Faith News

A PUBLICATION OF FAITH FELLOWSHIP CHURCH

21 - Scatter Platter Mid-Week Meal 24 - All-Youth Tubing 28 - MOPS 29 - Serving @ BLOC 31 - Leadership Summit

Mark your Calendar Jan. 5 - Praise in Motion Fitness starts 6 - Indoor Park resumes 7 - Wednesday Activities resume 10 - FFC Movie Night 7 PM 12 - WMC Quarterly Meeting 16 - In-Service Daycare Craft Club Planning Meeting 18 - Youth Volleyball starts 19- Ladies Bible Study begins

Contact Us 6734 Bridgetown Road Cincinnati, OH 45248 (513) 598-6734 Email: ffc@goffc.org Website: www.goffc.org

Faith Fellowship Church - 6734 Bridgetown Road - Cincinnati, OH 45248 - 598-6734 - www.goffc.org

No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the

race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. Philippians 3:13-14

If I were to ask most of the people in our church to tell me what salvation means to a Christian, they would be able to do so with very little problem. If, however, I was to ask them to meet me for lunch to discuss soteriology, they would look at me like I was crazy. Not unlike most disciplines, there exists, in theology, a difference in the vocabulary that is used to discuss topics in every day conversation and one that is used in more formal settings. Here are some commonly used theological words and their meanings: Apologetics – is the branch of Christianity that deals with the defense and establish-ment of the Christian faith. Christology - the study of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible. Some of the issues studied are: His deity, His incarnation, His offices, His sacrifice, His resurrection, His teaching, His relation to God and man, and His return to earth. Dispensationalism - is an approach to bib-lical interpretation which states that God uses different means of administer-ing his will to people during different periods

of history, usually seven chrono-logically successive periods.

It attempts a literal interpretation of scripture with a premillennial and pre-tribulation rapture view. It sees Israel and the church as distinct bodies. Ecclesiology - is the study of the Christian church, its structure, order, practices, and hierarchy. Forgiveness is the act of releasing some-one from a debt or obligation. There are seven words in Scripture that denote the idea of forgiveness: three in Hebrew and four in Greek. No book of religion ex-cept Christianity teaches that God completely forgives sins. God re-members our sins no more (Heb. 10:17). God is the initiator of forgiveness (Col. 2:13). Hamartiology - is the study of the doctrine of sin. It encompasses topics such as The Fall of Adam and Eve, degrees of sin, original sin, and human accountability for sin. Heresy - is a doctrinal view that deviates from the truth. It is a false teaching. Logos - The Greek word for "word." Mentioned only in the writings of John.

John 1:1 says, "In the beginning was the Word [logos] and the Word [logos] was with God and the Word [logos] was God." The Logos is sometimes used to refer to the second person of the Trinity as the Son in pre-incarnate form. Jesus is the word [logos] made flesh (John 1:1, 14). Ontology - is the study of the nature of being, its essence, its relation to exist-ence. It is the study of the most basic essence of what something is beyond which it cannot be known.

Happy New Year! Pastor John

The Language of Theology

“Officially an Old Man” …by John R. Ginn A few years ago I wrote a couple of articles

related to aging. Since then I've “officially” became an old man and now know a bit more about the subject, As this new year begins I decided to write about old age again. What comes to your mind when you think of old people? Maybe it's forgetfulness, frailty or wrinkles. Many young people think the elderly have all of these and more. The me-dia depicts old age as something to be avoided but they're focusing on the wrong things. They're looking at hazards instead of goals and dreams. They promote a negative view of aging. There are however, benefits to growing old. You no longer have deadlines, performance reviews, or schedules to fulfill but perhaps, the main one is the fact that you

are still alive.

Some people attempt to turn their odometers back but that’s not for me, I want it known why I look the way I do. I have traveled a long way and some of the roads I have traveled were not paved. When Bob Hope celebrated his eightieth birthday, he said: “This is the time of life when even your birthday suit needs pressing.” I will leave writing about being young to my teenage friend Kayla Maas. She's young in the here and now. I was young in the there and then. There are times that I may write about the “good old days” but I do not mean to infringe upon her territory. By the way,

did you know Michelangelo was almost ninety when he painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel?

