F a it h P re sb yt e r ian Ch urc h ( EPC)

Faith Speaks

V o l um e 20 16 , Is s ue 11 N ov em b er

C h ur c h S t aff Pastor Rev. Jason Minter Financial Secretary

Dear Friends, Something struck me today as I was preparing for the Sunday school lesson on the book of Revelation. I noticed a pattern, a most profound pattern. Currently we are going through three books of the Bible. We are going through Daniel on Wednesday night, Revelation in Sunday school and the book of Acts in Sunday morning worship. And as we have been marching through these books of the Bible one cannot help but notice a big difference between the three books. Daniel is a prophetic narrative that seeks to lift high the complete exhaustive sovereignty of God in the affairs of human history and this sovereign God seeks to be with his people in the midst of exile and persecution. The book of Acts tells the story of how the Apostles responded to the resurrection of Jesus Christ by intentionally being a witness to the person and work of Jesus and thus the church is birthed and grows exponentially. The book of Revelation is about the final victory of God in his Son Jesus Christ over the powers of evil and the final consummation of the kingdom of God brought to earth. Though these three books are separated by about 500 years and come from different back-

grounds, cultures and languages yet they all have something very much in common. They all point to the kingdom of God coming into the world through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Daniel is given the interpretation of a dream and sees a vision (Daniel chapters 2 and 7) that shows him that a kingdom is coming that will outlast and ultimately destroy all earthly kingdoms and spread to all the earth. Acts is the beginning of the fulfillment of what Daniel saw in his dream and vision. Acts show us that God ushers his kingdom in through the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ and that it is the witnesses to the cross and resurrection that begin to herald the good news of God’s kingdom and the kingdom grows. Then in Revelation we see the final fulfillment of what Daniel saw in his dreams and visions. What was predicted to Daniel, begun in Christ and the apostles is now brought to its glorious completion in Revelation, the kingdom of God brought to earth! This is amazing! The whole of Scripture is telling the same story. From Genesis to Revelation, from beginning to end it is all about the gospel and the kingdom of God. The Bible is not a rule book! It is not a book of advice! It is not a book of morals! It is God’s revealed plan of redemp-

tion that tells the story of how he will eradicate all sin and evil through the person and work of his Son Jesus Christ who ushers in the kingdom of God so that many may see the glory of God and be infinitely satisfied. The Scriptures are not to be trifled with, neglected or turned into platitudes! The Scriptures are to be read book by book for the explicit purpose of taking joy in the glorious gospel of grace that unfolds with each turning of the page! Dear saint, open your Bibles and read with the gospel of Jesus Christ as your lens. Because He Lives, Pastor Jason

Wylene Eason Treasurer Jim Allsobrooks Pianist

Nancy Lowry

I nsi d e thi s i ssu e: Choir News

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From the Pastor’s Shelf

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Fellowship News

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Financial News

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Youth News

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Missionary News

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Outreach News

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Session News

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2 01 6 Ses s i o n Me mbe rs Moderator Rev. Jason Minter

“And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever,” ~ Daniel 2:44

(Christian Education) Steve Norton (Clerk of Session/ Worship) Bob Smith (Outreach) Matthew Echols (Administration) Gray Brannan (Congregational Nurture)

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Prayer Needs Copies of the November Prayer and Praise handout are available on the table at the entrance to the sanctuary.

Wheaton Illinois 60187, www.crosswaybooks.org. Page 159. ************

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” ~ Colossians 3:2

****** “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” ~Psalms 119:18 “The example of Jesus and the testimony of lovers of Christ throughout the centuries points us to early morning prayer as decisively important… First, it signals to our conscience that this is of first importance in the day. Second, it strikes the first blow in the battle of the day, instead of waiting till we are besieged from all sides. Third, what we do daily and do early shapes the spirit of our minds and brings us into a disposition of humility and trust that will bear better fruit than anxiety or self-reliance. Fourth, since beginning the day with the Word of God is crucial, prayer is equally crucial since the Word will not open its best wonders to us without prayer (Psm. 119:18). Fifth, it is uncanny how Satan can use even good things to squeeze prayer out of our schedule if we miss the early-morning hour. I have seen it again and again. If I say to myself, “I will give some time to prayer later,” it generally does not happen.” By: John Piper Reference: Summarized from: The Practice of Prayer in the Fight for Joy by John Piper taken from When I Don’t Desire God by John Piper, copyright 2004, Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers,

“To pray at all times is to live in continual God consciousness, where everything we see and experience becomes a kind of prayer, lived in deep awareness of and surrender to our heavenly Father. To obey this exhortation means that, when we are tempted, we hold the temptation before God and ask for His help. When we experience something good and beautiful, we immediately thank the Lord for it. When we see evil around us, we pray that God will make it right and be willing to be used of Him to that end. When we meet someone who does not know Christ, we pray for God to draw that person to Himself and to use us to be a faithful witness. When we encounter trouble, we turn to God as our Deliverer. In other words, our life becomes a continually ascending prayer, a perpetual communing with our heavenly Father. To pray at all times is to constantly set our minds “on things that are above, not on the things that are on earth” (Col. 3:2).” By: John MacArthur Reference: Ephesians, Moody, 1986, p. 380.

