FAITH. news. Closing One Chapter... Opening Another

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Mitchell Stevenson
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I left Texas by myself on Thursday, October 8th. Leaving my family behind was hard, however, I knew, Lord willing, I d see them again in a few days.

1 FAITH news MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF FAITH CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIPO NOVEMBER 2015 Closing One Chapter... Opening Another Pastor Gordon McDaniel I-81. Just another highway traveling out of Roanoke, Virginia? Not when you re from the concrete jungle of north Texas! If you have lived here most of your life, you might take it for granted. Few sights have been more satisfying for this new transplant. I left Texas by myself on Thursday, October 8th. Leaving my family behind was hard, however, I knew, Lord willing, I d see them again in a few days. Leaving behind people and a home I ve known for years was excruciating. Even though an exciting future and equally meaningful relationships awaited, I had to put painful good-byes and a myriad of unknowns fully into the Lord s hands. Doing the first leg of the trip alone was just what I needed. My stopover was Bristol. I woke up early on Friday morning to finish the trip. Hagerstown was 5+ hours ahead. It had rained in the early hours. Wet pavement and droplets on my windshield were remnants. The remaining clouds were mixed with morning sun blending together perfectly. Over the next 300 miles, God would display Himself to me. Any doubts were gradually put to rest. Have you ever in your life commanded the morning, And caused the dawn to know its place, That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, And the wicked be shaken out of it? It is changed like clay under the seal; And they stand forth like a garment. (Job ; NASB)

I couldn t wait for Beverly to see it, too.

Their anxieties were stronger than mine, as you may guess. A new home. A new church family. A new school. A new life.

But now ask the beasts, and let them teach you; And the birds of the heavens, and let them tell you. Or speak to the earth, and let it teach you; And let the fish of the sea declare to you.

2 I couldn t wait for Beverly to see it, too. When driving the same road the following week, I was privileged to be God s chosen tour guide, foreshadowing for my wife and kids what breathtaking scene was about to appear around the next curve. Their anxieties were stronger than mine, as you may guess. A new home. A new church family. A new school. A new life. It was as though God knew at creation where the Shenandoah Valley needed to be, and how it would serve as the McDaniel s final leg of the journey and one more reminder of His grace. But now ask the beasts, and let them teach you; And the birds of the heavens, and let them tell you. Or speak to the earth, and let it teach you; And let the fish of the sea declare to you. Who among all these does not know That the hand of the LORD has done this, In whose hand is the life of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind? (Job ; NASB) A Night to Welcome the McDaniels Join us on Sunday, November 1 from 6-8pm at FCF for an evening to welcome the McDaniels to FCF. Please bring your favorite dessert to share that evening. Truthbomb Apologetics Presents Defending the Unborn Featuring Abby Johnson: A Night for Life November 14, :30pm Join us for an evening with former Planned Parenthood Director turned Pro-life Advocate, best-selling author, and international speaker Abby Johnson as she makes the case for life and equips us to work together to end abortion in our community. Free event and resources Q&A Time with Abby Johnson Local state and federal politicians in attendance and represented Local pregnancy centers and ministries present RSVP appreciated on or before November 1st to anightforlife@gmail.com

CLOTHING SWAP Nov. 9 5-7pm Drop-off: November 8th 8:45am-11am- bring gently worn clothing in to church.

SWAP: MONDAY November 9th from 5-6pm Use your tokens to "buy" new-to-you items. Free Shopping (open to everyone): 6-7pm. Come and take whatever your family can use!

Everything that remains is bagged up and put in a truck to be transported to the Mission. (Anyone who helps with this gets 10 items at the next swap.