Moses wrote: “The years of our life are seventy, or by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.” Psalm 90:10 (ESV). Lets be realistic about aging, it does keep us from doing many things we did when we were young. We have more pains in more places and the recovery time is longer. We may undergo sensory losses, our bones may become brittle and a fall can disable us. We lose many of our friends and loved ones, All of these things are true but they are not limited to the aged. They are not a hazard of getting old, they are a hazard of living. We can experi-ence them throughout our lifetime. Paul did not deny the effects of aging. He said in 2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV); “We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we

are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

Solomon issued instructions both to the elderly and to young people in Eccle-siastes 11:8-10 (NLT); “'When people live to be very old, let them rejoice in every day of life. But let them also remember there will be many dark days...... Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do every-thing you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do.”

Ladies--Save the Date! SIGN UP TODAY at the Ministry Table if you are interested for more info.

Coming June 26th and 27th, 2015: Beth Moore Living Proof Event at Cincinnati's US Bank Arena.

Living Proof Live is headed to 11 cities in 2015, and we are coming your way! We are praying about the great things God will do in the lives of women in your area—whether it’s your small group, your women’s ministry, your closest friends or your co-workers, we hope to see you and the women in your communities at Living Proof Live. Don’t wait—register today and add Living Proof Live to your 2015 calendar! Dig into Scripture with Beth Moore at a Living Proof Live near you! Beth's message for each event is based on the Word that the Lord puts on her heart-no two are the same. As she explores the Bible and how it applies to real life, you'll be amazed by Beth's own experiences as a believer. You'll walk away filled up, inspired to strengthen your own relationship with God, and ready to pour into others.

February 26th, 2015 @ Christ's Church at Mason, 5165 Western Row Rd, Mason, OH 45040 Please join us for a free dessert and coffee Rally at Christ's Church at Mason in Mason, Ohio on Tuesday, February 26th at 6:30pm. Don't miss this night filled with fellowship, opportunities for volunteering and prayer, as well as many fun door prizes! The evening will be packed with other women from around our city, interested in becoming more involved with Beth Moore's upcoming visit to US Bank Area in June! Along with representatives from Lifeway, our local LPL CORE team will be sharing the vision for our great city. Beth Moore also has a special message for Cincinnati! We will be picking a winner of a one night hotel stay for two, and two complimentary tickets in reserved seating at Living Proof Live - with Beth Moore in Cincinnati June 26 - 27, 2015! Additionally you will be able to enter and win various door prizes from local businesses. Bring your friends and enjoy the evening!

There is a sign-up sheet at the ministry table for the February rally. If you want to join us, please sign-up and let us know if you’re interested in the June event on the sign-up sheet.

Early Bird pricing and bundle pricing for both events are in effect until Feb. 26th, 2015. For more information, go to http://www.lifeway.com/n/Women-&-Beth-Moore?type=events.

More Dates To Remember: February 7 Lifeline Screening will once again be here to offer screenings. Pick up a flyer at the Ministry Center today. February 14 Our yearly Youth Sponsored Murder Mystery Dinner. More details soon.. February 22 Annual Variety Show. Put your act together and see Kate Baker! Pot-luck dinner at 5:30 PM, Show starts at 6:30 PM April 4 Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt! If you would like to help with this event, let the office know! Join the fun! More details to be discussed at the Leadership Summit!

Many Thanks to everyone who helped organize, work, cleanup and just be the hand and feet of Jesus for our First Annual BWS! We spent several hours meeting and talking with so many

new families in our community. It was great! GOOD JOB GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANTS!

Here are a few responses we’ve received.

“We enjoyed and sincerely appreciated the children's event with Santa. This church is such a blessing to the community. Thank you. Although Layla wasn't too sure about Santa at 22months old she really did love those pancakes.” ~Maria Mundy

“I just wanted to let you know that my grandkids and I really enjoyed your break-fast with Santa. It was the best one I have ever attended and I have 8 grandkids. It was so well organized and the decorating, crafts, food, and Santa and Mrs. Claus were fantastic. I hope you do it again next year. Thanks for a wonderful day.” ~ Diane Young

“We just wanted to let you know how nice everything was and how much fun

we had. I am glad we came to enjoy the breakfast, crafts and Santa and Mrs.

