website at: http://www.faithcovenant.org/#/ministries/jr-high-revolution. Deadline to sign up is Sunday, June 23. 

**Please note: you MUST sign up through Faith Covenant (or another Covenant church) – not through Crossroads who is hosting the event.**


Women's Ministry Summer Book Study

Join us beginning July 9 at 10am, as we study and discuss this book by mother-daughter authors Kathie Reimer and Lisa Whittle, who want women to come to a better understanding of knowing what is required of us. By identifying and and dealing with these things, we gain the empowerment of the Lord who guides, strengthens, and enables us to do what he asks. Study is 7 weeks , and chapter 1 should be read before the first class. Books available at Faith for $10. Contact Jen to RSVP [email protected].


Save the date: Benefit Concert

Mark your calendars for Faith4Freedom's Awareness and Action Concert on Saturday August 3. It will be at Nicollet Commons Park in Burnsville from 6 - 9pm. Watch for more details soon! For more information, contact Deb Devine at [email protected]

 

Introducing Ryan Nyquist 

Ryan Nyquist recently joined Faith's Student Ministry Team as the Worship Leader and Junior High Coordinator.  He will lead the worship and tech teams for our Student Ministry programming, as well as be the point person for Jr. High events.  He will also share the teaching role occasionally.  Ryan is a gifted musician, an engaging personality, a strong leader, and a great teammate.  As you get to meet him, please welcome him to the Faith family!

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…” Eccl. 3:1

Summer is almost here  (on the calendar, anyway)! School ends for most students next week and, ready-or-not, many schedules or rhythms are about to change. For my family, this is a welcomed change, as three of the four of us look forward to sleeping in and setting their own schedules for a season. And even though my own schedule doesn’t change, a new rhythm in one area of life certainly affects all areas of life. Changes bring new perspective, new focus, new priorities, and new energy. Change keeps us on our toes and prevents us from becoming stagnant in an area of life. While every change (both welcomed and unwelcomed) brings a degree of stress, change can also bring new opportunities (for rest or for growth).

Here are a few things to note as our church heads into a new season:

Love Burnsville Week! Mayor Kautz has invited our church as well as other faith communities in Burnsville to reach out with simple acts of kindness and compassion during the city's Love Burnsville Week, which begins this Saturday. We encourage you to use this as an opportunity to bless your neighbors. For a list of creative acts of kindness go to http://popmn.org/wp content/uploads/popmn/2013/04/Dots-of-Love_Summer-calendar.pdf and for a events occurring this week go to http://www.burnsville.org/index.aspx?NID=738.

Faith Steps Walking Club! Women of all ages, children (in strollers) and friendly pets are welcome to join our Women's Ministry weekly walking club starting June 7! We will walk at various locations around the south metro on Fridays from 9-10am. Our first week we will start and end at Faith Covenant. Contact Natalie for more information: [email protected].

Walk for Life! Faith Covenant has long partnered with our neighbor, Amnion Crisis Pregnancy Center, in hosting their annual Walk for Life. This year's (2 mile) walk will take place on Saturday, June 8th and, as always, begins and ends right here at Faith Covenant. Consider walking, invite your friends, and/or sponsor a walker this year! Contact Deb Devine at [email protected] for more information.

World Tour! Join us for our next sermon series June 9-30.  We'll be taking a World Tour of some of the worldwide missions that FCC is involved in, all the while asking the question "what work or mission does God have for each of us?"  N.B. There will be a special Missions offering on June 23 to help fund some very exciting special missions projects.

Vacation Bible School! VBS is our weeklong program for children 3 1/2 to grade 5. It is absolutely free and provides a great opportunity to invite your friends and neighbors. VBS is a wonderful way to help children explore God's Word in new and exciting ways. June 17-21, 9am-noon. Sign up on Faith's web page (Children's Ministry tab) or pick up a paper form at the church's main office.

Women’s Ministry Book Study! A 7 week study of “The 7 Hardest Things God Asks a Woman to Do,” by Kathie Reimer & Lisa Whittle, begins July 9 on Tuesday mornings. Details to follow! Contact Jen at [email protected] for information or to register.

Church Picnic time! Plan to join us on Wednesday, August 21 from 6-8:30pm for dinner, fellowship, and baptisms at Antler's Park (Lake Marion)! We'll provide burgers and hot dogs - bring your own chair or blanket and a dish to share.

Our youth are awesome, aren’t they? It was so fun seeing them lead worship this past Sunday. The youth team has done a great job of developing leaders and worshipers.  Congratulations to all the Graduates and those students who were confirmed.

