finding god in the little things · what is god doing in your life right now? what are the little...
TRANSCRIPT
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Pastor Matt & Beth Bromley
© jeff firestone
fremonitor
Inside This Issue...
volume 34 © number 8
A publication of Fremont Community Church (home of Christian Community Schools) August 2007
Missions ................................. 2 Planning Ahead..................... 2 Family News .......................... 3 August Calendar ................... 4 CCS ........................................ 5 Summer Selah ...................... 6
Finding God in the Little Things by Matt Bromley, Youth Pastor
I’d like to share with you an email that I received from one of my High School students this past week about something that happened to her while she was up at Hume Lake, our summer camp…
“While (my friend) and I were walking along the path (around Hume Lake), we looked over at a girl who was swimming after her inner tube. It was windy, so the little waves were carrying it away. (My friend and I) decided that we were going to pray for the wind to stop, so she could catch her flotation device. We were kinda joking, not really expecting anything to happen. The wind didn’t stop, but the floaty did. We stood there and stared. The wind was still going, there were still little waves, but it stopped. The girl easily caught up to it, and started to paddle back to shore. We were stunned. Such a small matter, and yet we were both amazed by what had just happened. It seems like nothing to a lot of people we tell, but that just amazed me.”
When was the last time you looked for God in the little things? It’s very easy to look for God in the big things in our lives. When someone needs healing, or when there is a crisis at work or in our families, when there is a major need to be met, we look to see how God is going to work things out. But how often do we pur‑ posely look for God in the small things? Do we allow ourselves to be amazed by all of the little things God does?
One of the themes our camp speaker touched on while at Hume was the idea of giving thanks to God. Not just for the things He does, but having a continual attitude of thankfulness and constantly giving thanks to God for everything. He began to quote scripture about giving thanks, and I was blown away at how many times we as followers of Christ are continually commanded to give thanks. Since we have been back from camp, I have noticed that the more I give thanks to God, the more I find things to be thankful for, and the more I look for God in the little things, the more I am amazed at what He is doing.
What is God doing in your life right now? What are the little things that you can be thankful for? How has God amazed you lately? I’m really asking, and I would love to hear your story! Shoot me an email at [email protected] and let me know how you have seen God in the little things!
Have you ever wanted to experience choir but are not in a position to make a long term commitment? We have a great alternative! By giving us a dozen or so weeks, you can be part of choir this fall AND experience the privilege of being part of choir for Starlight Carols.
Choir meets weekly on Tuesday nights and sings a couple of Sundays each month. Give us a dozen or so Tuesday evenings and help us expand our choir numbers through Christmas. The impact of choir in ministering to the congregation and community is greatly increased with the power of a larger group. So we need YOU to help reinforce and expand that impact.
Choir kickoff BBQ is Sunday afternoon September 9 and rehearsals begin on Tuesday evenings in September. If you are considering but still not sure, come to the kickoff BBQ and check it out. For information, call Danielle at 5106570123x503 or email her at [email protected].
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ministry highlights
To Help You Plan Ahead... July 30August 3 ...................................................................................................................................................... Vacation Bible School August 4 ..................................................................................................................................................... Home Improvement Work Day August 7 ......................................................................................................................................................................... National Night Out August 11 .......................................................................................................................... High School trip to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk August 11 ........................................................................................................................................................... Analog Carnival Outreach August 15 ........................................................................................................................................................... Jr. High Pool Party & BBQ August 2425 ........................................................................................................................................................... Jr. High Camping Trip August 27 ............................................................................................................................................................... AllStaff Prayer Summit
For Future Generations By Larry Lopez, Christian Community Schools K‑8 Principal
What do children see when they look into your eyes? Do they see men and women of the Word or men and women of the world? It’s simple. It’s just the addition or deletion of one letter. Children are very astute in seeing the real you in spite of the facade you may put on. Are you portraying God’s principles and truths to the upcoming generations or do they only see what the world has to offer and an absence of a “real Christ” in your life? As we draw closer to the beginning of another
school year, have you thought of how you will affect the life of a child? No matter if you have children in or out of school, or you may not have any children at all, the children of today and tomorrow need you. Begin praying for the children as they enter this next year of education, that they will make a stand for their faith as they face worldly opposition. Be a role model of integrity as each child watches, studies and then emulates your actions. The song, “For Future Generations” by 4Him
reminds me frequently of the role I play as I instruct not only my children, but your children through my words and actions:
“If we could find a way to preserve our faith So those who follow us
See the price that was paid Then maybe when they question What it’s gonna take to survive
They’ll find the strength to carry on In what we leave behind
So I won’t bend and I won’t break I won’t water down my faith
I won’t compromise in a world of desperation What has been I cannot change But for tomorrow and today
I must be a light for future generations”
UGANDA : DECEMBER 2007JANUARY 2008 Join Jackson Senyonga to build orphanages, minister to the needy, speak into the lives of government officials and staff, and encourage local pastors. Teams are forming now! Watch for more details to come.
