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GOD STORYTHIS MONTH AT FELLOWSHIP

MISSIONS SPOTLIGHT

B I B L E C H U R C Hfellowship

MAKING DISCIPLES WHO LIVE BY GOD’S GRACE & FOR HIS GLORY AT HOME & ACROSS THE WORLD

We’d love for you to get connected at Fellowship. Here are some easy ways to get involved:

FELLOWSHIP NEXTThis class is hosted by our pastors. You’ll hear about:

• our mission of discipleship• our strategy for growing as disciples of

Jesus and making disciples• our ministries and how you can get more

connected• the steps you can take to join Fellowship

as a member

We’ll gather after second service, get to know one another and answer questions you may have. Lunch and child care provided.

BENTON May 18, Following Second ServiceCABOT Summer 2014

D GROUPS The key strategy we use for being and making disciples is our small groups, which we call D Groups (short-hand for Discipleship Groups). Stop by the Connection Center to be placed in a group.

BAPTISM Baptisms are some of our favorite events because we get to acknowledge public decisions to follow Christ. If you’re interested in taking this important step, stop by the Connection Center or email us. BENTON Baptism Class July 2 | Baptism on July 13 CABOT Email cabot@fellowshiponline.com for dates STAY ENGAGED You’ll find the latest information and registration online and on our MyFellowship App available for Apple, Android and Windows phones.

LITTLE ROCK fellowshiplr

1401 Kirk Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72223 fellowshiponline.com 501.224.7171

BENTON fellowshipbenton fellowshipben 5724 Alcoa Road, Benton, Arkansas 72015

fellowshipbenton.com 501.315.1560 email benton@fellowshiponline.com

CABOT fellowshipcabot fellowshipcab

2895 Bill Foster Mem. Hwy, Cabot, Arkansas 72023 fellowshipcabot.com 501.605.8400 email cabot@fellowshiponline.com

WELCOME

GOD’S UNFATHOMABLE PROVIDENCE BY SUSAN BRIGGS

Last August I volunteered to serve in Fellowship Kids and was assigned to work with a couple named Brad and Amie. We are always busy with the 2 year-olds, so we usually only have time for small talk.

One week, when Amie and I were visiting, she told me she worked at Children’s Hospital in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit. What a coincidence!

See, my daughter, Tracy, was 35-weeks pregnant and her baby, Annie, had been diagnosed with a rare heart defect, needing open-heart surgery soon after birth. Tracy had an appointment the next day at Children’s to meet with the surgeon and tour the heart unit. I couldn’t believe it when Amie said, “Her appointment is with me!” What a coincidence!

We talked about Annie’s diagnosis and the three surgeries she will need. Amie then shared that one of her twins was born with a similar heart defect. Her baby needed the same three surgeries that Annie needs.

Out of all the volunteers, all the classes I could have been assigned to, and the fact that there are only 900 babies born in the United States each year with this heart defect, how could it be that I teach in this class, with Brad and Amie?

I know it’s not coincidence! Only God could arrange all of this. God, in His unfathomable providence, put me in this class knowing the details before Tracy was even pregnant. I stand in awe of God, who loves, cares, and provides for all the details of my life in more ways than I can comprehend or imagine.

To learn more how to get involved in Fellowship Kids or other ministries visit FellowshipCabot.com/PlugIn and FellowshipBenton.com/PlugIn.

GOD STORY

ADULT DISCIPLESHIPConnect Groups The focus of a Connect Group is to grow as disciples within the context of life and relationships. Groups have 5-15 members, are coed, and meet weekly at various times. Visit the website at fellowshipbenton.com/dgroups or stop by the Connection Center to find a group today.

Core Groups Core is a discipleship group made up of 4-5 men or women who meet with someone weekly more mature in the faith for 14-16 months. We are looking for leaders to be trained to launch new groups. If interested, email benton@fellowshiponline.com.

Girls Night Out May 21, 6:30-8:30 pm. Meet other women in a fun relational environment! Child care by reservation only to dhearn@fellowshiponline.com.

FAMILY DISCIPLESHIPFellowship Kids (FSK) It is our desire that FSK becomes a home away from home for your children (infants–6th grade). At either of our services, 9 and 11 am, you’ll find a warm, inviting atmosphere for your children to grow and learn.

