December Focused Fellowship

Ladies!  Join us Monday, December 16, 2014 at 7 pm for a time of encouragement and prayer.

We will have a Christmas devotion and a simple time of celebration.  If you love to bake bring a Christmas treat to share.  Monica will provide drinks.

No need to RSVP,  come as you are!

Monica's address: 1111 W Burnside Dr.

Any questions email Amy at levisix88@gmail.com

Tonight's Focused Fellowship Cancelled

Ladies Tonight's Focused Fellowship has been cancelled due to the recent tragedy caused by the storms.  We want those who are called upon to be available to help.

Our prayers are with these many families.

We look forward to seeing you on December 16th.

Welcome to the Family!

Congratulations to

Will and Sara Good

on the adoption of

Mariah!

Congratulations also to her siblings

Micah, Mikaela, Sawyer, Kadin and Josiah.

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

A Passion for the Fatherless

TONIGHT!  It's not too late!  

 http://passion4fatherless2013.blogspot.com/

October Focused Fellowship

Monday, October 21, 2013

7pm

At: Monica's home

Focused Fellowship is a time for ladies anywhere in the process of fostering or adopting where we seek to encourage each other.  

Join us for a devotion, time of prayer for our families, and networking with other like-minded ladies.  It is our desire to build you up and encourage you as you follow the Lord.

Questions?  Amy at 251-7250 or Monica at 303-7965

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)

Are you looking for a way to support those doing foster care?  


"CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) needs volunteers. A lot of volunteers. There is an especially strong need for male and minority volunteers.
There are currently more than 1,000 pending juvenile abuse and neglect cases in Peoria County matched to a current roster of about 180 trained CASA volunteers. That means more than 80 percent of the cases move forward without the benefit of a CASA volunteer representing the individual needs of the children in the system who have been removed from their homes by a court order.
CASA will hold an informational meeting about the program on Thursday, Oct. 10, at Two25 in the Mark Twain Hotel, 225 NE Adams St., Peoria. The meeting will be from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Light snacks will be provided.
The next 30-hour training class begins Saturday, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and continues on Nov. 11, 12, 13 and 14, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 16, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and concluding on Monday, Nov. 18, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The training location is the Detweiller Center, 809 W. Detweiller Drive (west of Knoxville Ave.) in Peoria. A swearing-in ceremony will be held at a later date in Courtroom 424, in the Peoria County Courthouse, 324 Main St., Peoria.
For more information, or to register, contact any one of the three advocate supervisors by email: Terry Pyatt, tpyatt@peoriacounty.org; Dominque Alexandre, dalexandre@peoriacounty.org; or, Michael Zerneck, mzerneck@peoriacounty.org. Or call 309-669-2939."

Check out the full article here:
 http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1343101777/CASA-volunteers-help-shoulder-burden-of-child-abuse-cases#ixzz2hGJHwRzQ

Fall Open Hearts, Open Homes Orphan Care Bible Study

Fall Open Hearts, Open Homes 

Orphan Care Bible Study

This study is for anyone interested in learning what the Scripture has to say about caring for orphans.  A desire to adopt or do foster care is not a requirement for this study.  We will also be using A Passion for the Fatherless by Daniel Bennett to help us better understand the theology of adoption and the practical application of orphan care. 

Sundays, September 22 - October 27, 2013

11:00am - 12:15 (during second church service)

Bethany Baptist Church

Led by: Jerry Sanderson

Any questions?  Contact Jerry Sanderson - jerry@bethanycentral.org
or Amy Park at levisix88@gmail.com

September Focused Fellowship

         Focused Fellowship

September 16, 2013

What is Focused Fellowship?  -  An evening for ladies anywhere in the process of fostering/adoption to meet together for prayer, support, and encouragement.  Whether you are in the beginning stages or walking through the day-to-day, we think you will find something for you.  

We meet the third Monday of each month, rain or shine.  We have found that when we cancelled for a special holiday the women just met at a Starbucks, so once in a while we change the meeting place due to illness or vacation but that is rare. (If we change the place we will post it on the blog and the Focused Fellowship Facebook page.)

