VO LU M E 10 ISSUE 1 F E B - M AY 2 02 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS 4
Letter from Pastor Bob
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Faith Family Highlight
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How Did We Get Here?
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Reframing Our Lives
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Ash Wednesday/Good Friday/Easter
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The Book of James
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Family Ministry
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A Community is Waiting for You
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Care & Connections
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Financial Update
DEAR FAITH CHURCH FAMILY & FRIENDS,
Have you all seen the memes referencing how we have to say twenty, twenty in order to pronounce 2022? The irony! The last two years have been . Let me fill in the blank from Faith Church’s standpoint. God-led. What do I mean by this? While COVID has caused us to feel quite topsy turvy in terms of ministry planning - and future thinking - our leadership team has seen how God has been working in the midst of it all, in and through Faith Church. We released our 2021 Annual Report (WeAreFaith.org/AnnualReport) and as I flipped through the pages I was assured that God is undoubtedly in control. For example, the Kingdom grew by 250 more through Faith Church in our five communities alone within the last year.
a multi-site church and are efforting moreand-more to live into an Interdependent Model where there is more autonomy given to each location while still being one church, joined together in ministry, because of our belief that we are better together. As you flip through this edition of The Paper, please take time to read the articles. Each is carefully written to give you opportunities to gather, grow, give and go. From our ReFrame series, to better understanding the Book of James, to hearing testimonies of life change, there is much to help you feel more connected to the body of Christ at Faith Church. Thankful for your story,
Through prayer we know God has been positioning us for what He has next and our leaders are in the process of discerning what that is for us as locations, and as a church. We are committed to continuing as 4
FAITH FAMILY HIGHLIGHT
THE BRUNS FAMILY JOSH & ASHLEY BRUINIUS FAITH DYER
WHAT ARE YOUR NAMES? Steve, Carrie, Emily & Amanda Bruns WHERE ARE YOU FROM? We reside in Crete, Illinois. HOW DID YOU FIRST GET CONNECTED TO FAITH CHURCH? Early on in our marriage, we wanted to find a church to raise our family in. It took us a few years, but in November of 2011 we attended our first service at Faith in Dyer and we knew immediately that this was our church home. WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN GOD DO AT FAITH CHURCH? We have seen our faith grow deeper as well as getting to witness our children develop a strong faith through the reinforcement of values we teach at home being shared in Faith Kids. It has been awesome to witness the growth of the church since we have been here! WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT THE WORSHIP SERVICES? Probably the first thing that drew us in was the amazing musicians and worship that they lead. As we became settled here, we have come to know and truly value the pastors and the teaching they provide. WHERE DO YOU SERVE AT FAITH CHURCH? Steve serves on the Security Team and Carrie is a leader in Faith Kids Nursery as well as a member of the MomsNation Central Leadership Team. The girls both serve in Shout Out and help in the nursery when mom is serving.
HOW DO YOU CONNECT WITH OTHERS AT YOUR CAMPUS? We realized soon after making Faith Church our home we would need to be intentional about making connections. We have found that through our regular serving, we have all met new people and developed many new friendships. WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN GOD DO IN YOUR LIFE? We have seen God provide in all ways for our family. From our needs after a small house fire many years ago to more recently orchestrating a series of events in the midst of a pandemic that led to Carrie changing jobs; we can see she’s right where God wants her to be and the blessings the whole family receives as a result of that. 5
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
Founded in 1963 in South Holland, Illinois, Faith’s mission to build relationships inside and outside of the church resulted in a steady growth which, in 2002, precipitated a move to a larger building and location in Dyer, Indiana. Since then we have continued to expand our vision and reach by embracing a “one church, many locations” philosophy. We have grown to include five locations - four in Indiana and one in Illinois. You can find a timeline of our history at WeAreFaith.org/About.
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OUR 4G’S You will see these icons throughout this edition, with stories related to how we are living out our 4Gs.
