The Family Church
Family Connections Newsletter April 2011Issue 1 |
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| Holy Week Services | |
Holy Week Services
April 21st
Maundy Thursday
Service at 7pm
April 22nd
Good Friday Service
at Noon
April 23rd
NO SATURDAY
NIGHT SERVICE
April 24th
6:30am SUNRISE SERVICE
9am Easter Service
11am Easter Service
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Orphan Care Ministry Guest |
The mission of the State of Florida Guardian Ad Litem Program (GAL) is to advocate for the best interests of children who are alleged to be abused, neglected or abandoned and who are involved in court proceedings.
On April 8th at 6:45 pm
the Orphan Care Ministry will be having two guest presenters,
Claire Batchelder and Carol Atkinson, to come and share about their experiences ministering to children and
serving God through the
Guardian Ad Litem program
here in Gainesville. We will be meeting in the multipurpose building.
Please be sure to join us and hear about a powerful way to be an advocate for children in very difficult situations. You too can be a 'voice for the voiceless'.
For more information, contact Scott or Haley Long at haleyuf@hotmail.com or 375-8685.
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Newborn Congratulations |
Congratulations
to
Judson and Elisha
Babcock
on the birth of their son,
Tobin Russell
on Februry 22nd.
Tobin joins his big sister, Kara.
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| ''Emerging Men | |
Here is a picture of the
Emerging Men's Group
who meet at
Chauncy Fagler's home
on Sunday afternoons
from 2:30 - 4:30 pm.
They recently went
camping at the beach and
these are their group shots!
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| A Word From Max | 
Elder H. C. Williamson, a Georgia Tech. alum, probably knows the incredible story of "Wrong Way Roy". In the 1929 Rose Bowl, Georgia Tech defender Roy Riegels made a great defensive play and caused a fumble. The football hit the turf, and, amazingly bounced right back into Roy's hands. With the crowd going crazy, Roy took off for the goal line...the other players in hot pursuit.
Just a few yards short of scoring a touchdown, he was caught from behind and tackled. Only then did Roy realize that in the confusion of the fumble he had gotten turned around. If his own teammates hadn't chased him down, he would have scored a Rose Bowl touchdown...for the other team!!! That happened in the first half. At halftime, Georgia Tech coach Ned Price gave one of the most memorable halftime speeches ever. He looked at the team in silence for a couple of minutes and then softly said, "Fellows, this game is only half over. Now get back out there and play football!" Teammates later said that they had never seen anyone play football as hard or as well as Roy Reigels played in that second half! |
| Whispers In The Dark |
Scripture: I Corinthians 12:21-23 - "And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you;" nor again the hand to the feet, "I have no need of you." No, much rather, those members of the body which seem weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on those we bestow great honor. "
Observation: Paul is using the human body as a metaphor for the spiritual body of the Church. I pick up three significant thoughts here. First, our sense that some people are unnecessary in our lives is a false (and arrogant) sense. God has a reason for placing each person in our midst. Not just for their sake, but also ours and for the good of the whole body. God has placed them in our lives for a reason. Second, God is calling on those who perceive themselves to be stronger to recognize that it is only perception, often drawn from a skewed perspective, which makes us think so. Often our perception is going to be different if our perspective changes. It isn't just that we should "bear with" the weak, but also that we should realize that our limited perspective allows some people to seem "weak" when in reality they strengthen the body in ways we have yet to even consider. Finally, it is clear that we are to honor those who seem to deserve the least honor. To do so requires humility, and a willingness to consider that the source of all honor is the Lord and not our warped value systems.
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| Worship and Arts Ministry Larry Carpenter |  We are blessed to have Todd Kisshauer as our 'Video Team Leader': Turns out his family makes up most of the team.  | |
Todd and Anne Kisshauer |
Meet the Kisshauer Family
My name is Todd and I am a native Floridian, born and raised in Fort Lauderdale. I am not a newcomer to Gainesville. My maternal grandfather became the pastor of the Advent Christian Church and moved his family to Gainesville about the same time as my father came to town to run the old Playhouse Skating rink. After my parents eventually met and got married, my older brother was born at Alachua General and the family moved to Fort Lauderdale. Then after I was born, I spent many summers as a toddler in Gainesville visiting my grandparents.
