en http://www.cocfb.org © Copyright 2000 - 2010Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. 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=102 Stephen Covey, in The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People, told the following story: Suppose you observed someone in the woods feverishly sawing down a tree. "What are you doing?" you ask. "Can't you see?" comes the reply. "I'm sawing down this tree." "You look exhausted!" you exclaim. "How long have you been at it?" "Over five hours," he returns, "and I'm beat! This is hard work." "Well, why don't you take a break and sharpen the saw?" you inquire. "I'm sure it would go a lot faster." "I don't have time to sharpen the saw," the man says emphatically. "I'm too busy sawing!" Now, that story captures what we're like when prayer isn't our habit. We're hectic, but exhausted. Join us to study, discuss, and put into practice the nourishing habit of prayer, using Philip Yancey's book Prayer, because as Bill Hybles entitled his book, we're "too busy not to pray." Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:01:43 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=77 20's Jesus On Money Conference Room-Mel Beckham 30's & 40's Managing Our Finances God's Way Fellowship Hall-Cameron John 50's + Money And The Christian Auditorium-Phil Mayberry Fri, 27 Aug 2010 06:59:54 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 25.31-46; I Thessalonians 4.13-18; I Peter 4.7-11; Philippians 3.14) Thu, 26 Aug 2010 06:52:34 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=73 The following report is from Gentry & Elizabeth Morris regarding the work in Belfast. Hello all! It's been a while since my last email and that is because things have been SO busy for the last few months. The summer is coming to a close here and things are starting to go back to normal. But this summer has been another amazing one! We kind of wrapped up our normally scheduled youth activities at the end of June so that we could prepare for the Vacation Bible School (or Holiday Bible School as they are called over here) that was to begin in July. We spent one Saturday afternoon distributing flyers in the community to advertize the VBS. We had a few of the youth turn up and together they distributed about 1000 flyers to the homes in the community. We had another great group over to run the VBS this year. Liz and I organized accommodation for them in the homes of members of the Westway congregation and were able to host one of the members in our home as well. Liz planned lunches for the whole week and with the help of a couple of the ladies in the church was able to provide meals for about 13 people for the full week. We were also the transportation for the full week and made sure that the workers were where they needed to be as well as showing them some of the sights in the area. The VBS team did a great job and the VBS went down great with the kids from the community. Our numbers were down a little bit this year because several of the youth that had been coming for the last few years were too old to come this year. But, the upside to this was that we were able to get some of these older youth to come along and help out with crafts, skits, and song leading. They did an excellent job and it was great to see the older youth serving in this ministry. Sometimes it is hard to see the fruit of these outreaches. But since the VBS, there has been one family, whose daughters came to VBS, that have started attending worship services with us. This is very encouraging and proves just how God can work in peoples lives. So, an enourmous thanks to Dr. Gary Hall and all the workers that came over and helped out this year and made another amazing VBS! Midway through the VBS week my sister Anna arrived. She was over to help out with Camp Shamrock which started immediately after the VBS. In fact, we dropped off the workers at the airport on Saturday morning and then headed down to camp for setup. We spent Saturday afternoon setting up tents, washing ground sheets, unloading supplies, and all of this was done in the rain. Boys week of camp started on Monday and lasted for 10 days. We had another great year at camp and many of our older boys from Westway were tent leaders this year. Dan and Alex, the two young men who were baptized at camp last year, were Jr. Camp Directors and took the responsibility very seriously. They met with the other directors before camp started with ideas and suggestions for how to make camp more effective. I was in charge of the Bible classes at camp this year and developed a curriculum for the older and younger classes based on the theme "God's Olympics". The classes went well and were used for both boys and girls week. Liz and my sister, Anna, worked as cooks at boys camp and once again the food at camp made sleeping in a tent for 10 days seem much more appealing. At girls camp Liz and Anna were tent leaders, helped with classes, and Liz was in charge of crafts this year. Liz said that this was definitely her best year of girls camp yet. Both camps went well and were highlighted by the baptism of two more young souls! The high point of Boys Camp this year was the baptism of Rory Powers. Rory is 18 and lives in Portstewart. This is about an 1.5 hours from Belfast. He has been coming to camp for years and is friends with several of the boys in our youth group. Rory has grown up in a Quaker family and this year he told me that watching his friends Dan and Alex get baptized last year made him start thinking about it. He decided it was time to give his life to Jesus and made the decision to get baptized at camp this year on