Updating Information

If you are a part of the Bethany Fellowship of Churches and are in the process of fostering and/or adopting would take a minute to help us out?

As part of Sanctity of Life Sunday in January we put together a list of families that are in the process of fostering/adopting.  We are in need of some help to update that list.

If your family is in the midst of fostering and/or adopting please drop Amy an email at levisix@frontier.com
and let me know your name and what your family is taking part in, just the basics.

Thank you!

December Focused Fellowship Tonight!

Stop the craziness for a little refreshment this evening!  Ladies anywhere in the process of fostering and/or adopting join us for an evening of prayer, focus, and fellowship.  We will encourage one another in the midst of a busy holiday season.

There is no need to RSVP.  Feel free to invite a friend and if you would like bring a snack.

Focused Fellowship

Monday, December 17 at 7:00pm

Home of Monica Lonergan,  1111 W Burnside Dr.

If you have questions contact Amy at levisix@frontier.com

Focused Fellowship LOCATION CHANGE

We are changing the location of Focused Fellowship tonight due to a flu bug in Monica's home.

So for tonight, Monday, November 19 -

We are meeting at Starbucks on the corner of Prospect Dr. and War Memorial Dr., Peoria

We will meet at 7:00pm.

Hope to see you there!

Any questions?  email Amy at levisix@frontier.com

Don't miss this @Tugginc screening of Somewhere Between

Don't miss this @Tugginc screening of Somewhere Between\

Wednesday, December 12 at 7:30pm
AMC Showplace Pekin 14 - $10

Advanced ticket sales needed.

Check out the link above!

Christian Alliance for Orphan Webinar

Follow this link to sign up to be a apart of this webinar:  http://www.christianalliancefororphans.org/

Orphan Care Opportunities

As we continue to see the Bethany Fellowship of Churches’ families grow through fostering and/or adoption the opportunity for our church family grows too.

As you consider how the Lord would have you involved with orphan care Open Hearts, Open Homes has some opportunities for you to consider:

1. Offer respite to a family that has brought a child home and needs time to re-connect with each other or one of their other children.

Respite is at times difficult to seek out, but oftentimes needed.  Families that are in the midst of 

change or a trial don't necessarily think to ask for help.  At times, they can't think far enough to ask for  help.

As a church body we can offer "a cup of cool water" (Mark 9:41 - "I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.")  to families that need to re-connect as a couple or with one or more of their children whose lives have been impacted by changes in their family.  As a church family we can be pro-active and offer them an evening or afternoon to reconnect and be renewed.  Respite!

2. Offer a meal to a family that is adjusting to an additional child. 

Open Hearts, Open Homes does have a meal team that provides meals to families when a change occurs in their home.  If a family is involved in an Adult Bible Community (ABC) these meals come after the ABC is finished with meals, if they are not involved in an ABC they come immediately.  If you would like to be involved in the meal team please contact Michelle Hahn @ mhahn2002@gmail.com

3. Join the OHOH prayer team through your myBethany account.  

Sign up for the Open Hearts Prayer Team to receive weekly prayer request via email to prayerfully support families anywhere in the process of fostering or adoption

4.  Mentor a foster child.

TFI Mentoring Training

Tuesday, October 23, 2012     Time: 6-9pm

Bethany Baptist Church
7422 N Heinz Lane, Edwards

The Forgotten Initiative provides training for anyone in the Body of Christ that would like to mentor a child that is currently in Foster Care.  Email cassie@theforgotteninitiative.org to RSVP.

(See previous post for more information.)

5. Offer financial support to a family in the process of adopting.  

Bethany Fellowship of Churches has several families that are in the process of adoption and would blessed greatly from a financial gift to help them in ministering to a child through adoption.  If financial support interests you Lisa @ schwarz8@mtco.com can help you in finding out who those families who have been through the OHOH process.

If you have any questions about any of these things please send an email to Amy at levisix@frontier.com.

Orphan Sunday

Sunday, November 4 is National Orphan Sunday.   Traditionally at Bethany Churches we recognize orphan care on Sanctity of Life Sunday in January but we would like to call attention to opportunities in Central IL that have to do with Orphan Care.  

