God@Work in the Life of... Anne Simms, page 10
“God’s Plan for Your Life” Pastor Marty Berglund Page 4
Candidate for Elder Page 7
FELLOWSHIP ALLIANCE CHAPEL — MEDFORD, NJ — FEBRUARY 2015
Ministry Profile:
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Helping Hand Grief Support
CONTENTS 18
FAC NEWSLETTER
▶▶I MINISTRIES 5 Marriage Seminar
miniChurches
Fellows h Allianceip
South A
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12 Missions: South Africa (FASA)
13 Service Events
15-17 Women’s Ministries
18-19 Men’s Ministries
20 Youth Impact High School Ministry
21 Facts & Figures 22-23 Directory
frica
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8-9
5 ▶▶I FEATURES
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Worship Services “God’s Plan for Your Life” Pastor Marty Berglund
Saturday: 6:00 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
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“Encouragement for the Journey,” by Laurie Berglund
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Candidate for Elder
Nursery and Kids’ Bible Study (KBS) are provided during every service for babies through fourth graders. Ask a greeter for directions to classes. The Friendship Class for teens and adults with special needs meets during the 9:00 a.m. service in Room B-10.
Ministry Profile: Helping Hands Grief Support
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God@Work In the Life of Anne Simms
Interpretation for the hearing impaired is available during the 11:00 a.m. worship service.
News & Notes Guest Receptions Held after each worship service in the Family Room next to the Sanctuary, Guest Receptions are for visitors and anyone else who would like to learn more about FAC and how to get connected. No registration is necessary! Just join us!
Next Steps
Sojourn
After attending a Guest Reception, explore the beliefs, values, and practices of our church in a small group, conversational setting. The next cycle of three meetings begins on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 6:30 p.m., with a free meal shared with Alpha. Register at www.myfac.org/next steps. Contact Pastor Glenn Kantner for more information, glenn@myfac.org.
February Events
Ages 18 to 24 Feb. 6: 7:00 p.m. in the Red Barn Feb. 13: Off-site dinner; contact Kyle Baum for more information, kyleb@myfac.org Feb. 20: 7:00 p.m. in the Red Barn
God’s Plan for Your Life Dear Church Family, Have you ever read the Christian classic, The Master Plan of Evangelism, by Robert Coleman? Basically the book asks the question of what Jesus’ plan was to change the world. It is very intriguing and insightful. I highly recommend it. It was written as the result of a conversation Professor Coleman had with a group of seminary students when he asked them to discuss just what the strategy of Jesus was to change the world. Let me give you a couple of short quotes. “The criteria on which a church should measure its success is not how many new names are added to the role nor how much the budget is increased, but rather how many Christians are actually winning souls and training them to win other individuals.” (p. 95) “Or look at Matthew 9:37-38 and Luke 10:2. There is almost a note of desperation ringing from the sense of the world’s desperate need of workers…there is no use to pray for the world. What good will it do? God already loves them and has given His Son to save them. No, there is no use to pray vaguely for the world (specifically for people, yes; vaguely for the world, no). The world is lost and blind in sin. The only hope for the world is for Christian laborers to go to them with the gospel of salvation.” Coleman goes on to suggest our objective as Believers should be to reproduce Christ in our lives and in others. We should live to change the world. Jesus’ strategy has changed the world we live in dramatically, but the problem is that the church, for the most part, has stopped doing Jesus’ strategy. Statistics reveal we’ve stopped reproducing like we are supposed to do. Terrorist groups in our world seem to be doing better at making disciples than most churches. They seem to realize they are in a fight for men’s souls, and the church has forgotten that’s our assignment from God. The Apostle Paul said it most clearly in 2 Timothy 2:2, “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
Make friends with Pastor Marty Berglund
This verse is our theme verse for 2015 at FAC, but my hope is that it will be my theme verse for my life and that you will make it the theme verse of your life too. For if we can do this, we will find meaning, fulfillment, and joy. We will impact our world that so badly needs it. Ask yourself how you can do 2 Timothy 2:2, then start implementing it into your life. For me, it’s what I live for. Come join me and so many who are trying to fulfill what God has told us to do ― to be His world-changing church. Love never fails,
Pastor Marty
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Fellowship Alliance Chapel | February 2015
Have you checked your pulse lately? How is your marriage doing? Married couples, please join us for “Heartbeats,� a fun, yet informative and challenging examination of your marriage hosted by the Marriage Coach Ministry. The event will be held on Thurs., Feb. 12, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., in the Chapel. There is no charge for this event, but please register: www.myfac.org/register. If you have questions, contact Steve Durdin, spdurdin@comcast.net.
miniChurches & Plug-in Groups Feb. 13, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary Come out to hear God at Work stories from our miniChurches and Plug-in Groups! Everyone is invited. If you are a leader or a participant or are interested in joining a miniChurch, come on out! Register online at www.myfac.org/minichurch.
Connection | Newsletter 5
Encouragement for the
Journey
“
The Apostle Paul talks about Believers as those “who with unveiled faces reflect the Lord’s glory.” That means my face can minister as much as my tongue!
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very time I sit to write this article, I ponder what might accomplish the intent of this title ― “Encouragement for the Journey.” And of course, because I’m writing, I try to think of WORDS that would bring encouragement. Words are important. Words can minister powerfully. If I didn’t believe that, I wouldn’t be writing. And Marty wouldn’t be preaching!