I grew up attending The First Christian Church of Fort Lauderdale (Disciples of Christ) and spending many hours on the beach. After graduating Stranahan High School, I attended West Virginia Wesleyan College on a partial football scholarship. Then, deciding that I wanted to stay closer to home, I worked in the restaurant business for three years before returning to my original choice of colleges: The University of Florida. That was a good choice as there I met my future wife, Anne Faucett, while getting my Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
CLICK HERE: to read on
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Jackson, Blake and Shelby |
Please be sure to let Todd and his family know how much we appreciate them when you get the chance... Come join us as we grow. Larry |
| Missions Pastor Jeff West | |
The Gospel is News Worth Sharing
As you are, probably, already aware, the Faith Commitment response for this year's GIC was $293,972! That amount represent an increase of 22% from last year's Faith Commitment. While I rejoice in this significant increase in financial pledges to support mission work through The Family Church, I would like to focus less on the dollar amounts and more on core issue related to our "treasures."
While money is necessary to help fulfill the Great Commission, a heart for the lost will ultimately have the greatest impact on finishing the task of making disciples of all nations (ethnos or people groups). When we are sensitive and conform our hearts to those things dear to God's heart, the heavenly investment of our treasures/finances will follow. My prayer for each of us is that God would increasingly draw us closer to Him. When that happens, the unavoidable reality will be that we will reach out to others, near and far, with His amazing, transforming love. My prayer is that God will abundantly provide all of the resources so that everyone who made a faith commitment will be able to fulfill it. I firmly believe that as we humble ourselves before the Lord, abide daily in Christ Jesus, and are obediently responsive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we will not only reach, but will exceed the Faith Commitment for the first time ever!
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| Focus on Pastoral Care Patrick Callahan |  Ministry Spotlight: Grief Share Meeting Place: The Family Church, Room 118
Meeting Time: Monday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 Grief Share Minister: Janice Hamiilton GriefShare is a support group for people grieving the loss of someone close. It could be a recent loss or a loss from years ago that they have never gotten past. GriefShare is a place where you can express your emotions and receive comfort, instruction and help from others who have experienced the death of a loved one. Participants will learn what to expect during the coming days and months, what to do with your unpredictable and overwhelming emotions, how to keep from getting stuck in grief and what grief can teach you. With GriefShare you will learn how to walk the journey of grief and be supported on the way. It is a place where hurting people find healing and hope. Each grief share session includes a video segment featuring top experts on grief and real life stories of people who have experienced losses. The sessions feature biblical teaching on grief and recovery topics. People without faith face a bleak mourning process and even mature Christians with a solid faith need ongoing comfort and encouragement during the grieving period. Grief Share, with it's biblical, Christ-centered perspective in an effective tool to help people find or deepen their faith in Christ as they examine soul-level questions about death, dying, their own mortality and eternal life. The way you, the church, can help is most importantly praying for this ministry and for the people so broken by grief. The GriefShare Ministry of the Family Church is connected to groups that meet across the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and in other countries. The Grief Share Ministry at The Family Church is facilitated by Janice Hamilton. For additional or clarifying information, please call Janice at (352) 332-5751. CLICK HERE: For some very special Ministry Events to Come |
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The Marvelous Human Brain By Stephen F. Larner, PhD | |
The human brain, a testimony to creation. The brain, because it is made of living cells, changes as we acquire new skills and information at both the cellular and the whole brain levels. This three pounds of living, growing cells constantly forms new connections and alters old ones. This marvelous design feature, unlike a hardwired computer, makes it possible to grow and adapt to the shifting environment. It even rewires itself when necessary as healthy neurons replace the function of dead or damaged ones.
Neuroscience researchers knew for years that musicians' brains had more grey matter in certain regions than most people. They now believe these brains were modified with these new experiences.1 Recent studies even demonstrated that music training improves other skills as well including fine motor skills, and sound discrimination. Some researchers even noticed improvement in attention, math skills, and geometry tasks.1 Brain imaging studies confirmed that the neurons networks linked with these abilities change physically. This type of evidence strongly suggests that experiences alter the architecture of the brain. This ability to adapt and change is referred to as neuroplasticity.
CLICK HERE: to read entire article |
| Orphan Care Ministry | |
The Guardian ad Litem Program
"The mission of the GAL program is to advocate for the interests of children who are alleged to be abused, neglected or abandoned and who are involved in court proceedings. There is a large discrepancy in the number of children who need a guardian ad litem and the number of volunteers available. I have been a GAL volunteer for six years. I had no previous experience in social work or legal issues. There is a training program and then on the job training. A GAL visits the child/children on a regular basis and interviews all parties in the case. All of this information is then reported to the court. The GAL is the voice of the child thru the whole court process. The Gal's mantra is "What is in the best interest of this child". On April 8th, the Orphan Care Ministry will have an informative meeting about the Guardian ad Litem program. The world is a sad place for these children and these children need a voice. Please pray for these children and come to this meeting and investigate the possibility of becoming a volunteer. The rewards are great."
