With Friends Like these......

I have been friends with the men in the above picture for over 35 years. That states, first of all, that I'm old and secondly, that they are all great guys. It takes a lot to stay friends for that long. It takes effort. In the busyness and transitions of life (moving, having children, etc.), we need to be intentional in reaching out and staying in touch. 

Do you call your friends without agenda? Do you have a sit down just to get together and talk? Real talk, not just weather and sports. LIFE.

I spoke to our church recently about friendship. I've learned quite a bit over the years-good and bad. I've disappointed friends and have been disappointed by friends. But I've learned that I need them. They encourage me and keep me humble as well. They inspire me and push me to do things I would've never tried. 

In my last sermon, I spoke about just how important it is to be surrounded with friends who want great things for you, friends who have your best interests in mind and friends who will go the extra mile in loving you. I spoke of the 2AM friend, one you can call anytime for help. I also mentioned the "help you move" friend. Both of these are different level friends. Both of these will help you so much along the way. We were not meant to do this alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 "Two are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble."

But how are they influencing you and how are you influencing them? I truly believe we should use caution regarding the people we allow into our lives. If we are leaving these friends depressed or in regret of what we did, maybe it's time we address this. For those of us that call ourselves Christians we are suppose to be living with the standards of God's Word (the Bible). If every time we get together with a friend outside of our faith we are choosing to live a different lifestyle than the one God chose for us, then it's time to either "love from afar" or to start to be the influencer in the relationship. Worse, if the person you are hanging out with is a Christian and both of your behavior is not what God would have you do, then it's time to evaluate what you're doing and the possible damage to those around you. 

I say it all the time, once you "announce" the fact that you are a Christian, some of your "audience" or your non-Christian friends may start looking at you to see what, if anything, changes. You may just be the only example of Jesus Christ they ever see. How alarming is this if when we become a Christian our friends do not see a change in us?!? 

Those friends around you that are not Christians are not to be put to the same standard. They never proclaimed Christ as their Savior so we have no right to judge them. But, if we "Christians" behave in a way that is not honoring to God, we certainly deserve to be questioned. 

Good friends are hard to find. I've been blessed with some great ones along the way. It takes some walls to come down to allow others in. But choosing those we let in is the key to your future - Your Friends Determine Your Future - choose wisely.

 

 

Rich Pancoast
Best Week Ever!

There were smiles everywhere and the excitement was palpable.  Children, students and adults were laughing and getting ready. Vacation Bible Camp was about to begin!  Oh, what a week we had…

 

    I am so grateful for the love our church has for its children and students.  After all, they are the future of Fellowship Church.  Last week was a perfect example of FC’ers giving of their time (and energy!) to show the 162 children that attended VBC how much God loves them and how much we, as a church, love them.

 

    I loved to hear the stories of how the children’s lives were touched.  One visiting mom was so excited on Tuesday.  She couldn’t believe how much fun her kids had had learning about Jesus.  She said “they were so excited to come back that they set their own alarm clocks and were waiting in the car for me this morning.”  Another mom said, “my children’s enthusiasm coming to VBC is about the only activity they all agree on!”

 

     Likewise it was so nice to hear how the volunteers were touched through serving God and the children that attended.  One said, “It was so enjoyable watching the kids really understand the gospel message.”  Another said that she most enjoyed “ getting to help teach the word of God to the kids.”

 

    While VBC is over and we look forward to next year, we still have plenty to do to teach FC’s kids about Jesus and how they are loved.  Many people have the preconceived idea our kids volunteers are just ‘babysitting’ on Sunday’s.  That couldn’t be farther from the truth!  Our Sunday Kidz volunteers have the important job of not only teaching them about Jesus, but making a lasting positive impression while showing them that they are loved and accepted at church.  Our volunteers form relationships.  They are encouraging to kids and families, making guests feel welcome and part of the group.  FC Kidz volunteers use creative Bible teaching to show the kids God’s promises and make learning about Him fun as well!

 

Call me biased, but I think FC Kidz Volunteers are the best!  We’d love to have you join us as we show the future of FC how much they are loved by God and by us.

 

If you are looking to make a difference in the life of a child, I would love to talk to you about the opportunities that we have in the Kidz Areas.  Please email me, or find me on Sunday or sign up to help right here!

 

 

Lara Santamaria
Members Only

The word "membership" today means belonging to a select club. Everyone uses the term including credit cards and fitness clubs. It's kind of gotten a bad rap. I know this from working at a fitness club for over 20 years. It's way too difficult, at times, to end a membership!

We feel that 'church world" should be different. Our belief is that every Christian should belong to a local church and take "ownership" of that church. This includes serving, giving, and participating in biblical community. It's a process. Some jump right on while others take their time. I, for one, took my time. It took me a couple of years before I did anything but I still felt welcomed. I was never rushed into serving. Nobody ever pressured me. Ultimately it was me reading God's Word that convinced me, not those at the church. 1 Peter 4:10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

In a perfect church (yes, there's no such thing!) people, much like Jesus, would come TO SERVE, not to be served. Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others. We have a shared cause, a shared mission. Our ultimate goal here is to introduce this community to Jesus Christ. Once you make this HUGE decision for your life to become a follower of Christ, there comes with it expectations. It's written throughout the Bible. We are not called to "sit on our hands". There are responsibilities. We here at Fellowship Church want all of you to love this church so much that you really take "ownership" of it. This means you do anything you can to make people feel welcome, to help make our church look good for those coming here for the first time and to intentionally seek and help out others in their journey. 

In our Membership class on March 26th 11:45AM to 2:15PM, we will be going over our core values, our beliefs, our history and our vision. We will have lunch and provide childcare as well. We really hope you join us and help us make a big difference here in this community. Take ownership of your church and sign up here.

