LITTLE ROCK 1401 Kirk Road, Little Rock, AR 72223

501.224.7171

BENTON 5724 Alcoa Road, Benton, AR 72015

501.315.1560

CABOT 2895 Bill Foster Memorial Hwy,Cabot, AR 72023

501.605.8400

fellowshipar

fellowshiponline.com

website

“I’m 17 weeks pregnant. The baby tested 99 percent positive for Down Syndrome, and she has a heart defect that will require surgery.”

I hurt for her. She was expecting a baby girl in July. She and her husband were already raising two daughters. This pregnancy was unplanned. Forty-years old, a recently recovering drug addict, Hepatitis C positive and a husband who was also a recovering drug addict, she had seen hard times, and financially they were struggling.

“My family wants me to abort ‘it.’” I felt my heart speed up. I needed to get her to see “it” as her baby girl. She was scared because of the diagnosis and the cost of parenting another child.

In the beginning, women come in crisis. Even if it is short-lived, it is crisis. Adoption is a process. I talked with her about not making a decision that day. I told her she had time. I described what adoption could look like for her and her family. When we hung up the phone, I didn’t know what she would do or if she’d heard anything I had said.

In April, she called back. She found a couple that wanted to adopt her child, but things weren’t going as I had described. I became her advocate and gave suggestions to help the relationship with the prospective adoptive parents. They were not one of our families, but Bethany Christian Services doesn’t have that kind of agenda. Our agenda loves these women and adoptive families with the love of Christ.

A couple of weeks later, she called again

AN ADOPTION & A MIRACLE

by Becky Bruns, Bethany Christian Services

T O L E A R N MOR E A BOU T F E L L OW S HI P ’ S PA RT N E R , BE T H A N Y C HR I S T I A N S E RV IC E S:

bethany.org

and said, “I want to use Bethany.” We met and talked through the process. They chose one of Bethany’s families and met them before the birth. Bethany helped them with finances, which lowered their stress. They

were relieved and proud. It was the first decision they had made sober.

On June 30, the baby girl arrived. She weighed more than expected, her heart was in better shape, and she tested negative for Hepatitis

C. She stayed in the hospital for a shorter amount of time than expected before going home with her forever family. This baby girl was a miracle!

These birth parents continue to fight. The grief and loss associated with placing a child is overwhelming, especially in the beginning, but pictures and updates help. They are both still sober and Bethany continues to walk with them through their journey of adoption.

“I needed to get her to see ‘it’ as her

baby girl.”

Jeff and Ellen Morris knew they wanted to foster. It was something they discussed on their first date. Jeff had grown up in the foster system and knew the hardships that many children feel going through the system. He and Ellen wanted to change that.

Jeff began working with The C.A.L.L. as a driver, taking children from one area of the state to another for appointments, court appearances and visitations. On one trip he met a young man named Jerome*, an 18-year-old who’d been in and out of homes, and who was close to aging out of the system.

God kept Jerome on Jeff and Ellen’s heart. When they were open for fostering, they wanted Jerome.

It took some time, but Jerome came to live with Jeff and Ellen. Jeff knew his story and knew that more than anything, Jerome needed a relationship with Jesus. So he began discipling Jerome. Not only was Jerome hearing the Gospel for the first time, he was seeing it. Jeff and Ellen began to show him what grace and love really meant. They began to show him the value of connecting to a church family here at Fellowship. The Good News began to weigh

on Jerome and questions soon followed.

One afternoon at a Chick-fil-A, I met with Jeff and Jerome. Jerome began asking what it meant to follow Christ. Jeff and I began talking about the weight of all our sin and what Christ had done to forgive and save us. As we finished talking, I told Jerome that when the time was right and he was ready to respond, we would be willing to lead him through a commitment to Christ. His response was simple, “I want to do it now.”

So there it happened. One afternoon in the middle of Chick-fil-A, a young man who God placed on the heart of one family to foster, became a son of God. Jeff and Ellen had seen this beautiful plan. God had orchestrated it all by using them to love and care for this young man. Just this month, Jeff and Ellen opened their home to adopt

two boys, a two and three year-old. They are praying the same prayer they prayed for Jerome, “God use us to show the love of Jesus to these boys so that one day they would become your sons.”

* Jerome is 18-years-old, and his identity has been used with his permission.

ONE AFTERNOON IN CHICK-FIL-A

by Cody Calhoun, Benton Campus Pastor

“I told Jerome that when the time was right and

he was ready to respond, we would be willing to lead Jerome through a commitment to Christ.

His response was simple, “I want to do it now.”

