Spring 2019

SPR ING
FORWARD

And out of the ground the
LORD God made to

spring up every tree that
is pleasant to the sight
and good for food.

- Genesis 2:9

FAITH MATTERS

SPRING 2 019

credits

Production Team:

Executive Producers: CONTENTS
Dr. Jeffrey and Pastor Ann Hoy 3 marriage cruise | women’s retreat | dinners for eight

Publication Manager:
Pastor Paul Reece

Copy Editor/ Print Production:
Pam DePietro

Newsletter Writers: 4 spring forward
Jeff Hoy, Ann Hoy 5 Pastor Jeff Hoy
Paul Reece, Pam DePietro, 6-7
Michael Law, Jill Weber, 8-9 breakthrough | from the Spanish desk
Kris Pakulak, Ricky Pacheco, Pastor Ann Hoy Pastors Ricky & Maribel Pacheco
Jim Banke
FFC KIDS | FAITH FELLOWSHIP ACADEMY
Photographers:
Pastor Jeff, Pastor Ann, Jill Weber YOUTH MINISTRY | SUMMER CAMP

Graphic Design: 10 GOOD FRIDAY | EASTER SERVICES | lifeline
Pam DePietro, Jim Banke

OUT OF TOWN? 11 a new thing NEW DATES COMING SOON!

Go to your devices app APRIL Pastor Paul Reece SILENT AUCTION/BBQ WEEKEND
store and download the
free FFC App. 13 Easter Egg Hunt A BIG THANK YOU to our “Grill Kings”,
14 Palm Sunday Chris, Justin, and Jared Weber
We livestream our Sunday Service 14 Israel Trip Information Meeting
Message at 9:20am and 11:15am. 17 1st Camp Training Meeting to our “Master Chef”
You can also watch recorded 19 Good Friday Service Charlie Smith
messages and give online through 20 Special Easter Music/Easter Saturday Service
our website and the FFC App. 21 Easter Sunday/Special Music/Reception and to our Silent Auction “Captains”,
24 2nd Camp Training Meeting Alicia Brooker and Kathy Tom
26-27 Spring Rummage Sale
27-28 Basic Beliefs Recognition Weekend for all of the time and effort you put into making
28 Graduate Recognition Sign-Up Deadline the weekend such a success!
28 MIP Meeting #1 There are so many of you who helped leading
up to and throughout the barbecue and Silent
MAY Christian Educator’s Recognition Weekend Auction, from decorating, food preparation,
MIP Meeting #2 servers, cashiers, set-up, teardown, clean-up,
4-5 Mother‘s Day (No Youth Group) collecting Silent Auction items, making phone
5 Graduate Recognition Weekend calls, data entry, and a host of other things that
12 Camp College Counselor Mtg. made the weekend run smoothly.
18-19 3rd Camp Training Meeting THANKS to all of you.
19 You know who you are!
22

Church Officers JUNE

FFC Church Officers and ministry teams 5 Staging for Camp (2pm)
represent our faith family. Feel free to contact 6 Load Camp Trucks (5pm)
the chairman if you have questions or creative 9-14 Summer Camp
suggestions. 14 Unload Trucks after Camp (1pm)
14 Summer Camp Homecoming/Dinner
Chairman John Tartaro 10-14 VBS Set-Up
Vice-Chairman Harry Greer 15-16 Father’s Day Weekend
Secretary Alina Miller 17-21 VBS
Treasurer Carolyn Marty 21 VBS Closing Ceremony (6:30pm)
Member at Large John Brooker 23-28 Mission Is Possible XX
Member at Large Bill Kennedy 27 Baptism (6pm)
Member at Large Dianne Thompson

MARRIAGE CRUISE 7 Nights and 8 days
TO THE WESTERN CARIBBEAN!
march 1-8, 2020
cruise with
pastors jeff & ann!

please register with our group so we may sit together in the
dining room and qualify for the free conference room for our class.

Register at: gpastor.dreamvacationsgroups.com/FFCMarriage

Seaside Escape Women’s Retreat
Butler Beach, St. Augustine, FL

Eleven women gathered together in a two story home in St. Augustine called
“Treasure Beach” the weekend of March 8-10, were they learned to BE
STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD (Psalm 46:10), through the stories
of Sarah & Hagar, when they tried to take things into their own hands and
when they waited upon the Lord. We cooked together, shared together,
laughed together and cried together. We finished our retreat with Praise and
Worship on the beach Sunday morning. We hope you will consider joining
us at the next getaway retreat in 2020. Our next event will be a Mother’s
Day Tea on May 11, 2019.