Rich Pancoast
I'm Just Venting!

I have a bad habit of venting about people to others. I really do. Yes, I'm a Christian and yes, I'm very aware that this is not what I'm suppose to be doing. The verses are clear in the Bible about gossip and what to do when you have an issue with someone. So far, I have failed. But I'm gonna change that today with the power of God. It's the only way I've changed any behavior in my life. Pursue Him, read from His Word, allow others to advise, and pray. 

I would often start this "venting" by stating I needed to get this off my chest and felt as though it wasn't gossip if I said I was just "venting'. It was almost as if I needed to get this person that I was venting to to be on my side. How unfair is this?!? They only hear my version of the story.

Matthew 18:15-17 says, "If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church."

So I first need to go to the person who offends me not to those around me as to get support. No, to the person first. Otherwise this is gossip. Proverbs 11:13 A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can help keep a confidence. A gossip is not trustworthy. Proverbs 16:28 A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. 

Gossip is sin. Like all sin, we are prone to it and it draws us in. If we can step away from the habit of gossip, we can allow small talk to be deeper conversation with substance and help all of our relationships.

Do you gossip? Do you listen to gossip. Lean into God today as I will. He can replace my gossip with His words of encouragement. understanding and most importantly, love

Rich Pancoast
I'm Not Hurting Anyone!

Many years ago, I cheated on an exam. I copied off others and ended up "acing" the test. I was even called up and honored afterwards. It was completely uncomfortable. I thought I didn't hurt anyone but deep down I did. I didn't feel right about it at all. 

I do believe it can come to a point where it does feel right....and that is dangerous! When sin doesn't bother you, there's something deeper going on. When we are not digging deeper into our faith, things that are WRONG seem RIGHT. Our measuring stick is bent. We no longer are aware of the difference of appropriate and inappropriate behavior. We are IN the world and are going along with it in our decision making. We don't stick out, we fit in. Too easy. 

The challenge for all of us, who call ourselves Christians, is to "stick out".....in a good way. Going the extra mile for someone. Loving people differently. 

In order to really convince a friend or a family member that Jesus Christ has changed your life, they need to see evidence. Going along with everyone else tells them nothing. When someone is told that you're a Christian, there should not be a shock in their expression. If there is, there may be some work to do. EVERYTHING we do should point to HIM. When we fail in any realm, we unfairly discredit Jesus. It's not fair but if you, as a follower, continue to swear, get drunk, surf porn, engage in premarital sex, steal from your employer, or even lie, it clearly states to others that you do not really follow this Jesus or this Jesus doesn't have the power to really change you. 

Does your behavior match your savior? Is your lifestyle in agreement with Christ's expectations. If you say YES, would your co-workers, friends and family agree? 

Make HIM famous today. Do something today that clearly points to an amazing God who has saved you! 

 

Rich Pancoast
Growth Groups

I signed up for a small group at Fellowship Church for the first time back in 2000. I knew NOTHING about the Bible. I barely knew anyone from the church. 

I certainly had my assumptions. I felt as though everyone knew the Bible and knew each other. I thought I would be called upon to answer a question. I didn't think there would be any laughing. I was wrong on all counts.

I ended up meeting some great people (most of which I still do life with today!) and I ended up learning more about God's Word on my level. I've been a part ever since. I love meeting new people and I love seeing them take initiative in their pursuit of Jesus Christ. At times, this can be an uncomfortable step in their journey but I believe it can really change their life. 

Sunday's are great here at FC but what if we took it to another level and signed up to one of our many 6 week Growth Groups that start up on the week of May 15th. You can check out our Growth Group menu here. You can sign up here.  

Rich Pancoast
There WILL be bacon!

Attention Men!

Do you like bacon? Coffee? Assuming the answer is probably yes, come join us this Saturday morning at 8:00 AM in our lower campus Living Proof building (30 Brooks Road). This is our second Men's Power Breakfast. We will have a guest speaker, Jason Romano, join us. Jason is a Sports Media guy who works for the main sports network that most of us have watched. He spoke to us a while back about sharing our faith at the work place and the obstacles that may come along with that. (Let's face it, many of us have "toxic" work environments and it's not an easy task to share your faith or even let it be known that you are a Christian!.)

This Saturday, Jason will share his thoughts regarding leadership (at work, home, etc.) and self-discipline. These are tough topics. Leadership takes courage, motivation and self-awareness. Self-discipline entails humility, intentionality and accountability. Neither come easy but both will change your life! 

When we, as men, can 'man up" and be leaders with self-discipline in our lives, we can change our work environment, our family life and our community. Let's leave the passivity behind and be who God sees us as. 

Grab your buddies and sign up today. You will not regret it. 

Click here: I'm in

 

 

 

 

Rich Pancoast
Thank You Moms!

A very happy mothers day to all of you moms out there! You are amazing! You are appreciated (probably not as much as you should be!). You do it all! No one will ever know just how much you do. 

On Sunday, we will be celebrating Mother's Day here at Fellowship Church by having Child Dedications. This is where parents declare their desire to raise their children with an awareness that Jesus loves them and wants to be a part of their lives-right from the beginning! We will also be having a Photo Booth to take some family portraits. All the women that attend here on Sunday will receive a gift. Lastly, we will be giving away a gift certificate for a local spa to some lucky lady! It's going to be a great day!

Our current series "God Never Said That!" will dive into the notion that God will never give you more than you can handle. Ask moms if that's true! 

Mom's enjoy YOUR day and children enjoy your mom! 

I hope to see you all on Sunday! 

 

 

 

Rich Pancoast