This week at FUPC!
In rural Iowa, at the pinnacle of a high school graduation party for his daughter, a father spoke words of celebration, joy and pride to the assembled family and friends. His daughter would be heading off to college in the fall. Not many members of this proud farming family went to college, but the daughter was motivated and determined in her plans. The father finished his laudatory and loving comments by telling his daughter, “Remember who you are and whose you are.”

This is the message of the gospel. When Jesus teaches us to pray, “Our Father, . . . .“ Jesus is calling for us to remember who we are and whose we are, allowing that good news to form and shape us in faith. In Christ, we participate in the eternal relationship of love and life between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In Christ we are children of God; in Christ we have been claimed and redeemed as God’s own. Healing, hope, deliverance, wholeness are made real. In Christ we are connected in community to each other and to God. We are connected to the larger body of Christ. This is what we celebrate on World Communion Sunday, whether we are in-person or on-line.

Uncertainty, loss, fear, anxiety, isolation abound. How easy it is to be discouraged in these days and times. However, in Christ, as children of God, claimed by God as God’s own, we are reminded that we are not alone, we are not isolated, we have not been forgotten. As we pass through these waters of threat, God is with us; the waters shall not overwhelm us. As we walk through the trials of life we are not consumed. Remembering who we are and whose we are comforts us, encourages us, frees us, and empowers us. The gospel does not allow us to evade or deny the pandemic, persistent chaos, the aging process, misery, forced change, loss, grief, or even death. However, the gospel does lift us up to be people of compassion, empathy, love, mercy, welcome, mercy, healing, inclusion. The gospel leads us to wisdom, do justice, make peace, and welcome the stranger.

Remember who you are and whose you are!

I look forward to seeing you in worship, in-person or on-line through Facebook or YouTube. The mid-week video devotional, “Praying the Lord’s Prayer,” continues through the fall. Each week we talk about a phrase of the prayer Jesus taught his disciples, allowing that prayer to form and shape our prayer life. Check it out!

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: Hallowed be Thy Name.
Worship info for Sunday, 10/3!
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. They will not meet on Sunday, 10/3 but will resume their study of the parables on Sunday, 10/10. Rich looks forward to seeing you then.
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.