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2015

IN

LITTLEROCK

BAPTISM CLASSJan 4 & Feb 1 | 10:45 am | the Station

BAPTISM CELEBRATIONJan 25 & Feb 22

FELLOWSHIP NEXTJan 18 | 10:45 am | the Station

ASH WEDNESDAYFeb 18 | Noon & 7 pm | the Warehouse

Ash Wednesday services are a time of deep reflection, repentance and focus on what Christ did for us on the cross. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, which is the 40-day period before Easter. Come participate in this moving experience in preparation for the Easter season.

Photo Credit Michael Baxley

WOR

SHIP

NIGHT OF PRAYERJan 5 | 6:30-7:45 pm | the WarehouseJoin us for a night of worship and prayer. Together we’ll seek God’s direction for our church and lives. Child care is available by registration; email childcare@fellowshiponline.com

EVENING OF WORSHIP Jan 25 | 6:30 pm | the Worship CenterWe invite you to join us for our first ever Evening of Worship! We will gather to sing songs of His glory and His grace, pray together for our church and our city, and grow in our understanding of why we are called to be worshipers. It’s not very often we get to all gather from each venue and worship together, so we encourage you to bring yourself and a friend to be a part of this special night.

ADULT DISCIPLESHIPJOIN A D GROUPD Groups are at the heart of our ministry here at Fellowship. As great as Sunday mornings are, we believe true discipleship happens in a small group. Why not take a chance and check one out? You can find more information at fellowshiponline.com/groups or at the Connection Center on Sunday mornings. We want to help make this big place feel smaller.

CORE LAUNCHLooking to go deeper in your faith? Get connected to a Core Group, a small group that is gender specific, working through a defined framework of curriculum, practices, and experiences. Interested in joining? Men email sfitzgerald@fellowshiponline.com; women email kgladden@fellowshiponline.com

FELLOWSHIP WOMEN WINTER GATHERING Jan 7 | 7-8:30 pm | WarehouseOur theme, “When Small Gets Big,” encourages women to open their eyes to the ways God is working in every detail around us. This gathering, a kickoff for the semester, will move us to listen for God’s voice in the midst of our busy lives. No registration is required.

501 SECOND THURSDAY Jan 8 & Feb 12 | 7 pm | the WarehouseSecond Thursday is the monthly gathering of the 501 young adult community where we celebrate what God is doing in and through our D Groups. Not in a 501 D Group yet? Second Thursdays are a great place to take the first step to connect.

501 RALLY WEEKS Thursdays | Jan 15-Feb 5 | 7 pm the WarehouseFor four weeks, 501 is gathering as a community to be equipped as disciples and present a visible opportunity for young adults new to town or to Fellowship to connect to the 501 family and mission.

SINGLE MOTHER & WIDOWS CAR CLINIC Jan 15 | 8-Noon Bob Myers Foreign Car RepairFree car clinic for single mothers and widows. Bring your own oil filter; oil will be provided. Call Chuck Taylor at 224-6947 to schedule an appointment. The clinic can also do basic auto repairs, more extensive repairs are not free.

IN

LITTLEROCK

L I T T L E RO C K

L I T T L E RO C K

ADULT DISCIPLESHIP continued

LEADERSHIP APPRECIATION DINNER Jan 25 | FSM AuditoriumAll adult D Group leaders please mark your calendar for a special event! Our Adult Discipleship staff would like to invite you to a winter picnic to celebrate YOU! You can join us immediately following first or second service.

SAGEWORKS: YOUR UNIQUE DESIGN Jan 16, 6-8 pm | Jan 17, 9-NoonJan 18, 6-8 pmBill Wellons will share how to gain a deeper appreciation for your God-given gifts and abilities. You will learn how to evaluate ministry opportunities with greater clarity and experience a new freedom to employ your unique design in more meaningful ways.

FELLOWSHIP MEN SPRING DISCIPLESHIP CLASSES Wednesdays | Jan 28-Mar 4 | 6-7:30 amRobert Lewis will be teaching on great questions of faith, Mark Henry will be teaching on man and relationships; Clay Adkisson and Scott Fitzgerald will be leading Paul Tripp’s study “Sex & Money.” No registration required.

IF: LITTLE ROCK Feb 6 & 7 | Fri, 2-5 pm & 7-10 pm Sat, 9-Noon & 2-5 pm | Worship CenterThis event offers fresh, deep, honest space for women to wrestle with the question: IF God is real ... THEN what? This two-day simulcast gathering with live components brings women together to wrestle through how to live out the calling God has placed on our lives. To register, go to fellowshiponline.com/women.

NEWLY MARRIED DISCIPLESHIP CLASS Tuesdays | Feb 17-Apr 14 6:30-7:30 pm | the StationEngaged, thinking of getting engaged, or are newly married? This program is for you. $25/couple. Register at fellowshiponline.com/events.

RENEWTuesdays | 6:30-8:30 pm

Starts in the Warehouse

ReNew is for anyone looking for practical tools to help navigate life’s difficulties – big and small. Gather for worship and teaching followed by small groups.