Claus. Thanks to you and everyone that worked to make this a fun morning.”

~Susan Hancock

“FYI: BREAKFAST WITH SANTA WAS WONDERFUL, LOVELY-SWEET DECO-RATIONS, FOOD WAS SWEET AND PLENTY, CRAFTS WERE SIMPLE AND CUTE! SANTA AND MRS. WERE ADORABLE. AND THE ENTIRE STAFF WERE AWESOME! CAN'T MAKE IT ANY BETTER. MERRY CHRISTMAS!” ~ROSEANNA DIETRICH

Thanks a BUNCH to Miss Kayla Maas for taking fabulous pictures!

And so many more posted on Facebook!

“Ripping into the Gift

of Another Year” In the morning, O LORD, you hear my

voice; in the morning I lay my requests

before you and wait in expectation—

Psalm 5:3 The first of the month has always been my own

personal holiday. I just love ripping the old month off all my calendars and starting fresh on a whole new page. How wonderful to look at those clean, fresh, unblemished squares representing days I

haven’t messed up yet! And if you think I enjoy throwing away the old

month, just imagine how much I love celebrating a whole new year!

God has given us measurements of time so we have some perspective on our lives. Think how

hopeless we would feel if we were stuck in some stressful situation and thought it would never end. But God gives us a new morning—a new month, a new year—to start over again and again. With each new start we lift our voices heavenward, laying out our hopes and prayers. Then we “wait in expecta-tion,” as the psalmist said, to receive the gifts and

blessings, and, yes, challenges—God has planned for us.

Whatever comes, we know he will be there with us,

throughout the day, throughout the night, and as we begin afresh tomorrow. Without him, our lives stretch out to a hopeless end. With him we have

the endless hope of a heavenly tomorrow.

Father, thank you for giving me a fresh, new start every day, every year. Amen

~Barbara Johnson, Women of Faith

WOMEN'S MINISTRY COUNCIL MEETING

MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 7: PM

WE WILL BE COMPILING THE 2015 CALENDAR

AND DISCUSSING OUR FUTURE. Join Us!

Hello ladies and welcome to 2015! We're excited to start an-other year of happily creating handcrafted items. Please plan to join us on

Friday, January 16th at 7:00pm as

we plan our Craft Club projects for 2015. Bring your ideas or projects or Pinterest finds, even if you don’t know how to teach

it, chances are that someone else does. For those that are new to FFC, Craft Club is open to anyone that is interested in creating, so invite your friends and

family! Each month a different teacher plans a project and we get together normally on the third Friday of each month to create them. We normally run the

class from 7:00-10:00pm, but obviously the timing can fluctuate. The projects are announced at least 3 Sundays prior to the evening, so you have 3 chances to sign up at the Welcome Center, we ask that when you sign up you pay for the class so the teacher doesn’t have to come find you later. We’ve made: food items, sewing items, knitting, painting on clothes, wood, slates, landscape pavers, jewelry, cards,

scrapbook pages, wreaths, decorations, conducted cooking classes/demonstrations, really almost everything. If you know someone that has a

business that involved “crafting/creation” feel free to invite them to the planning meeting so we can learn from them.

If you any questions, please contact Amy Smith 513-598-4334.

Ladies, join us beginning January 19th for a twelve week study by Beth Moore, Wising Up--Wherever Life Happens. In each session, Beth takes us to the book of Proverbs to focus on a specific area of our lives where God wants to impart His wisdom for our guid-ance and direction. In this DVD-driven

study, each session will start at 9:30am and last two hrs. Signup is on the

Information table. See Patti Thielen for questions (574-7896).

LADIES! DON’T MISS OUT!

We have 30 seats on hold at a discounted price for next years ‘final tour’ for Women of Faith. You won’t want to miss this!

