e-news for week of 8/24 - 8/30

As we honored the life of Tom Mitchell this week, I realized more and more how important this Sunday's message is because it is a message of hope, promise, and the future. I am happy that Forum stands firm on God's word, that we are not wishy washy about the things of God, and that we take assurance from the promises of God. That's faith.

I hope that both on a personal level and a congregational level we cultivate and grow great faith. Great faith looks at the event of death and knows without doubt that the person is with the Lord. Great faith sacrifices time, talents, and treasure to accomplish what God calls us to do. Great faith leaps without seeing the outcome. Great faith follows in spite of all the mental exercises that we put ourselves through. The writer of Hebrews would remind us: Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1) How about you? Are you striving to look at God? To see His promises? To trust Him at His word? To live by faith, not by sight? I hope so.

Here's some of the upcoming fall ministry that is occurring, let me encourage you to utilize everything you can and grow in following God.

· Fall program kick offs are just around the corner. High School “Synergy” began last Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in the FLC and Jr. High “Synergy Sundays” begin Sept. 7 at 5:30 p.m. in room 211.

· If you still haven’t become part of a Life Group, please contact Ted Mountjoy. Those will be in full swing within the next couple .

· September 21st Ben Merold – one of the all time legends where church growth and preaching are concerned will be preaching in all three of our services. The Harvester Christian Church that he ministered to entered into a multi-site ministry several years ago. Should be a great time of challenge.

· Girlfriends Bible Study will begin on Tuesday, September 23 at 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. or Wednesday, September 24 at 6:30 p.m. There will also be a MOMs (Mothers of Miracles) group that will meet on Tuesdays from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. beginning September 30.

· A Forum Forum on October 2nd will be a gathering in the middle of the week for information sharing. It’ll happen in the auditorium from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

· Our Annual Church Picnic will be October 5th at Twin Lakes Park. We’ll fill you in on the details soon.

· There will be a Men of Impact Retreat on Friday and Saturday, October 17 and 18. Watch for more details.

God is doing great things within our ministry, let me encourage you to keep elevating and striving to become like Jesus. -- Scott