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NOVEMBER 2014 GOD STORY THIS MONTH AT FELLOWSHIP MISSIONS SPOTLIGHT BIBLE CHURCH fellowship MAKING DISCIPLES WHO LIVE BY GOD’S GRACE & FOR HIS GLORY AT HOME & ACROSS THE WORLD

This Month, November 2014

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Page 1: This Month, November 2014

N OVEMBER2 0 1 4

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

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

FELLOWSHIP NEXTOur next class meets Sunday, Dec 7, 10:45-12:30 pm in the Station and 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 Please join us for a time of light refreshments and conversation as we get to know one another and answer any questions you may have. Child care is provided.

D GROUPSThe key strategy we use for being and making disciples is our small groups, which we call D Groups (short-hand for Discipleship Groups). We have three types of D Groups: Core Groups, Connect Groups, and Care Groups. Visit fellowshiponline.com/dgroups or stop by the Connection Center to get information about these groups.

BAPTISM Baptisms are some of our favorite events at Fellowship because we get to acknowledge public decisions to follow Christ. If you’re interested in taking this important step, email [email protected]. The next class is Nov 2, 11 am in the Station. The next Baptism Celebration is Nov 30.

STAY ENGAGED

In addition to our weekly bulletin and monthly calendar, you’ll find the latest information at fellowshiponline.com or on our MyFellowship app available for Apple, Android and Windows devices.

Join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get regular updates on all the happenings here at Fellowship.

FellowshipLR

FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH 1401 Kirk Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72223

fellowshiponline.com 501.224.7171

LAYING DOWN OUR ISAAC BY KENT AND RACHEL BOLING

In 2004, our journey began; one of new beginnings and surrender to God’s bigger story. While we would like to say it has been an easy path, our journey has been a mixture of dark seasons and seasons of bounty as we see God’s provision beyond what we expected.

In the summer of 2004, our paths reconnected during a time when Rachel had two unexpected female health surgeries. When we married in 2006, we wanted children and knew the path might be long due to Rachel’s health issues. Our hearts were moved towards adoption even before we married but we felt confirmation to pursue fertility treatment before starting the adoption process. After six years of infertility treatments and no pregnancy, we felt led to end our treatments for good. We always hoped to have a biological child so at the end of our infertility journey it felt like we “laid down our Isaac” by surrendering our desire to give birth to a child.

While searching for adoption resources we found ourselves drawn to Bethany Christian Services. We finished our adoption approval process in early 2014 and read stories of available babies, expressed interest, prayed and waited. We remained hopeful even as we were not initially chosen. Late this summer we learned a little boy would be born in the fall and we expressed interest, waited, prayed and were eventually chosen. Was it true that when we “laid down our Isaac” and surrendered our desire for a son that God was in return giving us a son? Even though it’s not what we had planned, we were constantly reminded and beyond thankful for how God’s plans are better than our own and how He weaves lives together like a beautiful tapestry. Two of our favorite verses to lean on during our journey were I Samuel 1:27 and Psalm 113:9.

At every juncture over the past ten years we felt God’s presence, His peace, and His guiding hand in the midst of the dark valleys and now in the bounty of our son, Jonathan “Hilt” Boling.

WELCOMEGOD STORY

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THIS MONTH AT FELLOWSHIP

ADULT DISCIPLESHIPIF: Gathering A fresh, deep, honest space for women to ask the essential question: IF God is real...THEN what? This two-day event brings women together to wrestle with how to live out the calling God has placed on our lives. We’re excited to bring the IF: Gathering experience to Little Rock, offering our own live worship and other personal touches while experiencing teaching with others doing IF around the globe. For info and to register visit fellowshiponline.com/events. Feb 6-7, 2015 in the Worship Center

501 Second Thursday Second Thursdays are when the entire community of 501 gathers together to celebrate what God is doing through our D Groups and to send one another on our mission to make disciples. Not in a 501 D Group yet? 2nd Thursdays are a great place to take the first step to connect. Thurs., Nov 13, 7-8:30 pm in the Warehouse

501 Potluck A 501 tradition: everyone brings a dish, and everyone eats well. It’s a night to connect (even for the first time), celebrate God’s goodness, and consider how great God’s grace is towards us. Go to the 501 Facebook group, Fellowship501, for details and dish sign-ups or email Jessie at [email protected]. Thurs., Nov 20, 7-8:30 pm in the Warehouse

Core Looking to go deeper in your faith? Get connected to a Core Group. These groups are small and gender specific working through a defined framework of curriculum, practices, and experiences to grow in spiritual maturity. If you are interested in leading or being in a Men’s Core Group email [email protected], for a Women’s Core Group email [email protected].

ReNew is a worship, teaching and discipleship group ministry where we are encountering God’s grace in our need. Newcomers are welcome weekly. To learn more or sign up for our studies, groups and child care please visit the Connection Center or fellowshiponline.com Tuesdays in the Warehouse, 6:30 pm–Worship and Teaching; 7:15-8:30 pm–Groups. Groups include:

Marriage Groups Discipleship in the context of marriage. Encounter the transforming power of God’s grace in our everyday marital needs through discussion groups and studies.