3 CLOTHING SWAP Nov pm Drop-off: November 8th 8:45am-11am- bring gently worn clothing in to church. Sarah Thacher will be in the coat closet on the left side to give out one token for each item brought in. (It is helpful if clothes are separated into Men's, Women s, Boys' and Girls'). SWAP: MONDAY November 9th from 5-6pm Use your tokens to "buy" new-to-you items. Free Shopping (open to everyone): 6-7pm. Come and take whatever your family can use! NOTE: Set up will begin at 10:30 am Monday. Anyone available to help? (Those who help will be able to select 10 items to compensate for their time.) ALSO: Clean up begins at 7:15pm. Everything that remains is bagged up and put in a truck to be transported to the Mission. (Anyone who helps with this gets 10 items at the next swap.) Contact Sarah Thacher or the church office for more information. Service//Ministry Meeting Times Worship Celebration Sunday 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:45am Faith Kids and Student Ministry Campus Tracks Sunday 9:00am Sunday Faith Kids Worship 10:45am Sunday Adult Campus Tracks 9:15am and 11am Switchback Student Ministries Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm Awana Wednesdays, 6:30-7:45pm Staff//Contact Information Faith Christian Fellowship Lappans Road Williamsport, MD Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm FaithNews is a monthly publication dedicated to celebrating the life of the church and its ministries, as well as informing the community about church-sponsored events. Deadline for submissions for the December issue: November 20 Submit news/information/photos to: communications@explorefcf.com Gordon McDaniel, Lead Pastor Pastor@explorefcf.com Mike McNamee, Care & Admin. Pastor admin@explorefcf.com Brian Kelley, Generations Discipleship Pastor youth@explorefcf.com Kyle Brenon, Communities Discipleship Pastor communities@explorefcf.com David Glaze, Missions Pastor missions@explorefcf.com Doug Nigh, Worship Director worship@explorefcf.com Lewis Rudy, Jr., Junior High Coordinator dbxlcr@gmail.com Karen Hoagland, Media Director creativemedia@explorefcf.com Carol McNamee, Secretary secretary@explorefcf.com Christy Hixon, Communications communications@explorefcf.com Valerie Carbaugh, Office Assistant officeassistant@explorefcf.com

Y@H News for those 50 years of age and older... Welcome to the Holidays!!! are flying by!!! How the weeks and months Y@H is busy making plans for the upcoming holiday season.

On Wednesday, Nov 18th, at 12:15, we will have our Y@H Thanksgiving Potluck and Celebration following Wednesday morning Bible Study.

If you have not yet signed up to secure your spot for our Dec 2nd trip, please do so no later than Wed, November 4th.

4 News for those 50 years of age and older... Welcome to the Holidays!!! are flying by!!! How the weeks and months is busy making plans for the upcoming holiday season. Beginning with November, we are preparing a Christmas gift to send to Nicaragua with Pastor Dave Glaze for our adopted Hearts Across Borders child, Eliezar Santiago. On Wednesday, Nov 18th, at 12:15, we will have our Y@H Thanksgiving Potluck and Celebration following Wednesday morning Bible Study. Let s make it a festive and thankful time for the wonderful blessings in our lives. The annual Y@H Holiday Trip is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec 2nd. If you have not yet signed up to secure your spot for our Dec 2nd trip, please do so no later than Wed, November 4th. Traveling by FCF Bus, FCF Van; and individual cars to Lancaster, PA, we will enjoy the American Music Theatre s Deck the Halls, their new 2015 Christmas Show. Following the show, lunch will be at the Plain & Fancy Restaurant, to be followed at that location by a chalk mural creation of chalk artist Elva Hurst, who tells us a story while she draws. Departure time on the 2nd will be 7:30 AM; arrival back at FCF approximately 6 6:30 PM. Cost for the day is $65, including show, lunch, and transportation. Sign up forms are in the foyer at the Information Center. Please make checks payable to FCF and give directly to Dianne Birl or Pastor Mike. Contact Dianne Birl for more information or to reserve your ticket. Plans for the remainder of the month of December will include the assembly and delivery of Holiday Gift Bags to some of our FCF members and friends who may be homebound or lonely. This is always a special time of year for us as we lovingly gather names, plan deliveries, and purchase items to fill gift bags with goodies and tokens of Christ s love. More information will follow regarding this project. Delivery of the gift bags will take place on Wednesday, Dec 16th, as we travel the streets of Williamsport, Hagerstown, and surrounding area. If you know someone who could use a bit of Christmas cheer, please let us know. Y@H Bible Study continues meeting weekly on Wednesdays from 10:00 Noon. Watch the weekly bulletin for any Wednesdays we will not meet, such as November 25th (the day before Thanksgiving); December 2nd (the day of our trip), and December 16th (the day of our basket deliveries). Join us as we grow and celebrate the heart of Jesus. Mark your calendar for the Y@H Annual Holiday Celebration on New Year s Day, Friday, Jan 1st. FCF s Faith Kids and Switchback students have adopted 8 families for Thanksgiving and will be collecting Thanksgiving Dinners for them. You are invited to join us in making donations of needed items. Items needed: 8 Frozen Turkeys 8 Boxes Instant Mashed Potatoes 8 Cans Green Beans 8 Cans Corn 8 Cans Cranberry sauce 8 Boxes of Stuffing 8 Desserts 8 Pack of Rolls (12 count) Additional groceries for the families Visit go/10c054facaf22a1f49-thanksgiving2 to sign up to bring in items or see what items are still needed. Non-perishable items can be brought in between Nov 1 and November 22 and placed in the container in the foyer. Perishable items are to be brought in on November 22nd. Generations Ministry Outreach Switchback students and parents will be delivering the meals to the families on Sunday, November 22.