Bring yourself, bring a friend, if you'd like you can bring a snack to share, but the only thing you really need is you.

In September we will have a special guest, Peggy Corra.  Peggy has a degree in counseling and great insight into children that have come from hard places.  Peggy joined us a couple of months ago and was great at helping us to understand the effects of trauma and loss on a young child.  

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

Time?  7pm 

No need to RSVP, just come.

Questions?  Email Amy at levisix88@gmail.com or ask on the FB page.

A Passion for the Fatherless 2013 is a conference designed to equip you and your local church to care more effectively for the orphan.  

On October 11th and 12th at Bethany Baptist Church in Edwards, IL, pastors and authors Dr. Daniel Bennett, Dr. Rick Morton, and Dr. Tony Merida will serve as keynote speakers and discuss the Biblical foundation of orphan care ministry and the centrality of the local church in meeting the needs of the fatherless. 

 Joined by other experienced ministry leaders, they will cover important topics such as God and the Orphan, Funding an Orphan Care Ministry, Adoption, Foster Care, and Post Adoption Support in a variety of practical breakout sessions.  

Childcare is available and lunch will be provided. 

The cost of the conference is only $12.00

.  

For more information and to register, please visit BethanyCommunityChurch.org.

Study on Post-Adoptive Women

Please take a moment and read this brief description.  Perhaps you are not a woman meant for this study but you may know one.

Cross Cultural retrospective study of women’s decision  making and mental health outcomes when placing a child for adoption:

If you’ve placed  a child for adoption in Australia or the US and are interested in sharing our story to help researchers better understand ADOPTION-decision making, the experience, and post-placement psychological adjustment, then please consider participating in a study directed by Priscilla K. Coleman, Ph.D., Bowling Green  State University.

This is one of the most comprehensive studies of the psychology of adoption ever conducted.  Participation is easy.  You’ll find the on line survey located here:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/B3QXPMR

Please keep in mind that the survey is lengthy and will likely take over an hour tocomplete.  If you’re interested, please plan to fill out the survey soon.  The information you provide will greatly benefit women n the future.  Thank you for helping us!

__._,_.___

Focused Fellowship in August? Why Yes!

Ladies - Are you considering foster care or adoption or you are in the midst of hands on care?

Join us as we meet to pray, share, and encourage one another.  We want to bless you with a place you can gain some practical helps, share what is on your heart, and help you find the way to get your questions answered, all while keeping the gospel the center and encouraging one another through prayer.

 It is our hope that you walk away after our evening feeling renewed to continue to walk the privilege of caring for these children.

Feel free to bring a friend if you'd like and a snack to munch on, if you have time to get it together. :)  No need to RSVP, come as you are!

Focused Fellowship meets the third Monday of each month.

Focused Fellowship

Monday, August 19, 2013 at 7:00pm

Where: Monica's Home - 1111 W Burnside Dr. Peoria

questions? contact Amy at levisix88@gmail.com

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Conference

Welcome Home!

Welcome to the Family 

Aleigha!

Congratulations to 

Brian and Jennifer and their family.

We are so thankful for how the Lord
                                                        has put your family together.

Post Adoption Training in Peoria - Creating Connection

Note: There are 8 scholarships left as of 8/15/13

Equipping Adoptive and Foster Parents to Connect with Children from Hard Places

September 10 - November 19, 2013
Tuesday Evenings, 6:00 - 7:00 P.M.

This group will equip parents with the following tools:
» Building healthy parent/child attachment.
» Learning how to prevent and deescalate challenging behaviors.
» Equip parents with the skills needed to disarm your child’s learned fear.
» Learn practical techniques to help stabilize you child’s neurochemical system, 
identify sensory triggers which impact behavior.
» Teaching self-regulation skills to your child.

Space is limited and scholarships are available.

Therapists: Jonna Tyler, LCPC, RPT-S & Corey Hopson, LCPC
Call the Receptionist at 309-692-6622 to reserve your place.
6615 N. Big Hollow Rd. | Peoria, Illinois 61615 

 Working together with Lifesong for Orphans to help serve adoptive families. 