RE
F R A MI NG O U R L IV E S
BY: MARILYN MILLER
“As we understand ourselves to be members of the city of God, we learn what it means to live as strangers and ambassadors in that other city, the city of man. When we close the gap between belief and behavior, others will get a foretaste of heaven through their interactions with us.” - Alistair Begg
Many of us make occasional visits to our eye doctor to see what adjustments need to be made to help us see more clearly. In January we took time for a different kind of adjustment, a reframing of how we see our world and our God. What did we learn? How did it change us? As the two disciples walked on the Emmaus Road (Luke 24 13:35), they walked together with Jesus, but they didn’t know or recognize Him. How often do we not recognize Jesus in our midst? Those disciples knew the story of Jesus and they knew how the Scriptures pointed to a coming Messiah. They knew Jesus was that Messiah. But they couldn’t connect the story they were living with God’s story in Scripture.
God has a way. You are an ambassador of the Kingdom of God. “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us,” 2 Cor 5:20a. Each of us who are Christ-followers have been placed on this planet for a purpose - to represent Him, just as an ambassador represents his or her country. When you step into a U.S. Embassy in another country, you experience a taste of home. We come into the Embassy (the Church) for a “taste of home” - a taste of heaven. We leave our churches as Ambassadors to go into our homes, schools, offices, factories - wherever God has placed us to serve Him. He planned for you to be in that specific place at this time. He cares about your work and your service to Him in that place. At the end of January, a Commissioning Service was held to send people out of the church doors and into God’s service - full time - wherever they are. We saw people from all five Faith Church locations commit to being intentional about bringing Jesus into their workplace. An Army of Ambassadors was launched into the Region and surrounding areas. Men and women who take seriously their role of representing Jesus. Let’s be ready for stories of God’s might and power through their lives. And if you missed that day, you can still take part. Just go to WeAreFaith.org/Reframe.
Sometimes our stories don’t reflect God’s big story. Our ReFrame series addtressed the disconnect which we all sometimes feel. How do we live a life that follows Jesus in our 21st century culture? How do we reconcile our faith with our culture? If we totally withdraw from our culture, we have no opportunity to be salt and light. The same is true if we totally assimilate.
“I’m often asked how as a Christian I can be involved in such a violent game as football, and a game that plays on Sundays. I’m told to help change the world. If I’m not in the world, I can’t be part of the change.” - Tony Dungy, NFL Coach and Football Analyst
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JOIN OUR FAITH FAMILY DISCOVER FAITH Discover Faith is designed to help you learn more about Faith Church.
PARTNER WITH FAITH Partner with Faith focuses on what it means to be a member and why you should consider that commitment.
BEECHER
Thursday, Apr 7, 6:30-8:30 PM
CEDAR LAKE
Tuesday, Mar 15, 6:30-8:30 PM
DYER
Thursday, Mar 24, 6:30-8:30 PM
HIGHLAND
Wednesday, Apr 6, 6:30-8:30 PM
MUNSTER
Sunday, Mar 20, 3-5 PM
BEECHER
Thursday, Apr 30, 6:30-8:30 PM
CEDAR LAKE
Wednesday, Mar 30, 6:30-8:30 PM
DYER
Thursday, Apr 7, 6:30-8:30 PM
HIGHLAND
Wednesday, Apr 20, 6:30-8:30 PM
MUNSTER
Sunday, Apr 3, 3-5 PM
*BOTH CLASSES ARE REQUIRED FOR MEMBERSHIP | CELEBRATION WEEKENDS, MAR 5/6 & MAY 21/22
ASH WEDNESDAY March 2
GOOD FRIDAY April 15
EASTER April 17
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James THE BOOK OF
W
hy should we spend time studying the book of James? I mean, Martin Luther called it “an epistle of straw.” He felt that James, the half brother of Jesus (same mom, different dad), went too far, almost arriving at a place where we earn our salvation by what we do. (We don’t, it’s a free gift of God’s grace that we receive through our faith.)
