Check out Pastor’s article about maintaining focus on page 3 Take a look at what’s happening in Faith Kids on page 6 Read about “The Market Place”, our new food pantry coming soon on page 9
SUMMER FUN
FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY Free Family Movies
@ Great Escape Theater in Fenton
The Great Escape Theater in Fenton will be offering free showings of the movies below at 9:30am, on the listed dates. Escape the summer heat for a free movie with lots of laughs!
CHICKEN CAMPFIRE FOIL PACKS Ingredients
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast meat, cubed 2 onions, diced 1 (8 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips 4 cloves garlic, sliced 4 small potatoes, cubed 1/4 cup olive oil 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, or a large zip-loc bag, combine the chicken, onion, mushrooms, yellow pepper, red pepper, garlic, and potatoes. Pour in the olive oil and lemon juice, then mix well. 2. Evenly divide the mixture between 4 large sheets of aluminum foil. Top each with another sheet of foil, and roll up the edges tightly. Wrap each packet again, securely in another sheet of foil to double wrap. 3. Cook in the hot coals of a campfire until the chicken is opaque and the potatoes are tender, around 40 minutes.
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MAINTAINING AN ETERNAL FOCUS A Word From Pastor Ed Shirrell I read a story years ago about a man walking through a cemetery in Indiana that’s over 150 years old. One tombstone had the following epitaph on it. “Pause stranger, when you pass me by, as you are now, so once was I. As I am now, so you will be. So prepare for death and follow me.” An unknown person read those words and decided to add to the epitaph, “To follow you, I’m not content until I know which way you went.” The age old question is, “When a man dies, will he live again?” There are numerous opinions, but Jesus clearly says we will “all” be resurrected and there will be a separation of the righteous from the unrighteous.
saved by grace “through” faith, and not by works (Ephesians 2: 8 -9), but the following verse (10) is often overlooked. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” How can we understand this basic foundational truth - saved by grace, but also judged and rewarded by works? A simple way to understand this might be enhanced by two words: BELIEF and BEHAVIOR. Those who are following Jesus will be with Him for eternity in Heaven. Those who are “not” following Jesus will spend eternity without Him in Hell. Yet how are each rewarded?
warded the same as the one who uses their time, talents and resources for Him? My prayer is that we clearly understand that our belief (faith) determines WHERE we spend eternity, while receiving revelation that our behavior clearly determines HOW we’ll be rewarded for eternity. Hebrews 11:6 states, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he REWARDS those who earnestly seek him.”
Jesus said after the resurrecTake for example the judgment To maintain an eternal perspection everyone will enter eternity in Hell. No matter how you inter- tive, I recommend meditating in either Heaven or Hell. While pret the scriptures on Hell, it’s a on “two” passages of scripture most believe in for the next 30 days. Heaven, an increas- Our belief (faith in scriptural terms) determines Jesus said, “Stockpile WHERE we spend eternity. Yet our behavior treasure in heaven, ing number choose not to believe in Hell. where it’s safe from moth determines HOW we spend eternity. The real question isn’t if you and rust and burglars. It’s obvibad place that we wouldn’t wish believe in Hell, but do you beon our worst enemy. Yet it’s ob- ous, isn’t it? The place where lieve the Bible? Do you believe vious that people who do good your TREASURE is, is the place Jesus Christ? He spoke of both. works on earth, but choose to you will most want to be, and It may be convenient to believe reject Jesus will not be reward- end up being. (Matthew 6:20 – 21 Message Translation) The NIV in one and not both, but it cered the same as Hitler, those tainly isn’t truthful, nor will it involved in human trafficking, or states in verse 21, “For where your treasure is, there your change the reality of the words a child molester. HEART will be also. of Jesus Christ. As the familiar Likewise, it’s also obvious those cliché goes, “Denial is not a river Continued on Page 4 in heaven will not receive the in Egypt.” “same” rewards. The “motives” Faith Connection (USPS 370-150) Have you ever given serious Published quarterly by Faith Community of why Christians do what they Church of House Springs consideration to judgment or do will be clearly addressed by 4824 Scottsdale (Hwy 30) “rewards” that each of us will PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT Almighty God. (1 Corinthians 3:10 HOUSE SPRINGS, MO receive one day, and the fact -15) Do you seriously believe POSTMASTER: Send address changes to those rewards are for “eterFaith Connection the Christian who chooses not 4824 Scottsdale (Hwy 30) nity?” to use their time, talents and House Springs, MO 63051-2103 resources for God will be reThe Bible tells us that we are 3
PASTOR’S ARTICLE CONTINUED
Paul says “Since, then, you have Too often we spend too much time on temporal treasures been raised with Christ, set and too little time on eternal treasures. Consequently your HEARTS on things ABOVE, the person who spends his life moving toward his earthly where Christ is seated at the treasure has a reason to “despair.” Yet, the person who right hand of God. Set your spends his life moving toward his eternal treasure has a MINDS on things ABOVE, not on reason to “rejoice.” Which treasures are you focusing on? EARTHLY things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:1-4) “If you read history, you’ll find that the Christians who did most for the present world were those who thought the most of the next world.” C. S. Lewis
LOOKING FOR A GOOD BOOK?