Lifesong for Orphans has been working for months to help facilitate better pre and post adoption training for families in central Illinois. They have scholarshipped counselors to become TBRI trained through Texas Christian University and have a class scheduled for the fall.

They are offering scholarships for families to attend, all the details are below. 

 http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/creating-connection/

Reminder the OHOH Family Picnic is Coming!

OHOH FAMILY PICNIC!

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Time: 4:30-7:00pm

Place: Bethany Community Farmhouse,
27265 Dutch Lane, Washington, IL  

Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/1a9Xd

Join us as we gather for a great meal and fellowship!  This is a great time of getting to know other foster and adoptive families, or those with an interest in orphan care. 

Bring your family, a dish to share, lawnchairs/blankets, and perhaps some outdoor things for your kids to play with.  

We will provide chicken, drinks, and table service.

RSVP or any questions?  Contact Amy Park at levisix88@gmail.com

Fall Open Hearts, Open Homes 

Orphan Care Bible Study

This study is for anyone interested in learning what the Scripture has to say about caring for orphans.  A desire to adopt or do foster care is not a requirement for this study.  We will also be using A Passion for the Fatherless by Daniel Bennett to help us better understand the theology of adoption and the practical application of orphan care.

Sundays, September 22 - October 27, 2013

11:00am - 12:15 (during second church service)

Bethany Baptist Church

Led by: Jerry Sanderson

Any questions?  Contact Jerry Sanderson - jerry@bethanycentral.org
or Amy Park at levisix88@gmail.com

July Focused Fellowship - Note Location Change

July Focused Fellowship!

Foster and/or Adoptive Moms! It's just about time for some prayer, fellowship, and encouragement.  We look forward to seeing you all this month!

Please note the location change for July only.

Date: Monday, July 15, 2013

Time: 7pm (Panera is open until 10pm)

Place: Panera Bread,  1101 W Bird Blvd, Peoria.  

Note: this is the Panera at the North end of Knoxville Ave, just north of Northpoint Shopping Center.

Focused Fellowship meets the third Monday of each month at 7pm.  Normally in Monica's home.  We meet for a time of setting our minds on Christ, praying for each other and encouraging and sharing with one another as we parent the families that the Lord has placed us in.  If you are a foster and/or adoptive mom you are welcome to attend.  Feel free to bring a friend.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Amy at levisix88@gmail.com

You Can Register Today!

Register Today at bethanycommunitychurch.org

For more information check out the conference blog at:

 passion4fatherless2013.blogspot.com

OHOH FAMILY PICNIC!

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Time: 4:30-7:00pm

Place: Bethany Community Farmhouse,
27265 Dutch Lane, Washington, IL  

Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/1a9Xd

Join us as we gather for a great meal and fellowship!  This is a great time of getting to know other foster and adoptive families, or those with an interest in orphan care.

Bring your family, a dish to share, lawnchairs/blankets, and perhaps some outdoor things for your kids to play with.  We will provide meat and table service.

RSVP or any questions?  Contact Amy Park at levisix@frontier.com

*****
Mark your calendar for October 11-12, 2013 for the Passion for the Fatherless Orphan Care Conference at Bethany Baptist Church.

June Focused Fellowship

Ladies - This month's Focused Fellowship has a great opportunity!

Join us: Monday, June 17, 2013

Time: 7pm

Where: Monica's Home - 1111 W Burnside Dr., Peoria

This month we will have a guest speaker at Focused Fellowship. Peggy Corra will join us to share her heart for adoptive moms and what she has learned about children that have been fractured by difficult circumstances in their lives.  Below is an excerpt from an email that she sent to Monica:

 "I truly have a heart for foster moms and adoptive moms. They (you!) are surgeons in this fallen world, trying to put back together the pieces of the children who have been broken by people and forces beyond any of our power to control. They (you) place their hands in the Lord's tight grasp, trusting and relying on Him to join them with Himself in making miracles happen, to bring healing and hope to the forgotten, broken, lost parts of these children. (**Insight: I learned that when Jesus said He came "to seek and to save the lost," we all tend to think He meant lost (unsaved) people. Actually the meaning is much broader than that and includes lost parts of all of us, for every time we are harmed or scarred or traumatized, we deal with the pain by sealing away the parts of ourselves that are tied to the pain. Jesus' meaning was that He came to seek out all our lost, scattered, broken pieces and put us back together. He came to make us whole! How cool is that?!?**)"

All ladies anywhere in the process of fostering and/or adoption are welcome to join us as we pray and encourage each other.