DEFEND THE CAUSE - November 2, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.; Eastview Christian Church; Doors open at 6 p.m. (flier attached)

Please come hear Todd and Amy Block of Village of Hope share the vision and hope for providing faith, family and a future to special needs orphans in San Lucas, Guatemala. Village of Hope is a ministry of Lifesong for Orphans in partnership with Project Hopeful. This free community event will include music, dessert, coffee and a silent auction as we hear what is being done for orphans and how we can help make a difference. The event is free; however, RSVPs are requested to help plan the event. Please register at http://defendthecause2012.eventbrite.com. This event is hosted by the Orphan Care Ministry of Eastview Christian Church, 1500 N. Airport Rd., Normal, IL. For more information, please email orphancareteam@eastviewcc.org.

Orphan's Table Meal - Check out http://orphansunday.org/orphans-table/  to order your own easy-to-cook meal package to host an Orphan's Table meal in your own home. Great teaching opportunity for our families!

An Orphan's Table Meal, November 4, 12:30 p.m.; Grace Church, Normal

Grace Church will have an Orphan Sunday Program during regular church services on November 4 and offer An Orphan's Table Meal at 12:30 p.m. Grace Church is located at 1311 W. Hovey Ave., Normal. For more information, please call 452-5076. 

An Orphan's Table Meal, November 11, 12 p.m.; East White Oak, Carlock

East White Oak will have an Orphan Sunday Event on November 11 starting at noon following their regular services. This event will include An Orphan's Table Meal. East White Oak is located at 11922 East 2000 North Rd, Carlock. For more information, please call 454-3833. 

ADOPTION RESOURCES

Adoption Q&As - October 26 or November 17, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Do you have unanswered questions regarding adoption? Consider joining Brad and Amy Arnold in their home for an evening of open discussion on adoption. Brad and Amy were both speakers at the 2012 Connecting Hearts with the Forgotten Conference. They will share how God changed their hearts from unwilling to willing and how He guided them through overwhelming decisions. They will address financial concerns, sharing from their personal journeys of being resource constrained to fully funded. There will be ample time to ask questions and have open conversation on various hurdles and fears that families face in the adoption process. It is their passion to provide guidance and encouragement to anyone God may be leading to the journey of adoption. Space is limited. To RSVP or for more information, please contact Amy at amymarnold@comcast.net. 

Connecting Points, Post Placement Seminar - November 17, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.; Grace Church, Normal

The Grace Church Orphan Care Ministry invites foster and adoptive parents to a Post-Placement Seminar designed to encourage and provide training for parenting children with trauma-based behavioral issues. The session will include portions of the DVD, "Trust-Based Parenting: Creating Lasting Changes in Your Child's Behavior". This event is open to anyone, but the primary focus is for adoptive and foster families. RSVPs are requested, especially if child care is required. Please RSVP by contacting Michael Roche at michael.roche@omnicomputerconsulting.com or 309-454-5764 by November 11. Grace Church is located at 1311 W. Hovey Ave., Normal. 

FOSTER CARE COMMUNITY EVENTS

Foster Parent Care Group - Thursday nights through November 29, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Eastview Christian Church (1500 N. Airport Rd., Normal) is offering a Foster Parent Care Group on Thursday evenings through November 29 (no meeting on November 22). This Care Group is open to any area foster parents. There is still room to join. Jessi Esterling, Director of Operations for the Forgotten Initiative, is leading the group through a study of "The Connection", by Dr. Karyn Purvis. Free childcare is available for ages 2-10 with RSVP. To RSVP or for more information, please email jsniff@eastviewcc.org. 

Mentor Training - October 23 and February 9

Are you interested in being a mentor to a foster child? Mentor training is available through the Forgotten Initiative and is being held on October 23 from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Bethany Baptist Church in Peoria and on February 9 from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Eastview Christian Church in Normal. To RSVP or for more information, please email cassie@theforgotteninitiative.org. 

October Focused Fellowship

October Focused Fellowship

Monday, October 15, 2012

7:00pm

At the home of Monica Lonergan, 
1111 W. Burnside Dr. Peoria

Focused Fellowship welcomes ladies anywhere in the process of fostering and/or adoption.  Whether you are just in the "thinking it through" stage or a seasoned adoptive mom you are welcome to join us.  We will have a devotion, time of prayer, and time to encourage one another.

There is no need to RSVP.  If you would like you can bring a snack to share, but it is not necessary.  

Any questions: Amy @ levisix@frontier.com

TFI Mentor Training - October 23, 2012

  

TFI Mentoring Training

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

6-9pm

Bethany Baptist Church
7422 N Heinz Lane, Edwards

The Forgotten Initiative provides training for anyone in the Body of Christ that would like to mentor a child that is currently in Foster Care. 

