Dear FPCA family,
The origins of the day we call All Saints Day, November 1, can be traced back in our Christian history to traditions of honoring martyrs that took place as early as the 4th century. Of course, setting aside or a day or festival to remember those who have died is not unique and did not originate with Christianity. People all over the globe have understood that remembering, giving thanks for, and drawing strength from the stories of those who have lived faithfully through difficult times can be important for individual and communal life. In the Church we often speak the “cloud of witnesses” who have shown us, through word and deed, what it means to be Christ’s disciples in the world. We also sing and pray about the promises of God that reassure us that we are never outside of the reach of God’s love, that in life and in death we belong to God. We light candles that bear witness to our grief, and we gather at the Lord’s Supper to receive that foretaste of the heavenly banquet where all of God’s children will one day feast together. All Saints Day can be one of those liminal days where the veil between the human and divine realms, temporal and eternal life, feels particularly thin as the names and memories of those who have died are on our lips and present in our thoughts and hearts. Whether you are with us in worship or with us in spirit, I hope this day will be a blessing.
Peace,
Pastor Stephanie
Vibrant Faith
Dear FPCA Family:
This Sunday our Raising Faithful Kids practice will invite us to reconnect with God’s story and reflect on the biblical stories that have shaped our faith. In our worship services, you’ll be invited to write your favorite Bible story on an index card. You may write the book, chapter, and verses or the name of the story. Please turn in your card as you come forward for Communion.
The following Sunday, we will share our congregation’s responses. These favorite passages will offer a glimpse of the stories that have formed our faith across generations and remind us that our lives are part of God’s continuing story.
God’s Peace,
Our Vibrant Faith Team
Personnel Team News
Over the past six months, the Personnel Team has been carefully evaluating our staffing needs. Even though our membership numbers have shifted, our ministries and mission remain vibrant, active, and growing! To support this momentum, Session has approved the creation of a new full-time Church Operations Manager position. The hiring process is officially underway, and we look forward to seeing how God will use this new role to serve our church family.
Here is the job summary: The Church Operations Manager oversees the administrative, financial, logistical, and facility operations of the church. By directing human resources, financial stewardship, IT infrastructure, and campus maintenance, this position builds a strong operational foundation to advance the church’s mission and vision. Serving as a vital link between staff, Session, and the congregation, this role ensures efficient daily stewardship while enabling pastoral staff to dedicate their primary focus to preaching, teaching, and congregational care.
This position represents the first phase of addressing FPCA’s staffing requirements. Additional staffing evaluations and decisions are expected over the next 12 to 18 months to ensure our operations align with our mission and vision.
From Sandy Gunn, Session member serving as Personnel Chairperson