Teaching topics include:How do I change? What does identity in Christ mean? How does shame affect me?

Studies Beginning

JANUARY 6:Register by Jan 20:

fellowshiponline.com/care

Fincancial Peace UniversityDave Ramsey’s 9-week course teaching wise methods of handling money

Paul David Tripp’s What Did You Expect?12-week study with teaching, practical discussion and application of Gospel-centered truths in marriage

GriefShare 13-week study group for those suffering the loss of a loved one

DivorceCare 13-week study group to experience discipleship in the midst of this struggle

Mark Henry Is Joining Us To Share His Story On Feb 20.

Theology

WHAT WE BELIEVE:THE TRIUNE GOD

Ben Parkinson, the Warehouse

In an age when the essentials of the Christian faith seem to be changing all the time, we believe it is more important than ever to equip the body of Fellowship in the timeless, Biblical doctrines of our faith. So, over the next several D Cafés we will be dedicating our theology class to equipping you in Fellowship’s Confession of Faith. During this upcoming D Café, Ben Parkinson will teach on the doctrine of God, which will focus on the trinity, God’s attributes, His glory, sovereignty and much more. This is a great class to attend regardless of how long you have been a Christian (or even if you are still exploring Christianity).

Practices

KNOWING YOUR HEARTJim Hudson & Jimmy Thoma, the Station

As Christians we understand the necessity of believing in the promises of the Gospel as the only means of our salvation. But how does the Gospel offer a practical help in our everyday struggles as a believer? Join Jim Hudson and Jimmy Thoma as they lead a conversation about the discipline of self examination that exposes the sin in our heart so that the Gospel can bring forgiveness, healing and growth in our lives. This class will also include a panel discussion with men and women sharing how they use the Gospel to fight specific sin struggles every day.

Missions

HOW TO SHARE YOUR FAITH WITHOUT BEING WEIRD

Brandon Barnard, FSK Worship

Regardless if at home, work or school, many of us have critical conversations about a variety of topics every day. We have them naturally and authentically. Yet, when it comes to sharing our faith, we struggle sharing in way that’s not forced or fearful that we’ll say the wrong thing. So instead, many of us choose to say nothing. Be a part of this conversation led by Brandon Barnard where you can receive practical coaching on how to be the normal you when sharing passionately about the beauty of the Gospel.

Relationships

SEX: FROM THE HONEYMOON TO VIAGRA

Dr. Carey & Penny Roach, FSM Auditorium

Yes, we are serious–a D Café class about sex. And why not? Sex is a gift from God and when experienced within the context of Biblical marriage, is a blessing to man and woman. Join Carey and Penny Roach as they lead a frank (but fun!) conversation about navigating and celebrating the most intimate moments in our marriages. Topics include Scripture’s perspective on sex, romance, dealing with baggage from our pasts, finding time in the midst of hectic lives and more. All married and engaged couples are welcome to attend.

D CAFÉSun, Jan 11 | 6-8 pm

ADULT DISCIPLESHIP continued

L I T T L E RO C K

FELLOWSHIP KIDSFSK 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 and for His glory at home and across the world.

FIFTY6In January, Fifty6 is kicking off a series called What are You Lookin’ At? Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” This four-week series is designed to help preteens honor and glorify God through their interaction with music, movies, internet and social media.

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME Mondays | 10 am | FSK ClubhouseWe’ll sing and dance to worship songs, listen to a Bible story told in a fun, creative way, and you can even bring a picnic lunch and play on the playground with other families!

WHO’S YOUR TEAM?Super Bowl Sunday, Feb 1Fellowship Kids is inviting you to join an FSK Prayer Team. Prayer Team members will receive information on how to pray for a specific age group of children and the volunteers that serve with those kids. Visit the Connection Center on February 1 to join one of the FSK prayer teams!

FELLOWSHIP STUDENT MINISTRIES

PASSION CONFERENCEJan 2-4 | Atlanta, GAPassion is a gathering of 18-25 year olds and their leaders in Atlanta, GA. Special guests include leaders like Chris Tomlin, John Piper and Lecrae.

FSM WINTER CHILLJunior High | Jan 9-11Senior High | Feb 20-22This retreat is a great way for our students to hang out together for the weekend as they worship together and hear messages from our great speakers! Register online at fellowshiponline.com/events.

12TH GRADE GAME NIGHTJan 25 | 4-6 pm12th graders are invited to join us for a Game Night in FSM. Come ready for competition and fun!

10TH GRADE CAPTURE THE FLAGFeb 15 | 5-7 pm10th graders are invited to join us for Capture the Flag on the Fellowship fields. Bundle up and wear all black!

