Reminder

We will be meeting at McDonald's Funeral Home for the last time this Sunday. Beginning January 7, 2018 we will be meeting at the VFW. Same time.....different location....NEXT SUNDAY....not this Sunday. Please let anyone know that may not be on the blog.

Hope to see you there.

Immediate prayer need

From Trish Earhart:

Trish's father suffered a massive stroke yesterday morning. His name is Joseph Tako. Please remember him and his family in your prayers. We'll update when we can.

From Family Promise

State of the Program Merry Christmas!  As we come upon this glorious season, I look around at all the gifts we are blessed to give our families this year.  From families learning money management skills to families graduating into sustainable independence. The most wonderful gift is watching the children of our program flourish in the stability their families have found in and after our program. This year, we started our "From Your Family to Our Family" fundraising campaign.  It is a great time to aid in our mission of empowering families toward sustainable independence.  Because of your support, parents in our program will be able to go to work and continue saving toward graduation. Your donations provided tuition for day care and full-day camp at the YMCA for all the school age children in our program. Wondering just how your donation can help?  A donation as small as $60 provides a week of after school care to allow a  parent to work full time. $30 provides fuel to get to work. Click here to see other ways you can help. Kids Get Involved Recently, a few children, most about 8 years old, asked what they could give to our families.  WOW!  At such a young age, these children already have a heart for serving others. Building that within a child can be very easy.  One simple idea for engaging children or youth in giving might be to hang a Christmas stocking and have a family challenge to fill it with change to use to donate.  Another would be to wrap a gift with money in it and having them decide how they would like to use it to help someone they don't already know.  Of course, there are many other ideas, and we would love for you to share them with us. While we do hope you will remember us in your holiday and year-end giving, we also want to say thank you for your support each and everyday.  If you are interested in getting more involved with Family Promise of Forsyth County in 2018, we welcome you to join us for one of our upcoming Volunteer Orientations.  Whether you are affiliated with one of our host or support churches or not, you can volunteer in a wide variety of ways such as working directly with our families or serving on a committee.  We hope you will join us in empowering many more families toward sustainable independence in the new year! Finally, on behalf of our staff, board and especially our families, I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May God Bless You, Tina   Donate Now

From Jay and Diane Beeman

Jay & Diane Beeman

To all of you who have been an encouragement to us on our journey this year to minister in East Africa, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. May God richly bless you in your continued worship and service to Jesus our Messiah. And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,     in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great     to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace.                                           - Micah 5:4-5 Save the Date We would like to invite you to a prayer and sendoff event on our behalf, scheduled for Sunday January 7th at 6:30 PM at West Side Christian Church (room: The Hub) in Springfield, IL.

Cookie Drive Update

Praise God, we just got home safely. Needless to say it's bad out there. We will have to cancel the cookie drive until further notice. Schedule conflicts may warrant an after Christmas surprise.

So sorry if any of you had already baked your goodies, but you can always bring them to church on Sunday. 😋 OR freeze it if need be.

Please make sure everyone you know has been notified. We're trying to cover every avenue of communication we can think of. Hopefully we'll see you Sunday.

Jan

Reminder and some new info

CHRISTMAS COOKIE DRIVE is this Saturday, December 9, 2017 - We will meet at Judy's office at First Baptist Church at 10:00 am. If you can, please provide enough cookies/candies/bars to feed 13 fire stations. We will load up the trays of goodies and then deliver the platters to the various fire stations here in Forsyth County. If you want to provide the treats, but can't make it to the workday on the 9th, please let one of our leaders know so other arrangements can be made to obtain your baked goods.

Also, Christ The King Lutheran Church (beside the old FCC is having their annual cookie sale this Saturday starting at 9:00 am. How convenient is that?

See you all on Saturday.

