Note: November Focused Fellowship has been cancelled for tonight.  See the November post below.

December Focused Fellowship

December Focused Fellowship

Date:  Monday, December 15, 2014

Time: 7pm

Place:  Monica's, 1111 W. Burnside Dr., Peoria

In December: Please bring a Christmas treat to share.


This December meeting will be a time of enjoying each other's company as we sample yummy Christmas treats that we all bring to share.  A great evening to encourage each other as we celebrate this Christmas season!

Focused Fellowship meets the third Monday of each month.  This is a time for foster and adoptive moms, anywhere in the process to meet together for a devotion, time of prayer for our families, and time of networking together.  If you are looking for moms that share your passion for caring for children you will definitely find some kindred spirits.

There is never a need to RSVP, come as you are.  Bring a friend if you'd like.

Any questions?  Amy at levisix88@gmail.com.

Sorry Ladies, Monica's family has begun the stomach flu and Amy has a little one recovering so we are having to cancel for tonight.  Check out the December Focused Fellowship post.  
November Focused Fellowship

Ladies anywhere in the process of foster and/or adoption it is that time again!  Join us for an evening of devotion, prayer, and fellowship as we walk with each other on this sometimes crazy and ever changing journey that the Lord has brought us to.

When: Monday, November 17, 2014

Time: 7pm

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

No need to RSVP, come as you are.  You are welcome to bring a friend or a snack to share with you.

We meet on the third Monday of each month so if you can't make it in November put it on your calendar for next month.  This is a great opportunity to meet like-minded moms and to encourage one another.

Any questions?  Amy at levisix88@gmail.com

Christian Alliance for Orphans Upcoming Webinar

The Church as a Partner in Biological Family Reunification in Foster Care

 While it is true that a number of children entering foster care will not be able to return home, the goal for the majority of them is to reunify with their birth families.  In this webinar we will explore how foster families, churches and organizations can play a vital role in the reunification process.

Presenters: Herbie Newell, Lifeline Children’s Services; Erin Kim, Mariner’s Church; Lesli Reece, North Point Ministries and Johnston Moore, Home Forever

Date:    Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Time:    2:00 PM (Eastern)

 Follow this link:  http://www.christianalliancefororphans.org/resources/webinars/

October Focused Fellowship

   

    October Focused Fellowship

Are you a foster mom? Adoptive mom? Join us on the third Monday of each month for an evening of prayer and fellowship.  It is our desire that you would find refreshment as you meet with other like-minded ladies.

Monday, October 20, 2014

Time:  7:00pm

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

Please come as you are.  Bring a friend if you would like.  Want a snack? Bring one to share.

Any questions? Contact Monica at 303-7965 or Amy at 251-7250.

    September Focused Fellowship

Monday, September 15, 2014

7:00pm 

Where:  Home of Monica, 1111 W. Burnside Dr., Peoria

No need to RSVP, come as you are.  Bring a friend if you would like or a small snack to share.


Focused Fellowship is for ladies that are anywhere in the process of fostering and/or adopting.  We meet monthly, on the third Monday at 7pm.  We have a devotion, a time of prayer for our families, and a time of sharing how the Lord is working in our families.  It is a wonderful evening to network with other like-minded ladies on the topic of orphan care.

Note: If there ever is a need to change locations we will post that ASAP on this blog and the Focused Fellowship Facebook page.

Focused Fellowship is a ministry arm of Open Hearts, Open Homes Orphan Ministry and desires to point women to the Lord as they follow Him in caring for children.  You do not have to be a member of a Bethany church to attend.

We hope to see you there!

Questions?  Contact Amy at levisix88@gmail.com

Fall Orphan Care Bible Study Beginning Soon

Open Hearts, Open Homes Orphan Care Ministry will host again this fall the Orphan Care Bible Study. This study is for anyone interested in learning what the Bible says about caring for the disenfranchised. Foster parenting or adoption do not have to be in your future to be a part of this study, just a desire to know what God's Word says about caring for the orphan. The text for the study consists of Scripture and A Passion for the Fatherlesswritten by Daniel Bennett (Pastor of Bethany Community Church).

During the study we will look at God's heart for the orphan and some things to consider when looking at orphan care.

For those with a heart to foster and/or adopt this is the first step in partnering with the Open Hearts, Open Homes Orphan Care Ministry.

Orphan Care Bible Study

Sundays, beginning September 21- October 26, 2014

Time: 11:00am – 12:15pm (during second service)

Place:  Bethany Baptist Church, Room 809.  (7422 N. Heinz Lane, Edwards)

Teachers: Ken and Amy Park

Questions? Contact: Ken and Amy at levisix88@gmail.com or Jerry Sanderson at jerry@bethanycentral.org

Congratulations to Ben and Ashley

on the finalization of their adoption of

Lucas, Sidney, and Solomon!

