en http://www.cocfb.org © Copyright 2000 - 2008Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28&article_id=73 The following report is from Gentry & Elizabeth Morris regarding the work in Belfast.Hello everyone, Liz and I are excited to be back here again with our families and friends here in the states. We were originally supposed to fly in on Monday the 12th of May which would have been the day after Mother's Day. We found out that we were able to switch our flights though and flew back on Saturday the 10th of May, and surprised both of our mother's. It was great to be able to be with our families on Mother's Day and there is a video of my mom's reaction to our early arrival that I suspect will be online soon...haha. We are looking forward to spending time with our families and Liz's parents are taking us to Disney World in June...we are very excited about that! April: We had a great couple of months in April and May over in Belfast and the relationship between Liz and I and the kids in the group is becoming stronger and stronger. As happy as we are to be back here in the states we feel a pang of regret and longing to be back in Belfast with our church family and the kids we work with everyday. Some of the highlights in April were the "BBQ on the Beach", the free concert at the Odyssey and more great times on our Tuesday night devotionals. The BBQ was a lot of fun even though most of us there were freezing and we really only roasted marshmallows over a disposable BBQ pit. It was really way too cold to do much more than huddle around the fire and try to stay warm. I was really proud of a couple of the kids who noticed another teenager who wasn't part of our group and invited him to join us which he did...and then called us all "nutters" (crazies) for being having a BBQ in that weather...but we all had a good laugh and ended the night at Daniel Seawright's house where we just sat around and laughed and talked for several hours. We also went to see a free concert at The Odyssey Arena in Belfast. Because it was free thousands of people turned up and on our way in we noticed a line of people that was moving faster than the rest of us. We decided that we wanted to be a part of that line and so we followed them into the building, up some stairs, into the movie theatre and there we found that the arena had filled and they were broadcasting the concert over the cinema screens. We were a little let down but I think realized that sitting down in a nice comfy cinema chair and snacking on popcorn was a distinct advantage over the masses pushing their way into a crowded arena. Again...a great time had by all! May : In May we had our first ever Youth Weekend at the Westway church building. We spent months planning this weekend with the youth group and with the parents and we sent out invitations to churches in England, Scotland, Wales, the Republic of Ireland and to the other churches in Northern Ireland. In the weeks and days leading up to the weekend I was very apprehensive as to how it would go. This was the first time I had ever tried to organize anything like this and I had gotten very little feedback from the other churches we had invited. But, a few days before I heard from several of the churches and we had a great turnout for a Nothern Ireland Youth Weekend. We had 25 in attendance, including several from the Republic of Ireland, Wales, and even one from South Africa ( he just happened to be in the country). The theme for our Youth Weekend was "The Reciepe of Life" and we focused on the ingredients that make up a successful life in Christ, the time that it takes for things to come into fruition, and we ended with a lesson on the delicious and fulfilling life that we can all have in Christ. On the Saturday we took everyone down to Crawfordsburn Country Park and we spent a beautiful afternoon outside in God's creatio playing games and having a picnic lunch. After that we took the kids into Belfast city centre and split them up into teams and we had a video scavenger hunt. The plan was to compile all the video footage from the hunt and make a video for everyone to watch. Unfortunately while I was doing this we suffered the only real tradgedy of the youth weekend. Young Gabriel Seawright, while playing a vigorous game of "Wizards, Elves, and Giants" (which apparently is like paper, rock, scissors and red rover all rolled into one) fell and landed on a piece of broken glass that was hiding in the grass. It cut his knee pretty badly and we had to spend a couple of hours in the hospital getting his knee stitched up. He was a real trooper about it though and was more worried about not being able to go back to the youth weekend than the wound on his knee. He did return that night and was back to normal in no time. Over all the youth weekend was a huge success and the kids are anxious to have another one as soon as possible! Prayer Requests : As for the prayer request that I had for you all the last time. The young girl who was struggling with her faith seems to be doing some better. She still has her issues but we are talking with her and trying to help her find the answers she is looking for. Johnny is doing well and I spoke to him yesterday online. He had said at one point that he was thinking of getting baptized at camp this year. I hate to see him wait but at least he is thinking about it. Pray that he will make that commitment to Christ soon! Amanda, the young lady who has been coming to our worship is still coming from time to time. She likes the idea of the church and of God but is still trying to make it the priority. Jack Shanks finally had his final hip operation and he came through it with flying colors so praise God for that! Clark McIlroy's mother was baptized a couple of days before we returned here which is amazing news and more reason to rejoice! She is battling with cancer though so please keep her in your personal prayers as well. Liz and I have sent off our visa applications and are waiting now to see when we will get them. Please pray that everything goes smoothly with this process and that it is quick so that we can return to our work in the UK as planned. Thank you all again for your continued