RECOMMENDED READING Can marriage really be Heaven on Earth? Robert & Debbie Morris open their hearts and lives, revealing the stories and sharing the principles that led them to “The Blessed Marriage.”
FOLLOW US
View the Newsletter Online @ Faith-Community.Org Check out the interactive version of the quarterly newsletter. It’s full of links to videos, articles &
other online content.
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ONE THING IS NEEDFUL Shelby Singler//Worship Leader
Distractions…Life is full of them. Financial pressure, relationship problems, busy schedules, bills, stress at work, confusion about the next step in life, thinking about all the stuff you have to do; the list goes on and on. These aren’t necessarily bad things. In fact, sometimes we are distracted by things and tasks that are good in themselves. Once in a while, though, we need a gentle reminder to keep the main thing, the main thing. So, what is the main thing?
I’m so glad you asked! I’m reminded of the time in Luke 11, when Mary and Martha were having Jesus over for dinner. Martha was working like crazy and getting so stressed because she was distracted by all the things that “had” to be done. She was also distracted by her own frustrations with her sister for not helping…ever been there? We all have. Finally, she snapped at her sister and at Jesus. And what did Jesus say? “Martha, Martha.” Have you ever had a talkin’ to by someone in authority over you and they started the conversation by saying your name twice? When
that happens you know you are in trouble. LOL. He went on to say, “You are troubled about many things, but only one thing is needful. And Mary has chosen that good part.” So what was Jesus trying to convey to Martha? He was saying that there is only one thing important right here – one thing that has any eternal value…He was saying to her that it’s not in your much DOING but rather in your BEING. He wants to just be with you and with me. He’s a quality time God. It’s amazing how other things work themselves out when we make our time with the Lord the most precious thing to us!
The Lord enjoys the diversity of sincere worship when expressed through His Spirit and in Truth. Music and songs are ways we can praise God’s name, but the
Word says we can worship Him with feasting too (Psalm 22:29) WOOOHOOO! We have Scripture for that now! We can worship the Lord with joyful songs (Psalm 100:2). We can worship God with sacrifices and offerings (Isaiah 19:21) We can even worship God by walking and jumping, as the man did who had been lame but now
was healed by the name of Jesus (Acts 3:8-9). But regardless of the method, the act of worship must be in spirit (from our rational consciousness) and truth (consistent with the rest of our lives) (John 4:24).
Worship AUDITIONS
CLOSING THOUGHTS
www.faith-community.org/connect We are looking to add skilled musicians and singers to our teams in main service as well as in youth. The Scriptures tell us that David, a man after God’s own heart, played skillfully and evil spirits departed.
Praise and worship music is a beautiful connection and time of communion with our God. If you are interested in becoming a part of this ministry, visit the Worship Ministry Faith Connect page. 5
FAITH KIDS Summer VBS June 18-22 6-8:30pm
Cloudy with a Chance… Come find hope through the eyes of Flynn McGee, a young inventor who has lost hope in his failing experiments. Kids ages 4 through 6th grade will learn the life of Moses through skits, Bible stories, games and crafts. This is a free event, however, please fill out a pre-regisration card available in Splashland and The Shore.
Camp Champion July 23-27 Come join us at CAMP CHAMPION! This kids camp will be held at the Lake of the Ozarks and the cost is $150 per camper, including a shirt. Pre-registration for Campers and workers has begun, so pick up your registration at Splashland or The Shore today! The deadline for worker registration is June 8. Also, campers need to make a down payment of $30 by June 25.
Camporama July 9-13 Attention all Royal Rangers! Camporama is coming up quickly July 9-13. Medical release forms and a list of requirments will be available on Wednesday nights in Mason Hall Basement.
Updates & Summer Events Pow Wow June 7-10 Rangers PowWow is right around the corner. Information and medical release forms will be available in Mason Hall Basement on Wednesday Nights.
