January 2023 Evangel

the EVANGEL

Change

By Pastor Kevin Labby

Malcolm Gladwell popularized and arguably redeemed the term "tipping point" in one of his best-selling books by that same name. So what is a "tipping point?" Here's how one dictionary defines it: "A critical moment in a complex situation in which a small influence or development produces a sudden or irreversible change."

According to Gladwell, the "tipping point" is "that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire."

• We might think of the earliest days of the American Revolution.

• We might think of the birth of rock and roll and "Beatlemania."

• We might think of young Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.

• We might think of the time you decided to learn a trade, go to college, start a business, or train to run a 10K.

The examples are endless, from the magnificent to the mundane.

Gladwell studied the precursors and predictors of so-called "tipping points," exploring the several factors that make them possible.

Of course, my purpose is not to preach the Gospel of Malcolm Gladwell in this article (though I admittedly find much of his writing fascinating and thought-provoking). My real reason for mentioning Gladwell is to highlight his emphasis that personal or social change doesn't just happen. It is not an accident (no matter how much it might appear that way). Only when certain things come together is change likely or even possible.

Think of a positive, significant, and desirable change in your lifelike restoring sanity to your finances, breaking an addiction, exercising and eating right, establishing a daily rhythm of prayer and Bible reading, leading a ministry at church or outreach in the community, or something else. What would finally prompt and push you to make the change? Would a confirming sign from God nudge you in the right direction? Would the example of others doing those things lead you to believe such a move was possible? Would growing tired of the old way make you unable to "shake" the idea of a new approach? Would the encouragement of someone make a big difference? Whatever the case, your tipping point probably wouldn't come all at once by a single factor. Instead, it would most likely be the cumulative effect of several.

As we begin 2023, cultural conversations will turn briefly toward resolutions. Many of our friends and neighbors will resolve to establish new habits and goals for the New Year. Perhaps many of us will do the same.

This trend is one reason we plan to begin 2023 with a message entitled "Encouragements at the Start of a New Year" on New Year's Day, based on Lamentations 3:22-24. We will then take a verse-by-verse tour of Titus in January and February. As one of Paul's letters to a young pastor, the book of Titus provides many inspiring instructions for healthy change.

The change God desires for you is possible, but many things must come together. So make sure to start 2023 with one of the most important: weekly encouragement in God's Word.

May the Lord bless you and yours in this New Year!

Thank you to all who planned, served and attended Christmas Fest 2022!

Photos courtesy of Emily Rothey

Global Disciple Making

By Pastor Kirk Albrecht

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of The holiday season can be especially challenging if you are dealing with the death of someone close to you. Whether it was a recent loss or one that occurred some time ago, feelings of grief can be heightened and may seem overwhelming during the holiday Grief is not an enemy or a sign of weakness. It is a sign of being human. Grief is the cost of loving someone. Matthew 28:18-20

First Free Church has a long history of supporting partners who are engaged in reaching across cultures to bring the good news of Jesus. We believe our church mission statement – First Free Church exists to guide people into becoming healthy followers of Jesus Christ – not only applies here in our community, but extends to include all people across the globe.

Yes – we are engaged in global disciple making! Our Partners in Asia have been working hard at learning their local language in order to be effective in sharing the Gospel and making disciples. They plan to return to the U.S. in April, 2023 for a family home leave.

Our Partners in southeast Asia have established a local business, and they are building contacts. Lessons in understanding the Gospel message through the entire Bible are being prepared so people can understand the Gospel in their own language.

Our Partner Amy Miller recently switched to a new agency for her work in Kodiak, Alaska which continues without interruption. In Haiti, Vision of Hope Ministries (VOHM) is persevering through some horrific conditions of social upheaval, gang violence, and political turmoil. Their churches and Christian school seek to build up believers into fruitful disciples.

Karen Zando has continued her work with Cru in training leaders around the world – much through the use of technology, but now that Covid-related travel restrictions have been lifted in most countries, she is able to meet face to face once again. Her role as a chaplain for a women’s professional soccer team in the U.S. has given her tremendous opportunities to extend love, grace, and truth to young women in desperate need of God’s redeeming work.

Disciple making internationally is also taking place in Oakland through the on-going work of our Partners at PRISM (Pittsburgh Region International Student Ministry) on the campuses of Pitt and Carnegie Mellon. Reaching internationals here while studying in the U.S. is an open door for many who come from restrictive home cultures, especially India, China, and the Muslim world.

The Gospel is the power of God to change lives. First Free Church continues to invest in Partners who share our mission and vision! Thank you all for helping us make disciples of all nations! (Matthew 28:18-20).

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Spiritual Recovery Workshop

Tuesday’s from 7:00 - 8:30 PM

CONNECT resumes!

January 4 @ 6:30 PM

Nominations Committee Meeting

January 8 @ 12:00 PM

Senior Achiever Planning Meeting

January 10 @ 10:00 AM

Child Safeguarding Committee Meeting

January 14 - 10:00 - 12:00 PM

Nominations Committee Meeting

January 15 @ 12:00 PM

Growth Group Leader Meeting

January 15 @ 12:00 PM

Board of Elders Annual Planning Meeting

January 21 - 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Sanctity of Life Sunday

January 22

MEMORIAL GIFTS

Bill Guy

Dave and Barb Badstibner

Clyde Hennon

Ruth Bowers

Bob & Anne Hamilton

Irene Zack

Ruth Lyons

Alpine Packaging

Home Gardener’s Guild

Irene Zack

Wayne Nelson

Bob & Anne Hamilton

Vilma Pavuk

Irene Zack

ANNIVERSARIES

Mark & Valerie Bradley

36 years

William & Janet Nagy

47 years

Michael & Katherine Budden

49 years

Mr & Mrs Edward Kasprisin

57 years

UPCOMING SENIOR ACHIEVER SCHEDULE

Planning Meeting

January 10th @ 10:00 am

Weather Permitting