Fifty6 In May, Fifty6 will learn about a life of service in our series, Inside Out. In this series, we will look at Jesus’ teachings on service and the ways Fellowship serves at home and across the world. Our desire is for preteens to discover the joy that comes when we live to serve others.

We NEED you in FSK! We’re looking for folks to help provide safe and loving environments for our kids Sunday mornings. We currently have twenty vacancies: First Service–nursery, three and four year olds, third/fourth grade class; Second Service– nursery, toddlers and first/second grade class.

FSM Echo (Fellowship Student Ministries, 7–12th grade) Echo is our large-group midweek services that take place every Wednesday from 6:30–8 pm. Join us to enjoy some hangout time, praise and worship, and a time to hear Biblical teaching from our FSM Pastor. Be sure to pick up your summer events calendar at the Connection Center. Students, remember to send out mission support letters for FSM United on June 28-July 4. Deadline to turn in payment is June 15.

FSM D Groups These small groups meet Sundays, 4-5:30 pm to provide more personal connections. It’s our desire that each student grows in their knowledge of Jesus Christ and learns to trust Him in their daily walk as they take ownership of their faith.

Baby Dedication May 11. Join us on this special Sunday as we celebrate with families who desire to raise and dedicate their children to Christ. If you’d like to join us in this special dedication for your child, please visit the Connection Center for more information.

Graduate Sunday May 18, 9 and 11 am. Be a part of recognizing our graduating seniors as we take a look back at God’s blessing on their life and join us as we pray for the next chapter God has for each of them.

Memorial Weekend May 25. We will be having Preschool Fellowship Kids only–no Elementary FSK.

FSM United Panama City, FL, June 28–July 4. This multi-campus trip for 7th–12th graders includes great messages and worship as well as opportunities to serve in areas like sports outreach, soup kitchens, beach evangelism, construction, and more! Pick up an application today.

MISSIONSEPIC After School This ministry is supported by Fellowship and hosted at the FSM Barn. Epic meets Wednesdays from 3-5:30 pm for a time of tutoring and investing in Chapel Ridge students. This gives volunteers the opportunity to invest in the lives of the students and their families.

Short-Term Mission Trips This year we have a trip to Guatemala, June 21-29. If you’re interested in going, spots are still available. Find out more at the Connection Center.

BENTON

THIS MONTH AT FELLOWSHIP HIGHLIGHT PLUG IN! Find a team and get involved! Serving on one of our ministry teams is one of the best ways to get connected and make a difference. From jumping around with kids in one of our classrooms, to serving up a warm cup of coffee on our Cafe Team, we have a place for you. Not only will you fill a much-needed role in our church, you’ll also fill a need in your own life as a follower of Jesus. Find out about the different ways to serve by picking up a Plug In brochure at the Connection Centers or online at FellowshipCabot.com/plugin and FellowshipBenton.com/plugin.

ADULT DISCIPLESHIP Interested in Being a D Group Leader? We’re looking for men and women who want to help others grow as followers of Jesus by leading D Groups. These small groups of adults meet weekly to help people connect, grow together and care for one another. If you are interested in learning more about this role and training that will happen this summer, email bherndon@fellowshiponline.com.

Core Groups Core is a type of D Group made up of 4-5 men or women who meet with someone weekly more mature in the faith for 14-16 months. If you are interested in leading or jointing one of these groups, email bherndon@fellowshiponline.com.

FW Girls Night Out Paint With Us! Friday May 2 at 6:30 pm. Enjoy a night out with other women for great fellowship, food and painting. Cost is $10.00. Register at the Connection Center or email dprice@fellowshiponline.com.

Men’s Canoe Campout If you’re interested in camping out on the Buffalo River with some other fellas this summer, email cabot@fellowshiponline.com to find out more.

