facWEEKLY August 21
We hope you've had a good week, FAC Family!
Watch the video below for a quick look at some of the great things coming up at FAC!
What’s Happening
For a full list of events taking place this month, check out our “What's Happening” info sheet which you can also find posted throughout our building.
Worship This Sunday
Summer Series
Jesus Encounters | Week 12: Our Little Matters Much | John 6:1–14
Have you ever been to a restaurant that had page after page of food choices, and you didn’t know what to pick? If you chose not to eat, whose fault would that be? If you’re not filled, you’re not eating. Join us this week as we continue in our Summer Series, JESUS ENCOUNTERS, with a look at what 5,000-plus people had to eat.
ESL Teacher Training
Dates & Times: Friday, August 28 @ 6–9:30pm; Saturday, August 29 @ 8:30am–6pm
Place: in room B106
Cost: $60 or $30 for Alumni
“Before joining the ESL Ministry, I couldn't tell you the last time I shared my faith, but now every week I'm having spiritual conversations with lost people.”
HOPE stands for Helping Others Practice English, and we use English classes to meet the needs of refugees and immigrants in Erie. But it's also offering hope to those who are hopeless. The nations are here, and as the church, we can fulfill our Great Commission calling just by entering a classroom and making a friend.
HOPE is offering a two-day training to equip regular people to teach and help in the classroom. You don't need to speak another language, have teaching experience, or be an expert evangelist. You just need to love Jesus, love people, and speak English!
If you're interested in learning more, you can find Amy McCullough at the table in the lobby or contact her at amccullough@facerie.org for more information.
Fantasy Football at FAC
Date: Sunday, August 30
Time: 6–8pm
Place: in the Youth Center
Cost: $10.00 (payable at the door)
Are you ready for some football? Fantasy football, that is! This league is a fantastic way to enjoy some friendly competition and connect with others at FAC. Everyone is welcome—men, women, young adults, and youth.
Join us for a LIVE draft party, including food and drinks, on Sunday, August 30, from 6–8pm in the Youth Center. A $10 entry fee (payable at the door) and a valid email address are required.
Click the button below to register. Registration closes on Sunday, August 23. If you have any questions, contact Wes Palmer at wbpalmer8@gmail.com.
HOPE Volunteer Interest Meeting
Date: Tuesday, September 1
Time: 7pm
Place: in the Youth Center
Imagine you moved to a new country that spoke a different language. Wouldn't you be eager to make a friend and perhaps learn the language? That's the goal of our HOPE ESL Ministry. We use English classes to meet the need of our international neighbors for English and friendship while also sharing the hope of the gospel.
The fall semester is starting, and it's the perfect time to join HOPE Ministry. We're looking for men and women of all ages to serve as teachers, classroom helpers, drivers, childcare, hospitality, admin support, and those who just want to make a friend. HOPE starts with “hello” and we'll help make the introduction.
For more information, contact Amy McCullough at amccullough@facerie.org.
DivorceCare
Date: Thursdays (September 3–December 10)
Time: 6:30–8:15pm
Place: in room E215 (Fireside Room)
Cost: $20.00 (Includes workbook)
Separation and divorce can be some of life’s most difficult experiences, but you don’t have to walk through them alone. DivorceCare is a 13-week, video-based support group that offers encouragement, practical guidance, and biblical hope for healing. Through expert teaching, group discussion, and shared experiences, you’ll find support as you navigate difficult emotions, make wise decisions, and take meaningful steps toward hope and healing.
Register by clicking the button below. The cost for the workbook is $20. New participants are welcome to join at any time during the 13-week program. For more information, contact Chuck and Mary Beth Master (814) 520-1947 or info@facerie.org.
Men's Bible Study: ALL IN—ALL THE TIME
Date: Saturdays (September 5–October 31)
Time: 9–10:30am
Place: in Room E215 (the Fireside Room)
Surrender. Deny Yourself. Follow Jesus.
We talk about being ALL IN—ALL THE TIME, but what does that really look like in the everyday life of a man following Jesus?
Join FAC Men for our next 8-week study as we dig into Jesus’ call to surrender, deny ourselves, and follow Him. Together, we’ll move beyond simply talking about these principles and learn what it looks like to actually live them out—in our faith, families, relationships, workplaces, and everyday decisions.
ALL IN isn’t just something we say. It’s how we want to live.
Registration is not required; just show up and join us! Contact Wes Palmer at wbpalmer8@gmail.com with any questions.
Women2Women Fall Bible Study
Date: Tuesdays, beginning September 8
Time: 9:30–11:30am
Place: in room B106 (Music Room)
Cost: $13 (includes book)
Life can be messy, but throughout Scripture we see that God delights in using imperfect people for His perfect purposes. Join us this fall as we study Messy People by Jennifer Cowart. Together we’ll study the lives of Rahab, David, Mary, Daniel, and others as we discover God’s power to restore broken hearts, redeem difficult circumstances, and transform our messes into His masterpiece.
