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FCS Blog

February 04, 2025
By David Fereberg

Who Is My Neighbor?
February 4, 2025

I grew up watching Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. Mr. McFeeley, King Friday, and X
the Owl were regulars in my life that I was able to learn from and be a better
person. One of the things that Mr. Rogers told us was that everyone was our
neighbor, and we needed to treat everyone with respect and love. I don’t know
that I always did that with my little brother, but I am sure that it didn’t hurt.
We all have neighbors. Some of our neighbors might be the people who live
next to us. Some of these neighbors are the people we work with. Some of these
people are the people we interact with on a fairly regular basis such as the
people in the grocery store or at the gym. All of these people are our neighbors.
All of these neighbors need to know the love of Jesus. Some of them may have a
relationship with Him already. Some don’t. Part of our job as followers of Jesus is

to find out and if they don’t know Jesus, to introduce them.

This can be a scary place for you if you don’t feel like you could talk to someone
about Jesus. It doesn’t need to be scary, and you don’t need to be a Bible scholar

to talk about Jesus. Here are some ways to make it easier.

If you feel comfortable doing this, you could ask them over for a meal or to play
games or roasting marshmallows. During this time, you will get to know each
other better. You may or may not bring the conversation to spiritual things, but

you will be building a relationship.

You may be more of a doer and talker. If you see your neighbor is doing
something or needs help with something, you can offer to help. Francis of Assisi
is credited with saying: “Preach the gospel. Use words if necessary.” Doing acts of
service or kindness can say more about Jesus than a long conversation.
When you are talking to someone, you often ask them what they are planning to
do that day or weekend. When they ask you, tell them you are going to church
on Sunday. You could then ask them if they have a church they attend. If they
do, great! If they don’t, you could ask them if they would like to come with you.
Building a relationship is the basis of all of these things. Be a neighbor to all that

you meet. “Preach the gospel. Use words if necessary.”

God Bless,
David

FCS Blog

January 14, 2025
By Valerie Rose

Being an Activator

In our bustling world of carpools, homework help, and endless activities, it's
easy to forget our profound calling as Christians. Jesus did not just call us to be
passive believers – He called us to be activators of faith in others' lives.
When Jesus spoke of us being "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the
world," He was describing an active, transformative presence. Salt doesn't just
sit in a shaker – it transforms everything it touches. Light doesn't merely exist –

it illuminates darkness and guides the way for others.

Matthew 5:16 challenges us directly: "Let your light shine before others, that
they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." This verse is
not suggesting we merely maintain our faith privately; it is calling us to

demonstrate it boldly through our actions.

As a family of Faith, we have unique opportunities to be activators every day:

- In how we handle disagreements with grace
- Through the way we serve others, even when inconvenient
- By openly sharing how God is working in our lives
- In modeling forgiveness and redemption to our children

When we actively live out our faith, our children learn that Christianity is not
just about Sunday mornings or Bible class – it's about being a living testament

to God's transformative power in every moment.

Consider this week: Where has God positioned you to be an activator? Perhaps
it is with a neighbor going through a difficult time or even within your own
family. Don't hide the light He has given you. Your willingness to shine might
be exactly what someone else needs to see God's love in action.
Remember, we are not called to blend in with the world, but to transform it
through Christ's love shining through us. Let us commit together to being
active, intentional witnesses of His grace in our school community and beyond.

Blessings,
Valerie Rose
Principal, FCS Elementary

FCS Blog

January 06, 2025
By David Fereberg

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! I trust you had a wonderful Christmas break and have had a
great start to the new year. I trust you had a great time with friends and family,
maybe at home or maybe after doing some traveling? Now it is time to get back
into a routine. School has started again. You are going back to work on a regular
basis. Rec league and other activities are back in full swing. Resolutions have
been made and a few of them have been tossed to the side while others are

going strong after the first week.

Many people start the year with big plans and goals. Most of them are more of a
wish than a goal. The difference is that goals are specific, have a timeline, are
measurable, are important enough to follow-through. Some people have a focus
on growth in certain areas for the year. Just like goals and wishes, a focus on
growth is only as good as the plan to get there. Some people like to have a word

for the year and look at things through that lens.

I like to have a word or phrase for the year. Last year, my word for the year was
linger. I would take time during the day and at special occasions to reflect on the
time spent and create memories. It was an intentional act that helped me
appreciate the moments of my life. It helped me slow down a bit on vacation or
at my kids or grandkids events or just spending time thinking about what was
going on in my life. I will try to continue this in the future because it was a nice

way to process what was going on around me.

This year, I am planning to do that same process again. While I was thinking
about this over Christmas break, I came across an article that talked about how
the author decided on the word he would live by that year. He mentioned that
someone had suggested to him that maybe looking at God’s Word to find a word
would be worthwhile. He was led to Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the Spirit
verses. Why not choose one of these? Aren’t these the things that God is saying
shows that you are a mature Christian? That seemed like a good idea to me, so

that is what I am doing this year.

I am choosing peace as my word for the year. I will strive to have peace in all
situations. They may not all be enjoyable or easy, because they won’t. They will
not be all hard or painful, but there will be some of them. Through all of the
moments of life, I am going to do my best to find the peace that passes
understanding, because that is the sign of a mature Christian. I will do my best

to be Battle Ready by cultivating peace in my life.