his birthday. We all celebrated his birth and re-birthday on the last night of camp! At girls camp this year, Haley Carmont decided to obey the gospel. Haley is the daughter of Carol and Nigel Carmont and they are members of the Westway congregation. Haley has been a part of our youth group for three years now and we have watched her grow and mature over the years. She is 15 years old and we are all so proud of her commitment to Christ! I say it all the time but we are truly grateful for your commitment to supporting the work of Christ here in Belfast and Northern Ireland. Seeds are being planted, fruit is growing, and souls are being saved. Things are getting a bit restless here at the minute and the political climate seems to be becoming more and more unstable. There have been quite a few bombings over the last few months including one last week that injured 3 children in Lurgan. There were riots in Belfast for several nights at the beginning of July...some just around the corner from the church building. Police have said that a large number of the rioters were children around the ages of 12-14. Please keep this country and its leaders in your prayers. Please pray for the youth of Northern Ireland that they will hear the truth of God's love and turn to Him. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Liz and I are starting to plan our annual trip home in November and would love to come and visit with you and share some stories and photos of the work that is being done here in Ireland. God Bless! Grace and Peace, Gentry Morris Wed, 18 Aug 2010 09:13:34 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=119 Powered by website analytics technology. Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:25:58 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=116 Sure, good things happen, sometimes beautiful things. But tragic things too. What does it mean? We find ourselves in the middle of a story that's sometimes wonderful, sometimes awful, usually a confusing mixture of both, and we haven't a clue how to make sense of it all. No wonder we keep losing heart. We need to know the rest of the story. For when we were born, we were born into the midst of a great story begun before the dawn of time. A story of adventure, of risk and loss, heroism . . . and betrayal. A story where good is warring against evil, danger lurks around every corner, and glorious deeds wait to be done. There is a larger story. It's God's story, and knowing it gives us an advantaged perspective on life. Come study and discuss God's story with us, based on John Eldredge's book Epic, and discover that you have a crucial role to play. Thu, 8 Jul 2010 12:30:54 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. Sat, 19 Jun 2010 21:16:53 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=100 FBCC supports the Mount Dora Chrisitan Home and Bible School. Their Mission"I knew there was a future, I just didn't know how to get there," shares an alumni of Mount Dora Children's Home. That is the mission of Mount Dora Children's Home...to help every child discover their future for life and eternity. How? We provide a home of healing that is safe and nurturing; a loving environment of encouragement and support where every child and family can discover their value and develop their giftedness. Believing that each child is a gift from God, we prepare children for life and eternity, inspire them to follow Jesus, to become life-long learners and to serve generously. Imagine a world where children have an opportunity to succeed, a chance to realize their dreams and a hope for eternity. Welcome to their world!! Services provided:PreK-12th grade Christian SchoolResidential CareAdoptionsFoster CareCounseling Sat, 5 Jun 2010 18:06:19 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=101 The Adventures in Missions program is a chance to make a difference in the world. As part of the Sunset International Bible Institute in Lubbock, TX, AIM is an apprentice missions program for college-age young people. The Adventures in Missions program is a focused effort by and for Christian young men and women to work together to strengthen the church and bring the lost to Christ. AIM begins with the Bible, the one book that explains to us how to be different. We not only study God's word but we also learn how to teach its good news to others. In the end, AIM students are apprentice missionaries learning, growing and serving on mission fields around the world. AIM is a minimum two year commitment to study and grow and then to go teach and serve. Those who have taken the challenge of being AIM students have seen God transform their lives for him. Often times AIM students return from the mission field with a renewed sense of purpose and understanding of how they fit within the story of God's salvation for humanity. Thus, an AIM experience can be "life changing." AIM is divided into three levels of learning: 1. Bible Training The first eight months of AIM are spent in Lubbock, Texas studying God's Word and training for the field experience. Various classes are taught by the Sunset International Bible Institute instructors and the AIM staff. The first priority in the AIM education is the enrichment of each student's personal walk with Christ. "Spiritual Growth and Nurturing" is an example of a class that focuses on this objective. Some classes, like "Life of Christ," "Romans" and "Christian Evidences," are aimed at increasing personal knowledge and appreciation for God's plan. Other courses, such as "Mission Evangelism," are designed specifically to help the students share what they have learned with others. There is