Claire Batchelder
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| Family Student Movement - AXIS 2011 |
Sessions and the Night of Worship
All of the teaching and growth that came out of AXIS this year came out of out our discussion groups. God blessed us with a lot of tremendous leaders this weekend (about 1 leader for every 2 kids) and God really did an amazing work in these groups. But the weekend's climax was probably the Night of Worship we had on Saturday night. Our worship band for the weekend was "Hadriel", and for close to an hour everyone at AXIS cried out to God through song and prayer.
This weekend was completely a work of God. . . . [The rest of this article will touch your heart!]
CLICK HERE: to read more of the FSM Newsletter
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Men's Ministry Jim Guth | |
Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. Lamentations 3:40 (KJV)
As I surveyed the wooden pieces lying on the floor, I decided I wouldn't need the instruction sheet to build this desk. I'd have it together in no time.
I soon discovered that my plans were failing miserably. The parts came poorly labeled, and I was continually trying various combinations to fit them together. Nevertheless, I refused to admit my hopeless confusion and persisted in my futile efforts.
Finally, my wife walked over and handed me the long-lost instruction sheet. "You'd better start over - and read these first," she said. As I followed the words and pictures closely, the desk came together easily. The designer had provided clear directions for completing this unique project. Yet I relied on my own abilities.
God has created a plan for each of our lives: that we simply live with open hearts before Him, each step of the way through our lives. If we choose to ignore His instructions, how can we hope to produce a life that pleases Him?
Ocala
October 22, 2011
Click Here for Further Information
www.floridamenofintegrity.org
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| Men's Ministry Upcoming Events |  BEAST FEAST - Friday, April 15th
Bring Your Own Meat, exotics encouraged but not required! Bring enough meat for you and one other person. Open grilling from 6:02 pm-6:47 pm at the picnic area by the multipurpose building.
UF vs OLE MISS Baseball Game - Friday, April 29th
Leave church at 6 pm, game begins at 7 pm. Preorder tickets for $2. Sign up sheet in lobby at welcome center. PORN & DONUTS SEMINAR - Saturday, April 30th, 7:42am-9am
Whether you struggle with pornography or want to minister to those who do, this informative seminar will cover why we look, shouldn't look and how to stop looking at pornography. Meeting in the Fellowship Hall Contact Bob Welch for any additional information for any of these events. |
| Women's Ministry ~ "I am Accepted" Rene Cloutier |
Spring is in the air and as I am sure I have shared with you before, it IS my favorite time of year. All things are becoming new again. For this I am thankful; a thought that gives me great hope.
I am currently reading a book entitled, Extraordinary. The author, John Bevere, is on a mission. About a month ago, Raymond and I had the opportunity to hear John Bevere speak at a church in Auburndale, Florida. Talk about a man with a message from God and a passion to deliver it! Wow! One had to be either totally hard hearted or dead not to be inspired by his message. What was/is his message? The message is this - we as God's people were meant to live Extraordinary lives AND he tells us how. I will not spoil the book for you, but please, if you want to make your life count for God and just can't seem to know how, get the book and read it. You will be glad you did.
In thinking about our extraordinariness (is that even a word?), I think about who we are in Christ. I wanted you to be blessed with knowing who you also are in Christ, so I have printed this excerpt from Neil Anderson's book, Victory Over the Darkness:Realizing the Power of Your Identity in Christ. Be encouraged by these words, and more than that, I challenge you to meditate on these words for the next thirty days to truly know who you are and WHOSE you are.
CLICK HERE: to read on
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| On The Home Front with Connie Reid | |
Be Prepared!
Our first experience with home ownership was in southwestern Wyoming where we lived for the first six years of our marriage. We were amazed at the size of pantries in most of the homes we looked at buying. The realtor explained that there was a large Mormon contingent to the community and they always kept a years supply of food on hand. I was impressed but never thought too much about starting the practice myself. Even though my children are grown now, I am starting to rethink the wisdom of having a good cushion to our immediate food supply and plan to convert more of our cabinets to food storage. Recent world events show how suddenly things can change resulting in a threat to the availability of food. My neighbor has had the same thought and is looking into dehydrated food used in backpacking which he says keeps for 21 years. I plan to go the canned food route and keep a concerted rotation going to prevent expiration dates from affecting the usability of my food supply. I wish I had a good spot to put in a garden but you'd need a patch that gets 8 to 9 hours of sunlight for most vegetables.
CLICK HERE to read on with recipe included
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| SPRING HOEDOWN | |
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"But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by
God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus."
Phillippians 3:14
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