News from FBC
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Please be aware we are in tick season and many ticks live in the field by the church.
If you use the softball diamond or walking trails, please be sure to check yourself for ticks.
Sunday Gathering Info & Services
8:30 & 10:30am
Children's Programming During Both Gatherings
Middle School (6th-8th grade) Message During 10:30am Sermon
Join us at 8:30am (traditional worship) or 10:30am (modern worship).
Come as you are dress wise.
When you enter the building from the north or south parking lot you will be greeted and welcomed. Look for the “New Here” sign and say hello to our welcome team. If you have children nursery through 5th grade, if you choose, you can check them into our children’s ministry. Stop by the “New Here” team, tell them you have children to check-in and they will invite you into the safe and secure kids wing (all our volunteers have had background checks and gone through a policy and procedure class). Stop by the cafe for coffee/tea and a snack. Join a conversation or relax at a table or couch seating area or around the open space. Feel free to stop by the Next Steps tables if you want to connect. When you are ready, make your way into the sanctuary/worship center.
We gather for 60-75 minutes. You can expect to sing songs together, reflect in prayer, and hear an applicable sermon from the Bible. Middle school students (6-8th grade) will have the option to join others their age for a sermon aimed at them (will be dismissed about 1/2 way through) in our Student Room. We hope to see you on a future Sunday!
SYNOPSIS: Your mind is a battlefield—and your thoughts shape your life. Too many of us live in defeat, weighed down by anxiety, fear, shame, or negativity, not only because of what’s happened around us, but also because of what’s happening within us. This four-week series will equip you to identify destructive thoughts and strongholds, replace the lies with the power of God’s truth, and begin or continue a journey of growing faith, renewal and victory with the mind of Christ.
- July 6 – Winning the War in Your Mind
- July 13 – Take Back Your Mind, presented by Chris Forystek
- July 20 – Defeat Your Negative Thoughts
- July 27 – Calm My Anxious Mind
Inspired by the book Winning the War in Your Mind by Craig Groeschel. The book can be purchased HERE.
WEEK TWO
July 10: Exposing the Enemy’s Lies
Read: Genesis 3:1–7
Also Read: Matthew 4:1–11
Reflection:
From the garden to the wilderness, Satan’s tactic has always been deception. He twists God’s words, distorts truth, and tempts us to doubt. Jesus shows us the way to resist: knowing and speaking the Word.
Prayer:
Father, help me recognize the lies of the enemy and respond with Your truth. Root Your Word deep in my heart. Amen.
July 11: God’s Truth as a Weapon
Read: Hebrews 4:12
Also Read: Psalm 1:1–3
Reflection:
God’s Word is not just comfort—it’s a weapon. It cuts through confusion, convicts our hearts, and corrects our thinking. The more rooted we are in Scripture, the more clearly we can hear God’s voice.
Prayer:
Speak, Lord. Let Your Word be the foundation I build my life on. Shape me into someone who delights in Your truth. Amen.
July 12: Living in Freedom
Read: Galatians 5:1
Also Read: 2 Timothy 1:7
Reflection:
We are not called to live in fear or bondage, but in freedom through Christ. Winning the war in your mind isn’t about never struggling again—it’s about knowing where to turn when you do.
Prayer:
Thank You, Jesus, for the freedom You won for me. Help me walk daily in that freedom, trusting Your Spirit to renew and guide my mind. Amen.
July 13 – Take Back Your Mind
Read: Romans 12:2
Also Read: Ephesians 4:22–24
Reflection:
Our minds don’t drift toward truth—they must be renewed daily by it. “Taking back your mind” begins with surrender to God and choosing not to conform to this world but to be transformed. A renewed mind leads to a renewed life.
Prayer:
Lord, transform me by renewing my mind. Give me the courage to reject the lies I’ve believed and embrace Your truth. Amen.
July 14 – Think on These Things
Read: Philippians 4:8
Also Read: Isaiah 26:3
Reflection:
Paul gives us a filter for our thoughts: Is it true? Noble? Pure? Lovely? If it doesn’t meet that standard, we don’t dwell on it. What you feed your mind with determines your focus and peace.
Prayer:
God, fix my mind on what is good and true. Guard my thoughts from negativity, fear, and lies. Help me dwell in Your peace. Amen.
July 15 – Meditating on Truth
Read: Psalm 119:15
Also Read: Joshua 1:8
Reflection:
Meditation isn’t about emptying your mind—it’s about filling it with God’s Word. Regular reflection on Scripture helps truth take root. It becomes the lens through which we view the world.
Prayer:
Father, let Your Word fill my thoughts today. Teach me to pause and ponder Your truth throughout my day. Amen.
