Check out this announcement from FPAC, one of our faith partners. Notice that Glen Cary is listed below as one of the participating congregations! Click here to register for the event.

Family Promise in Anoka County will host Fulfilling the Promise, a virtual fundraiser to celebrate 10 years of serving families, on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020, at 7 p.m. CST. The event will feature a look-back of the past 10 years with reflections from founding board members, community leaders, volunteers, and its founding executive director. The event will be interactive and feature live-streamed guests, including a former guest family who will share their story along with messages from members of the staff. Throughout the event, attendees can test their Family Promise in Anoka County trivia knowledge to win prizes. The event has a fundraising goal of $25,000.

According to the National Low Income Housing Commission, Minnesota residents must make over $22 an hour to afford a two-bedroom rental home, making it the country’s 22nd highest housing wage. Working at the minimum wage of 10 dollars an hour, an individual will need to work 65 hours each week to afford a modest one-bedroom home at Fair Market Rent. Families can rarely afford to live in a one-bedroom house due to housing laws on maximum occupancy, creating additional barriers.

"Due to COVID-19, more families face housing insecurity and are unable to find a stable living situation to shelter in place," said David Frei, executive director of Family Promise in Anoka County. "Over the past ten years, we've launched programs and services, such as Home for Keeps and the Bridge Housing Program, to help families receive access to the resources they need to achieve housing independence. Our community has been instrumental in growing and sustaining these services to support families experiencing homelessness."

The event’s leading sponsor is Thrivent - Journey Financial Consultants. Additional sponsors include Ham Lake Lions Club, Barna, Guzy & Steffen Attorneys at Law, Sannerud, Savarese & Associates, P.A., and Zion Lutheran Church. Participating congregations include Andover Christian Church, Christ Lutheran, Constance Free, Coon Rapids UMC, Cross of Hope, Faith Lutheran, Family of Christ Lutheran, Glen Cary Lutheran, Grace Lutheran, Lord of Life, Oak Haven Church, Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Roots & Branches, St Katharine Drexel, St Timothy Catholic, Trinity Episcopal, UMC of Anoka, UCC Anoka, Unity North Spiritual Center, and Zion Lutheran -

This story can be found in the SPARK Storybook Bible on p. 30-31.

In this story, God makes a promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. It sounded strange, because Abraham was too old to have children. Yet, Abraham believed God. God is faithful, which means God always keeps promises! Eventually, Abraham and his wife Sarah had a son and many, many, many descendants.

• Have you ever made a promise? Did you keep it?
• What are some promises God makes to us?
• You can view worship online here. The children's message is around 16:15. 

Directions:

• ​Write the names of people who bless you on the stars. Cut them out.
• Punch a hole in the stars and attach a string.
• Tie your stars to the hanger. 
• Place the star mobile in a place you can see frequently. Every time you see it, thank God for the people in your community! 

This story is called the "Great Commission"-- Jesus tells his disciples what to do after he goes to heaven. This story is found in your SPARK Bible on page 496. Need a Bible? Let us know!

The disciples were in a time of uncertainty and fear-- just like we are now, as we start a new school year in the midst of COVID. But Jesus promises to be with us no matter what we face. God loves us always!

As the new year begins, we would typically all be together at church. Because we are worshipping outside or online, we need to find creative new ways to connect! Write a letter to your Faith Friend, someone in your family, or someone at church. Here's some help getting started!

Dear Faith Friend,

It will be a long tie until we see each other again. Some things that I did this summer are:

Some things that are different about school this year:

Some things that are the same:

I will pray for you. Please pray for me for these things:

Sign your name

Please contact the church if you need contact information for your Faith Friend.