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JUNE 2022 |VOLUME 48| ISSUE NO.6
EVANGEL
OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF FIRST FREE CHURCH
Lessons From Joseph Written by Kevin Labby
Last month, two of my children made their annual pilgrimage to Kennywood for their school picnic. They spent the day laughing with friends, eating delicious treats, and riding a mix of rides, new and old. When it comes to rides, our family tends toward the traditional. Sure, we love new rides like the Steel Curtain. However, classics like the Racer, Jack Rabbit, and Thunderbolt hold the deepest places in our hearts - at least when it comes to amusement park rides. And so, perhaps not surprisingly, we received news of the Log Jammer's closing with heavy hearts back in 2017. However, particular sadness followed the closure of the Kangaroo in 2020. Amid Covid, we thought nothing could make 2020 worse; we were wrong. The Kangaroo, a Labby childhood favorite, appeared gone forever. Thankfully, as of this past Sunday, the Kangaroo is back! Full of ups and downs, it seems the ride will prompt uproarious laughter and squeals of glee for a whole new generation of Kennywood guests. If only all of life's ups and downs were so enjoyable! As we enter the summer and wind down our spring study of Joseph, the ancient patriarch of Israel, we look back upon Joseph's life - a life sometimes lived at dizzying heights, other times within deep lows, and (unlike the Kangaroo at Kennywood) few if any of them amusing. Thankfully, few of us will know someone like Joseph's stunning ascents and descents. Even so, our lives can be pretty turbulent at times. Everyday circumstances and challenges can toss us up and down, right and left.
The loss of a loved one Relationships experiencing a rough patch Children making heartbreaking decisions Job prospects dwindling Health scares and exhausting and costly treatments Unexpected bills Struggles with addictions How should we respond? Sometimes, it's tempting to reduce a biblical character like Joseph to merely an example of effectively navigating life's challenges and walking by faith. But, while he is a worthy example, and while we can certainly learn from him in many ways, Joseph's story is much more than that. Scripture ultimately includes Joseph's story not to point us to him but rather to His God. How did Joseph endure a notoriously turbulent life? Was it his character and integrity? Was it his great wisdom and extraordinary gifts of administration? Or was it his communication skills and charisma? While these were important instruments to God's gracious purposes, they were secondary. The deeper reason for Joseph's faithfulness to God was God's faithfulness to Joseph. During and even despite all of his life's highs and lows, the Bible repeatedly reminds and reassures us of a simple truth: "The Lord was with Joseph" (Genesis 39:2,3,21,23). The Lord's gracious favor was the root of Joseph's faithfulness and giftedness, not the other way around. As you face the turbulence of everyday life in a fallen world, remember that God's gracious favor - the grace enjoyed by Joseph - is now yours in Jesus Christ. Look beyond your surroundings and challenging circumstances to Jesus Christ, remembering that He is not only with you. He is for you.
Lessons From Joseph, con't He works all things for your ultimate and lasting good (Romans 8:28). Just as it was for Joseph, nothing will thwart the Lord's glorious plans and purposes for you (Philippians 1:6). With that in mind, why not take a moment to meditate upon a few beautiful promises and reassurances from scripture? "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18) "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6,7) "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13) "So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'" (Hebrews 13:6) May God bless your summer with a deepening awareness of these and other profound truths of God's grace in Jesus Christ. And if you happen to visit Kennywood this summer, be sure to visit my favorite ride: a picnic table at the Potato Patch! You're loved! Don't forget it.
Upcoming Senior Achiever Schedule June 14: Honoring Men 5-5:30 p.m. – Social Time 5:30 p.m. – Catered Dinner Program by Jimmy Swogger & Friends.
Job Postings Technical Director We are looking to hire a part-time Technical Director. If you are interested in applying, please contact the main office at info@myfefc.org, or 412-678-6655
Changed Lives To see more people know God's life-changing power and love, grow in community, and live out his truth daily, we need you. Specifically, we're asking every member and friend of First Free Church to: Pray Listen Respond Watch For more information, please visit myfefc.org/changedlives. Thank you for your continued support of this ministry!
Building Update Written by kirk Albrecht
June is known for a lot of things. Graduations. Weddings. The official start of summer. In Pittsburgh, maybe the time when we can throw off the gloom of clouds and cold weather and get outside in some sunshine (hopefully!). In a sense, June is a month of new beginnings, of fresh starts. Graduating from High School or College means turning a new chapter in your life, and for many, it's a fresh start. Marriage can provide a fresh start as you chart a new course in life with your husband or wife.
Auditorium | new front
The Gospel of Jesus gives us all a fresh start. We hear these amazing words in 2 Corinthians 5:17 - if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." From being enemies of God - alienated from his life and promises, the work of Jesus in his crucifixion and resurrection provides an open door into a life of connection with God, and the gateway to eternity. The fresh start for Christians is not limited just to the experience of salvation, though. As we move through our faith journey, sometimes we fail; sometimes we fall; sometimes we lose our first love. Yet, the promise of grace, forgiveness, and restoration remains constant. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
CM Lobby| new paint & carpet
You may need a fresh start today. You may be struggling, you may believe your life is going nowhere, you may think hope is a distant illusion. Can I encourage you to renew that hope in the power of the Gospel, and once again fall at the feet of the One who creates fresh starts for all who will seek Him? He gave a fresh start to Mary Magdalene, to Zaccheus the tax collector, to a broken disciple named Peter, and to a dead man named Lazarus. Jesus can give you a fresh start, too. "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God." (Psalm 42:11) Sincerest thanks -for your prayers, cards, and support through this difficult time of Terry’s brother’s passing. You truly are the hands and feet of Jesus. Terry & Laura Judy
Lobby | new cafe space
Mark Your Calendars
Family News
Being & Bringing Good News |
Memorial Gifts
June 4 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO CONTRIBUTED MEMORIAL GIFTS FOR THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE.
International WRITTEN BY KIRK June 5 following service inALBRECHT ALC Partner Spotlight
For Dave Judy
First Free 140th anniversary |
For Ken Pitchford
Next Generation Prayer Meeting |
June 9
Anonymous
Anonymous
Welcome Team Luncheon |
For Joe Pudlowski
June 12 at 12 p.m.
Dave & Barb Badstibner
Senior Achievers |
For Joe Pudlowski
June 14 at 5 p.m.
Dave & Barb Badstibner
White Cross |
For Nancy Maser
June 21 at 9 a.m.
Bonnie Batina
Independence Day - office closed |
For John Roberts
July 4
Deanna Strednak
White Cross |
For Harold West
July 19 at 9 a.m.
Ruth Horn Vilma Pavuk
Summer Blast Dress Rehearsal | July 20 at 6:30 p.m. General Assembly | July 24 at 12:30 p.m. Summer Blast & Summer Pop | July 26-29 at 6:30 p.m.
Bob & Ann Hamilton
New Baby CONGRATULATIONS TO... To Matt & Missy Hennon on the birth of their son, Duke, May 27, 2022. Duke joins big brother, Lennox. Proud grandparents are Bob & Sheri Ellis & Clyde & Norma Hennon.
Anniversaries CONGRATULATIONS TO... Fred & Jenny Cooley for 56 years of marriage on June 4. Darren & Gayle Gessler for 25 years of marriage on June 10. Richard & Janie Bowen for 62 years of marriage on June 10. Ronald & Iris Dries for 67 years of marriage on June 25. Gary & Carol Agate for 35 years of marriage on June 27.
Sympathies Please visit www.myfefc.org for our full
The family & friends of Harold West
and updated calendar. Copyright © 2022 | First Evangelical Free Church. All rights reserved.