FIPC Newsletter

Issue 36 Volume 12  - Week of September 7, 2014

From Dr. Jim Weldon, Jr.

Dear FIPC Church Family,

As a child, I remember sitting in Hendricks United Methodist Church, on the south side of Jacksonville, singing hymns.  It was some of my fondest memories.  My dad was a good singer and had an excellent voice.  My mom loved to sing but, in her own words, "couldn't carry a tune in a bucket."  I always admired how both of them would let loose and sing out their praises to God and our church organist filled the sanctuary with sound.  One of my favorite hymns was "We Shall Overcome" which was very popular in the 60's and 70's.   It was adapted by the Civil Rights movement as a plea for justice.  What does it mean to overcome?  I found a great article which answers that question:

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 Who Is an Overcomer?
  by Michael Warden

"He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." -Revelation 3:21-22

The word translated as "overcome" in the passage above (and all similar passages in Revelation) is the Greek verb "nikao," which means to conquer, to prevail, to gain the victory.

The word implies battle. 

Perhaps it's better to say the word assumes there is a battle, and that you and I are in it.  Likewise, the English word "overcome" connotes a sustained and difficult struggle against some kind of resistance-be it an obstacle or direct opposition-until it is fully conquered.

Whether we describe it in terms of battle or struggle, we all know what it's like to come up against resistance in our lives. Resistance is that wall you slam into on your way to your dreams coming true. We've all been knocked flat by it at one point or another, most likely on multiple occasions.

One of the basic questions we ask in coaching is this: What does it really take to win your dreams? In my experience, it takes more than wishing it were so, consciously "attracting" it, or passively praying God will hand it to you all wrapped up in a nice pretty bow. It takes rolling up your sleeves, mustering your courage, and jumping into the fray.

There are many things that contribute to being (or becoming) an Overcomer, but as I watch my clients overcome obstacle after obstacle in their lives, I've noticed these seven qualities showing up again and again. How are you at practicing these "overcoming" skills?

  1. Overcomers believe. They are clear on exactly what victory looks like, and actively practice believing that victory is not only possible for them; it's inevitable.
  2. Overcomers deal in reality. From a position of faith, they look at their world and their circumstance with frank honesty, understanding that if they don't accept where they are, they'll never know how to get where they're going. (For an example of this, check out Abraham in Romans 4:19-21.)
  3. Overcomers fight smart. They understand victory requires a thoughtful approach. Rather than charge ahead in a fit of passion (soon spent), they try one thing at a time, measuring the impact, and adapting their strategy based on the results.
  4. Overcomers engage failure as part of the process. Rather than letting failures tank them, they practice curiosity in the face of failure, learning from their missteps, and improving their strategies for next time.
  5. Overcomers celebrate every success-no matter how small. They understand that to "win the long war," they need to take heart and courage from every inch of ground they gain. They know that progress, no matter how small, is fuel for the soul.
  6. Overcomers don't try to go it alone. Perhaps the quickest way to lose a battle in your life is to believe you don't need any help. Overcomers understand nobody wins alone. They surround themselves with brothers and sisters in arms who know their battle, and are committed to help them win it.
  7. Overcomers never give up. No matter how many times they fall, or how dire the circumstances appear to be, they are relentless in their refusal to quit. Like great warriors and leaders before them, they understand that the refusal to give up is perhaps the most powerful weapon for victory they have.
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When you find yourself in the midst of the battle, remember you can overcome because...God is good, all the time!  All the time, God is good!

Grace and Peace,

 Jim Weldon

Jim Weldon


Church Celebrations

#ROCKTHEUNIVERSE

We had 18 youth and 5 adult chaperons attend Rock The Universe at Universal Studios in Orlando last weekend. They joined thousands of other believers for a weekend of soul-stirring performances by some of Christian rock's brightest at Florida's largest Christian music festival.  Two nights, over a dozen bands, one powerful experience!













































Church Announcements


Back to Church Sunday
September 28 @ 10:00 am

Worship Building Sanctuary



National Back To Church Sunday began as a movement to invite everyone in America back to church by empowering and motivating church members to invite their family and friends to come with them to a special service hosted by the local church.

The movement was spurred on by a couple of statistics:
  • If invited, 82% of the unchurched are at least somewhat likely to attend.
  • Only 2% of Christians EVER invite someone to church!
FIPC has declared September as "Back To Church Month." The official National Back To Church Sunday is September 21. Since that is the weekend of our Women's Retreat, we will celebrate "Back To Church Sunday" on September 28.  FIPC's motto is "Helping People To Love God and Love Others."  We accomplish this through INVESTING and INVITING...investing in our family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers by inviting them to church.

