Winter 2018-2019

FAITH MATTERS

D E C E M B E R 2 018

credits

Production Team: CONTENTS

Executive Producers: 3 WINTER CONFERENCE
Dr. Jeffrey and Pastor Ann Hoy
4 i am the door
Publication Manager: Pastor Jeff Hoy
Pastor Paul Reece
5 heart doors
Copy Editor/ Print Production: Pastor Ann Hoy
Pam DePietro
6 Faith fellowship academy
Newsletter Writers:
Jeff Hoy, Ann Hoy 7 FFC KIDS | SPANISH MinisTry
Paul Reece, Pam DePietro, Pastor Ricky Pacheco
Michael Law, Jill Weber,
Kris Pakulak, Ricky Pacheco, 8 an open door
Jim Banke Pastor Michael Law

Photographers: 10 FFC Youth Ministry
Pastor Jeff, Pastor Ann
11 opening the door to a giving heart
Graphic Design: Pastor Paul Reece
Tiffany Pastor, Pam DePietro,
Mike Law December

OUT OF TOWN? 1 FFC Holiday Marketplace CHURCHWIDE WORKDAY
2 Return Angel Tree Gifts
Go to your devices app
store and download the 2 Advent Begins On Nov. 3, there were 55 volunteers
free FFC App. 5 Potluck Dinner followed by Carol Sing (6pm) working on many indoor and
5 Annual Meeting of FFC Members (7:30pm)
We livestream our Sunday Service 8 Birthday Party for Jesus outdoor projects at FFC. Thanks to
Message at 9:20am and 11:15am. 8-9 “An Open Door” Christmas Musical Outreach (all services) all of you for all of your hard work,
You can also watch recorded
messages and give online through 8,9,15,16 “His Place” Toy Drive Gift Returns sprucing up the church for the
our website and the FFC App. holidays.

12 Ladies’ Lunch Bunch

16 Holy Land Information Meeting (12:15pm)

23 10am Service CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP
24 5:30pm & 7pm Christmas Eve Services
30 10am Service MONDAY // DEC 24 // 5:30PM * 7PM

JANUARY PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR CANDLELIGHT SERVICES

Church Officers 6 Epiphany-Three Kings Day (at the10:45 service) LIVE NATIVITY AND REFRESHMENTS AT 6:30PM

(Combined with Spanish Church-Pastor Jeff is teaching.) HOLIDAY WEEKEND WORSHIP

11-13 Winter Conference SATURDAY // DEC 22// NO SERVICE
SUNDAY // DEC 23 // 10AM
FFC Church Officers and ministry teams 15 Ladies’ Lunch Bunch SATURDAY // DEC 29 // 6PM
represent our faith family. Feel free to contact SUNDAY // DEC 30 // 10AM
the chairman if you have questions or creative 20 Holy Land Information Meeting (12:15pm)
suggestions. holiday office hours
23 Prime Time Begins

FEBRUARY

Chairman John Willison 1-2 Winter Rummage Sale
Vice-Chairman John Tartaro
Treasurer Carolyn Marty 13 Ladies’ LunchBunch
Member at Large Mickey Weed
Member at Large Harry Greer 16,17,23,24 Silent Auction Preview Weekends
Member at Large Greg Lambert
Member at Large Alina Miller 17-24 Marriage Cruise

MARCH Dec. 26-28 9am-12pm

2-3 Summer Camp Kickoff/Silent Auction/Barbecue
Youth Spring Retreat
29-31

travel with pastors jeff and ann!

EhXoplloyreltahend MARRIAGE CRUISE

FEBRUARY 17-24, 2019

december 26, 2019 - january 5, 2020

INFORMATION MEETINGS: Visit 40 sites including: 7 Nights and 8 days
December 16 Jerusalem, Galilee, Bethlehem, TO THE WESTERN CARIBBEAN!
January 20 Jericho, Capernaum,The Dead Sea,
at 12:15pm in Rm. 207. Register at:
and Qumran. www.faithfellowshipweb.com/
travel-opportunities

Brochure at: www.faithfellowshipweb.com/travel-opportunities

WINTER 2018 | FAITH MATTERS | 3

“I AM THE DOOR.”

