2006 In Review
It's been almost half a year since the last posting, yet looking back upon the things that have unfolded in the past few months I find it hard to believe that so little time has passed. Now we face a new year with a new mission and I thank the Lord for the new energy that He has blessed all of us with. Our mission for the year is two-fold: to bring the Word of the Lord to the people of the Twin Cities in a very big way (bigger than we ever have in the past), and to help one another to grow together in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.
There were many lessons taught in 2006. The worship ministry was plagued by difficulties last summer when almost all of our musical equipment was stolen. Though tragic, this event was used by the Lord in ways that were truly unexpected. The members and friends of FACC banded together and after just four fundraising events the worship team had earned enough money to replace everything that was stolen. The way that this "set back" was used to advance God's purpose and plan was amazing; it brought everyone involved in the fundraising (both planners and participants) so much closer together that it became undeniable that God's hand had been in it from the very beginning, even in our loss. The theft taught us how to rely on God, how to rely on each other, and how to truly come together as a community of believers that loves God and that loves one another.
The new equipment also opened up the door to "mass communication." It give us the ability to more fully incorporate video into our worship, as well as provided the potential for sharing our sermons over the internet through podcasts. Fully utilizing all of these capabilities is just one of the many goals we have set for ourselves in 2007; one of the many ways we will try to make an impact on the Twin Cities in a very big way.
The worship team was once again able to play at Filipino Minnesotan Association's (FMA) "Paskong Pilipino", and for the first time shared God's Word through song at the Cultural Society of Filipino-Americans' (CSFA) "Pasko Sa Nayon." With the Lord's help, our plan is to continue glorifying Him by participating in these events as well as ... (this next part is a surprise =D)
The youth and young adults have been equally active. During the stormiest part of the summer of '06 a brave group of teenagers, young adults, and adults alike traveled what felt like an entire day to the northern most portion of our state; to Warroad, Minnesota. Just south of the Canadian border, members of FACC met with members of Warroad Baptist to sing, fellowship, praise, and study the Word of God in what looked like one of the most beautiful camping sites ever created. The purpose of the meeting was also to hammer out some of the details of the youth group's upcoming missions trip to Guihulngan, Negros Oriental, Philippines. This trip, slated for June, is just one of the many activities that the youth will be participating in this coming year.
And lastly, what is Worship Arts? This is just one of the other many surprises we have for 2007.
My prayer is that all of us would keep your eyes pealed and your hearts wide open. The Lord has opened up so many doors in 2006 that it would be a shame if we didn't allow our hearts the chance to hear Him calling for us to walk through them in 2007. This is a pivotal point in our ministry not only in the Twin Cities, but in all of the surrounding areas; from Arden Hills to Rochester to Negros Oriental. I pray that the Lord continues to guide us and lead us, and I pray that we have the good sense and good faith to listen.
Pastor Roberto Atienza
IM - robatienza
E-mail - rgatienzajr@yahoo.com
There were many lessons taught in 2006. The worship ministry was plagued by difficulties last summer when almost all of our musical equipment was stolen. Though tragic, this event was used by the Lord in ways that were truly unexpected. The members and friends of FACC banded together and after just four fundraising events the worship team had earned enough money to replace everything that was stolen. The way that this "set back" was used to advance God's purpose and plan was amazing; it brought everyone involved in the fundraising (both planners and participants) so much closer together that it became undeniable that God's hand had been in it from the very beginning, even in our loss. The theft taught us how to rely on God, how to rely on each other, and how to truly come together as a community of believers that loves God and that loves one another.
The new equipment also opened up the door to "mass communication." It give us the ability to more fully incorporate video into our worship, as well as provided the potential for sharing our sermons over the internet through podcasts. Fully utilizing all of these capabilities is just one of the many goals we have set for ourselves in 2007; one of the many ways we will try to make an impact on the Twin Cities in a very big way.
The worship team was once again able to play at Filipino Minnesotan Association's (FMA) "Paskong Pilipino", and for the first time shared God's Word through song at the Cultural Society of Filipino-Americans' (CSFA) "Pasko Sa Nayon." With the Lord's help, our plan is to continue glorifying Him by participating in these events as well as ... (this next part is a surprise =D)
The youth and young adults have been equally active. During the stormiest part of the summer of '06 a brave group of teenagers, young adults, and adults alike traveled what felt like an entire day to the northern most portion of our state; to Warroad, Minnesota. Just south of the Canadian border, members of FACC met with members of Warroad Baptist to sing, fellowship, praise, and study the Word of God in what looked like one of the most beautiful camping sites ever created. The purpose of the meeting was also to hammer out some of the details of the youth group's upcoming missions trip to Guihulngan, Negros Oriental, Philippines. This trip, slated for June, is just one of the many activities that the youth will be participating in this coming year.
And lastly, what is Worship Arts? This is just one of the other many surprises we have for 2007.
My prayer is that all of us would keep your eyes pealed and your hearts wide open. The Lord has opened up so many doors in 2006 that it would be a shame if we didn't allow our hearts the chance to hear Him calling for us to walk through them in 2007. This is a pivotal point in our ministry not only in the Twin Cities, but in all of the surrounding areas; from Arden Hills to Rochester to Negros Oriental. I pray that the Lord continues to guide us and lead us, and I pray that we have the good sense and good faith to listen.
Pastor Roberto Atienza
IM - robatienza
E-mail - rgatienzajr@yahoo.com
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