Personal Groups Struggle with self-righteousness? Pornography? Pride? Alcoholism? Encounter the transforming power of God’s grace in your everyday need.

Support Groups After the Locusts This group is for women who

have experienced a husband’s betrayal by persistent use of pornography or marital infidelity.

CancerEMS For those suffering or care-giving in the midst of catastrophic illness.

Foster and Adoptive Families Families waiting, fostering or adopting can sign up for a D Group with other foster and adoptive families. To join a D Group or find out about other events for foster and adoptive families, email [email protected].

SageWorks Becoming a Contagious Christian Join us as we discover our own styles of communicating about Christ and how to direct conversation toward our faith. Sat., Nov 1, 9 am-1 pm in the Warehouse

SageWorks Midweek D Group This daytime D Group meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of each

Highlight Global VillageSundays, November 16 & 23 Come see our Global Village presence in the Fellowship plaza. Orient yourselves and be ready to join the fun, festivities and experiential opportunities offered Wednesday, Nov. 19.

Wednesday, November 19 Celebrate what God is doing around the world! Hear from our mission partners how the Gospel is bearing fruit and changing lives and how God is using Fellowship to impact the world. Come and go as you like from 6-8:30 pm, Chick-fil-A will be available for purchase and enjoy the interactive, cultural experiences that will be provided. Whether as an individual, family or D group, come see and participate in worship led by people of different cultures and languages, a labor camp living condition, hauling water for basic living needs, an interactive prayer station and much, much more! You’ll learn more about our friends from For All Mankind Movement (FAMM) and how we’re partnering to spread the Gospel to many unreached peoples. Don’t miss a great opportunity to be together as the church celebrating God’s heartbeat for the nations and the role He has for us to play in His kingdom.

Compassion Kit Parties Sunday, Nov 2, after both services; Wednesday, Nov 5, 5:30-8 pm (in the Plaza)

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month for those who cannot meet at night. It includes praise, prayer, Bible study and sharing a meal together. Call Donna at 224-7171 for info. Nov 12, 11 am–1 pm in the Station (no meeting Nov 26)

FAMILY DISCIPLESHIPFellowship Kids (FSK) FSK invites all children (infants - 6th grade) to join us for either service, 9 or 11 am, to experience what it means to become a disciple who lives by God’s grace at home and across the world.

Fifty6 Fifty6 is learning all about what it means to have an attitude of gratitude. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. We want preteens to think about how they can be thankful in all things because they have found joy and hope in Jesus Christ.

Preschool Story Time Fellowship Kids invites you and your preschooler to sing and dance to worship songs, listen to a Bible story and you can even bring a picnic lunch and play on the playground with other families! Mondays at 10 am in the FSK Clubhouse

Fellowship Student Ministries FSM is the Junior High and Senior High ministry at Fellowship that includes weekly small groups and mid week Echo. FSM small groups will not meet Sunday Nov 30

FSM Echo Junior High (7-8th grade) and Senior High (9-12th grade) ministry takes place Wednesday. Enjoy some hang–out time, praise and worship, and a time to hear Biblical teaching from our pastors. Wednesdays, Jr High 5:30-7 pm, Sr High 7:30-9 pm Echo will not meet Nov 19 due to Global Village and Nov 27 for Thanksgiving

MISSIONSCitywide Evening of Prayer Unite with other believers among Central Arkansas for the quarterly Evening of Prayer hosted at St. Mark Baptist Church, Thursday, Nov 20, 7 pm, St. Mark Baptist Church, 5722 W 12th St, Little Rock

Hidden Creek Celebration Luncheon Hidden Creek is a transition home for men and women coming out of minimal security facilities. Bring a dish to share and celebrate this ministry at our celebration luncheon. Contact Jennifer Hawthorne at [email protected] for more info. Sun., Nov 16, 12:45-2 pm, Hidden Creek

Hidden Creek Service Opportunities If your D Group is looking for a place to serve, we can help! Sign up to bring a meal one night a month; you can cook at Hidden Creek in our commercial kitchen, or bring in food already cooked. We are also looking for men and women to live at Hidden Creek and serve as Resident Assistants. For info or for other ways to serve at Hidden Creek contact Jennifer at [email protected].

Let’s Chat, International Student Ministry For six weeks we’ll study the character of God with our international friends. Let’s Chat gives students a chance to practice English and develop relationships with Americans. Lunch will be provided. Save the date for our International Christmas Party, Dec 5 at Grace Church. For info, email Duncan at [email protected]. Saturdays, Nov 1 - Dec 6, 12-3 pm

Passport to Success This cross-cultural family ministry connects families in our church with families in the Franklin Elementary School neighborhood. Volunteers are needed to serve with our after-school program, Mon.–Thurs., 3-5 pm and van drivers 2:45-3:15 pm. Get the whole family involved and connect with families in the Midtown Area once a month. For more info, email Danita at [email protected]. Starts Oct 6, Tyler Street Opportunity Center

ELS Classes If you’re looking for individual discipleship with students, consider becoming an English coach at our ESL classes. For info, contact Hector Felix, [email protected]. Mondays,6:30-8 pm, Tyler Street Opportunity Center

Community of Grace Health Center COGHC provides holistic ministry to our South Midtown neighbors at the Tyler Street Opportunity Center. Our medical clinics provide both physical and spiritual nurturing with women’s clinics and general medical clinics. For info on how you or your small group can get involved, email Pam at [email protected].