“I AM THE DOOR.” These are different images, but they are very powerful.
IT IS A RATHER PUZZLING STATE- Jesus came to throw open the prisons of our poverty, break
the shackles of sin and death, open our eyes to see God and
MENT WHEN WE FIRST HEAR IT. JESUS His Truth, release those who have been oppressed, and to
IS RECORDED SAYING THESE WORDS IN proclaim the favor of the Lord. Favor is the other word for
JOHN 10:7. A DOOR? REALLY? Grace. Jesus is the Door made of Grace.

We think of wood or metal with locks. But Jesus was This is an Open Door. The Lord later spoke to the
actually using a very common term and a familiar image. church in Philadelphia, “I know your deeds. See, I have
“The door” He was referring to was the opening into an placed before you an open door that no one can shut.”
enclosure called a sheep pen. The door was also sometimes (Revelation 3:8).
called a sheep gate.
This is the essence of the Gospel, yet many still do not
This doorway was known by all to be the one way into recognize it. "For God so loved the world that he gave his
the safety of the sheep pen. Countless times a shepherd one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not
could be seen from a distance guiding a flock into the perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). This is the gift of
sheep pen for the night gently, touching each one as they eternal life offered by God in Jesus. The door is open for us
passed through the door. A good shepherd would then sleep to walk through by faith.
in the doorway as a guard, so as to prevent any intruder
from coming in, or any sheep from wandering out, during What does that mean?
the night. Walking through the Open Door means, first of all,
recognizing and trusting that He is the Way, Truth and Life.
Jesus did not say, “I have opened a gate.” Or that “I We must recognize we are separated from God, outside the
stand in the doorway.” He said that He is the Door. He also sheepfold. We hear the Good News of the great work of
did not say, “I am a door among many doors. I hope you Jesus on the cross for us, in order to open a way to God.
will choose mine.” He was very clear, “I am The Door.” When we believe this Good News, we are drawn to turn
We don’t want to miss that. our life toward God. This is called repentance, we work
with God in turning our lives toward Him. One who
Jesus was clarifying something He would say a little believes the gospel and repents of sin is assured of being in
differently to His Disciples near the end of His earthly life: “the fold” and of having entered by “the Door.”
“I am the Way, the Truth, and Life. No one comes to the In this season of Christmas, we will be talking about
Father except through me.” Everyone knew that the door The Open Door. We will seek to understand the Gospel
into the safety of the sheep pen was narrow and that better as an open path to God and not as set of rules
entrance was made one sheep at a time. designed for keeping people out.
Our musical outreach on December 8-9 is called “An
But we don’t want to misunderstand. Some have heard Open Door.” Our intention is to bring the hope of Christ-
those words and seen that image and concluded that Jesus mas to people in a message all about the Gospel. We hope
was somehow trying to block the way to God. Some have you will plan to invite people on this weekend so that they
misinterpreted the role of following Jesus as one of guard- may hear about the Open Door and the Gospel of Christ.
ing the door to keep people out. Nothing could be further Let’s celebrate the season. But more important, Let us
from the truth. proclaim the glad tidings of great joy that will be for all
people. Born in the city of David there is a Savior, which is
Jesus came to be the Open Door to God. He came Christ, the Lord. Let us proclaim the Open Door.
proclaiming a Kingdom of grace and mercy that throws
open a Way, a single Way, but an open Way to God forever. Pastor Jeff

At the very beginning of the ministry of Jesus, He DR. JEFF HOY
made this declaration: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me to preach good news to the SENIOR PASTOR
poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the
oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor" (Luke
4:18-19).