"We love because He first loved us."  I John 4:19

Welcome Home Hope!

Congratulations to Blake and Rachel 

and to her 3 Big Brothers!

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

Psalm 92:4

           August Focused Fellowship

For ladies anywhere in the process of fostering and/or adoption.  Join us for an evening of encouragement and renewal.  We will begin our evening with a short devotion, prayer for our families and sharing where we all are in this amazing journey the Lord has placed us on.

You will have an opportunity to meet some ladies that are like-minded in caring for their families.

Date: Monday, August 18

Time: 7:00pm

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

No need to RSVP, come as you are.  If you desire, bring a friend or a snack to share.

Can't make it this month?  We meet the third Monday of each month.  Check in on this blog for information.

Questions? Email Amy at levisix88@gmail.com

Fall Orphan Care Bible Study

Open Hearts, Open Homes Orphan Care Ministry will host again this fall the Orphan Care Bible Study. This study is for anyone interested in learning what the Bible says about caring for the disenfranchised. Foster parenting or adoption do not have to be in your future to be a part of this study, just a desire to know what God's Word says about caring for the orphan. The text for the study consists of Scripture and A Passion for the Fatherless written by Daniel Bennett (Pastor of Bethany Community Church).

During the study we will look at God's heart for the orphan and some things to consider when looking at orphan care.

For those with a heart to foster and/or adopt this is the first step in partnering with the Open Hearts, Open Homes Orphan Care Ministry.

Orphan Care Bible Study

Sundays, beginning September 21- October 26, 2014

Time: 11:00am – 12:15pm (during second service)

Place:  Bethany Baptist Church, Room 809.  (7422 N. Heinz Lane, Edwards)

Teachers: Ken and Amy Park

Questions? Contact: Ken and Amy at levisix88@gmail.com or Jerry Sanderson at jerry@bethanycentral.org

Focused Fellowship

Monday, July 21, 2014

7:00pm-9pm

This month we will meet at Bethany Baptist Church, 7422 N. Heinz  Lane, Edwards

Directions: Follow Rte 150 past the Shoppes at Grand Prairie, go approximately 1.7 miles past the shopping center and turn left onto Heinz Lane. (You will see the church from Rte 150 prior to Heinz Lane. Turn left into Bethany's parking lot.  Enter through the  main doors, we will meet in the cafe area.

Monica's Home,  1111 W. Burnside Dr. Peoria

This is an evening for foster and/or adoptive moms, anywhere in the process.  Join us for a short devotion, time of prayer for our families, and a time of renewal.  There will be time to get to know other ladies that are like-hearted and to share some strategies for walking through these days.

Feel free to bring a friend any evening.  If you'd like you could bring a small snack to share, though no pressure there.

Focused Fellowship meets the third Monday of each month.  Can't make it this month, you can put it on your calendar!  Any changes in location due to illness or unexpected are noted on the blog.

Hope to see you!

Any questions? Amy at levisix88@gmail.com

Christian Adoptive Families* Summer Picnic

  CAF* Summer Picnic

Sunday,August 24, 2014

5pm

Tremont City Park (small shelter)

Bring a main dish and side dish or dessert to share

Tableware and drink provided.

Hope to see you there!

Note: This is not an Open Hearts, Open Homes Ministry event but an opportunity to connect with other adoptive families from Central Illinois.  There have been families from the Bethany Fellowship Community that have enjoyed these get-togethers.

June Focused Fellowship!

        

Ladies! Join us for an evening of renewal and fellowship.  Ladies anywhere in the process of adopting and/or fostering are welcome.

We will have a devotion, time of prayer for our families and time to talk and encourage one another.


June Focused Fellowship

Monday, June 16, 2014

Time: 7pm

Home of Monica:  1111 W. Burnside Dr. Peoria

No need to RSVP, simply come as you are and bring a friend and/or a snack with you.  If you have questions: Amy at levisix88@gmail.com

Focused Fellowship meets each month on the third Monday.  

Welcome Home Sefin!

Congratulations to 

Evan and Lisa

and to big sister Olivia!

But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, 

and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.

Luke 18:16

Welcome Home Hutch!

Congratulations to Tadd and Jill 

and to his big brother and sister!

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

May Focused Fellowship - Note the Change!

Ladies!

This Monday, May 19th is our normal Focused Fellowship time however due to end of school year events for Amy and a wedding in Monica's family we are unable to make that happen this month.

We know that some of you don't like to take a month off so we are proposing that Focused Fellowship Flexes this month and meets at the following:

Focused Fellowship being Flexible

Monday, May 19th at 7pm

Panera at Westlake Shopping Center (across from Northwoods Shopping Mall)

If you plan on meeting could you please let others know, in case other's lives are as crazy as ours this time of year.  RSVP to the Focused Fellowship FB page or to Amy's or Monica's page, that way no one ends up by themselves.