KENYA : DECEMBER 2007JANUARY 2008 Teams are forming now! Watch for more details to come.
MEXICO PHILIPPINES
ROMANIA AFGHANISTAN
TAIWAN
Where is God calling YOU? For more information, contact Kim Hensley at
657-0123, ext. 115 or [email protected].
AFRICA
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Fremont Community Church
Home of Christian Community Schools
39700 Mission Blvd. Fremont, CA 94539 (510) 657‑0123 www.gofcc.org
Join us for Home Improvement Day
Spruce up the FCC campus on Saturday, August 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon. Wear work clothes! We’ll provide any tools needed. Children welcome! Come early for coffee and doughnuts in Room 21 at 8:30 a.m. For more information, contact Marc at 657‑0123, ext. 157 or [email protected].
High School Students Trip to Santa Cruz
We’re headed to the beach! Beach Boardwalk, that is! Join us August 11th for a day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk ‑ for only $23!!! Contact Jen Dote at 657‑0123, ext. 146 or [email protected] for more information or to reserve your spot today!
Jr. High Campout at Del Valle
Join us for our annual Jr. High Campout at Del Valle. The cost is $25 per person. We’ll leave from FCC at 5pm on August 24, and return by 6pm on August 25. Registration is now open and space is limited! For more informa‑ tion, pick up a flyer in the Quad or contact Jen Dote at 657‑0123, ext. 146 or [email protected].
Job Opportunities FCC has immediate openings for a Graphics/Publications Artist (full‑time), an Assistant to the Student Ministries Department (part‑time), a Facility Attendant (part‑time),
a temporary Payroll Specialist (part‑time), a temporary Finance Office Assistant (part‑time), a K‑8 EDC Provider, CCS K‑8 Teachers, and CCS PreSchool through 8th Grade Substitute Teachers (part‑time). There are other positions available as well. Pick up an Employment Opportunities brochure in the Atrium Literature Rack for job availability. Contact Helen at [email protected] or 657‑0123 ext. 112 for details.
Upper Room Prayer If you have a passion for prayer, then perhaps you will consider participating in Upper Room Prayer (URP). URP is an opportunity to pray for our church during one of our worship services once every five or six weeks. It is a volunteer ministry designed to help FCC as a “House of Prayer for All Nations.” If you love to pray ‑ and have a passion to experience God’s presence ‑ please contact Jan Hiller at 657‑0123, ext. 143 or [email protected].
Wanna Try Tech? Are you interested in joining our Technical Ministries
Family News d
REMEMBER IN PRAYER: D The Ingebretson family,
in the recent homegoing of Doug’s brother, Darren.
D The Hyland family, in the recent passing of Kim’s father, Mervin.
CONGRATULATIONS TO: q Brad & Linda Culley, in
the birth of their son, Noah, on July 8. He is welcomed by his big brother Josiah.
q Rob & Michelle Cervantes, in the birth of their daughter, Chloe, on July 18. She is wel comed by her grandpar ents, Glenn & Becky Rose.
q Brad & Debi Monk, in the birth of their son, George, on July 26. He is welcomed by his big sister Alice and big brother Charlie.
WHAT WE’RE SAYING ABOUT FCC... n Great message, Pastor
Kevin. Beautiful music, Marti.
n Marti thank you for your prayers during worship this morning the Holy Spirit was ushered in and touched my heart and the hearts of many others. Thank you!
n Pastor Sherman Enjoyed your message today and would like to hear more about it!
New Beth Moore Women’s Study “Breaking Free: Making Liberty in Christ a Reality in Life” Thursday nights beginning September 6, 2007
Do you want to know God and really believe Him? Do you want to find satisfaction in God, experience His peace, and enjoy His presence? Do you want to make the freedom Christ prom‑ ised a reality in your daily life? Beth Moore embarks on a 11‑ chapter study of selected passages from the Book of Isaiah, drawing several parallels between the captive Israelites and today’s Christians, in order to show how to make freedom in Christ a daily reality. Moore teaches readers to remove ob‑ stacles that hinder freedom by identifying spiritual strongholds in their lives and overcoming them through the truth of God’s Word‑truth that will set us free. There are two groups to choose from: 1st & 3rd Thursdays at
FCC, or 2nd & 4th Thursdays at the Bolivar/Massicotte home. Cost for the workbook is $18.69, available at amazon.com. For more information, contact Cezanne at [email protected] or 742‑1418.