July 16 – Remembering God’s Faithfulness
Read: Psalm 143:5
Also Read: Lamentations 3:21–23
Reflection:
In times of discouragement or confusion, memory becomes a weapon. When we recall what God has done, it helps reframe our present with hope. Remembering His faithfulness can rescue our minds from fear.
Prayer:
God, remind me of all You’ve done. Let gratitude and memory become anchors for my mind. You have always been faithful. Amen.
WEEK ONE
July 6: Taking Every Thought Captive
Read: 2 Corinthians 10:3–5
Also Read: Ephesians 6:10–17
Reflection:
We are in a spiritual battle—and the battlefield is our mind. Paul reminds us that our weapons aren’t physical, but spiritual and powerful enough to demolish strongholds. This includes identifying lies we’ve believed and intentionally replacing them with God’s truth.
Prayer:
Father, help me see the thoughts that keep me from trusting You. Give me strength to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Amen.
July 7: The Power of a Thought
Read: Proverbs 23:7
Also Read: Philippians 4:8
Reflection:
“As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” What you think about shapes who you become. God invites us to dwell on what is true, pure, and praiseworthy. Today, take inventory: What thoughts are on repeat in your mind?
Prayer:
Lord, show me where my thoughts do not align with Your truth. Help me replace anxiety and fear with trust and peace. Amen.
July 8: Renewed Minds, Transformed Lives
Read: Romans 12:2
Also Read: Colossians 3:1–10
Reflection:
Transformation happens not by trying harder but by thinking differently. God’s Word renews our minds and reshapes our patterns. If you’re stuck in the same behaviors, ask: What lies might be driving them?
Prayer:
Jesus, renew my mind. Break patterns of thinking that have led me away from You, and help me walk in newness of life. Amen.
July 9: Identifying Strongholds
Read: John 8:31–36
Also Read: Psalm 139:23–24
Reflection:
Strongholds are fortified lies we’ve accepted as truth. Jesus tells us that knowing the truth sets us free. Begin today by asking Him to expose any falsehoods you’re clinging to.
Prayer:
God of truth, uncover the lies I’ve believed. Set me free from anything that holds me captive and lead me into Your freedom. Amen.
July 10: Exposing the Enemy’s Lies
Read: Genesis 3:1–7
Also Read: Matthew 4:1–11
Reflection:
From the garden to the wilderness, Satan’s tactic has always been deception. He twists God’s words, distorts truth, and tempts us to doubt. Jesus shows us the way to resist: knowing and speaking the Word.
Prayer:
Father, help me recognize the lies of the enemy and respond with Your truth. Root Your Word deep in my heart. Amen.
July 11: God’s Truth as a Weapon
Read: Hebrews 4:12
Also Read: Psalm 1:1–3
Reflection:
God’s Word is not just comfort—it’s a weapon. It cuts through confusion, convicts our hearts, and corrects our thinking. The more rooted we are in Scripture, the more clearly we can hear God’s voice.
Prayer:
Speak, Lord. Let Your Word be the foundation I build my life on. Shape me into someone who delights in Your truth. Amen.
July 12: Living in Freedom
Read: Galatians 5:1
Also Read: 2 Timothy 1:7
Reflection:
We are not called to live in fear or bondage, but in freedom through Christ. Winning the war in your mind isn’t about never struggling again—it’s about knowing where to turn when you do.
Prayer:
Thank You, Jesus, for the freedom You won for me. Help me walk daily in that freedom, trusting Your Spirit to renew and guide my mind. Amen.
SMALL GROUP GUIDE
WEEK TWO
Start Talking
Kick off your time together with a fun, lighthearted question.
Question:
What’s your favorite karate movie?
(Or if karate isn’t your thing—what’s your favorite sports movie, and why?)
Start Thinking
Help your group identify the connection between beliefs and behavior.
Questions:
- Do you ever find yourself acting irrationally based on a lie you believe about yourself?
→ How does that lie show up in your choices, emotions, or relationships? - Many of the lies we believe are rooted in early life experiences.
→ Have you seen this in your own story? How has it shaped the way you think about yourself? - Have you ever meditated on God’s truth before?
→ What was that experience like for you—challenging, freeing, encouraging?
Start Sharing
Invite honesty and provide a safe space for people to share their struggles and discoveries.
Choose one or both of the following:
- What is the dominant stronghold in your life right now?
(A thought pattern, lie, or belief that consistently limits or harms you.) - What are some specific truths from God’s Word that you can write, meditate on, and confess daily to combat that stronghold?
Start Praying
Lift each other up and ask God to bring transformation and clarity.
Pray this together or take turns in smaller groups:
Father, show me any weaknesses I have in my life as a result of believing a lie. Help me identify what truth from Your Word I can use to fight that lie. Give me wisdom as I create daily declarations, and guide me as I begin the process of renewing my mind. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Start Doing
Move from insight to action with practical next steps.
