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.

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: In a culture obsessed with getting, The Art of Giving invites us to rediscover the deep, transformative power of generosity. Over six weeks, we’ll explore how giving is more than a moment—it’s a way of life that mirrors the heart of God. Whether through financial generosity, offering our time and presence, or blessing the next generation, each act becomes a catalyst for spiritual growth, healing, and hope. Rooted in Scripture and modeled by the life of Jesus, this series calls us to give with intention—and to witness the good being created and cultivated through our lives. Each day, we ask: How will I give today?

SCHEDULE:

• MAY 11: The Art of Giving Your Life Away (Mother’s Day)
  
• MAY 18: The Art of Giving Financially (FORWARD Campaign Completion)
• MAY 25: The Art of Giving to the Greater Good (Memorial Day Weekend)
• JUNE 1: The Art of Giving Oneself (Grad Sunday in Second Service) presented by Isaac Clemens
• JUNE 8: The Art of Giving Presence (Pentecost)
• JUNE 15: The Art of Giving Generational Blessing (Father’s Day) presented by David Smith

* sermons presented by Lead Pastor Kris Tarkiewicz unless otherwise noted

What you will find here:

• One Daily Decision Bible Reading Guide
• Small Group Discussion Guide

Week TWO (Sunday May 18)

Day 1 – Sunday, May 18

📝 Title: Giving All You Have
📖 Reading: Mark 12:41–44
💭 Focus: Jesus honors the poor widow not for the amount, but for her wholehearted trust. What does giving “all” look like in your life?

Day 2 – Monday, May 19

📝 Title: The Generosity of God
📖 Reading: John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 8:9
💭 Focus: God’s generosity is the foundation of ours. Reflect on how God’s giving inspires your own.

Day 3 – Tuesday, May 20

📝 Title: Treasure That Lasts
📖 Reading: Matthew 6:19–21, 33
💭 Focus: Where you invest reveals where your heart is. What are you storing in heaven?

Day 4 – Wednesday, May 21

📝 Title: Generosity with Purpose
📖 Reading: Isaiah 58:6–11
💭 Focus: Giving that reflects God’s heart lifts others up. How is your generosity addressing injustice?

Day 5 – Thursday, May 22

📝 Title: Whatever You Do for One of These…
📖 Reading: Matthew 25:31–46
💭 Focus: Serving the poor, sick, and imprisoned is serving Jesus. What tangible step can you take this week?

Day 6 – Friday, May 23

📝 Title: Consistent, Proportional Giving
📖 Reading: 1 Corinthians 16:1–4; Proverbs 3:9–10
💭 Focus: Plan your giving as a priority, not a leftover. How are you honoring God with your wealth?

Day 7 – Saturday, May 24

📝 Title: Test Me in This
📖 Reading: Malachi 3:6–12
💭 Focus: God invites us to trust Him in giving. What might it look like for you to take a step of trust in generosity?

WEEK ONE (Sunday May 11)

One Daily Decision Bible Reading Guide

Day 1: Luke 1:26–38 – Mary’s Surrender

Reflection Question: Where in your life is God inviting you to say, “I am the Lord’s servant” even if you don’t understand the full picture?
Prayer Prompt: Ask God for the courage to surrender your plans and trust Him with the unknown.

Day 2: Jeremiah 29:11–14 – God’s Good Plans

Reflection Question: Are you open to the idea that God’s plans for your life may differ from your own?
Prayer Prompt: Invite God to shape your desires and dreams in alignment with His good plans for you.

Day 3: Proverbs 16:1–9 – God Directs Our Steps

Reflection Question: What plans or expectations have not gone the way you imagined, and how have you seen (or are waiting to see) God in that?
Prayer Prompt: Confess your desire for control, and pray for a heart that delights in God’s direction.

Day 4: Genesis 37:1–11, 18–28 – Joseph’s Unexpected Path

Reflection Question: Like Joseph, has your journey taken painful or unexpected turns? How might God be working through them?
Prayer Prompt: Ask for the faith to believe God is present and at work, even when you feel forgotten or betrayed.