Showing in theaters April 17-20

2019 “Dinner for Eight” Groups

Jamie & Cyndi Cook Tues. starting Apr. 23 at 6:30pm 32904 Jessica & Ben Christiensen - Wed. starting Apr. 24, at 6pm 32952
Jesus & Kelly Pino (Parents & Teens) - Tues.starting Apr.23, at 6:30pm 32935 Mickey & Brenda Weed - Thurs, starting Apr.25, at 6:30pm 32940
Harry & Stefini Greer- Tues. starting April 23, at 6:30pm 32940 Amy Faulkner- ( Singles/Single parents) Fri., starting Apr. 26, at 6pm 32955
Tom & Evie Thompson- (Dessert Grp for 12) Wed. starting Apr. 24, at 6:30pm 32940 Eric & Nicole Kraemer - Wed. starting May 1, at 6:30pm 32940

Dan & Kari Tesenair - Wed. starting Apr. 24, at 6:30pm 32904

(All groups will meet 5 weeks in a row. See Pastor Ann’s article on page 5.)

SPRING 2019 | FAITH MATTERS | 3

SPRING
FORWARD!

SPRING FORWARD! Jesus likened us, as believers, to the soil into which
seeds fall. Some seed falls in places that are trampled by
We usually think of that phrase in terms of the difficult busyness. Other seed is snatched away by birds. Some falls
time change adjustment that occurs on the second Sunday upon hard stone or in a place with choking thorns. But we
of March. But I want to remind us of how spring is the are called to be the good soil that receives the seed of the
season in which so much of creation comes back to life Word. We are called to be the place of growth with the
around us. This is the message of scripture, that even when Word springing forth a hundredfold (Luke 8:4-8; 14-15).
things appear to be cold and lifeless, God brings life,
growth, and vitality. Our choices have the most significant impact on our
personal growth. What are those choices?
From the very beginning, in Creation, God caused life
to spring forth. “And out of the ground the LORD God First, we begin by choosing to put ourselves “in God's
made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and way” faithfully. We need to be in places where the seed of
good for food…” (Genesis 2:9 ESV) God's Word is faithfully sown. At Faith Fellowship, this is
our highest priority in our times of worship and ministry as
The story of God’s people is one of springing up and well as small group studies.
forward with growth. The Psalmist declared, “The
righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like Second, we pray and prepare ourselves to be soil that
a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they is open, ready, softened and fertile to received God’s Word.
will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear We do this primarily in Worship. Worship can be described
fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, …” (Psalm in many ways, but worship is always a time to plow the
92:12-14 NIV) hardened ground of our hearts to prepare to receive the
Word. Faithfully arriving for times of worship, is critical to
The call of the Apostle Paul was spring forward after growth.
we have received Christ Jesus the Lord, “to so walk in him,
rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just Third, we can Act. We need to put the Word into
as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” (Colos- action. Most believers will tell that the times of most
sians 2:6-7 ESV) significant growth in their lives happened when they put
their hands, hearts, and energy into serving Kingdom
The Apostle Peter urged believers to spring forward “in purposes.
the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18 ESV) Are you ready to Spring Forward? Join us in study
and worship each week. Join us by Livestream on week-
The writer of Hebrews called us as believers to spring ends that you cannot attend. Join a small study group or
forward and “leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and Home Fellowship group. Offer your heart in worship. Find
go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repen- a place to serve.
tance from dead works and of faith toward God…”
(Hebrews 6:1 ESV). Let’s Spring Forward!

God’s work in this world is all about bringing life and Pastor Jeff
causing growth. God wants us to Spring Forward in so
many ways. The life of a Christian believer is to be one of
constant, steady growth. We Spring Forward in small ways
as we trust God more and more with the daily issues of life.
We sometimes take a great leap forward when we confront
difficult challenges.

