A LETTER FROM
FAITH CHURCH FAMILY & FRIENDS,
Somewhere over the years, maybe even decades, the word ‘evangelism’ seems to have become off-putting to people. It’s as if it’s been reserved for clergy members, missionaries and the people holding megaphones on city streets yelling ‘the end is near.’ I think, perhaps, that we’ve just lost focus on what evangelism truly is - the spreading of the gospel by public preaching or personal witness.
I want you to think about how you first came to know about Jesus. Maybe it was your parents telling you a bedtime story; maybe it was when you were in college and a friend invited you to church; maybe it was when you attended your first Celebrate Recovery meeting; or maybe it was when someone asked you to serve with them at Night to Shine. The beautiful thing is we all have a different story, but we all came to learn about Jesus because someone told us about Him!
As followers of Jesus, it’s what we’ve been called to do, to share our personal witness to the world.
Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:15-16
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20
I recently read an article about what is happening in the church in the United States. Very few are growing, post-COVID, and those that are have a focal point of evangelism. Friends, this is what we are seeing here at Faith Church. People are sharing their personal testimonies with others and/or inviting friends, families, neighbors to church. Just look around to bear witness: we are expanding three locations through Better Together to make room for more; we are hosting Alpha groups for anyone seeking to know more about the existence of God and the claims of Jesus, and in 2024 nearly 200 people attended the groups held at Faith Dyer; and if you look at the next page, people are professing the name of Jesus!
One of the earth shaking evangelistic stories in the Bible is in Mark 5:1-20. Jesus heals a demon possessed man (it includes unclean spirits, pigs and a cliff - you should read it). When the man is healed, he asks Jesus if he can go with Him, but Jesus instructs him to “go home to your own people and report to them how much the Lord has done for you…” The man went to Decapolis, an area with 10 cities, and because of one man, they learned about Jesus and were amazed by what He could do.
I encourage you, Faith Church, to be bold in 2025. Share your personal story. Invite people to church, to join you in ministry. God is sovereign over invitation. If people say “no,” that’s ok. Don’t be discouraged. While your evangelism may not be accepted at that moment, it may be remembered when that person is in crisis, experiencing loss or needing hope. They’ll think about “that church” you told them about.
In closing, I want you to read this Scripture verse and include the name of the town you live in: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, [and in _______], and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8
Always for God’s glory, Pastor Bob
THIS IS WHAT EVANGELISM LOOKS LIKE!
It’s a blessing to bear witness to lives being changed and families committing to following Jesus!
260
NEW MEMBERS
JOINED OUR FAITH CHURCH FAMILY
82
INFANT BAPTISMS
29 TEEN/ADULT BAPTISMS
85
PEOPLE PROFESSED THEIR FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST
BUILDING BIBLICAL RHYTHMS OF LIFE FOR YOUR FAMILY BUILDING BIBLICAL RHYTHMS OF LIFE FOR YOUR FAMILY
BY: MICHELLE PEREZ FAITH KIDS DIRECTOR DYER
As parents, we often juggle countless responsibilities: work, school, extracurricular activities, family time, and, for many of us, sports commitments. In today’s fast-paced world, finding balance can feel like an impossible task. But amid all of these demands, there is one essential practice that we must not overlook: putting God first in our daily lives and in our family rhythms.
In Deuteronomy 6:5-7, God gives us a clear call to make Him the center of our lives. This passage speaks to the importance of living out our faith in everyday life, weaving God into our routines, relationships and conversations. It’s not just about setting aside time for worship or church on Sundays, but about creating a rhythm of life that constantly draws us closer to God and shapes our family’s values.
What does it look like to put God first in a busy world? For many families, it means prioritizing regular moments for worship, prayer and reflection together. We know every family is different and finding a rhythm isn’t a ‘one size fits all,’ therefore, we’ve listed some rhythms to help guide you and your family as you make a rhythm of your own.
Even a brief time of prayer in the carpool line or singing worship songs to wake your kids up can set the tone for your family’s day, knowing God is with us wherever we go. Before your children go to sleep, have them talk to God about their day, it helps them recount their blessings; even praying or singing a blessing over them can help them feel known by their Father.