Please let me know if you have any questions, contact Amy at levisix@frontier.com

Belated Welcome Home!

Welcome to the United States!

Congratulations to 

Dan and Summer on the adoption of Amari!

Excited for her two big sisters, too!

** ** ** ** ** ** 

Congratulations to 

Scott and Carrie on the adoption of Joshua!

A wonderful opportunity for his older siblings to love on him.

We are praying for your families as you adjust and become the family that the Lord has made you to be.

Dates to Remember

(Tonight) Monday, May 20 - Focused Fellowship - 7pm - Home of Monica Lonergan, 1111 W. Burnside Dr., Peoria

For ladies anywhere in the fostering or adoption adventure!  We meet for a devotion, prayer, sharing, and encouragement.  No need to RSVP, bring a snack to share if you would like.  

Focused Fellowship meet the third Monday of each month.

This Thursday, May 23 from 6-7pm is the Foster Care Prayer Vigil at Bethany Baptist Church (Senior High Room).  

This is in conjunction with National Foster Care month and the National Foster Care Prayer Vigil through Cry of the Orphan.  We will pray for the 400,000+ children in foster care and all those that are involved in the decisions that affect their lives and those that care for them.  Join us for this special time of prayer.

Mark your calendars for the OHOH Family Picnic - Saturday, August 3, 2013 - 4:30pm.  Details will follow.  This is a great time to get together with other families that are fostering and/or adopting.  One family noted that getting together was a great experience for their adopted child as she got to see many other kids that were just like her!    We will send out more details closer to the time.

Questions?  Amy at levisix@frontier.com

May Focused Fellowship

May Focused Fellowship

Ladies - Join us as we support each other through prayer, sharing, and encouragement!  If you are fostering, adopting or considering come and get to know other ladies that have hearts being pulled in the same direction.  Ask a like-minded friend to join you!  

Monday, May 20, 2013

7pm

Home of Monica:  1111 W Burnside Dr., Peoria

No need to RSVP, just show up.

Any questions?  Contact Amy at levisix@frontier.com

Note:  We meet the third Monday of each month, so mark June while you are at it.  Stay tuned for information about a guest speaker who will be joining us in June.  

Save the Dates!

Foster Care Prayer Vigil  -

In conjunction with National Foster Care Month and the National Foster Care Prayer Vigil the Open Hearts Open Homes Orphan Care Ministry is hosting a Foster Care Prayer Vigil.

We will meet to pray for the over 400,000 children that are in foster care across the nation as well as all those that are involved in the process such as social workers, clinicians, judges, attorneys, foster parents, and birth parents.  Come and join us as we join in prayer with many others across the nation to bring these children before the Lord in prayer.

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

Date:  Thursday, May 23, 2013

Time:  6-7pm

Room:  Senior High Room

Any questions?  Amy @ 266-1635

For more information about this national event see: http://www.cryoftheorphan.org/Overview.aspx
*****      *****     *****     *****     *****     *****     *****     *****    
Spring Social - 

Stay tuned for more details for our Open Hearts Open Homes Orphan Ministry Family Picnic.

Date:  Saturday, June 1, 2013 at 4pm.  Stay tuned for a new date!

Interested in being a part of the STUCK documentary coming to Peoria?

Below is information we are passing on to anyone who is interested in helping to bring the documentary STUCK to the Peoria area.  This movie is "an advocacy film that reminds us that every child needs a family."

The kick-off meeting to discuss bringing STUCK to Peoria on Monday, May 13, at 5:30 PM, Richwoods Christian Church.   

The meeting will start with viewing the documentary, then proceed to discuss details about bringing it to Peoria.