Team? Do you enjoy comput‑ ers, lighting, video or sound? If so, we’ve got a place for you! Don’t be held back by lack of experience ‑‑ we’ll train you! For more informa‑ tion, contact Danielle Adams at 657‑0123, ext. 503 or [email protected].
Wanted: CityServe Webmaster Has God gifted you and given you experience in developing/ designing websites? WHY NOT USE YOUR ABILITY TO SERVE THE LORD by coming alongside Pastor Sherman to SERVE OUR CITIES on www.CityServeOnline.org? Willing to volunteer? E‑mail him at [email protected]. Thank you!
CCS Enrollment Christian Community Schools K‑8th grade registration is still open for the 2007‑08 school year. PreSchool registration is also available for our fall 2007 sessions. Tuition discounts are available for Official FCC Members. Applications are available in the school office or by calling 651‑KIDS. More information can be found online at www.ccsfremont.org.
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30 29 26
5 6 8 9 10 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
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10am4pm AllStaff
Prayer Summit (Offices Closed)
Christian Community Schools
1st Day of School 31
7 4 3
12 noon CityServe (Faith Communities United in Jesus)
Pastors Luncheon at HomeTown Buffet
6pm National Night Out
S M T W T F S
august 2007
12 noon CityServe (Faith Communities United in Jesus)
Pastors Prayer at Family Resource Center
6:00pm Jr. High Pool Party & BBQ
Fremont Community Church Church: (510) 657‑0123 © School: (510) 651‑KIDS Office Hours: 8:00 am‑5:00 pm (Monday‑Friday)
Website: www.gofcc.org
5:30pm Christian Community
PreSchool Back to School Night
6:00pm Christian Community
Schools (gr. 48) Back to School Night
7:00pm HS Worship @ Starbucks
7 / 3 0 8 / 3 • V a c a t i o n B i b l e S c h o o l • “ A r c t i c E d g e ”
7pm VBS Closing Program
9am VBS Cleanup
9am Home Improvement Day
6:00pm Christian Community
Schools (gr. K3) Back to School Night
Junior High Campout at Del Valle August 2425
1:00pm Elders Meeting
2:30pm Elders Prayer Support Base
10:00am High School
Trip to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
11:00am Analog Carnival
Outreach
SUNDAY SCHEDULE 9:00am Celebration Worship (contemporary) 10:45am Sunday School/Adult Small Groups 11:00am Analog Worship (informal)
MONDAY SCHEDULE 6:00pm Focus Men’s Discipleship
TUESDAY SCHEDULE 6:30am Men’s Discipleship 12 noon Women’s Bible Study 8:00pm Celebration Band Rehearsal
WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE 4:00pm College Guys Small Group 6:00pm Jr. High (7‑8 grade) 7:30pm Family Bible Study
THURSDAY SCHEDULE 7:00pm Tech Training 6:00pm High School (9‑12 grade) 7:30pm The Aroma (College‑age women)
FRIDAY SCHEDULE 7:30pm Alive (Young Marrieds & Singles)
SATURDAY SCHEDULE 6:30am Saturday Morning Prayer 9:00am Intercessors’ Prayer 6:00pm Family Night at Home/
Prep for Sunday
Throughout the Week: CRCs City‑Reaching Cells meet throughout the week. Pick up a Women’s Network, Men’s Network or Adult Small Groups flyer in the Atrium Literature Rack for the contact person of a CRC that fits your schedule!
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Missionaries at Work! by Kevin Hom, Lead Pastor
“…and a little child shall lead them.” Isaiah 11:6b
Growing up in the church, I always looked forward to visits from “missionaries.” I loved their stories of far away lands and, although I was told that I could be a missionary “anywhere”‑ I very much envisioned a true missionary being a grown‑up who travels to exotic locations. As an adult, I did have the opportunity to be an over‑seas missionary, but the true meaning of missions has hit me harder than ever recently through the children at Christian Community Schools (CCS). Over the years I had occasionally visited chapels at CCS and talked about my trips to Africa. In the fall of 2005, God directed me to the streets of Oakland. I found those streets very similar to the ones I had walked in Kenya with remarkable parallels in the levels of poverty, despair and hopeless‑ ness. I went back to chapel to share what I was now seeing. Only 23 miles away‑ children were in as much need of prayer and help as those 10,000 miles away‑ in that “faraway land.” During the end of the 2005‑2006 school year, one of the CCS teachers, Chris Hansen, had the vision to ask each child to give $1 a month towards the needs of the children in downtown Oakland. She challenged the 4 th – 8 th graders of CCS to be missionaries to Oakland, CA. At the end of that school year, the money that was collected went to pay an electric bill for a family of 8, provided gas cards and
food cards for a family whose monthly support had been stolen and several other needs within the community. Mrs. Hansen continued the vision through the 2006‑2007 school year and again asked the children to make a difference by giving $1/month. The vision spread and an anonymous donor challenged the children further, pledging to match their donations dollar for dollar if they could collect $1,000.00 over the course of the year. By Christmas of 2006, the children collected nearly $500.00! That money was spent to buy tickets to the zoo, movies, Fairyland and other local venues in the community that these families rarely get to visit. Entire families were able to spend at least part of their Christmas break TOGETHER doing something special rather than wander the perilous streets of their neighborhood looking for something to do. During the remainder of the 2007 school year, the children raised an additional $650.00, bringing the total for the year past their
goal and resulting in a total donation of nearly $1,200.00 for the children in the Fruitvale District of Oakland. There are countless stories of CCS kids doing odd jobs around their neighborhood, donating contest winnings, etc. to earn money throughout the year. Even the 1 st graders got in on the project and collected books and stuffed animals to be distributed amongst the families! The matching donor honored their pledge and almost $2,200.00 is already being used to pay for practical and in some cases, life‑saving needs of families within Oakland. The obedience and love shown by the sacrificial giving of the children at CCS has made a huge difference in the lives of many and has served as a true example of what it is to be a missionary‑ the “least” among us leading the way in loving and serving “the least of these.”
