Baptism is both a personal and a social action in which an individual undertakes a new life of Christian discipleship within the fellowship of the whole people of God—Christ’s church. For Disciples, baptism is foremost the means of entry into the life of the church. The sins of the one baptized are not only forgiven, but God gives the Holy Spirit to live within the believer to strengthen, guide and comfort. The Holy Spirit is God’s continuing effective presence in one’s life. FCC practices baptism by immersion. Following a confession of faith, the candidate enters into the baptismal font. A prayer of blessing is offered, and the candidate is then lowered into the water by the minister, and then brought back out of the water after having been fully immersed. This practice reenacts the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Through this rite, the critical events of Christ’s life are incorporated into our own experience.
Based on the book, An Altar in the World by Barbara Brown Taylor, this study identifies concrete ways to discover the sacred in the small things we do and see. This Lenten study, led by Rev. Nancy Dunn, will be on Sundays at 6:30 PM beginning February 26 until April 1.
February is the Month of Compassion. Our theme this year is Hope. Our goal again is $25,000. Come each Sunday for the weekly Compassion messages. The last Sunday of the month (Feb. 26) will be the annual Children's March, 7th/8th grade bake sale, and the Compassion Cafe. For more info, see the "Giving" tab - Month of Compassion.
Come join us for our Ash Wednesday service of prayer, scripture, imposition of ashes, and communion. The service is February 22nd at 7:00 pm.
The 2012 Women's Ministry Retreat, "Seeking Growth", will take place Friday & Saturday, March 2 & 3, at The Inn at the Amish Door in Wilmot. Registration begins Sunday, January 29 and continues through February 12 on Sundays in the Gathering Area.
There will be brochures with the registration form and information about the retreat workshops on the bulletin boards throughout the church beginning January 15.
Prayer Shawl Ministry meets the LAST Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm in the Chalice Room. New members are always welcome!
Fellowship and Outreach for 3rd-5th graders, meeting the third Sunday of the month, October - May, in Fellowship Hall. God's Kids Club meets at 10:30 am and Junior Youth Fellowship (JYF) meets from Noon - 2:00 pm. If you are in 3rd - 5th grade, come join the fun.
Men’s Forum continues to meet on the 1st and 3rd Mondays from 7:00-8:30 pm in the Youth Room. Join us as we explore and share our faith…no problem if you missed earlier sessions. The topic for this year's study is "Winning at Work and at Home".