Challenge your group to choose one or more of the following this week:
- Create daily declarations together based on Scripture.
→ Write out truth statements to replace the lies you’ve been believing.
→ Share your declarations with the group and commit to speaking or meditating on them daily. - Start the Daily Decision Reading Plan (available in FBC Weekly) which will help you
- Live it out by loving others:
→ Serve on the weekend at church
→ Partner with a Local Mission
WEEK ONE
Start Talking
Use this to break the ice and get everyone engaged.
Question:
What’s a song that constantly gets stuck in your head?
Why do you think some things stick with us more than others?
Start Thinking
Lead your group into reflection about how their thought life affects their everyday life.
Questions:
- Think about a time you struggled with anxiety or toxic thoughts. What did you learn through that experience?
- Our lives are always moving in the direction of our strongest thoughts.
- Where do you think your life is currently headed, based on your current thought patterns?
- Is there anything you’d like to change about your current direction?
Start Sharing
Create space for vulnerability and encouragement.
Choose one or both questions to discuss:
- What stronghold is holding you back? (e.g., “I’m not enough,” “God won’t forgive me,” “I’ll always be stuck.”)
→ What negative statement do you say about yourself, and how does it affect your life? - What truth from Scripture demolishes that stronghold?
→ How can you replace that lie with God’s truth and speak it daily?
Start Praying
Invite God to do a renewing work in your group members’ minds.
Pray this aloud together or in smaller pairs:
Father, reveal to me any lies that I am believing about myself, others, or You. Help me replace those lies with Your transformative, healing truth. Renew my mind. Transform my thoughts. And make me more like You today and every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Start Doing
Encourage next steps that apply the truth in real life.
Challenge your group to take one or more of these steps this week:
- Create a truth statement to combat a lie you’ve been believing.
→ Share it with the group and declare it over yourself daily for the next 30 days. - Start the Daily Decision Reading Plan (available in FBC Weekly) which will help you
- Live it out by loving others:
→ Serve on the weekend at church
→ Partner with a Local Mission
Click the links below:
- Winning the War in Your Mind by Craig Groeschel
- Every Thought Captive by Kyle Idleman
- A Meal with Jesus – Tim Chester
- – Rosaria Butterfield
- The Simplest Way to Change the World: Biblical Hospitality as a Way of Life – Dustin Willis
- The Meaning of Marriage – Timothy & Kathy Keller
- Love & Respect – Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
- You and Me Forever – Francis & Lisa Chan
- The 5 Love Languages – Gary Chapman
- Boundaries in Marriage – Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend
- The Love Dare – Alex & Stephen Kendrick
- Intended for Pleasure – Ed Wheat
- Surviving a Spiritual Mismatch in Marriage – Lee Strobel
- Sheet Music – Kevin Lehman
Care & Counseling
- Stephen Ministries at Family Bible Church
- DesertStreams
- Christian Counseling Center of Battle Creek
- Response Care Center (gracespring Church)
- DivorceCare
Articles
- 7 Steps to Prayer and Fasting by Bill Bright
- Your Personal Guide to Fasting and Prayer by Bill Bright
Fasting
- Fasting – Scot McKnight
- Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough – Elmer L Towns
- God’s Chosen Fast – Arthur Wallis
Prayer
- Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home – Richard Foster
- How to Pray – Pete Grieg
- How to Pray A Guide for Young Explorers – Pete Grieg & Gemma Hunt
- A Praying Life – Paul A Miller
- Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools – Tyler Staton
Attendance (7.6.25)
TOTAL: 370
8:30
- Sanctuary – 98
- Online Avg. – 15 households
- Children – 6
- Nursery – 2
10:30
- Sanctuary – 211
- Online Avg. – 15 households
- Children – 41
- Nursery – 12
Finances (7.6.25)
| General | $17,357.22 |
| Weekly Budgeted Need | $11,826.92 |
| Current Fiscal Year Weekly Avg. (Jul. ’24-June ’25): | $12,946.72 |
| 2023-2024 Avg. Weekly Giving | $12,459.34 |
| Building | $2,471.82 |
| Avg. Jul. ’24-June ’25: | $3,485.31 |
| Mission | $261.00 |
Kids Ministries at the ARK
Join us Sunday mornings at 8:30 or 10:30AM! Stop by the self check-in stations when you arrive to print a nametag. Classrooms open 15 minutes prior to the start of service. Preschool and elementary aged children gather for songs and fun, followed by Bible lessons, activities and connecting with our amazing leaders and volunteers. Nurseries for infants and toddlers are also available during both services.