Christian Community Schools Begin Tuesday, August 28 At Christian Community Schools, PreSchool through 8th
Grade, it is our priority to plan, develop, and implement a distinctively superior education program. We are committed to creating an atmosphere conducive to the pursuit of academic excellence. The cornerstone of such an education is the Bible, which is used to support the family in teaching strong moral values, character, and discipline. Supplementing this is a diverse academic program designed to be enriching, relevant and rewarding. CCS is open to the public! There are still places open in all grades for the fall session! Applications are available in the school office. Recognizing that quality Christian education is a valuable tool
to assist parents in raising their children, and that the consider‑ able cost of this education must be borne by parents, FCC has established a policy to provide a percentage of financial aid to those FCC official members who are unable to afford the complete expense of Christian education at CCS. For application or scholarship details, call 651‑KIDS. Visit www.ccsfremont.org for more information about CCS.
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Y I was greatly blessed and filled with the Spirit during the program. Thank you for giving this gift to the community!
Y We loved every minute and loved the Scripture! Very uplifting!
Y This was an amazing evening for us. We would not have wanted to be any other place. A very warm and heartfelt thanks to the entire production team, the choir and the musicians, especially Tony, Marti, Mark and Rick for a blessed evening of worship, praise and reflection.
Y Awesome! Loved the music! This is a great way to celebrate God’s gift of summer. Thank you.
Y Thank you for the fun, beautiful and sweet, sweet music. The arrangements were great! After a very hard week of work ‑‑ it was a wonderful connection with our Lord. We so appreciate our talented musical family at FCC!
Y Absolutely wonderful! Many of the songs really touched my heart deeply!
In “Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave,” Welch teaches that the hopelessness of the
"sickness, recovery, relapse" cycle needs to be replaced with the biblical view of sin, salva
tion, and sanctification. The addict must face the fact that what and who he worships will
control his life and that true freedom can only come through the cross.
Each month, Pastor Sherman will recommend a book for your spiritual growth and encouragement. Pick up your copy of our current book, “Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave,” for only $10 Sunday mornings this month at the
Christian Books & Music Counter in the Atrium! For more information on this or other Books of the Month, contact
Janell at (510)6570123, ext. 502 or [email protected].
During his message on Sunday, July 22, Pastor Sherman recommended the
book, “The Beauty of Spiritual Language: Unveling the Mystery of Speaking in Tongues,” for anyone
interested in learning more about the Spiritual Gifts of Tongues and Prophecy.
This book is now available as a resource for you at the Books & Music
Atrium Counter!
Make Your Life a Little Simpler! Sign up today for online updates! Give us your e‑mail address at www.gofcc.org or write it down
on your FeedBack Card at your Sunday service. We’ll get you set‑up to receive your monthly Fremonitor and other important church updates online! Also, let us know if your e‑mail address changes. We don’t
want you to miss a thing!
May '0 7 Budg e t
May '07 Actu al
Ju ly '0 6 May '07 B udge t
Ju ly '0 6 May '07 Actua l
R EC E IV E $ 114 ,011 $80 ,010 $ 1 ,5 33 ,3 02 $1 ,082 ,535
S PEND $127 ,507 $ 127 ,5 32 $ 1 ,484 ,7 00 $1 ,271 ,183
N ET ($13 ,4 96 ) ($47 ,522) $48 ,602 ($188,648)
Financial Report July 2006 May 2007
Note: Excludes capital purchases and depreciation expenses