What's been happening around here? Well, first, I am happy to report that both Pastor Funk's flock "CrossWay" (see previous post) and the folks here at FEFC have decided to formally join together to advance Christ's kingdom! I think everyone involved is happy and grateful to God for His leadership in this. Many details remain to be worked out, but we will keep moving ahead as God leads us. What can you do/pray for? Pray for our finances (they've been down for both churches) and then be generous in the stewardship of time, talent, and treasure. Get involved in the church here, looking for a need and filling it. Just about any local church leadership you approach, will be happy to help you get involved in ministry. How can we help you, the reader of this column, serve Christ here in our local church? I'd be glad to help you answer that question. Toward that end, on Thursday, February 4th at 6:30 p.m. I'd like to invite you to the church for what we call "Pastoral C0uncil". It's one of our key ways as Elders in the church to honor the part of our vision statement that says we want to "release and support you to be the church." We will endeavor at this meeting to answer such questions as . . .

- "How is ministry done here?"

- "How can I get involved?"

- "How do I join an existing ministry team?"

- "How can I start a new ministry team?"

I hope you can make it to the meeting!

Next, I'd like to alert you to our upcoming 20-week sermon series on Philippians. It is titled, "Philippians, the joyful journey of gospel partnership." Some key verses in this book that includes some of the main themes are verses 3 through 5 of chapter one: “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” - Philippians 1:3-5.

I hope you come out Sunday to worship with us and to hear some of these messages which Pastor Funk and I will be sharing.

I close with a few questions . . .

- Where does your joy come from?

- What does the gospel have to do with joy?

- What does fellowship or partnership have to do with joy?

- Do I ever think, "I'd be happy or joyful if only . . . (fill in the blank)

May Jesus lead each of us to find our answers to these questions, and, find these answers in relationship to Him!