News from FBC
All Services & Events Are As Scheduled.
If there are schedule changes due to winter weather they will be posted here, on Facebook (Family Bible Church), and for Sunday closures, also on WWMT.
All Things Christmas
LOCAL
Merry Christmas FBC Families!
Thank you for your giving this season through the tags, Amazon orders, and donations to purchase gift cards.
Your giving has provided 70 bags filled with supplies for wrapping gifts, snacks, and a gift card that will bless households in the Marshall area in sharing the love of Jesus this holiday season for families who are attending the Lighthouse Food and Clothing Pantry on December 21. Our prayer is that this gift will bless the families in our community and be a symbol to them of the love of Christ.
Thank you to Mary, Lori, Corrie, and the Lighthouse team for coordinating this project!
Thank you for your generosity and care for these families in our community!
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
GLOBAL
Dear FBC Church Family,
The Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Team would like to thank you for your generous gifts of shoeboxes and donations to be delivered to children around the world. We have sent 204 shoeboxes to children who will have the opportunity receive a gift and hear the gospel message of salvation!
Thank you to the AWANA kids, families and leaders for your donations of items and completed boxes. We were overwhelmed by the wonderful items we received for the packing party. Thank you to all who participated in card making and the shoebox packing party. We had a great time of fellowship at both of these events. God has been good in providing for our ministry.
Please remember to pray for those children receiving these shoe boxes as they are shipped and delivered!!
Stats
- Goal: 150 shoeboxes
- Total Family Bible Church Shoeboxes: 204
- Total Shoeboxes donated from congregation: 100
- Total Cash Donation: $1,400
- We are tracking 11 shoeboxes to see where they get delivered
- FBC was a Collection Site for the first time for other churches
- Total Shoeboxes dropped off at Collection Site: 32 (great for year one!)
The season of Advent is upon us—a season that invites us into the tension of ‘already’ and ‘not yet,’ where we hold the fragile hope that everything broken will be made whole, that every sorrow will be met with joy, and that every deep longing will be filled with love. It’s about finding a way to sit with the messiness of life while still holding on to the promise of what’s to come.
We invite you to journey encountering the Christ child, the Messiah, Savior of the world this Christmas season! It is a season of promises fulfilled in Jesus and worth celebrating together. The weary world does indeed rejoice!
- 1 The Promise of Truth (hope)
- 8 The Promise of Compassion (peace)
- 15 The Promise of Restoration (joy)
- 22 The Promise of Justice (love)
- 24 The Promise of Jesus (Christmas Eve Services 4 & 6PM)
- 29 Looking Forward & Back. A Conversation.
*Unless Otherwise Noted, All Services are at 8:30 & 10:30AM with Lead Pastor Kris Tarkiewicz Preaching
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE FOLLOWING
WEEK THREE (12/15-12/21)-The Promise of Restoration
The Christmas story speaks of “peace on earth and goodwill for all people” (Luke 2:14). This is a world where fear and death will be no more. Judgment and shame will be eclipsed by delight. There will be no loneliness, no illness, and no shame. Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? But this is not just a story we tell at Christmas. It is a declaration of the restoration that has already happened, is happening, and will one day be complete. This week, we are exploring what it means to be restored and how we might participate in God’s work in the world.
OPENING QUESTIONS
- What does restoration mean to you?
- Share your hope for restoration in your life or in your family. How about your community or the world? (World peace is a great answer—it’s okay to dream big here!)
READ
14Sing, Daughter Zion;
shout aloud, Israel!
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,
Daughter Jerusalem!
15The Lord has taken away your punishment,
he has turned back your enemy.
The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you;
never again will you fear any harm.
16On that day
they will say to Jerusalem,
“Do not fear, Zion;
do not let your hands hang limp.
17The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
18“I will remove from you
all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals,
which is a burden and reproach for you.
19At that time I will deal
with all who oppressed you.
I will rescue the lame;
I will gather the exiles.
I will give them praise and honor
in every land where they have suffered shame.
20At that time I will gather you;
at that time I will bring you home.
I will give you honor and praise
among all the peoples of the earth
when I restore your fortunes
before your very eyes,”
says the Lord.
—ZEPHANIAH 3:14-20
DISCUSS
- What word or phrase stood out to you in this passage? What brings you hope? What is hard to believe?