We challenge you to attend worship each Sunday in September and invite someone to join you!

Women's Evening Bible Studies
2 Opportunities
2nd and 4th Mondays @ 6:30 pm
or
Every Tuesday @ 6:30 pm
Worship Building Room #2



Open to all women.  Currently studying Stronger: Finding Hope in Fragile Places.  For contact information and more details, visit our web site.

Moving On With Mark
Adult Sunday Morning Bible Study @ 8:30 am
Worship Building Room #1



Open to all adults.  This class is an in-depth look at the New Testament Gospel of Mark.  For contact information and more details, visit our web site.

Men's Monday Morning Bible Study
Mondays @ 6:00 am
ROCK Room



Self-led group of men meet for breakfast, Bible study, and prayer.  They are currently studying Romans.  For contact information and more details, visit our web site.

5th Quarter Is Back!

Help us put on the best 5th Quarter season yet!  Donations of the following items are needed:
  • dry snack goods (chips, pretzels, candy)
  • canned soda (no diet please)
  • bottled water
  • hot snack items (tailgating fare)
  • firewood
  • monetary donations--Donate Online!
Stop by the Golden Eagle in the Gathering Area to pick up a football tag with specific donation items that are still needed.

We also need 40 plus adult volunteers for each 5th Quarter event.  Stop by the 5th Quarter Volunteer Table in the Gathering Area to sign up to volunteer at one or more of the events.  The volunteers have almost as much fun as the youth!

5th Quarter Dates

August 22
August 29
September 12
September 26
October 3
October 24

Blackboard writings   A good example is the best sermon    
 
Upcoming Messages
 
Don't miss out on the important messages that FIPC has planned:

September 14 - Pastor Jim - How To Build A Christ Centered Home, Part 2.  Deuteronomy 6:5-9

September 21 - Pastor Jim - How Are We To Live Out Our Faith?  Daniel 1:1-21

September 28 - Pastor Jim - How Are We To Live Out Our Faith?  Part 2  Daniel 1:1-21

October 5 - Pastor Jim - Being Honest, Speaking The Truth In Love.  
Daniel 2

October 12 - Carissa Hogan - To Be Announced

Pastor Jim invites conversation on the topics before the scheduled Sunday.  Dates and topics are subject to change.

Adult Ministries

  

Christian Growth Classes


Christian Growth Classes
September 14 @ 1:00 pm
Worship Building
   

We would love for you to join the church and continue your discipleship journey by partaking in one of these classes.  If you are interested in joining the church or attending one of the classes, please contact  the Director of Membership Sara Dryden.  1st Base, please sign up ahead of time in order to receive information to be discussed at the meeting.


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In This Issue
Church Celebrations
Church Announcements
Adult Ministries
Thank You
Thanks and Prayer Requests
This Week's Funny
This Week's Devotional
FIPC Calendar
Calendar

Link 

A Record of Our Faithfulness

FIPC is a member supported church.

We do not receive any outside funding.  Everything we do is made possible through your faithful giving.

 

 

Attendance:  

09/07/14 = 147

 

Ministry & Building Fund Offerings:

09/07/14 = $6,077.77

 

(2014 weekly need = $10,048)

 

Offering envelopes are  available in the church bulletin for cash offerings. The envelopes are not necessary for checks.  If you ever have any questions about FIPC finances, please contact our CFO & Church Administrator, Dawn Vanderpool, at the church office at (904) 269-2412 ext. 701.

Sunday Worship
sunday service
Worship Service is held every Sunday morning
10:00 AM

Attire is casual. It is an uplifting, come as you are service.
 
Small Groups

God never intended for us to go it alone!

 

We want to help you find the Small Group where you can you grow in your faith and have some fun doing it!

Link 

ChristLife - Senior High Youth
Link  
Fuel - Jr. High Youth Group
Link
ROCK / Children
THE ROCK LOGO
Link
 Childrens Ministries
Link 
Thank You Notes
Thank You

   

Thanks to:

 

The Hospitality Team for Sunday morning refreshments!  

 

The counting team for your continued service to your church!

 

Our Awesome Worship Band!

 

Those who helped usher/greet last Sunday!

 

Our Children's Ministry Volunteers!

 

Our Youth Ministry Team!

 

Announcements

Announcements for the e-newsletter, power point slide show during worship, and web site should be emailed to Dawn Vanderpool by 9 am on Mondays.

 

Announcements for the bulletin should be emailed to Sara Dryden by 10 am on Tuesdays.