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So words are good. But I recently read a thought that captured my imagination. It was about ministry that can happen without words ― what the author referred to as “the ministry of countenance.” (Pursue the intentional Life, by Jean Fleming) She got this idea from the Old Testament from words that God gave His priests to use as a blessing for His people: “The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His countenance on you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
can use my countenance as much as my words. My facial expressions can minister hope and grace to the people in my life ― with or without words. That’s encouraging to me because I always want to be ministering to others, but sometimes the right words are hard to find. So it’s wonderful to think that even without words, I can have an effective “ministry of countenance.” Eyes that listen and a smile that communicates joy ― God can use those as well as my words. Paul refers to us as “jars of clay that hold the wonderful treasure of the Holy Spirit.” Jean Fleming says that if we’re housing the Holy Spirit, “how could there not be a certain glory about us? Surely some radiance should be seeping out between our ears!” I love that idea! So I pray this blessing over us for 2015 ― that the Lord will bless us and keep us and cause His face to shine upon us. And then that some of that shining will seep through between our ears to bless others.
B rie erglund
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She talked about the joy and peace that comes when we sense that God’s face is shining on us. God longs to bless us that way. The smile on His face communicates His favor on us. But it doesn’t have to stop with God’s face. He made us with faces for a reason! And the good news is that we can choose to use them to minister love and grace to those around us. The Apostle Paul talks about Believers as those “who with unveiled faces reflect the Lord’s glory.” That means my face can minister as much as my tongue! God
Fellowship Alliance Chapel | February 2015
Meet the Newest
Candidate for Elder Jody Adams
How long have you been attending FAC? Our family first started attending FAC in May of 2007. We were looking for a church, and I had often heard Pastor Marty on the radio sharing the God at Work stories. My parents were attending FAC so we decided to visit for several weeks. It’s a big church, and we were having a hard time feeling part of a church family until we were invited to join a miniChurch. Almost instantly at our first meeting, we felt connected ― not just to those attending, but to the rest of the church in general. Suddenly the church felt much smaller and personal, and we felt ministered to in a way we hadn’t before.
What ministries have you been involved in at FAC? We led a miniChurch for a few years. I love working with kids and am blessed to help serve in the KBS ministry ― sometimes leading the songs and, along with my wife Kathy, leading one of the small groups for third graders. I also was a team coach in the Upward flag football league. I enjoyed being able to encourage kids in their faith and to share the Good News of Jesus with others who hadn’t heard before. We now serve as miniChurch coaches and are part of the Fellowship Alliance Southern Africa team to reach the youth in that region of the world for Christ.
When did you accept Christ as your Savior? I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior when I was a young boy at a Good News Club kids’ ministry led by my mom. I learned what it was to be a sinner and that I was one; that Jesus died to take away the sin that separated me from God; and that as a child of God I had a home in Heaven with Him for all eternity!
What are some of your favorite verses? One of my favorite verses is found in 2 Chronicles 16 where God sends a prophet to rebuke the king because he had acted without relying on Him. Verse 9 says, “For the eyes of the Lord
range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” I have found a lot of strength and encouragement from this passage. Another is found in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” This verse helps me keep my priorities straight. God reminds me that there is nothing greater than living for His plans and purposes and that I can trust Him to help care for everything else.
How about a favorite book? Finishing Strong, by Steve Farrar, is a favorite book of mine that has greatly influenced my spiritual walk. The premise of the book is that the Christian life is like a race and that it’s not how you start the race but how you finish, and our goal is to finish strong. It emphasizes what it is going to take to finish my life in Christ in a way that is pleasing to Him and build those things into my daily living. The people that are most impacting me today for Christ are men who have shared life with me in miniChurch and in the ministries in which I’m serving. These guys have a passion to live their lives in a manner worthy of Christ, and that’s contagious! The most precious relationships are the ones that help to build me up spiritually. My relationship with my wife is that way. Kathy and I have been happily married for 22 years. We have had the privilege to serve together in several ministries. Being able to serve as a couple, we believe, has blessed our marriage immensely.
Tell us about your family. I have three sons. Royce, 21, a business major, will be graduating from Liberty University in May. Tyler, 20, is an online student at Liberty and is pursuing a degree in business. Pierce, 17, attends Seneca High School and loves soccer.
Connection | Newsletter 7
Ministry Profile
“With the trauma of finding my 22-year-old daughter in her bed, passed away from an unknown heart condition, I wanted to crawl in a cave and not ever come out,” shared Dolores Humphrey. The founders of Helping Hand Grief Support, George and Wanda Stein, met with Dolores and told her she had a choice to make. She could either go on living or just survive. “They promised to help me learn to live again and be open to joy in my life ― all of which my daughter, Breanne, would want for me,” Dolores explained. “Attending Helping Hand has given me just that. I’ve been educated on what grief is, so the fear that I’m going crazy is defused. I’ve also been given the support and ideas to use to honor my daughter and, most importantly, a growing faith and hope that brings me peace even in the midst of tremendous pain.”
