The Newsletter for Faith Community Church
January 2015
IN THIS ISSUE
Men’s Fraternity
(Pg. 2)
_____________________
Operation Christmas
Child Update
(Pg. 3)
_____________________
Children’s Ministry
(Pg. 4)
_____________________
Student Ministry
(Pg. 5)
_____________________
AWANA Update
(Pg. 7)
Kevin Cassidy
Lead Teaching Pastor
Steve Bond
Executive Pastor
Jim Johnson
Pastor of Care & Concern
Amy McDougall
January 12th
Children’s Ministry
Administrator
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Nate Randall
Student Ministries Director
Men's Fraternity provides men with an encouraging process
that teaches them how to live lives of authentic manhood as
Ed Regensburg
Founding Pastor, Retired
1306 Riedel Rd. Gambrills, MD
21054
410-451-1220
Building / Office
www.faithcommunity.net
[email protected]
modeled by Jesus Christ and directed by the Word of God –
This 23 week study has the potential to be a game changer
for the men of Faith Community Church.
Learn More Inside (Page 2)
I am excited about a new ministry opportunity for the men of Faith that will begin in the New Year.
On January 12th from 7:00PM - 9:00 PM, we will host our first session of Men’s Fraternity.
This dynamic study explores “The Quest for Authentic Manhood” and…
is the foundational study for the Men’s Fraternity journey.
This 23 week study has the potential to be a game changer for us men. The areas explored are not, to
my knowledge, addressed anywhere in our churches and the bonds that they produce among men are a
real difference maker. I hope you will come and explore this awesome opportunity in January. We begin
each night with some fellowship and a video and then break out into small groups for discussion. There is
a manual that you can purchase for $10.00. Please come and check it out and see if it is something you are
willing to commit too. If it is not for you, then there are no hard feelings whatsoever.
For more info please call or email me @ [email protected]. - Pastor Kevin
Men’s Steak Dinner… January 9 at 6:00 P.M.
The MEN of Faith Community Church will gather around a steak dinner for a time of
food, laughter, and friendship. Pastor Kevin will be speaking and telling us the story of
his journey towards authentic manhood.
$15.00 will get us a great meal and a great time!!!
Sign up in the foyer or contact Jim Plack at [email protected].
Women’s Ministry
IF: Gathering Simulcast
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith...Let us consider how to stir up one another to
love and good works...All the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:22-25
If we really believe that God is real, then we want more than anything to live like it. We are a
generation of women that believes God at His Word, that He called us to our places and will use us
for His glory and for the good of His people. This 2-day simulcast will bring women together from
around the world to learn more about God and discover how to live out the calling He has placed
on our lives. Speakers: Jennie Allen, Jen Hatmaker, Ann Voskamp, and more…
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6th
Session 1 – 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Break – 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Session 2 – 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH
Session 3 – 9:00 p.m.-12:00 p.m.
Break – 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
Session 4 – 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Enough time is provided during the breaks to go out to eat,
but you can also bring your own bagged dinner
(Friday)/lunch (Saturday) if you prefer. Sign-ups will begin in
the lobby on Sunday, January 4th. Additional information
about the event will also be provided then.
We are asking for a $10 donation at the time of sign up.
Please let us know if a donation is not possible and we
would be happy to assist you.
The final count is in and…Faith Community Church PACKED & SHIPPED 660 SHOE BOXES
to underserved and poor children around the world -- giving them not only a Christmas gift to
remember, but the greatest gift of all -- THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST!
Following FCC's efforts, our shoe boxes journeyed
through The Jireh Relay Center in Bowie and on to the
intermediate packing facility in Crownsville. From
there, the shoe boxes were sent for final inspection and
packing at the newly created BWI Processing Facility in
Jessup. The facility packed in excess of 600,000 shoe
boxes for shipment by air and boat to Panama, Haiti, St.
Vincent and the Bahamas, Ukraine, Iraq, Zambi and
Namibia in Africa. We had a number of FCC members
volunteer to help pack at the facility and the spirit, joy
and power you could feel working on the packing floor
was truly inspirational. It was one of those times in life
where you could actually feel the hand of God at work.
Then on December 10th, we had the opportunity to visit
BWI airport to hear Franklin Graham pray over the first
80,000 shoe boxes packed at the new Processing
Facility. The boxes were then loaded aboard a 747
destined for Irbil, Iraq and the children displaced during
the most recent fighting in the Middle East. Franklin
also brought along Greta Van Susteren from FOX News
who has been a strong supporter of OCC and the OCC
mission to Haiti. She later broadcasted a segment on
OCC to help spread the word.
We want to prayerfully thank everyone who participated in this year's Operation Christmas Child efforts.
These simple shoe boxes are an important church mission for sharing the Gospel worldwide and we
couldn't have done it without you!
Children’s Ministry News and Updates
Celebrating Christmas
Save the Date for
with the Children!
Sunday, February 1st
“Silly Sport Sunday”
EXTRA EXTRA!!