FELLOWSHIP KIDSFellowship Kids (FSK) Every Sunday morning at 9 and 11 am we offer age-specific classes filled with crazy-fun activities, caring teachers, and exciting music that will help children grow as disciples in the best way possible. We are looking for volunteers to fill some important roles in our kids classes on Sunday mornings. Serve at either service, every other Sunday. If you have questions or would like to serve, email our Family Pastor, Bryan Crowley at bcrowley@fellowshiponline.com

Fifty6 In May, Fifty6 will be learning about a life of service in our series, Inside Out. In this series, we will show 4-6th graders Jesus’ teaching on service and the way Fellowship serves others here and across the world. Our desire is for preteens to discover the joy that comes when we serve others the way Jesus taught.

Parent Partners Hey parents, sign up to serve a few Sundays in your child’s class this Summer. Not only will you be helping our current teachers get away for their summer trips, you’ll also get to see what your kids experience in FSK every week. Email bcrowley@fellowshiponline.com to sign up.

FSK Updates You may notice some exciting improvements to our kids hallways and classrooms! These updates will help us better serve our mission by creating exciting, creative and safe environments for kids to come to every Sunday morning.

FELLOWSHIP STUDENTSCrawfish Boil EVERYONE is invited to our Crawfish Boil, Sunday, May 18 after 2nd service. Purchase your tickets for crawfish or chicken in the lobby. Adults ($10), Kids 12 and under ($5). All proceeds go to FSM United summer mission trip. For more information contact Austin Walker at awalker@fellowshiponline.com

Senior Sunday Sunday, May 18. Join us as we honor our seniors during the 9 and 11 am worship services.

FSM Summer Calendar FSM will not meet on Wednesdays during the summer, but we have plenty of fun activities and trips to keep you busy this summer. Email awalker@fellowshiponline.com to find out more.

MISSIONSCabot Missions To find out about upcoming events and opportunities to serve with our local ministry partners: The CALL and CASA (foster and adoption care), Options Pregnancy Center, Lonoke County Christian Clinic, or First Care and Hope’s Closet (food and clothing pantries), visit fellowshipcabot.com/missions

Golf FORE Life Support two golfers from Fellowship who are raising money and awareness for Options Pregnancy Center, a local ministry we partner with that provides hope and healing for those dealing with unplanned pregnancies. Stop by the lobby or email cabot@fellowshiponline.com to learn how to make a donation or get involved.

Golf Tourney for Lonoke County Christian Clinic Friday, June 6, 9 am. Greystone Country Club. $50/player. Email cabot@fellowshiponline.com or call 501-351-1192 to find out more.

CABOT

THIS MONTH AT FELLOWSHIP

ON OUR LITTLE ROCK CAMPUSFellowship is one church with locations in Benton, Little Rock and Cabot. We are united by one teaching, mission and vision. We want to make sure you are aware of opportunities held on our Little Rock campus that are of interest to all campuses.

MISSIONSShort-Term Mission Trips This year we will travel to Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti and India to share God’s grace and make disciples of all nations! If you’re interested in participating, please contact Jessica at jolsen@fellowshiponline.com or visit our website www.fellowshipmissions.com/global for more information on the upcoming trips and deadlines!

Hidden Creek Yard Sale Saturday, May 3. Please come and stop by Hidden Creek at 10905 West Markham Street. All proceeds from the yard sale will benefit the day-to-day operations of Hidden Creek–assisting in our mission of fostering new lives in Christ for the recently paroled. For more info, contact Pam Ferguson at pferguson@hiddencreekdc.org.

Missions Leadership Residency This nine-month experience is designed to strengthen a college graduate’s spiritual foundation and provide practical knowledge in areas of social justice, community development and gospel movements. For more information or to apply visit fellowshipmissions.com/residency. Applications will be accepted through May.

Let’s Chat, International Student Ministry April 19-May 24, Saturdays from 12-3 pm. For six weeks we will study the character of God with our international friends. Let’s Chat gives Internationals a chance to practice their English and develop relationships with Americans. Lunch is provided. For more information, contact Jason at jduncan@fellowshiponline.com or 224-7171.

ADULT DISCIPLESHIP Renew Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 pm. Renew Groups provide discipleship at your point of need whether it is a personal crisis, growth in your marriage or finances, addressing a sin issue or a need for specific support. Newcomers are welcomed weekly in most groups. Child care is available through registration.