 

They have reduced the license fee from $600 to $300!

 

If you know others who would like to get involved, please forward to them (you can use the links at the upper right) and they can sign up.

 

 

Visit     http://buy.stuckdocumentary.com/  to learn more about the film.

For Christian Alliance for the Orphans post about this go to:http://www.christianalliancefororphans.org/2013/02/16/special-stuck-movie-trailer-and-upcoming-national-tour/

Focused Fellowship

What is Focused Fellowship?  A time for women that are anywhere in the process of fostering and/or adoption to meet together.  Yes, anywhere in the process;  in the beginning decision-making process all the way to parenting for many years.

We spend time hearing a short devotion, praying for each other's family, and in fellowship.  It is a time to share what is on your heart and be encouraged.

While this is a ministry of Open Hearts Open Homes Orphan Care Ministry ladies attend from many different churches in Central Illinois.  If you have a friend that would be interested or would benefit from meeting with other women please invite her to come with you.

There is no need to RSVP, we are all busy ladies, we don't want you to feel that you can't come if you haven't let anyone know or feel guilty when your day blows up (though that would be the perfect time to come  meet with us).  Some of the ladies bring a snack to share, just finger food, nothing fancy.

Join us the third Monday of every month, with very few exceptions.

April Meeting :  Monday, April 15, 2013
                    
Time: 7:00pm

Place Monica's:  1111 W Burnside Dr. Peoria


If you have any questions please email Amy at levisix@frontier.com.

We hope to see you there!

Check this out!

Bethany Fellowship of Churches would like to invite your church to participate in our 2013 Orphan Care Conference! 

A Passion for the Fatherless 2013 is designed to equip the local church to care more effectively for the orphan. This conference will focus on the Biblical foundation of orphan care ministry and the centrality of the local church in meeting the needs of the fatherless.

  

What: A Passion for the Fatherless Orphan Care Conference 2013

 When: October 11-12, 2013

Where: Bethany Baptist Church | Edwards, IL.

 Featuring

Tony Merida | Rick Morton

 Orphanology

&

Daniel Bennett

A Passion for the Fatherless

&

Lifesong for Orphans
www.lifesongfororphans.org

 More information coming soon! Please let us know if you would be interested in advertising this event at your church.

Focused Fellowship

Spring!

  "And let us consider how we can spur one another on towards love and good deeds."  Hebrews 10:24      

Focused Fellowship exists to encourage ladies that are anywhere in the process of fostering and/or adopting.  Whether you are in the 'considering' stage or in the midst of parenting a foster or adoptive child you are welcome to join us as we take time to consider how to serve the Lord as we walk through our days, have a devotion, take time to pray for each other and share practical ideas to reach out to our children.  

We meet the third Monday of each month so please join us!

Monday, March 18, 2013  at 7:00pm.

We meet at the home of Monica at 1111 W Burnside Dr., Peoria. 

If you have any questions please contact Amy at 251-7250.  

Feel free to bring a friend.  If you are inclined you may bring a snack to share.  There is no need to RSVP, we don't want you to ever feel that you can't decide at the last moment to join us.  

                                            

Parenting Kids from Hard Places classes rescheduled

Every child has their moments of frustration. For some of our kids who have been through trauma, there may be times of unconsolable anger or disconnect that you just know are not the norm. We have been at our wit's end not knowing how to help and secretly (or not so secretly) wondering if we are making things worse for our kids. We would love for you to join us on our journey as we learn and grow and begin to see healing and connectedness. 

We have reschedule the next PKHP class for March 19-June 4. We will meet every Tuesday 7-9pm at 2261 Hollands Grove Rd, Washington IL 61571. 

DIRECTIONS: Rt. 24 just west of the 24/buisness 24 split in Washington. Turn NORTH on Hollands Grove or Grange Road, (Faith Church is between these two roads, Hollands Grove runs around behind the church. If you turn on Grange take a RIGHT onto Holland Grove). 2261 is on the LEFT (north) side. There are 3 mail boxes together. You cannot see their house from the road. Go past the first house and you'll drive through a few trees then you can drive straight into their driveway. 