From Pioneer Bible Translators: Jay and Diane Beeman

Jay & Diane Beeman

Thanksgiving Having just wrapped up the Thanksgiving holiday we are reflecting on the many things for which we praise God. Our family was able to come together Thanksgiving week and spend some time fellowshipping, taking family photos and catching up. We are thankful that our daughter and son-in-law could come home from their field of service for a couple of months. We are thankful that our son and daughter-in-law were able to host our time together in Joplin and Branson, MO. God is continuing to bless our time in Dallas. Our classes with Johnson University are finishing up this week and on Friday the 8th we make our final presentation to PBT, where we lay out our future ministry plans. Many of you showered us with loving support at the passing of Diane’s mother on November 7th. To all who attended her funeral, sent cards, letters and emails, fixed meals, and contributed to her memorial we are deeply grateful. Here’s what our remaining days in the States look like Tuesday, December 12 – Leave Dallas (Packing our car with all the warm weather we can) Wednesday, December 13 – Arrive in Springfield, IL. We will be spending the next three weeks packing, buying last-minute supplies, spending time with family, and saying good-byes. Tuesday, January 9 – Depart Chicago O’Hare Airport for Tanzania We appreciate your prayers as we prepare and count down the days until we leave for Africa. "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you." Philippians 1:3 For those of you who collected the desiccant packets (silica gel) and you need to mail them to us, please forward them to our Springfield, IL address. Thanks a bunch. Jay & Diane Beeman PO Box 7531 Springfield, IL 62791-7531 Any correspondence should be sent to the address above from now through January 2018.

From Family Promise

What is #Giving Tuesday? HAPPY #Giving Tuesday!  Giving Tuesday  is a global campaign encouraging people to give to charities of their choice.  We are excited to be introducing our "From Your Family...To Our Families" Campaign on Giving Tuesday.   Our goal - Raise a minimum of $9200...the cost to serve one family for 90 days...the journey to long-term stability.   Sometimes it is hard to believe what a difference 90 days can make.  The journey can be tough as parents navigate through working, learning new skills and meeting goals. The supports we give allows them to reach the ultimate reward at the end…stability for their family. Family Promise of Forsyth County, Inc. is proud to empower and assist children and their parents or guardians by providing a place to stay, meals, case management, transportation, childcare, education, and support as families transition from being homeless to gaining sustainable independence. To accomplish this it takes many resources....people resources (volunteers) and financial resources (donations).    How can you help?  Share our message!  Please share our Facebook posts throughout the day.  And please forward this email to friends.    To donate directly go to: http://www.familypromiseofforsythcounty.org/donate-1 On behalf of the families we serve and will serve, thank you for sharing a special gift from your family to our families! Family Promise of Forsyth County, Inc.

Mark your calendars

• THE VFW will be opened this Sunday (11/26/17) @ 12:00 pm for our inspection of the facility.
• CHRISTMAS COOKIE DRIVE will be on December 9, 2017 - We will meet at Judy's office at First Baptist Church at 10:00 am. If you can, please provide enough cookies/candies/bars to feed 13 fire stations. We will load up the trays of goodies and then deliver the platters to the various fire stations here in Forsyth County. If you want to provide the treats, but can't make it to the workday on the 9th, please let one of our leaders know so other arrangements can be made to obtain your baked goods.
• CHRISTMAS EVE service will be held at our current location on 12/24/2017 @ 6:00pm. It's a very touching service that you'll want to experience. 

Update on Randy Smith

Here's what Randy posted on FB today:

Well here is what I know. Apparently, I had 3 massive heart attacks and flat lined 4 times. I had 98% blockage in the main artery (the widow maker). However, I am doing wonderful. Asked about going to work, I think between Elaine, the doctors and Quality, there is a conspiracy. All my clothes, phone charger and glasses are on the side of the interstate in the bus. So have to turn phone off. If you call leave a message. Otherwise I will check with everyone later. Hopefully back in ga by Fri. Thanks for the messages. Love you all.

IMMEDIATE PRAYER NEED

Randy Smith, the preacher who has filled in for Bill on a couple of occasions, has suffered a very serious heart attack and was lost during surgery multiple times. Please cover this brother in Christ in prayer. He holds a very special place in the hearts of many of us at Castle.

Latest news on new locations

Here's the information I've been given so far:

1. THE PIEDMONT COMMUNITY CLUB - This facility is listed in the tax records as being owned by The Piedmont Community Club. I've searched the internet via several avenues and cannot find a person attached to this building. I do know it's 891 square feet and was built in 1975. It sits on .32 acres. That's all I know at this point. - Jan

2. THE VFW - This facility is more than happy to have us. They have a PA system we can use, bathrooms and a kitchen. Tables stay set up all the time. They would charge us $75.00 a week. No storage available though. We would be the third church to meet there in their history so it's been done before. There could be a conflict on occasion, but they promised to work with us should this arise. They don't anticipate a problem with this.