support. The work is growing and we are excited to be back there again in June. Today is Liz's birthday so if any of you would like to send her a Happy Birthday note I know she would appreciate it. Her email address is lizabethvc@hotmail.com . God Bless you all! Gentry Wed, 28 May 2008 07:39:24 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=31 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=31&article_id=59 What is worship ... really? Hands stretched toward heaven, eyes tightly closed, words of praise sung over and over again? Does it have a certain order, and must it be done in silence? Is this a true image of worship, or does Scripture paint an altogether different picture? In this contemporary age of worship, there is great debate and misconception surrounding "worship." Still one thing holds true, as human beings we are wired for worship. Whether it is career and finances or relationships and family, we will instinctively worship something. Join us as we dive into this important subject, using a resource developed by Ed Young, and discover what it means to truly worship God in your life. Mon, 19 May 2008 11:59:10 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30&article_id=60 One of the haunting realities for Jesus' followers is their struggle with a continued attraction to sin, even after they've been born again. And, while some give in to it, others rush to the opposite extreme of creating a bunch of rules--do's and don'ts--meant to rule over everything they think about and do, thereby keeping them from doing the wrong thing. It's either libertinism or legalism. But, the apostle Paul felt there was another way to approach this struggle. His idea was to "live by Spirit." Join us in this study of Galatians, called "Free Spirit", and learn what it means to do just that--live by the Spirit. You'll find, that when you learn to live this way, you'll stop just giving into sin, and you'll stop thinking you need a set of rules to keep from sinning. Instead, you'll find the Spirit transforming you into a person whose life is characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. And, that's a life worth living. Mon, 19 May 2008 11:58:42 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30&article_id=52 This study of the book of John will examine this unique gospel. It's unique because it's less about what Jesus did than what he said. In John's gospel, we have our best opportunity to really hear Jesus and understand who he was and what his good news meant for us. Join Phil Mayberry in this study. Mon, 19 May 2008 11:57:42 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30&article_id=70 Our beliefs and behaviors often serve as outward indicators of our inward spiritual condition. Through this study, develped by Larry Burkett and Kay Moore, participants will determine where they are with respect to the Bible's teachings on personal financial management and learn how to align their attitudes and beliefs with God's standards, giving new meaning and purpose to life. The teacher for this class is Mel Beckham. Mon, 19 May 2008 11:57:07 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28&article_id=37 Two years ago, the church began supporting Steve DeLoach, mission coordinator to Guyana, and this year, we sent four disciples from the church to that country to participate in a week-long, medical missions and gospel meeting campaign. Tom Kessel, Dave Russell, Sam Wiegmann, and Alan Wilson had the special opportunity to serve in this unique country, where the primary language is English. When asked why they chose to go to Guyana, Sam Wiegmann said she went because she had gone in 2006 and was touched by the people there, who were so appreciative for everything the group did for them. Alan Wilson, who also went in 2006, had been looking to God for an opportunity to serve once they moved to Fernandina Beach. Preparation for their trip involved a lot of prayer and study of the Bible. "It is important to be confident in your faith because you can not teach someone if you do not believe yourself," Alan said. Sam said she prayed for everything - the funds to get there, and that her mind and heart would be open to whatever God would have her to do. Alan found the 2007 trip to be similar to the 2006 trip in that there weren't a lot of surprises. They knew what to expect. For Sam's part, she found the 2007 trip to be different than the 2006 trip because a lot more people were baptized in 2007. Everyone who went commented on the gratitude of those they were able to help. Sam found the most rewarding part to be "watching faces light up when they put their reading glasses on and could read again". "Knowing that we made a difference (physical and spiritual) is rewarding", Alan said. The people of Guyana are grateful people - for their physical and spiritual blessings. Alan found, "Even though the people do not have many physical blessings, they are very happy and pass their joy on to others. They do not focus on what they do not have (material things) but rather on what they have....salvation." Feel free to find out more about this mission work at www.guyana-missions.org. Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:36:56 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30&article_id=40 While we have Bible classes at 9:30am designed for all ages of children, we also have a number of choices available for your children during the worship service: Ages 0-3: Before the worship service begins or anytime during the service, feel free to take your child to the Nursery. The Nursery is monitored by one adult and one teen volunteer. This is a time of play for your child, which will allow you to focus on what is happening in the worship service.Ages 4-6: We also offer Children's Church. During this special time, your child will experience singing and learning a Bible lesson in a way they can understand, participate in, and enjoy. The balance of the time is spent in play. If you would like your child to participate in this program, please drop them off before services begin.Ages 7-12: The R.O.C.K. is a discipleship training service available during the Sunday morning message and follows an established