“Our bedtime routine includes our kiddos picking out a book, usually our children’s Bible or Jesus-related book. After books, I sing two songs. Their first pick every night is always, “Jesus Loves Me.” It’s their favorite. Then we snuggle and say a prayer, thanking God for the day, getting us all home safe and to help us live more like Jesus the next day.”
- Sean & Emily, Faith Highland Parents to a baby & toddlers
Teaching your children that God is part of every moment helps them develop a heart for Him in all areas of life. It gives them something solid to stand on when the inevitable challenges and distractions of life come their way. They will know that no matter what happens, God and His Word are unchanging and eternal.
“Each week we pick a portion of Scripture, and our kids are asked to break it down verse by verse, study it and meditate on it, and record what God is teaching them through it. Then we come together at the end of the week to discuss as a family how it is changing us.”
- Mike & Sara, Faith Dyer Parents to teenagers
Gathering together as a church family should be more than just an activity on the weekend. It’s an opportunity to teach our kids the value of community and worship. Plan your week around church. Worship is a priority, commit to making it a regular part of your family’s rhythm.
Whether you’re running errands or sitting down for a family meal, incorporate God into conversations. Ask your children how they saw God’s love in their day or talk about how to trust Him during difficult moments. These everyday discussions reinforce the faith they’re learning at church.
“Early on in our marriage we decided Sundays are reserved for church and family time, and we don’t schedule other activities on that day. It can be hard some weekends when an event or sports game presents itself. We gently remind our kids that this is a day we have set apart as a family for God. We believe it’s important and have seen the fruit from it in our lives.”
- Brian & Beth, Faith Beecher Parents to elementary & middle schoolers
“Every night before bed, we would sit down with our kids, from elementary through high school, and share our highs & lows of the day. We would use it as an opportunity to pray with our kids, to thank God for His goodness and ask for His help in the areas we struggled.”
- Matt & Ronda, Faith Cedar Lake Parents to a teen & young adults
Kids learn more by what we do than what we say. Show them that your relationship with God is central to your life by living it out day to day.
What message does it send when we make God a priority?
“Our kids have been our wingmen in kids ministry for years. They both attended Faith Kids until 5th grade, and then we said it’s time for you to give back all that others have done for you. From teaching, to small group leaders, to Shout Out leadership, both of our kids serve in the church.”
- Charlie & Anne, Faith Munster Parents to a teen & young adult
We show our children that faith is not just something we practice on Sundays but a guiding principle for how we live every day. Let’s challenge ourselves as parents to intentionally build rhythms into our family’s life as we shape the faith of the next generation. Our rhythms might change or look a little different depending on the season of life we are in and that’s ok! Give yourselves grace. As we intentionally work to make God the center of our lives, we help our children build a foundation that will last a lifetime.
We serve kids and students as well as families with special needs.
DISCOVER THE DEPTH OF FAITH BEYOND THE PEWS!
DISCOVER THE DEPTH OF FAITH BEYOND THE PEWS!
You Have A Story Worth Sharing
Have you ever considered that you have a story to share?
In little and big ways, no matter the number of years we’ve lived, God has shown up, pulled us through, gave us a nudge or prompted a decision in our lives. Our life is a showcase of His handiwork.
And yet, when it’s time for us to share even the smallest snippet of our personal life with another, we tend to deflect. “I don’t like people knowing the details of my life.” Because when we are vulnerable, it leaves us open to people’s judgements, to someone thinking less of us, to the reality of our imperfections. It’s really, really hard.
Yet, we can’t forget that these stories aren’t really ours to hoard and hold onto. They are proof of what God is capable of - and that He doesn’t love us any less because of our hardships, our baggage, our sin. Our stories can be the hope that someone needs, that if ‘God can do this for one person, He can do it for me, too.’
And He can! There are people in our church who have shared their God-glorifying testimonies with us. You’ll meet a few of them on the following page and you’ll find more at WeAreFaith.org/Stories. The reason why these individuals have shared their testimonies is because their lives have been changed by God - and perhaps in sharing, God may use their story to transform yours as well.
My mouth will tell about your righteousness and your salvation all day long, though I cannot sum them up. Psalm 71:15
We are called to be story-tellers of God’s transformation. He wants to use your life for His glory. Will you let Him? By recounting our stories, we can see how each action and word spoken was God bringing help, support and light along the way. Knowing there is purpose from the messiness of our lives - it makes our stories beautiful pieces of art that fit perfectly into His greater masterpiece.