Come be encouraged as we open God’s Word, build meaningful friendships, and learn that no life is too messy for God’s redeeming love.
Register online or at the table in the lobby. Contact Elaine Ransil at ekransil@gmail.com for more information.
Ministry Van Request
It's hard to believe summer's end is fast approaching. Anticipating our beautiful Erie winter, we are looking for space for our newly acquired Ministry Van to rest on long, cold winter evenings. We are searching for a parking space to reduce the accumulation of ice and snow each night for safer operation the following day. To accommodate the van, the space must be at least 20 ft long and 8.5 ft wide, with 7 ft overhead clearance. It also requires a minimum overnight temperature of 32 degrees.
If you have a space that you would be willing to make available to this ministry, or if you know someone who might, we would love to talk. You can contact Michael Lawson at (814) 833-9862 x222. Thank you again, FAC family, for the many ways that you support our ministries to serve our community and share the gospel.
GriefShare – Grief Support Group
Date: Wednesdays, September 9–December 9
Time: 6–8:30pm
Place: in room B106
Cost: $25 (Includes workbook)
GriefShare is a place for those who are grieving to find support, encouragement, and hope as they navigate the grieving process. We know grief hurts, and you don’t have to walk through this difficult time alone. Together, we’ll walk side by side as you process your loss and take steps toward healing.
There is a fee collected at the first session to provide you with your own GriefShare workbook. This includes returning participants, as this group will be using an updated version of the workbook.
We look forward to meeting you and walking alongside you during this difficult time.
Register online using the link below.
The MomCo
Dates: 2nd and 4th Thursdays, September 2026–May 2027
Time: 9:30–11:30am
Place: in room E215 (Fireside Room)
Cost: $35 MomCo membership fee and $50 FAC fee
Motherhood is a beautiful journey, but it was never meant to be done alone. The MomCo is a community of moms with children of all ages who encourage one another through every season of motherhood. Together, we build meaningful friendships, find practical encouragement, and remind each other that no mom has to walk this journey alone.
We embrace the unexpected and imperfect, celebrate motherhood, and follow Jesus together as we grow into the moms He has called us to be.
Childcare is provided.
Please register by using both links below. For the MomCo membership fee, use the FAC group code: S54X
Short-term Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic
Dates: January 23–30, 2027
FAC is sending a team to the Dominican Republic on a short-term mission trip with Meeting God in Missions (MGM). This trip is an opportunity to grow closer to God while serving the practical needs of people in the Dominican Republic. Participants of all ages have returned with a renewed faith and a deeper passion for serving others.
If you have questions, contact Pastor Scott at sshuffield@facerie.org. You can also reach out to Bob Miaczynski at (814) 897-3999 or Bob Joslin at (814) 730-8701. If you’ve decided to go, sign up using the link below while spots are still available.
Prayer for International Workers Oscar & Charlotte Garcia
Oscar and Charlotte Garcia are international workers in Uruguay. Pray for their family and the rest of the team in Uruguay. Pray for financial provision for Sofi's and Charlotte's (their daughters) studies. And pray for the students at SeTAU (Seminario Teológico Alianza del Uruguay)—that they continue to grow in their callings.
You can learn more about Oscar and Charlotte by picking up a copy of our “Prayer Guide for World Missions” at the Missions Table near the entrance of the Worship Center. You can partner with Oscar and Charlotte in ministry by giving to the Great Commission Fund.
Facilities Team Employment Opportunity
First Alliance Church of Erie, PA (FAC) is looking for a person to join the Facilities/Maintenance team, working full-time up to 40 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends. Responsibilities include general cleaning of the facility, setup and teardown of rooms, lawn maintenance, snow removal, minor non-technical facility and equipment repairs, occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs., and other duties as directed by the Facilities Manager. Applicants must exhibit a lifestyle and values that support and do not oppose the Vision, Mission, and Statements of Faith of FAC and the Christian & Missionary Alliance. The successful applicant will also be required to provide background clearances. This is a full-time position with fringe benefits and paid leave.
To apply or for more detail about the position, please email Michael Lawson at michael.lawson@facerie.org.
Interested qualified candidates must complete and sign an application, which can be accompanied by a current resumé. Applications can be picked up at the FAC Office.
Do You Have a Prayer Request or Praise?
“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere” (Ephesians 6:18, NLT).
The staff and elders at FAC would love to pray for you. Send your request or praise to Pastor Scott through the form below.
Finance Information
Father, as we lay before you our financial offering, we give you all that we are and everything that you have entrusted to us. Bless these gifts for the sake of your kingdom and glory.
General Fund
Last Week
Actual: $34,396
Budgeted: $22,881
Prior Year Comparison: $20,557
Year To Date
Actual: $1,149,822
Budgeted: $1,144,039
Prior Year Comparison: $1,097,373