also a group of classes especially designed to help an apprentice missionary to understand other cultures, beliefs and people. Throughout it all, you will be involved in personal mentoring relationships with others who have "AIMed" before you. We know that making a difference in people's lives takes much more than just knowing a lot of facts. So we are involved in campus ministry, small group Bible studies, volunteer work within the community and much more. We believe that a mission field is not just determined by location, but by the needs of the lost. That is why we want to learn to serve right here in Lubbock. More Details About The Bible Training Curriculum 2. Mission Training and Team Building Another component of AIMer preparation that takes place in Lubbock is tha t of mission training. During this time, teams are developed, ministry is learned, and service is practiced as a way to help the AIM students to prepare for the mission field. Often times, the process of forming AIM teams can be a difficult one as AIM leadership seeks to understand exactly how teams fit and work best together. Still, once teams have been formed, the AIM students are given useful tools to assist them in maintaining healthy teams. Likewise, the AIM students undertake a series of team dynamics and discussions designed to help strengthen relationships between the team members. Developing strong relationships in Lubbock helps to create stronger relationships on the mission field. Strengthening such bonds only helps to improve the ministry of the AIMers as they leave Lubbock, Texas. More Details About The Team Formation Process 3. Mission Field Experience After eight months in Lubbock those students approved for the field spend a minimum of 14 months on a foreign or domestic mission field (and up to 22 months, depending on each student's choice). Students go in teams which are formed after about the fourth month of their time in Lubbock. While on the field, they work with experienced missionaries of the Lord's church all over the world. These AIM coordinators have AIM students help them to serve the church and to reach the lost. While on the field we reach out to the lost, teach others about Jesus, teach children's classes, organize youth activities, serve the church and proclaim Jesus in our talk and in our walk. UPDATE: Samantha's now in Zambia, Africa, in the field. You can keep up with Team Zambia on their blog by clicking on the following link: http://aimzambia.blogspot.com/. Sat, 5 Jun 2010 18:02:59 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. Sat, 5 Jun 2010 10:58:43 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38&article_id=115 Deep Water is the question-based curriculum that we use to promote personal Bible study and group dialogue about discipleship. It gets its title from the occasion when Jesus was calling his disciples, some of whom were fishermen, and he told them to "put out in deep water, and let down the nets for a catch" (Luke 5:1-11). After a miraculous catch, he then told them, that from then on, they would "catch men." With Deep Water, we're hoping Jesus disciples us to do the same. Here is the syllabus for this curriculum:Part One--Following JesusThe Core Truth of What It Means to Be Jesus' DisciplePart Two--Adopting Jesus' DisciplinesSeeking God's Will Whole-Heartedly (Bible Study)PrayerFellowshipPart Three--Owning Jesus' MessageAbout GodAbout ManAbout SinAbout GraceAbout Redemption & JustificationAbout Repentance & God's KingdomAbout Spiritual AdoptionAbout the Afterlife & The Second ComingPart Four--Obeying Jesus' TeachingsOn Trusting GodOn Keeping in Step with the SpiritOn Resisting EvilOn Marriage & ParentingOn SubmissionOn LoveOn CompassionOn WitnessingOn Making DisciplesOn Loving, Edifying, & Serving Fellow DisciplesOn Faithfully Stewarding Money & PossessionsOn Enduring SufferingOn Determining PrioritiesOn Persevering Sat, 5 Jun 2010 06:13:11 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38&article_id=114 What are life-on-life discipleship groups? It's all about progressing toward spiritual maturity together, or, in other words, it's about becoming mature and equipped followers of Christ, committed to doing the same in the lives of others. This is the model Jesus used with his dsiciples. He spent time with them. He interacted with them in one-on-one situations, in small groups, and out in the field serving together. He took them as they were, with no pre-qualification except that they wanted to follow him. Through life-on-life discipleship you can come as you are wherever you are in your spiritual journey and become what God has designed you to be, with nothing required more than your simple desire to follow Christ. How does it work? Participants pray about and study Scripture weekly on some aspect of discipleship, using a question-driven curriculum called Deep Water, and then meet weekly with a men's or women's group to engage in prayer and dialogue based on their personal Bible study conclusions. Monthly, the groups use one of their group meeting times to practice the spiritual disciples of Bible reading, prayer for lost souls, and voluntary/mutual accountability. Why does this church offer life-on-life discipleship groups? It provides needed encouragment, mutual accountability, and self-control to foster lasting, self-initiating, reproducing spiritual maturity. Suppose we're in college and want to run track, and the coach asks us what our athletic goals are, and we say, "Coach, I don't believe in doing anything half-heartedly--let's go to the Olympics!" The coach would then begin to hurt us--long runs that owuld make our legs burn, running stadium stairs until our legs fall off, muscles cramping from lifting weights. There would be lots of suffering and obnoxious disciplines even when we'd want to give up or take shortcuts, but that's exactly what we'd need because, on our own, we'd never work hard enough to become great athletes. Most of us, especially at first, need someone to push us toward our goals. For most of us, it's our nature to want great things but try to take the path of least resistance to get there, so if we're serious about attaining a certain goal, we need to seek out some person or system that holds us accoutable, keeps us on track, and keeps us going when the going gets tough. Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend, in their book How People Grow, wrote, "...when self-discipline is found wanting [in us], we need other-discipline from outside of us so that we can take it and develop it." This even applies to our spiritual life. Our ultimate goal, if we've bought into God's vision for us, is to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ, yet, perhaps, left on our own, we'd take the path of least resistance, so isn't it logical that we take advantage of every resource available--including the guidance and accountability provided by a brother or sister who's more mature in the Lord? And, as we grow spiritually and become more like Jesus, shouldn't his nature in us motivate us to be that helper less mature disciples need? Life-on-life discipleship is not about control of others or hierarchy, but rather just enough loving guidance for others until they can grow on their own and want to do the same for others.It's tailor-made for new believers. Think about how we treat babies. Would we bring one home from the hospital and say, "Okay, Ralph. Welcome to the group. Your bedroom is upstairs and to the left. Extra blankets are on the chair if you get cold. The pantry is just off the kitchen, and the can opener is on the counter. Diapers are in the closet. No loud music or crying after 10pm. If you have any questions, there are lots of people around here who would love to help you out-just ask them! Ridiculous. How do you think little Ralphie would fair? Not too good. We wouldn't do that to newborns; we'd show a great deal more care than that for them, so why should we treat disciples who've just been born again with any less concern? When a person's a new disciple, he's in fact been born again and is as unfamiliar with that environment as a physical newborn is with a delivery room. A spiritual newborn needs someone to take an interest in him-someone to love him, to protect and affirm him during the early days of his spiritual life. Life-on-life discipleship simply provides needed loving, safe, patient, stable relationships to feed, exercise, guide, answer, correct and reassure spiritual infants through what it means to be a follower of Jesus and over a period of time until that disciple grows to the point where they can feed themselves, life and Satan are less likely to knock them off track, and they're self-motivated about following Jesus and sharing that life with others.It's the most time-tested, effective way to pass on right values and behaviors. Sadly, in today's church, we've replaced relationship-based, person-centered spiritual growth with programs as the means of making disciples, and while these programs have merit, they also have weaknesses (programs like Bible classes, preaching in auditoriums, etc.). George Ogden pointed out some of these weaknesses in his book Transforming Discipleship. (1) Programs tend to be information- or knowledge-based, so they operate on the assumption that if someone has information, having that information will automatically lead to transformation. (2) Programs are the one preparing for the many; i.e. most programs are built around an individual or a few core people who do the hard work of preparation, like preachers and teachers, while the rest come, to a greater or lesser degree, as passive recipients of that work. (3) Programs are characterized by regimentation or synchronization, meaning that the nature of most programs is that they don't take into account an individual's growth rate or life circumstances or particular questions their dealing with. And, (4) Programs generally have low mutual and personal accountability. Programs do have merit, but, as Greg Ogden wrote in Discipleship Essentials, "Disciples cannot be mass produced but are the product of intimate and personal investment," and that's why the most time-tested, effective way to pass on right values and behaviors is some form of personal mentoring, where not just the right information is passed on, but modeling the right values and behaviors happens, too. Think about how your kids learn to swim or play an instrument. Think about how artists, craftsmen, doctors, pilots, athletes, plumbers, and musicians mature into their roles. Think about how God's followers in Scripture passed on the right values and behaviors (Moses & Joshua; Naomi & Ruth; Eli & Samuel; John the Baptist & his disciples; Jesus & the disciples; Barnabas & Paul; Paul & Timothy, Titus, Silas, Euodia, Syntoche, Epaphroditus, Aquila & Priscilla; Aquila & Priscilla & Apollo & their house-churches). Think about the language Paul used as he passed on the faith to others ("Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."; "Therefore I urge you to imitate me."; "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice."; "Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you."; "You became imitators of us and of the Lord..."; "For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example..."; "We