Our life is a showcase of His handiwork...
Marty Jansma
God Story: Overcoming Mental Health Struggles
Not feeling enough. Stress. Anxiety. Depression. Thoughts of suicide.
“…these struggles are not just mine. I am His son and I am loved by Him, and there’s a reason that I’m here and that I’m still here.”
Kellyn Amodeo
God Story: Navigating Divorce & Family Relationships Heartache. Disappointment. Loneliness.
“My bedroom was full of tears, where I was comforted by an all loving Father, and that closet I mentioned, it became my prayer room. I spent hours on my knees begging God to come close and He did. God didn’t save my marriage but He saved me.”
Your Story Here...
You have a story worth sharing. Tell us your story at WeAreFaith.org/Stories Your Photo Here
Rachel & Rob Davidsen
God Story: The Aftermath of a Severe Car Accident Shock. Fear. Uncertainty.
“It was some of the darkest times and the hardest times in our lives. But throughout all of this, we saw the light and hope of little miracles…God’s light still shines, even on really hard situations, even on really hard days, but He has definitely brought us through some of the darkest parts.”
Sue Gifford
God Story: Experiencing Forgiveness Remorse. Dread for my eternity. Guilt.
“…I told him [Pastor Bob] how long ago it had been..I told him how I just couldn’t give it up. I just kept taking it back. And I just couldn’t live with myself that I had this horrible unforgivable sin that I committed. He said, ‘I’m going to pray with you but I need you to promise me first that you will finally give this to God once and for all. And you will not take it back.’ For the first time in my life I gave it to God that day.”
Blessed are...
We tend to use the word “ blessing ” quite a bit, but what does it really mean? We ask God to “ bless ” our meals. We “ bless ” people when they sneeze. We pray for “ blessings ” for others and ourselves and consider ourselves blessed when we have good health or enough money to pay monthly bills.
While there’s nothing wrong with any of that, I wonder if we have made too little of this word. I met a man in Mexico who lived in a home with a dirt floor and no “ stuff ” by our standards. The most memorable characteristic of his neighborhood was the smell of free-flowing sewage. But because he had Jesus, he had a huge smile and called himself “ blessed.”
Our Lenten series, the Good Life, focuses on the Beatitudes, eight statements made by Jesus as part of His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12). Jesus explains what it takes to be blessed. Jesus is on the mountain speaking with great authority, and He is talking directly to His 12 newly chosen disciples. While His words are for them, the crowd is listening in as they try to figure out what Jesus is about. And it hadn’t been long since the disciples were part of that crowd themselves.
Jesus calls His followers “ blessed.” And He tells us how to BE blessed by valuing attributes like humility, mercy and peacemaking - nothing like what our 2025 Western culture encourages us to be.
Many people view Lent as a time to give up something to help them remember the suffering of Jesus. Most of us will never come close to giving up what the 12 disciples did. In addition
to all their earthly goods, they gave up any status or respect they may have garnered.
But what if this year we choose to gain something like more humility or more mercy or more hungering and thirsting after righteousness?
BY: MARILYN MILLER DIRECTOR OF ADULT FORMATION
What would our homes, our workplaces and our church look like if we adopted the Beatitudes as priorities in our lives?
Maybe first we should consider what is holding us back from an unconditional commitment to Jesus and His teachings. Do we worry we’ll have to sacrifice too much or relinquish control of our lives? Are we fearful to trust that much?
In his book, The Cost of Discipleship , German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer describes the Sermon on the Mount scene this way: Jesus sees his disciples who have publicly left the crowd to join him. He has called them, and they have renounced everything at his call. They have only him, and with him they have nothing, literally nothing in the world, but everything with and through God... Christ, the disciples and the people - the stage is already set for the passion of Jesus and his Church.
As we go through this Lenten season, let us each begin to trust Jesus more in our day-to-day lives. Lord, as a church and as individuals, help us to be known by the attributes in these verses. May we then sense His real blessings in new ways.
