Welcome!
This is the December 2023 edition of Together, the online newsletter of the Fellowship Community.
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned... For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this." Isaiah 9:2–7 (NIV)
The prayer for an everlasting peace seems impossible this Advent. A prayer for the Prince of Peace and a great light to enter into our world and outshine the deep darkness seems so unlikely. The good news of this promise of Isaiah comes in the midst of exile, dislocation, deep darkness, and disorientation. And the guarantee of this promise is that the zeal of the Lord Almighty will do it. That's good news. And together we have the privilege of proclaiming the good news this year in word and deed.
The Fellowship Community gathers churches and leaders called together to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ by growing in Christ’s likeness, living by God’s Word, and joining in God’s mission in the world. I hope you've already registered for our National Gathering, April 23-25, 2024 in Nashville. There's an in-person and online gathering to meet Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley, president of Fuller Seminary. In every region, we are hosting monthly or occasional gatherings to encourage each other in the proclamation and living out of this good news that is ours in Christ.
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NIV)
His light shines in our hearts as leaders of Christ's church. And then we lead our churches to shine that light of peace, hope, love, joy, justice and righteousness in our neighborhoods and around the world. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will do this.
On behalf of the TFC Board of Directors, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. |
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Mike McClenahan (Board President)
Dan Baumgartner, Jim Witherow, Jerry Andrews, Cynthia Betz-Bogoly, Tracey Davenport, John Fullerton, Eric Hoey, John Joseph, Donna Marsh, Tammy Mitchell, Hu-Nam Nam, Mark Perry, Timothy Scoonover, and David Won (current Board members) Ray Garcia (Coordinator for Connections and Recruitment) Andrea Hall (Administrative Coordinator) Jourdan Turner Cornell (National Gathering Coordinator) |
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Regional Connections Opportunities to Connect with TFC and our Partner Organizations |
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Zoom Gathering Thursday, December 21 11:00 to 12:00pm eastern |
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If your region is not listed, we are working on plans for something in your area. If you'd like to help organize a TFC event in your area, please email us at office@fellowship.community. |
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Just before Advent, I finished a sermon series on King David. It wasn’t long, just eight sermons, but for those two months I lived and breathed David. After I finished the final sermon, a friend asked “So, what did you take away from the David story for yourself, your own life?” My unfiltered answer was “Life is messy.”
It just is. David may have been the man after God’s own heart, but he was also a murderous adulterer. David may have been a glorious songwriter and musician, but he was also a conniving schemer. David may have started his life in a Cinderella, shepherd-boy-makes-good fashion, but he ended it terribly, instructing Solomon to murder off his remaining opponents. Much of the time, you wouldn’t want your kids or grandkids to emulate David. Too messy.
TFC Board secretary Dan Baumgartner reflects on how God shows up in the everyday messiness of life. |
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Christ-Centered Faith and the Mission of God:An in-person and online event with Dr. David Emmanuel Goatley, President of Fuller Seminary |
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Thursday, January 11, 2024 11:00 am - 2:00 pm pacific
In person at La Cañada Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall La Cañada Flintridge, CA $20 for lunch
Online via Zoom (no cost). Zoom participants will take a break during lunch (12-12:45pm pacific).
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Merry Christmas! It is safe to say that this Advent, like many others, was filled with efforts from Pastors and leaders hoping to provide thoughtful, authentic, and engaging worship times and opportunities for each of our church brethren to connect with the Christ. The reality of these efforts, for each of “us,” is often less worshipful and more exhausting. Thus, as you read and wait, as you touch up your Christmas Eve sermon and prepare for your Watch Night services, let this short message be one that is filled with an “I see you, your efforts, and your selfless gifts of time and presence.”
Soon we will turn the page from 2023 to 2024. The crest will be filled by the arrival of the king and our hearts will be jammed with memories of the Silent Night and our festive traditions. Thank you! Thank you for anchoring your local church in the Gospel hope that we never grow too weary of recognizing this Holy birth. Thank you for the endless ways that you communicate this 2000-year-old gift.
May your home be filled with joy, and your churches inspired with awe! The Christ has come and He has promised that He is coming again! Merry Christmas & abundant blessings in the New Year!
Pastor Ray Garcia TFC Director of Connections and Recruitment Pastor Ray Garcia asks how he can help you connect. |
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The churches of TFC in the Northeast (along with contributions from a few TFC Board members) have created a devotional for Advent that is available for your congregation to use. Please feel free to distribute the devotional (either electronically or by downloading and printing hard copies) to your congregations. We hope that this will be a helpful gift and a resource for your congregations. |
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TFC is committed to helping churches find compatible leaders - and vice versa! To that end, we invite you to check out the "Find a Call" page on our website, where you can see a variety of open positions throughout the country. We have received quite a few new postings recently, so be sure to stay connected!
We are also looking for ways to improve this feature, so please think about how we might serve best in this area and send us any ideas or feedback. |
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First Coming Madeleine L’Engle
He did not wait till the world was ready, till men and nations were at peace. He came when the Heavens were unsteady, and prisoners cried out for release.
He did not wait for the perfect time. He came when the need was deep and great. He dined with sinners in all their grime, turned water into wine.
He did not wait till hearts were pure. In joy he came to a tarnished world of sin and doubt. To a world like ours, of anguished shame he came, and his Light would not go out.
He came to a world which did not mesh, to heal its tangles, shield its scorn. In the mystery of the Word made Flesh the Maker of the stars was born. We cannot wait till the world is sane to raise our songs with joyful voice, for to share our grief, to touch our pain, He came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice! |
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Do you have an idea for a future story? Are you involved in a ministry others need to know about? Let us know, and we'll include it in a future month's Together!
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