Take Hold of The Life That Really Is Life

Download PDF Dear friends, We are living in a world filled with uncertainty. Every day we encounter another story of tragedy, evil, or selfishness. The strength of our own hands is not enough to change it. We may not feel like we have any control, but God is still in control. How do we continue to do the good works of God in our community in times of chaos? 1 Timothy 6:17-19 encourages us to not set our hopes on the things of this world, but rather on God. We are called to take hold of the life that really is life! But what is “real life” and what makes for a good, meaningful, or deeper life? How do we grasp it? It starts with intention. We center ourselves on God. We consider God’s unconditional love for us and then we strive to emulate it. Pouring out love unconditionally on our church family, our neighbors, ourselves, and yes, even our enemies, we will find goodness in ourselves and the world around us. We grasp life with our literal and figurative hands by serving communion, by holding the hands of the sick and bedridden, by preparing and bagging nourishment for a food pantry, by laying hands in prayer, and by restoring homes in communities ravaged by natural disaster. The goodness of God’s Kingdom is available to us all, through us, and it is not fleeting. Our church serves as God’s light in a darkening world. Our hands carry that light into the shadows. The stewardship of our time, talents, and treasure is critical to supporting the work of FPC and its mission. Through generous giving by you and others, the annual stewardship campaign provides 91% of the money needed to support our annual operating budget. This budget employs the staff, maintains the facilities, funds our worship, educational programming, and fellowship, and supports over 20 ministries and organizations in our community.