On Sunday mornings, we teach with curriculum provided by The Gospel Project, which explores the Bible from Genesis to Revelation over the span of three years. Kids will learn that the Bible is one unifying story that continuously points to our need for a Savior, and that Savior is Jesus! We invite you to check out The Gospel Project Core Values
July 6: David defeated Goliath – 1 Samuel 17
July 13: David showed mercy – 1 Samuel 24
July 20: David became king – 2 Samuel 5; 7
July 27: David sinned and was restored – 2 Samuel 11-12; Psalm 51
Middle & High School Students
On July 11-12 from 5pm-5pm, we will be holding a Middle School Summer Retreat! Our focus will be on trust, learning to trust in God, His word, and in those that He has placed in our lives. This will be an incredible time of connection, worship, and fun! The cost will be $20 per student to cover the cost of food. The retreat will take place at Be The Hope Ministries campground (also known as the Knoerr Campground at 391 Lyon Lake Rd, Marshall, MI 49068). More details to come on what to bring and expect for the over-nighter, but to sign up for the event, you can follow this link here: https://forms.gle/RbEFqBUvzRMKkMaRA 
Our high school summer mission trip this will take place from July 20th through the 26th in Kansas City, MO! This is open to incoming freshmen up to graduated seniors. A reminder to get your mission trip payment to me ASAP. If you have any questions or would like a work project to raise funds, please let me know!
Join the High School Missions group by downloading the Remind App and joining class code @fbcygm.
Contact Student Pastor Isaac Clemens (isaacclemens@familybible.church) with any questions.
HIGH SCHOOL: High School meets Sunday evenings 6:30-8:30PM in the student room. This is an awesome time of games, worship, lesson, small groups, and more. This Sunday, we continue our summer of Senior Talks with a night run by Landon Fazekas. So excited to see what kind of fun night he brings; you won’t want to miss it. Excited to see you there!
Remind is our primary means of communication for all high school youth happenings. You can receive these messages either through the Remind app (blue background with a white script R) or you can receive them as text messages.
You can join the High School Parents group by downloading the Remind App and entering @fbcsrhighp as the class code.
Students can join the High School Students group by downloading the Remind App and entering @fbcsrhighs as the class code.
Contact Student Pastor Isaac Clemens (isaacclemens@familybible.church) with any questions.
You can join the Middle School Parents group by downloading the Remind App and entering @fbcjrhighp as the class code.
Students can join the Middle School Students group by downloading the Remind App and entering @fbcjrhighs as the class code.
We have an exciting opportunity for our middle school students! Each Sunday during our 10:30 service, we’ll give all 6th-8th grade students the option to sit in the sanctuary for the first half of service and worship with the congregation, then dismiss to the Student Room for our Middle School Message! This will be a focused time each Sunday for our students to experience relevant content geared towards their age as we interact with the Word of God together. Right now, we are working through the Gospel Project’s series on the Gospel Foundations. This week, we continue in the New Testament, reading about the Gospel expanding throughout the world! See you Sunday morning!
Contact Student Pastor Isaac Clemens (isaacclemens@familybible.church) with any questions.
Looking Ahead
Other Upcoming Events & Gatherings
The playground will be open MONDAYS 9-11am & FIRST THURSDAYS 5:30-7pm.
Playground will be CLOSED Thursday, July 3rd due to the holiday weekend.
There is no cost and all are welcome.
We will have a volunteer here to be a welcoming presence.
If you’d like to be part of this team please contact Zoë Harchick at zoe.biggart1@gmail.com.
This is a great way to connect with others in our community and serve.
Invite your friends, your neighbors, and those around you!
Family Bible Church Men’s Ministry presents: Sundae – but on a Thursday
Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 6:00 pm at the Ball Field Pavilion (bring a chair)
RSVP by Monday, July 28 at https://forms.gle/HJemEYVb1fJzQjMw6
OR on the sign-up sheet at the old coffee bar (Donations of CA$H or Venmo will be accepted)
Our creative worship night will be held on Wednesday August 6, from 6-9pm. This will be a time for creative individuals, and those that do not think they are creative to come together, connect with God and each other and create art for God.
This is not limited to musicians! We are looking for all artistic individuals to come and use the gifts God has given: painters, dancers, poets, musicians, authors/readers, sewers, etc.
If you do not consider yourself artistic, this is still an opportunity for you to come, explore, and connect.
If you are interested, have questions and would like more information, please email Chris Forystek at chris@familybible.church
Prayer
SERVE: FBC, Marshall & The World
- On SUNDAY JULY 13TH we will ask those who are able and willing to stay after service to help move chairs in the sanctuary so that the carpets can be cleaned. We are also looking for volunteers to help use the church carpet cleaner with the hope of resetting the chairs on THURSDAY, JULY 17TH. If you are able to help in any of these capacity’s please touch base with Carl.
- Remove dead trees from church around the church property.
- Replace garage side entry door.
- SATURDAY, AUGUST 23RD is courtyard sod day. Lots of hands are needed so please save the date!!!!
If you would like to help please call or text Carl Fedders at 269.832.1103.
