March Focused Fellowship

 Mark your calendars!

Monday, March 16, 2015

Time: 7:00pm

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

This is an evening for ladies that are anywhere in the process of adopting.  The group is ever-changing so being a newbie isn't usually unusual.  Questions, concerns, need some input, it is very possible one of the ladies attending that evening has the information you are looking for.  We begin the evening with a devotion, time of prayer for our families, and a time to network with each other.

No need to RSVP to join us, we know how a day can go.  If you'd like to bring a snack to share that is wonderful, though not at all expected.  Feel free to invite a friend to join you.

Any questions? Monica 303-7965 or Amy 251-7250

Open Hearts Open Homes Orphan Ministry Informational Meetings

If you have ever wondered what the Open Hearts, Open Homes Orphan Ministry does we have an opportunity for you!  The upcoming dates are set for an informational meeting at both Bethany Baptist Church and Bethany Community Church.

These meetings will give you an overview of the ministry and help you to see where you could possibly get plugged in.  You do not need to have the desire to open your particular home to a child or children to attend this meeting, simply have an interest in finding out why the ministry exists and how you could be a part of helping to care for children within our church family.

The following are the dates:  Stay tuned for more information.

Bethany Community Church - Sunday, March 1, 2015
     for questions you may contact Jill at tjgerst@hotmail.com

Bethany Baptist Church - Sunday, March 8, 2015
     for questions you may contact Amy at levisix88@gmail.com

    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

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

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.  

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.

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

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

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!

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.

Post Placement Workshop

In an attempt to keep this event as most recent on the blog I'm repeating it for those interested.

Open Hearts, Open Homes Orphan Care Ministry

"Adjusting to a new normal...

seeking wisdom after an adoption or foster placement"

This workshop is for anyone who is interested in fostering/adoption and is at any stage in that process. Our hope is to encourage and equip you in this adventure!

Please pass this on to anyone you know that could benefit!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Time: 9 am - 1pm with a light lunch provided.

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

This workshop/seminar will consist of 2 sessions and a panel discussion, followed by a light lunch.

Workshops include:

Caring for the Orphan is Gloriously Painful - Dr. Daniel Bennett

Navigating ups and downs with your adoptive / foster child - Jerry Sanderson

Schedule:

9-9:15am – Welcome

9:15 – 10:15 – Pastor Daniel – Caring for the Orphan is Gloriously Painful

10:15-10:30 – break

10:30-11:30 – Pastor Jerry – Navigating Ups and Downs with our Foster/Adoptive Child

11:30-12:15 – Panel - made up of a variety of post-placement families

12:15-1pm – lunch

We will have childcare available. Please let us know when you RSVP the number and age of children you will be bringing with you that morning.

RSVP to: Bethany Baptist Church office - 309-692-1755.

For further questions: Amy Park 309-266-1635.

Open Hearts Open Homes Orphan Ministry Meal Team

Food is a necessity of life you will all agree. But when you bring new children into your home through fostering and / or adoption oftentimes food becomes one more thing to manage.

One way to care for the orphan is to care for a family that is caring for "former" orphans. One particular way we do this as a ministry is to have a team of individuals that are willing to help provide meals to families that have recently brought children into their homes. If they are involved in Adult Bible Community/Sunday School we wait until their class has completed their service to the family and then we provide three additional meals. If they are not involved in one of these classes than OHOH provides meals right away. There are other times we provide meals as a means of encouraging a family that is experiencing trials of many kinds.

Perhaps you have been praying about ways you could reach out and care for those that have been fatherless. We would like to present you with the opportunity for you to be a part of the OHOH Meal Team where you would truly be a blessing to a family/families that are in the process of adjusting to a "new normal".

If you would be interested in being on the meal team please send your name, email, and phone number to Amy @ levisix@frontier.com and she will forward your information on to the Open Hearts, Open Homes Care Coordinator.

Thank you!

Matthew 10:42

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

Welcome Home Ava!

Congratulations to Steve and Jennell and big brothers Braden, Ryan, and Blake!

We are praying for you all as you come together as a family!

"For this child I have prayed and God has granted me what I asked of Him."
I Samuel 1:27

Winter Social

And let us encourage one another.........

*

Bring your family and join us for the

*

Open Hearts, Open Homes Winter Social!

*

Date: Saturday, January 22, 2010

*

Time: 3-5pm

*

Place: Bethany Baptist Church - 7422 N. Heinz Lane, Peoria

*

What to bring: An appetizer, snacky food to share. We will provide drinks.

*RSVP/?s : Amy at levisix@frontier.com

December Focused Fellowship - Note the Date Change!

Attention Ladies! It is almost time for Focused Fellowship again!

DATE: Monday, December 13, 2010 (note: this is the second Monday)

TIME: 7pm

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

To help us get in the Christmas spirit please bring an appetizer to share. We will encourage one another as we take this journey into fostering and/or adoption.

Any questions please contact Monica or Amy. No need to RSVP.