Well as many of you know John Foley and myself spent some time in Kosovo with a mission team of about 30 people from all different backgrounds. I know that some of you have asked to know more about the mission work that Faith Covenant Church has been involved with. I have been really excited to see how much interest we have in missions because that means more people want to go out and be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Over the next month, John Foley will be highlighting missions in our next series beginning June 9th. It is a time where you hear about the different missions Faith is apart of, but also have a chance to become involved. It is going to be a great series.

Before we start the new series, we are in the last 2 weeks of the series “Be Yourself.” This week is Memorial Day weekend and Char will be giving the message. The next week, June 2nd, we will be having a time where you can be baptized right in the service. So if you are thinking about baptism or want to be baptized remember to where appropriate cloths to get baptized June 2nd.

Also there is an optional baptism class this coming Wednesday in room 200 for those who want to know more about baptism. You do not need to go to the class to be baptized in the service June 2nd, but thought we would offer a class for those who still might have questions about baptism. Don’t forget if you want to get baptized to bring a change of cloths. It is going to be great! Can’t wait to see how the Spirit is going to move in the service.

See you Sunday,
-Jon Oney

HERE IS WHAT IS COMING UP AT FAITH

VBS
VBS is our week long program for children 3 1/2 to grade 5. It is absolutely free and provides a great opportunity to invite your friends and neighbors. VBS is a wonderful way to help your children explore God's Word in new and exciting ways. June 17-21.

AMNION CRISIS PREGNANCY’S WALK FOR LIFE
Mark your calendars! Faith Covenant has long partnered with our neighbor, Amnion Crisis Pregnancy Center, in hosting their annual Walk for Life. This year's two mile walk will take place on Saturday, June 8. As always, it begins and ends right here at Faith Covenant. Consider walking, invite your friends, and/or sponsor a walker this year! For more information contact Deb Devine at [email protected].

FAITH STEPS WALKING CLUB
We are so excited to offer our women an opportunity to gather on a weekly basis this summer to walk, visit, and pray together. Join us Friday mornings from 9-10am for a time of excercise and fellowship. Bring your little ones (strollers are welcome) and friendly dogs... For more information, contact Natalie at [email protected]. First Faith Steps will be June 2, meeting at and departing from Faith.

ALL-CHURCH PICNIC
Summer in Minnesota = Church Picnic time! Plan to join us on Wednesday, August 21 from 6-8:30pm for dinner, fellowship, and baptisms at Antler's Park (Lake Marion)! We'll provide burgers and hot dogs - bring your own chair or blanket and a dish to share.

Greetings Friends,

Pastor Mike Lotzer here with this week’s Faith Update.  Appreciating the good things that God brings our way is a discipline I often forget to incorporate. With that in mind let me share some good news that I am thanking God for at Faith:

New Faces:  I am seeing more and more new faces in our weekly gatherings. The warmth and Christ-like hospitality of our church family seems to be growing, and for that I am grateful to you and to God.

As we Age: I spoke with a dear woman in her late seventies last week who shared with me how she is becoming more aware of the true motives of her heart.  As she identifies pride and selfishness she is becoming quicker to ask for forgiveness to those she interacts with.  How cool is that? A church where even those of us approaching 80 years old are intentionally asking God to grow us!

Early Words of Faith:  I am so grateful for those who see a need and offer time and talent to teach our children about Jesus.  In my own family the value of our children’s ministry became clear when my son, just shy of his second birthday, said  “I love Jesus” as I put him down for a nap after church.  Of course he often stays in the nursery for both services so he does get the benefit of repetition… For a church that forms the faith of toddlers I am so grateful!

Service & Influence: Faith Food Outreach fed 370 families Monday. Isn’t that incredible? Thank you to all who serve on the second Monday of each month in that ministry.  I heard today that more and more of the clients who receive the food are asking to volunteer to help serve the food.  Behind that trend I see the power of just how influential giving one’s time with no strings attached to help others can be.  In fact, in general, we are seeing more people asking how they can serve at Faith across departments. Thank you for that church!

Give, Save, Live: This simple rhythm of financial management is more than good advice. It is the biblical rhythm of responsibly managing God’s resources. I preached on this rhythm last winter and I have been humbled to see tangible growth in giving at FCC.  I sense that our church is grasping that generosity and giving God our first as a response to the Gospel.  What is more, it is the best vaccination possible against the virus of greed, consumer debt, and financial heartbreak.  Thank you for giving joyfully, sacrificially and consistently.  It is critical to moving our ministry in God-honoring directions. 

Faith in College:  I am thrilled to see that so many have rallied around a plan our Youth Director, Brian Martin, is rolling out. His plan: Build volunteer teams to support our individual young people at FCC as they transition from high school to college.  These teams will send care packages and letters to our College Freshman next fall and commit to praying for and dialoging with these ambassadors of Christ in a new chapter that is often infamous for starving a daily walk with Christ.