Zephaniah is a prophet called by God to speak to the people of Judah during the reign of King Josiah (640-609 BCE). Zephaniah expected the Lord to appear as judge and executioner, but instead, God reveals a savior who rescues, protects, loves, and rejoices (3:17-20). Through him, the oppressed will be protected, the exiled will be brought back into belonging, and those who feel shame will now rejoice. It is a day when those who are restored will rejoice that God is such a loving savior, and one in which God will rejoice over those who have been redeemed.
- What stands out to you about God’s character and intention from Zephaniah’s words? Does this feel true in your own experience? Why or why not?
- What gets in the way of God’s restoration of the world? What about the restoration God offers for your own life?
- The scripture says, “he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival. I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it” (Zeph 3:17b). How do you imagine it will feel when God restores you and throws a party with rejoicing and singing? How will it feel to be renewed in God’s love?
- God’s promised restoration has begun, is happening, and will one day be complete. But perhaps this isn’t an entirely passive project. We can participate with the work God is doing in the world, bringing God’s kingdom to earth. This week, how can you join God in the work of restoration in your life? In your community? In the world?
A Blessing for Our Part in the Bigger Story
Blessed are we,
gathered already into the plot,
part of the epic story you have been writing
from long before we were ever born.
Thank you that we are not separated
into lives of loneliness
but joined together as those
who were loved into being.
We are made for meaning and a purpose
that only our days can breathe into action.
Pull us closer to the
bigger story that reminds us
that our ordinary lives
are the stuff of eternity.
You fitted each of our days
for small efforts and endless attempts
to pick ourselves up again.
In our triumphs and embarrassments
we need to be told again (sigh)
that we are not just everyday problems.
We are a story of extraordinary love.
© KATEBOWLER.COM
WEEK FOUR (12/22-12/24)-The Promise of Justice
Jesus is coming to bring justice to the world, but not a justice we would immediately recognize as such. God chooses the margins of society, where God will be born in dire circumstances, to an unwed mother in unsanitary conditions without a proper roof over her head. To an embarrassed new dad, forced to scoop up his family and flee the country from a powerful and vengeful king. This is the world that God chose to enter at Christmas. Our world. So God could be the difference we didn’t know it needed, flipping our understanding of justice upside-down (or maybe right-side up). This week, we are exploring what it means to be surprised by the ways God works in the world, what justice means through Jesus’ eyes, and how we might join this gentle revolution.
OPENING QUESTIONS
- Do you like surprises? When was the last time you were surprised by something?
- Many people were surprised that Jesus chose to enter the world as a baby—especially through these surprising circumstances. If Jesus were to be born today, where do you think he might appear?
READ
46And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
—LUKE 1:46-55
DISCUSS
- What surprises you or brings you hope from this text?
The Hebrew term for justice, tzedakah, is often translated as “righteousness” or “charity.” It means more than punishment or retribution for wrongdoing—it is mostly concerned with restoration and mercy. Jesus brings forth the Kingdom of God, and in this Kingdom, there will be justice. This Kingdom will be ruled not by retribution, but by grace and mercy. Justice, therefore, doesn’t add up the way we expect it to—God is horrible at math. Because instead of counting who is right and who is wrong, God’s Kingdom desires for everyone to find a place of belonging through mercy and grace.
- The word “justice” can mean different things to different people. How would you define justice? What is your understanding of Jesus’ definition of justice?
- How does Jesus show strength and power to the world? How does this compare to how today’s leaders show strength and power? Which do you prefer and why?
- Mary sings of justice and mercy in the present tense. Where do you see glimpses of God’s justice (the one rooted in mercy and grace) already happening in the world?
- This is a gentle revolution. Perhaps it means paying closer attention to those at the margins, as Jesus did. How can you join in this week?
A Blessing for the Coming of Justice
Blessed are we, starting to see the
height and depth and breadth
of God’s love that includes all of us,
even the not-so-perfect.
Blessed are you, Mary, for saying yes
to the big risk
of being God’s dwelling place.
Blessed are we, like Mary,
starting to sing our own songs of joy
at the thought that maybe this Advent
we too can start to trust it,
to risk it, to live it out,
the love that decides to love first,
before it is earned or deserved,
the love that your incarnation
embodies
to the full.
Blessed are we, breathing
in the truth that we belong,
and so does everybody else.