3. CHESTATEE BUILDING RUN BY THE FORSYTH COUNTY PARK & REC. - . Below is a copy of their terms and what the facility has to offer:
Chestatee Building CAPACITY:50 AMMENITIES:Tables, chairs, refrigerator, stove, microwave RENTAL COSTS $ 75.00/day
1. DEPOSITS
A. All indoor rentals require a deposit due a minimum of 24 hours prior to the rental date.  The key to the facility will be issued one (1) business day or on the Friday prior to the rental date. 
B. Deposits will be refunded in full if Forsyth County Parks and Recreation (FCPRD) reports the facility in good condition.  If any of the following or other damages are found, then the deposit fee will not be refunded:  Damage to the facility, furnishings, equipment, grounds, etc.  The facility, furnishings, grounds are not left in as clean a condition (as what was found upon rental.)   Failure to turn in the facility key after the rental date.  Any rental guests or invitee displays improper conduct as determined by recreation staff.  Improper conduct shall include, but not be limited to, abusive or threatening language, physical violence, lewd behavior or apparent intoxication. C. If damages and/or clean-up cost is more than the deposit required, the renter will be billed for the difference.  Renters will not be allowed to use any Forsyth County facilities until all damage fees are paid.
2. FEES and REFUNDS
A. Rental fees are due at the time the reservation is made.  (There is $100 non-refundable fee if your rental fee is $300 or more.)
B. The rental fees listed on the request form are for Forsyth County residents/businesses. Out of-County residents/businesses are charged an additional 20% for reservation dates prior to July 1, 2017 (All reservations for dates on or after July 1, 2017 will be charged two times the resident fee.)
C. Senior citizens (55+) receive a 10% discount off rental rates.
D. Fee reductions apply only to user fees.  Deposits or other fees will not be discounted.
E. Full refunds will be granted when the department cancels a reservation.  Refunds must be requested at least 2 full business days prior to the rental to receive a full refund.  Refunds will not be granted for pavilion rentals due to inclement weather.
3. FACILITY AVAILABILITY
A. Facilities are reserved/rented on a first come, first served basis, with a minimum of a 48 hour notice.
B. Any renter who enters the facility prior to the rented date and time will be charged an additional $ 150.00.
C. The facility and park area must be vacated no later than 11:00 pm with the exception of Ducktown Park, Poole's Mill Park, Sawnee Mtn. Preserve, Windermere Park and Young Deer Park which must be vacated before dark.
D. Facilities will not be available when a FCPRD program or other approved activity is being conducted.
E. FCPRD reserves the right to deny requests for facility use on county recognized holidays.
F. Requests will not be granted to renters that have exhibited unacceptable conduct during previous rentals at Forsyth County facilities.
4. RENTAL AGREEMENTS
A. A Community Building Rental Form must be completed at the time the reservation is requested and must be signed by the renter and the designated FCPRD staff to be valid.
B. The rental reservation time frame should include any set-up or clean-up time required.
C. FCPRD reserves the right to void an agreement to any group due to scheduling conflicts.
D. If Forsyth County government is closed due to inclement weather, reservations will be cancelled and may be rescheduled.
E. No one under the age of 21 may enter into a rental agreement with Forsyth County. Youth groups, or rentals on behalf of youths, must have a minimum ratio of 1 to 10, adults to youth.
F. If conducting a business activity, you must provide a business license.
5. EQUIPMENT USE
A. Tables and chairs may be available for the renter to use.  Any additional tables and chairs needed must be arranged by the renter at the renter’s cost.  FCPRD does not provide additional tables and chairs.
B. Renters shall not exceed the building occupancy certificate.
C. The recreation department does not guarantee the availability of any equipment.
D. Renter is responsible for set-up/break-down and must return all equipment to the proper location.  Any equipment that is damaged will result in a bill to cover any replacement or repairs.
6. CLEAN UP INFORMATION
A. Wipe and clean all kitchen and table surfaces. Turn off stove, clean out refrigerator and microwave.
B. Sweep/mop or vacuum floor.
C. Bag all garbage and remove to park dumpsters.
D. Upon leaving the building turn all lights off, lock all doors and adjust the thermostat.  (In summer turn air conditioner to 78 degrees, in winter - turn heater to 65 degrees.)
7. FACILITY RULES
A. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in Forsyth County buildings or parks.
B. Tobacco products are prohibited in all Forsyth County indoor facilities.
C. Use of nails, tacks, staples or tape is not permitted and nothing may be hung from the ceiling or lighting fixtures.  All decorations must be removed before departure.
D. The use of sound amplifying equipment will be monitored by FCPRD staff to ensure noise levels are comfortable for other park users.
E. Renter must bag and remove all garbage from facility to park dumpster.
F. Authorized park personnel must pre-approve any equipment; play structures, animals, etc. for use at FCPRD facilities.
G. All park ordinances and rules must be followed.  A full list of policies is available at www.forsythco.com. 8. EMERGENCY CONTACTS: Mike Bobby (404) 392-3309      Jim Gordon (678) 936-4644 John Crowe (404) 557-7977

FINAL REMINDER

Don't forget to set your clocks back an hour when you go to bed tonight. See you in the morning.