4 | FAITH MATTERS | WINTER 2018

REVELATION HEART DOORS

MANY ARE FASCINATED BY THE FINAL Church were neither cold nor hot, and He was about to spit them
WRITINGS OF THE DISCIPLE CALLED out of His mouth. He reminds this affluent group, which were
JOHN, THE BELOVED. THE FINAL AND known for their banking establishments, textile industry, and
66TH BOOK OF THE BIBLE, REVELATION, medical school, that they say they are rich, have acquired wealth
HOLDS AMAZING SPIRITUAL TRUTHS and do not need a thing. He says that they do not realize, in the
AND HELP FOR TODAY’S CHRISTIANS. reality of His eyes, they are actually wretched, pitiful, poor,
naked and blind. He councils them to buy three real things in the
Of all of the original twelve disciples of Jesus, John spirit realm: gold refined in the fire, so that they can become
spent the longest earthly life serving and recording the life and truly rich; white clothes to wear so that they can hide their
ministry of the Lord, as he was the youngest man to be called to shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes so you can
follow Jesus, and he lived to be the oldest before departing the truly see. He then tells them that those He loves, He rebukes and
earth. We are blessed to have this final book that came as he disciplines. So He mandates that they take this correction
stood firm in his faith during a time when Emperor Worship was seriously and turn away from their self sufficient worldly ways.
becoming the imposed religion of his day. There was a threat that Then He shares this powerful verse: ‘Here I am! I stand at the
the Christian faith would be annihilated, but while exiled to the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I
Island of Patmos, for punishment for his activities as a Christian will come in and eat with him, and he with Me.’ Many think
Missionary, The Lord came to John in a loud voice, instructing this verse was written for the non believing people outside of the
him to write on a scroll what the Lord would show him and send Church. But in reality, it is for the people who are meeting as the
it to the seven churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyati- church, but have not yet received the Lord. Our Lord wants to
ra, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. live in the people of His Church and be the guest at their table
for life. He tells of the future reward for those that will open the
Looking around to see where the voice was coming doors of their heart and live faithfully for Him. He says, that
from, John saw seven golden lampstands, and someone “like a those who overcome the difficulties and challenges of spiritual
son of man,” dressed in a robe that reached to His feet, with a battle, will receive from Him, the right to sit with Him on His
golden sash around His chest. His head and hair were white like throne, in the same way He overcame and now sits with His
wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. In His Father on His throne. Then He challenges, “He who has an ear,
right hand, He held seven stars and out of His mouth came a let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in
all its brilliance. Let’s be the Church that opens the doors of our hearts to
Jesus! He is knocking! He wants to come in and live in us, so
John fell at His feet and the Lord placed His right hand that we can have Him as our personal Lord and Savior. He
on him. He encouraged John to not be afraid, reminding him that wants others to see His glory in us, as we live lives that are on
He is the First and the Last, the Living One, who had been dead fire for Him. He wants us to help open the door of Christ to our
and became alive for ever and ever! He told him that He holds family, friends, and co-workers. Would you take seriously the
the keys of death and Hades. Christ wanted His own people to opportunity to pray and then invite someone you know, to be
know that even though there would be a time of great suffering your guest at our Christmas Musical Outreach, “The Open
for true believers, the Kingdom of God was imminent and would Door” on December 8th and 9th? If you don’t think your
belong to those who had patient endurance to the end. prayers or invitation will make much of a difference, just hold
on to Matthew 7:7 where Jesus says, “Knock and the door will
So John recorded the messages to the seven churches. be opened!” Then you may truly experience the genuine joy of
Each of the seven letters has a general three part pattern: what Christmas, as ‘heart doors’ are opened to the Christ Child, and
that church was doing well (commendation), what the Lord held they begin to experience the amazing difference He can make in
against them, (complaint) and what they could do to fix it, this life and in the one to come.
(correction.) It is in two of these letters to the Seven Churches
that we find the image of The Open Door. Merry Christmas with Lots of Love,
Pastor Ann
To the Church of Philadelphia in Revelation 3:8, is
written, “I know your deeds. See I have placed before you an PASTOR ANN HOY
open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little
strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My PASTOR OF YOUTH AND
name.” The Lord wanted the Church of Philadelphia to know that CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
He was coming soon and He wanted them to hold on to the faith
of His Kingdom that they had, so that no one could take their WINTER 2018 | FAITH MATTERS | 5
crown in Heaven.

