First CRC Monthly
- OCTOBER ISSUE -
Our Mission: To Glorify God by making More and Better Disciples
Looking Forward
Greetings family and friends of First CRC!
Well, much has changed for me since my last letter to you. On Sunday, September 23rd at 9:23 am, I became the proud father of four, with the addition of baby Kate Allyson Carruthers. Mom and Kate are doing well.
As I shared this past Sunday, thank you once again for all your prayers, letters, texts, messages, email, and cards! Especially knowing our closest family members are 1,628 miles away (I checked), Julie and I are so grateful for you -- our family of faith!
Your kindness in this season is yet another signature of God's loving kindness.
In Christ,
Pastor Justin
P.S. We have a lot to look forward to in the month of October, so let's jump right in!
SUNDAY MORNINGS THIS MONTH
This Sunday, October 7th, we will celebrate the Sacrament of Communion. This sacrament confirms in us God's abiding love and faithfulness. Not only that, but Communion is also a meas of grace that unites us with one another. That is why we do it together, corporately, and not simply in homes. Christ's death and resurrection is what reconciles us to God, not only, but also to one another!
Next week, October 14th, we will be continuing our series on the book of Romans. I will be in Visalia CRC that morning helping officiate my dear friend Tim Keep's ordination service!
On the third Sunday, October 21st, we will have the opportunity to hear the faith and life story of Val and Martha Valdez. We call these "God's Story/Our Story." We are so grateful for faith and life testimonies like the Valdez' because it gives us another opportunity to "...Let [our] light shine before others in such a way that they glorify God in Heaven." [Matthew 5:16] When we hear how God works in the lives of others, it gives is the courage and hope to share our faith stories as well! Also that morning, Val and Martha will publicly profess their faith in Christ and become members of our church! What a joy it will be to learn more about their story of faith!
We have a few other events planned for later in the month, but are working out those details as we speak.
ALSO, here are a few others dates to take note of on your calendar:
- October 12 - GEMS Lock-In event
- October 24 - Youth Pinewood Derby
- November 2 - Community Movie Night
- November 30 - Worship Night
- December 7-8 - Parenting Conference (RSVP event. Spaces is limited. Click HERE to register)
- Be sure to keep an eye out for more events in the bulletins to come.
LIFE GROUPS UPDATE
Fall Life Groups are well underway and the final number of participants is 152! This is by far the largest number of participants we have ever had. Thank you so much for choosing to taking part!
Remember to use the hashtag #CRCLifeGroups on social media to share with family and friends the difference your Life Group is making in your life and in our community.
Have questions?
Contact Heather Thomas - Executive Director of Ministries
559.582.4423
CAPITAL PROJECT
On behalf of First CRC Leadership, I want to thank all of you who have chosen to take part in our "Focus Groups" that are looking at a possible Design, Build proposal we have received. 95 of you took part. Our goal was to hear as many voices as possible since we are deeply persuaded that God speaks in and through His people and we feel we accomplished that goal.
Very soon you will be getting more information regarding an "All Congregational Meeting" that we are planning for next month. At this meeting we will identify:
- The reasons WHY a Capital Project is necessary,
- Ideas we have explored to-date on how to address our issues,
- The Design, Build proposal we have received,
- The COST of the project, and
- Possible Next Steps on the process moving forward.
Stay tuned for more info soon.
About Us
Email: hanfordcrc@comcast.net
Website: hanfordcrc.org
Location: 2175 Leoni Drive, Hanford, CA, United States
Phone: (559) 582-4423
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HanfordCRC/