FRIENDS ARE FRIENDS FOREVER...
Patti and I worked with young people for years. Actually, she still does. On closing night at summer camp, Michael W. Smith's song "Friends" was always sung. Usually through tears, new developed friendships were having to say their goodbyes and head back to their homes, usually hundreds of miles apart. (By the way, because of all those goodbyes at camp, I now have friends all over the U.S.) This past week we had to say "see you later - not goodbye" to some of our special FCC family, our friends, Ms. Carol and Ms. Cindy. There were tears but also lots of focus on the excitement of the next chapter of life in Arizona for these two incredibly beautiful, fun ladies. They will be missed, but always loved, and we look forward to seeing them down the road.
Friendship is one of the greatest gifts that God gives us. We are created to need God and to need one another. His commandments to us are to love Him, love one another, and love ourselves. The Scriptures are filled with verses on friendship. David and Jonathan's friendship is an incredible story found in 1 and 2 Samuel. Solomon tells us in Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loves at all times", Paul says "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." 1Thessalonians 5:11. And Jesus tells us (John 15:13-14) "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command." Being a good friend is a privilege and is important. May we be the kind of a good friend that songs are written about.
Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends.
- Michael W. Smith
Please continue to pray and lift up the Blount family. Keep Carol and Cindy in your prayers as they begin their new adventure. Pray for safe travel for Michael as he comes home. And, Congratulations to Lauren and Bryan Foell who were married in a beautiful wedding on Saturday. And a special thank you to our friend John Morena for all of his timeless help at the Church this week with the water situation and repair of some plumbing, and especially his help with the preparation of the Worship Center for the wedding and for worship.
Friend, I hope you will join us on Sunday. You are needed and wanted at FCC. We will continue our look at the Gifts of the Spirit, focusing on "joy". And remember...
You ARE Loved! (See you Sunday!)
Pastor Lonnie
Send off luncheon among special friends..