The second place we see the image of the open door is
in Revelation 3:20 in the letter to the Church of Laodicea. Many
are familiar with the Lord’s complaint that the deeds of this

6 | FAITH MATTERS | WINTER 2018

sFrpomathne ish desk

We all know what a door is! We go through them every
day as soon as we wake up! Some we leave open all the time
and others we make sure we close, like our front door. Espe-
cially these days! We see them all the time no matter where
we go. The truth is that they come in all forms and shapes;
houses have them, cars have them, airplanes have them and
trains have them. I’ve even seen late models of motorcycles
that have them, and so many other things. The fact is that
they are necessary and do a very important job. That’s why
some we find open and others we find closed.

I have heard people, including myself, using the word
“door” referring to opportunities! Many times I have said, “I
know God will open a door!” Often we complain when we
find a closed door, only to discover down the road that the
best thing that happened to us was that it was closed!

When it comes to doors, the Bible is not silent! In John
10, Jesus states that He is the gate. I know it doesn’t sound
the same as door, but if you read verse 9, you’ll see that in
principle it is. As a matter of fact, most, if not all, Spanish
versions say “door” instead of “gate.” Please bear with me!
The purpose of a door is to either allow or prevent access in
or out!

Matthew 7:13-14 describes two gates or “doors”! One of
them is very appealing because it’s wide and the verse says
that many make that choice thinking it is the best one. How-
ever, it reveals to us that it leads to destruction! The other
one it describes as narrow and not chosen by most. However,
it reveals to us that it is the one that leads to life!

Where we end will always be the result of our decision!
We choose life or destruction! The good news of the gospel
is that no matter where you are or what you’ve been through,
you can choose Life today, right here, right now! That’s what
Jesus paid for and that’s what our good Lord wants! Come on
in, the door is open!

We Love You!

PASTORS RICKY &
MARIBEL PACHECO

LA NOVIA DEL CORDERO | FFC SPANISH MINISTRY

WINTER 2018 | FAITH MATTERS | 7

During services on
Saturday, December 8 (6pm) & Sunday, December 9 (9am & 10:45am)

IT’S FUNNY TO ME HOW CREATIVE MO- We need the worship center full for all three services.
MENTS HAPPEN AND WHAT SPARKS Please invite your unchurched family and friends. Please
THEM. I LOVE THE COLLABORATION invite those who need to be encouraged and who need peace.
PROCESS AND SEEING IDEAS COME TO
LIFE. YOU MAY THINK - WHAT’S THAT Tickets are not needed. The doors will open 30 minutes
GOT TO DO WITH ANYTHING? before services.

The idea for An Open Door came from several of Help us by praying for the following:
us working a concept – but originally from a restaurant that That lives will be affected by each moment.
had decorated the ceiling with doors. That each life will be touched by this gathering.
Protection and endurance as our teams continue to see
It set my mind and spirit to wonder how God opens this come together.
doors for us, How He “stands at the door and knocks,” how Spirit filled impact in all our lives this Christmas
He prompts and gently waits, how He perseveres and season.
awakens. Whether the door is opened to salvation and a Prayers for a Christmas season that calls us all to new
first time experience with the living God, or if a fresh wind places,
and calling come that remind us who He is and that He is
present, there are so many ways to think about all of this Mike Galatians 2:20
with a doorway.
MICHAEL LAW
The December 8-9 weekend services will be a WORSHIP PASTOR
special time of Christmas music and a drama sequence that
invites us to the door. Most importantly, you must help and
do your part.

CHRISTMAS EVE worship
candlelight services at 5:30pm & 7pm
Live nativity and refreshments at 6:30pm

8 | FAITH MATTERS | WINTER 2018

2018 MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS GIFT
GIVING EASIER.

COME SHOP THE

FFC

150 Operation christmas child shoeboxes filled SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1
9AM-1PM
59 children blessed by our angel tree
FELLOWSHIP HALL
87 thanksgiving baskets given
Western Caribbean
104 families HAVE RECEIVED
1,844 bags of food SHOP THE FAITH FELLOWSHIP CHURCH marketplace

