September 3, 2008 by Jeff Fritsche
This summer we took a hiatus from the Gathering (the evening worship service at FEFC) to pray and seek the Lord for the future of the service. As we prayed, we also submitted to our leaders to see where the Gathering fits within FEFC. This is a season at FEFC where we are trying to remain focused and unified on our mission together. In light of that, the decision has been made to not continue the Gathering at this time.
I would like to encourage all of you who were connected to the Gathering to come on Sunday Mornings at 11am in the triple room (CL 105) for Impact. Check us out at www.austinimpact.com. Thanks for your prayers. Feel free to email me with questions or thoughts.
Grace,
Jeff Fritsche
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August 20, 2008 by JD Whittemore
In mid July, I had the opportunity to attend the Taos Summer Writers’ Conference. This was a chance for me to have some of my fiction read, critiqued and discussed. There were several things that I learned during the week but the one that sticks out is a daily writing practice.
Adele, a talented young writer, who uses eloquent words the way the rest of us use oxygen, put it the best. She compared writing to my running. Pointing out that, as a runner, I did not expect to just show up at marathons and be able to perform. I had to run mile after mile, day after day, building up to the ability to go the distance. I had to practice running. So it is with my writing. The more time and energy I would spend, daily, writing, the more I would exist in the mindset of a writer. Adele’s words have made a difference as I have run and written each day since.
Until last night, at community group, I was honestly pretty impressed with this feat. Tommy Nelson in his video series on Ecclesiastes, wanted to add to my daily efforts.
Eccl. 12:9-11.
9 Not only was the Teacher wise, but also he imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. 10 The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true. 11 The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one Shepherd.
Our Lord has given us knowledge. His counsel corresponds to reality; our confidence is not in a conjecture.
As sheep, we remain safe and strong while close to the Shepherd. The goad is an implement used by the Shepherd to direct those around Him. The goad we have to help us is His word, it is there to guide us, make us strong, keep us safe. Knowing the Bible, means we are unable to live unaffected by His purpose.
Tommy told the story of the German ship the Bismarck. The ship was the strongest and fastest on the water. However, its path toward destruction began when a hopeful torpedo hit its rudder. Without a working rudder, the powerful vessel had no direction and was intercepted by her enemy, eventually sunk. So it is with us without the Bible. The Bible is our rudder, without it we are directionless and float into the enemy, who then sinks us.
Just like Adele told me that as a runner, I know how to daily practice writing; I know its importance to the bigger picture, I hear Tommy telling me “You are not just a runner and writer, but a Christian”. So now I have something more important to add to my daily practice. It is reading His word, gaining wisdom and direction. James 3:17 tells us that wisdom is not our knowing but our doing what we know. So regardless of whether or not I run or write each day, I need to make sure that I am living with direction, His direction. How do I plan to do that?
Daily dose: Read - Learn - Pray - Live (repeat if necessary, run & write if I get the chance)
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August 6, 2008 by JD Whittemore
**Found this unpublished; it is rough, but without the Gathering I figured I would post it**
Thinking to song lyrics I remember a line from Queensryche’s Silent Lucidity “The dream is over; or has it just begun”. There is also the song Till Kingdom Come by Coldplay.
matthew 6:10
revelation 21
isaiah 40
already & not yet
till kingdom come
i wait patiently
for thee my heart stirs
you have set me free
till kingdom come
i will sing out loud
my song is for you
living just as proud
till kingdom come
each day i’ll enter
yesterday behind
step by step to you
**so like I said “rough” but maybe something to think about; a spark towards your creativity**
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June 25, 2008 by Deborah Routt
This Sunday night June 29th will be the last Gathering for the summer as we will be taking a hiatus through July and August. We will be praying, reevaluating, and seeking the Lord for direction for the future of the Gathering. Please check here to find out more updates on what will happen in September. In the meantime, we would love to have everyone join us on Sunday Mornings at 11am in CL 105 (the triple room near the sanctuary). We look forward to all being together on Sunday Mornings.
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June 12, 2008 by afitzgerald
We are excited to launch a new community group in North Austin. Join us at 7000 Tesoro Trail (Parmer & McNeil) on Wednesday, July 2nd at 7 PM. Contact parmerinfo@austinimpact.com more information. Directions - From 183 N- Exit/ Right on McNeil - Left on Parmer - Left on Dallas Dr - Left on Green River Trail - Right on Tesoro Trail.
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