FAMILYDISCIPLESHIP

T O L E A R N MOR E A BOU T F S K V I S I T

fellowshiponline.com/kidsT O L E A R N MOR E A BOU T F S M V I S I T

fellowshiponline.com/students

L I T T L E RO C K

HIDDEN CREEKSERVICE OPPORTUNITIESIf your D Group or CORE group is looking for a place to serve, we need your help! Sign up to bring a meal one night a month; you can cook at Hidden Creek or bring food already prepared. We are also looking for people to live at Hidden Creek as Resident Assistants.

TYLER STREETOPPORTUNITY CENTERAn opportunity center is a place where God’s resources are used for His purpose by His people, to introduce and grow others in Christ. We want to use the resources He gave us for His glory. Tyler Street Opportunity Center offers a variety of ways to be involved in Kingdom work.

COMMUNITY OF GRACE HEALTH CENTERCOGHC provides holistic ministry to our South Midtown neighbors at the Tyler Street Opportunity Center. Our medical and women’s clinics provide both physical and spiritual nurturing.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE CLASSESMondays | 6:30-8 pmTyler Street Opportunity CenterWe invite you to be an English coach for our ESL classes. This is a great opportunity for one-on-one discipleship with our ESL (English Second Language) students. For more information contact Hector, hfelix@fellowshiponline.com.

KINGDOM QUILTERSFirst Monday & Third Saturday of each month | Room 2160We make lap quilts for individuals who are very ill or dying. We need your help to do this as we challenge ourselves to make more each year. If you are a quilter or would like to become one, call 224-7171.

IFO CONVERSATION CLUBMondays | Starting Jan 26Metro BCM, 5515 W. 32nd St., UALR CampusCome enjoy a meal and conversation with international students from more than 60 countries. On Feb 2, Fellowship is providing dinner for 150 international students. This is a great way to demonstrate the love of Christ

HIDDEN CREEKCELEBRATION LUNCHEONSJan 18 & Feb 15 | 12:45-2 pmHidden Creek is a transition home where our mission is to foster life change for those recently released from minimum-security facilities. Join us as we celebrate this ministry with a Celebration Luncheon by bringing a dish to share.

PASSPORT TO SUCCESSStarting Oct 6 | Tyler Street Opp. CenterA cross-cultural family ministry, connecting families in our church with families in the Franklin Elementary School Neighborhood. Volunteers are needed for our after-school program. Families are also needed to meet with the families in the Midtown area once a month. Email Danita at dwallerpaige@fellowshiponline.com for more info.

MISSIONS

T O L E A R N MOR E A BOU T T HE S E OPP ORT U N I T I E S V I S I T

fellowshiponline.com/golocal

L I T T L E RO C K

L I T T L E RO C K

THRIVE! MOM’S BREAKFASTFeb 5 | 9-11 am | FSK Worship RoomAll adoptive and foster moms are invited to join us for a light breakfast of coffee and muffins as we look at Created to Connect, a Christian Guide to the Connected Child. Breakfast is free, but you must register for child care by January 30 at fellowshiponline.com/events.

Save the dates for more breakfasts on March 5 and April 2. For any questions, email thrive@fellowshiponline.com or call Jessica at 224-7171.

MISSIONS SUMMER INTERNSHIPSThese intensive local discipleship experiences are designed for future leaders to spend time learning about the behind-the-scenes work and details of missions service, help implement the Passport to Success Summer Reading Camp, and learn about a Biblical philosophy of training leaders. Applications are accepted January 1 from completed high school juniors through completed college juniors.

MISSIONAL LEADERSHIPRESIDENCYThis nine-month experience is designed to strengthen a college graduate’s spiritual foundation and provide practical knowledge in areas of social justice, community development, and Gospel movements. Participants will have the opportunity to deepen their relationship with Christ and sharpen their leadership skills in challenging real-life environments that will better prepare them for leadership roles in any career field as well as in their home, church, community, and the world.

MISSIONS continued

T O L E A R N MOR E A BOU T T HE S E

OPP ORT U N I T I E S V I S I T

fellowshiponline.com/golocal

Passport to Success After-School Program, located at the Tyler Street Opportunity Center, connects Fellowship families to kids from Franklin Elementary School.

IF only I had known that an eight hour drive last February would still be impacting my life every single day since, I would have made sure to share the opportunity with more people, and I would not have worried so much about going alone. You see, being a part of the IF: Gathering in Austin, Texas last February forced me to step outside of my comfort zone by traveling to a sold-out event by myself, but it resulted in a weekend of the absolute purest form of worship to our God that I have ever been a part of, and the most pure and anointed teaching I had ever heard. I sat in a room with hundreds of women representing all denominations, all ages, from every economic status, many races, an array of occupations and all in different seasons of life. I can honestly say that the only thing that each of us had in common is that we love Jesus. God has very clearly called IF founder, Jennie Allen, to gather, equip and unleash women who are crazy in love with Jesus! It was during this weekend that women all over the world joined via satellite in their living rooms, church buildings, town halls, etc., to see firsthand what God is calling our generation of women to do.