4 | FAITH MATTERS | SPRING 2019 DR. JEFF HOY

SENIOR PASTOR

BREAKTHROUGH From the

This past month, we had the privilege of traveling to the nation's spanish desk

capital and enjoying all of the national sites. The one thing I noticed One of the most exiting seasons of my life was when I
was a farmer! Not that I am no longer a farmer, but I’ll
as we walked the city of Washington DC was how spring was begin- explain that a little later! I used to raise plantains. Working
with seeds and soil is one of the most wonderful and satis-
ning to 'spring forth' from the flower beds. On Saturday, short green fying things anybody can do. If you’ve never done it, I
encourage you to plant a little garden, or plant a seed in a
shoots were barely beginning to break through the dirt and by the pot. Take care of it, feed it, and watch it spring out! It’s
simply amazing! There is so much to learn as you enjoy the
time we left on Friday, they were three or four inches up, out of the power of life unfolding every day right before your eyes. In
a perfect world, a farmer would not have to work so hard.
soil. The cherry trees had large red buds on the branches. Other trees But after mankind fell because of the curse, now nature
fights against itself and thorns and thistles will try to drown
had long fuzzy tips, preparing to bloom in the next few weeks. As we your crop.

drove to the airport, we saw whole fields of daffodils along the Now, in a perfect world, it wouldn’t be like that! This
makes me think about the garden God himself planted for
highway with their beautiful yellow flowers. It made me realize how Adam and Eve! How different it must have been being a
farmer back then! Can you imagine? No sweating because
much I love the signs of spring. of the constant battle to keep the crop from being attacked,
drowned, and subsequently killed. The only thing we
From the time of Noah, the scriptures declare that there will be would have had to care for was the opportunity and plan-
ning for growth!
enduring seasons. Genesis 8:22 says, " As long as the earth endures,
Of course we all know what happened, and therefore we
seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and don’t live in a perfect world! As a matter of fact, it is so
imperfect that we are immersed in a constant battle
night will never cease." It reminds me that in the physical realm, between life and death, light and darkness, good and evil,
growth and shrinkage. The good news is that we are not
there will be seasons for planting the seeds and after times of patient- alone! He that is all for Life, Light, Goodness and Growth
is with us! He that through His Power and Grace defeated
ly waiting, there will be a time to see the harvest of those seeds that death, darkness, evil and shrinkage through His sacrifice on
the cross of Calvary, is with us! He has called us, for we are
had been planted by faith. This is also true in the spiritual realm. the subject of His Unfailing Love and Glorious Salvation
and has paid the price in full for us to have what it takes to
There is this same truth to be explored and experienced in our lives... walk the path, run the race, fight the battle and win the war!

Seedtime and harvest. There is a parallel of how God works, in vege- I need to explain something I mentioned in the begin-
ning of my article…I haven’t stopped being a farmer, I
tation, and in the lives of His children. Without planting, there will be never have, and I never will. The truth is that “we all” are
called to be farmers in the Lord’s vineyard. We have been
no harvest. With planting, and sun and water from above, we will given the most precious of all seeds! However, we must not
lose sight of the fact that we ourselves are gardens and that
reap what we sowed. The same is true in the spirit according to the we must start by making sure we plant the seed in our
minds, hearts and souls. That is what the Holy Spirit will
scriptures. " A man reaps what he sows." Galatians 6:7 " The one who make spring forward and use as He leads us out into the
field to find opportunities to sow and never stop planning
sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us for the wonderful experience of growth in Him for our own
life and the lives of those in which we sow!
not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap
May the Lord bless you all!
a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let We love you!

us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family PASTORS RICKY &
MARIBEL PACHECO
of believers. Galatians 8-10.
LA NOVIA DEL CORDERO
This will be our fifth spring at FFC to offer "Dinners for Eight." FFC SPANISH MINISTRY

These short term commitment Home Fellowship Groups give people SPRING 2019| FAITH MATTERS | 5

an opportunity to allow their faith to spring forth and bear fruit for the

Lord. One daffodil is nice but a bunch of them together makes a

much nicer display of beauty. That's the way it is with believers. We

strengthen each other. We enjoy learning together. We encourage

each other when we share a meal, care for each other in conversation

and have times of prayer. You may ask, 'What will we study?'

The new Christian Movie, "Breakthrough" is based on a true story,

and is coming to movie theaters in our community on the Wednesday

through Saturday before Easter, April 17-20. At church, sign up to be

in a group (see Page 3), and plan to bring a dish to share. Invite some

friend to go to watch the movie with you. Then plan to go for five

sessions to your host family for special evenings to plant seeds and

watch them grow in your lives. The movie trailer can be viewed at

www.foxmovies.com/movies/breakthrough. You may feel led to lead

your own new group or have your existing HFG participate in this

study. Just let me know and we will provide you with the curriculum,

and make a sign up sheet for others to join you.