We plan on resuming Focused Fellowship on June 16 at 7pm at Monica's home..

Thank you for being understanding.  We never like to not meet with you all.  See you in June!

April Focused Fellowship

April Focused Fellowship

Monday, April 21

Time: 7pm

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

This is an evening of prayer and support for ladies anywhere in the process of fostering or adopting.

Join us as we spend some time in God's word, pray for our families, and encourage one another.

No need to RSVP.  Feel free to bring a friend.  If you'd like, bring a small snack to share.

Please come as you are, we'd love to meet you right where you are.

Any questions, contact Amy - levisix88@gmail.com

National Foster Care Month

There are over 400,000 children in our nation's foster care system.   As you can imagine that translates into foster care affecting a very large number of people.  While the children are most definitely impacted there are also the families of those children, the foster family that fills the gap, the caseworkers and counselors that oversee the cases, and the attorneys and judges that work through all the information and difficulties.

In the month of March 2014 approximately 200 children were taken into temporary custody in downstate Illinois.*

May is National Foster Care Month.  Please join many others across the nation in praying for those lives that are affected by foster care.  Pray for the churches to fulfill the role that the Lord has for them in caring for these children and families.

You can use the link below from cryoftheorphan.org to download a Foster Care Prayer Guide to help you, your family, and perhaps some friends in praying for those who are involved in foster care.

http://cryoftheorphan.org/User/Document/Fosterprayerguide.pdf

*State of Illinois report

Re-Post: Spring Orphan Care Bible Study

The Orphan Care Bible Study is gearing up for a great session!  Interested in learning what God's Word has to say about orphan care?  You do not have to have a desire to foster and/or adopt, simply a desire to hear what the Lord has to say about caring for the orphan to attend. 

Using the Bible and A Passion for the Fatherless by Daniel Bennett this study will look at God's heart for the orphan and some of the areas to consider when desiring to be involved in orphan care of any kind.

For those with a heart to foster and/or adopt this Bible Study is also the first step in the process of partnering with Open Hearts, Open Homes Orphan Care Ministry.

Orphan Care Bible Study

Dates:  Mondays, April 14 - May 19, 2014

Time:  6:15pm - 8 pm

Place: Bethany Community Church Community Room
                     27265 Dutch Lane, Washington,IL

Teacher:  Brian Entner

Questions or more info:  309-508-1755 or info@bethanycommunitychurch.org

Note: There is not childcare.

March Focused Fellowship!

Foster and Adoptive Ladies this evening is for you!

Focused Fellowship is a time for devotion, prayer, and discussion around the journey of fostering and adoption.  It doesn't matter where you are at in the process or if you just considering you are welcome to attend.  While this is a ministry of Bethany Fellowship of Churches' Open Hearts, Open Homes Orphan Ministry please feel free to invite friends that would be interested.

It is our desire to lend encouragement and support as you walk through life as a foster and/or adoptive mom.  With the Lord's help we can do this together!

We meet the third Monday of every month, barring unforeseen weather or illness.  (We post those changes on the blog.)

Join us in March!

Date:  Monday, March 17, 2014

Time:  7:00pm -?

Place:  Monica's home, 1111 W Burnside Dr.

Any questions?  Call Amy at 251-7250 or levisix88@gmail.com

No need to RSVP, come as you can.  Feel free to bring a friend and it would by wonderful if you would like to bring a snack to share.

Focused Fellowship Cancelled for February

Due to the Winter Weather we are cancelling Focused Fellowship for February.

Surely it will be done snowing in March!  Next meeting is:

March Focused Fellowship - Monday, March, 17 at 7pm at Monica's.

Christian Alliance for Orphans' Summit 10

                           For more information:   http://www.christianalliancefororphans.org/summit/

Adoption. Foster Care. Global Initiatives

The Christian Alliance for Orphans’ CAFO2014 Summit inspires and equips Christians to care for orphans with wisdom-guided love. Now in its 10th year, CAFO2014 has become the national hub for what Christianity Today called, “the burgeoning Christian orphan care movement.” Last year’s conference drew 2,500 foster and adoptive parents, orphan advocates, pastors and leaders from 49 states and 25+ countries. Together, we explore effective foster care, adoption, family preservation and global orphan ministry

March Focused Fellowship

   

Foster and/or Adoptive Moms or Moms in the Process of Fostering/Adoption

It is our desire to walk along with you as you go through the journeying of parenting.  Join with us as we take some time in Scripture, spend time Praying, and Networking together. The desired outsome: refreshment and renewal for you which in turn benefits your family!