Dates: August 14-15 in Louisville, KY. Cost: $85.00 + hotel, food & gas

Tickets available ONLY thru March 30. After March 30 tickets not sold will be released. If you want to be on the list to go, contact the office, or sign at the Ministry Center to hold your seat!

Karen will once again be our group leader. Payment is due by March 1 to hold your ticket.

WOMEN OF FAITH 2015 FINAL TOUR “LOVED”

Our Church foyer is the new home of a curio displaying Faith Fellowship archives. Did you know that our Church was established in 1821 under the name of Bethel Baptist? Yes, our Church has been bringing the same

message of salvation in Christ through faith alone for 194 years! Faith Fellowship will celebrate its

200th anniversary in 2021. Wow!

Our curio will be displaying many interesting photos, programs, Bibles, newsletters, and other rec-ords accumulated during this long history of serving and worshipping the Lord. Our first Church build-ing was erected on Harrison Avenue at the plot of land in Cheviot that is now our cemetery. Later, Churches were built on Mozart Avenue in Cheviot and two were built on Cheviot Avenue (one in 1896 and one in 1974). Our name was changed to Westwood Baptist Church in 1940. The current

Church was built in 2000 when the name was changed again to Faith Fellowship.

Pastor John Wodetzki is the 48th Pastor of Faith Fellowship Church. Dr. Tom Hall, a current member,

was the 42nd Pastor and served from 1968 to 1976.

Please contact the office if you have any items to display in this curio. Also, please see the office if you would like to administer the Church archives. Thank you!

2015 Leadership Summit is scheduled for

Saturday, January 31 starting at 9 am. Everyone is invited to attend. If you are an Elder, Deacon, Trustee , ministry leader or teacher we encourage your attendance, but anyone with ideas or interested will want to come! Come prepared with dates for this years activities & ideas for ways to reach our community for Christ. A light lunch will be served.

Stay tuned for more details.

Scatter will resume January 21st. Start off the new year with coming to Scatter on the third Wednesday of January through April. The Scatter team appreciates your supporting this ministry and you don't have to

cook that day. Thank you for your support.

~Your Scatter Team

Faith Fellowship Church - 6734 Bridgetown Road - Cincinnati, OH 45248 - 598-6734 - www.goffc.org

Your 2015 Giving

Envelopes are in the

commons.

Again this year there are 12 (one for each month) blue benevolence envelopes in your box placed

before the first Sunday of each month when we typically collect benevolence. There are always extra blue envelopes at the Ministry Information Center for use if you forget yours. Please pick up your box and use them. Using them helps with the tax accounting statements you receive at year end. **IF you don’t have an assigned box #, please let he office know and we’ll get those to you.

FROM THE OFFICE...

January 21st Meal: Hot Chicken Casserole

Potatoes Green beans Tossed salad

Cake

Annual Murder Mystery Dinner

is planned for Saturday,

February 14th at 6:00 pm here at FFC. Theme being discussed.

SAVE THE DATE FOR LOTS OF FUN!

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!

This is a Youth Missions Fundraiser. Cost : $15 each or $25/couple

INDOOR PARK

re-opens January 6, 2013

Open 10:00 am - 1:30 pm. COME JOIN THE FUN!

HELP IS

NEEDED

Set-up Helping with crafts Be a general helper

Clean-up

IP (Indoor Park) is one of Faith Fellowship’s biggest outreach activities bringing

in up to 100 moms & children each week.

DO WE as members of God’s family want to reach our community? This is a great way to be involved if

you have a few hours during the day each week.

Contact Jan Leonardi or the

church office ASAP!

FUN

STARTS TUESDAY

1/6/15

Kids Clubs resumes 7 p.m.