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1992, Helping Hand Grief Support was founded by George and Wanda Stein after they experienced the loss of their only child, John. “I do believe our son, John, would be proud that we took the tragedy of his passing and used it to help others in their time of loss,” said Wanda. “I know where John is. He was delivered to Heaven the night he died. John is with God, and God has been with me and George through it all. My favorite song is ‘I Surrender All.’ Every time I hear it, I think of how I surrendered my child, my will, my life, and my time to be used by God for His purposes.” Originally the Helping Hand Grief Support group was established to help parents in the Cherry Hill area who also had lost a child. People started hearing about the group, and adults who had suffered other kinds of losses wanted to attend
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the meetings, too. George and Wanda decided to open it up to individuals who had experienced all types of losses. “We started to receive people that had death by suicide,” explained Wanda. “They wanted their own night and group because of the complicated grief issues involved in their losses. So, we opened up another night for meetings on the fourth Monday of the month for Death by Suicide. Then people requested we meet weekly and we honored the request.” Helping Hand Grief Support meetings are held on Monday evenings throughout the year from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. “The meetings are an ‘open format’ and there are no costs associated with the ministry,” George said. “All books, handouts, personal journals, and course materials are provided. The church provides the environment for healing with state of the art projection and audio systems as well as
Fellowship Alliance Chapel | February 2015
breakout classrooms for support groups.” George believes one of the unique features of this program involves the number of male participants. He shared, “Normally very few males attend this type of support group. We have a very large weekly percentage of male participants. In addition, we offer a once a month support group for male issues only.” The first hour of the meetings is an instructional time for all the participants. The goal of the instructional segment is to address areas the grieving person experiences from the beginning of their grief journey to helping them find a new normal and purpose in their life. The new people are taken to a room where they’re given a chance to share their stories and discover what they can get from the meetings. Then they are back to the meeting to hear the topic being taught for everyone. Some topics include “Finding your New Normal,” “Anger & Grief,” “Forgiveness,” and “Guilt.” The educational component is presented by George Stein and Dr. Dennis Borg. “I present the educational component six to eight times a year,” explained Dr. Borg. “I also participate with George in a question and answer period at the end of each course. George and Wanda also refer people to me from time to time for individual grief counseling.” Dr. Borg continuously depends on God as he prepares for his role in the ministry. He added, “I always pray about both the presentations that I do and the counseling sessions I'm involved in. I pray that God will give me discernment and sensitivity so that I can minister to those who are hurting.” “The dedicated people in this ministry all feel a calling from God to educate, comfort, and support those who are grieving the loss of a loved one,” explained George. “I personally feel called to minister to those grieving no matter what their faith is (or is not) or their religious affiliation. God's call is to provide resources and an environment to help them heal.” The second hour of the meeting is a support component. Individuals meet in separate rooms for group sessions related to the type of death they have experienced. George added, “Support group facilitators lead the group discussions. The participants are blended with other grievers who are further along in their journey and with those who can offer love, support, hope, and
encouragement.” God is working in various ways through this ministry. “There are a number of volunteers involved, and almost all of them have come through the ministry,” said Dr. Borg. “All volunteers have experienced major losses. This is a necessary prerequisite for involvement. Grief is one of those areas that you need to have personal experience to effectively minister to others.” Participants, Dennis and Janice DiBerardine, are grateful for the ministry and its leaders. They added, “The Helping Hand Grief Support group was and still is instrumental in the healing process of our grief journey after the suicide of our only child. It’s one of the few support groups which has the resources to effectively meet the needs of suicide survivors and other human losses. Helping Hands Grief Support is a blessing for those who are grieving as the result of significant losses in their lives.” Patricia Block joined the ministry three weeks after her husband died. “Without Helping Hand Grief Support, I would still be deep into my grief,” shared Patricia. “I love the people. We share, laugh, cry, and help each other.”
social, too. She added, “My job was to get a team of workers to do setups for the dinner and decorations. The purpose of the dinner was to show love to others going through a hard time. I personally felt the love and met wonderful, dear people.” A great number of people attended the Christmas Dinner Social. George, Wanda, Dr. Borg, and the whole ministry were amazed at how beautiful the evening was. “It was very nice to have an evening together and talk about fun things and life,” shared Patricia. “It gave our group a chance to make new friends.” Helping Hand Grief Support continues to grow and needs prayer. “We are seeing between 75 and 95 people per evening, and we’re growing,” explained George. “We are now a referral for the Philadelphia and New Jersey Veteran's Administration as a grief support resource for the families of our military soldiers who have committed suicide.” ■ To learn more about Helping Hand Grief Support and/or to find out ways you can help, call the church at 609-953-7333, x309 or visit http://helpinghandgriefsupport.org.
Patricia had the opportunity to serve in the grief ministry’s first dinner social in December. She said, “Every Monday evening we share the FAC facility with the Free and Fifty Ministry in one room and Helping Hand Grief Support in the other room. We never have a chance to mingle with the other group. Ed Brokhoff of Free & Fifty came to us and asked if we would be interested in doing a group Christmas Dinner. We jumped at the suggestion. The goal was to help meet the needs of the hurting during the holidays and help the people in the grief ministry transition into feeling more comfortable to participate in other ministries at FAC. Ed said, “The grief ministry supports the community and is a wonderful outreach. We wanted to help the people in the grief ministry take the next step in finding more ways to become involved at church.” Faith Stiles, another volunteer who’s involved in Free and Fifty, felt called to serve at the dinner
Connection | Newsletter 9
God@Work . . .In the Life of
ANNE SIMMS It took a month or so to get through a service without crying. The music got to me every time. Pastor Marty is a very special man. I was so broken and sad, yet his words just poured into my soul.
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grew up in Cherry Hill, NJ. I am one of five daughters, sandwiched smack in the middle. I had an incredible upbringing that was blessed in many ways with family and very nice things. I have been married to my amazing husband, Jim, for 28 years and blessed with three boys; Cory, Benjamin, and Lee, and our daughter in law, Leigh-Anne.
Anne Simms and her husband
with my issues and felt as if someone else was more worthy or more in need of His time.