You do not need to be a licensed foster parent to mentor a child.  The requirements are as follows:

- 21 years old (or older)
- valid driver's license
- Completion of TFI training
- minimum of 1 year commitment to mentor
- Successfully pass DCFS background check
- Successfully completes Application Process at Agency
- Belief/commitment to the TFI Statement of Faith

To RSVP for training: infor@theforgotteninitiative.org

Questions? use above email address or 1-309-531-5824

Defend The Cause - November 2, 2012

To reserve your spot go to:

http://defendthecause2012.eventbrite.com/

Fall Orphan Care Bible Study

Open Hearts, Open Homes Orphan Care Bible Study begins September 23!

This study is for anyone who is interested in hearing what God's Word says about the church's care for orphans.  The study will be led by Jerry Sanderson and will use the resource The  Passion for the Fatherless: Developing a God-Centered Ministry to Orphans written by Bethany Community's Dr. Daniel Bennett.

We will meet Sundays at 11am in Room 809 at Bethany Baptist Church.  The church is located at 7422 N Heinz Lane, Edwards.  The churches phone number is 309-692-1755.  Anyone is welcome.

Welcome to the Family!

Recently realizing that I am very belated in recognizing families that have brought children into their home via adoption please forgive me as I make what, joyously, is quite a list of families that we need to acknowledge.

We are awed at God's faithfulness in putting the following families together:

Welcome to the family Isabella!  

Congratulations to Brian and Stefanie, and siblings Jonathan, Lauren, and David!

Welcome home Simeon!

Congratulations to Evan and Emily and Simeon's big brothers, too.

Congratulations to Steve and Kitty and Maddie as they welcome

Leah, Reece, and Tommy to their family.

Welcome Home Silas!

Congratulations to Marvin and Sara and Silas' older siblings.

Welcome Home Timmy!

Congratulations to Gregg and Kris and older siblings Ashley, Lindsay, Jaime, Tara, and Benjamin. 

"God sets the lonely in families...."  Psalm 68:6

September Focused Fellowship

Attention Ladies that are anywhere in the process of fostering and /or adopting.  Because this is the third Monday of the month tonight is Focused Fellowship!  Join us at 7pm at the home of Monica Lonergan, 1111 W. Burnside Dr., Peoria.  Because we want you to feel free to come no matter what your day has looked like you do not need to RSVP, just come as you are.  If you would like to bring a snack to share you may but no pressure.  Also, at any time feel free to bring a friend.

Focused Fellowship is a time for women whose lives have been touched by fostering or adoption to meet together to share our journeys and lift our families to the Lord in prayer.

Change of Location for tonight!

Attention Ladies

 - We are changing locations for tonight's Focused Fellowship as Monica is not feeling well.

We will be meeting at Panera Bread 

at Westlake Shopping Center at 7pm.

 Though the format is a little different when we meet in public it is still a great time of encouragement.

August Focused Fellowship

August Focused Fellowship!

Monday, August 20, 2012

7:00pm

Place: Home of Monica Lonergan, 1111 W. Burnside Dr., Peoria

No need to RSVP and feel free to bring a snack to share and a friend!

Focused Fellowship is  an ongoing ministry of the Open Hearts, Open Homes Orphan Ministry.  Women meet to pray, share, and encourage each other in our desire to follow the Lord in the care of the orphan.  Our group changes monthly and consists of moms and moms-to-be that are anywhere in the process of fostering or adopting whether it is domestically or internationally.

You do not have to be an attender of the Bethany Fellowship of Churches to attend, in fact about 50% of our ladies are not.  Our desire is to encourage each other in a way that honors the Lord.

If you have questions feel free to contact Amy - levisix@frontier.com

Fall Happenings!

Fall is upon us and with fall comes the beginning of many activities.  Open Hearts, Open Homes Orphan Ministry has a couple of exciting opportunities for those looking for ways to become involved in some way in the care of the orphan.

Always something we look forward to is the start of a new Orphan Care Bible Study!  Mark your calendars now for this study.  This study is not only for those considering foster care and/or adoption but for anyone who is interested in hearing what God's Word says about the church's care for orphans.  We will be using some new video clips to get us started and the resource written by Dr. Daniel Bennett, Bethany Community Church, entitled The Passion for the Fatherless: Developing a God-Centered Ministry to Orphans.  While our study will take place on Sunday mornings, those outside of the Bethany Fellowship of Churches are also welcome to join us!  Jerry Sanderson will lead this study.