Wednesday, January 7th

Bill and I were recently watching a series of docu-mentaries about the 1960s—assassinations, wars, civil unrest, political fights, demands for respect. In a way, it was comforting. Just as now, there was a

feeling that things were going terribly wrong in so many ways, but just as now, one solution overcomes current events. Psalm 121 says, “I look up to the hills, but where will my help really come from? My help will come from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth; He will not let you fall. Your Protector will not fall asleep.” Are your kids fearful of current events, or are they confident in the Protector—the Creator who holds all events, and who has already won? I encourage you to weave God through your con-versations with kids. Kids Club resumes Wednesday, Jan. 7. We will be learning about Esther, Ezra, and Nehemi-ah—people who trusted God in hard times. Can you help with games for 45 minutes once a month? Twice a month? This would help our teachers. In Faith Odyssey Sunday School this month, the children will be learning about the Trinity. Faith Odyssey (Kids Sunday School) is always looking for people who would be willing to teach a lesson—cooking, art, science, the Bible—for two weeks. A shepherd in the classroom will assist you. Contact Cheryl Ferguson (wordweavers@fuse.net) for more information about ways you can be involved in leading our children to look to the Lord—the true source of our help.

Many upcoming activities:

YOUTH BLOC Volleyball is set to start Sunday January 18. Registration forms are due now.

If you are interested in helping with concessions please see Pastor Jon ASAP. Fee is $35 which includes a team t-shirt.

January 24 at 6-11 PM - ALL YOUTH Tubing at Perfect North Slopes

$20 for a 2-hour tubing pass You will need a waiver signed by a

parent before you leave. Waiver link: Check info table or see Pastor Jon for

one. http://perfectnorth.com/pdfs/1112tubingwaiver.pdf

February 14—Annual Murder Mystery Dinner. More details soon.

(this is a fund raiser for the youth to work at to raise money for this years

missions trip)

Make a New Years resolution to attend Sunday School this year and

that there are programs for ALL ages. We have adult classes for men,

ladies and coed classes as well as classes for children from 2 through high school. For more information, they can

talk with Cheryl Ferguson for children's programs, Jon Bush for middle

and high school, and Chris Thielen

for adults.

Two NEW classes to begin:

“Genesis” taught by Steve & Kate Baker, begins TODAY,

January 4. We’re meeting in room 204 (next to youth room).

JOIN US ANYTIME!

Ladies: Join Lisa Baab in the chapel for a new study

“UNGLUED” by Lysa Terkeurst Biblical teaching on how to

manage your emotions. Begins 1/18/15 in the Chapel.

Messy Moments As I sat down in the chair, I balanced two children on my lap, each toddler fighting to have me to themselves. Soon enough, a much needed distraction came—cupcakes. The chocolate cupcakes were in celebration of Jesus’ birthday; a birthday party for the toddlers, in order to help them understand the birth of Jesus. One of the girls on my lap was especially delighted about her cupcake, squishing the soft cake between her fingers, stuffing it in her mouth with delight. I smiled as chocolate crumbs fell on the floor, knowing the floor would definitely have to be cleaned. I couldn’t help but laugh when I looked at her face and realized that she was wearing more of this dessert than she was eating. Her mouth was smudged with icing, with even a few dabs of chocolate on her nose. Her short golden hair had some crumbs hiding in it. But beneath all of that mess, her smile was huge. She was having a blast, and she definitely wasn’t afraid to get dirty! As I wiped the mess off her mouth, I couldn’t help but wonder at how she wasn’t afraid to get messy. She knew she would be taken care of. She didn’t worry about getting messy, but instead she delighted in it. Sometimes, God calls us to get messy for His sake. Maybe it doesn’t look quite the same—it probably won’t involve wearing chocolate

cake on your face—but it often involves tasks that aren’t so pleasant. An example of this that Jesus gave us? One that instantly comes to my mind is Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. A nice, relaxing, clean job… or maybe the complete opposite. Jesus humbled Himself to take on a lowly job—scrubbing the dirt off feet. It isn’t exactly a job most people scramble to do, but Jesus willingly did it, leaving a beautiful example for us. After washing their feet, Jesus says, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:14-15). Washing their feet is one of the best examples of being willing to humble yourself and get messy for God’s glory, but it doesn’t always come in the form of feet washing. Whether it’s changing a dirty diaper, sweeping the floor, or taking the time to serve the needy, it can be done for His glory.

The real question is—are you willing to get messy for His sake? As He showed us through His example, following Jesus is often messy. Much like the little girl, however, even through the messy moments, He’ll take care of you. He’ll be right there beside you, as you go through messy moments for His sake.