Here are just a few of the sentences that I walked away with that continually repeat in my mind and are impacting me still ten months later… “IF God is real…then what?” “Run the

race God has given you.” “There is an unforced rhythm of grace.” “The Christian life is not a sprint but a marathon.” “God’s calling on your life is always a ‘YES’ followed by something.” But the IF: Gathering event last February was not just a one-time, weekend conference. It is not just words that repeat in my head from

talented speakers. It is not even the fun memories that I made with new friends whom I met in Austin that weekend. IF: Gathering is a part of my daily life even now. Each morning, via email through IF: Equip, I get to sit with thousands

of other women all over the world to study chosen Scripture and be taught by gifted leaders. I get to gather with a group of diverse women each month in my home to enjoy a meal together and answer thought-provoking questions supplied by IF: Table that draw us nearer to each other and closer to God. So you might be asking, “Karman, after reading this we are certain you will be attending the IF: Gathering again this year in Austin, right?” To which I would reply with a big fat, “NO!” You see, I am thrilled that this February 6-7, I will be a part of the live simulcast of the IF:Gathering at Fellowship. I believe, that each of us that attends the two day IF:Local event right here at Fellowship will walk out of the doors of the church saying, “IF only I would have known!”

IF ONLY I HAD KNOWNby Karman Fegtly, Little Rock Campus Member

“Being a part of the IF: Gathering ... forced me to step outside of

my comfort zone.”

T O L E A R N MOR E A BOU T I F: G AT H E R I NG & T O R EGI S T E R :

fellowshiponline.com/women

1

Grow in your faith & model faith for your children

Psalm 145:4 says, “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” As parents, we all want to equip our children to have a strong faith in Christ and live it out. Serving together on a family trip is a great way for your children to see you live out your faith and an even better way for you to see how God is maturing them in their faith.

2

See the power of the Gospel transform the hearts

of all mankind

As you worship alongside these families, you get the chance to hear stories of how God’s grace has transformed lives, families, and communities. Last year, we walked down a street that once housed a major drug operation. As the grace of God invaded the community, that community was changed. Now, that street is the home of the Fellowship Guatemala Opportunity Center that ministers to over 60 kids. On a family trip, your family has the opportunity to experience life with other Guatemalan families and see the transformative power of the Gospel.

3

3

It gives you seven days to pray together, worship together

& fellowship together

The Family Trip schedule is designed to give your family several opportunities a day to pray, study the Bible and worship together. Each morning begins with a family devotional before heading out to serve in the community. Throughout the day, there are many opportunities to fellowship and talk as a family as you serve. Each night ends with a time of worship and debriefing about what you see God do that day.

4

Spark a lifestyle of service for your family that will continue

long after the trip

Before the return flight lands in Little Rock, your family will already be talking about when and how to get back to Guatemala. The experiences you’ll share with other Fellowship families and the families of Fellowship Guatemala will leave a mark on your heart. It’s an experience that pulls us out of selfishness and into a lifestyle of service. The greatest part is watching this passion for serving others spill over to serving in so any other areas—like local missions!

FOUR REASONS TO GO ONA MISSION TRIP

by Matt Morgan, FSK Director & Fifty6 Pastor

T O S IGN U P F OR T HE GUAT E M A L A FA M I LY T R I P OR A NO T HE R F E L L OW S HI P M I S S ION T R I P:

fellowshiponline.com/goglobal

Is a family mission trip right for my family? Is it worth the time and investment? What will we do and experience on this trip? These are great questions that your family might wrestle with before deciding to go on a family mission trip. If you’re interested or wrestling with the decision, I encourage you to talk to a Missions Pastor or a family member that has been a part of a family trip. In the meantime, here are four reasons to go on a family mission trip:

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2015

IN

BENTON

BAPTISM SUNDAYFeb 1

FELLOWSHIP NEXTFeb 8 | after Second Service

MISSIONSEPIC AFTER SCHOOLWednesdays | 3-5 pm | FSM BarnThis ministry of tutoring and investing in Chapel Ridge students is supported by Fellowship and hosted at the FSM Barn. This gives volunteers the opportunity to invest in the lives of the students and their families.

SHORT-TERM MISSION TRIPSJuly 18-26 | GuatemalaIf you’re interested in being a partner, meet us at the Connection Center to learn more.

D CAFÉSun, Jan 11 | 6-8 pm

HOW TO SHARE A NEVER-CHANGING GOSPEL IN A

CONSTANTLY CHANGING WORLD with “T” Uzoigwe & Cody Calhoun

Coffee, snacks and child care provided. Email benton@fellowshiponline.com to reserve child care.