THE BEATITUDES
Blessed are the poor in spirit
Blessed are those who mourn
Blessed are the humble
Blessed are those who hunger & thirst for righteousness
Blessed are the merciful
Blessed are the pure in heart
Blessed are the peacemakers
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness
for the kingdom of heaven is theirs for they will be comforted for they will inherit the earth for they will be filled for they will be shown mercy for they will see God for they will be called sons & daughters of God for the kingdom of heaven is theirs
HELPFUL RESOURCES
The Good Life | Series Book Recommendation Cost of Discipleship
By: Dietrich Bonhoeffer
During the series, we will be using several quotes from this book. You may consider reading it or doing a study on this book throughout the series.
Available in The Bookstore or at thebookstore.faith
The Bible Project has a helpful video in defining the word “blessing.”
Visit BibleProject.com and search “Blessing and Curse” to learn more.
WEDNESDAY
March 5
FRIDAY April 18
April 20
“CHURCHY” BUSINESS
Church governance can be boring or seem unimportant. I get it. Committees, councils, boards, blah blah blah, right? So, how are big decisions made in a church that serves over 4,000 people each week? Who approves budgets? Who hires pastors? Who sets the vision and tone for ministries at Faith Church?
BY: ANDY SCHULTZ EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR
Recently, a consultant helped Faith’s leaders discern and, eventually, transform a decision-making system with a few confusing, redundant parts into one streamlined process. In September of 2024, a new era began as bylaws were ratified to help Faith enter this new reality. Now, decisions are sent to an appropriate group to be made based on their size and scope. Decision-making teams now meet weekly for smaller tasks, monthly for moderate items, and the big stuff is sent to a group that meets quarterly.
THE BOARD
Faith’s highest level of decision-making on the organizational chart meets a minimum of four times per year. Made up of the Senior Pastor and eight Elders, the Board has authority over major decisions, including oversight of pastoral staff, building projects and the overall vision of Faith Church. Even the title - The Board - is a simplification of its previous name, Consistory. Beginning in 2025, not only will Faith’s membership be asked to nominate Elders and Deacons, as is the current process, but you will also have the option to nominate individuals for the Board. Included in an advisory role on the Board are select Deacons as well as, specifically, women gifted in leadership.
THE EXECUTIVE OPERATIONS COMMITTEE1:
A few members of the Board, combined with executive-level staff, team up to help execute the Board’s vision, make specific employment decisions and keep the organizational engine running. This Committee wants to ensure ministries have the tools they need to succeed and offer guidance for our staff in some of the day-to-day operations.
THE PASTORAL TEAM2:
Each location’s Lead Pastor gathers weekly in a team that assists with some of the decisions that require more frequent conversation. Like the Executive Operations Committee, the Pastoral Team is responsible for executing the Board’s vision, focusing on implementation at each location.
Both our Elder and Deacon groups have undergone a slight change as well. A larger organization requires more clarity in the role of each leader. Therefore, each location’s group of Elders and Deacons now nominate one individual to serve on an Elder Executive Committee and a Deacon Executive Committee, to more-efficiently handle decision-making that affects all locations, acting on recommendations from location leaders.
That wasn’t so bad was it? Know that your leadership cares about being the most effective for Faith Church, including embracing change. Reaching the disconnected and growing the connected takes hard work and resources, and our leaders want to keep that mission central to all that we do!
1Use of the word “Committee” designates a group that has non-staff leadership or is made up of non-staff people. This is used with other groups: the Elder Committee, Deacon Committee and the Nomination Committee, among others.
2Use of the word “Team” designates a group that is primarily staff-led or consists of all staff people.
Contact Lisa or Bob at blhberr@att.net
CARE CONNE CTIONS &
ALL LOCATIONS INVITED CARE
Celebrate Recovery
Celebrate Recovery (CR) is based on the original 12 steps of recovery and the Beatitudes-the actual words of Jesus. CR is open to everyone as a place of rescue, restoration, safety and renewal for those seeking God’s healing from life’s hurts, hang-ups and habits.
Mondays, 6:30-8:30 PM
Faith Cedar Lake
Contact the team WeAreFaithCR@gmail.org
Tuesdays, 7-9 PM
Faith Dyer | FS Commons
Contact Jim celebraterecovery@ WeAreFaith.org
Thursdays, 7-9 PM
Faith Munster
Contact Charles/Breanne munstercr@WeAreFaith.org
Celebration Place
Tuesdays, 6:45-9 PM
Faith Dyer | Elem Rm
Contact Trish at tmiller@WeAreFaith.org
Celebration Place is designed for kids
Kindergarten through 13 years of age whose parents attend Celebrate Recovery. We hope to make Jesus the foundation of their lives, break cycles of dysfunction and join their parents in forgiveness & healing.