did this...in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow."; "What you have heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus."; "You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings-what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecution I endured. ...continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you have learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."). Think about what or who was most effective in influencing you for Christ. Life-on-life discipleship simply utilizes the most powerful, long-lasting way to pass on right values and behaviors.We can't think of anything more potent or significant than investing ourselves in the lives of a few so we can pass on faith in Christ to them because doing so is highly generational, and this makes it imperative for me to pass on Jesus' teachings to others. Feeling this way about passing on our faith in Jesus to others is like like the way Jascha Heifetz, a distinguished performing career virtuoso violinist, felt about accepting an appointment as a professor of music at UCLA. When asked what prompted his change of career, Heifetz replied, "Violin playing is a perishable art. It must be passed on as a personal skill; otherwise it is lost."We can't think of anything more potent or significant than investing ourselves in the lives of a few so we can pass on faith in Christ to them because doing so is eternal, rather than temporal. It's like one man observed, "God, the Word of God, and the souls of men: according to the Bible, these are the only things that will last eternally. To the extent that you are involved in these three things, you are involved in eternity."And, we can't think of anything more potent or significant than investing ourselves in the lives of a few so we can pass on faith in Christ to them because doing so ultimately reflects God's shepherding heart. Sat, 5 Jun 2010 06:10:50 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35&article_id=81 PURPOSE: equips all ages (children, youth, college, adult) with God's grace & truth in classroom & small group settings to produce faithful, productive disciples RESPONSIBILITIES: curriculum planning & development: teacher recruiting & training Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:09:39 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35&article_id=113 PURPOSE: intentional, informal gatherings 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 RESPONSIBILITIES: group management including leader recruitment & training Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:58:51 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35&article_id=86 PURPOSE: helps young people develop 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 RESPONSIBILITIES: youth event planning & coordination; volunteer recruitment & training; curriculum development SPECIAL PROJECTS:Create teen leadership retreatHost area-wide youth event, especially aimed at avoiding temptation, pitfalls of youthIncrease number of teens who attend Florida Bible Camp, WinterFest, Son Quest, etc. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:57:51 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35&article_id=85 PURPOSE: plans and facilitates worship services that glorify God, build disciples' faith, and create an encouraging, accepting atmosphere for disciples to introduce their friends and neighbors to Christ RESPONSIBILITIES: communicates with preaching minister to plan worship services; recruits, trains, and communicates with those serving in worship roles; organizes preparation of Lord's Supper Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:57:35 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35&article_id=84 PURPOSE: promoting & supporting mission work RESPONSIBILITIES: involvement of membership in missions; investigating, beginning, and maintaining relationship with mission sites; plan & manage mission-related rund-raising efforts SPECIAL PROJECTS:Raise support for and send medical mission team to Guyana in summer ‘10Increase support of Steve DeLoach, missionary to GuyanaIncrease support of Gentry & Elizabeth Morris for ministry to Westway Church of Christ youth in Belfast, N. IrelandContinue support of Samantha Wiegmann in AIM program Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:57:17 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35&article_id=83 PURPOSE: Organizes church financial data to facilitate proper stewardship and easier planning for other ministries RESPONSIBILITIES: financial reporting; contribution collection; check writing; budget coordination; church insurance management; salary management (preaching minister; additional minister; communications) Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:47:42 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35&article_id=80 PURPOSE: creatively & clearly expresses the vision, plans, services and events of the church's ministries to the church and community in a relevant, excellent way so members are empowered to influence their friends and colleagues in the community for Christ RESPONSIBILITIES: church logo; marketing plan development; website; bulletin; announcement, song, and sermon slides; visitor and new member packets; invitations; building signage; attendance and statistical tracking; church directories SPECIAL PROJECTS:Continue new movers advertisingContinue event & identity advertising Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:44:20 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35&article_id=89 PURPOSE: supports other ministries in achieving their purposes with proper planning, use, and care of the