Noteworthy Events

• FPC LINE News Group: Be sure to join our FPC LINE news group, where you can get all the latest information about FPC. You will only receive messages from FPC. You can also send questions and prayer requests which will be received by the church leaders. To join, search for "@osv3181q" or scan this QR code:

• “Intro to FPC” Course – Sundays in the Fall: Interested in becoming a member of FPC, or just want to learn more about the church? Our “Intro to FPC” course covers FPC’s core values and vision in four 1-hour classes during the fall quarter. We will meet on Sunday, Nov. 15th, 22nd, 29th, and Dec. 6th, from 1:15 to 2:15pm, in the room at the end of the hallway from the sanctuary. These four classes will be offered again in the spring quarter (March, April, May). Participation is open to all. (Note--those seeking membership must attend all four classes.)

• Baptism Class – 12/6, 2:30-3:30pm: For those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ but have not been baptized, or anyone who just wants to know more about baptism, we will be holding a baptism class on Dec. 6th, 2:30-3:30pm, in the room at the end of the hallway from the sanctuary. Register at the Newcomer Welcome table by the elevators.

• Monthly Prayer Meeting - 12/8 - 7:30-9:00pm: FPC’s monthly, kingdom-centered prayer meeting, The Engine Room, is held regularly on the second Tuesday of the month. We gather at 7:30pm in room #320 on the 3rd floor of the church office building and go into prayer from 7:45 to 9:00pm. All are welcome.

• FPC Sanchong Church Plant (“New Blessings”): Support our Mandarin-language church plant in Sanchong by “Liking” their Facebook page. Search this
phrase:三重祝福教會 or scan this QR code:

• Form for In-Person Attendance at All Church Events - In order to assist the government in preventing the spread of COVID-19, Friendship Presbyterian Church requires that all attendees of any church-related activity fill out a brief form for purposes of “contact tracing” in the event of an outbreak. Regrettably, without filling out this form, you will not be allowed to attend our events in-person, including Sunday worship. Only one form is needed per household, and the form only needs to be filled out once. Use this URL: tiny.cc/fpc-covidform.

From the Pastor's Desk

Seeking Leaders and Church Planters

by Pastor Peter Kim

"And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me." (Isaiah 6:8)

During a time when Israel was facing judgment, Isaiah was called to be a herald of God's truth. The question was asked, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" For many of us, this call, this task may seem daunting. And perhaps, for Isaiah, the call carried just as much weight. In verse 5, he acknowledges his impending doom and admits his own sinfulness. How, then, was Isaiah able to respond with the words, "Here am I! Send me"? It was only through the work of God, who forgave Isaiah and enabled him to do the work that God set out for him to do. Verse 7 says, "Behold…your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for."

Today, our world is facing crisis after crisis, and there is a need for God's people to step up and be willing to be used by the Lord. Some of us may feel an impulse to speak up or feel that something must be done. Some of us may feel troubled and wonder what the Lord would have us do during this period of time in world history. However, many of us see the troubles but feel the task is too daunting. We may feel timid and feel that such work is for someone else, not us. 

The question still goes out, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" The Lord is calling His people to be declarers of His truth (Acts 1:8), to reach out to the world, and to bring God's kingdom (Matthew 6:33), goodness, and justice to the world; to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8); to visit orphans and widows (James 1:27). Simply put, Jesus is calling all of us who identify as His followers to be disciple makers (Matthew 28:18-20) and to declare hope in Jesus Christ.

But how can we respond as Isaiah did, especially when we feel so inadequate? Christian! All of you who call yourselves children of God! Listen carefully--God has forgiven us our shortcomings and our failures through our Lord Jesus Christ, just as God forgave Isaiah. In addition, God gives us His Holy Spirit to enable us to do His work. He has said in Isaiah 44, "Keep these matters in mind, [Jacob], for you Isra'el, are my servant. I formed you, you are my own servant; Isra'el, don't forget me. Like a thick cloud, I wipe away your offenses; like a cloud, your sins. Come back to me, for I have redeemed you…I am [the LORD] who makes all things...I confirm my servants' prophecies and make my messengers' plans succeed" (Isaiah 44:21-22, 24b, 26a, CJB).

You see, we don't have to be afraid of whether we are capable or not, or whether we can succeed or not, because the Lord has forgiven us. And He will make his messengers' plans succeed. We just need to trust in Jesus and respond like Isaiah, saying, "Here am I! Send me."

This call may be for every believer, but the principle also applies to our local church context. Friendship Presbyterian recently went through the process of looking for possible leaders who will serve as deacons and elders. We are also looking for church planters who are willing to plant English or Mandarin speaking churches here in Taipei. Please pray that the Lord would bring the right people to be the next generation of leaders at FPC or church planters in Taipei for the glory of God.

And who knows? As you pray, perhaps the Lord will call you asking, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" How will you respond?

5 Questions with...Heather Schnackenberg

1. How did you first get involved with Friendship Presbyterian? I moved to Taiwan right after Jake and I were married in 2010. We first went to FPC around seven years ago when a friend of ours invited us to the service.

2. What do you do Monday through Saturday? Due to Jake’s work-travel schedule, I do not work, so that I can support and be with him.

3. What is something people might be surprised to learn about you? I am the youngest of five girls.

4. What do you find most challenging about being a Christian today? The most difficult things for me are the portrayal of Christians in the mainstream media and that so many people say they are Christians, but it is in words only.

5. What is one of your favorite books of the Bible? My community group, #tbt, just finished a study on living as a Christian in a pluralistic society and I really enjoyed learning about Daniel. It is so relevant and helpful for me to think about standing up and being an example for Christ even when you know you will be persecuted. I am very passive by nature, but I am working on getting out of my comfort zone, going against my nature, and following God’s way.