Don and DeAnn Fraser 
309-550-2958

Focused Fellowship this Monday, Feb. 25th

 Remember Ladies - 

Focused Fellowship had a date change for this month only.

Monday, Feb. 25th at 7pm

Home of Monica at 1111 W Burnside Dr., Peoria.

No need to RSVP.  Feel free to bring a friend.

Any questions?  Amy at levisix@frontier.com

11-Week Local Class re: Kids from Hard Places

Kids that have been through harmful experiences (such as difficult or stressful pregnancy, difficult birth, premature or early medical trauma abuse, neglect, trauma) can have impaired development leading to social, behavioral and emotional problems. It's hard for these kids to really trust and connect.  

We are again offering an 11-week class for parents and caregivers to help your child overcome the effects of trauma, neglect, or abuse and to aid in your child's journey of healing.

Contact: Don and DeAnn Fraser 309-691-7526, poiema_kids@att.net (RSVP helpful but not necessary)

Location: 2261 Hollands Grove Rd, Washington IL 61571. 

Time: 7:00—9:00 pm

Dates: Tuesday evenings, February 26 — May 14. (excluding March 12)

 

Date Change for Focused Fellowship - Feb 25th!

Attention Ladies!

Due to illness we are changing the date of Focused Fellowship to next Monday, February 25th.  We will NOT be meeting tonight.  This is just for this month only.  While it is always good to get together with all of you it is easier to pray and share in a non-public setting.

We hope that this does not affect your availability to attend this month.  We didn't want to cancel all together.

So for the month of February -

Focused Fellowship will meet on Monday, February 25th at 7pm.  At Monica's home, 1111 W Burnside Dr.


Any questions email Amy at levisix@frontier.com

Christian Adoptive Families Gathering

Christian Adoptive Families is a group of adoptive families from central Illinois that get together periodically through the year.  Below is the information on their next gathering.  This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other families that have similar interests.

"Our next Christian Adoptive Families (CAF) gathering will be

Sunday February 24th 5:00pm at "The Cabin" in Tremont.

Please bring a main dish and either a side or dessert.

Paper products and drinks will be provided.

Hope you can come!!"

January Focused Fellowship

FoCuSeD FeLlOwShIp

Need to re-focus have we got the place for you!  Are you in the process of adopting?  Are you caring for foster children and want to know that you are not alone? Can we join with you in prayer for your family? Are you in need of encouragement and support?  

Focused Fellowship exists for ladies that are anywhere in the process of fostering and/or adopting in any form.  We desire to encourage you, lighten your load as we go to the Lord in prayer, share practical information and find ways to help each of us as we follow the Lord's leading to care for the least of these.

We begin with a short devotion, a time of prayer, and then spend time encouraging each other practically.

Join us on the 3rd Monday of each month for a time of refreshment.

The January meeting:  Monday, January 21, 2013

Time:  7:00pm

Place: Monica's home, 1111 W Burnside Dr, Peoria, IL

Because it is our desire to lighten your load you don't need to RSVP, always feel free to bring a friend, and if you are inclined a snack to share.

For questions or directions call Monica at 303-7965 or Amy at 251-7250 or levisix@frontier.com

Next Orphan Care Bible Study

Passion for the Fatherless:

 The Uniqueness of Christian Orphan Care

All are welcome to join Pastor Daniel as a new Orphan Care Bible Study begins.  Come and see what the Scripture says about caring for the fatherless.  This is also a great opportunity to ask questions and make connections with others that are like-minded.  

Study Begins:  Monday, January 21, 2013 

Time:  6:15pm

Place:  Study is held at Camp Good News, Washington, IL.  The study is hosted by Bethany
Community Church.

Questions:  Contact: Bethany Community Church at (309) 508-1755 or Pastor Daniel at  daniel@bethanycommunitychurch.org

Welcome to the Family!

Congratulations to Jeff and Cheryl

as they welcome to their family

Jordan!

Congratulations also to his big sisters Andrea and Elise!

We are praying for you as you grow into the family the Lord wants you to be.