Photo Credit Michael Baxley

CONNECT GROUPSThe focus of a Connect Group is to grow as disciples within the context of life and relationships. Groups have 5-15 members, are co-ed and meet usually on Sunday afternoons.Stop by the website or Connection Center to find a group today.

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

WOMEN’S SMALL GROUP STUDIESStudies are starting for the semester. Visit fellowshiponline.com/women if interested in a joining. Classes this semester are:

MORNING EDITION– The InheritanceTuesdays | Jan 13-Mar 3 | 9:30-11:30 am

EVENING EDITION– The InheritanceWednesdays | Jan 14-Mar 4 | 6:30-8:30 pm

PRECEPTS– Revelation 1, ZechariahThursday | Jan 15-Apr 30 | 10 am-Noon

WOMEN’S CANDLELIGHT DINNER: SEASONSJan 10 | 5 pmWe are happy to have Tricia Goyer, writer and family advocate, as our speaker this year. She has written over 30 books including “Mom’s Night Out,” which was made into a movie. We still need hostesses to volunteer to decorate a table. The dinner is $15 per person. Visit the Connection Center or call the church office to sign up.

GIRLS NIGHT OUTJan 23 | Time-6:30 pmPainting, $20 per person. Take a night off and come have some fun with other women while painting!

IF: LITTLE ROCKFeb 6-7 | LR CampusAll women are invited to join us on the Little Rock Campus for IF: Little Rock. This event offers fresh, deep, honest space for women to wrestle with the question: IF God is real ... THEN what? This two-day simulcast gathering with live components brings women together to wrestle through how to live out the calling God has placed on our lives. To register, go to fellowshiponline.com/women.

ADULT DISCIPLESHIPCARE NIGHTS: Grace-Based Parenting

Feb 4-Mar 18 | 6:30-8:30 pm

God gives us His grace and each of us needs it. We also need to extend that gift to our children. Come and be encouraged as a parent who strives to live a life of faith characterized by daily trust in God.

Sign up at the Connection Center to attend and to reserve child care.

B E N TO N

FELLOWSHIP KIDSWe are looking for volunteers to fill some important roles in our kids classes on Sunday mornings during our 9 and 11 am services. If you have questions or would like to serve, email us at benton@fellowshiponline.com.

DADDY/DAUGHTER BALL Feb 7 | 6-8 pm | Hurricane Creek ElementaryFathers and father figures, come dressed in your Sunday best and enjoy an evening with your princess. $25 per family; pay at the door. Volunteers are needed as greeters, servers and craft coordinators.

FSM ECHOWednesdays | 7-8:30 pm | FSM BarnOur midweek meeting for all 7-12th graders. Come hang out, worship and hear Biblical teaching. Echo resumes January 7.

FSM D GROUPSD Groups will resume January 4.

REALITY WEEKENDJan 16-18This in-town retreat is a wonderful opportunity to worship with other churches, spend small group time and have fun connecting deeper with students from our church! Cost is $50 and includes all meals and everything needed for the weekend. Scholarships are available. Pick up your registration form in FSM or at the Connection Center. Registration ends Jan 7.

FSM UNITEDJun 27-Jul 3 | New OrleansThis all-church FSM trip is a wonderful missions experience which works with existing organizations and churches in the area. The total cost is $375, and a $150 deposit is due in late March. Please encourage your student to be involved in this missions experience and start raising financial support now. If you have any questions on raising financial support or questions regarding any part of the mission trip please contact Zach at zmartin@fellowshiponline.com or call 501-315-1560.

FAMILYDISCIPLESHIP

B E N TO N

FELLOWSHIP NEXTJan 25 | 12:30-2 pm

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2015

IN

CABOTBAPTISM SERVICE

February 1Email cabot@fellowshiponline.com if interested in our Jan 11 baptism class & Feb 1 celebration.

D CAFÉ & CHILI DINNERSunday | Jan 11 | 5-7 pm

Theology

WHAT WE BELIEVE:THE BIBLE

Bill Parkinson, Worship Center

In an age when the essentials of the Christian faith seem to be changing all the time, we believe it is more important than ever to equip the body of Fellowship in the timeless, Biblical doctrines of our faith. So, over the next several D Cafés we will be dedicating our theology class to equipping you in Fellowship’s Confession of Faith. During this upcoming D Café, Bill Parkinson will teach on the doctrine of the Bible, which will focus on the nature, purpose and authority of scripture so that we can know God and His purpose.