“HIS PLACE” MINISTRIES The FFC Marketplace will make gift giving a little easier this
Christmas. We will have many vendors displaying diverse gift
The “His Place” Christmas Store for needy kids will be items in the Fellowship Hall from Premiere Designs Jewelry;
open this year on December 21. Contribute a toy for Vintage Dawn Crafts; Castaway Woodsmith Shoppe; Thompson
children, age infant through teenager. Please bring Girl’s Home Decor; Plexus; Jim’s Woodworking; Jan’s Quilts;
unwrapped toys to the Worship Center on December 8, 9, Pat’s Peanut Brittle; Senegence/Lipsense; Carol Gaffney; NJ Art;
15, and 16. Mefabulous Handmade Jewelry; doTerra; LA Designs; Mtn
Laurel Handcrafts; Fritz International; Paparazzi Accessories;
Amway; Grace Snavely; Hands & Heart; Southern Caramel;
Karen Whiting Books; Mama’s Rustic Decor; Think Humanity;
Bee Sweet Brevard; McCullock Crafters; Fuzzie‘s Fancies;
Zumbini; Crafts by Liz; Fishing for a Cure; Treehouse Distribu-
tion; FFC Youth Christmas bake sale and sodas. All proceeds
from vendors’ fees will benefit the FFC Youth Scholarship Fund.

WINTER 2018 | FAITH MATTERS | 9

FFC

YOUTH GROUP Mark Your Calendar Dec. 23, 2018
Dec. 24, 2018
Sunday nights, from 5-8pm, we welcome all teens in grades Christmas Movie Night/Bonfire Jan. 13, 2019
6th - 12th to join us for a night of games, fellowship, dinner, Live Nativity Jan. 27, 2019
worship, and the Word of God. Snack supper is $3. If you are Youth Council Meeting Feb. 1-2, 2019
coming for the first time, you eat for free! Youth Counselor Meeting Mar. 29-31, 2019
Winter Rummage Sale April 26-27, 2019
Live nativity scenes on christmas eve Spring Retreat June 9-14, 2019
Spring Rummage Sale June 23-28, 2019
The people of Faith Fellowship look forward to the four Live Summer Camp
Nativity scenes on display between the services on December Mission-Is- Possible XX
24. Live animals and students in costume portray the Christ-
mas story of Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem, Angels Fall rummage sale
announcing to the shepherds in the field, Shepherds rejoicing
at the birth place of the King, and Wise men coming to Praise God for a successful rummage sale! With your dona-
worship the Christ child, who is a toddler living in a house tions and hard work, almost $7000 was raised for the use of
with Mary. Students are to sign up at Youth Group on youth camp scholarships and funds. We also want to extend a
December 3 and try on their costumes on Dec. 9 and 16 at warm thank you to Dianne Thompson, Joyce Faulkner, and
5pm. On Dec. 24, students are to be at church from 5-7:30pm. their devoted team of adults and teens, without whom this
event could not have happened. The event also served as an
HOLIDAY BREAK outreach to our community. The leftover items were donated
to area ministries.
Youth Group will not meet on Sunday Dec. 30 and Jan. 6.
Fall rETREAT RECAP: not today, i am fearless
Basic beliefs Class // feb 10, 2019
163 youth and adults traveled north to High Springs, FL for
All 6th - 8th graders are welcome to join Pastor Ann for an awesome Fall Retreat weekend! In addition to canoeing,
this 12 week class. Those who complete the course will be putt-putt, sports, horseback riding, the Tower of Faith and the
honored in worship services and receive a new Bible. hayride to the Wagon Camp bonfire, the weekend was filled
with Spiritual growth. Speaker, Mark Fritchman, delivered
YOUTH CAMP KICK-OFF // SILENT AUCTION // BBQ messages telling us how we can become a friend to God, from
march 2-3, 2019 Hebrews 10:35-39. The Praise Band, led by Victor Rosas,
was rockin’ for Jesus. Many gave their lives to Christ this
Don’t miss this amazing weekend at FFC as Pastor Ann, weekend. Praise God for a Spirit filled teen retreat!
the Summer Camp Counselors, and the Senior LIT’s
unveil the theme, camp preacher, camp band, and many
more Youth Camp details! The Silent Auction brings in
thousands of dollars to pay for Summer Camp and camp
scholarships. On Feb. 16, 17, 23, and 24, come check out
all the awesome auction items donated by people in our
community. The Silent Auction closes on March 3 at 1pm.
Fabulous cooks bring together a camp fundraiser barbecue
meal with pulled pork, smoked chicken, great sides, drinks
and desserts. Dinner is offered after all three weekend
services.