Day 5: Luke 1:39–56 – The Magnificat: Mary’s Song

Reflection Question: How can praise become your response in times of uncertainty?
Prayer Prompt: Thank God for past faithfulness, and worship Him for what He’s doing now—even if you can’t yet see the full picture.

Day 6: Romans 12:1–2 – A Living Sacrifice

Reflection Question: In what practical ways can you offer yourself as a living sacrifice this week?
Prayer Prompt: Pray for a renewed mind to discern God’s will and a heart that desires to follow it.

Day 7: Philippians 2:5–11 – Christ’s Humble Obedience

Reflection Question: What would it look like to embody the humility and obedience of Christ in your current season?
Prayer Prompt: Ask God to help you follow Jesus’ example of surrender, even when the path is difficult.

Small Group Discussion Guide

WEEK TWO (May 18)

Opening Prayer

Begin by inviting someone to pray, asking God to speak through Scripture and group conversation.

Warm-Up Question

“What’s the most meaningful gift you’ve ever received—not necessarily the most expensive?”

Allow everyone to share briefly. Encourage storytelling around impact rather than value.

Read Aloud

Ask someone to read:

• Mark 12:41–44

• Matthew 6:19–21

• 2 Corinthians 8:9

Then say:

“These passages set the foundation for how Jesus views giving—not through quantity, but through the heart behind it.”

Discussion Questions

1. The Widow’s Example (Mark 12:41–44)

• Why do you think Jesus highlighted the widow’s gift as greater than the rich people’s?

• What do you think it means to “give out of poverty” rather than wealth?

• In your own life, where do you feel called to give sacrificially?

2. Earthly and Eternal Impact

Jesus said giving has both temporal and eternal effects.

• How have you seen generosity make a difference here and now?

• How might generosity impact someone’s eternity?

Read Matthew 25:35–40 and Isaiah 58:10 for further discussion.

3. Giving as Discipleship and Worship

• Pastor Kris mentioned that giving reflects trust in God. How does that challenge or encourage you?

• What’s the difference between giving to meet a need and giving as worship?

Read Proverbs 3:9 and Malachi 3:10:

• How does the invitation to “test God” strike you?

• Have you experienced a time when you saw God’s faithfulness in response to generosity?

4. The FORWARD Campaign

• What has impacted you most about the stories shared from the FORWARD Campaign?

• How have you seen physical spaces (like the HUB, kitchen, playground, or student room) become platforms for spiritual impact?

• What does it look like to give beyond money in this next season?

Application Challenge

Reflection Prompt:

“Is there one specific area—money, time, energy, talents—where God is calling you to be more generous?”

Encourage group members to:

• Identify one tangible step of generosity this week.

• Pray for the courage to respond faithfully, like the widow did.

Closing Prayer

Invite the group to pray over each other—especially for trust, freedom from fear, and generosity that mirrors God’s own giving.

WEEK ONE (May 11)

Opening Prayer 
Invite someone to open in prayer, asking God to speak through His Word and guide your discussion.

Getting Started 

Icebreaker Question:
What did you want to be when you grew up?
How did your life go according to that plan, or take unexpected turns?

Intro Thought:
Mary had plans for a quiet, stable life—but God interrupted her story with something unexpected and holy. Her faithful response invites us to consider what it means to trust God when our own stories are rewritten.

Read the Passage 

Read Aloud: Luke 1:26–38
(Optional: Also read the Magnificat, Luke 1:46–55)

Digging Deeper

1. What stands out to you in the angel’s message to Mary?
How would you feel if you received this kind of news?

2. Verse 29 says Mary was “greatly troubled.”
Why do you think she had such a strong emotional response?
Have you ever felt that way when God disrupted your plans?

3. Mary asked, “How will this be?” (v. 34)
What does this question tell us about her?
Is there a situation in your life where you’re asking God a similar question?