Most Christians, including us, have come to the understanding that James is a wonderful encouragement, reminding us of how important it is for Christ-followers to be living the right way by having our actions match our beliefs. That would be my definition of “integrity,” actions match beliefs. I have often used this illustration when teaching on integrity. Hold up your right hand. Use your left pointer finger to trace an “A” on that right hand. Now, hold up your left hand. Use your right pointer finger to trace a “B” on your left hand. Bring your right and left hands together. When your actions match your beliefs, you have integrity. BY: JASON DEVRIES
Written only seven to 17 years after Jesus was on Earth, James, inspired by the Holy Spirit, shares this message and call to integrity with the earliest of Christians, hoping that changes in how they lived would be used by God to draw people to Himself. Some of the topics James tackles are definitely important for us to evaluate when it comes to our own lives: how Christians should handle suffering; showing partiality to certain people; the power of the words that we use; how we should handle conflict; and our need to be rescued by God. Friends, it is imperative for us to get these things right in how we live, too! During the ReFrame series, we learned how none of us is where we are by mistake. God has us in our neighborhoods, classrooms, work places, etc., for a reason. He desires to use us in those places for His glory and to help draw people to Himself. If those around us hear that we are Christ-followers (that we hold Christian beliefs) but how we live doesn’t match those beliefs, they will reject us, and our God, because of our lack of integrity. This isn’t easy and none of us gets it right all the time. (Trust me, I fail often.) But I trust that our series on the Book of James will be used by God to help us all become more and more the people He wants us to be. I hope you’ll join us!
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Hello Faith Church Families! Faith Kids is blessed to partner with you as we raise up the next generation together to shine for Jesus wherever they go!
Parents, you probably already know that YOU have the greatest impact and influence on your child(ren) than ANY other influence (around 3,000 hours per year). The FAMILY represents love and the color red . The Church (Faith Kids) is another influence on your kids (around 40 hours per year). The CHURCH represents the light of Jesus and the color yellow . When the two work together, family and church, it makes the color orange because we believe that two combined influences make a greater impact than just two individual influences.
The Church The Church: Kids (ages 0-5th grade) worship Jesus through playing, singing, large group Bible stories, and small group activities. We have committed, screened volunteers that are the backbone of this ministry. These amazing people play, pray, sing, dance and tell Bible stories to teach your precious kids about the love of Jesus AND how to live life loving Jesus by how they treat others.
The Family Parents can commit to keeping the conversation going with what their kids learned at church. We know family life can get hectic and busy, but choosing one time to pray or talk with your child(ren) about Jesus or answering questions they have each day will pour into their hearts and lives forever.
Faith Kids is blessed to partner with you as we raise up the next generation, together, to shine for Jesus wherever we go!
Stay In Touch:
@FaithKidsWorship
WeAreFaith.org/kids
ParentCue.com
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Are you a Mom looking for
Connection? Whether you’re a mom to little ones or not-so-little ones, we have a group designed to meet your needs. Second semester registration is open for bi-monthly meetings for select groups.
BEECHER | CEDAR LAKE | DYER | HIGHLAND
Love Kids?
We need YOU!
Whether you’re a mom to
We are seeking loving, little ones or not-so-little ones, responsible individuals we have a group to meet your needs! to provide childcare during our Mom of Littles Interested? and Moms in the Middle Contact Trish! tmiller@WeAreFaith.org meetings, Now - May.
A C OM M UN IT Y IS W A IT IN G FO R YO U
WE
gather on weekends to worship, learn and receive encouragement and inspiration. But many of us find it helps to gather more often. Each week, hundreds from Faith Church gather in smaller groups to study God’s Word, build relationships and begin to understand what it means to “know and be known.” Instead of telling you about it, let’s hear from those involved in D3 groups, 3-2-1 groups (Beecher), Journey or other small groups. After reading their words, you may decide this is just what you’ve been looking for.
