This week at FUPC!
September is a classic transitional month. Summer is ending and Fall is beckoning, except in Texas. We still have several more weeks of heat! What will Fall bring forth this year? Has the Delta variant of COVID peaked? Or, is the worst still to come? Will it be a safer fall compared to last year? Or, will it be even more uncertain? Will the booster shots be yet another “game changer”? Or, will there be another variant that causes concern? Will we get to ditch the masks? Will the Bears and the Cowboys meet in the NFC Championship game? Uncertainty continues unabated, which means our grief and burden of this wilderness journey continues.
 
Psalm 146 is the first of the last five psalms that form the conclusion to the entire book of Psalms. Each of those psalms begin and end with “Hallelujah”, traditionally translated “Praise the Lord.” Like the rest of the concluding psalms, Psalm 146 is a psalm of defiance. In the face of challenge, the psalmist dares to praise the Lord. This can be a model for our prayer this fall.
 
Psalm 146 expresses trust, dependence, and hope in God. The psalmist exposes the inadequacy and vanity of human resources and deliverance. Yes, we need the science community to overcome COVID. Yes, we need our leaders to make the wise choices for the common good. However, our hope lies in God.
 
As we read through, or pray, this psalm, I notice the abundance of action verbs. God is the subject for all these verbs. God made heaven and earth, keeps faith, executes justice, gives food, sets free, opens eyes, lifts up the bowed, loves the righteous, watches over, and upholds. All these verbs, except for the first one, are in the present tense. God is a God that chooses to be intimately present and active in our midst. All these actions are rescues of beleaguered persons. This inspires the psalmist to hope and praise for rescue in the future.
 
The ultimate source of hope for the psalmist is the eternal reign of the kingdom of God. God is greater than all evil, greater than our sin, greater than whatever challenge is before us. God is greater than even death, as the death and resurrection of Jesus attest. The victory of Christ invites us to accept our dependence on God, gives us hope, and empowers us to trust.
 
As a seasoned Bear fan, I fully expect the Bears to stumble at some point this fall. I don’t know about the Cowboys. The questions about COVID will be answered as we persevere and keep going in this wilderness journey. Yet,
 
The Lord will reign forever, your God, O People of God, for all generations.
Praise the Lord! Psalm 146:10
 
I hope to see you Sunday, either in-person, or on-line on Facebook. Later in the day (each Sunday) the service will be uploaded to the church’s YouTube channel. If you like our Facebook page or subscribe to our YouTube channel you will always get notices about new offerings!
 
Let me know of any needs. I am readily available for visits. Let’s continue to choose love, kindness, and compassion, do justice, make peace, accept the stranger, and persevere in prayer, as we seek to glorify God, grow disciples, and meet the needs of our neighbors.

In Christ’s Love, Pastor Ken
Worship info for Sunday, 9/5!
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!
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.
Weekly Bible Study - The class is currently led by Rich Lewis. They continue their study of the Gospel of Luke and have returned to their classroom. Since there is limited fellowship opportunities before worship they currently meet from 9:45 until 10:45. Rich looks forward to seeing you soon.
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.