"Stop at the crossroads and look around . . .
 
Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls." Jeremiah 6:16  
 
That was this past Monday's reading, after which I found myself reflecting on the Acts 2:42 passage we read in worship on Sunday.  "They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles' and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." I think that carrying out the Acts 2:42 passage is how we identify the "old, godly way, and walk in it."  We stay in the Word so that we can hear what God is saying.  We process what God is doing with one another, and we pray for one another, seeking both encouragement and discernment from God. It's a way of life, and why we need to be in relationship with one another.
 
Of course another key reason for living out Acts 2:42 is that it is often while in those relationships that others stop us because they see crossroads we might otherwise miss. Most of us can recall times when we heard someone say to us, "This is a significant moment in your life. We can celebrate this!" or we've said to others, "Be careful, there is a bigger thing at stake in this issue than the one you've gotten hooked on." I suspect that the early church family quickly discovered that those conversations invite us into caring relationships with believers and unbelievers - another key reason for living out Acts 2:42.
 
Stopping at the crossroads and looking around takes an attentiveness, discernment, and prayer that happen most effectively when I'm doing it with others around me. I'm so glad that I've been able to do that with the people of Fair Haven.  In fact, I've learned much as we've spoken into and each other's lives as to how God is at work in matters of parenting, death, marriage, health, church life and more. Thank you for being a family that stops at the crossroads and looks around; a family that has devoted itself to walking the godly way together. 
 
Together in the Cause,
 
Jennifer Pugh

            FourPoints: North/South/East/West

Please remember to pray for Pastor Tom De Vries and his family as Tom is in Israel for the next 2 weeks and his family is at home.  Tom asked that we pray that the presence and power of God's Holy Spirit would be able to minister to his heart and mind while on this pilgrimage-that God would speak clearly and he (Tom) would be able to hear His words, His desires, His will for Tom and for Fair Haven.
 
Additional Side By Side caregivers are needed. We are looking for those who would be willing to share of their time, life experiences, gifts, talents, abilities and passion to love others in the Name of Christ; to spend time helping others through times of difficulty by giving the gift of listening on a regular basis.  Side By Side Ministry training will be this Sunday, October 19, 2:00-5:00pm, Tuesday evenings, October 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18, 7:00-9:00pm. If you are interested please contact Pam Centeno, 662-2100, ext. 3045 or pcenteno@fhmin.org.
 
Elements:  4 short learning opportunities for deepening your life with God.  All four opportunities are on Sundays at 9:00AM.  The Journey, led by our pastors, is meeting in 306/308 all 4 weeks.  Prayer, led by Prayer Coordinator Mary DeLaat, is meeting in 209/211 Oct. 5, 12, and 19.  Character Sketches of Faith, led by Church Administrator Jennifer Pugh, is meeting on Oct. 12, 19, and 26 in 213/215.  Depression - Subtle Signs of Self-Deception, led by Dr. Jay Ostrowski of Pine Rest, is meeting in room 209/211. While all classes are open to walk-ins, it is helpful in preparing resources if you register by calling the Church Office.
 
Thank you for your continued prayer for Tom Elenbaas' brother, Jeff, and his family. Jeff remains in the hospital after falling out of a tree and seriously injuring his back last Thursday.  Jeff does not have use of his legs as a result of the accident. 
 Currents is an electronic communication from Fair Haven Ministries - devotional thoughts, updates, and information for individuals connected to the ministry of Fair Haven. It is communicated via email and through the Fair Haven website - www.fhmin.org. If you do not desire to receive Currents, please follow the unsubscribe directions at the bottom of this email, otherwise, we hope you find meaning, encouragement, and hope through these regular communiqués!
FAIR HAVEN MINISTRIES
2900 Baldwin
Hudsonville, MI 49426
616-662-2100
Worship Celebration at 9:00am & 10:45am