© KATEBOWLER.COM
You are invited to gather with great anticipation the coming of Jesus on Christmas day. Hymn, carols, modern worship, Scripture, stories of Christmas, children’s nativity, a short encouraging message, and candle lighting together.
4 & 6pm at Family Bible Church
* both services are in person, please note only the 4pm service will be live streamed online
Sunday Gathering Info & Services
8:30 & 10:30am
Children's Programing During Both Gatherings
Middle School Message (during 10:30am message)
SERIES/INITIATIVE OVERVIEW
As we begin 2025, our series “21 Days of Prayer & Fasting” encourages us to embrace spiritual disciplines that align our hearts with God’s will. Drawing inspiration from the book of Daniel, we will follow Daniel’s example of faithfulness, seek God through prayer and fasting, and open our lives to His power and presence. Together, we will enter the new year spiritually strengthened and firmly rooted in faith.
- 5 Title TBD–Nick Walker Speaking
- 12 Set Apart (Daniel 1:8-20)
- 19 Standing Strong (Daniel 3:16-28)
- 26 Pray Anyways (Daniel 6:10-23)
- 2 Breakthrough (Daniel 9:13-19 & 10:2-14)
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. If you have children nursery through 5th grade, if you choose, stop at the children’s ministry check-in table to have all your questions answered and check in your child(ren) to 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 New Here or 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). We hope to see you on a future Sunday!
Attendance (12.15.24)
TOTAL: 408
8:30
- Sanctuary – 116
- Online Avg. – 16 households
- Children – 15
- Nursery – 3
10:30
- Sanctuary – 206
- Online Avg. – 13 households
- Children – 49
- Nursery – 19
Finances (12.15.24)
| General | $8,475.03 |
| Weekly Budgeted Need | $11,826.92 |
| Current Fiscal Year Weekly Avg. (Jul. ’24-Sep. ’24): | $12,873.79 |
| 2023-2024 Avg. Weekly Giving | $12,459.34 |
| Building | $3,657.12 |
| Avg. Jul. ’24-Sep. ’24: | $3,460.21 |
| Mission | $166.00 |
Looking Ahead
Other Upcoming Events & Gatherings
The playground will be open MONDAYS 9-11:30am & FIRST THURSDAYS 5:30-7pm.
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 Lacy Smith (lacyjanousek@gmail.com) or Morgan Cape (mkk02@sbcglobal.net).
This is a great way to connect with others in our community and serve.
Invite your friends, your neighbors, and those around you!
NEXT STEP - DEVELOP - Opportunities to Grow
Have your ever closed your Bible and thought, “What did I just read?” (The heading)
Get to know God and His word with The Bible Recap!
Starting Thursday January 2nd 2025, 6:30PM at FBC
Contact: Hannah Hobbs at (920)509-2479
SIGN UP HERE
Our first round of Financial Peace University just ended and the class experienced over $2,800 in financial turnaround, through savings and debt payoff!! You could make that kind of difference in your own life by joining the next Financial Peace University class starting on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 2:00 pm right here at FBC and learn how you can pay off debt, save more money, and build wealth.
Visit https://www.fpu.com/8F6692 to sign up! You can order materials online or through the church office.
Please reach out to Andrea Hudson at AndreaNHudson@gmail.com for further information or questions. DEADLINE to register and order materials is January 6!
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 will resume in the new year.
Know others. Be known.
Get involved in a FBC Community.
Groups are always forming.
Contact mary@familybible.church or kris@familybible.church if you have questions or would like to lead or participate in a community.
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.
COURSES
- 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 practices.
- Course Offering 1: October 14-December 9, 2024, facilitated by Kris Tarkiewicz
- Course Offering 2: TBD 2025, facilitated by TBD (sign up information coming soon)
PRACTICES
- Sabbath – 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. Eight weeks (four sessions in person). Prerequisite: Practicing the Way Course
- Course Offering 1: January 21-March 4, 2025, facilitated by Kris Tarkiewicz
FUTURE PRACTICES
- 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. Prerequisite: Practicing the Way Course
- 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
Middle & High School Students
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 group, and more. There will NO YOUTH GROUP for the next few weeks due to Christmas break. Have a few wonderful holiday weeks, and we will see you back on January 5th for a new year of FBC High School Youth!
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 texting @fbcsrhighp to 81010.
Students can join the High School Students group by texting @fbcsrhighs to 81010.