I was raised in a Presbyterian Church. I went to Sunday school and even sang in the choir as a child. Looking back now, it was more of a habit to go to church. I did my hour every Sunday and that was it. I always believed and prayed to God but with really no understanding of who He truly is. The void for me was living in this world, wanting what I wanted and thinking I could handle all the situations on my own, using prayer as a tool instead of a gift. I often did not want to bother God
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On March 24, 2014, my mother unexpectedly passed away. She died from complications of a knee replacement surgery. She was a healthy, beautiful lady up until that point. When she passed, we had her funeral at Bradley Stow Funeral home. My parents were not affiliated with any church so David Stow recommended Don Hay from FAC to officiate. Don spoke at my mom's funeral and afterward suggested we come to FAC for a service. We went that following Sunday, and everything in my life dramatically changed. It took a month or so to get through a service without crying. The music got to me every time. Pastor Marty is a very special man. I was so broken and sad, yet
Fellowship Alliance Chapel | February 2015
his words just poured into my soul. For the first time in my life, I started to understand what God was about and how I needed to change and live. I started seeing little signs at church as well. When my Mom passed away, she left me a beautiful butterfly pin. Butterflies are a symbol to me of her. On Palm Sunday, Pastor Marty was talking about how “love never fails.” Church was packed, but for some reason no one sat directly in front of me. As I was listening to
The people at the Center are very dear to me. I learn so much each time I go. The service that our church provides to our community is just awesome. It’s such a blessing to be there. Our Plug-in group has been an enormous gift. Jan and Ed Letts, our leaders, are very special people. Our group bonded quickly. They have helped me so much with this journey. I love them, yet they were complete strangers to me four months
it's the ultimate gift. I feel so compelled to share with the hurting and lost that turning to God and being "all in" is truly the answer. Each day I ask the Holy Spirit to work through me, and boy has that prayer been answered! ■
As I was listening to his words silently sobbing, a lady appeared in front of me wearing a jacket that was covered in butterflies. his words silently sobbing, a lady appeared in front of me wearing a jacket that was covered in butterflies. It was as if Mom was telling me this was the right place for me. Another Sunday, a man sat in front of us, and he had a giant butterfly on the leather cover of his Bible. And when I walked into my first Plug-In meeting at the Letts’ house, there was a mosaic of a butterfly in the floor where we gathered. It sounds surreal, but I feel like God was letting me know that my Mom was with me on this journey with Christ. This past summer, I experienced a lifechanging, come-to-God moment. It just hit me one day over the summer. I can only compare the feeling to becoming very emotional, crying but not sad. I had been crying a lot because of grief and sadness from missing my mom, but this was so different. It felt like when you go down the first hill of a roller coaster. I was scared but so excited. Without question, I’d been touched by God and forever changed. Since that experience, my life was no longer about me. I suddenly developed a yearning in my heart to do something for someone else every day. I distinctly noticed that when I served others, the grief no longer controlled me. God continued to put serving others on my heart so I began volunteering at the Benevolence Center as an Intake Rep.
ago. Pastor Marty was so right when he said, "You can't do this alone. You need fellowship.” There’s more. Our Plug-In group visited a prison at Ft. Dix, where I shared my testimony. I had no planned speech for those men. God gave me the words to speak that day. I could hardly believe I was there reading 1 Corinthians 5:17 to them! “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here.” I even asked them for an "Amen" as I finished my testimony, and they all shouted “Amen!” It was awesome! It was exhilarating to tell them that God came to me in the midst of pain when I was broken and that He could do the same for them. Most recently, we participated in the Angel Tree ministry, which helps children of prisoners feel loved by their parent in prison and by God. During the Christmas holiday, we met with a mom with four teenagers ― again complete strangers whose lives He connected. God gave us the opportunity to help and share about Him and to show love to people in need at Christmas time.
Anne Simms’ Mother
I am so thankful for FAC, Pastor Marty, and Pastor Don for teaching me how to be "In Christ.” Accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior took all that grief and actually made something good out of it. My mom’s death brought me to Jesus. It's crazy, but
Connection | Newsletter 11
MISSIONS
FASA
Up Close and Personal This is a special month for FASA! No, we’re not sending valentines to all our friends in South Africa, but in a way, they’re sending us one! After weeks of delays and postponements, we are excited that our FASA ministry partners, Billy and Wendy Davies and their children, Richard and Donata, will be visiting us for a few weeks! Billy is the pastor of Living Waters Fellowship, a young, multiracial, multicultural congregation in Lephalale, South Africa. FASA has teamed up with the leaders of Living Waters Fellowship to provide leadership training for local churches, help develop a children’s program in local public schools, and assist with their street ministry. And, there are plans to continue working together on five separate projects in South Africa in 2015! We are so excited about the Davies family coming to visit, and in honor of Valentine’s Day, we talked with Billy and Wendy about their own love story, with each other and with their Savior. Billy was born in Umtali, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), on Feb. 23, 1967, the youngest child of Morton and Petra Davies. He was born with a hole in his heart and had to have two heart operations by the age of four. He accepted Jesus as His Savior at 12 at a youth rally. That same day, he felt God calling him to be in fulltime ministry one day. Billy
and his family moved to South Africa two years later. He finished his schooling at Randfontein Technical High School in 1987 and went to seminary in 1989. Wendy was born on Sept. 19, 1972, the oldest child of George and Karen de Connick. She was born in Potchefstroom, South Africa. She accepted Jesus when she was 13. She graduated from high school in 1991 at the girls’ high school, Helpmakaar. She started working in January of the next year at a golf clothing company, Blu Max. In November of 1992, Billy finished seminary and began working as assistant pastor at Rosettenville Christian Fellowship, Wendy’s home church. They met the very first night at a youth service. After getting to know her, Billy asked God for her, and he promised that he would pay double tithes for the rest of his life as his labola if God gave Wendy to him. In the South African culture, men must pay the father of the woman they wish to marry a labola, or dowry. He asked her out on April Fool’s Day, 1993. They got engaged on Wendy's 21st birthday and married that same year on December 18, 1993. You can meet Billy, Wendy, Richard, and Donata! Although this is the first time they’ve come to the US, they’re ▶
Connecting to God’s Work
Outreach Events We’re Visiting CareOne
New Ministry: Wheels Program
Our desire is to share the love of Christ with the residents of CareOne, an assisted living facility. You can make a difference by sharing your smile, your heart, your love, and the Gospel.
Volunteer drivers (ideally paired groups) are needed to provide transportation via a church-owned vehicle to Sunday services for people without the means or ability to get there.
Join us on Feb. 28, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., at CareOne, 870 Route 70 East, Marlton, in the banquet room.
Transportation services will be limited to a 15-mile radius of the church.