Relationships

SHEPHERDING YOUR CHILD’S HEART

Bryan Crowley, Multipurpose Room

Parenting is hard work. As parents, we want to do everything we can to guide our kids, keep them safe and help them grow up well. But parenting is much more than raising obedient, happy children. It’s about shepherding the hearts of our children in the same way that God shepherds your heart. But how do we do that practically in the everyday stress of our busy lives? No matter the age of your children, join Family Pastor Bryan Crowley as he shares practical insights and perspectives on shepherding your child in the paths of life.

Photo Credit Michael Baxley

C A B OT

CORE GOUPSWant to experience discipleship at a deeper level? Email cabot@fellowshiponline.com if you are interested in joining or being trained to lead a small group of men or women.

GET IN A D GROUPOur discipleship groups help you follow Jesus by connecting and growing with others in a smaller setting. Groups resume meeting January 11 at D Café at 5 pm. To learn how to connect, go to fellowshiponline.com/groups.

CARE GROUPSWant to learn how to experience God’s grace in the mist of some need or struggle? Jump into one of our Care groups:

FOSTER/ADOPTIVE CARE Sundays | 4:45-6:30 pm Led by Brian & Niki Bolton MILITARY WIVES Wednesdays | 9-11 amMeets as part of BLOOM

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY Sundays | 5-6:30 pm | Beginning Feb 1 FPU presents Biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you’ve dreamed you could be. Registration and materials required. Email awalker@fellowshiponline.com. Space is limited.

FELLOWSHIP MEN Wednesdays | Jan 28-Mar 4 | 6-7:15 amSex and Money - Join us as our pastors lead us in Paul David Tripp’s study of pleasures that leave you empty and grace that satisfies.

IF: GATHERING Feb 6-7 | Little RockA fresh, deep, honest space for women to wrestle with the question: IF God is real...THEN what? This two-day simulcast gathering with live components brings women together to wrestle through how to live out the calling God has placed on our lives. Register at fellowshiponline.com/women.

ADULT DISCIPLESHIPFELLOWSHIP WOMEN STUDIESRegister at fellowshiponline.com/women or email dprice@fellowshiponline.com for one of our women’s discipleship studies starting this January:

BLOOMTuesdays | Jan 13-Mar 3 | 9:30-11:30 amConnect with women from all stages of life to grow spiritually and pour into your families during the rest of the week. Study: The Sermon on the Mount, by Jen Wilkin; Led by Allison Herndon. Child care is available upon registration.

THE INHERITANCETuesdays | 6:30-8:30 pmChild care is available upon registration.

WOMEN’S WINTER GATHERINGJan 7 | 9:30-11:30 am | Little Rock The theme will be “When Small Gets Big.” This gathering will move those attending to focus on the things of God’s heart that we might forget in the midst of our busy lives.No registration is required.

MISSIONSHAITI 2015 MISSION TRIP

Jun 13-20Spots are still available on our mission to work with Hosean International Ministries.

LOCAL CABOT MISSIONSThere are many events and opportunities to serve with our local ministry partners: The CALL and CASA (foster/adoption care), Options Pregnancy Center, Lonoke County Christian Clinic, or First Care and Hope’s Closet (food/clothing pantries).

To sign up or learn more:fellowshiponline.com/golocal

SERVE IN FSKThis month is a great time to jump in and serve with us in FSK. We need your help loving children, hosting families, and lifting Jesus high in Fellowship Kids this Spring/Summer. Serve at either 9 or 11 am every other week. To join our team or to find out what our current needs are email BCrowley@fellowshiponline.com

FAMILY SWEETHEART’SPANCAKE BREAKFASTFeb 4 | 8:30-10 amKids bring a parent to a pancake breakfast hosted by FSK. Mothers and sons, fathers and daughters, or any pairing of child and parent to enjoy some sweetheart time.

FELLOWSHIP KIDSFEL

LOWS

HIP ST

UDEN

TS

WINTER CHILLJan 9-11 | 7-9 Grade StudentsFeb 20-22 | 10-12 Grade StudentsWinter Chill is our winter retreat and is a great way for our students to hang out together for the weekend to worship together and hear messages from our great speakers! Contact awalker@fellowshiponline.com for the Cabot Campus Registration link.

ECHOBeginning Jan 7 | Wednesdays | 7-8:30 pm ECHO is weekly worship, teaching & community for all 7-12 graders.

January Series: The Prodigal; View Jesus’ story of the prodigal from the characters’ perspectives.

February Series: PG-13; Learn how to navigate friendships, dating, and identity issues as a Christian in a post-christian world.

FSM UNITEDJun 27-Jul 3 | New Orleans, LA$400 for students, $250 for adults. Registration is OPEN! We’re headed to New Orleans, LA this year on our all-campus student mission trip. United is open to all students currently in 7-12 grade. Visit the connection center or email awalker@fellowshiponline.com for registration details!