BY: MARILYN MILLER
“My D3 group has provided me with a space to rest in God’s presence and to be discipled. The Bible has come alive in me. I am grateful to be part of a group where things are honestly shared, compassion and empathy is freely given, and I can see the love of God working within each of us.” - Maria Vidoni, Faith Dyer “When we began with our small group in 2018, we didn’t know those people would become our family. We give advice, we laugh, we cry, we celebrate, we mourn - we do life together. We grow our faith together and they hold me accountable. From parenting, to our marriage, to our faith, we trust and love one another. It’s amazing how God put them in my life at the right moment. I am so thankful for the way they have become part of my life.” - Jenna Brown, Faith Highland “I thought a journey deals with what’s ahead. But through my Journey group, God is showing me I can learn and grow from the wounds from my past, to actually turn a profit for His glory. This experience has exposed the riches of being part of a community. It helps me understand how God sees me as one of His children who is learning by His grace to be comfortable in my own skin.” - Robert Linkiewicz, Faith Munster 16
“Our small group is what being a part of the “community of believers” is all about. We study God’s Word and have formed friendships with people we may not have otherwise met. We share the joys and sorrows of daily life with each other and we know this group is always just a text or phone call away.” - Rog and Kerrie DeVries, Faith Cedar Lake “I have witnessed incredible growth and seen change in the lives of the men in my group. They are dedicated to studying the Bible and then applying those principles. They have deeper relationships with both God and each other. One group member has even started his own 3-2-1 group. By serving with these men, I have been stretched and it has positively impacted my family, co-workers and other ministry partners. It is one of my most joyful experiences since becoming a Faith Church member.” - TJ Jackson, 3-2-1 Group Leader, Faith Beecher “I wouldn’t be asking these questions, nor pondering the things that I am, without being a part of The Journey. Our group has formed a strong bond that helps us learn more about ourselves. We are getting to know God better and understanding how each of us fits into His plan. I am grateful to be a part of this - it is life-changing and life-giving!” - Sue Gifford, Faith Dyer
CARE & CONNE CTIONS ALL CAMPUSES 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 | The Garage Contact Bill celebraterecovery@ WeAreFaith.org Thursdays, 7-9 PM Faith Munster Contact Charles/Breanne munstercr@WeAreFaith.org
Celebration Place
Tuesdays, 6:45-9 PM Faith Dyer | K5 Room Contact Beckie at bhayes@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.
Fresh Hope
Tuesdays, 7-8:30 PM Faith Munster | Agape 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). For more information, visit 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
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
CONNECTIONS Book Club
Grief Share offers help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member or friend. Meets weekly
Thursday, 6:30 PM Contact Barb at yanbarbie17@gmail.com Meets the 4th Thursday of the month Feb 24 - Master Craftsman by Kelli Stuart Mar 24 - The Prince and the Prodigal by Jill Eileen Smith Apr 28 - Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin May 26 - The Souls of Lost Lake by Jaime Jo Wright
Mobile Food Pantry
Faith Singles
NA-The Grace Street Recovery
Faith Stitchers
Grief Share
Thursdays, 1:30-3:30 PM Faith Highland Contact Rich at rbawinkel@WeAreFaith.org
Faith Beecher Feb 22 | Mar 22 | Apr 26 4:30-6 PM Contact Mandy at mandyp@WeAreFaith.org Open to any Illinois resident
Meeting of Narcotics Anonymous Thursdays, 7-8:30 PM Faith Highland | Room 201 Contact Deena at (219) 742-5029 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
Friday, 7 PM Faith Dyer Contact Connie at ckubiak2010@yahoo Meets the 2nd Friday of the month
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
Marriage Ministry Groups
Your marriage is the most important earthly relationship you have and we believe that being proactive is the key to success in your marriage. Here are some ways for you to thrive in your marriage.
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W H AT I F T H E R E I S
HOPE FOR MY MARRIAGE?
Preparing for Marriage
Class is offered twice per year on Wednesdays in the spring and fall for dating and engaged couples. Next classes are from March 9 through April 20. Information on the class and mentoring options can be found at WeAreFaith. org/marriage. We look forward to preparing you for marriage!
Young Couples
The Ravines is a safe place to find healing and restoration for your marriage.
A group for married couples who consider themselves young and are seeking to grow in their relationship through community with couples their age and in similar seasons of life. Young Couples gather on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:15. See WeAreFaith.org/marriage for more information and registration.
Marriage Enrichment
A group for all married couples meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:15. More information about times, curriculum and special events at WeAreFaith.org/ marriage.