RSVP at www.myfac.org/careone. Participation is limited to 20 volunteers, ages 10 and up. For more information, contact Tracy LaRosa, projects@myfac.org.
If you are interested in being a driver, contact Jim Hogan, jhogan12@comcast.net.
Feb. 28, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
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“Let us go to the house of the Lord.” (Psalm 122:1)
Fellowship Alliance Chapel | February 2015
not interested in the usual sightseeing tours. They are interested in meeting all of you! They truly want to get to know people at FAC and continue to build relationships with the many whom they’ve already met.
Fellowship Alliance South Africa
For more information about Friends of FASA, meeting the Davies Family, or anything else about FASA, join the FASA group on The Hub, or connect with us at www.fasafac.com, Instagram: fasa_fac, Facebook: FASAfac, Twitter: @facFASA, Google +: fasafac.
Meet the Davies family Join us in welcoming the Davies and showing them our American hospitality at our next Friends of FASA Gathering, Sunday afternoon, Feb. 8, from 12:30 to 2:30, in the Chapel. All are invited to attend.
Instagram: fasa_fac
Facebook: FASAfac
Sending Hope with Global Aid Network April 11, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Global Aid Network (GAIN) states, “All around the globe, hunger and malnutrition claim lives and cripple communities.” Our church and Grace Baptist Church will meet on April 11, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at FAC to work in collaboration with GAIN in an effort to pack pouches of nutritional,
Twitter: @facFASA
Google +: fasafac
rice-soy meals that will be shipped to people who are hungry around the world. Between the two churches, we would like to have 125 volunteers, ages 10 and older, who will assist in preparing 30,000 meals. For more information and/or to register, go to www.myfac.org/register. If you have questions, contact Tracy LaRosa, projects@myfac.org.
Connection | Newsletter 13
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Fellowship Alliance Chapel | February 2015
WOMEN@FAC
Faithfully Fit
A Health & Wellness Ministry Tuesday evening sessions:
Room C-03/04, 7:00 to 9:00, continuing through April 14
Thursday Morning sessions: Room C-03/04, 9:30 to 11:30, continuing through April 16
It’s not too late to join Faithfully Fit! Using the book Motivated to Wellness, the group is learning about how God wants us to care for our bodies. We will be embracing new ways of thinking in regard to health and wellness, learning how to overcome obstacles, finding motivation from God’s Word, and even learning how to rest. Registration is open continuously as we want this class to be available to you as you need it. To register, go to www.myfac.org/register. Childcare is not available. Cost is $25, which includes book and all class materials. If you have questions, contact shelleysummerville@ verizon.net , mollymongulla@comcast.net, or ashsakenas@gmail.com.
A ministry for Single Moms Next meeting is Sun., Feb. 22 Fresh Hope would like to invite you to join them at their next meeting on Feb. 22 for dinner, teaching, encouragement and fun. Fresh Hope is for women who want to connect, support, and encourage one another through the journey of single motherhood. Fresh Hope is also an outlook – a realization that God knows, He cares, and He is working through difficult and what sometimes seem to be impossible circumstances. Fresh Hope meets one Sunday evening each month from 5:00 to 8:00. Dinner is provided for the moms and their children. Children’s and youth programs are available at 6:00, including Kids’ Clubs, Level 5, and Planet 678. Childcare is provided for children who are too young to participate in the FAC Sunday evening programs. Note: Please register your children prior to the meetings.
To register, go to www.myfac.org/ register, or call Debbie Schneck, 609-953-7333, x125. Walk-ins are always welcome!
Connection | Newsletter 15
WOMEN@FAC
Heart to Heart Bible Studies Tuesday Mornings & Evenings, Beginning Feb. 24 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (Childcare available for both) Registration deadline: Tues., Feb. 3; Unless otherwise noted, register online, www.myfac.org/register
For complete descriptions of the Heart to Heart studies being offered in February, go to www.myfac.org. Registration and childcare information is also available online; scholarships are available. If you have questions and/or to request a scholarship, contact Debbie Schneck, 609-953-7333, x125.
HERE ARE THE COURSES:
“Beautiful Mess; Motherhood for Every Moment” – AM and PM
Wherever we are in our parenting journey, being a mother is hard work, and we need to keep our focus on God. Through this study, we will discover (or be reminded) that God specifically designed us for our children and that with His guidance and grace, we can prepare them for the future God has planned for them.
Homework: 15-20 minutes / 5 days a week Cost: $25, which covers all class materials; $35 for late registration
The Book of Hebrews – PM only
Do you want to know Jesus more and better understand who He is and the work He has done? Does your faith need a boost? Join us as we study the book of Hebrews and learn from God’s Word and each other. This is a teacher-led class in a discussion group setting.
Homework: 15-20 minutes / 5 days a week Cost: $25, which covers all class materials; $35 for late registration
“Restless” – AM and PM
This study is based on Joseph, whose life appeared to be a tangled mess, but he was really part of a much bigger story. Find out how God can untangle your story, your gifts, and your passions to weave them into purposes far greater than you could have imagined. Homework: One hour per week Cost: $30, which covers all class materials; $40 for late registration
"It's Your Turn to Dig,” 8 Tools for Inductive Bible Study – AM only
With eight basic tools you can master inductive Bible study. Inductive study will not tell you what to believe or what the Bible means. It will show you how to study the Word of God so that the meaning will become clear to you.
“Attention, Please! Overcoming the Challenges of ADHD” – PM only Parents of children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are often left with more questions than answers. This class will provide the opportunity to exchange advice, tips, and tricks to help navigate doctors, treatments, school, friends, bullies, and more. At the heart, it will help you discover the tools God has for moms to effectively nurture their children. Homework: Suggested journaling during the week Cost: $30, which covers all class materials; $40 for late registration
“Walking in the Light” – PM only (7:30 to 9:30)
If your husband is or has been addicted to pornography, Heart to Heart is offering a group for you. With topics such as Hope, Surrender, Trust and Forgiveness, you will find a safe place to heal and be with other women who understand your situation.