We are seeking people who will volunteer to serve at the playground Sunday mornings when it is open 9:30-10:05 and 11:30-12:15PM. The volunteer will help ensure use and care of the playground.
We are also seeking people who will volunteer to staff it for open play in the community. This is a mission opportunity to serve, meet, and bless our community!
Our open hours are Mondays from 9-11am and the first Thursday of the month from 5:30-7pm.
All volunteers need to be policy and procedure approved to open, close, and supervise.
If you are interested please contact Zoe Harchick at zoe.biggart1@gmail.com.
Ushers (8:30 & 10:30AM Services)
We are looking for additional ushers for both services. Be a friendly face as people enter the sanctuary. Assist people in finding a seat or other needs as they arise. If you would like to serve in this ministry, please contact Scott McLane at (269) 275-0056 or scottomclane@gmail.com or contact Mary in the office at (269) 781-8400.
Contact Joan Chapman with questions at mustardseedsusuganda@gmail.com
Coffee Team (Sunday AM)Brew the self serve coffee and have it ready by 8:15AM. Be part of a regular rotation serving 1-2 times per month. If you are interested please contact marypike@familybible.church.
Praise Teams (8:30 & 10:30AM Services)
We are looking for more volunteers to serve on our praise teams for both our traditional and contemporary services on Sunday. Praise team members are also invited and encouraged to participate in any worship events that we have throughout the year.
Auditions will take place for those interested.
If you would like more information or to schedule an audition please contact Chris Forystek at chrisforystek@familybible.church
Tech Teams (8:30 & 10:30AM Services)
We’re looking for more volunteers to serve on our tech team for Sunday morning services in every area.
You will be trained for whichever position you choose. Please contact Chris Forystek at chrisforystek@familybible.church if you are interested.
Third Saturday of the month. If you are serving please arrive between 9 and 9:30AM. Distribution is from 9:30-11:30.
Our Sunday morning prayer team invites you to be a part of the ministry through prayer! We are expanding our prayer care during and after service. We seek people who desire to pray for and with others. Join this team and rotation each month. If interested please contact Pastor Gerten (richardgerten@gmail.com).
LOVE OUR CITY (Serve Marshall)
October 25 – Costume Parade
December 1 – Christmas Parade
Mobile Meals of Marshall is Looking for New Drivers
Looking to volunteer? Enjoy people? Enjoy driving?
Deliver meals to shut ins and those recovering from surgery or illnesses.
Contact Judi Saari at 517-554-1459 or Harriet Carroll at 269-781-4506
Support Upcoming Mission Trips
This July, there is a Global Outreach team consisting of Lori Zettell, two adults from another local church, and 5 adults from an Indiana church heading to Matipane, South Africa.
While in South Africa, they will be conducting a retreat for a group of local teens orphaned by HIV/AIDS. They’ll be focusing on spiritual gifts and how these students can start to understand who God has made them to be and how they can use their gifts and talents in the real world to bring Him glory and help others know Him too.
Thank you for partnering with us! We have reached our goal of funding the retreat for all 24 students who plan to attend!
Curious to know more about this trip and how you can support them? Contact Lori Zettell at lzettell2@gmail.com for more info.
Our high school summer mission trip this year will take place from July 20th through the 26th in Kansas City, MO! We have a group of 33 high school students and 6 adults who will be spending the week serving, caring for those who are impoverished or in need of help, and interacting with people of all ages, from kids to the elderly, ultimately with the goal of sharing the love of Jesus with each person they encounter.
Curious to learn more about how you can help support this mission team? Contact Student Pastor Isaac Clemens (isaacclemens@familybible.church) with any questions.
DEVELOP: Opportunities to Grow
Join us as we equip women of all ages to live out Titus 2 by discovering how simple it can be to invest in just one younger woman of the faith. No formal pairings—just prayerful preparation and encouragement to pour into the next generation as God leads.
Visit the NEXT STEPS table OR see/email Caye VanZandt or Gloria Wheeler for information.
cayevanzandt@gmail.com or gloriawheeler474@yahoo.com
“Teach the older women… to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women…” — Titus 2:3–5 (NIV)
Practicing the Way is a journey designed to help you integrate the teachings of Jesus into your everyday life. The courses & practices invites you to explore spiritual practices like Sabbath, prayer, fasting, simplicity, and hospitality—habits that can transform your relationship with God, your community, and yourself.
Through guided teachings, practical exercises, and meaningful group discussions, you’ll learn how to align your daily rhythms with the way of Jesus. This journey is for anyone looking to slow down, grow spiritually, and live with greater purpose in a world full of distractions. It’s an opportunity to deepen your faith and experience the life God designed for you.