FSM GUATEMALAJul 10-17This year, Cabot Campus is taking up to 15 people to Guatemala from July 10-17. We’ll serve with Fellowship Guatemala’s Opportunity Center and local orphanages to see what God is doing in Central America. To apply, visit fellowshiponline.com/goglobal.

C A B OT

Not long ago my car made a turn it didn’t usually make. For years I drove daily past a nursing care facility, yet my only exposure to it was seeing an occasional worker sitting on the back steps for a smoke break. That morning, I pulled up in the front of this home, where I sat nervously in my parked car watching the rain fall on my windshield. Moments later, my right hand was being grasped by Mrs. Jones, an eighty, maybe ninety-year-old woman who was slouched in her wheel chair in a crowded hallway.

“You know why I wanted to hold your hand?” Mrs. Jones asked.

“No, why?” I leaned in closer.

“Because I like boys,” she said.

I laughed, sat down next to her and for the next hour we talked about her grown boys and the pains of being old. Her head was held up by a brace and every few minutes her eyes squeezed out tears from pains in her shoulder. I listened as best I could to her soft, weak voice trying to talk over the noise of the nurses yelling back and forth, other patients wheeling themselves past us, one worker cleaning the floors.

I spoke up over the noise, “I’ve got kids myself. We just dropped my daughter off at school for the first time.”

“Your heart must be pounding.” (She was 60 years older than me, but she hadn’t forgotten the nerves that come with being a parent.) “What grade is she in?” she asked.

“She’s actually in preschool,” I said.

She was silent for a moment then she asked, “Why does she need to go to preschool?”

I’ve heard this disapproving tone before. Moms and grandmothers are perfect at it. I didn’t know how to respond.

“It’s just two days a week,” I said.

“Oh. That’s okay. I was about to have to frown at you. Parents don’t give their kids enough of their time these days. If they did, we wouldn’t need prisons,” she said.

Our time was filled with more advice for me as a parent. It was mostly things that she insisted would shut down the prisons, but after hearing I was a pastor, she gave me a new set of suggestions.

My favorite advice from this witty, wise, frail woman was just before I left. “Tonight you get

on your knees with that little girl of yours, and you say your prayers with her. Keep ‘em short so she can remember them. And you pray for that old lady, and be sure you say that, okay? ‘That old lady.’ But in your prayer, tell your little girl that the old lady is actually God’s little girl, because I am. You got that?”

A few minutes later, I left Mrs. Jones where I found her. Before I could get up she grasped my hand again.

“I told you earlier I like boys. I like kissing ‘em, too.” She leaned in and kissed my left cheek with her delicate lips. “You tell your wife and your little girl that I already gave you some sugar on that cheek today, but they can have the other one.”

Moments later I was back in my car watching the rain fall on the windshield. I cornered God in that moment, confessing that I too easily forget His call to “look after orphans and widows.” Those words are a clear and urgent command, but they’re also a gracious picture God gives us to remind us where He is. He tells us to look after the widows and orphans because when we do, we experience Him, reminding us who we are. We are all widows and orphans looked after by the love of a Savior who accepts, forgives, rescues and redeems. Because of that, we look after one another with the same urgency that God looks after us with. We look after one another the way Mrs. Jones looked after me that morning.

LOOK AFTER WIDOWSby Brad Herndon, Cabot Campus Pastor

“Tonight you get on your knees with that

little girl of yours, and you say your prayers with her.”

C A B OT

RESOURCESD GROUP RESOURCESDuring our Winter and Spring semester we are encouraging D Groups to utilize one of the following studies available on RightNow Media:

Walk Across the Roomby Bill Hybels

You and Meby Francis Chan

Parenting the Hurried Familyby Tim Kimmel

One Way Loveby Tullian Tchividjian

Reason for Godby Tim Keller

If you are a D Group leader and have not yet set up an account on RightNow Media, please send an email to Jessie Finn (jfinn@fellowshiponline.com), and she will take care of that for you. RightNow is a tremendous tool to help you disciple your D Group … take advantage of it!

Whether you utilize YouVersion or another resource for reading plans, we encourage you to be nourished daily with

God’s grace through studying His holy Word.

2015 READING PLANSIt’s January, and many in our church are looking for a resource to help regularly study Scripture in the upcoming year. In previous years Fellowship has published a reading plan that we called the Fellowship Journal. Beginning in 2015, we are discontinuing the Fellowship Journal and instead are encouraging our body to utilize the many reading plans (literally hundreds!) available through YouVersion.com (and through the YouVersion smartphone apps).

Sign up for a reading plan for free through YouVersion, and every day the passage you are to read will be emailed to you or can be accessed through the app.

Reading plans Fellowship recommends that are available through YouVersion:

Chronological Bible

M’Cheyne

One Year Bible

Book of Common Prayer Lectionary

ESV Study Bible