Food Assistance
Faith Family Market
Faith Beecher
2nd & 4th Tuesday 4:30-6 PM
Contact Mandy at mandyp@WeAreFaith.org
Open to any Illinois resident
Faith Family Market
Faith Cedar Lake
Mondays, 10 AM-Noon
Closed the 5th Monday
Contact Beckie at bhayes@WeAreFaith.org
Faith Family Market
Faith Dyer | East Hall
Sundays, 10-11 AM
Contact Valerie or Leslie at FFM@WeAreFaith.org
Open 2nd & 4th Sunday For Dyer Members/Attenders
Faith Family Market
Faith Highland/Munster
Faith Munster
Sundays, 12:30-1:15 PM
Open 1st & 3rd Sundays
Fresh Hope Tuesdays, 7-8:30 PM
Faith Munster | Ministry House freshhope@WeAreFaith.org
This group is both for individuals who have a mental health challenge AND their loved ones (family members and close friends). WeAreFaith.org/mentalhealth.
Meets weekly
Friendship Tuesdays, 7 PM
Faith Highland Contact Amy at aboshears@WeAreFaith.org
Friendship Ministry is a place where adults with special needs can gather to learn from God’s Word and enjoy a great time of fellowship. For a complete listing of meeting dates visit WeAreFaith.org/Friendship. Meets most 1st & 3rd Tuesdays
Golden Hope
Golden Hope helps grieving families find hope and healing in the midst of loss through death. This is a safe place for peer-to-peer grief support for children, teens and adults. Contact Ashley at info@goldenhopemin.org for more details.
Grief Share
Grief Share offers help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member or friend. Contact Nick at ndragomir@WeAreFaith.org for next meeting dates & times.
Men’s Bible Studies
Visit WeAreFaith.org/ biblestudies for a list of Men’s Bible studies.
NA-The Grace Street Recovery Meeting of Narcotics
Anonymous Thursdays, 7-8:30 PM
Faith Highland | Great Room Call (219) 793-6262
Hotline open 24 hrs a day, answered by someone in recovery. NAIndiana.org This is an open meeting where all are welcome, but only members are encouraged to speak. Meets weekly
Our Hope
Tuesdays, 7-9 PM
Faith Dyer | Prayer Room
Contact Jeri at darchsmom@gmail.com
Grief support group for women Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesdays
Overcomers
Mondays, 6:30 PM
Faith Dyer | Atrium
Contact Andy at anearpass@WeAreFaith.org This ministry is for patients and caregivers of patients with life-altering illnesses. Meets 2nd & 4th Mondays
Prayer
Let us be heartfelt in praying for our Faith Church family. Sign up to receive our prayer email or submit your own prayer request at WeAreFaith.org/prayer.
CONNECTIONS
Book Club
Mondays, 6:30 PM
Contact Adrianna at awalters@WeAreFaith.org Book Club book available in The Bookstore. Meets the 3rd Monday of the month
Faithful Friends
Monday, 1 PM | Faith Dyer
Contact Linda at ljordan@WeAreFaith.org Fellowship for singles 65+ from any Faith Church location.
Meets the 2nd Monday of the month
Faith Stitchers
Thursday, 1-4 PM (Sep-May)
Faith Dyer | Rooms 140/141
Contact Sharon at sharontlc756@hotmail.com We knit & crochet for those in need.
Meets the 2nd Thursday of the month
Quilters
Monday, 8:30 AM
Contact Donna at
Women’s Bible Studies
Visit WeAreFaith.org/ BibleStudies for a list of women’s Bible studies.
The Journey
Deepen your relationship with God through The Journey, a 24-week small group experience, providing a safe space to work through questions like Who am I? Who is God? And What is his purpose for me? Learn more at WeAreFaith.org/ TheJourney.
12.1 Running Club Saturdays, Early Morning
Contact Judy at judithkupsik@yahoo.com Meets weekly
BEECHER CEDAR LAKE DYER
RESTORING THE WORLD
ONE RELATIONSHIP AT A TIME
