Prayer Groups

If you've been to church services over the past 2 weeks, you've probably heard some things about prayer. You may also have read in past newsletters about prayer groups starting at FCC. So what is this all about you ask?

I firmly believe that a church that doesn't pray doesn't grow. And more importantly, a church needs to pray together. Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:19-20(NIV) that "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."  We definitely have plenty of current things to pray about and the list of items never runs out.

My intent with this article is to inform and clarify a few items about these groups. 

Duration: Long term. These are not specifically part of the capital campaign. However, we knew this would be a good time to start since we will need prayer to direct us with the campaign. These groups are a long-term plan/vision. They will continue even after the campaign is over. We'll work with the "spiritual life" committee from the capital campaign to coordinate any specifics with the campaign.

Participation: sign-up on the sheet outside the church office if you want to participate. If the current times/days don't work, sign up anyway! Or give me a call. There is a list for "to be determined" groups. As more people sign-up we will be able to form more groups at different times/days of the week. Until you let us know your interest, we won't know what other groups to setup.

Size of groups: we plan to keep these small, 6-10 people. One of the benefits of a small group like this will be the development of community and fellowship.

Logistics: Location will either be at a person's house or at the church. Length of time will be from 30 minutes to an hour.

Attendance: You don't have to try and make it every week if you can't. Meet with the groups as your schedule permits. I think you'll see that you start working your schedule around the weekly prayer groups. The important thing is to consistently have people coming together to pray each week.

Plans/Visions: Here are some things we hope to accomplish in the weeks/months to come:

1. Prayer Request cards in the sanctuary

2. Prayer request cards and drop off boxes located at other key locations

3. Prayer chain established for sharing immediate/urgent needs for prayer

4. Prayer workshop

5. Additional prayer vigils as needed

6. Concert of prayer

Now that you've read all this, you might be thinking that you don't really know how to pray, or maybe you feel uncomfortable praying with other people. No one will be put on the spot during these prayer times. And as for types of prayers, one of the greatest lessons I finally learned during my college years is there is no set way to pray. My college friends and I used to pray like we were talking to God on the phone. One of us would "initiate the call" and one would "hang up" at the end of the prayer time. Prayer is our way to talk with God. I like to think it's our "chit chat" time with him. He is our Father and LOVES to communicate with us. So don't let any pre-conceived notions or concerns about prayer keep you from giving this a try. Any type or style of prayer is music to God's ears. 

Keep up those individual prayers as well; but let's also come together as a church family and pray together for our church, our ministries, our people, our future and the world we live in. I think you might be surprised at the power prayer has and what it can accomplish.

In Christ's love,
Cathy Buchfink  

Others involved: Casey Peters, Sherry LaFollett, Nita Christopherson.

Current Dates/locations
Sunday mornings with Casey from 8:45-9:15 in the CYF room.
Tuesday mornings at 10:00 am at Nita Christopherson’s
Tuesday evenings at 7:30 pm at the Buchfink’s home.