“I also know that there is only one place where that angry, reactive, overwhelmed self can be transformed – the same place that Mary chose – the feet of Jesus… When I get into His presence, the whole world looks different. When I draw close to His heart, I find mercy when I know I deserve judgment; I find forgiveness for all my petty, selfish ways; I find grace for all my inadequacies; I find peace for my troubled heart; I find perspective for my distorted views. In Him, I find an eye in the midst of the storm. Oh the storm around me may not immediately subside; but the storm within me is made calm.” By: Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth Reference: A Place of Quiet Rest, Moody, 2000, p. 44.

Everyone is invited Wednesday nights for our weekly prayer meeting at 6:15. Pastor Jason is continuing a series on the book of Daniel. Prayer is an essential part of living the Christian life and we must know the God to whom we pray and what he desires from us. This will be such a wonderful time of Bible study, fellowship and prayer! Let us know if you need child care. Join us at 6:15 p.m. and invite a friend! Come one and all!!

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From the Pastor’s Shelf… The Wonder Working God By: Jared Wilson

The miracles of Jesus are often misunderstood and often misinterpreted. Wilson does a wonderful job in refocusing the reader on what the miracles point to, the mission of Jesus. Wilson claims that the miracles of Jesus took place to show that Christ came into the world to restore all of creation back to relationship with God. It is written by a pastor with a heart toward the flock of God. This is indeed an edifying read!

For the Glory: Eric Liddell’s Journey From Olympic Champion to Modern Martyr By: Duncan Hamilton

This is the story of what really happened to the man of “Chariots of Fire” fame.” The movie “Chariots of Fire” is about the early life of Eric Liddell. But does anyone know what happened to him after he won the gold medal in the 1924 Olympics? After the Olympics, Eric made it his goal to become a missionary to the war-torn country of China. He lived his whole life for the glory of God and for the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is such an inspiring story of a man who gave his life to the mission of God. Read it and be challenged!

Fellowship News Girlfriends in Faith

Our Operation Christmas Child packing day is November 5th at 9:00 am. We will be concentrating on shoeboxes for teenagers but welcome items for kids of all ages. Shoeboxes will be provided. Please bring $2 to help cover the cost of a small breakfast that is being supplied by Vicky Rodgers. Our annual Christmas Brunch at Tammy Martin’s will be Saturday, December 10th at 9:30 am. More information will come as we get closer to this date. We have such a wonderful group of women who come together for these events. If you have not been to one of our gatherings, please join us! You will enjoy every minute! Please contact Teresa Harvey or Vicky Rodgers with your questions.

The Smith Community fellowship group will meet on Monday, Nov. 14th at 6:30 p.m. The group will meet at the home of Keith & Janice Lovern. Everyone is welcome to enjoy this enriching and glorifying time.

****** “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” ~Hebrews 10:25

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“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.”

Adult Sunday School Class What an exciting time to be in Sunday School! Pastor Jason Minter is currently teaching a class on the book of Revelation called "The Triumph of the Lamb". Pastor Jason will be opening up the book of Revelation and will seek to answer this question, "What is the relevance of the book of Revelation for believers today?" Join us at 9:30 am on Sunday mornings in the church sanctuary. If you have questions, please contact Pastor Jason.

~ Psalms 139: 13-16

BOOK NOOK

We have lots of excellent books for sale on display in the sanctuary. If you would like to purchase one, simply put the money in the bowl on the display. Prices start at $1.00 and go up.

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Session News Highlights Stated Session Meeting Faith Presbyterian EPC October 9, 2016

Motion to adjourn - Matthew Echols, seconded by Gray Brannan. Passed Closing prayer - Jason Minter Respectfully submitted, Steve Norton, Clerk of Session

Present: Jason Minter, Bob Smith, Matthew Echols, Gray Brannan, Steve Norton Devotion: Steve Norton - John 2 “Wedding in Cana” Financial Report: Matthew Echols reported numbers are being drawn up for the new building. Session met with the Hawkins family on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 in regards to joining our church. Motion to accept as members passed.

