This week at FUPC!
I was reminded this week of a well-known prayer by Thomas Merton.

My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road,
though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always 
though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.
 
I relate to his sense of lostness and ignorance, hope and desire in this prayer. Vulnerability is expressed through an acceptance of human limitations and existential threat. Yet, there is a trust that leans into God’s faithful promise of presence and deliverance. There is a childlike sense of trust, that God will guide in ways that are not always understood, or even recognized. I think this prayer leads me to abandon my misguided desire for control in life and to let go of my idolatry of certainty.
 
While this prayer was written years ago, it is a prayer for today, for our lives, for our families, and for our church. There are days when we might wonder if we are lost. We certainly are walking through the valley of the shadow of death. Perils surround and threaten. Where is God? Where is God guiding us?
 
Our choice is to desire to please God in all that we are doing. God will lead us on the right road. In the victory of Christ is our hope.
 
This week we hear another story of Jesus being asked a question. This time it was about eternal life. The one who asked, who also had many possessions, was unsettled by Jesus’ answer. So were the disciples. Afterall, he was told to sell all, give to the poor, and follow Jesus. We might also be unsettled by that answer. Maybe Merton’s prayer helps us understand the answer Jesus gave to that man. Perhaps in our unsettledness is an invitation to pray this prayer and desire to please God in all that we do, in our lives and as a church. God is present; God will lead us on the right road.
 
I look forward to seeing you Sunday, in-person or on-line through Facebook or YouTube. The Fear of Falling Short.
 
Let me know of any needs, or if you would like to visit. Let’s continue to choose kindness, compassion, and love; let do justice and make peace; let’s welcome the stranger; let’s persevere in prayer, as we seek to glorify God, grow disciples, and meet the needs of our neighbors.

In Christ’s Love, Pastor Ken
Praying the Lord's Prayer
The mid-week devotional offered by Pastor Ken this fall is on the Lord’s Prayer, as we consider how to allow this prayer given by Jesus to form and shape our prayer life. Each week a different phrase within the prayer is discussed. The devotional is posted on the church’s Facebook page and YouTube channel mid-week. This week’s offering: Thy Kingdom Come.
Worship info for Sunday, 10/10!
Tools and resources to worship online below.
Bulletin/Worship Guide can be found by clicking here: Worship Guide
The Facebook page can be found here: Facebook
The You Tube channel can be found here: YouTube Or Visit our website!
Beware, there is a “SCAM text” and "SCAM email" being sent to Pastor Ken’s contacts claiming to be him and asking for a “favor.” If you receive a text or email from a friend (or Pastor Ken) asking for “a favor” or requesting a donation in the form of cash, check or gift card, do not respond. Pastor Ken will NEVER ask for a donation in this manner. He will contact people personally with a phone call or face-to-face. We must all be extra cautious during these times regarding emails and texts that could possibly be a scam seeking favors or money. Below is a secure link to the Federal Trade Commission with more info regarding these type scams.

Weekly Bible Study - The class is currently led by Rich Lewis. They are starting a new study. It is a look at parables using Stories Jesus Told, a video series by Greg Carey. Each week they will have a 10 to 15 minute video about a parable and then discuss it. Dr. Carey has some unusual insights into these parables. It should be fun and enlightening. Since there is limited fellowship opportunities before worship they currently meet from 9:45 until 10:45. Rich looks forward to seeing you soon.
Presbyterian Children's Homes & Services (PCHAS)
On Wednesday, November 3, 2021, there will be a luncheon benefitting PCHAS at 12:00 at the Double Tree Hotel at Campbell Center, 8250 North Central Exp., Dallas.

Rich and Courtland Lewis will host a table and need four volunteers to join them. Masks will be worn except when eating. For those not wanting to remove masks, a boxed lunch “to go” will be available. This is always a moving experience as former residents of the homes tell of their experiences and the positive support they received there. I pray you will consider going with us. There is no charge for the lunch but a donation is always welcome and encouraged. Please contact Courtland Lewis if you would like to attend, 214-417-9982 or via email at rzlewis@gmail.com. If you cannot attend and would like to make a donation to PCHAS through FUPC, you may give online via the FUPC link below in the "Online Giving" article or via check. Please note on either method "for PCHAS" in the notes/memo line.
COVID Protocol Reminder Everyone is tired of COVID and the resultant restrictions and limitations. However, it is important for us stay the course as we are confronted by the very dangerous Delta variant. So, a friendly reminder: 
  • Masks must be worn at all times while in the building by everyone.
  • Everyone is asked to maintain social distancing while inside the building.
  • Everyone is encouraged to use no-contact forms of greeting while inside the building.
  • Remember the service is live-streamed on Facebook for those uncomfortable attending in-person and those who are not feeling well.
Thank you for your assistance, patience and cooperation as we work together to keep everyone safe! If you have any questions or questions, please contact Pastor Ken or any Session member.
Online Giving!
Online giving is now available! Just scan the QR Code to the right with your smart phone or click the "Give Now" button below. You will have the option to set up your giving profile. This will make it easy to login anytime you are ready to give, even for designated giving like Special Offerings throughout the year. You can choose to donate the 2% processing fee so Faith United will not be charged.
Church Office update - Due to the recent uptick of Covid-19 cases, the Church Office has decided to return to working remotely. Both Pastor Ken and Brenda Swindle will be checking the office daily for mail, emails, and can receive calls remotely at the office number, 972-243-2866. Please do not hesitate to call or leave a message if you have needs or concerns that need to be addressed. We continue in prayer for the situation and pray that this will be temporary.