4. Mary ultimately says, “I am the Lord’s servant…may your word to me be fulfilled.” (v. 38)
What does that reveal about her heart and faith?
What would it look like for you to respond to God this way?

5. Reflect on the quote from the sermon:

“Faith doesn’t mean having all the answers. Faith means holding on to God when the script no longer makes sense.”
How does that speak to your current season?

6. The sermon said, “Your obedience matters more than your plan.”
Do you find that hard to accept? Why or why not?

7. Mary’s story led to worship (Luke 1:46–55).
What does it look like to worship while waiting or hurting?

Application

1. In what area of your life might God be rewriting your story right now?
Are you in a chapter of confusion, surrender, or waiting?

2. What specific step of obedience or surrender is God asking of you this week?
How can the group pray for you in that?

Closing Prayer

Take time to pray for one another, especially:

• Those feeling uncertain about their future

• Those facing grief or disappointment

• Those needing courage to say, “I am the Lord’s servant”

Close by thanking God that He is the Author of our stories, and His faithfulness never fails.

• A Meal with Jesus – Tim Chester
• The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World – 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

Attendance (5.18.25)

TOTAL: 465

8:30

• Sanctuary – 131
• Online Avg. – 13 households
• Children – 11
• Nursery – 0

10:30

• Sanctuary – 239
• Online Avg. – 14 households
• Children – 58
• Nursery – 26

Finances (5.11.25)

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.

You can learn about the FORWARD campaign that began in May 2022 and finishes up 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!

THIS FALL 2025 we will have a fresh and new campaign to pay down the debt on the building so we can continue to minister in Jesus name in Marshall and around the world. Keep your eyes open!

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

The playground will be open MONDAYS 9-11am & 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!

We would love to have you join us for VBS this year. Mark down the dates in your calendar! Registration for kids will open later in May.

Are you interested in volunteering? Sign up here!

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.

Curious to know more about this trip and how you can support them? Contact Lori Zettell at lzettell2@gmail.com for more info.

While in South Africa this July, the mission team 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.

Coming soon, you’ll be able to learn more about how you can partner with this mission team to help make this retreat a reality for these students.

The cost of the retreat is $100/student. Would you consider sponsoring a student for $100? Maybe you can sponsor more than one? Or maybe you can give $40 to cover one day of the retreat for a student? All gifts are welcome.

Contact Lori Zettell at lzettell2@gmail.com for more info.

Our high school summer mission trip will be  this July 19-25th. We have a group of 33 high school students and 6 adults who will be spending the week serving, though the location is now changing. No matter where they are, though, they’ll be caring for those who are impoverished or in need of help, 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.

Gonna be at church the next few Sundays? Stop by the coffee bar for a coffee and a special treat, provided by our high school mission team! Donations will go towards the trip cost for those students.

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.

• Course Offering: Thursdays starting April 17th through June 5th from 5:30-7pm at FBC
• Facilitated by Troy & Melinda Waffle
• SIGN UP HERE!

PREVIOUS COURSES OFFERED:

• 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

• Course Offering: Thursdays 6-7:30pm at FBC
  • April 10, 24, May 15, 29
• Facilitated by Josh Nye

PREVIOUS COURSES OFFERED:

• Winter 2025, facilitated by Kris Tarkiewicz

Prayer Course – 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

• Course Offering: Tuesdays 6-7:30pm at FBC
  • April 15, 29, May 13, 20
• Facilitated by Kris Tarkiewicz

FUTURE PRACTICES OFFERED AT FBC

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 – Every Wednesday at 9 AM, Room 101 FBC

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.

We are accepting gently used Christian materials to donate to Christian Resources International. Please place items in the box behind the counter in the lobby by May 19. Please contact Randy and Deb Schwan or the church office if you have any questions.  Thank you!

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

Help support Alternatives, one of our local partner ministries, as they celebrate their Walk For Life on June 21st. Visit their website here to learn more or to register for the event.

REMINDERS…

1. 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. 
2. 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.