Old Business:  

Pledge Campaign: It was requested that a formal report be made available to the congregation. Future session members: Jason Minter reports that training is organized. Meeting will begin October 16th.

New Business: 

Nursery position: CE Committee will hire someone for the nursery.

Ministry Committee Reports 

Administration - (Matthew Echols) See financial report.

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Christian Education - (Jason Minter) Fall fellowship, nursery position

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Congregational Nurture - (Gray Brannan) Bi-monthly meals are a function of the session not CN.

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Outreach - (Bob Smith) Keith Lovern needs forms for poinsettias. Worship Committee needs to have ready for congregation to use the forms.

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Worship - (Steve Norton) Committee will meet after Steve returns from Haiti.

Calendar 

November 5 - Operation Christmas Child packing at 9:00 am.

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November 13 - Session meeting - Lord’s Supper - Congregational meal

Financial News - October, 2016 Donations: $ 30,995 Expenses: $ 22,264 Building Fund to date: $ 328,039

********* On Sunday evening, November 13th, we will be having our second church-wide fellowship meal at 5:30 p.m. Once again the church will provide drinks, paper products, etc. and there are several folks that will be providing ham and fried chicken. We are asking each family to make one (1) casserole/ crockpot sized item that you love and wish to share, i.e. meat, vegetable, salad, bread, dessert.

Ephesians 4:1-7 “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.”

What a great time it is getting to know each other as part of the body of Faith!

“I want to know Christ— yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” ~ Philippians 3: 10-11

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Youth News “Blessed

be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” ~ 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4

Outreach News Youth News - continued : November Events: Information will be announced throughout the month at church or through emails in regard to youth activities.

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Jason either in person or by phone or email. He wants to get

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Parents with kids in grades 6 thru 12, please contact Pastor

tentially be participating in Faith’s Youth Programs.

From: "Phil Linton, Director of World Outreach" Dear friend, I wanted to make you aware of a situation that desperately needs our prayers. Andrew Brunson, an EPC Teaching Elder serving in Turkey, and his wife, Norine, were arrested October 7 by Turkish authorities. They have been held without access to American embassy or legal counsel. On October 19, Andrew was transferred to a prison and faces criminal charges for allegedly conducting activities that constitute a national security risk. On the same day, Norine was released and all charges against her were dropped. Andrew’s mother, Pam, told me via email this week that her son is being held on serious false charges, and that nobody—including Norine—is being allowed to see him. Would you please pray for the Brunsons and the Turkish officials?

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Children's Sunday School meets in the student center and starts at 9:30. There are classes for all age groups, and we would love to have you. If you are interested in helping, please contact Vicky Rodgers.

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There will be a group going to Jesus Place on November 6th. Please feel free to join in on this inspirational visit. Speak with Steve Norton or Janice Baggett for details.

an idea of how many kids will po-

We are in need of a Sunday School teacher for the nursery and several more helpers for Children's Church and the nursery willing to serve once a month. It is wonderful that we have so many children. Come join the fun and get to know them while encouraging them to grow in the Lord. If you are interested, please speak to Vicky Rodgers or Bev Smith.

Our Mission of the Month for November: Jesus Place. (www.jesusplace.info/) We will be collecting warm clothing and shoes for men. These items can place in the chest beneath the book display.

  We are in need of volunteers to provide refreshments (simple cookies/juice nothing fancy) for our fellowship time between Sunday School and worship. Please speak to or email Laurie Brannan if you have any questions. The sign up sheet is posted on the bulletin board by the hall doorway. [email protected] (work)

Pray that Andrew’s relationship with God would be even more radiant in imprisonment than it has been in freedom. Pray for Andrew’s safety and welfare in prison, and that false charges against him would be dropped.

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Pray that the Church in Turkey would be refined and strengthened, rather than disheartened. For those of you who do not know Andrew and Norine, they have lived in Turkey for the past 20 years and have planted several churches. Their situation within the wider Turkish context was featured in Christianity Today on October 15. His parents, Ron and Pam, live in Black Mountain, N.C., and attend Christ Community Church which has been a member of the EPC since 2007.