Check In/Out Guidelines The Faith Kids are very important to us and their safety while attending FCF is a priority. The following guidelines are in place on Sunday mornings for Check In/ Check Out.

The first is the child s nametag to be placed on the child. The second label is to be kept by the parent/guardian who will be picking the child up after service.

CHECK OUT: Before picking your child up from class, stop at the Welcome Center and check your child out in the same manner you checked them in.

Proceed to your child s classroom and give the teacher your label and your child will be dismissed to you.

5 Check In/Out Guidelines The Faith Kids are very important to us and their safety while attending FCF is a priority. The following guidelines are in place on Sunday mornings for Check In/ Check Out. CHECK IN: All children (birth 5th grade) who will be attending Faith Kids classes will check in at the Faith Kids Welcome Center. Once a child is checked in, 2 labels will print. The first is the child s nametag to be placed on the child. The second label is to be kept by the parent/guardian who will be picking the child up after service. Pagers are assigned for all children, nursery through 5th grade. If your pager goes off, go to the FK Welcome Center, show them your blinking pager and then proceed to your child s classroom. CHECK OUT: Before picking your child up from class, stop at the Welcome Center and check your child out in the same manner you checked them in. The FK Welcome Center attendant will stamp and initial your label. Return your assigned pager to the Welcome Center attendant. Proceed to your child s classroom and give the teacher your label and your child will be dismissed to you. EXITS: For added security, we ask that no one use the exterior doors to exit the Education Wing. Please use the doors in the lobby to enter and exit the building. Faith Kids Christmas Program will be Sunday, December 13, 2015 during the 9am and 10:45am services. Students who have a part in the play and in the choir are asked to perform during both services. Practice Schedule: Drama (assigned parts) - Sunday at 9am 3-5 Year Olds -Sundays 10:30-10:45am in Room 3 K-5th Sundays 10:30-11am in Room 7 Rehearsal for Everyone Saturday, December 5 from 9am to 12noon Dress Rehearsal for Everyone Saturday, Dec. 12 from 9am-12noon Practice CD s are available at the FK Welcome Center. Anyone willing to assist with costumes, props, setup, tear-down, or assisting kids at rehearsals and the day of the program please contact Pastor Brian at youth@explorefcf.com. ADULTS: All adult classes have been relocated to the Classroom Annex Building. PAGERS: If your pager alerts you during service, please show your blinking pager to the Faith Kids Welcome Center Attendant before entering the Education Wing. Contact Pastor Brian (youth@explorefcf.com) if you have any questions. We are always looking for individuals who are willing to serve in the Faith Kids ministry. If you would be willing to serve please contact Pastor Brian at youth@explorefcf.com

The Frontline Welcome Ministry has the privilege of being the first face that our guests and current attendees get to see, and the first hand offered to say hello.

simplest ways. If you would like to partner with us in this ministry as a Welcome Center Attendant or Door Greeter, please contact Christy Hixon, communications@explorefcf.

This group will serve in the parking lot to help direct regular attenders to available parking spots, direct guests to a parking spot reserved for them and direct them to the Welcome Center,

Those serving in the ministry, in teams of 4-5, will serve one Sunday a month, on a monthly basis. For instance, you would serve the first Sunday of every month.

For the security of the children in the Education Wing DO NOT exit the double doors in the front of the sanctuary. Please use the doors in the back of the sanctuary.