These are just a sampling of the good news that comes across my desk and through conversations daily. From my view God is moving in this family.  Some of the very best things are so clearly a work of God’s Spirit that our staff couldn’t even begin to take credit for it! If you would like to share some good news you see happening at Faith please send it to our church council at: [email protected]

Lastly, below you will find information about Children’s Ministry, a Walking Club, Missionary Updates and more.  God bless and keep you in Christ!

Genuinely,
Mike Lotzer

Children's Ministry Summer Programs
Check out the fun things we have planned for your children/grandchildren this summer at Faith! They won't want to miss VBS, Covenant Pines Day Camp or Secret Service Day Camp. Registrations are available on the Children's Ministry page at www.faithcovenant.org, or paper copies are at Faith by the main office. VBS is free and is a great outreach opportunity to share with your friends and neighbors.

Faith Steps Walking Club
We are excited to offer our women an opportunity to gather on a weekly basis this summer to walk, visit, and pray together. Join us Friday mornings from 9-10am for a time of exercise and fellowship. Bring your little ones (strollers are welcome) and friendly dogs, if you'd like. For more information, contact Natalie at [email protected]. The first Faith Steps will be June 2, meeting at and departing from Faith.

Mission Moment
Stop by the Faith Missions Board (in the upstairs hall by the east door) to learn more about the Smoak's ministry in Honduras. Allison Smoak is a daughter of our congregation; parents are Mark & Pat Heimkes.

Covenant Pines Golf Tournament
Join us for the 18th Annual Covenant Pines Golf Tournament, Wed June 5th at Crystal Lake Golf Course in Lakeville. Funds from the event will help support Covenant Pines scholarships to ensure every kid is a camper. Limited to the first 144 golfers. Don't golf? No problem. Be a sponsor or donate prizes. Register online at covenantpines.org. Click on the "schedule" tab.

Walk for Life

Mark your calendars! Faith Covenant has long partnered with our neighbor, Amnion Crisis Pregnancy Center, in hosting their annual Walk for Life. This year's (2 mile) walk will take place on Saturday, June 8th and, as always, begins and ends right here at Faith Covenant. Consider walking, invite your friends, and/or sponsor a walker this year! Contact Deb Devine at [email protected] for more information.

After 10 days in Kosovo, there are many stories to tell.  A team of 31 joined Rick, Mary, and Tim Drenk in the mission work that continues year after year since the war in 1999.  Pictured here from FCC are Jon Oney, Pat  Simpkins, myself, and Bob and Jaymie McNamara.  It was a phenomenal trip from beginning to end.  I am humbled by God's hand, faithfulness, and blessings he has poured out since FCC first overwhelmingly supported the Drenk's mission work there.  Look forward to hearing and seeing more about this trip during our June sermon series.

-Pastor John Foley

Here are a couple things happening at Faith:

Children's Ministry Summer Programs
Check out the fun things we have planned for your children/grandchildren this summer at Faith! They won't want to miss VBS, Covenant Pines Day Camp or Secret Service Day Camp. Registrations are available on the Children's Ministry page at www.faithcovenant.org or paper copies are at Faith by the main office. VBS is free and is a great outreach opportunity to share with your friends and neighbors.

Amnion Crisis Pregnancy Center's Annual Walk for Life
Mark your calendars! Faith Covenant has long partnered with our neighbor, Amnion Crisis Pregnancy Center, in hosting their annual Walk for Life. This year's (2 mile) walk will take place on Saturday, June 8th and, as always, begins and ends right here at Faith Covenant. Consider walking, invite your friends, and/or sponsor a walker this year! Contact Deb Devine at [email protected] for more information.

Faith Steps Walking Club
Women of all ages, children (in strollers) and pets (friendly) are welcome to join our Women's Ministry weekly walking club starting June 7! We will walk at various locations around the south metro from 9 - 10am. Contact Natalie for more information: [email protected].

Birth is a beautiful thing.

Many of you know what I’m talking about.  You’ve been in a delivery room as a witness to the very first moments of a person.  It’s this thing that feels like a miracle, and it’s a moment that reveals God in this unique way like nothing else does.

I guess I’m thinking about birth today because of some recent births around here (Keely Dack and Isaac Lotzer, to name a couple), as well as a “church birth” celebration for Restoration last Friday night which welcomed our little church plant into full-on, real, not-a-church-plant-anymore status.  While it’s fun and easy to think about the beauty of these kinds of beginnings, there are a couple other necessary observations to make about birth, too.

Birth hurts.

Labor is called labor for a reason; it’s really hard work.  It’s often compared to the level of energy it takes to run a marathon (did Ann Eicher get you to sign up for Team World Vision yet? Because if not, she’s comin’ for you!).  Energy is involved here.