Open Hearts, Open Homes Orphan Care Bible Study      

Beginning Sunday, September 23 - October 28, 2012

Time:  11am 

Place: Bethany Baptist Church; 7422 N. Heinz Lane, Edwards,IL 
      We will meet in the Living Stones Classroom.

Questions? Jerry Sanderson - jerry@bethanycentral.org or Amy Park - levisix@frontier.com

****************
Secondly,  there is an opportunity through The Forgotten Initiative to take part in Mentor Training being hosted at Bethany Baptist Church.  The Forgotten Initiative provides training for anyone in the Body of Christ that would like to mentor a child that is currently in Foster Care.

You do not need to be a licensed foster parent to mentor a child.  The requirements are as follows:

- 21 years old (or older)
- valid driver's license
- Completion of TFI training
- minimum of 1 year commitment to mentor
- Successfully pass DCFS background check
- Successfully completes Application Process at Agency
- Belief/commitment to the TFI Statement of Faith

TFI Mentoring Training

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

6-9pm

Bethany Baptist Church
7422 N Heinz Lane, Edwards

To RSVP for training: infor@theforgotteninitiative.org

Questions? use above email address or 1-309-531-5824

July Focused Fellowship

July Focused Fellowship!

Monday, July 16, 2012

7pm

At the home of Monica Lonergan, 1111 W Burnside Dr.

This is a chance to connect with likeminded ladies about the topic of fostering and/or adoption.  No matter where you are in the process we would like to extend the hand of fellowship to you, spend some time in prayer, and encourage you as you follow the Lord's leading for your family.

You do not need to RSVP.  Bring a snack to share if you desire.  Friends are always welcome!

Questions?  Amy at levisix@frontier.com

June Focused Fellowship

A reminder to the ladies of Focused Fellowship - some old friends and some new.  We invite you to join us for an evening of prayer, sharing, and encouragement whether you have been parenting an adopted or foster child for years or are just beginning the paperwork.  

Join us - Monday, June 18, 2012.  Time: 7:00 pm

We meet at Monica Lonergan's home: 1111 W Burnside Dr. Peoria

If you have any questions feel free to contact Amy at levisix@frontier.com.

Coming alone or with a friend, no need to RSVP.  

Open Hearts, Open Homes Family Picnic

Open Hearts, Open Homes Ministry

would like to invite

you and your family 

to a picnic!

Bring a picnic supper for your family and meet us at the park.  You get to pick, whether you prepare it at home or drive through your favorite place.   Join  us for a time of catching up with one another!

We will provide the drinks. 

Date: Saturday, June 23, 2012

Place:  Grandview Drive Park - this is the park at the Rte 29 end of Grandview Dr., on the top of the hill.

(no shelter, but a large playground)  

Time: 5-7pm

There is no shelter at this park so blankets and lawnchairs will be helpful. 

Any questions?  Amy  -  levisix@frontier.com

Hope to see you there!

Parenting Kids from Hard Places class

There is a 10 week DVD-based class of Parenting Kids from Hard Places beginning this week.  Anyone is welcome!

The video presenters are Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross, authors of the book "The Connected Child".

Facilitated by Don and DeAnn Fraser, the first two weeks Dave and Colleen Little will join them.  Don and DeAnn have recently joined the Navigators staff.

Dates: Wednesday evenings, June 6-August 15, 2012. 

(excluding July 4) 

Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Place: Glen Hill Church, 125 Chestnut, East Peoria.

If you have questions you can reach Don and DeAnn Fraser at:  poiema_kids@att.net

 et.

Change of Location for tonight's Focused Fellowhsip

Attention ladies,
We need to change the location of Focused Fellowship for tonight, May 21, only.

Focused Fellowship will meet tonight at 7pm at the Panera at Westlake.

Hope to see you there!

Welcome to the Family!

Congratulations to Evan and Emily as they welcome

Simeon   

into their family!

Hooray to Isaiah and Josiah, his best two big brothers!

We are praying for you.

"God will fill your mouth with laughter and you lips with shouts of joy."  Job 8:1

Focused Fellowship!  