Thrive Mom Breakfast All adoptive and foster moms are invited to join us for a light breakfast of coffee and muffins as we look at Created to Connect by Dr. Karyn Purvis, a Christian guide to the connected child. To register for child care, visit fellowshiponline.com/events. Thursday, Nov 6, 9-11 am, FSK Worship Room

Thrive! Men We are going to the Little Rock Climbing Center with the guys of Second Chance Ranch and want you to join us! For more info on how you can volunteer, email [email protected] or call Jessica at 501-224-7171. Sun., Nov 16, 4-6 pm

If you are interested in signing up for an orphan care event or to receive the monthly Thrive newsletter, email [email protected].

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WORSHIPNight of Prayer Join us for a night of worship and prayer. Together, we’ll seek God’s direction for our church and lives. Child care is available through registration; email [email protected]. Monday, Nov 3, 6:30-7:45 pm in the Warehouse

Christmas Eve Services Glory in the highest! Come celebrate the birth of our savior! Special Christmas services will be held on our Little Rock campus the afternoon of Christmas Eve. 3 pm Services: Worship Center, Warehouse, Chapel 4:30 pm Services: Worship Center, Warehouse, Chapel 6 pm Services: Worship Center, Warehouse

RESOURCESCross Reference Bookstore Sale The month of December all Bibles, books, cards and sermon series sets will be 20% off!

THIS MONTH AT FELLOWSHIP

Miss a sermon? Watch at fellowshiponline.com

CURRENT SERIES

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MISSIONS: AT HOME & ACROSS THE WORLD

LOCAL By Robin Woodruff

It all started with a text message: Mrs. Robin, I’ve realized I really need a mentor. Someone I can meet with on a weekly basis and just talk about life, get wisdom, pray together, etc. Would you or anyone you know at Fellowship want to do that with me? The message was from the daughter of long time family friends, Haleigh.

After several attempts, I couldn’t find the mentor I thought she needed. Fellowship Women pastor, Kathryn Maack asked why I wouldn’t mentor her myself. Of course I would love to, but I thought she needed someone younger. Kathryn answered, “seems to me God brought her to your door step.” I was so excited when I realized this could actually be part of God’s plan for me!

With a little anxiety, it was my turn to send a text ... Would you be interested in joining me whenever you can for my Embracing Purpose study at the women’s prison in Pine Bluff? I thought it might be awhile before she responded. I was wrong. Thirty seconds later I received her response, Wow! I would love to! What time?

During those 12 weeks God did amazing things. He allowed her to be mentored for two hours every Thursday evening by three older women as we carpooled to and from the women’s ACC unit in Pine Bluff. He allowed her to discuss the lessons and pray with eight other Godly women in our leaders’ meetings. He used Embracing Purpose to help her discern a major next step in her life, moving away from Arkansas. He blessed a group of seven residents in the ACC with the innocent but deep faith of a young woman seeking to know Him and His will for her life. He exposed her to the pain and preciousness of broken lives in a fallen world as they embraced the purposes a gracious God has for their futures.

My blessing was the deep joy He brought to my heart as I thoroughly enjoyed walking in one of those “good works set out ahead of time for me” as described in Ephesians 2:10. Haleigh is continuing to initiate with people by mentoring and doing life with a group of younger women from her new church in Nashville, Tenn.

GLOBAL By Matt Perry

Compassion Kits—A loving gift with a compelling message!

I recently traveled to Punjab, India as part of a short-term mission that partnered with The For All Mankind Movement (FAMM). While there, we conducted Compassion Kit parties as part of a strategic initiative to touch the heart of Punjab. By God’s grace, the results of this mission were staggering as thousands of locals gave their lives to Christ.

At first glance Compassion Kits may appear quite unassuming to most people, an empty box to put donated items in. But I want to show you the impact of Compassion Kits having now experienced them at work.

I see clay in the Potter’s hands; each empty box ripe with potential, ready to be sent out to achieve its purpose of displaying how glorious our God is! I see a warm embrace; a chance to lovingly pray over each recipient. I see a helping hand; a gift given that meets real physical needs in a person’s life.

I see a rest stop; a chance to pull our family aside from the daily hustle and take time to focus on others. I see an invitation; an opportunity for each of us to personally respond to the Father and say, “yes” to being a part of His mission in whatever capacity He calls us to.

And last but certainly not least, I see Jesus. Matthew 9:36 says, When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus saw the lost and the needy and He felt compassion, a gut-wrenching pain that compelled Him to do something!

It is my prayer that as the Church, we will feel that same compassion that Jesus felt for the lost and that it will move us to action! This month as part of Global Village, our church will be assembling 5000 compassion kits to benefit the nation of Nepal. Will you join me in taking this opportunity to give a loving gift with a compelling message, one that will allow a great multitude of unreached people a chance to hear, to understand and be obedient to the truth of the Gospel?