Birth requires risk.

Babies and mothers are at risk at the moment of birth.  Most births (statistically) occur without incident.  But there is always the risk that the transition from in-the-belly to out-of-the belly will carry dangers unknown or unavoidable.

In the church, we live in this reality and tension that birth, in this case metaphorical birth, is beautiful, but is also risky and, sometimes, painful.  The birth of a new idea, a new strategy, or a new program in a church carries all of these same markings.  There is, perhaps, excitement about the new, a joyous celebration.  But there is also risk: what if this doesn’t work? What if NOT doing it that way means it doesn’t work? And there is pain that can come in many forms.

A question I am wrestling with today is this: in the Church (the “big C” kind…but our “little c” church, too), does the beauty of birth and the start of a new generation of ideas and strategies outweigh the pain and the risk?  Or does the risk feel too high and the pain too scary to avoid “pregnancy” all together?

God, help us all know your will on that.

All that said, here’s some information we thought you’d want to have:

Faith Steps Walking Club
Women of all ages, children (in strollers) and pets (friendly) are welcome to join our Women's Ministry weekly walking club starting June 7! We will walk at various locations around the south metro from 9 - 10am. Contact Natalie for more information: [email protected].

Kids' Praise Team
Join us as we teach kids to worship God through movement and music. Children ages preschool through 5th grade are welcome. Class will be in room 250 in between services from 10:30-11am each Sunday in May. Contact Lynn for more information at [email protected].

Worship & Welcome Teams
Faith is looking for people who like to help out with hospitality. We are revamping our welcome program at faith and want to let people know we need some more help. We need people to help greet, be at the welcome desk, and be a presence that helps new people find their way around Faith. If that sounds interesting to you, there will be a sign up in the lobby this Sunday May 5. Come check it out.

Covenant Pines Family Weekend
Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-27, is a great time to come to camp and enjoy the beautiful outdoors while helping prepare camp for the busy upcoming summer. Register online at covenantpines.org. Kids 0-3 are free, 4-12 only $15, and anyone over 12 ONLY $30. Space is limited, so register soon! For more info contact Terri at [email protected].

I only have one comment about the weather (in the form of an emoticon). :(

Now that that obligatory comment is out of the way, let’s get on with it. 

Here is a question I’ve been pondering: how is God renewing my life?

I want to encourage you to read 2 Corinthians 5:11-21.  What we see in this passage is a renewal taking place.  God works in us and through us to make us new, and then asks us to help make other things new, too.  It’s about fixing what is broken.  It’s about finding the lost.  It’s about raising up the least.  It’s about renewal – and not just for renewal’s sake, but for Christ’s sake.  And renewal feels good.

We’ve been talking a lot about renewal amongst our staff recently, seeking God in how he is making us new and how we can bring that renewal into His world. The question this passage begs is not only one about “how am I becoming new?” but also about “how am I helping other things become new for Him?” 

It’s a humbling and exhilarating idea that we might be a part of something God is doing to make other things new.  Where is he calling you to be a tool of renewal?

Here are some things we think you might want to know:

Thank You for Your Support at the Big Bus BBQ!

Church family, thank you for coming out in force to support our Senior High students and their efforts to get to Colorado this summer.  We were blessed by over 200 people attending, as well as generous financial contributions of over $2000!  We are so grateful and thankful for that support.  We are continuing to pursue our goal of $5500 for the bus transportation, and this was a great start!  If you weren’t able to attend, but would still like to give to the effort, please let us know.  Thank you!

Covenant Pines Work & Worship Retreat 

Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-27, is a great time to come to camp and enjoy the beautiful outdoors while helping prepare camp for the busy upcoming summer. Register online at covenantpines.org. Kids 0-3 are free, 4-12 only $15, and anyone over 12 ONLY $30. Space is limited, so register soon! For more info contact Terri at [email protected].

Children's Summer Preview

Stop in the lobby this Sunday, April 28, and check out the events we have for children this summer. Whether you want to be a participant or a volunteer, we have the registrations and sign ups for both. Look for details on VBS, Covenant Pines Day Camp and Secret Service Day Camp.

Kids' Praise Team

Join us as we teach kids to worship God through movement and music. Children ages preschool through 5th grade are welcome. Class will be each Sunday in May from 10:30-11am (in between services) in room 250.

Worship & Welcome Teams

Faith is looking for people who like to help out with hospitality. We are revamping our welcome program at faith and want to let people know we need some more help. We need more people to help greet, be at the welcome desk, and be a presence that helps new people find their way around Faith. If that sounds interesting to you, there will be a sign up in the lobby May 5th. Come check it out.