Contact Student Pastor Isaac Clemens (isaacclemens@familybible.church) with any questions.
You can join the Middle School Parents group by texting @fbcjrhighp to 81010.
Students can join the Middle School Students group by texting @fbcjrhighs to 81010.
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. This Sunday we’re taking a break from Gospel Foundations for a special Christmas message!
Contact Student Pastor Isaac Clemens (isaacclemens@familybible.church) with any questions.
Join us for our Middle School UN10N Afterschool Hangouts! We’ll be hanging out every Thursday afternoon from 3-4:30pm in the MMS Cafeteria. Drop in anytime for food, games, activities, and hanging out with your friends! Note once you leave for the day, you will not be allowed back in. Please register at the QR Code above. We’re off for Christmas break but will be back on January 9th!
FBC Family,
As many of you know, Nick Walker will be transitioning into a different pastoral role here at FBC. For more than 6 months, we have been praying and trusting God to bring along the right person to replace him as Student Pastor and God has finally provided!
Please meet Isaac Clemens, our new Student Pastor! He and his wife Ashlyn are excited to be joining our church family. Isaac is a 2022 graduate of Central Michigan University with a degree in Family Studies and has experience serving in youth ministry with church camp and his current church, worship ministry with his college church, and even non-profit work through his current job. Isaac will be joining our team full-time starting in December. Please welcome Isaac and Ashlyn and praise God for His provision for our church and especially for our students!
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
December 1: God Called Moses – Exodus 1-4
December 8: Moses Confronted Pharaoh – Exodus 5-12
December 15: Moses Parted the Red Sea – Exodus 13-15
December 22: Jesus is our Greatest Gift – Matthew 1; Luke 2
December 29: Moses Led the Israelites – Exodus 17-18
During Awana, kids learn about God, play games, memorize Bible verses and build relationships. Awana has classes for kids ages 3 through 5th grade. We meet most Tuesdays through the school year from 6-7:30pm.
Theme Nights
11/26: NO AWANA – Happy Thanksgiving!
12/3: Wear Your Color
Puggles & Cubbies
Sparks
T&T
12/10: Wear Something Christmas-y
12/17, 12/24, 12/31: No Awana – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Family Bible Church Awana registration for this year is now open. We hope you can join us again this year. To register, please click this link: Awana Registration.
Questions? Email Corrie – corriemessner@familybible.church
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.
Opportunities To Be Generous
Lighthouse is in need of winter items and socks:
New or gently used (clean and in good condition) coats, hats, mittens/gloves, scarves, socks – All sizes needed
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
NEXT STEP - Serve FBC, Marshall & The World
Do you enjoy the satisfying feeling of dumping dirty water down the drain?
The church recently purchased a commercial carpet cleaning in an effort to reduce the cost of professional cleaning.
Up first is The Ark… If you would like to help please call or text Carl Fedders at 269.832.1103.
Training will be provided and you can volunteer to do all of it or just a room/hallway.
We are seeking people who will volunteer to serve at the playground Sunday mornings when it is open 9:30-10:05 and 11:30-12:30PM. The volunteer will help ensure use and care of the playground. More details coming soon!
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 planned open hours are Mondays 9-1130am and Thursdays 530-730pm.
All volunteers need to be policy and procedure approved volunteer here to open, close, and supervise.
If you are interested please contact Lacy Smith at lacyjanousek@gmail.com
Kempf’s Funeral Home is looking to hire part time help to assist with funerals, helping on visitations, helping with errands and/or receptionist help. They have a great team and great working environment. Hours will vary. If interested, please call (269) 781-9858 or email cstallard@kempffh.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 mary@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 chris@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 chris@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).
Next Steps
Welcome to FBC!
We would love to get to know you! Please fill out a communication 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.
Upcoming Baptisms:
- TBA
If you desire to be baptized please contact:
- Children/Parents contact Emily VanDorpe (emily@familybible.church)
- Middle & High School students contact Nick Walker (nick@familybible.church)
- Adults contact Deacon Mark Pike (markpike@yahoo.com)
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).
Please contact Deacon Mark Pike (markpike@yahoo.com) 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.
- TBA
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.
LOVE OUR CITY (Serve Marshall)
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
Prayer
The New Building is Open! What to Know & Expect
PARKING & ENTRY/EXIT
Which doors should I use to enter/exit? Please use the 1) new north entry doors from the new north parking lot OR the 2) new south doors underneath the new overhang. Look for the A-Frame signs by these doors with “Welcome to Family Bible Church”.
