Flight Report, 3.08.2013
Time Change this Sunday Morning: Spring Forward
Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday, morning at 2am. Lose that hour of sleep but show up early to church.
Passage & Prayer
Sundays, Life Center 302-303; 8:45
To coincide with the worship message series, Passage (Sunday School) will be substituting refreshment time with prayer. Come on time for the prayer focus explanation and pray with others. We will continue our study of the Sermon on the Mount. May we seek the presence of the Lord together.
Psalm 107:8-9. "Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness, And for His wonders to the sons of men. For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, And the hungry soul He has filled with what is good."
ESPM; Wednesdays, 7:30pm; Life Center, 205-206
Join the church as we pray. The spiritual vibrancy of our church will not arrive unless we—together—desire God's manifest precess. "IF...My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Sundays, 11:40am; 2nd floor Worship Center
A group continues to pray for God's plan regarding summer mission in Thailand. God is answering prayers. If you are curious, led to join the Thailand team, or just want to be a prayer supporter, meet us to seek God's will and direction.
We are also praying for those who may be led to join a non-FCBC organization this summer. We'll pray for you too. Come!
If you are joining a mission trip with a non-FCBC organization, please speak with JohnC (johnchow@fcbc.org) if you're seeking church support.
If you plan to travel, apply or renew for a passport now. Normal processing can take 4-6 weeks. Expedited (rush) fees can be upward of $75 additional dollars. Check your passports now. Click here for Passport Applications or here for Passport Renewal. From experience, unnecessary stress and anxiety can be avoided simply by handling this significant issue early.
Ordination
It's been mentioned publicly that I, John Chow, will be going through the process of ordination. Not to be confused with a new job position, ordination is a significant milestone and event in the life of a pastor. After collective prayer and fasting, the local church is God's agent to determine if a person is set apart for this Christian office. Putting it simply, it is God's confirmation through the church's spiritual act that one is called to be a pastor.
The word pastor means "to act as a shepherd", and in Paul's epistles to Ephesus he directs individuals to "shepherd the church of God" (Acts 20:28). Similarly, Peter tells individuals to "shepherd the flock of God among you", who are accountable to the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ (1 Peter 5:2, 4). A shepherd is to care for God's people, to direct and protect, to feed and to discipline. Aside from the existing ministerial duties, in our church practice, ordained pastors may then officiate certain events, like baptism, marriage, the Lord Supper, and baby dedication.
The local church is involved in ordination. There are a number of screening and approval processes by small groups (Flight Team, pastoral staff, Ordination Council, and deacons). After each small group's examination and approval, the decision is brought forth to the entire congregation for a period of prayer and comment. (As collegians and adult leaders, you may provide positive, negative and constructive feedback in this examination process. You can contact members of the Flight Team and/or Pastor Benny with your comments and opinions. In other words, you decide this spiritual recognition through prayer, fasting and deliberation.) If the process continues to be positive, then the church as a whole will vote on the ordination in the May Members' Meeting (an opportunity for church members to publicly voice their comments). If one is confirmed, then later there is the ceremonial event of laying on of hands for prayer and blessing as was practiced in the New Testament.
In the weeks to come, as is appropriate and necessary, I'll post my thoughts on my calling to the ministry.
May 3, 4, 5 (Fri, Sat & Sun). Choose one day. Choose all three!
FCBC is again participating in this city-wide volunteer day. We've had several years of large turnout and great success. Be part of this opportunity to bring beauty to our community. As a church, we can't stand idly by as others try to help this place where we live and attend church. Be part of something good.
You can help with planning (contact Daniel Spickard). You can sign-up for Big Sunday days when participation lists roll out.
LA Marathon Course (Street Closures)
Sun, Mar 17.
Be aware of street closures in and around Chinatown due to the race. Give adequate time to arrive.
College/Young Adult Summer Camp. Save the Weekend!
August 9-11, Fri-Sun. Pepperdine University.
Come to our summer retreat and be inspired by God.
"Follow Me"
Are you not getting the link to this Flight Site on email or a notice on Facebook? Become a "Follower: Join this Site" on the sidebar and you can receive this awesome Flight Site as soon as it's published. Becoming a follower will also make the site owner feel loved.
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