General Posts

Easter Service in the Parking Lot

As we quickly approach Easter Sunday, we recognize that this year will look very different. We won’t have big Easter dinners with friends and family, and we won’t be gathered in the sanctuary for service. However, we are excited to announce that this Easter, we will be able to gather at FAC for a one-hour parking lot service.

It has almost been a month since we’ve held service at FAC Tallmadge. Pastor Bulgrin said that he “just wanted to give the opportunity for everyone to be together.” So this Sunday, people will be able to pull into our parking lot and tune in to 89.1 FM, or live-stream, to hear the service. This will give us a sense of togetherness without breaching the social distancing orders.

Before everyone leaves the parking lot, we ask that everyone drives under the carport. Pastor and Sis. Kimberly Bulgrin will greet everyone! Additionally, any families with children, ages 3 – 11, will be able to receive an Easter treat before they leave. Under the carport, FAC staff will place the kids’ Easter treats in the trunks of vehicles. The treats include crayons, coloring pages, sidewalk chalk, candy, and more!

When we hold this parking lot service, Pastor Bulgrin states, “it is imperative that we do not violate DeWine’s orders.” Many eyes will be on us, so we need to be respectful of the orders that have been put into place for the time being. Therefore, FAC established guidelines for Easter Sunday that must strictly be adhered to.
 

Parking Lot Service Guidelines

  1. Aside from the selected staff, all people must remain in their vehicles at all times while on the FAC premises. We know it might be tempting to get out to stretch, say hi to friends, or take a quick family photo outside the vehicle. In cases like these, individuals must leave FAC property.
  2. All buildings will be locked, and restrooms will not be available. If someone needs a restroom, we will provide ample space for vehicles to exit the parking lot at any time.
  3. All FAC staff working the grounds must wear masks at all times.

This definitely is not your traditional Easter service, and the rules might seem strict. However, we are trying our best to come together in a safe and respectful manner, and we are believing that this service will still be life changing as we celebrate the resurrection of our savior. “But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) We serve a living Saviour that died for us and took stripes on his back so that we could be healed. In the uncertainty of this world, we are so blessed to celebrate a Saviour that lives and has all power over everything.


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Spreading Hope to Our Community

No matter who you talk to, it seems like the majority of conversation revolves around COVID-19. While many individuals around the world are quarantined, fear and anxiety has spread as rapidly as the virus. However, even in the face of uncertainty, there is always HOPE. Hope keeps us going. Hope gives us peace. And, Hope is contagious.

We know that our hope is anchored in God’s word. As David said in Psalms 119:114, “Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.” When we put our trust in God and are reminded of all His promises, we can find rest even in the midst of the unknown and chaos. He is still in control.

When a person resists hope, “it makes the heart sick” (Proverbs 13:12), but a person who finds hope is grounded, calm, and peaceful. We are excited to begin the “Hope is Contagious” movement. This is our way of staying connected and spreading hope while we maintain social distancing. We asked the FAC family to kick off the movement by spreading hope to their communities. However, we don’t want this to be just a FAC Tallmadge thing. Let’s make it a global movement! 

Instead of spreading the virus of fear, let’s seize the opportunity to spread hope. Throughout the duration of the quarantine, we will release an updated map that shows where everyone is participating in this movement. Let’s put hope on the map!

Want to join the movement? Here’s how you can spread hope:

  1. Spend time with your family and create artwork that displays your favorite scriptures full of God’s promises.
  2. Hang your artwork in a window for your neighbors and community to see.
  3. Post a picture of you and your family’s artwork and use the hashtag #HOPEiscontagious (remember to pin your location)
  4. Encourage your family and friends to participate.

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COVID-19 Update for FAC Family

It is a high priority to provide a safe place for individuals to worship at FAC. Our leadership is carefully monitoring all news updates regarding COVID-19. Yesterday, Governor Mike DeWine issued a ban of gatherings over 100 people. However, this excludes religious gatherings. Therefore, we are proceeding with extreme caution and have made alterations to our services over the next 4 weeks.