curriculum. The purpose of this service is to grow children's faith and prepare them to participate in the regular Sunday service. If you would like your child to participate in this program, please allow them to be dismissed during the song before the sermon. The R.O.C.K. meets on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sundays. We would love for your child to participate in any of these programs. Fri, 15 Feb 2008 09:31:36 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=28&article_id=69 We're pleased to support Gentry & Elizabeth Morris in their efforts to serve the youth of the Westway Church of Christ and local community in Belfast, North Ireland. The Morris' moved there in 2007 to work in this mission field for several two main reasons. First, at very young ages, Belfast kids start drinking alcohol, become involved in drugs and crime, and get "too old for church". And, secondly, the church there is an older one, and there was no one younger than the parents to work with young people. So, Gentry & Elizabeth wanted to dedicate their time to these young people. They wanted to be the people these kids could look to for assurance and support. They hoped to get them involved in church and learning and growing in Christ. They wanted to show them how much God loves them and cares for them. The Morris' will be helping to facilitate the following plans: supplementing and assisting in teaching the Sunday school classes for youth; arranging youth weekends with other churches; hosting youth events in their home; assisting with an annual Holiday Bible School; assisting with Camp Shamrock; arranging home Bible studies with the youth and mentoring them; becoming involved in the local community; connecting the youth of the church with the older members in providing benevolence; and teaching singing classes for the youth with the aim of singing in hospitals and nursing homes. You can learn more about this mission, and even contact Gentry & Elizabeth, at the following link: www.westwayyouth.com. Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:54:30 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32&article_id=67 Michelle Arseneau (pictured here to the right of a fellow Life Group attender) wrote this about her experience in Life Groups: I feel as though I do not have the proper words to convey...the importance and the need for life groups and participation in them. For me it has been an incredible blessing for the past two years. When I attend church, my thoughts are not always focused on what and why I am there. I know I am not the only one that struggles with this. By going to 'life group' it focuses me, rejuvenates me, and helps me to gain control once again. It has also made me break down a wall of pride that I knew I had but didn't know how much control Satan had over me in this area of my life. By allowing my life group to be my family, my support, and my sounding board, I have been blessed with wonderful prayers and answers to them. God is so GOOD! My prayer for you...give Life Groups a try and watch how the Spirit will move among you and feel the love of Jesus--it is amazing! Sat, 5 Jan 2008 12:25:40 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=31 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=31&article_id=47 Our loving, creative, dedicated, and prepared Bible class teachers would love for your children to join us on Wednesday nights for Bible class. While you are attending our adult Bible class and your faith in God is growing, your child, ages 6 months to 18 years, will be learning exciting stories from the Bible, too, and, their faith will be growing as well. Sun, 4 Nov 2007 12:19:06 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=12 That's our mission, but it doesn't mean you'll find any perfect people in this church. It does mean you'll find people who are passionate about following Jesus Christ and learning to obey everything he modeled and taught. That means anyone is welcome to learn with us. Feel free to come and find out why we're passionate about him. We believe that if you'll stick with it, you will come to share our passion for him, too. Thu, 2 Aug 2007 08:20:18 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33&article_id=55 Fri, 20 Apr 2007 09:30:12 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32&article_id=43 Surface-relationships replaced with meaningful fellowship and friendshipIncreased application and reinforcement of Sunday morning messagesPeople needs met more consistently (benevolence; information; emotional support; visitation; crises)Intergenerational relationships and mentoring fosteredEvery participant expected to grow in ability to minister to othersAn incubator for leadershipEvangelism and service as a team effortAn informal, attractive option for lost people, new membersLocations available throughout NE Florida/SE GeorgiaAll groups follow a common study Mon, 15 May 2006 16:26:45 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32&article_id=39 Are you searching for joyful, grace-filled friendships, a stronger faith, & a practical understanding of how to apply the Bible to your life? Then join one of our Life Groups. Read on to learn more, and contact us for a list of current Life Groups and their meeting information. Mon, 15 May 2006 09:26:45 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32&article_id=44 What options will there be for children?Each group will decide for itself, but options include allowing children to participate in a portion of the meeting times, hiring babysitters, and/or rotating the task of caring for the children among the group members. Our Children's Education Ministry (Wee Care) is willing to provide training and/or curriculum if adult groups want to use time when kids are separated as a teaching time. What options will there be for teens?Each family can decide for themselves, but there is a teen Life Group meeting weekly or groups/families may choose to take their teens with them to their Life Group meetings. What if I miss the Lord's Supper on Sunday morning, and I want to attend a Life Group that meets on Sunday nights?Of course, it will be offered at the building on Sunday night by the group