I hope you will take seriously this opportunity

to join a group, and study about the power of

prayer and ministry of the Holy Spirit. Take

some time to plant seeds of faith into your life,

and others in your group.

Watch them spring forth PASTOR ANN HOY
into glorious testimonies

of the goodness of God. PASTOR OF YOUTH AND
Lots of Love, Pastor Ann CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

APRIL 13 9:30AM TO NOON

6 | FAITH MATTERS | SPRING 2019

Faith Fellowship
Academy’s
17th Annual
Trike-a-thon

March 15, 2019

SPRING 2019 | FAITH MATTERS | 7

FFC

YOUTH GROUP MISSION IS POSSIBLE XX | JUNE 23-28

Sunday nights, from 5-8pm, we welcome all teens in grades Imagine a world where teens want to spend a week in the
6th - 12th to join us for a night of games, fellowship, dinner, summer serving the community in the name of Jesus! Imag-
worship, and the Word of God. Snack supper is $3. If you are ine that they raise $240 to provide for their food and mission
coming for the first time, you eat for free! supplies! Then, imagine them working long hours on hot
summer days with energy enough to Worship God at night!
Basic beliefs Class | APRIL 27-28 This Mission Is Possible!
MIP week has been a tradition at Faith Fellowship for 19
During the weekend services on April 27-28, we will years. Students learn about the heart of missions as they serve
present our 6th graders who have completed the Basic throughout the community, painting houses, feeding the
Beliefs Course with their own Bible. Please join us in homeless, and leading Vacation Bible School for children.
celebrating their accomplishments. Participants earn 40 community service hours as they take
their faith to another level. Mandatory MIP meeting will be
SPRING RUMMAGE SALE | APRIL 26-27 held April 28 and May 5, at 8pm, following Youth Group.

The spring rummage sale fundraiser is fast approaching! The mission is possible xIX
storage POD is here! Call the church office to drop off your
donated items through Tuesday, April 23. After that date, UGANDAN WELL PURCHASED WITH FUNDS RAISED BY
please bring your rummage directly to the Fellowship Hall on MIP XIX OUR 4th UGANDAN WELL WILL BE DEDICATED
Thursday, April 25, between 5pm-8pm or on Friday, April 26, THIS APRIL! HOPING FOR A 5TH WELL THIS SUMMER!
between 10am-2pm. The sale is Friday, April 26 from
5pm-8pm and Saturday, April 27, from 8am-1pm. Be sure to
bring cash. There will be hotdogs and hamburger concessions
and bake sale items available. All proceeds help youth,
children, and families attend Summer Camp.

GRADUATE RECOGNITION WEEKEND | MAY 18-19

All Graduates of High School, College, or Vocational Schools
should fill out a graduate form and submit a baby photo (high
school grads only) and current photo to the church office.
Information will be used in our “Honoring Graduates”
brochure and Power Point presentation. Submission deadline:
April 28.

SUMMER STAFF RECOGNITION | MAY 18-19

Come to any service the weekend of May 18-19 to be
introduced to our terrific team of Summer Staff 2019!

8 | FAITH MATTERS | SPRING 2019

SUMMERYOUTH | RISING 7TH-12TH GRADS
CAMPKIDS | RISING 3RD-6TH GRADE

June 3-8
2018

James 1:12

PERSfIfS-cJTESsU|uSPmISEmTRHeSErEGcAVaMEmERpCEH2A|0NPG19ERRE- VAIL

blessed IS THE ONE WHO PERSEVERES UNDER TRIAL BECAUSE,
HAVING STOOD THE TEST, THAT PERSON WILL RECEIVE THE
CROWN OF LIFE THAT THE LORD HAS PROMISED TO THOSE
WHO LOVE HIM.

- JAMES 1:12

MORNING DEVOTIONS by the lake. A WEEK
AWESOME MEALS // endless ice cream bar. FULL OF FUN!

Jet skis, shaving cream battle,
slip-n-slide, gaga ball
and more!