Sunday Services (March 15, 22, 29, & April 5)

On March 15, 22, 29, and April 5, FAC will only have one Sunday service at 10:00am. FAC is taking extra precautions and measures to provide a safe and clean house of worship by doing the following:

  • General assembly only.
  • Hand sanitizer will be stationed throughout the building.
  • Our staff will sanitize and disinfect all high-traffic surfaces before and after each service.
  • We will march to give offering instead of passing offering plates.

To stay healthy and safe, it is a joint effort. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, here are things we all can do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses:

  • Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based sanitizer if water and soap are not available.
  • If you are sick or experiencing flu-like or virus symptoms, please stay home.
  • Limit or avoid physical contact with others. We are a friendly church, but for now, please avoid hand-shakes, hugs, high-fives, etc. A smile and friendly wave can be just as effective.
  • If you have to sneeze or cough, please cover your mouth with your arm or a tissue then sanitize your hands.

Wednesday Services (March 18, 25, & April 1)

On March 18, 25, and April 1, we have restricted our Wednesday night services to online only. We will have a video of Pastor Bulgrin’s message available every Wednesday night during this season on our website at factallmadge.com.

For those who give online, please continue to do so. Another way to give during this time is via text-to-give. Click here to know more information on how to set up text-to-give, or pick up a text-to-give card at our information center.
 
As of now, all small group events will remain as scheduled.

We know that this situation is rapidly evolving, so we will be assessing the situation continually and may change our schedule accordingly. If the above schedule changes, we will notify the FAC family as soon as possible via our website, social media, and Sunday announcements.

Rest assured, we are exhausting our efforts to provide a sanitized, safe house of worship. This new schedule is only temporary, and we hope that with prayer and cautious efforts, we all can remain healthy and at peace. Be careful, not fearful. Remember to put on the armour of God (Eph. 6) and plead the blood of Jesus (Rev. 12:11) over you and your loved ones everyday.


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flu prevention

Flu Prevention: Caring is not Always Sharing

flu prevention
We are no doubt in “flu season.” This year in particular, the flu has been a high risk in our area for weeks. Although the risk is high, there are still many ways to prevent the flu. At FAC, we want to keep some flu prevention tips top of mind that may help us stay healthy.

Don’t Fear the Flu

The very first thing to remember is that we are not a people of fear. “For God hath not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) We don’t have to fear because we know that God is greater than any sickness, and He can heal us from any illness or disease. Additionally, God has given us knowledge and wisdom. So, we should not fear, and we should be wise during flu season by applying flu prevention.
 
We can all agree that no one wants the flu. However, some fail to see the need to practice flu prevention. Keep in mind Matthew 7:12 which states, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them…” If you want others to be careful not to spread sickness, let flu prevention start with you!

FAC Takes Preventative Action

Remember, people can get the flu anywhere, not just at church. Nevertheless, FAC takes flu prevention seriously, and we take many precautions to help stop sickness from spreading. During this season, we tend to offer more fist bumps than handshakes. Nonetheless, we have multiple alcohol-based hand sanitizing stations throughout our building.
 
Also, we take extra precaution in our Kids Zone. By the check in station and classrooms there are notices to remind parents to look for signs and symptoms children may be experiencing before class time. If children are experiencing any symptoms of contagious sickness, they will not be able to check into their class per FAC policy. After each class, all toys and other hard surfaces are sanitized.
 
FAC works hard to keep sickness away. However, each person’s decision to adopt healthy practices is the most effective way to prevent sickness.

Healthy Habits & Prevention Tips

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the following habits are great ways to prevent sickness and remain healthy.

Avoid close contact
If you are sick, maintain a good distance from others to protect them from getting sick. Avoid close contact with those who are sick.

It’s important to note that you can have the virus and be contagious 24 hours before experiencing symptoms. So, if you have been in contact with a person who is sick, it is wise to maintain your distance from others even if you don’t have symptoms.