VERY IMPORTANT

We will be having a very important church meeting this Sunday (11/5/2017) following services. We have some issues that need to be addressed and we need everyone's input. Don't stress. It's not the end of anything.

News from Jay & Diane Beeman @ Pioneer Bible Translators

Jay & Diane Beeman

Refugee children waiting outside before they receive help with their homework A couple of people we are praying for these days. . . We’ve been helping adults and children at a church-sponsored refugee center in the heart of Dallas. A couple of weeks ago we had a little girl show up from a Middle Eastern country. We can’t give you her real name, but if you say “Shazam” that’s real close. The refugee kids here are placed in a school grade only by age, and not by aptitude. She was bringing in math, reading and science homework, but she knows no English and couldn’t even begin to complete her assignments. So, we went to Walmart and bought one of those books with big letters to trace and bright pictures to go along with the alphabet. The next time she came we started with A for apple, then B for ball and so on. Along with the alphabet, she’s learning English words. You’ve never seen a child so happy to be able to learn something. We are excited for her and will help her as much as we can to catch up to her classmates. We pray for her that through the witness of the Christians at the refugee center and the strong Christian influence in the Dallas area, she will grow up hearing the message of Jesus and accept him as her Savior someday. Every week we help the adults with conversational English. We are normally given a guided lesson to help the students with vocabulary and grammar, which is supposed to be completed within the hour we are with them. One of the gentleman that Jay is helping is a refugee from Myanmar. He belongs to the Rohingya people who are mostly Muslims. As our lesson started, he was asked to tell something about his people. He gave the strong impression that nobody had ever sat with him and listened to his story before. For the next fifty minutes he told all about the persecution that he and his family had suffered from Buddhists who push them out of the country (This is no secret. You can just Google “Rohingya” and read about it). After leaving their home, they were bounced from country to country as refugees before finally ending up in the United States. They long to return, but will probably never be able. We pray that this man and his family can adjust to life in the United States and eventually call it home. We also pray that they continue to have loving Christians around them, helping them through the transition. And, we pray, more than anything, that even though they lost their homeland, they find Jesus. On Sundays it has been our pleasure to be able to worship at a Swahili service that is hosted at a congregation on the north side of Fort Worth. Most of the members are Congolese, so it’s been like a reunion to be with them. The service is much louder than we are used to at our worship back home. There’s a lot more singing and a little bit of dancing. The preaching is very animated, and the services lasts at least two and a half hours, but the people always make us feel very welcome. We are thankful for the warmup to be living full-time again in East Africa. Since our last news - Adding to our already hectic schedules, Diane is taking a college level class (online) from Johnson University on Foundations of Ministering Cross-culturally and Jay is taking one (also online) on Cross-cultural Church Planting. We are thankful for the opportunity to study and stretch ourselves, learning how we can better build bridges with those to whom we will minister. - We’ve moved from a mobile home to a one-room efficiency apartment. Aside from having to go outside to change our mind, we are doing fine. Seriously, we continue to thank God for the way he takes care of us. - After confirming a few verbal commitments, we should be about 5% within being fully funded to go to the field. If you are interested in partnering with us, please see the details at https://pioneerbible.org/give/JayAndDianeBeeman Please save for us the desiccant packets (silica gel) you might get in your medicine or vitamin bottles. These will be very helpful to us in keeping different things free from moisture in the tropical climate. Thanks. We’d love to hear from you. Our mailing address through December 11th is   Jay & Diane Beeman 7500 W Camp Wisdom Road Dallas, TX 75236 We kindly ask that you not forward this email. If you would like someone to be on our our email list, please let us know. Thank you.

Thank You

A big thank you to everyone who prepared food or helped serve. We made 20 take out meals and we served 60 meals at the Place. Again thank you to everyone who made Wednesday a huge success.

Michael