Cost: $35 for all class materials For more information and to register, e-mail confidentially to WalkingintheLightFAC@gmail.com. Confidentiality will be protected. Register by Feb. 13.
“In the Wildflowers”
The objective for this group is to offer victims of sexual abuse hope for their own healing, to eliminate feelings of isolation, to create a safe environment, and to lead participants to a Biblical understanding and acceptance of God’s total and unconditional love and forgiveness. There will be an informational session, which you must attend in order to participate. For more information, including the date, time, and location of the informational meeting, and to register for the informational session, e-mail confidentially to pcwildflowersfac@gmail.com. Confidentiality will protected.
Homework: No formal homework, but practice is encouraged. Cost: $25, which covers all class materials; $35 for late registration
16
Fellowship Alliance Chapel | February 2015
A Deepening group offers an accepting, long-term, safe community that allows its members the freedom for open and honest sharing. The groups work together to explore transformation through a four-component spiritual formation process:
1. 2. 3.
dopting the Narratives of Jesus — which will most likely involve challenging and changing your understanding A (narratives) of who God is and who you are to God as Jesus reveals His Father to us.
Practicing Soul Training Exercises — which are designed to deepen and enrich our minds, body, and soul with a knowledge of the character of God through a spiritual formation process.
Participating in Community — We were designed in the image of God by God to live, love, grow, heal, and thrive in a Christian community. Community development is the centerpiece of The Deepening ministry. Group members come to expect and rely on the encouragement, affirmations, acceptance and challenges of the Christian community shared within the Deepening groups.
4.
Transformation Empowered by the Holy Spirit — The components of change happen when the work of the Holy Spirit is in the midst of them. The Deepening groups embrace the Holy Spirit as our essential advocate who navigates us through the process of transformation. Together we seek to increase our ability to hear, trust, respond to, and utterly rely on the Spirit’s guidance and direction.
If you have been led to seek a group that will encourage and challenge you to become the person God created you to be and if you desire to support and serve others to become all that God intended them to be and if you are driven to pursue your place and purpose in the Kingdom of God, The Deepening is designed to offer that and more.
Joining a Deepening Group As a participant in a Deepening group, you will meet weekly at the same time and same place as a way to develop a deepening community experience. To maximize this experience, your commitment to meet on an ongoing, regular basis is necessary. To start the process of joining a Deepening group, go to www.myfac.org/joindeepening and complete the Deepening Group Participant Interest Form. Once your form is submitted, you will be contacted by a Group Facilitator and matched with a group. Deepening groups are formed as facilitators become available, which may take up to three months. If after reading the information provided on the website you have questions or concerns about the Deepening experience, contact Carol Batten, carol@myfac.org, or Lisa Kletkewicz, 2boys4life@comcast.net.
Connection | Newsletter 17
MEN@FAC
Men’s Conference 2015
Authentic Feb. 27 & 28
Dates - Feb. 27 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. - Feb. 28 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Everyone is searching for men who are the “real” thing ― at work, at home, at church, and in their community. Join us at our annual men’s conference as we work through what authenticity really is. All men and boys ages 13 and up are invited. Cost is $40 and includes conference materials, meals, a shirt, snacks, and extras. To register, go to www.myfac.org/register.
Band of Brothers Wednesday mornings in the Sanctuary from 6:30 to 7:45 With hot coffee, great food, and solid Biblical teaching, the Band of Brothers is a weekly men’s breakfast designed to engage and prepare men for the battle. Lowkey and zero-pressure, it is a great place to introduce friends, family, and co-workers to who God is and what His story has to do with a man’s life. COST: DONATION If you have questions, contact Band of Brothers’ director Michael More`, dembums1@gmail.com.
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VisionQuest VisionQuest is an FAC ministry to “nearly incarcerated” young men and women, ages 12 to 18. Only 20 minutes from FAC, the team meets weekly and disciples the participants of a local youth camp designed as a last chance facility before prison. Four words sum up the opportunity: Dynamic, edgy, rewarding, powerful.
VisionQuest is currently meeting on Tuesday nights from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. For more information, contact Eric Davis, davisnj5@verizon.net.
Fellowship Alliance Chapel | February 2015
catalyst
MEN’S GROUP Saturday Groups: Begins Mar. 7 (10 weeks) | In the Chapel and C-wing Monday Groups: Begins Mar. 9 (10 weeks) | In the Red Barn Participation in Catalyst Men’s Group (CMG) is a process in pursuit of becoming the man God desires. In the groups, men will be challenged through teaching, introspection, small group discussions, and serving together to move forward in their relationships with others, but most importantly with God.
Wild at Heart (Level 1)
Sharpening Iron (Level 3)
Deep in his heart, every man longs to be successful with what he’s been given and pursue a life that matters. Join us as we engage together in a Christcentered pursuit of what matters most.
Spiritual strength, like surgical skill or athletic excellence, requires training and practice. This small group focuses on strengthening a man’s walk with Christ.
Book: Wild at Heart, Eldredge
Book: A Man’s Guide to the Spiritual Disciplines, Morley
Prerequisite: None Cost: Free
Walk the Line (Level 2) Nothing prepares the hearts of men like walking the paths of Jesus. Dig deeply into the life of Jesus through an in-depth study of the Book of John. Book: The Book of John (Bible) Prerequisite: Level 1 Cost: $25.00
Prerequisite: Level 2 Cost: $25.00
Leadership (Level 4) This is an in-depth discussion on leadership and influence as viewed through the life of the Apostle Paul. Beyond discussion, each man will have an opportunity to understand his influence across many areas and put those ideas into real practice. Book: The Book on Leadership, MacArthur Prerequisite: Level 3 Cost $25.00
If you have questions, contact Pastor Erik Rebstock, 609-953-7333, x116, or erikr@myfac.org. Register online at www.myfac.org/register.