Date: Monday, February 17, 2014Cancelled due to weather

(We always meet on the third Monday of the month)

Time: 7:00pm

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

No need to RSVP, feel free to bring a friend and if you would like, a snack to share.

While this is a ministry of Open Hearts, Open Homes Orphan Ministry from the Bethany Fellowship of Churches it is open to any foster and/or adoptive mom.

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

Christian Adoptive Families Gathering!

 Sunday, February 9, 2014

5:00pm at the Cabin in Tremont

Bring a main dish AND either a side or dessert to share.

Tableware and drink will be provided.

They hope to see you there!

Note:  This is not a Bethany group but a group of adoptive families from the Central IL area.  Some Bethany families have attended at times.  It is another way to meet families that are like-minded.  

Spring Orphan Care Bible Study!

The Orphan Care Bible Study is gearing up for a great session!  Interested in learning what God's Word has to say about orphan care?  You do not have to have a desire to foster and/or adopt, simply a desire to hear what the Lord has to say about caring for the orphan to attend.

Using the Bible and A Passion for the Fatherless by Daniel Bennett this study will look at God's heart for the orphan and some of the areas to consider when desiring to be involved in orphan care of any kind.

For those with a heart to foster and/or adopt this Bible Study is also the first step in the process of partnering with Open Hearts, Open Homes Orphan Care Ministry.

Orphan Care Bible Study

Dates:  Mondays, April 14 - May 19, 2014

Time:  6:15pm - 8 pm

Place: Bethany Community Church Community Room
                     27265 Dutch Lane, Washington,IL

Teacher:  Brian Entner

Questions or more info:  309-508-1755 or info@bethanycommunitychurch.org

Note: There is not childcare.

Focused Fellowship Location Change for Monday, January 20th ONLY

Focused Fellowship will be changing locations 

for the month of January ONLY.

We will be meeting at the Panera at Westlake Shopping Center 

at 7pm on Monday, January 20th.

Note: The Panera is now down a little further in an outbuilding that was formerly Ruby Tuesdays.

Monica is recuperating from the flu bug.  You could pray that the rest of her family is spared.


Hope to see you there!

January Focused Fellowship

Note: Please watch for updates to location. The flu has hit so we will let you know ASAP.  See Below

January Focused Fellowship

Monday, January 20, 2014

Focused Fellowship is an evening of prayer, encouragement, and networking for moms anywhere in the process of fostering and/or adopting.  Whether you are just getting started or are living in the trenches you may find a kindred spirit among us.

It is our hope that you find answers to some of your questions, support for the days that things don't go quite as planned and words of encouragement and prayer to sustain you as you walk with the Lord.

We meet the third Monday of each month at 7pm at Monica's home.  1111 W Burnside Dr., Peoria Panera at Westlake Shopping Center.  Note: Panera has moved to an outbuilding further down in the parking lot.

Any questions? Contact Amy at levisix88@gmail.com

There is no need to RSVP.  Come as you are.  If you would like to bring a snack to share that would be great and a friend is always welcome.

Check this out! Connecting Hearts with the Forgotten: FREE Adoption and Orphan Care Conference

Bless Hogar de Vida with Needed Items in January!

We are sending a team to serve at 

Hogar De Vida Children’s Home 

in Guatemala on January 17! 

  The home just had two new children dropped off, a 3 day old baby girl  and a 45 day old baby girl.  

The home is in need of the following items. 
clothing for baby girls up 6- 18 months , 
toddler boys 18-24 months
Shoes toddlers 5/6, 
plastic Velcro diaper covers, 
cloth prefold diapers,
 plastic pants.   

Also, general clothing needs for the male/female children age 3-15 yrs old.  
Soccer shoes, shoes.  

 All donations should be new or in good condition. 

Please bring to Bethany office by Wednesday, January 15. 

Welcome Home Kopinski Family!

Welcome Home 

Jesse!

Congratulations to Chris and Kristen, 

and siblings

Brianna, Jonny, Sean, and Ethan!

We are praying for you all as you become

 the family the Lord desires you to be.

Christian Adoptive Families of Central Illinois Potluck

Save the Date!

The next Christian Adoptive Families of Central Illinois (CAF) Potluck will be Sunday, February 9, 2014 

Place: "The Cabin" in Tremont, IL

Details will follow.

Open Hearts, Open Homes Families - Picture Updates Please?

Does the picture OHOH have of your family look like this?

 On Sanctity of Life Sunday we highlight the ministry of Open Hearts, Open Homes and would love to include your family in a simple video that plays during special music.  Please send any picture updates to Jan Mosier at jan@bethanycentral.org by January 7, 2014.

Any questions email Amy at levisix88@gmail.com