OFFERED COURSES/PRACTICES AT FBC
Practicing the Way – This course is the starting place to begin this journey. It is designed to help get you started on the journey of spiritual formation, help you get unstuck if you’ve stalled out, or just guide you into taking your next step. Ultimately, its goal is to train you to live as an apprentice of Jesus: to be with Jesus, become like him, and do as he did. Eight weeks (eight sessions in person). Required course before the other practices.
- Returning Fall 2025
PREVIOUS COURSES OFFERED:
- Spring 2025, facilitated by Troy and Melinda Waffle
- Winter 2025, facilitated by Josh Nye
- Fall 2024, facilitated by Kris Tarkiewicz
Sabbath Course – Sabbath is a twenty-four hour time period set aside to stop, rest, delight, and worship. It is the best day of the week. In our era of chronic exhaustion, emotional unhealth, and spiritual stagnation, few things are more necessary than the recovery of this ancient practice. Four sessions. Prerequisite: Practicing the Way Course
- Returning Fall 2025
PREVIOUS COURSES OFFERED:
- Spring 2025, facilitated by Josh Nye
- Winter 2025, facilitated by Kris Tarkiewicz
Prayer Practice – The Prayer Practice will help you learn to set aside dedicated time to intentionally be with God, in order to become like him and partner with him in the world. Four sessions. Prerequisite: Practicing the Way Course
- Returning Fall 2025
PREVIOUS COURSES OFFERED:
- Spring 2025, facilitated by Kris Tarkiewicz
Fasting Practice –This practice is one of the most essential and powerful of all the practices of Jesus and, arguably, the single most neglected one in the modern, Western church. The Fasting Practice will train you in this ancient discipline, integrating your whole body into life with God. Eight weeks, four weeks in person. Prerequisite: Practicing the Way Course
- Launching at FBC Fall 2025, facilitated by Kris Tarkiewicz
PREVIOUS COURSES OFFERED:
- Spring 2025, facilitated by Kris Tarkiewicz
FUTURE PRACTICES OFFERED AT FBC
- Fasting Practice is one of the most essential and powerful of all the practices of Jesus and, arguably, the single most neglected one in the modern, Western church. The Fasting Practice will train you in this ancient discipline, integrating your whole body into life with God. Prerequisite: Practicing the Way Course
- Solitude Practice in an increasingly distracted and noisy world, we need solitude more than ever. The practice of solitude mimics Jesus’ rhythm of retreat and return: retreat from people and distractions to be with God, in order to return to community in love and service. Prerequisite: Practicing the Way Course
- Generosity Practice when Jesus said there is more joy in giving than in receiving, he turned our vision of the good life on its head. Through the practice of generosity, we tap into God’s joy, find freedom from greed through contentment, and embody God’s concern for those in need. Prerequisite: Practicing the Way Course
ALSO COMING IN THE FUTURE
- Scripture
- Community
- Service
- Witness
This group of men meets weekly on Tuesdays at 7AM for Bible Study and fellowship over breakfast at Free Range in Marshall. Questions? Contact richardgerten@gmail.com
A Woman’s Heart Bible Study
Know others. Be known.
Get involved in a FBC Community.
Groups are always forming.
Contact marypike@familybible.church or nickwalker@familybible.church if you have questions or would like to lead or participate in a community.
DEVELOP: Prayer & Fasting
Fasting is fasting from food. The following are options of ways to fast from food.
Complete Fast
This fast involves consuming only liquids, typically water, with the option to include light juices.
Meal Removal Fast
This fast entails skipping one or two meals a day and refraining from snacking during the fasting period.
Partial Fast
Also referred to as the “Jewish Fast,” this practice involves abstaining from all food during the morning and afternoon. It can be observed during specific hours, such as 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, or from sunrise to sunset.
Selective Fast
In this fast, specific foods are excluded from your diet. For example, the “Daniel Fast” involves eliminating meat, sweets, and bread, while consuming water, juice, fruits, and vegetables.
*In addition to fasting food or if you have a medical issue that prevents you from fasting, you might choose to stop using social media or watching television (or remove something else) for the duration of the fast and then if you choose to bring it back, do so carefully in healthy doses at the conclusion of the fast.
Prayer is communicating with God. Listening and speaking.
Below are ideas of ways to pray. We encourage you not to over-complicate it. Be honest. Be real. Be you.
Adore God-Focus upon praise of God for who He is—His character, attributes, and majesty—without asking for anything. Sing a song and/or express love and reverence in personal words.
Confession-Acknowledge sin and ask for God’s forgiveness and cleansing. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” (Psalm 139:23-24)
Thanksgiving-Express gratitude to God for His blessings, provisions, and faithfulness. Keep a gratitude journal or pray through a list of blessings.
Supplication (Petition)-Brings personal needs, desires, or concerns before God, seeking His guidance or intervention. Pray for healing, provision, or wisdom.