entire campus RESPONSIBILITIES: buildings and grounds improvement and management SPECIAL PROJECTS:Improve youth building furnishings Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:43:55 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35&article_id=82 PURPOSE: Reaches out to our neighborhood and community by promoting fellowship, developing true relationships, and sharing the Gospel RESPONSIBILITIES: evangelistic training; evangelistic event planning & execution; coordination with ministries to promote evangelism SPECIAL PROJECTS:2 special collections for Angel Food Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:41:00 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35&article_id=78 PURPOSE: addresses some physical, emotional, and life-skill needs of the church and community with material resources, Christian counseling, support groups, seminars, service projects and networking with community agencies RESPONSIBILITIES: case assessment; resource distribution; service project planning and coordination; development of network for Christian counseling and with community agencies SPECIAL PROJECTS:Continue Angel Food MinistriesContinue Barnabas Center food donationsContinue Hope House monthly mealContinue support for Mt. Dora Christian Home & Bible SchoolBegin Cold Night Shelter Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:37:07 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35&article_id=112 PURPOSE: Plans fellowship activities for the church to promote unity Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:52:24 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=35&article_id=110 PURPOSE: Stays in contact with and, when needed, meets the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of older members of the church Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:34:28 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. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:57:23 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=109 We are happy to offer Bible classes for children of all ages on Wednesdays at 7pm. Each of our classes is Bible-based and taught by enthusiastic teachers who love the truth and care about their students. We invite you to come and experience firsthand the great benefits that Bible-centered learning can offer you and your family! Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:37:21 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=90 "Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non denominational organization dedicated to providing grocery relief and financial support to communitites throughout the United States. Everyone qualifies for this program. There are no qualifications, minimums, income restrictions or applications, everyone is encouraged to participate. Angel Food Ministries allows someone, regardless of their financial status, to purchase high quality food that would normally cost between 60 and 75 dollars for only 30 dollars a box. Boxes are purchased in advance with cash, credit, or food stamps and then distributed by a local church community once a month. The contents of the box can feed a family of four for a week or a single person for up to a month. The list of items in each box can be found at http://www.angelfoodministries.com/host.asp?id=10557. If you are interested in purchasing from Angel Food Ministries or would like to volunteer for this great cause, please contact us at 904-277-2517." Thu, 9 Jul 2009 09:48:02 MST http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37 http://www.cocfb.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=37&article_id=99 Check out our blog! You'll find pictures and videos of our members and latest events. www.fernandinabeachcoc.blogspot.com Thu, 4 Jun 2009 13:05:37 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. Fri, 27 Mar 2009 07:43:05 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=96 Operation Guyana is a medical mission effort to the people of Guyana. Anyone in need is able to receive free medical and eye exams as well as treatment. Over 226,000 people have come through Operation Guyana's clinics, and each person has had the opportunity to hear the message of Christ! While doctors and nurses try to meet the physical needs of the people, Operation Guyana's ultimate goal is to introduce them to the "Great Physician." With over 5,500 baptisms in the last 15 years, the church in Guyana is growing in number, faith, and maturity. God continues to open doors here and has blessed this work. More workers are needed and anyone can help! You can help Operation Guyana in several ways! YOU CAN PRAY FOR OUR EFFORTS. When God's people pray, great things happen. Ask God to continue to use us, and to help us find a way to continue this work. YOU CAN HELP US IN A FINANCIAL WAY. Right now, we are in a financial crisis, but we feel that God is calling us to this work. And we need the help of God's people to do that. YOU CAN COME DOWN AND WORK WITH US. We need volunteers virtually every time a team comes. And we can use YOU. Come join us. You will be amazed at what God can do through your service. YOU CAN SEND SOMEONE DOWN. Each year there are hundreds of people who desire to come to help us in our efforts, but there are so many more that want to come. Help someone come be a part of this wonderful and fruitful work. For more information visit our website: www.guyana-missions.org/. Fri, 27 Mar 2009 07:40:18 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=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=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=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