6 The Frontline Welcome Ministry has the privilege of being the first face that our guests and current attendees get to see, and the first hand offered to say hello. From welcoming at the door, passing out information, answering questions, giving directions to rooms, or simply offering a smiling face, our goal is to display the love of God in even the simplest ways. If you would like to partner with us in this ministry as a Welcome Center Attendant or Door Greeter, please contact Christy Hixon, communications@explorefcf.com for more information. We would like to invite you to help serve in the Parking Lot Ministry at FCF. This group will serve in the parking lot to help direct regular attenders to available parking spots, direct guests to a parking spot reserved for them and direct them to the Welcome Center, help with the flow of traffic during the transition of the two services and help ensure the safety of everyone in the parking lot. Those serving in the ministry, in teams of 4-5, will serve one Sunday a month, on a monthly basis. For instance, you would serve the first Sunday of every month. If you would like to serve in this vital ministry, please contact Paul Hoagland, For the security of the children in the Education Wing DO NOT exit the double doors in the front of the sanctuary. Please use the doors in the back of the sanctuary. We meet on Saturday mornings at 9am for food (bring a breakfast item to share) and a study of God s word. If you are between the ages of 18 and 25, we would love to have you come out. Join us: Saturday, October 31 at Pastor Brian s Saturday, November 14 at Pastor Brian s Saturday, November 28 at Lewis Rudy s Mark your Calendar December 6 for the FCF Holiday Dinner All are invited to attend! *Mark your calendars for a Get together/ Christmas Party on Friday, December 18! Contact the church office or Pastor Brian for more information.

" Wednesdays (6:30pm)- All students in grades 6-12 are invited to come out for a time of fellowship, worship and study. JH is currently in the study "Dug Down Deep" and the SH is in the study "Impact.

If you would be available and willing to open you home for the Junior High, contact Pastor Brian.

Student wing do not use any of the doors leading outside on Sunday mornings. Please enter and exit through the designated doors.

7 Switchback Junior High Scavenger Hunt November 1 12:30-4:30pm Lunch is provided. See Pastor Brian or Lewis to sign up. WHAT s GOING on in SWITCHBACK? Sundays (9am)- JH meets in room 7B and is going through "The Gospel Project". SH meets in room 7A and is going through the study "Foundations." Wednesdays (6:30pm)- All students in grades 6-12 are invited to come out for a time of fellowship, worship and study. JH is currently in the study "Dug Down Deep" and the SH is in the study "Impact." Looking ahead... The Switchback Junior High and Senior High Christmas Parties will be held December 11 (JH) and 12(SH). We are looking for host families for the Junior High Progressive Events. If you would be available and willing to open you home for the Junior High, contact Pastor Brian. Please Take Note: The JH is now meeting in Room 7B on Sunday mornings at 9am The young ladies Discipleship Group led by Zoie Dobranzki at 10:45am now meets in Room 6 In the Faith Kids/ Switchback Student wing do not use any of the doors leading outside on Sunday mornings. Please enter and exit through the designated doors. Calendar of Events for Next Generation Ministries November 1- JH Scavenger Hunt Activity November 21- Christmas Vendor and Craft Fair November 22- Thanksgiving Outreach November 25- No Awana...Student Ministry will meet for an activity (6:30pm-8pm) December 11- JH Christmas Party December 12- SH Christmas Party December 13- Faith Kids Christmas Program We are currently seeking Vendors for Switchback's Annual Christmas Craft and Vendor Fair being held on November 21 from 9am-1:30pm - If you know of anyone who would be interested in setting up at the Vendor Fair, please contact Pastor Brian to get an application. Spaces are 10x6 and include 1 eight foot table and 2 chairs. Non-electric spots are $40; Electric spots are $45. Examples of vendors include Scentsy, Origami Owl, Tupperware, Crafts, etc. Space is first come and is limited to one vendor per p r o d u c t. Student and parent help would also be appreciated. To sign up to help, please contact Pastor Brian (youth@explorefcf.com). Are you buying gift cards for Christmas giving? If so, purchase from myscriporder.com and a percentage of the gift card amount will be donated toward Student mission trips. A complete list of available gift cards is available at To order: Visit Click "Create Account" Enter our enrollment code: Fill in required information and choose the gift cards you would like to order Total order and make check out to FCF and give to Pastor Brian by 12/13 Fill out the form provided at the FCF information Center (available mid-november) and return to Pastor Brian with payment. Pastor Brian will place the order for gift cards on Mondays. He will have the cards for pick-up by the end of the week. You will receive a call letting you know they are ready for pick-up. Payment must be received before order is placed.