meeting there, but each group meeting in homes also on Sunday nights will be prepared to offer the Lord's Supper there, too. Mon, 15 May 2006 09:25:22 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32&article_id=42 A sermon outline is placed in the Sunday morning bulletin with blanks to be filled-in during the message. Group members are encouraged to fill it out and take it to their group meetings.A listing of all groups (times, locations, leaders, phone numbers, e-mails) is also found in the bulletin, and, each Sunday, visitors are invited to attend a group.Groups meet that Sunday evening or during the week with the following format: a period of welcome with an ice-breaker question, a period of worship, a period of Bible study discussion aimed at applying the Sunday morning lesson to everyday life, and a period of intercessory prayer. Group meetings should last 1 hour to an hour and a half. Mon, 15 May 2006 09:14:48 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=32&article_id=41 A Life Group is an intentional, informal gathering of 5-15 people who meet regularly with the common purpose of growing in Jesus Christ, encouraging one another, and reaching out to lost people.Intentional: You make a decision to join the group of your choice.Informal: Most of the groups meet in homes. There is one exception to this: one of the groups meets at the building on Sunday nights at 6pm.Gathering of 5-15: A small number is more conducive for building trust and sharing. Once a group grows to 12-15 adults, it will multiply into two groups.Meet Regularly: The groups will have a scheduled time that they meet each week, and regular attendance is encouraged. The groups meet 3 times a month.Common Purpose: These groups will meet to discuss and apply the Sunday morning message in a positive environment where spiritual friendships are formed and newcomers are welcome. Plus, these groups will be there for each other when someone in the group faces a life crisis. Mon, 15 May 2006 09:09:32 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2&article_id=29 1. We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God - a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. (II Timothy 3.16; Psalm 119.105) 2. We believe that every person matters to God, our Creator, but every person has disobeyed him, or sinned, and will die because of their sin. (Romans 3.23) 3. We believe that God does not want anyone to perish, so he made forgiveness of sin and the promise of eternal life available to all those who call on the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and arose from the dead. (I Corinthians 15.1-8; John 3.16; II Peter 3.9) 4. We believe that to call on the name of Jesus Christ means to repent of sin, confess faith in Jesus Christ, be baptized into him, and submit to him as master. (Romans 10.9; Acts 2.38) 5. We believe that the Church is the Body of Jesus Christ on earth, is empowered by the Holy Spirit, and exists to evangelize the lost and edify the saved. (Ephesians 4.1-6) 6. We believe that Heaven and Hell exist, that God will judge all people one day, and that heaven should determine our priorities. (Matthew 26.31-46; I Thessalonians 4.13-18; I Peter 4.7-11; Philippians 3.14) Sat, 25 Feb 2006 11:51:53 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2&article_id=30 1. Scriptural: We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God that teaches us how to follow Jesus, and therefore we use it to constantly affirm God's direction for our lives and the church as we navigate through changing cultures and all of life's challenges. (II Timothy 3:16-4:2)2. Loving: We believe unconditional love was ultimately manifested in the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, and therefore we are called to follow his example as we relate to fellow disciples and lost people. (John 13:34-35)3. Responsible: We believe Jesus taught his followers to be good stewards for his kingdom, and therefore we strategically utilize and follow through with the best possible efforts and resources to pursue our mission. (Acts 6:1-7)4. Prayerful: We believe Jesus taught his followers to submit themselves to God and rely upon him rather than themselves, and therefore we thank and petition God in the conception, planning, and execution of all ministries and activities of the church. (Acts 4:23-31)5. Passionate: We believe that lost people matter to God, and therefore ought to matter to the church. (Luke 5:30-32; 15; Matthew 18:14) Mon, 9 Jan 2006 20:07:57 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2&article_id=11 1. We will be a highly effective evangelistic church, bringing at least one lost soul to Christ for every twenty members annually. (Acts 2.41; 4.4)2. We will develop and equip disciples to convert lost people to Jesus Christ within their sphere of influence. (Acts 3.9-11; 8.4)3. Our goal-oriented, results-driven ministries will be led by servant-leaders who proactively involve and develop other disciples and their talents, in serving the church and community. (Acts 20.17-35)4. Along with glorifying God and building disciples' faith, our worship services will create an encouraging, accepting atmosphere for disciples to introduce their friends and neighbors to Christ (Acts 2.42,47)5. We will use small groups as a vehicle for building and nurturing close relationships between disciples so that needs are met, disciples grow stronger and stay faithful, and evangelism becomes a team effort. (Acts 2.46-47; 18.26)6. Along with serving the elderly, widowed, poor and orphaned within the church, we will address some physical, emotional and life-skill needs of the community with Christian counseling, support groups, seminars, and networking with community agencies. (Acts 2.44-45; 4.32-35; 11.29-30)7. Our ministries for children and youth will help young people develop a life-long personal relationship with God, his Son and the Holy Spirit through a network of caring adults, Scriptural teaching, community service, and strong fellowship. (Acts 12.25; 16.3)8. Throughout this region, we will plant new churches and be a supportive resource of existing churches. (Acts 8.4; 11.19; 13.1-3; 16.1-5) Mon, 9 Jan 2006 20:07:57 MST