WORSHIP BY: SET FREE BAND
GUEST SPEAKER: brian burgess

SPRING 2019 | FAITH MATTERS | 9

GOOD FRIDAY

APRIL 19 CONTEMPLATIVE SERVICE
7PM
Remembering the crucifixion
and death of our Lord.

ChildcEaArSeTEisRpWroEvEidKeEdN.D WORSHIP

EASTER WEEKEND WORSHIP

saturday | APRIL 20 | 6pm
sunday | april 21 | 9am & 10:45am

Spanish | april 21 | 11am

THE POWER OF THE RESURRECTION

FREE EASTER LILY FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS
special refreshments between services

MINISTRY FOR YOUNG ADULTS | TUESDAYS at 7PM

LifeLine is committed to preparing young adults for the spiritual and personal struggles of life, in college
and into the future. The goal is to establish and strengthen our relationship with the Lord through a
community that holds each other accountable in the Spirit.

10 | FAITH MATTERS | SPRING 2019

a new thing

We are entering that time of the year where we begin to see new life in the plants and the vegetation around us. Things
that were brown and dead are beginning to green up and show signs of new life. This change of season is a beautiful reflection
of our own relationship with God, how He renews us, refreshes us, and is constantly calling us into a newness of relationship
and commitment to Him. Isaiah 43:19-21 (ESV) draws a beautiful picture of what God is doing in the life of His believers:

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and
rivers in the desert. The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness,

rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my
praise.

God calls us to newness of life, and challenges us to new commitments in Him. I know, in my own life, I can walk
by something that has been changed or is new and never really see it. But, God says His new thing will spring forth. That
would grab my attention. He then promises us that not only will He bring newness, but that He will also provide. He will
provide water in the desert. He will quench those who seek Him and He will bring life to the places in our lives that seemed
to be dead. This gives us hope. The imagery here is amazing. Our creator comes to earth to bring newness to the old and life
to the dead so that we might glorify Him and declare His praise.

You know how it feels when you have done some Spring Cleaning? Your home is made new and you feel refreshed.
It’s time to do a little Spring Cleaning at Faith Fellowship. It’s time for us to partner together to glorify God as He renews us,
as a church people and as a church facility. The leadership team of FFC has been praying for ministry vision and direction,
and we know that God wants our ministries to flourish. We also know that a Spring Cleaning is necessary. Whether visible
or not, our facility needs attention. This will take commitment on our part.

In the Old Testament, God tasked Solomon with building the temple, but the financial need was overwhelming. The
people of Israel were already giving their tithe, but David calls them together and challenges them:

Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the Lord?” Then the leaders of fathers' houses made their
freewill offerings, as did also the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officers over
the king's work. They gave for the service of the house of God 5,000 talents and 10,000 darics of gold, 10,000 talents of

silver, 18,000 talents of bronze and 100,000 talents of iron. I Chronicles 29:5-7 (ESV)

Their tithes supported the priests and their services, but this offering was designated specifically for the Temple. It
gets better. Chronicles 29:9 (ESV) says:

The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly.
God brings forth New Life, both in Old Testament times and now.

God has blessed us with a place to Worship and we honor His gift by caring for it. This is where we need you.

I ask you to pray about your part in the “New Thing” God has planned for FFC. Over the next several

weeks you will be hearing about the opportunity to give God’s house the attention it needs. Pray about

 Cholewanyionug can help support the need. The willingness to give will cause you to rejoice. A little Spring
goes a long way.

PASTOR PAUL W. REECE

executive pastor

SPRING 2019 | FAITH MATTERS | 11

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

sunday Celebrate

9am & 10:45am worship service easter

11am spanish worship service

5-8pm Youth group (6th-12th grade)

tuesday EGG HUNT

8am prayer saturday // april 13 // 9:30am

9am Ladies’ bible study (may 28-Aug 13 Summer break)

5-6:30pm food pantry GOOd friday service

6:30pm ladies’ bible study (may 28-Aug 13 Summer break) april 19 // 7pm

wednesday weekend worship

6:30pm prime time resumes Sept 25 saturday // april 20 // 6pm

thursday sunday // april 21 // 9am & 10:45am

7:30pm spanish service (easter reception // 10:15am-10:45am)

spanish // april 21 // 11am

SATURday we livestream our sunday service message at
9:20am & 11:15am. you can also watch recorded
8:30Am MEN’S BIBLE STUDY messages and give online through our website

and the ffc app.