Intercession-Pray on behalf of others, ask God to work in the lives of others. Praying for family, friends, leaders, or global concerns.
Meditative Prayer-Focus on quiet reflection, a Scripture passage, listen to God and deepen understanding of who God is. Try Lectio Divina, a practice of reading and meditating on a Bible passage.
Corporate Prayer-Pray with others in a group setting, such as church, small groups, or prayer meetings. Taking turns praying aloud.
Lament-Express grief, sorrow, or frustration to God while seeking His comfort and hope. Read and pray through the Psalms of lament, such as Psalm 13.
Blessing or Benediction-Pray for God’s favor, guidance, or protection over oneself or others. “The Lord bless you and keep you…” (Numbers 6:24-26)
Spiritual Warfare Prayer-Pray against spiritual opposition, declaring God’s power and protection. Use the armor of God described in Ephesians 6:10-18.
Breath Prayer-A short, repeated prayer focused on a phrase or Scripture while aligning with breathing. “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
Sundays
- Before Services (sanctuary) The sanctuary is set aside for prayer 8:15-8:25am and 10:10-10:20am. Pray individually or with another in this quiet space.
- After Services (front sides of altar) There are prayer ministers available and ready to pray with and for you.
Wednesdays (6:30-7:30pm, Room 101) This weekly prayer group of men and women meet to read the Word and pray together for each other, the church, the community, and the world.
Thursdays (3rd Thursdays, 9:30-11am, Shirley Works Home) This ladies prayer group meets to encourage and pray together.
Next Steps
Welcome to FBC!
We would love to get to know you! Please fill out a welcome card by clicking HERE.
The Scriptures teach us to proclaim the salvation we have found in Jesus through baptism. There is a short 30 minute class before you are baptized to help understand the meaning and procedures of baptism. Learn more about baptism HERE.
Upcoming Baptisms:
- July 27
- November 23
If you desire to be baptized, please contact the appropriate person below to sign up:
- Children/Parents – Children’s Minister Emily VanDorpe
- Middle & High School Students – Student Pastor Isaac Clemens
- Adults – Deacon Mark Pike
Desire to know more about the church? Where we have been, what we are about, and where we are going? Come to this hour long class to discover the history of the church, know the by-laws, and statement of faith of FBC. This class is the first of three steps to join the church (second is meet with deacons to share testimony and third is reception into membership before church). Learn more about membership HERE.
Please sign up with Deacon Mark Pike HERE if you are interested in attending a membership class and learning more about joining FBC.
Upcoming Classes will be held Sundays at 11:45 AM in Room 102.
- July 13
- October 19
CARE
If you are aware of an FBC attendee(s) that would enjoy home visits or friendly phone calls, please contact Rodna Stealy at (269) 986-0693 or rstealy@gmail.com or contact Mary in the office at (269) 781-8400 or marypike@familybible.church.
Rodna is forming this new ministry team. If you would like to be involved or learn more about being a Homebound Helper, please let us know. We’d love to get you connected!
If you are unable to use the QR Code, you can also visit us here to reach out for support.
Visit https://familybiblechurchmarshall.org/stephen-ministries/for more information.
At Alternatives Care Center (ministry partner of FBC) our Freedom Ministry offers help, hope and support to those who have experienced an abortion. Sit with women who have received healing themselves and will help to empower you to heal and reach your full potential– all through the power of Jesus Christ. And everything shared never leaves the group you are in because of the sensitivity of the experiences.
Discover more HERE
Contact Information Coming Soon. If there is a need please contact the main office at 269-781-8400.
Find below a snapshot of what each staff members is responsible for:
- Lead Pastor Kris Tarkiewicz – Overall vision and forward movement of the church to fulfill its mission to develop, serve and reach. Preaching and teaching, pastoral care, and leadership are focal elements.
- Community Pastor Nick Walker – Development of people and processes to get everyone on board with the mission of the church to care for the local church body and surrounding community. This happens through hospitality, next steps, service, outreach, missions and other opportunities.
- Worship Pastor Chris Forystek – All things worship. Development of our body and strengthening our worship are key focuses on Sundays and throughout the year. This role also provides the Lead Pastor and other staff with key needed support for ministry design and action.
- Student Ministries Pastor Isaac Clemens – Junior and Senior High Ministry at and through FBC into the surrounding community and communities. A highly relational role with a focus of providing opportunities to teenagers to meet Jesus, grow as disciples, and make a significant impact in the world. Youth group, events, mission projects/trips, time with your students. This role also impacts our young adults (18+).
- Administrative Assistant Mary Pike – Paramount to the success and function of us as a church, staff, and volunteers. Mary keeps us on pace and together. She is the face of the church to visitors through the week and a servant to all who need something accomplished. It is impossible to do justice to the importance of Mary and her role to us as a church.