Stay home when sick
If possible, stay home when you are sick. Ideally, stay home 24 hours after your fever has disappeared without fever-reducing medicine. This will prevent the sickness from spreading which will no doubt be appreciated.

Cover your mouth and nose
If you have to sneeze or cough, make sure to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. If you do not have a tissue on hand, cover your mouth and nose with your arm. Do not use your hands to cover. Many common respiratory illnesses are spreading by coughing, sneezing, or unclean hands.

Frequently wash your hands
The flu virus can live on hard surfaces for 24 hours. So, make sure to wash your hands with hot water and soap especially before you eat or prepare food. Lather your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not accessible, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.

Avoid touching your face
Touching your face, especially with unwashed hands, can easily expose you to germs and sickness.

Adopt immune boosting habits
Check out some immune boosting habits
 
 

We care about people’s health. By all of us using the preventative tips, we can work together to stay healthy and flu-free.


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FAC Veterans Brings Back the Flagpole

Not too long ago, the FAC Youth Center was our main church building. The flagpole with the American flag stood in front of the building. However, we took it down in preparation to add onto our campus. After several years, the FAC Veterans department took the reins to reinstall the flagpole and American flag in front of our new church building.
 
FAC Veterans, along many others, look forward to seeing the American flag wave again on FAC property. FAC Veterans Director, Richard McCartney stated that “reinstalling the flagpole has been in our hearts for a while.” In August, they started this project by cleaning the pole from the built-up dirt and grime it accumulated over the years. This Thursday, October 3rd, they installed the flagpole and is now ready for the final stage of electric and lighting installations.

More than Just a Flagpole

Although some anticipate seeing the flagpole, others might be thinking, “it’s just a flagpole.” According to Richard McCartney, displaying the flag is important for several reasons. Firstly, Americans are truly blessed to live in a country with religious freedom. This very principal fueled our founding fathers’ passion to help shape this country. McCartney said, “the flag display shows our appreciation, thanks and honor to those who fought, bled, and died, so we could have freedom. We believe that our freedom is cause worthy of display.”
 
Secondly, the flag represents numerous things that create a strong parallel with the church. For example, the flag symbolizes we are “one nation under God.” Additionally, the flag represents hope for a better life and a better future, a chance of peace, and ultimately, freedom. Likewise, the church is as a city set on a hill in a dark world. The church delivers hope of eternal life and hope in a time of despair and uncertainty. It also is a place to find peace that passes all understanding. The church stands for freedom of sin. So, when people see the flag in front of the church, it reminds people they have the freedom to come and experience a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ.

Praying for Our Country

We thank God to live in a country where we are free to gather and worship The Lord. FAC Tallmadge loves this country. We honor the men and women who have served and are still serving. Richard McCartney encourages all to be “mindful of those still serving especially those in foreign duty zones and combat zones. Pray for their safety as well as their loved ones at home who must carry on in their absence. Also, as always, continue to pray for our great country and our leaders, from local law enforcement, first responders, and local government officials all the way to the President and Federal government.”
 
We are so blessed to live in the United States of America, and we are so excited the American flag waves once again.
 

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NEW Wednesday Night Series: Abundant Life

Starting on July 17th, Pastor Bulgrin will launch our Wednesday night summer series for adults called, “Abundant Life.” This series continues throughout the summer every Wednesday at 7:00 pm. Expect students to be in class throughout this time. Each night, Pastor will speak on a new subtopic that teaches us how to successfully live abundantly. Yet, what does living abundantly really mean?
 
When people think of living abundant, each person might define it differently. We may believe it entails great family time, being financially secure, accomplishing a successful career, and so on. Although these things are a blessing to our lives, these factors alone do not equate to abundant life. When discussing this upcoming series, Pastor shared his definition of “abundant life.” He stated, “it’s important to note that a person cannot truly live abundantly unless they have a consistent, genuine relationship with Jesus. Being able to live an abundant life is a gift and the fruit of having a right relationship with God. It’s a peaceful life where you don’t wake up dreading the day, and you can go to bed satisfied.”
 
