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