Monday, May 21 at 7pm

Note Location Change: to Panera at Westlake for tonight's meeting only.
Home of Monica Lonergan

1111 W Burnside Dr., Peoria

Questions?  Contact Amy at levisix@frontier.com

What is Focused Fellowship?  A time for moms anywhere in the process of fostering and/or adoption to come together for encouragement, prayer, and laughs.  We want to meet you where you are and walk along beside you.

Bring a friend or come alone, bring a snack to share or empty-handed!  Come as you are!

5K for Orphans

Foster Care Prayer Vigil

"A vigil isn't really about holding candles, staying up late,  or even about the event itself.  A vigil is about heartfelt, concentrated prayer.  A vigil is about setting our hearts on things that matter-- petitioning God to move in our world." - Cry of the Orphan

On May 8 we will spend some time in concentrated, heartfelt prayer for the over 400,000 children, workers, and families (birth and foster) affected by foster care in the U.S.

For more information about the National Prayer Vigil for Foster Care check out www.cryoftheorphan.org

Join the Open Hearts, Open Homes Orphan ministry of the Bethany Fellowship of Churches as we seek out the Lord in prayer.  Anyone is welcome!

Foster Care Prayer Vigil
When:  Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Time: 7:00pm
Place: Bethany Baptist Church, Senior High Room
          7422 N Heinz Lane, Edwards, IL

Women Encouraging Women

Women encouraging women, that is what the evening of Focused Fellowship is all about.  As a way of introduction we spent about a half hour chatting in small groups as ladies arrived.  When I looked at my watch and saw how late it was getting we flashed the lights to have the ladies gather in one room.

Monica has graciously continued to open her home, something that the Lord has gifted her with, in a way that allows each of us to feel comfortable.  Since this evening we wondered if the group would be larger Monica had cleaned under her couch so that the couch could be pulled further back in the room to allow for more room.  (thank you Monica!)  

We went around the room "briefly" sharing about our families to give everyone an idea of what had brought us to the group.  This particular evening there were several ladies waiting for referrals, one awaiting travel plans, some waiting to hear the future of their foster children, and others parenting the children already placed in their homes both through adoption and fostering.  We were a diverse group, many from our church family, many representing several other church families, all of us with the common bond of Christ.

We had a short devotion given using pieces of Paul David Tripp's book Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change.  Just reading the title could of been enough to remind all of us that we are instruments being used by the Lord.

During the devotion we were reminded of three points:

*"God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things in the lives of others."

*We heard Ephesians 4:11-16 and heard that God could use us!

*The overall biblical model is this: God transforms people's lives as people bring his Word to others."

Not wanting to neglect our time of prayer we spent some sweet time in prayer for each other and the children that we represent.  What an encouragement!

The evening ended with small groups of conversations that included some brainstorming, questions being asked and answered, and of course some laughter. 

This evening of fellowship is such a time of refreshment.  God has called each of us to the place where we are to minister to the children and the families that He brings our way.  God does not always call us to easy things, but we can trust that He will equip us for what He has called us to do.  One of the things that the Lord uses to equip me is this group of ladies that love Jesus and are called to care for the orphan.

If you are a mom or are hoping to be a mom through adoptions and/or foster care.  Please join us on the third Monday of each month at 7pm at Monica Lonergan's home.  We would love to get to know you and to come alongside and encourage you!

If you are on Facebook, look up the Focused Fellowship page.

"From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."  Ephesians 4:16

Focused Fellowship

Just a quick reminder that Focused Fellowship is coming! What is Focused Fellowship?

Focused Fellowship is a time of prayer, encouragement, and sharing for any mom any where in the process of fostering and/or adopting. We love that the Lord has placed us on this journey but recognize that it isn't always easy. Together we can work towards glorifying the Lord as we meet the challenges of waiting, parenting, and anything else that comes our way.

Monday, April 16 at 7pm

Home of Monica Lonergan: 1111 W Burnside Dr. Peoria

Questions: Amy: levisix@frontier.com

No need to RSVP, if you'd like to bring a snack feel free, always feel free to invite a friend.

Hope to see you there!

Mark Your Calendars!

Get your pen and mark your calendar for these upcoming events!

For the ladies - Focused Fellowship - this is an evening of prayer and encouragement for ladies that are anywhere in the process of fostering and/or adopting. Feel free to bring a friend.