What’s Happening in “The Shore” The Shore is Kid’s Church for grades 1-4 that meets in The Student Center. This summer the kids will be moving away from the Center Stage and into Adventures in Science! Each week the kids come home with handouts that coordinate with what they learned that week. We would like to encourage all parents to go through the hand out with your child and work on the activity. If your child brings the hand out back the next week their team gets extra points that go toward their big prize at the end of the 8 week program! Also we would like to encourage you to visit the Faith Kids Facebook page weekly and look at the past week’s lesson. You can watch a re-cap video or Pepwa the announcement pig and watch the Bible lesson from the previous Sunday. There will also be interactive portions from Elevate Kids that you and your child can do together.
An Opportunity to Serve As summer approaches, we know vacation is on everyone’s mind and we need your help! We are seeking passionate adults, and teens (14 and above) to help out in our various ministries. Help is needed in the Nursery, Splashland, The Shore, and The 56club. We look forward to adding you to our staff of people passionate for the kids at Faith, our future church!
Faith Kids now has a facebook page! You’ll be able to see updated information on upcoming events and special news. It’s a great way to stay connected with what your child is doing and what’s available for your child. Visit us at www.facebook.com/faithkids.fcc.
For questions & more information, please contact Pastor Philip at phaught@faith-community.org 6
JUNIOR BIBLE QUIZ
Kid’s Sunday School Class
Why is it important to memorize Bible verses? Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Well, that is what our Junior Bible Quiz kids have been doing for the last year! They have been learning the Bible like you wouldn’t believe. We started the Sunday School class last July and began learning the JBQ questions to prepare for our first meet in September. Most of us were completely new to JBQ so we had no idea what to expect. Our first meet was a huge success and a lot of fun. We continued to learn the remainder of the year and at the end of the season our kids took 7 of the top 12 spots. We then took 6 kids (Liam Holt, Adelaide Newfield, Livia Reeves, Drew Foster, Drew Schnable and
then we start having meets one Saturday a month beginning in September. We also send home the questions for you to work on with your children at home. This is a great way to study God’s Word with your child and learn together. While it is fun to compete at the meets, our main goal in JBQ is to get God’s word into children’s hearts. I believe this will give them a strong foundation to stand on when Do you have a child in grades they become adults. If you have Kindergarten-5th that is interany questions feel free to conested in JBQ? We would love to have them join our class. We tact me at christyrheth@gmail. meet every Sunday morning at com or (314)608-9093. 9am down in Mason Hall basement. Our first 30 minutes we spend learning a handful of new questions. Then we break up into groups and play games using those questions that we just learned. The kids also have an opportunity each week to earn “JBQ Bucks” which they can spend on prizes once a month. We will practice all through the summer and Tyler Watson) to compete at Districts against kids from as far as Kansas City and Springfield. The kids studied hard for 4 weeks before districts and it paid off! Adelaide Newfield placed 8th, Drew Foster placed 7th and Tyler Watson placed 3rd. Congrats to every single kid that has been involved in JBQ this year you have made us proud!!
Dig For Buried Treasure
A Fun Summer Game For the Kids 1. To start, go through your house and gather some trinkets or toys you don’t mind burying. 2. Next, put together a treasure-finding toolkit that includes a hand shovel, an old paintbrush (to clean off unearthed treasures), zip-loc bags (to contain what they find) and a map showing where kids should start their search. 3. Then, either bury the treasures in your garden (placing them in an area without plants is a good idea) or in a large bucket filled with dirt in your backyard. Give the kids their toolkits and watch them scavenge for treasures! For an extra bit of fun, have kids label their finds with made-up names and place them in a “museum” (or on a serving platter) to share with visitors. www.family-fun.kaboose.com 7
Souls in Motion A Note From Shelli Wassall
Ladies! Summer is upon us and you may be starting to feel that urgency to get in shape so you can look good in your swimsuit, shorts and cute little tops. Men! Are you thinking about how you’ll look in your swim trunks, shorts and tank tops? Are you wondering where you can go to get a great work out and not spend a lot of money? We’ve got just the thing for you. Getting in shape is not just about how you look. It’s also about feeling terrific, having great energy and keeping your heart healthy. The size of your clothing does not measure your health. Five years ago, God opened up an opportunity at Faith Community Church for people in the church and community to have a place to come and exercise without breaking the bank. We offer a FREE cardio kickboxing class on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM in the Student Center. All you need to bring is a mat or towel, bottle of water, hand weights from 2-5 pounds (if you have them…we have some if you don’t) and a positive, “can do” attitude. You can leave your wallets at home! We do offer childcare for $2/child for children up to 10 years of age. This is a co-ed class and it is open to people of all ages (parents use discretion where children are concerned).