Christian Counseling Center
Christian Counseling Center

A ministry of Fleming Island Presbyterian Church, The Christian Counseling Center of FIPC is an outreach of the church to our community. 

Link
Church Staff
If you would like to contact a church staff member please go to our website.

 

Facebook

FacebookCheck out our Facebook page! It's a great way to add photos of events and stay in contact with your church.
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List


Thanks and Prayer Requests
Paryer Requests
Praise / Thanks:
  • To God for all the new families He is bringing to us.
  • To God for blessing us abundantly.
  • To God for His Word revealed to us in the Bible.
  • To God for all those who work so hard behind the scenes.
  • To God for our Hospitality Ministry.     
  • To God for our Sunday School Team.
  • To God for our Youth Group Leaders.
  • To God for our Great Worship Band and AV Team.
  • To God for all those folks who pray each day for FIPC.
Praise from the Welcome Cards:
  • Son, Colt, got engaged to his girlfriend, Beverly.
  • Evan got a job.
  • Able to assist friends and family while unemployed.
  • Thanks for God's word to teach us how to live.

 

Prayer Requests: 

  • For our community.
  • For our church's growth in spirit, connections, and number.  
  • For those who do not know Christ.
  • The grace to live out our faith.
  • For our FIPC Pastor, Staff, Elders, Deacons and their families.
  • For families and individuals who are hurting.
  • For the PCUSA and FIPC's response to the changes. For our Denominational Relations Committee.
  • Martha Williams, health.
  • Faircloth family.
  • Sydney Ward.
Prayers from the Welcome Cards:
  • Prayer for protection for medical missionaries in Africa caring for victims of Ebola.  For compassion to Ebola victims that they met Jesus before succumbing to the virus.
  • Friend, Gayle, just diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, chemo starts Monday.  Pray for her 2 kids to handle the situation. School.
  • Seeking full-time employment, something with good pay and I would be a fit for; family, their needs according to God's will.
  • For my grandma without my grandpa.  Also, for my other grandparents.  For Sydney with her MS.
  • Sara's family for the loss of her stepfather.
  • Pray for good biopsy results.  For Gayle as she fights breast cancer (in her 30's) with 2 small children.
  • Sara Dryden and family.
  • Chris, safe travels; church and gov't leaders.
  • Keep our sons, grandsons and all armed forces safe and in your grace.
  • Burl White's brother, Lynn, is is the hospital in Texas with double pneumonia.
This Week's Funny

Reminder:  5th Quarter This Friday




This Week's Devotional

  

 ""

by Rick Warren

PurposeDriven.com

 

This Week's Devotional



"I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above."
(Philippians 3:13-14 NCV)

I believe in setting goals. I've set them all my life, because goals are simply statements of faith. The Bible says, "The just shall live by faith" and "Without faith it's impossible to please God" and "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin" and "According to your faith it will be done unto you."

God always operates in your life by faith. That's why you need goals in your life, because a goal is a statement of faith. A goal says, "I believe God wants me to accomplish something by a certain date." If you don't have a date, it's not a goal. It's a wish. It's a dream. It's a desire. But wishes are a dime a dozen; they're worthless. The only thing that will change your life is setting a goal. You've got to wake up from the dream and go to work!

A "FAITH" goal has five characteristics:

Focused. That means it is specific. If you use the words "more" or "less," it's not a focused goal. "I want to be less angry" or "I want to weigh less" or "I want to be more like Jesus" are not goals because you can't measure them. You have to be specific.

Attainable. If you set an unrealistic goal, it's just going to discourage you. If you say, "I'm going to pray three hours a day," you're setting yourself up for failure. Set a goal that stretches you and then trust God will help you stretch.

Individual. That means it's personal. You cannot set goals for other people because you can't control them. You can't set goals for your children, your husband, or your boyfriend or girlfriend. You can only set goals for yourself, because you can control you and not anybody else. The only way you can change other people is by changing yourself.

Trackable. Trackable goals can be measured. They're verifiable. You set a date and say, "By Nov. 30 I will have accomplished this, and by Dec. 30 I will have accomplished this, and by Jan. 30 I will have accomplished this."

Heartfelt. Your goals have got to be heartfelt. You'll never reach a passionless goal. If you're not passionate about the goal, wait until you get passionate about it. If you don't have a deep desire to do it, don't set it.

I encourage you to set one spiritual goal for your life today. Maybe your goal is to have a quiet time for five minutes every day for the next month. That is a FAITH goal, and you can accomplish it in faith.
Fleming Island Presbyterian Church
1743 County Road 220
Fleming Island, FL 32003