Connection | Newsletter 19
High School Youth Impact
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Grades 9-12 Lake Champion March 27-29
Our annual spring retreat to Lake Champion is always a student favorite. This retreat center, which hosts hundreds of high school students from various youth ministries, gives students the chance to make new friendships and grow deeper in existing ones. The weekend will feature challenging messages, great worship, tons of fun activities, times for hanging out, and great food! The cost for the weekend is $199. Register online no later than Mon., Mar. 2. Go to www.myfac.org/register. More information is available in the Welcome Center.
February Activities Feb. 2 Insight at FAC 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Stay Connected!
Feb. 4 Youth Alpha at FAC 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Check out these options to stay up to date with everything that is going on in Youth Impact:
Feb. 9 Insight at FAC 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
1)
Sign up for text updates. Go to www.myfac.org and click on the high school page to sign up!
Feb. 11 Youth Alpha at FAC
2)
Check out the high school Facebook page. Just search for Youth Impact and click on the “like� button.
Feb. 16 No Insight meeting
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Feb. 18 Youth Alpha at FAC 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Join the Team of Youth Impact Leaders Make an impact in 2015! God is doing some great things in the high school ministry, and we invite you to join us! We have lots of opportunities with many different levels of time commitment.
Feb. 23 Insight at FAC
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Feb. 25 Youth Alpha at FAC 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
If you have questions about the high school ministry or would like to be involved, contact Pastor Mike Williams, mike@myfac.org.
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Fellowship Alliance Chapel | February 2015
FACTS & FIGURES
General Fund
date
budget
12.7 12.14 12.21 12.24 12.28
$ $ $ $ $
Total Year-to-Date
Missions Fund
12.7 12.14 12.21 12.24 12.28
Total Year-to-Date
59,615 59,615 59,615 59,615
actual
difference
$ 72,048 $ 69,833 $ 106,089 $ 34,556 $ 69,381
$ 12,433 $ 10,218 $ 46,474 $ $ 9,766
$ 238,460 $ 3,099,980
$ 351,907 $ 3,141,071
$ 78,891 $ 41,091
$ $ $ $ $
4,327 4,327 4,327 4,327
$ 4,708 $ 5,388 $ 4,260 $ 1,450 $ 13,503
$ 381 $ 1,061 $ ( 67) $ $ 9,176
$ $
17,308 225,004
$ 29,309 $ 253,631
$ 10,551 $ 28,627
Benevolence Fund 12.7 12.14 12.21 12.24 12.28
$ $ $ $ $
Total Year-to-Date
2,481 4,686 6,454 1,320 3,822
$ 18,763 $ 134,372
Building Fund
12.7 12.14 12.21 12.24 12.28
$ $ $ $ $
Total Year-to-Date
Weekend Attendance
date
12.7 12.14 12.21 12.24 12.28
adults
1957 1997 1980 3824 1722
27,165 17,059 73,822 4,576 26,808
$ 149,430 $ 1,150,993
workers
92 96 166 83 64
children
394 338 284 116 212
total
2443 2433 2424 4023 1998
Connection | Newsletter 21
ministries directory / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / For All Adults Alpha
Explore the meaning of life Dave and Judi Shoemaker 609-706-3294
Free & Fifty
Ages 50 and older Ed Brokhoff 609-261-3059 edantbro@gmail.com
Fresh Hope
Elementary Ministry
Library
Heart to Heart Bible Studies
High School Ministry
Peacemaker/Mediation
For single moms Marcy Bero marcybero@verizon.net
Monika Tockstein 609-268-1238 mtockstein@gmail.com
Grades 9-12 Trip hotline, x410 Rev. Mike Williams, x108 mike@myfac.org
Mom’s Time Out
Kingdom Kids
For retirement-aged adults Rev. Glenn Kantner, x106 glenn@myfac.org
For moms of babies through eighth graders Michele Fleckenstein 609-654-2796 mlfleckenstein@outlook.com
miniChurches
Walking in Grace
JOY
Small groups Rev. Dave Krilov, x105 davek@myfac.org
Next Steps
Explore FAC beliefs and values Rev. Glenn Kantner, x106 glenn@myfac.org
Ushers & Greeters
Pastor Brian Snyder, x114 brian@myfac.org
Young Adults
Ages 18 to 24 Kyle Bahm, x136 kyleb@gmail.com
For Women Women’s Ministry Leader Carol Batten, x109 carol@myfac.org
Women’s Assistant Debbie Schneck, x125 debbie@myfac.org
Deepening Groups
• Carol Batten, x109 carol@myfac.org • Lisa Kletkewicz 856-220-7054 2boys4life@comcast.net
Grades 1-4 Rev. Erik Jarvis, x118 erikj@myfac.org
Special events Lisa Russell 609-519-7057 liruss@comcast.net
For Men Band of Brothers
Men’s Breakfast Michael More’ dembums1@gmail.com.
Catalyst Men’s Groups Pastor Erik Rebstock, x116 erikr@myfac.org
facWILD
Outdoor adventures Rodney Sager rsagerjr@comcast.net 856-924-4631
Velocity Men’s Groups Pastor Erik Rebstock, x116 erikr@myfac.org
Julie Durdin, x124 julie@myfac.org
Middle School Ministry
Ken Walker 856-719-0292
Risk Management Team Ensuring safety and security Chris Rose, x135 chrisrose@myfac.org
Worship
(Grades 5-8) Trip hotline, x678 Pastor Eddie Jurimas, x104 eddie@myfac.org • Russ Batten, x134 Level 5 Intern russ@myfac.org
Pastor Nick Simpson, x110
Preschool Ministry
Choir director 609-268-8656 nacle100@aol.com
Infants through kindergartners • Jane Beebe, x101 jane@myfac.org • Cathy Watson, x117 cathy@myfac.org
SNOW
Special Needs Outreach & Witness Barbara Zieger 856-912-5814 bzieger2002@yahoo.com
nick@myfac.org
Rob Preim
Musical director rob@myfac.org
Jerry Braatz, Sr.