[email protected] (home) Thank you, Phil Linton Director of World Outreach

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The Burnetts: Dear warriors in prayer: Praying “That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” 2 Tess.1:12. Praising God for His grace and abundant mercies. We have been greatly encouraged for His grace, strength and your prayers to walk this last month as the preparation of new teachings and workshops has been long. Praising God for seeing His Covenant people in the midst of the new challenges that Colombia faces with the process of peace with its oldest Guerrilla group (FARC). Torchbearers: We have been praying for the pastors here who have been the torchbearers for God’s glory. One of them is Pastor Roberto Argel in Barranquilla. He is the moderator of the Caribbean Presbytery and after more than 40 years serving as a pastor, he is now shepherding more than seven churches. He is committed to the task of raising teachers and leaders who love God and are faithful to serve Him keeping the pure doctrine of our Faith. He took us to share in four of their churches to continue in the process of teaching and planning the Ministry of Christian Education in the local church, including this small rural church in Leña where we met Luisa. She is the only children’s teacher in her small rural church and she was the first to arrive for training. Please remember Luisa and her church in Leña in your prayers.

Coordinators and teachers from the Caribbean Presbytery With great joy these teachers shared with us the changes they have seen with their children since giving them the new curriculum last year, especially with the 8-13 year olds. In their school they now have the subject “Children Desiring God”.

Here is Gary teaching about the importance of the churches Creeds and of the Confessions of Faith. Later, some of the youth were asking questions about the confessions of faith. They are not commonly known here and many churches, even though they were formed on them, have lost touch with them. Main point: Historically, false teachers have used scripture to teach their errors, we need to know what the scriptures teach.

These are the teachers from Ure, and Puerto Libertador. These teachers are from an area were they not only deal with the war but also they are oppressed by witchcraft. Rural areas in Colombia often suffer from those who practice witchcraft. Next steps and prayers request:

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  Meeting with the women of the Caribbean Presbytery: Just recently the Presbytery formed a new women´s ministry. We did a retreat with them last January and here, Jackie was sharing “Why are you worried? The heart of our Father for His children”. We were so happy to see them again.

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Please keep praying for open hearts and safe travel for the teachers who serve in remote villages in the state of Cordoba: As you may remember, the churches in the Northwest Presbytery have chosen 5 teachers to be trained and equipped in our next phase of teaching with them Nov 12-14. We want to give special thanks to all those who have offered help in sponsoring this outreach. For health and His grace to walk closer to our Lord. For the ongoing service with the Seminary in Medellin. For our college students here in Rionegro, especial for Luis who is preparing to be a missionary serving the Indigenous tribes living in the jungle areas of Colombia.

This is your ministry by the grace of God here in Colombia. Your love, prayers and support are the seeds and God by His mercies has called us to prepare His Way. Thanks! GRACIAS!! For standing with us. With love and gratitude, Gary and Jackie Burnett

We held the first retreat with the Community of Christian Schools in Monteria. There were 36 teachers from 7 different towns attending along with the director Dolores Paternina, another Torchbearer. Each school sent at least two teachers for training and plan to use them to share with others when they return. We were excited to see that three of these teachers came from public schools.

“Create

in me a pure heart, O

God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a

Happy November Birthdays!!

11/8

Lauren Aaron

11/9

Frank Baggett

11/11

Vicky Rodgers

11/13

David Patterson

willing spirit, to sustain me.” ~ Psalms 51: 10-12

Becky Fowler

Choir News An Evening in December On Sunday evening, December 11th at 6:00pm we will have a Christmas gathering for

Bob Brown

11/16

Nathan Aaron

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Michelle Aaron Ellen Brown

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11/17

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the entire church family. Music by the choir, readings, carol singing together, Christmas cookies, and plenty of Christmas warmth will

To the glory of God, Faith

begin a yearly tradition of gathering as a church

Presbyterian Church has been

family to celebrate our Savior’s birth! Watch

called together to faithfully proclaim the Gospel, to make and equip disciples for Christ, and to advance God’s Kingdom in our families, community, and world.

for details! Except for guests, we would ask everyone to bring a big plate of cookies to share. Homemade ones, preferably! (Or make them look like you made them at home). If your family is large, bring more, if it’s small, bring less. We will enjoy the evening together around ta-

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

bles. Don’t forget to save the date!

~ Ephesians 6: 10-13

Our church’s website: www.faithpresbyterianepc.org

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can

Faith Presbyterian Church, EPC 5916 East Lake Parkway, Suite 250 McDonough, GA 30253

they believe in the one of whom they

Please join us for a beautiful time of praise and worship through music. The Choir rehearses Wednesday evenings,

have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15

And how can anyone preach unless

they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” ~ Romans 10: 14-15

Faith Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (www.epc.org) and the Presbytery of the Southeast (www.epcsoutheast.org).

Church Membership If you are interested in joining Faith Presbyterian Church (EPC), you may do so by a profession of your faith in Jesus Christ, by a re-affirmation of your faith, or by a transfer of your membership from another church. Please speak with the Pastor or an Elder concerning your desire.