FCC Children Star iN
“The Christmas Shoe Tree”
“Kids Can Serve
2
Thank you to all of the FCC kids
who participated in the
Karis Home Christmas Serving
Project.
Imagine the faces of many joyful
children on Christmas morning
receiving a new gift.
Wear your favorite sports jersey
or gear!
Student Ministry News
DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
Last month 8 MS & HS small groups completed our first session of small group life!
We welcomed Ruth Coleman aboard as she took over the lead coaching role of the student-led praise band!
We had a great time at our Christmas Party. God used that time to open up some neat conversations with
unchurched guests. Pray that they keep coming as they search out the realities of Christ!
UPCOMING EVENTS
JANUARY 4 - PARENT CONNECT: 9am @ FCC. Parents, we want to bless you with some good food,
some morning laughs, and invite you to be a part of what God is doing in the youth ministry. Parents are the
#1 influence in the lives of teens, and we want to continue to be better teammates to your families. Let’s keep
the conversation going!
JANUARY 14 - SMALL GROUPS: Session 2 of our middle and high school small groups will begin on
January 14 as we continue to pursue authentic relationships that lead to spiritual growth. Right now is a great
opportunity for those who are not in one of our 8 groups to get connected to one! Contact Nate Randall
([email protected]) for more info.
JANUARY 18 - DUCKPIN BOWLING
FEBRUARY 1 – SUPER BOWL PARTY @ FCC
FEBRUARY 14-16 - WINTER RETREAT 2015: Mark your calendars for this year’s retreat experience!
Middle & high school students, we’re heading to New Life Bible Camp again! More details to come!
GO ONLINE TO STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST:
Twitter @ fccyouthmd
Facebook @ fccyouthmd
Website: www.fccyouthmd.net
Thought for the Month:
Month: Resolution 2015: Lose the weight?
How many times have you or someone you know said “I resolve to lose weight in 20XX?” I’ve lost count. The
commitment is always there for the first 3-4 weeks and then slowly dies out. Gym memberships, treadmills, new
sneakers, all collecting dust by April. I can’t be the only one. Since I can’t offer any real advice on how to lose
physical weight, I can offer some scriptures in the Word that address losing the other weight we carry – the weight
in our brains and our hearts. We all have it – whether related to health issues, loss of loved ones, unsaved loved
ones, financial difficulties, stress at work or home, relationship issues with a spouse, kids and parents… the list is
endless and solutions seem scarce. These are the burdens, baggage, hurts, and stresses that were once seemingly
renting tiny apartments in our brain and now own “McMansions” with 2nd mortgages. In short, these weights
have taken up residence and they have power.
How do we resolve to LOSE the WEIGHT? Jesus says cast all your cares on me for I care for you - 1 Peter 5:7. He
said “Come to me all who labor and are heavy-ladened and I will give you rest. My yoke is easy and my burden is
light.” Matthew 11:28 & 30. Paul wrote in Hebrews 12:1 “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily
ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Jesus died for these weights. Isaiah
54:3 says “He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” These weights, these burdens were paid for 2000
years ago on the Cross. You weren’t supposed to carry them. You have to give them to Jesus. He alone can carry
them, not with you, but FOR you. I feel lighter already!
- Carrie Aleshire
In January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion. In early 1982, a group of dedicated
Christians started planning for a Pregnancy Clinic in Maryland and in May 1982, the Bowie Crofton
Pregnancy Clinic opened its doors.
For years, the Abortion Clinic in Severna Park performed countless abortions. Through tremendous prayer
and the culmination of a myriad of miracles, the Abortion Clinic ceased to exist, and in March 2006, the
Severna Park Pregnancy Clinic opened its doors IN THE VERY OFFICES AND ROOMS which was once that
very Abortion Clinic!
Now, the Severna Park Pregnancy Clinic offers Help, Hope and Healing to women and their families facing
unexpected pregnancy, giving them the tools to choose life for their babies and to find the Hope of the
Gospel.
Continuing in God’s grace and mercy, an opportunity presented itself to rent a house in Annapolis across
from Planned Parenthood and in March of 2012, the Annapolis Pregnancy Clinic opened its doors.
Additionally, the Pregnancy Clinic was able to purchase the house in 2013, securing its long term
existence in that location, and through prayer, it will be completely paid for in two years or as soon as
possible, as God ordains. (Go to Pregnancyclinicministry.org and see the “Foundation of Hope” project.)
Since opening in 1982, the Pregnancy clinics have cared for 30,000 women and families and in 2014,
nearly 400 women changed their minds from abortion after receiving counseling, ultrasound and
support. All services are completely free to anyone in need and they receive no government funding,
rather rely entirely on the generosity of individuals, churches, business and foundations.