Happy New Year!

2015

New Beginnings Make New Endings

by Cathy Irvin - www.cbn.com

I recently saw this quote, "No one can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new end-ing" (Unknown). I really began to think about that statement. The conclusion was that we don't start over; but we begin again right where we are, making things better in our lives. As a believer in Christ, it is not about saying I will do this and I won't do that and then dropping the idea or falling short. It is more about asking the Lord to help us each day, to fall deeper and deeper in love with Him. This way our focus will be set on the things of heaven and not on all this earthly stuff. If I were to make a New Year resolution,

it would be to have a deeper commitment, a deeper love, and a deeper worship for the Lord. In the beginning of this past year, He spoke to me in that still small voice in prayer and said, "I am more than enough. I am more than enough in every area of your life." He also said to tell others the same thing. This year I am determined to make Him my all and all. He wants our undivided attention in spite of the distractions and temptations that lie waiting around the corner. He has to be our main focus. How we will end this year will be deter-mined by how we started it. Did we want to get more "INTIMATE" with the lover of our soul? I looked up the word intimacy and the meaning is to be close, familiar, very person-al and private. Do you want a new ending this year? How do you want the ending of your life? If you're not a Christian, please know that this could

be the best New Year of your life. Your life can be filled with hope and peace. To know what the ending will be is an extra bonus. Why should every year be the same as the one before with nothing really changing? After all, the New Year resolutions may or may not get accomplished. If you are a Christian and you feel stagnate in your relationship with the Lord, then now is the time to rekindle the love affair with Him. He calls us to Himself and says, "Come away my beloved." Can you hear Him? He is tugging at your heart. The real ending in our life will be when Jesus says well done my good and faithful servant. That statement will be for someone who took the time to get to know Him, love Him, and that obediently followed Him.

COME WORSHIP WITH US

SUNDAYS at 9:30 for Sunday School 10:45 Worship

Sunday Schedule 9:30 am — Sunday School 10:45 am — Worship Coffee Shop open Sunday’s

9:00 am - 10:45 am Wednesday Schedule 7:00 pm - Summer Youth Meetings Office Hours Monday - Thursday 9 am - 4 pm Submit prayer requests to Jen Wibbelsman ffcconcerns@goffc.org

Senior Pastor Pastor John Wodetzki (513) 598-6734 EX.111 pastorjohn@goffc.org Worship Leader Kyle Boreing (513) 598-6734 EX. 112 worship@goffc.org Assoc. Pastor of Student Ministries Pastor Jon Bush (513) 598-6734 EX. 113 jonbush50@gmail.com Elder Chairman Brian Baab bdaab@gmail.com Deacon Chairman Rob Wibbelsman rwibbelsman@gmail.com Women’s Ministry Exec. Director Annette Esslinger raeofsunshine@fuse.net

Business Administrator Mike Peppers (513) 598-6734 EX. 116 mlpeppers@goffc.org Office Administrator Karen Green 513) 598-6734 EX:114 karengreen@goffc.org IT Administrator Tom Foozer (513) 598-6734 EX. 115 tlfoozer@fuse.net Children's Ministry Directors Cheryl Ferguson wordweavers@fuse.net Bridget Rothhaas brothhaas@cinci.rr.com

aithfully

ollowing

hrist

We will be preparing & serving the Cleves community

at the BLOC House on Thursday, January 29. We are

responsible to cook & serve the meal for approx. 60

people. Look for a sign-up soon if you are interested in

donating food, cooking and/or serving

Believing Living

One Christ

We will continue to collect for the BLOC Cleves

Food Pantry & Sissy’s Pantry and deliver monthly.

The red bin is located outside the kitchen.

BE A PART OF OUR

ANNUAL VARIETY

SHOW!

Variety Show: Sunday Evening February 22

Pot Luck Supper at 5:30 PM Variety show at 6:30 PM

Featuring: Bob Herzog as our M.C.

Please begin to plan what skit or music you would like to perform. Try to stay within 3 to 5 minutes.

If any questions contact Kate Baker.