10| FAITH MATTERS | WINTER 2018

OPENING THE DOOR
TO A GIVING HEART

When you visualize a door what do you see? A closed door usually signifies that whoever is on the other side doesn’t want
you to enter, at least without asking permission. You are shut off from everything found on the other side. Now visualize an open
door. Isn’t it more inviting? Open doors welcomes those who want to enter. In our spiritual lives, an “Open” or “Closed” door is a
commonly used metaphor describing the condition of our spiritual heart.

Christians are often characterized as “having a giving heart”. This spirit of generosity is something we strive for as we walk
out our Christian faith. The Bible talks about our spiritual heart and how it reveals the things we treasure, like our finances, and
possessions.

Luke 12:34 tells us:

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Think about this scripture. What do you treasure? Are you a person with an open and giving heart? Though difficult at
times, God calls us to view our money and possessions as His alone, to bless others as He desires. You know the old saying, “Give
someone the shirt off of your back”. God’s design is for us to give as He gives, generously and without conditions. In doing so, we
realize that we are blessed to be a blessing.

In the beginning of creation, God gave humans the innate spirit of His giving heart. Since we reflect the nature of God, we
also have His giving nature. Cain and Abel reveal this in Genesis 4 when they bring offerings unto God.

3In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. 4But Abel brought fat portions
from some of the firstborn of his flock.

While studying this scripture, the first thing that I noticed is that God hadn’t instructed Adam, Eve, Cain, or Abel to bring
him an offering. There is no record of Him giving a command, suggestion or even a recommendation. It seems that man understood
giving as a form of worship. Their hearts were designed to honor God with a portion of what He had given them.

Unfortunately, we live in a broken world that has become very consumeristic. We are preoccupied with the accumulation of
wealth, possessions, and treasures on earth. When we see the needs of others, our brokenness is revealed as we quietly convince
ourselves that our needs are more important. Our desire for treasures on earth reveals our true hearts. This is a dangerous place to
be.

If we examine our faith, though, we see that our heart does have a desire to give. We might feel that tug as we see someone
on the street corner in need, or as we talk to family, friends or acquaintances that are going through difficult times. That tug of the
heart is God instructing us to give as He gives. My challenge for you is to search your heart and ask yourself, “Do I have a giving
heart? Do I reflect the giving nature of God?” As Christmas approaches, many feel the desire to give. This is a wonderful thing, but
God doesn’t want it to end there. We need to express our “open door” heart by giving throughout the year. In doing so, we not only
bless others, but are blessed in the process. Let’s step out in faith and open our hearts.

Acts 20:35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the
Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "

PASTOR PAUL W. REECE

executive pastor

WINTER 2018 | FAITH MATTERS | 11

saturday go to the app store and download the ffc app!
Available on:
6pm worship service

sunday holiday events

9am & 10:45am worship service holiday marketplace

11am spanish worship service saturday // dec 1 // 9am-1pm

5pm-8pm Youth group (6th-12th grade) happy birthday jesus party

tuesday saturday // dec 8 // 10am-11:30am

7am prayer “AN OPEN DOOR” MUSIC presentation
5pm-6:30pm food pantry
7pm lifeline youth adult saturday // dec 8 // 6pm
sunday // dec 9 // 9am & 10:45am
ministry
CHRISTMAS EVE worship
wednesday
Monday // dec 24
6:30pm prime time starts jan 23 candlelight services at 5:30pm & 7pm
Live nativity and refreshments at 6:30pm
thursday

7:30pm spanish service

we livestream our sunday service message at
9:20am & 11:15am. you can also watch recorded
messages and give online through our website

and the ffc app.