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

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.  

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

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

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.

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.

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/

Foster Parent - Pride Training Host Site

In keeping with the desire of the Open Hearts, Open Homes Orphan Ministry to encourage families in the area of foster care we are a hosting site for PRIDE classes beginning February 2012. These classes are required of both spouses for a family to become licensed for foster care.

To begin the process of becoming a foster parent you first need to choose a local agency to work through. The following are the more known agencies in our area:

Children’s Home 309- 685-1047

DCFS 309-671-7900

Family Core 309-676-2400

Lutheran Social Services 309-671-0300

Catholic Charities (in flux) 309-636-8000

Once you have chosen an agency you will receive a packet of information that includes an application. They will then do a home visit and the agency will sign you up for the PRIDE classes. You can request to be put in the classes being held at the 7229 N. Knoxville Ave. building of Bethany Baptist Church (please note these dates are on the DCFS schedule under Living Waters Church because that is the sign that identifies the building on Knoxville Ave). :

Feb. 18 9-4pm (2 sessions in one day)

Feb. 25 9-12noon

March 2, 10, 17, 24, 31 9-12noon

April 7 9-12noon

These dates don’t work for your family? Don’t let that be a deterrent there are other classes available in our area that may work better for your family!

As we are going into the Christmas season and these particular classes are open to any prospective foster parents it would be good to start talking with an agency before the holidays.

As part of the licensing process you will need to fill out an application, have physical exams on each family member, and anyone over 17 in your home will need to be fingerprinted. One of the parents will need to take the Educational Advocacy class; this class is being offered at Proctor Hospital on April 14, 2012 from 9-4pm. The licensing worker from your agency will walk you through these steps.

In need of something to do while you are waiting to be licensed? –

1. Pray that the Lord would help you to minister to the children that He will bring to you.

2. Pray that the Lord would help you to minister to the birth families of the children.

3. Pray that the Lord would prepare the hearts of your family for what He will teach you.

4. Make a list of the things the Lord brings to your mind when you are praying – this will

be great to reflect on as you minister to the ‘least of these’.

If you have any questions please feel free to call Amy Park - levisix@frontier.com

Orphan Sunday

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.

Defend the Cause

Below is a link to the Defend the Cause event in Normal, IL

Saturday, November 12, 2011.

Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm

Place: Eastview Christian Church, 1500 N. Airport Rd., Normal, IL

This event is free however tickets are needed (see link below):
http://defendthecause.eventbrite.com

http://webmail.frontier.com/service/home/~/Defend%20The%20Cause%20Flyer%204.jpeg?auth=co&loc=en_US&id=58341&part=2

Post - Placement Workshop

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

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.

--------------------------------------------

Hot Off the Press!

Open Hearts, Open Homes Orphan Care Ministry

"Adjusting to a new normal...seeking wisdom after an adoption or foster placement"

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.

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/?'s to: Amy Park - levisix@frontier.com or 266-1635

Thinking About Fostering?

In honor of Foster Care Appreciation Month, Children's Home is sponsoring an Informational Meeting for anyone who is interested in becoming a foster parent or learning more about how they can make a difference in the life of a child!

For more information, please contact Alesia at 309-687-7376.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

5:30-6:30pm

The Children's Home

2130 N. Knoxville Ave.

Peoria, IL 61603

No commitment is needed, people can fell free to just come and ask questions.

New Website for Orphan Care Resources

The CoMission for Children at Risk has launched a new website with Orphan Care Resources. A resource worth checking out for information on many areas of orphan care.

  www.orphancareresources.org.    

As we should always do, please use discernment as you read through the information.  

Adopted for Life free Download in February

Thanks to Crossway Books and ChristianAudio, the book Adopted for Life is available for free download during the month of February.

Author Dr. Russell Moore will be a keynote speaker for Summit VII, and this is a great opportunity to explore his masterful book at no cost.

Although carrying much practical advice, this audiobook extends far beyond the nuts-and-blots of adoption. It explores the Biblical fountainhead of Christian adoption and orphan care: the Gospel of God's adoption of us.

Review by Jedd Medefind in Christianity Today's "My Top 5 Books on Orphan Care."

Video interview of Dr. Moore by blogger Justin Taylor.

Here is the site link:
http://christianaudio.com/free?utm_source=christianaudio&utm_campaign=a45a6017a2-Free_Feb_2011&utm_medium=email

Here is link to a very good local conference being held at East White Oak Bible Church in Carlock, IL.

(This side of Bloomington/Normal)

Date: Saturday, February 19, 2011

Check out the link below for more information! And it's free!

http://www.connectingheartsconference.org/

Resources

Christian Alliance for Orphans has a great site to check out for resources concerning adoption and fostering. Below is the link:

http://christianalliancefororphans.org/resources/resource-library

The Open Hearts, Open Homes Ministry does not recommend all the resources on this site, but there are many that you may find helpful. We encourage you to use discernment as you look through the list.

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.