This year, January 18th is “Sanctity of Life” Sunday (always the third Sunday in January, representing the
closest Sunday to the original January 22nd date of the Roe vs. Wade decision). January is also “BABY
BOTTLE MONTH”. We ask you take a baby bottle home, fill it with loose change and any denomination of
money and return it on the 25th so the money can be given to the Pregnancy Clinic. As always, we ask for
your prayers for this ministry.
To Submit an Item for the FCC Newsletter
Please contact Chad Aleshire via e-mail at:
[email protected]
by phone on 443-336-7203.
Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be
ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
This month we are focusing on “Truth and Training” or “T&T” club. T&T engages third- through sixth-graders
by answering their questions about God and the Bible, guiding them through this pivotal life stage to grow in
Christ's grace. T&T is different from other AWANA programs. It is comprised of two clubs with distinct
curriculum, uniforms and awards: T&T Ultimate Adventure™ for third and fourth grades &
T&T Ultimate Challenge™ for fifth and sixth grades.
The two clubs are designed to help kids stay plugged into T&T as they move into the preteen years and
continue growing in their relationship with Christ, because today, 10- to 12-year-olds, known as tweens, face
unique pressures, demands and distractions. These factors can result in a marked increase in
discouragement, apathy and disengagement. AWANA has responded by updating T&T to reinforce
commitment, identity and community for these kids and to give third- and fourth-graders a new club stage to
anticipate.
2015 HIGHLIGHTS TO COME!
The ultimate message to kids of
every age group is that nothing is
more important than their
Friday, January 23, 2015 - T&T lock-in! The
theme is “Jammin with Jesus in our
Jammies”.
relationship with Christ and
following His way of living in the
Scriptures.
While second quarter ends in January,
the “T&T Clubbers of the Quarter” for the
1st quarter were:
Red Discovery Book 1 (girls) - Naomi Schrader.
Red Discovery Book 1 (boys) - Gideon Randall.
Blue Discovery Book 2 – Caleb Oh.
Green Challenge Book 1 – Katie Handel
Yellow Challenge Book 2 – Emily Handel
Saturday, February 7, 2015 - AWANA Bible
Quiz at Fellowship Baptist Church located
in Upper Marlboro. This year, I would like
to take 4 teams, which is one for each
book.
June 20 – 27, 2015 AWANA CAMP
Attention 5th and 6th graders and parents:
Our district of AWANA has a scholarship
camp to those clubbers who meet the
requirements. For further information you
can go the web page
“masondixoncamp.org”. Debbie Jarvis
Additional Ministry Updates
You are invited to a Discovery Class
Are you new to Faith Community Church?
Our Purpose Statement says that…
Faith Community Church exists, to introduce people to
Jesus Christ and equip them to become His devoted
followers.
We believe the commitment to membership is a vital part of
discipleship, so we will be holding a 3 part Discovery Class as
part of the membership process on Sunday’s January 18, 25,
and February 4 @ 9:00 AM. Besides being an introduction to
Faith Community Church covering our history, what we
believe, church organization, opportunities for ministry, and
membership, the class will be a great opportunity for you to
meet others and get connected.
Bible Study Group
Holiday Luncheon
The WOMEN'S TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
celebrated Christ's birth on Tuesday, December 16th.
We enjoyed a tasty brunch, novel gift exchange story &
fabulous fellowship at Veronica Platt's lovely home.
Please consider joining us for the next phase of the
AMAZING COLLECTION BIBLE STUDY SERIES.
We are about to go into the book of Acts so it's a
fabulous time to join the Bible study!
We meet at 9:30 a.m. and will begin again on Tuesday,
January 13th, 2015.
We meet in the Cafe room - # 9.
For more information contact Nancy Cole at
www.supernan11.verizon.net or 410-551-0394.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
9:00 AM
Worship
Children’s Bible Studies
Adult Bible Studies
2
3
4
5
6
7
9:30 AM
8:00 AM
5:00 PM
9:00 AM
7:00 PM
9:30 AM
6:30 PM
9:30 AM
7:00 PM
Ladies Bible Study (every Friday)
Men’s Bible Study (every Saturday)
Dinner and a Movie
Youth Ministry: Parent Connect
AWANA JV and Varsity (every
Monday)
Ladies Bible Study (every Tuesday)
AWANA Cubbie, Sparks, T&T (every
Tuesday)
Pre-school Play Group (every Wed.)
Choir (every Wednesday)
10:45 AM
Worship
4 Year Old - 6th Grade Junior Worship
Adult, College-Age & Teen Bible Studies
8
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
9
6:00 PM
12
13
14
7:00 PM
6:30 PM
7:00 PM
18
20
25
26
12:30 PM
7:00 PM
9:00 AM
7:00 PM
Elder/Deacons Meeting
Ladies Bible Study (every Thursday)
In-depth Discipleship Class (every
Thursday)
Men’s Steak Dinner
Men’s Fraternity (every Monday)
Youth Directional Team mtg
Youth Small Groups (every
Wednesday)
Newcomers’ Luncheon
Baltimore Rescue Mission
Discovery Class
Mission Meeting