I pray that this will be the best year of your life and that God will work through
you in wonderful ways. You can do that by being Battle Ready and maturing in

your Christian walk. Happy New Year!

In Christ,
David

FCS Blog

December 17, 2024
By Missy King

The Blessing of the Christmas Season

The Christmas season is a time unlike any other, filled with joy, reflection, and
gratitude. It’s a season that invites us to pause and celebrate the greatest gift
ever given—Jesus Christ, our Savior. As we immerse ourselves in the twinkling
lights, festive music, and cherished traditions, we are reminded of the profound

blessings that this time of year brings.

At the heart of Christmas is the message of hope. Over 2,000 years ago, in a
humble manger, God’s promise of salvation was fulfilled. Isaiah 9:6 foretells this
miraculous event: "For unto us a child is born, a son is given, and the government
will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." This hope is not fleeting or dependent on
circumstances; it is eternal and unwavering, a beacon of light for all who believe.
Christmas is a season of giving, echoing the ultimate gift God gave to humanity.
Whether it’s a carefully chosen present, a heartfelt card, or the gift of our time
and love, these acts of generosity reflect God’s grace. Acts 20:35 reminds us, “It is
more blessed to give than to receive.” As we share our blessings with others, we

not only honor God but also spread His love and kindness.

One of the greatest joys of Christmas is the opportunity to gather with family and
friends. These moments of togetherness remind us of the love and community
God designed us to experience. Whether it’s sharing a meal, singing carols, or
attending a Christmas service, these traditions draw us closer to one another and
to Him. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus says, “For where two or three gather in my name,

there am I with them.”

The Christmas season also provides a moment to reflect on God’s faithfulness
throughout the year. Amid the busyness of life, we are called to quiet our hearts
and focus on the miracle of Christ’s birth. This reflection often leads to spiritual
renewal as we realign our hearts with God’s will and prepare to enter a new year

with faith and purpose.

In a world that can often feel overshadowed by darkness, Christmas shines as a
season of light. The star of Bethlehem guided the wise men to Jesus, just as
Christ’s love guides us today. Matthew 5:14-16 calls us to be lights in the world,
sharing the good news of His birth and bringing hope to those in need.
This Christmas season, let’s embrace the true blessing of what we celebrate. May
we open our hearts to the joy, hope, and peace that comes from knowing Jesus.
As we gather with loved ones and share in the beauty of the season, let us not
lose sight of the greatest blessing of all—Immanuel, "God with us."
Wishing you and your family a Christmas filled with His love and grace. May the
blessings of the season be with you now and throughout the coming year.

The Blessing of the Christmas Season

The Christmas season is a time unlike any other, filled with joy, reflection, and
gratitude. It’s a season that invites us to pause and celebrate the greatest gift
ever given—Jesus Christ, our Savior. As we immerse ourselves in the twinkling
lights, festive music, and cherished traditions, we are reminded of the profound

blessings that this time of year brings.

At the heart of Christmas is the message of hope. Over 2,000 years ago, in a
humble manger, God’s promise of salvation was fulfilled. Isaiah 9:6 foretells this
miraculous event: "For unto us a child is born, a son is given, and the government
will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." This hope is not fleeting or dependent on
circumstances; it is eternal and unwavering, a beacon of light for all who believe.
Christmas is a season of giving, echoing the ultimate gift God gave to humanity.
Whether it’s a carefully chosen present, a heartfelt card, or the gift of our time
and love, these acts of generosity reflect God’s grace. Acts 20:35 reminds us, “It is
more blessed to give than to receive.” As we share our blessings with others, we

not only honor God but also spread His love and kindness.

One of the greatest joys of Christmas is the opportunity to gather with family and
friends. These moments of togetherness remind us of the love and community
God designed us to experience. Whether it’s sharing a meal, singing carols, or
attending a Christmas service, these traditions draw us closer to one another and
to Him. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus says, “For where two or three gather in my name,

there am I with them.”

The Christmas season also provides a moment to reflect on God’s faithfulness
throughout the year. Amid the busyness of life, we are called to quiet our hearts
and focus on the miracle of Christ’s birth. This reflection often leads to spiritual
renewal as we realign our hearts with God’s will and prepare to enter a new year

with faith and purpose.

In a world that can often feel overshadowed by darkness, Christmas shines as a
season of light. The star of Bethlehem guided the wise men to Jesus, just as
Christ’s love guides us today. Matthew 5:14-16 calls us to be lights in the world,
sharing the good news of His birth and bringing hope to those in need.
This Christmas season, let’s embrace the true blessing of what we celebrate. May
we open our hearts to the joy, hope, and peace that comes from knowing Jesus.
As we gather with loved ones and share in the beauty of the season, let us not
lose sight of the greatest blessing of all—Immanuel, "God with us."
Wishing you and your family a Christmas filled with His love and grace. May the
blessings of the season be with you now and throughout the coming year.

Recent Posts

2/4/25 - By David Fereberg
1/14/25 - By Valerie Rose
1/6/25 - By David Fereberg
12/17/24 - By Missy King
12/2/24 - By David Fereberg