Focused Fellowship exists to bring ladies together that are anywhere in the process of fostering or adoption. We desire to spur one another on as we journey with the Lord through this amazing and at times challenging experience. We normally meet the third Monday of each month at 7pm at the home of Monica Lonergan. If you have any questions about Focused Fellowship please feel free to contact one of us mentioned above.

November Focused Fellowship

Focused Fellowship is a wonderful time of sharing the ways God has stretched us via Adoption/Fostering. We will have a short devotion, spend some time in prayer and have lots of time to talk. This gathering is not limited to Bethany families so please encourage others to attend! No matter what stage of considering/doing fostering or adoption our prayer is that the time we spend together will encourage you.

When: Monday, November 15, 2010

Time: 7:00pm - until we are asked to leave or your husband needs you home. (just kidding - sort of)

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

If you are attending and would like to bring a snack to share just let Monica know. There is no RSVP needed.

Any questions you can contact Monica or Amy, or simply leave a comment on this page and we will get back to you.

8 Ways Every Christian Can Care for the Orphan and Waiting Child

PRAY for them
• Sign up for Bethany’s Orphan Care Prayer Ministry at: www.bethanycentral.org/ministries (orphan care)
• May is National Foster Care month. Bethany hosts an annual prayer vigil.

PROVIDE for their needs
• Sew a quilt or security blanket for area foster children- due December 1.
Contact Charlotte Beck at 444-7071.

SUPPORT those who support them
• Mow, baby sit, or take meals to foster parents. Pray with them and tell them you appreciate what they do.
• Encourage a family adopting an older child by hosting a shower for them.
• Sign up for Bethany’s Meal Team to assist foster and adoptive families when child(ren) come home. Contact Michelle Hahn at 444-5161.

PROTECT them from harm
• Become a foster parent or emergency foster parent. Contact Amy Park
at 266-1635 or Monica Lonergan at 303-7965 for more information.

VISIT them where they are
• Go on a mission trip to an orphanage. Look for details when Bethany
lists 2011 mission trips.

GIVE sacrificially to them
• Contribute to an adoptive family to help offset their costs. Families with
Adoption Funds at Bethany Baptist are: Marvin & Sara Streitmatter,
Steve & Jennell Dietz, Gregg & Kris McClelland. At Bethany Community: Philip & Charisa Ausfahl, Mark & Michelle Hahn, Brian & Jennifer Entner. Contributions are tax deductible- and can be sent to Bethany Baptist.
• Contribute to Bethany’s adoption ministry general fund, used to give
grants to Bethany families that have been through a screening process. Contributions are tax deductible- and can be sent to Bethany Baptist.
Contact Lisa Schwarz at 383-4270 for more information.

ENCOURAGE them to press on
• Become a mentor or tutor to a teenager in a foster group-home.

ADOPT them into your family
• Give a child a home through international, domestic, or foster care adoption.
• Adopt a young adult who has aged out of the foster care system.
• Every Spring and Fall, Bethany offers an Orphan Care Bible Study to help you discover what God says about adoption and caring for orphans.
Contact Jerry Sanderson at 692-1755 for more information.

• Bethany’s Focused Fellowship provides encouragement for those walking through the journey of fostering and/or adoption. Ladies meet the third Monday of each month at 7pm. Contact Monica Lonergan at 303-7965.

Focused Fellowship Review

This past Monday a group of 13 ladies met to encourage each other as we each walk through the journey of fostering and/or adoption. Each family has a little different story, each is at a different stage in the process but each has a heart to follow the Lord in caring for orphans. For some of these ladies this is their first experience in raising a child, for others they are blending a family of biological and adopted children, some thought their families were complete and the Lord showed them His heart in a new way.

After a short devotion on II Timothy 2 we introduced ourselves and the conversation took off from there. There was much laughter, a few tears, and each one received encouragement. What a great way to support each person's family.

I have heard that the mom sets the tone for the family. So as we spur one another on we are ministering to an entire family. As a mom as I am refreshed I am better able to love on and serve my family.

We would love to encourage each of you on your journey. To pray for these ladies is a priviledge and to get to know each one a delight.

Join us on the third Monday of each month at 7pm. For now we will continue to meet at Monica's home as it's location seems to work for many. No need to RSVP, just come.

New & Improved Focused Fellowship!

Monday, September 20, 2010 at Monica Lonergan's home at 7pm
Address: 1111 W. Burnside Dr., Peoria


Ladies, no matter where you are in the area of fostering and/or adopting Focused Fellowship could be for you! We have made some changes to what we have tried in the past and are excited about the prospect of encouraging one another.

Format: We plan to have a special woman share a short testimony each month about, "What God is teaching me through the experience of fostering/adopting." We will have a short time of sharing and finish with a time of prayer for each other. We'll top it off with a sweet dessert!

Place: Open Hearts, Open Homes is a ministry of the Bethany Fellowship of Churches so we plan to rotate our meeting place between east and west of the river, (2-3 homes). This lessens the burden of the drive for each person. Our plan is to have a schedule for the next few months at our first meeting.

Any questions feel free to email:

Amy Park @ levisix@verizon.net or Monica Lonergan @ jonmon95@rocketmail.com