FCOG Weekly Update

First Church of God of Fresno

Weekly Update - March 3, 2023

Sunday Worship, 10:30am

New Sermon Series on the book of Acts begins March 5

Season of Lent

MAUNDY THURSDAY COMMUNION SERVICE

April 6, 6:30pm

“The Story of Communion” led by Pastor Greg. The Communion Story takes us back to the beginning of the Bible and traces God’s amazing plan through history and Scripture. It will unify the Bible in a way you've not imagined, and it will forever change your view of communion. Join us for this meaningful service.

EASTER SUNDAY - April 9

9:30am - PANCAKE BREAKFAST - Come early and enjoy a pancake breakfast and fellowship. If you can help in the kitchen, see Joyce Hall. Note that Sunday School classes will not meet on Easter.
10:00am (or so) - EASTER EGG HUNT for all kids
10:30am - Resurrection Celebration. Join us as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. As it has become a tradition, you are once again invited to bring a fresh flower or two from your own garden to transform the crown of thorns into a crown of life and beauty. Flowers of all shapes and colors add to the unique beauty, and is a wonderful visual of the transforming power of the resurrection into new life in Christ.

Easter Egg Hunt Candy Donation

Now collecting small, individually wrapped candy. We have OODLES of plastic eggs - only candy needed. A collection basket is available on Sundays. Thank you for bringing candy donations by Palm Sunday, April 2.

Daylight Savings Time

Begins Sunday, March 12

Men's Breakfast & Bible Study

Saturday, March 11, 8:00am at Denny’s Restaurant (NE corner of Shaw/First) All men are invited to join Pastor Greg for great food and inspiring conversation, studying the gospel of John. We meet on the 2nd Saturday of each month at Denny's, 8:00 - 9:30am.

WOMEN’S MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDY

RESUMES Wednesday, April 5, 1:00pm, Conference Room

All women are invited to join us this Spring as we discuss “When God Doesn’t Fix It” by Laura Story. Each week will feature a brief video lesson followed by discussion,

facilitated this spring by Joan Acree and Linda Lucido. Mark your calendars.

WIDOW'S MITE MONTHLY LUNCH - Sunday, March 12, Noon

Meeting at DiCicco’s, 1071 E Shaw Ave. (SE corner of Shaw/First) Widow's Mite is a support group for women who have lost their spouse. We meet for lunch on the 2nd Sunday of each month at various restaurants for friendship, conversation, encouragement and support. Questions? See Margie Tinker or Margaret Anderson.

HANDBELL CHOIR REHEARSALS

Wednesdays, 6-7pm, preparing to play Easter Sunday.

All ringers welcomed!

FAITH PROMISE UPDATE - Faith Promises total $11,025

Last weekend we had a great Sunday with guest Jameson White, Executive Director of Youth for Christ in Fresno/Madera. You may still make a Faith Promise. Forms can be found on the back table. Drop form in an offering box on Sunday. All Faith Promise funds support missions both locally and globally.

NATIONAL CHURCH OF GOD RESPONSE STRATEGY TO TURKEY/SYRIA

Church of God Ministries (CGM) Disaster Relief and Restoration is partnering with Church of God contacts in Lebanon to deliver immediate relief and invest in long-term restoration efforts in Syria. The Church of God has decided to focus our efforts on Syria, as they are receiving much less aid from the international community due to security risks. However, connections with those in Lebanon create unique opportunities for us to reach those in great need.

Many distributions will happen through local churches in Syria and Lebanon, now receiving and hosting survivors who lost their homes, communities, friends, family members in the earthquake.

SUPPORT INCLUDES:

Purchase and distribution of 10,000 blankets and 750 child & adult winter coats
Distribution of monthly food parcels to 200 Syrian refugee families for 10 months.
Extension of housing assistance to 200 Syrian refugee families for 10 months.
Offer of one-time medical expense assistance to 250 Syrian families suffering from injuries or loss of life.
Plan to host group care therapy to 500 Syrian refugee families dealing with fear, grief, and trauma.
Process to equip Lebanese teachers working with Syrian refugee children to help 350 students process their grief and work through trauma.

YOU MAY DONATE to the Disaster Relief Fund through our church, or directly through the Church of God Disaster Relief online giving portal:

https://www.jesusisthesubject.org/disaster-relief-and-restoration/

Give Online. It's easy, safe, and quick.
Mail a Check to FCOG, 3920 N First St., Fresno CA 93726
TEXT-TO-GIVE: 559-295-9119

TEXT-TO-GIVE NUMBER: 559-295-9119

In your text message app, text 559-295-9119 the word GIVE followed by the amount you would like to contribute, example GIVE 100. You will receive a text with a link where you can quickly and securely configure your gift. To give to a specific fund, include the fund name after the amount, example GIVE 100 MISSIONS, etc.

TO KEEP YOU INFORMED

FINANCIAL PICTURE 2023:

Tithes and Offerings Given This Week: $3,328

Tithes and Offerings Given to Date in 2023: $40,803

Tithes and Offerings Budget to Date: $50,929

Faith Promise Missions Given in 2023: $2,235

Thank you for your continued faithfulness in supporting the ministries of First Church of God. See how to give online.

SUNDAY MORNING ADULT CLASSES:

9:00am - "The Gospel in the Gospels" led by Jim Edmunds, Room 14
9:15am - Book Discussion, "Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus" by Nabeel Qureshi, facilitated by David Pierro, Conference Room.
10:00am - Coffee Gathering in the Fellowship Hall