Get Fit For Free
Tuesday & Thursday @ 7pm
We open and close each class with prayer because we must honor God in ALL things, even exercise. After all, He is the one that made this class possible! We spend the first half of class on the floor doing partner work and the second half on cardio which consists of fun, energetic combos to get your heart going! Don’t let doubt or negativity stand in your way of trying something new. Again, it’s FREE so what do you have to lose, except maybe some unwanted pounds? Warning, you may GAIN friendships, high self esteem and a bigger smile on your face! Sometimes we are our own biggest obstacle, so push your doubt out of the way and join us on Tuesdays and Thursdays!
AN OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE
This class is a ministry; therefore, we do not want to charge for it. We have been asked by several participants if there was a way to give back and now there is. We have decided as a class to adopt a girl named Ruth from Paraguay. The cost is $32/month which, besides her basic needs, also helps to pay for a good Christian education. This is NOT a requirement to be a part of our class. This is an opportunity for those who can and are able to contribute. If you are unable, that’s fine. There is in no way any pressure because Top Reasons to Avoid Sugar God will provide! Look for a Did you know that cancer cannot live in the box at the sign in table if you presence of oxygen and feeds on sugar? In light choose to donate. of that information, I’d like to share just a few of the 78 reasons to avoid sugar from the writings If you would like to of Dr. Victor Frank, founder/creator of Total know more, search Body Modification. According to Dr. Frank sugar online for the 78 reacan cause or contribute to: sons to avoid sugar. Remember my pre• Hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating cious brothers and • Quickened aging • Constipation sisters in Christ, “I pray • Asthma • Myopia that in all respects you may prosper and be in • Appendicitis • Depression good health, just as your soul prospers!” 3 John • Osteoporosis • Hormonal Balance 2 (NASB) • Food allergies Mona Johnston • Alzheimer’s Disease • Eczema in children • Cataracts
GOT A SWEET TOOTH?
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THE MARKET PLACE @ Faith Community Church
We are excited to announce the opening of the church’s new food pantry, the Faith Community Market Place. Doors will open late this summer, and construction is already underway in the Scottsdale building. The Market Place will be located next to the Peace by Piece Clothes Closet. With more than 20,000 people in Jefferson County living at or below poverty level, we see a real need to reach out as part of Christ’s body to be His hands and feet. Considering His mandate and heart for the needy, Jesus said, “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Luke 13:13-14. While we are not necessarily having banquets, you get the picture. We believe we have a responsibility to give our neighbors not a handout, but a “hand-up” through the good news of the gospel of Christ Jesus. In the future we hope to provide additional resources like budget planning, addiction recovery and job training. With God’s blessing, as well as our Pastors’, we embark on this new adventure. That being said,
The Market Place will require many volunteers to make it happen. Are you looking for a place to get involved with the community? This is your opportunity! Various volunteer positions will become available soon, as well as the necessary training. Perhaps you’re thinking “my life is ready to be put on a shelf, collecting dust,” but let’s think again. Are we breathing? Aha! That is positive proof our Lord is not finished with us quite yet. Young or old, strong in body, mind and Holy Spirit there is a purpose He has for you to fulfill in this generation. His pleasure is the redemption of souls and He desires to use us. Let the endeavor begin! Mark & Maureen Lauer The Market Place Directors If you would like to be a part of this new ministry, visit their Faith Connect page to find out more. Faith-Community.org/Connect
OH TASTE & SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD PSALM 38:4a
Festival of the Nations A Tour Around the World in St. Louis
This free, annual event is our region’s premier multicultural celebration, featuring over 40 ethnic food booths, non-stop dance and music, arts and crafts, and an international bazaar with unique gifts from around the world. You’ll get to take a tour of different areas throughout the world right here in St. Louis. Full details of this year’s event will be released on their website beginning August 1.
www.festivalofnationsstl.org Tower Grove Park August 25: 10am-7pm August 26: 10am-6pm 9
THE BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING Why It’s Good For You To Serve
With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering are enormous to you, your family, and the community. It can help you find friends, learn new skills, and even advance your career. Volunteering can also help protect your mental and physical health. Volunteering Helps You Make New Friends & Contacts One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a shared activity together. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. Volunteering also strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests, neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities. Volunteering as a Family While it might be a challenge to coordinate everyone’s schedules, volunteering as a family has many worthwhile benefits. Children watch everything you do. By giving back to the community, you show them firsthand how volunteering makes a difference and how good it feels to help others and enact change. It’s also a valuable way for you to get to know organizations in the community and find resources and activities for your children and family.