CD & DVD Duplication Bill and Cathy Kamps 856-596-8408 clkprov356@verizon.net
Support Groups Pastoral Care
Other Ministries
Pastor Brent Brendle, x129 brentb@myfac.org
Camp FAC
Career Hub
Jerry Braatz 609-714-4035 info@campfac.org
Career Counseling Appointments, x107 laurenb@myfac.org
Hospitality
Children & Youth
Ed & Deb Jurimas, x127; x119 edj@myfac.org; debj@myfac.org
Rev. Erik Jarvis, x118
Lay Counseling
erikj@myfac.org
Susan Gibbs 856-904-3214 mocha2004@comcast.net
Pastor Brent Brendle, x129 brentb@myfac.org
22
Christian Men’s Recovery Group
Pastor Brent Brendle, x129 brentb@myfac.org
Christian Women’s Recovery Group
Pastor Brent Brendle, x129 brentb@myfac.org
Fellowship Alliance Chapel | February 2015
/ / / / / / / / / / / / Tel: 609-953-7333 Helping Hand Grief Support
For those who have suffered loss Wanda and George Stein, x309 grief@myfac.org
Living through Suicide
For those who have suffered loss through suicide Wanda and George Stein, x309 grief@myfac.org
Marriage Coaches
For those who want to improve their marriages Pastor Brent Brendle, x129 brentb@myfac.org
Path to Purity
Care & Comfort
Meals/visitation Denise Richards, x310 careandcomfort@myfac.org
Crew 318
Assistance and repairs Joe Pagano x318 crew318@myfac.org
Food Pantry
Darlene Taylor foodpantry@myfac.org
Fresh Hope Auto Mark McGuigan fhauto@myfac.org
Good $ense
Men learning to live sexually pure lives 609-953-7333, x311 purity@myfac.org
Managing financial resources Phil Morgan goodsense@myfac.org
Pre-marriage Support Group
Frank Mandy frankrmandy@gmail.com
Pastor Brent Brendle, x129 brentb@myfac.org
Relationship Recovery
For newly separated/divorced Susan McGann susanmcgann@pivotalhcs.com
Serenity Support Group For loved ones of those with substance abuse issues Joyce Gilmore mdlkbirder@verizon.net
SNOW Den
Special Needs Outreach & Witness Leah Bronczyk, x304 SNOWDen.fac@gmail.com
Benevolence Ministry Help for those in need 609-975-9741 bencenter@myfac.org
Hope Garden
Intake Representatives Tracy Cossabone bencenter@myfac.org
Missions & Outreach Pastor Jim Entwistle, x131 jim@myfac.org
Angel Tree
Dave and Judi Shoemaker 609-706-3294
Missions Trips
Pastor Jim Entwistle, x131 jim@myfac.org
Service Projects
Tracy LaRosa projects@myfac.org
Support Team Chris Rose, x135
Office Manager chrisrose@myfac.org
Administrative Assistants • Lauren Brown, x107 laurenb@myfac.org • Joanne Horner, x111 joanne@myfac.org • Tess Scaffidi, x126 tess@myfac.org • Mari Lynne Snyder, x115 marilynne@myfac.org
Bookkeeper
Donna Beridon, x103 donna@myfac.org
Facilities
Ed Jurimas, x127 Facilities operations manager edj@myfac.org • Ed Brokhoff • Rob Eiler • Richie Jacobs • Ryan O’Rourke • Chris Rymarz • Dan Scott
Funeral Coordinator Jocelyn Stainback, x402 weddings@myfac.org
Scheduler
Deb Jurimas, x119 debj@myfac.org
Technology
Scott Urwiler, x113 Maintenance and IT supervisor scott@myfac.org
Wedding Coordinator Jocelyn Stainback, x402 weddings@myfac.org
Senior Pastor Marty Berglund Executive Pastor Brian Snyder brian@myfac.org Executive Pastor of Ministries Don Hay don@myfac.org 199 Church Rd. Medford, NJ 08055 Tel: 609-953-7333 Worship Services Saturday, 6:00 p.m. Sunday, 9:00 &11:00 a.m. Office Hours Mon.-Thurs., 8:00 to 5:00 Web site: www.myfac.org E-mail: info@myfac.org Elders: Rev. Marty Berglund, Bill Adams, Doug Bazigian, Jack Hibbard, Ryan King, Bryan Russell Camp FAC 110 Sycamore Ave. Marlton, NJ 08053 The Connection
Designer: Tess Scaffidi Editor: Lynn Guise Writers God@Work: Laurie Berglund, Sherri Bolognone, Donna Thomas Ministry Profiles: Danielle Street Volunteer Profiles: Danielle Reed Please submit family announcements and suggestions for volunteer profiles to lynn@myfac.org.
Connection | Newsletter 23
Our Vision We want people to hear God's call and follow it.
Our Mission We want to help people connect to God, to His people, and to His work.
Our Core Values Lost people matter to God. He wants them found. Prayer is the primary work of the people of God.
~Luke 19:10
~Philippians 4:6,7
Everything we have belongs to God. We are only stewards.
~1 Chronicles 29:14
Knowing and obeying God's Word is fundamental to all true success.
~Joshua 1:8
Without the empowering of the Holy Spirit, we can accomplish nothing.
~1 Corinthians 2:4,5
199 C hurch Road M edford, NJ 0 8 0 5 5 | 6 0 9 - 9 5 3 - 7 3 3 3 | w w w. my fa c. o rg