Marriage Renewal is your next step to address the nagging issues in your marriage. It is a place where God’s grace can be experienced as He transforms through intensive discipleship. God intends to use our struggle to conform us to the image of His Son. New disciples are incorporated weekly.

Personal Renewal This intensive small group environment provides discipleship in the Christian life through studies and relationships. You can find hope in crisis, healing in brokenness, a new identity in Christ apart from addictions. Newcomers are welcomed weekly into these groups.

Money and Marriage God’s Way Spouses will have the opportunity to: work on giving, saving, and investing decisions; understand the impact of debt in marriage; learn to resolve conflicts; set goals; and improve communication. A new group begins May 6. Workbooks are available in the bookstore. $29/individual, $39/couple.

DivorceCare If you have experienced a divorce or are in the midst of a marital separation, you know how painful it can be. DivorceCare is a video seminar and support group conducted by people who understand what you are experiencing. A new DivorceCare discipleship group will begin meeting on May 18. This class meets on Sunday evenings and child care is not provided. Email care@fellowshiponline.com to register.

For more info about Renew or to register for child care, visit fellowshiponline.com/renew.

MISSIONS: AT HOME & ACROSS THE WORLD

LOCALMeyers, Party of Three by Hope Meyers

God’s plan for our lives and what our family looks like is more beautiful, more fulfilling and more fun (and hard) than we could have ever dreamed. Over the past eight years of marriage we have prayed and sought God’s desire for us on when, and how, to expand our family. Kirk and I knew God called us to invest our lives in others and like most couples, assumed it would be through children.

He had given us a heart for adoption before we were married and has moved us to want to give ourselves away as parents. I personally understand the profound impact adoption has on a life. I was adopted and I am eternally grateful for God blessing me through adoption.

For eight years, God specifically called us to invest our time and energy in non-progeny individuals. After eight years of faithfully seeking God’s direction, and following His specific “wait” command on parenthood, in October 2013 God told us now was His timing, teenagers were His plan and the State Foster Care system was His route.

God has been leading and preparing us to adopt our entire lives. Kirk and I are excited that He is allowing us to be blessed through adoption together! We are beyond thrilled and extremely proud to be the parents of a 16 year-old boy, Tyler. Tyler loves basketball and football, calls the Hogs, plays video games, dislikes Algebra, looks forward to driving, has questions about the future, cares for others and loves to laugh.

Thanks to Project Zero and The C.A.L.L., without whom our family would be complete. Praise God and to Him be the glory! Thanks to the staff members in the Thrive! ministry for their love and support. We thank those of you who have been praying for us. We greatly appreciate your prayers during this time of transition to “Meyers, party of three.”

GLOBALMaking Disciples in Guatemala by Dave Kella

Several years ago Trey Gardner, one of our Fellowship Elders, had an idea. Trey had gone to China on a teaching trip focused on training Chinese home church pastors and leaders in Jesus’ strategy to “make disciples.” Although it was a great trip, Trey wanted to find a way to invest in a country that was closer to the United States; a country where he could travel several times a year in teaching the why, what, and how of discipleship, the way Jesus modeled it with His disciples.

Having spent time with Daniel Bran, the founder of Fellowship Guatemala, while Daniel was in Little Rock for a year as a Fellowship Associates resident, Trey called and asked if this type of teaching would be valuable in Guatemala. Daniel said yes, but he warned Trey that if this teaching was as promising as it sounded, that the Guatemalans would actually go do it! And from there a discipleship partnership was born.

Since the summer of 2011, Trey has led six teaching teams to Guatemala. Because the focus of the discipleship teaching is to enable the teachers to reteach the lessons, Trey has seen the promise of multiplication come to life. Students have left the training, formed discipleship groups, and begun to reteach the lessons in churches, missional communities, and small groups. They move from their seats to the streets fast!

Seeing God in action led Daniel to rethink his church-planting program that had planted 10 churches over four years. In 2013 Daniel invested in training 19 missional community leaders and 22 pastors in discipleship and missional community leadership practices, and on March 8, 2014 they graduated and were launched into missional community and pastoral leadership. Over 60 replicating missional communities have already been established across Guatemala.