“He makes springs pour water into the ravines.” Psalm 104:10
Marriage Repair
Individual marriage mentoring is available when you are in need of support and encouragement for your relationship on a more personal level. WeAreFaith.org/marriagesupport
MOMSNATION
A community for moms with children ages birth through high school. Visit MomsNation.org for information on all our groups, meeting places and times. Contact Rebekah at rmoore@WeAreFaith.org
The Journey
The Journey is a 22-week course designed to provide a safe place for a group of 7-10 people to slow down and be intentional about focusing on their relationship with Jesus and personal discipleship. To learn more, go to vantagepoint3.org/ vp3-pathway/the-journey/ Contact Marilyn at mmiller@WeAreFaith.org for more information. Join the hundreds of people from Faith Church who have come to understand God (and themselves) in a new way through The Journey!
12.1 Running Club
Saturdays, 8 AM Faith Dyer (Dec-Mar) Contact the office at (219) 864-0300 Meets weekly Saturdays, 7 AM Centennial Park in Munster on Calumet Avenue (by the band stand) (May-Nov)
For more information and resources, visit WeAreFaith.org/marriage faithmarriageministry
TheRavines Info@TheRavines.org (219) 864-5063
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FINANCIAL UPDATE
N BY: JOHN CLAUSING
ormally, the first edition of The Paper in a new year reveals details of a new budget with new goals and new challenges. However, because of our change to a JulyJune budget this past year, we are right in the middle of our 2021/2022 fiscal year. What hasn’t changed though is the importance of sharing our financial updates so that you can be informed, and hopefully, inspired to discern how God is leading you to respond.
Since our last edition of The Paper, we completed our second quarter of the 21/22 budget as we have reached the halfway point in our fiscal year. Following historic giving trends at Faith Church, we were strategizing for our giving receipts to land at approximately $4.3 million by the end of December - to keep us on track to reach our budget need of $7.454 million. At this midway point our giving was just over $4.2 million, putting us in a good position to reach that mark. Your consistent faithfulness in responding to God’s call of sacrificial giving is evident. Thank you, Church, for that response. Never lose sight that these numbers and the budget itself allow for Faith Church to impact our communities, our region and the world. For example, in December alone, these ministry resources allowed for Behold the Wonder, Christmas Eve services, and WeAreFaith.tv to reach thousands of people locally, regionally and globally during the uniqueness of Christmas-time when so many are searching for Christ. It also allows for our Faith Church locations to gather, grow, give and go in and around Beecher, Cedar Lake, Dyer, Highland and Munster. The deacons from all locations consistently strategize and plan for the most effective use of the funds entrusted to Faith Church. Through their guidance, your generosity and most importantly, through God’s faithfulness and provision, Faith Church has paid off our property mortgage for Faith Cedar Lake.
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We celebrate that all of our current locations do not have mortgages and this allows us to be in a position to see where God will lead us next. Looking ahead to the next six months, we are eager to see how God will provide. While we are in a position to reach our budget needs, we know obedient giving is God’s path for that and want to encourage you to seek what God has planned for you. If you have any questions regarding our budget or giving to Faith Church financially, please contact a Faith Church pastor or one of the deacon leaders (WeAreFaith.org/leadership).
F A M I L I E S & V O L U N T E E R S A R E I N V I T E D TO J O I N U S F O R
FAMILY RETREAT
JUNE 14-18
MUSKEGON, MI
Family Retreat is an incredible vacation and Christ-centered week for families impacted by disability. Faith Church will be sending FAMILIES & volunteers to participate in this amazing experience. Scholarships for individuals from Faith Church are available. Contact Pam at pamv@WeAreFaith.org.
SIGN UP AT: JONIANDFRIENDS.ORG/CHICAGO
IF:GATHERING 2022
March 4-5,2022
Faith Church’s Women’s Ministry is thrilled to host IF:Gathering 2022 at Faith Cedar Lake. At IF:2022 we’re going to talk about how to live in this world right now and how to navigate a life that goes against culture. How do we build community in the middle of that? How do we tell people about Jesus?
SAV E YO UR SEAT AT
WEAREFAITH.ORG/WOMEN
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WeAreFaith.org