During October FCF sent a team to Uganda through Horizon Int'l to do a VBS at a Children's Center and School for

They provided over 2500 meals that week to children and adults after VBS.

They were able to bring gifts to children who are sponsored through Horizon Int'l/Hearts Across Borders.

If you would like to make a tremendous and life-changing difference in the life of a child who has lost their

A team from FCF also ministered medically in Haiti during October.

week they were there. They also were able to encourage and come alongside our national pastor/missionary Luc St.

Members of FCF and others will be sharing their hearts about their experiences on outreach trips during 2015.

Global mission team to Haiti Scenes from Haiti through the lens of Valerie Carbaugh s camera FCF Basketball

8 During October FCF sent a team to Uganda through Horizon Int'l to do a VBS at a Children's Center and School for children who have lost parents due to HIV/AIDS. They provided over 2500 meals that week to children and adults after VBS. They planned on 250 children and ended up ministering to over 600 children each day. They were able to bring gifts to children who are sponsored through Horizon Int'l/Hearts Across Borders. There are still children available to sponsor in Rugendabara, Uganda--our partnership community. If you would like to make a tremendous and life-changing difference in the life of a child who has lost their parents and lost hope, as well, please contact David Glaze. A team from FCF also ministered medically in Haiti during October. They treated over 500 patients at 4 different clinics in various communities throughout the country during the week they were there. They also were able to encourage and come alongside our national pastor/missionary Luc St. Felix, which is always a blessing. In November please join us for Global Emphasis Sunday on Nov. 22nd. Members of FCF and others will be sharing their hearts about their experiences on outreach trips during There will not be a general Global Emphasis meeting during November. Global mission team to Haiti Scenes from Haiti through the lens of Valerie Carbaugh s camera FCF Basketball League Reminder if you are playing on the church league, check in on the sign up sheet in the kitchen. Have a great season! FCF Meals Ministry reaches out to brand new moms as well as others who could use a hand receiving a meal. Please contact Cassandra St. George at seago16@hotmail.com or call Sign up to get text alerts from FCF using one of these methods: 1. Text MBXUNZ29405 and your name to Scan this QR Code:

9 November 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat pm Prayer and 10am-12pm Y@H McDaniel Welcome Dessert Fellowship Fasting 7pm Rescue Mission 6:30 Awana & Switchback 8 8:45-11am Clothing Swap Drop Off pm Clothing Swap 7-9pm Ladies Bible Study am-12pm Y@H 6:30 Awana & Switchback am-12pm Y@H Thanksgiving Potluck 6:30 Prayer Gathering 6:30 Awana & :30-11:30am Ladies Connection 6-8:30pm Defending the Unborn Abby Johnson am-1:30pm Craft and Vendor Fair 28 Global Emphasis Sunday Thanksgiving outreach 12:30pm FK Christmas Drama Practice 7-9pm Ladies Bible Study No Y@H No Awana 6:30pm Switchback Church Decorating FCF Offices Closed FCF Offices Closed

10 December 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Prayer and Fasting Y@H Christmas Trip to Lancas- 7pm Global Missions Meet- 9am-12noon FK Christmas 7pm Rescue Mission ter (reservations required) ing Practice Holiday Dinner 8:30am-5pm LifeLife 10am-noon Young at Heart 6:30pm Ladies Connection Switchback JH Christmas Party 9am-12noon FK Christmas Screening 6:30 Awana & Practice Switchback Switchback SH Christmas Party 13 9am & 10:45am FK Christmas Program am-12noon Young at Heart Deliver Baskets 6:30pm Prayer Meeting am-12noon Young at Heart 6:30 Christmas Eve Service Merry Christmas! No evening services :30pm FCF Business Meeting 10am-12noon Young at Heart FCF Office Closed Young at Heart Luncheon (following the 10:45am service) No evening services Senior High Lock In Event dates and times are subject to change. Please watch the bulletin and website for more information.

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF FAITH CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP. Our Rally Cry! Our Redeemer Lives!

news MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF FAITH CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Our Rally Cry! Our Redeemer Lives! I don t like to be pitied. Few do. Don t misunderstand, a compassionate response at moments of despair and great