"God hires local contractors for the job." That headline would have been the top news item of its day. God was planning to build a portable dwelling place, the tabernacle, to live among His people. He told Moses exactly how it was to be built (Exodus 25-30). But, God did not have Moses build it. God did not have Aaron or the priests build it. God did not build it Himself, though He could have simply spoke it into existence. Instead, God commissioned talented tradesmen for the job: Bezalel and Oholiab. These two men were probably already skilled craftsmen before God called them, plying their trades while Israel was in Egypt as slaves. After all, Egyptian construction and art was quite advanced and much of it was done by slaves. Perhaps these men had been involved in decorating a pyramid.
Church maintenance may seem mundane to
some of us. But, God’s choice of Bezalel and Oholiab proves otherwise. True,
the tabernacle, and later the temple, were unique in that God personally dwelt
there. Now He dwells in every Christian and not in buildings. But God still
gives these types of talents today. And these talents can be used in the church
for God’s glory.
As we’ve learned in Acts, God’s mission
for the church today is to bear witness to the gospel. Everything we do should
support this great commission – including our buildings. So, we should
periodically examine our building to ensure it helps and not hinders the work
of the church. As we continue construction on our building we can thank God for
the skilled craftsmen who’ve stepped forward. The work they do is just as
spiritual as it is material. We have proof God cares about construction. And He
wants what we choose to build to be a labor of love in order to better share
the gospel with our community.
- Pastor Richard
FOR YOUR CALENDAR...
Sept 15 ABF & Sunday School begin at 9:30am
Faith Kids had a great summer! In July we held our 2nd annual soccer camp. After cancelling on Monday night due to a strong storm and then getting to play in the rain on Tuesday night, we had 3 great nights of fun soccer. The gospel was shared and many families stuck around on Friday night to enjoy some hot dogs, chips and water ice. It was an amazing week!
Now it is September and we are beginning a new year of Bible lessons,
crafts, fun worship songs and of course some time of running and playing in the
gym. As you are packing backpacks with new supplies and getting school clothes
ready and lunch boxes put together, take a minute to pray for your child as
they enter this new season. Not just in their school but also in church. Pray
that their hearts will be tender to what God will teach them this year. I am so
excited for this new year with your children!
Women Of Faith
Our full calendar will be distributed at the Family Picnic &
Town Meeting on Sept 8, including details for upcoming book club, events and
registering for our One Day Retreat in January 2020.
For now, mark your calendar for Sept 18 for our Fall Kickoff
event…we’ll enjoy an evening together with fondue and catching up with each
other. Details to come!
Please consider
joining one of our Women’s Bible Studies. We have 2 studies beginning on
Wednesday, Sept 18 (weekly and every other week) at 9am. We also offer a Sunday
morning women’s study that meets during the Sunday School hour, beginning on
Sept 15. Childcare is available for all studies. Come join us on either
(or both!) of those dates to check out the study and pick up a book, we’d love
to have you!
Hope to see you there! Questions? Email us at womenoffaith@faithcc.info.
Faith Youth
The Youth had an eventful summer packed with SHACC and Wild
Week. It was great to take them both far and near as they learned about the
Lord and played games with each other and us. Youth Group will be starting up
again September 13th from 7:30-9pm and we look forward to another great year!
The Bryants, our missionaries in Africa, are home and settled
in the parsonage. They send everyone a huge thank you for blessing them with
lots of love, fun treats, books, practical gifts and offers of
assistance! When they are not on the road sharing their ministry with
others, you will see them here worshiping her with us. Thanks for letting them
know how much they are welcome and appreciated!
If you are a recent attender, we'd
like to have you join the pastor, some staff, leaders and other recent
attenders for some pizza and goodies. Register on your connections card or
contact the office.
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