May I enter/exit the old south doors outside entry doors? No. On Sundays, please use new entry/exit points. You will not be able to move through the ARK space on Sundays from the parking lot or sanctuary (only through the HUB).
Where should I park? Most people will park in the south lot. Others may park in the new north lot. Part of the new north lot is reserved for seniors and mobility limited people. Please look for the sign to indicate. STAFF & VOLUNTEERS: If possible please park at Kempf Funeral Home. There is a wood-chipped path between the properties.
What if the parking lot is full? Look for a parking team member for assistance. They will direct you to overflow parking. If the ground is solid you may park on the grass near Old 27 or elsewhere.
Handicapped Parking. Please only park in these spaces if your license plate or placard are clearly displayed. This applies everyday and every hour of the week (not just Sundays).
INSIDE THE BUILDING
Which restrooms should I use? You may use the new restrooms in the HUB or the old restrooms in the hallway just south of the sanctuary.
May I use the HUB during services? Yes. Feel free to spend your time at a table, couch or chair.
Will the worship services be broadcasts into the HUB? Yes. W broadcast the service to the TV’s near the cafe and New? Start Here area.
What if I have a question, who should I ask? FBC volunteers will wear a black badge and lanyard. Ask any of them for help.
Will there be snacks and drinks at the cafe? Yes. We will continue to offer drip coffee. There will also be water bottles and juice along with snacks most weeks. Donations are optional. All donations will go toward building out the cafe with more drink options including espresso drinks.
What about seating in the sanctuary? Please make space for others who are looking for seats. Also, let ushers know if you have room near or around you. If you are a regular here, consider moving forward to fill seats closer to the front so we save room for guests.
ARK (CHILDREN’S WING)
How do I enter the ARK? From the HUB. All doors leading into the ARK remain locked before, during and after service
Who may enter the ARK on Sundays? Only children, teachers/leaders, and parents/guardians with tags will be able to enter.
What do I need to pick up or check on my child? Your parent tag. A children’s ministry volunteer or safety team member will check your tag before you may enter.
Do I need to show my tag to pick up my child from their classroom? Yes. Show your tag to the classroom teacher who will dismiss your child to you.
What do I do if I lose my tag? Please stop at the NEW? START HERE desk where Corrie or Emily will assist you.
If I am in the ARK, where may I exit? You may exit the ARK from the south doors (to the parking lot) or the doors by the men’s bathroom.
May I reenter the ARK from these doors? No. You must go around to the HUB to reenter. Please do not make this awkward for yourself, the volunteer, or safety team member by knocking on the doors.
Where is the nursing room? Families who need access to a nursing room are invited to use the “living room” space (near the drinking fountain by the sanctuary). This space offers a comfortable seating area and a bathroom with changing table. Families with little ones who need to wiggle and move are welcome to use our new space!
Thank you, parents, for helping ensure our building remains secure and our children are kept safe!
Which door should I use Monday through Thursday during regular office hours (8AM-4PM)? The north entry. Ring the doorbell and someone will buzz you in.
Which door should I use for my group or event? Contact your group or event leader. They should coordinate with the office to determine which entrance is best to use.
Handicapped Parking. Please only park in these spaces if your license plate or placard are clearly displayed. This applies everyday and every hour of the week (not just Sundays).
May I come and use the HUB during the week to work, study, have a conversation with another person or just come and be where others are? Yes. At least one of the seating areas should be available. Call ahead to confirm hours we are open and/or check in with the office when you arrive.
May I reserve a space in the church for a special event, group or gathering? Check with Mary in the office by calling 269-781-8400 or email mary@familybible.church.
How many square feet is the new addition? Between 10,000-11,000 square feet.
What is happening the in the “courtyard” between the buildings? We hope to have some people develop it into a nice outdoor seating area for people to enjoy. If you are interested in being a part please contact the office.
What should I do if I have another question? Contact the office at 781-8400 or mary@familybible.church
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.
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!
FORWARD Campaign
Why 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.
You can learn more below in the FORWARD campaign link and update. CLICK HERE: www.familybible.church/forward
May 2024 marked two years since we began our campaign.
We invite you to be part of the pledge campaign however, if you choose not to pledge, 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!
