Dear FPCA family,
When we gather for worship this Sunday, we’ll hear a parable that Jesus told toward the very end of his ministry about ten young women waiting to join a bridegroom heading to a wedding banquet. It’s a curious story with waiting, unexpected delays, wedding celebrations, and a door that eventually closes. If read as an allegory, with each character representing some other being or entity (God, Jesus, the disciples then or now), the story can feel a little jarring or even frightening, as if there’s a countdown ticking away on our opportunity to be included in the kingdom of heaven.
But there’s good news for us! In addition to the good news of the gospel, it is good news that it’s not required, and in many cases not even appropriate, to read parables allegorically. That is the case of this parable that we’ll explore on Sunday. Perhaps this parable is inviting us about how we participate in the kingdom of heaven that is near, but sometimes hard to see, when we know toward what it is building, but it hasn’t all come to fruition just yet. What does it mean to wait expectantly, to wait with purpose?
I hope you’ll join us Sunday as we reflect together on what it means to live with expectation, courage, and hope.
Peace,
Pastor Stephanie
Vibrant Faith
Dear FPCA Family:
This Sunday, our Prayers of the People will include a responsive body prayer. Through simple words and movements, we will pray with our whole selves. This may be a new experience for some of us, but it can offer another way to connect with God and one another in worship.
Last Sunday, we shared the Bible stories and passages that have shaped your faith. We gathered your responses into a word cloud, which you can view here. The larger the title, the more often it was submitted. These stories offer a wonderful glimpse into the Scripture our congregation carries close to heart. We look forward to exploring some of our favorite passages together in the future.
Thank you for your continued participation in our Raising Faithful Kids initiative!
God’s Peace,
Our Vibrant Faith Team
Scam Alert!
Dear FPCA family,
We understand that a number of members have received emails or text messages that look like they are from our pastors asking for recipients to contact us immediately. Even if the name shows up as one of our pastors, the actual sending email address is not one of our addresses. Please be vigilant in checking the sending addresses and/or calling the church office if you have any question about a suspicious email you receive before you reply to it. Pastors will not ask you for money, gift cards, or other favors this way.
Peace,
Pastor Stephanie