Pastor’s biblical definition is fundamentally simple. However, very few Christians experience an abundant life. Therefore, the Abundant Life Series gives us a better understanding of what we should be experiencing as children of God. Additionally, the series empowers us to achieve and experience the best life possible.

What to Expect

During this series, Pastor anticipates the messages to be structured in a teaching format. He encourages everyone to “bring notebooks, highlighters, and Bibles.” Every message helps us refocus on our relationships with God instead of getting caught up in snares of weights, sins, and confusion. With topics like “Spiritual Warfare,” “Biblical Disciplines,” and “Relationships,” we refresh our perspectives on Christian living.  In turn, we become equipped to live more abundant in every aspect: physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.
 
Overall, we expect this series to enrich our lives in every aspect as we live abundantly and grow individually and collectively as a church body. After service, we invite everyone to stick around. Enjoy the warm summer nights with fellowship and refreshments like sweet tea, lemonade, and cookies. 

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Independence Celebration Service

Every year, FAC Tallmadge loves to celebrate our country’s independence. Most of all, we thank God for our freedom and allowing us to live in, what we believe to be the greatest country. Additionally, we honor those who have served our country and fought the freedom we enjoy daily. Typically, we have our “Freedom Picnic” after a July Sunday service, but this year, we are changing things up. In lieu of our Freedom Picnic, we will be having an Independence Celebration Service on Wednesday, July 3rd at 7:00pm.
 
While preparing the details for the Independence Day Service, Pastor Bulgrin stated, “We moved our celebration to Wednesday night this year, and I think it’s going to be a great time and lots of fun for everyone!” 
 
On July 3rd, we will begin the night with an abbreviated service, so it will be a general assembly. A worship experience will start the service followed by a few words from Pastor Bulgrin. He will direct us in focused thanksgiving for our freedom and prayer over our country, soldiers, and leaders. After we conclude the service, everyone is encouraged to stay and enjoy the festivities. There will be a dunk tank, balloon artists, corn hole games, and red, white and blue snow cones galore!
 
This night will be full of great fellowship and fun for the family. Join us as we celebrate together our God-given freedom!
 
If you won’t be able to make it this time, FAC Tallmadge invites you to join us anytime. Click here to view our calendar of services and events.

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Ladies Connection – A New Way to Connect

Here at FACTALLMADGE, we constantly look for new ways to connect with one another. We strive to be a church that knows each other, loves, and interacts as a family. These desires, which were main factors, led to our new and improved ladies connections. Each connection is designed for people to converse and build a support group all while we discuss biblical principals we can live by to enrich our lifestyles.
 
We started our first ladies connection in January 2019. We were elated to have so many women who love to come to these connections. So, trying to maintain a small group setting was a challenge. To solve this challenge, ladies connections are now segmented into two groups. Women under 50 years of age met on a Thursday night, and women 50 years and older met on a Saturday afternoon, and it worked so well that this structure will be applied to upcoming connections, too.
 
“It was so interesting to see differences in the groups!” said First Lady, Kim Bulgrin. For example, “I asked both groups about grocery pick up. Everyone in the Thursday group knew about it and most have used and loved the service. But, when I mentioned it on Saturday – blank stares.” So, even in the small things, these two groups allow women to find commonalities that make a quicker, fun connection.
 
Among finding commonalities, like how we grocery shop, ice breakers, group discussions, and food filled the night. Sis. Bulgrin called January’s theme “Goals and Organization” – very fitting for the first month of the year! Throughout many laughs and real talk, Sis. Bulgrin shared a plethora of organization and goal strategies she found in her research and studies. She relayed different methods purposed to help busy people get things done in a timely manner without becoming overwhelmed. That is a hard thing to do nowadays. To end the night, each woman set reasonable goals regarding their personal and their family’s spiritual, mental, and physical health. Overall, we left feeling challenged yet encouraged to be more organized and less overwhelmed in 2019.
 