Volunteering is Good For Your Mind & Body • Volunteering Increases selfconfidence: Volunteering can provide a healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. You are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity. And the better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future goals. • Volunteering combats depression: Reducing the risk of depression is another important benefit of volunteering. A key risk factor for depression is social isolation. Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others and helps you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against stress and depression when you’re going through challenging times. How to Find the Right Volunteer Opportunity There are numerous volunteer opportunities available. The key is to find a volunteer position that you would enjoy and are capable of doing. It’s also important to make sure that your commitment matches the organization’s needs. The following questions can help you narrow your options: • Are you better behind the scenes or do you prefer to take a more visible role? • How much time are you willing to commit? • How much responsibility are you ready to have? • What skills can you bring to a volunteer job? • What causes are important to you? When it comes to volunteering, passion and positivity are the only requirements While learning new skills can be beneficial to many, it’s not a requirement for a fulfilling volunteer experience. Bear in mind that the most valuable skills you can bring to any volunteer effort are compassion, an open mind, a willingness to do whatever is needed, and a positive attitude.
Julie Nunn helping prepare Christmas Food Baskets for families during the holidays
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For opportunities to serve at Faith Community, visit Faith-Community.Org/Connect
Information from “Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits” on Helpguide.org
FSM UPDATE // Pastor Patrick Ringler FAITH STUDENT MINISTRIES
In the months of May and June we celebrate two of the most important days in the year: Mother’s and Father’s Day. Many holidays remind us of past events and leaders that made a difference, but these particular holidays are dedicated specifically to the celebration of parents. It’s our chance to honor and recognize those that have a big impact in our lives. In our culture, parenting has become down played, but in reality, it is a lost art. Parenting is one of the greatest callings, it’s a difficult task at times because it often gets overlooked and has many challenges. As we parent, we have to make a decision to invest all we have to reach our children. However, with our jobs, long hours, and housework, we often times slip into a rut of just getting by instead of being purposeful in our parenting. I believe if you focus on these three items you will begin to take steps towards being a parent that invests in your children:
6.8 Camp (Ozarks) •June 10 - 12 • Final Deadline: June 1 - $150
9.12 Camp (Desperation) •June 25 - July 1 • Deadlines: June 1 - $200 Final Deadline: June 17 - $250
people you know to step into your children’s lives that can be a supportive voice. 3. Stay Consistent When we interact with our children one of the most important things is to stay consistent. We have heard in the past of staying consistent with discipline, but I also believe that it is important to stay consistent in how we interact with them. I know this is hard because it means we have to look past our tiredness and invest our time in our children. So this Summer look for ways to get out and spend time with your children weekly.
2. Invite Others In At times, our words seem to fall It is my prayer that you will know on deaf ears, especially in the how important you are in your teenage years. That’s when we child’s life. I know it is hard to have to find ways for others to stay in the trenches year in and come in and be a supportive year out with what you do being voice in our children’s lives. This overlooked. But let me encourtakes us approaching and ask- age you that you are making ing others to help us. Most adults a difference and will have an are willing to step in and help, impact. Stay in there and know but won’t without being asked. you will see the rewards in time. They want to make sure they I will be praying for you as we don’t cross any lines or step on are in this thing called parenting any toes, but will jump in to help together. if asked. This Summer, look for Check this book out for
a great perspective o n parenting
CAMP INFO
1. Get In Their World Sometimes we get overwhelmed because things are different than when we were younger. Young people today deal with so many things that we honestly don’t understand. It’s easy for us to discount and shrug off things in their life, but things happen when we invest and get in their world. In the coming months look at the many things going on in their lives and pick 1-2 that you are going to learn more about. This will show your children that you care, and give you a more influential voice.
Facebook.com/FSMisYOU • Newsletters • Podcasts • Texting Updates Twitter.com/F_S_M • Quick Updates
You can also contact Pastor Patrick at patrick@faith-community.org or 636.748.0376
*Registration forms are due by deadline w/ $50 deposit. Balance to be paid at departure.
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Faith Community Church Of House Springs, MO Phone: 636.671.4190 Fax: 636.671.0309 WWW.FAITH-COMMUNITY.ORG Faith Connection (USPS; 370-150) 4824 Scottsdale (HWY 30) House Springs, MO 63051-2103 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15
WORSHIPSERVICES Sunday
1st service................. 9am 2nd service............... 10:30am Small Groups........... 9 & 10:30am Children’s Church...10:30am
Wednesday Adult Bible Study..... 7pm Youth Service............ 7pm Royal Rangers & Missionettes.............. 7pm
Periodial Postage
PAID
at House Springs, MO