February 2015

A Word From Larry The German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer made the

phrase ‘Life Together’ famous in his book by the same name. Essentially, the phrase simply refers to the life of the Christian community. We can be tempted to allow our congregational community to become commonplace in our lives. Bonhoeffer warns, “It is not simply to be taken for granted that the Christian has the privilege of living among other Christians.” In fact, the gathering of Christ followers is always a grace from God. Christian community is not something we can create, but instead “it is a reality in which we may participate.”

The Christian community is not a chore. The reality of fellowship is a necessity for the spiritual life. We were not created to walk the path of discipleship alone. In the presence of others we can be helped along the journey. Bonhoeffer says, “The physical presence of other Christians is a source of incomparable joy and strength to the believer.” That joy and strength are one of life’s greatest gifts. We meet with each other so that, as Jean Vanier says, “God in me sees God in you.”

In meeting with each other, another thing takes place. By being in community we open the story of our lives up to the stories of others’ lives. When our stories interact we are inevitably changed, and I think moved deeper into the heart of God. Ultimately, as our stories converge in community, we catch a glimpse of God’s great Kingdom story taking place in our midst.

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Meet FBC

New? Newish? Been around but want to learn a little more? MeetFBC! meets at 9:15 am for 6 weeks beginning February 8. Meet our ministers and learn about the ministries of FBC. There is room for you.

Women's Celebration

Luncheon

Ladies, join us February 22 at 11:45 for the annual Women's Celebration Luncheon. Cost is $10 and you can register on Mosaic! This year's theme is "Loving and Caring for One Another".

Hard Topics

Beginning February 8th, Dr. Travis Collins will be leading a series on 'Hard Conversations.' This will be a dual study with preaching in the morning services and further exploration in the Life Center on Sunday nights. You won't want to miss it!

Y/M NEWS Young/Median Adults | February | Issue 1

February 2015

Upcoming Dates: 2/8 Hard Conversations series begins

2/8 Meet FBC starts

2/8 Joint Worship at Blue Springs - Sunday night (6:30)

2/10 Forum Valentine's party at Susan Wessinger's

2/17 Forum Service Project

2/18 Ash Wednesday Service at Noon at FBC

2/22 Ladies Luncheon at 11:45 at FBC

3/6-3/8 Life Together Retreat at Lake Guntersville

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March 6-8

Lodging: Please contact Lake Guntersville if you are planning on staying at the lodge.

Contact Guntersville by emailing their reservationist at Jamie.Allen@dcnr.alabama.org or calling them at 256-571-5440 and be sure to tell them our group code, which is 4987.

Childcare: We hope that you will bring child(ren) with you and that they will attend our sessions. we invite their energy in the community and are intentionally attempting to create an intergenerational experience.

Food: All meals are ‘a-la-carte’ or on your own. There is a cafeteria at the lodge that you are welcome to enjoy. There are also local favorites where you may want to eat. Maybe you’d even want to bring things to share in a picnic.

For those who may not want to incur lodging costs, simply drive down Friday night and drive home and come back on Saturday (or just come for the day Saturday!)

For more info check out the website at: http://fbchsv.org/