Next meeting - Monday, March 19 at 7pm

Where: Monica Lonergan's home, 1111 W. Burnside Dr., Peoria

Time: 7pm - no need to RSVP

Questions? Email Amy at levisix@frontier.com

________

Foster Care Prayer Vigil

When: Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 7pm

Place: Bethany Baptist Church, 7422 N. Heinz Lane, Edwards, IL

Note: We will meet in the Senior High Room

May in National Foster Care Month. Come spend some time praying for those that are involved in every aspect of fostering children.

______

Currently the Orphan Care Bible Study is meeting at Bethany Community Church in Washington, IL. If you are interested and weren't able to join in this time watch for a new study to begin in the fall.

Spring Orphan Care Bible Study

Open Hearts, Open Homes presents the Spring Edition of the

Orphan Care Bible Study!

When: Sundays, February 26 - April 1, 2012

Time: 9-10am

Place: Bethany Community Church - meeting at Five Points Community Center,

360 N. Wilmor Rd., Washington,IL

Led by Pastor Daniel Bennett


What is the Orphan Care Bible Study? An opportunity for you to hear what Scripture has to say about caring for orphans. You don't have to be planning on fostering/adopting to attend the study. For those planning on fostering and/or adopting it is the first step in becoming part of the Open Hearts, Open Homes Orphan Care Ministry.

If you have questions regarding the study you may contact:

Daniel at daniel@bethanycommunitychurch.org or Amy Park at levisix@frontier.com

_________________________________________

Attention Ladies! Third Monday Coming!

Focused Fellowship

Feb. 20, 1012

7:00pm

Monica's home - 1111 W Burnside Dr., Peoria

What is it? A time of sharing, prayer, encouragement for any lady anywhere in the process of fostering and/or adopting. Feel free to bring a friend!

No need to RSVP - just come, we recognize that sometimes you don't know until the last minute if it's going to work into your day and we don't want that last minute decision to keep you away!

If you'd like to bring a treat to share that would be great, but not required.

We meet the third Monday of the month.

Any questions? contact Amy @ levisix@frontier.com

Welcome to the Family!

Congratulations to Brent and Deb as they welcome

Dallas

into their family today!

Congratulations also to Dallas' siblings

Tanner, Ellie, and Alaina

"You make me glad by your deeds, O Lord, I sing for joy at the works of your hands."

Psalm 92:4

Would you like to offer respite to a church family?

We are always looking for ways for the body of Christ to walk beside those families in our midst that are caring for foster children in their homes. Here is a simple way to learn more about offering respite for a foster child/ren in our church family without having a foster care license.

Family Core is offering a one-night class that will help you understand, in a compact form, the unique pieces of caring for a foster child so a foster family can have a break.

Respite Information Classes

Thursday, February 16, 2012

6-9pm

Place: Family Core offices, 330 SW Washington St., Peoria

To sign-up call: Tina Frier at Family Core - 676-2400.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the following:

Amy @ levisix@frontier.com or Lisa @ schwarz8@mtco.com

Connecting Hearts with the Forgotten Conference

Check out this wonderful adoption and orphan care conference for FREE!

Connecting Hearts with the Forgotten exists to help people capture the heart of God for the fatherless in our own backyard and across the world. You will find resources for fostering, adoption, post-adoption and orphan care.

Bethany Fellowship of Churches' own Daniel Bennett and Jerry Sanderson will be participating!

Date: Saturday, February 25, 2012

Time: 8:30am - 2:30pm

Place: East White Oak Bible Church, 11922 E 2000 North Rd., Carlock, IL

This conference is hosted by several Bloomington-Normal churches.

Check out the website at: http://www.connectingheartsconference.org/

Ministry Opportunity helping Foster Parents

We have been made aware of a need from The Forgotten Initiative.

Need: Family Core is looking for 3-4 childcare providers to volunteer during their foster care support group meetings once a month. They meet the 2nd Thursday of each month from 6-8pm.

This would be a great way for people interested in becoming foster parents to get a "taste" of working with foster parents and children.

To find out more about this opportunity contact: Jill at jill@theforgotteninitiative.org

January Focused Fellowship

Happy New Year Ladies!

Our first Focused Fellowship of the New Year!

Monday, January 16, 2012

7pm

Home of Monica Lonergan

No need to RSVP, come if you can, even if it's the last minute!

Why do we meet? To encourage, build up, and pray for each other as we go through the journeys of foster and/or adoption. It doesn't matter how far into the process you are please join us as we share how the Lord is working in our families.

Any questions? email Amy - levisix@frontier.com