Below, check out what some of the ladies had to say about Ladies Connection!

“What an awesome night! So thankful for all that came out and braved the cold weather. It was a great time of fellowship!”
“Such a great, enriching time!!”
“It was really awesome to come together with the ladies from the church! I really enjoyed the gathering.”
“This truly was such a wonderful night. I’m so glad I came! Such a blessing.”
Ladies Connection Dates:
  • “His Plan, My Purpose”
    • Feb. 21 @ 7 pm
    • Feb. 23 @ 10 am
  • March Mentorship
    • Mar. 21 @ 7 pm
    • Mar. 23 @ 10 am
 
Click here to let us know you’d like to come!

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New Service Time

Starting Sunday, January 13th, 2019, FACTALLMADGE will begin their evening services at 6:00 PM. Until now, we always began our Sunday evening services at 6:30 PM. However, Pastor Bulgrin felt directed by The Lord to move up the time to 6 PM. We expect that moving our service time to 6 PM will help our church family’s Sunday schedule.
 
” Moving our church service up by a half an hour may not seem like much, but it will give people more time after service to run errands, eat, get the kids to bed. I think that our elders and families with young children will really appreciate this time change.”
– Pastor Ken Bulgrin
 
Sunday evening services are life changing services, and we are excited to have service at a time that will promote a better family time balance.
 
See you at 6 PM on Sundays!
 
Scroll down to see all of our service times.
 

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Kids Zone = Safe Zone

FACTALLMADGE believes that children are the future church, so we not only invest in them, we strive to keep them safe, too. 
After children are dismissed for class after offering, children, ages 0-4, require a check-in and check-out process.  To complete the check-in process, parents and children receive corresponding, identification stickers and labels for diaper bags and sippy-cups.  In addition, they provide all parents an information sheet that allows information to be recorded regarding allergies, medications, etc.
Once parents drop them off, they can return to the main service to hear the message.  If parents are needed, their identification number (on the sticker) will display on the projector screen.  We want parents to feel comfortable and at ease knowing their children are safe, and if they are needed, they will be notified promptly.
After service begins the check-out process.  Each parent must come to the check-in/check-out station and present their sticker.  People will not be able to check out a child without their identification sticker.  When Kids Zone staff receives the sticker, they will bring the child or children to the door with bags and belongings.  Again, to ensure safety, all stickers will be removed and discarded at time of pick up.
FACTALLMADGE put this policy in place to ensure children are safe and having fun while parents can enjoy and engage in the service.

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Devotionals 

The Power of God’s Word

“Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.”  -Psalms 119:114
 
Many of us know the Bible as the main tool preachers use in church, a book that sits on a coffee table, and/or an app that encourages us with daily scriptures.  There have been times that it just seemed like a source to gain a phrase to help us have a better day.  However, what happens when you go through a rough season, and it seems like all hope is lost?
 
The good news is the Bible hold more power than just the ability to boost your mood.  It is powerful.  David said in the verse above, that God’s word is his hope.  Reading the Bible is a great way to get to know Jesus.  You will learn what pleases him, what he dislikes, how he responds to people in different situations; and you will learn that God is faithful.  So, when nothing is going right in life, you can stand on the promises of God found in scripture, knowing he doesn’t break his promises.
 
The Bible is full of scriptures that declare God will never leave us, forsake us, or fail us.  Knowing God’s word is powerful, because when your emotions and your own logic are telling you that things are never going to get better, you have God’s promises that He will never fail you (Lam. 3:22).  When you feel so lonely, He will never forsake you (Deut. 4:31).  The Bible has a whole new meaning when you depend on those scriptures to bring you through.  The amazing part is when God brings you through, you realize that His word is alive and true.
 
Let God’s word strengthen you today, knowing that is it real and God always keeps His word!

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