- Children’s Ministry Directors Emily VanDorpe & Corrie Messner – Loving on kids. Creating environments and opportunities for our kids to know and love Jesus. Sunday mornings, Tuesday nights and throughout the week to serve our kids and families. They minister to leaders, volunteers, parents, and students equipping, training, and encouraging. Vision for what could be and putting it into place is key in regard to both recruiting and teaching material.
- Care Minister Lori Craft – Develop a culture of care for the whole person. Oversees Stephen Ministries at FBC. Train and encourage other Stephen Ministers to accomplish the mission of Jesus by being a listening and faithful presence while journeying through a challenging season. Creating other spaces and ministries for care.
- Custodians Kimme Schlehuber, Christy Servis, & Susan Smith – Clean, maintain, and beautify the gift of this building. Our environment at FBC is welcoming because of their work.
- Founding Pastor Emeritus Pastor Richard Gerten – Although Pastor is now retired, he still serves with his time and energy. He shows care through prayer, discipleship, service and other needs. He continues to serve on some committees and leads Iron Man Ministry and Prayer Group as well.
Opportunities To Be Generous
Read the highlights of Joan and Stephen’s Fall 2024 trip to Uganda: Highlights Mustard Seed Trip 2024
Great news! There is a drop-down menu available for Mustard Seeds when making online donations. Thank you in advance for your commitment to mission around the world!
www.familybiblechurchmarshall.org/give
Giving Beyond (Gifts from Wills & Trusts to FBC)
If you'd like to leave a gift to Family Bible Church in your will or trust a member of FBC will provide this service at no charge through her law office. Diane Peters (905 W Michigan Ave Suite A, Marshall, MI (269) 248-6500) will amend your will or trust at no charge. Thank you to Diane for this service and thank you for considering FBC.
FORWARD Campaign
The campaign has official ended. Thank you for your giving as we exceeded our goal!
However, we still have debt to pay down on the building. If you are still able to give, we deeply appreciate it!
A new debt reduction campaign will be introduced this fall. We will encourage ongoing and new giving toward this goal of being debt free!
If you want to learn about the previous FORWARD campaign that began in May 2022 and concluded May 2025. CLICK HERE: www.familybible.church/forward
We are so grateful for your support and ongoing giving. We invite you to continue to be part of paying off the building. You may still give to the building campaign weekly, biweekly, monthly or give a one time gift.
Thank you for your commitment, giving, and most importantly PRAYER toward this amazing project!
Why Did We Build?
As we shared when we first launched the FORWARD Campaign in May 2022, together we will continue to be a church who develops followers of Jesus who serve to reach ONE more. We expanded our facility in order for you, your ONE, and many others to encounter Jesus in a loving community. Our fully built out building has space in the large hub/gathering lobby where we will see the formation of community and healing conversations before and after services over coffee from the coffee shop. We have a kitchen where meals will be prepared and fellowship, laughter and stories will be shared. We have a large indoor playground, open to the community during the week, year-round, where children make new friends and so do mom, dad or grandma and grandpa with others who come together. Where these small conversations lead to big conversations of faith.
We have a space for our middle and high school students in Marshall and the surrounding communities, who in recent years have met in lobbies, the sanctuary, and various rooms, to have a dedicated place of their own. It is a building where they can welcome their friends from their neighborhood or school to encounter Jesus for the first time. This building is a place where children of all ages have a warm, welcoming, secure, dedicated space to learn about Jesus and develop new friendships on Sunday mornings, at Awana and each summer at VBS. We envision ministries and groups of all ages from the church and community gathering in this new building during the week in our warm and welcoming spaces where strangers become friends and ultimately family as we follow Jesus together.
Thank you for your support and giving to the Lord!
Online Giving
If you have questions about online giving please watch this video. Thank you for your ongoing support!
FBC Playground Information
REMINDERS…
- Parents/guardians, please watch your child/children while they are in the playstructure. We have had a few cases where parents were needed to attend to their children and parents could not be found for some time.
- Socks, the socks at the playground are available for purchase ($1 per pair). Please do NOT return used socks to the baskets.
The three posters below will be posted at the playground. The first will be for the large structure, the second for the smaller side area, and the final sign some key focal rules for your children. Thank you for helping this be a great experience for all!
When is the playground open? The playground will be open on Sunday following the 8:30 service from 9:30-10:05AM and then again following the 10:30 service from 11:30-12:30PM.
When will the playground be open during the week? We have Open Play on Monday mornings from 9-11:30am. You are welcome to bring your children to enjoy the playground during this time. Please park in the north parking lot and enter through the north entrance.
How do I volunteer to supervise/host on Sundays and/or during the week? Lacy Smith is our volunteer coordinator. She can be reached through email at lacyjanousek@gmail.com.
Will I be able to use the playground for my group/special event? Yes. The usage plan is currently being developed.
