Big Weekend Invite

Once again we have a big weekend planned at FHCC. It all starts on Saturday with our big Easter Invite. God was so good to us last weekend, not merely with the fantastic weather, but more importantly with incredible encounters with people in our neighborhood. (Looks like we are going to have a DYNAMIC Passover Seder!!) May God do the same this weekend as we invite our community to the area's largest Easter Egg Hunt and Easter weekend services. These services are going to be incredible!

Please plan on joining us for the INVITE outreach on both Saturday and/or Sunday. We will meet in front of the Midway Movie Theater at 3pm and scatter throughout Forest Hills, Rego Park, and Kew Gardens. No experience is necessary, you simply need to know Jesus. This weekend will be our last big push before the events; so, let's go BIG!

Easter Invite Outreach
Saturday and Sunday @ 3pm until 5pm
Meet IN FRONT of Midway Movie Theater
RSVP with Johanna
www.fhcchurch.com

UNleashed: Is God Messing with Me?

Often overlooked (even in women’s Bible studies, and certainly in co-ed studies) is Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel. Although her life and mine are millennia and continents apart, she is one of the people in the Bible I connect with, because I feel like her story is anyone’s story. Hannah wanted to have a baby so badly, and had a rival, Peninnah, who had everything she wanted and rubbed it in her face. While we’ve discussed infertility as a church quite a bit lately with Sarah and Rebekah, this story isn’t limited in application to infertility: it’s all about asking God and waiting on Him for something you want.

For whatever reason, more so with Hannah than with almost anyone else in the Bible, when I read Hannah’s story, my heart breaks for her. I just want to hop in a time machine and give her a hug! When she asks Eli the priest not to think of her as a worthless woman (1 Samuel 1:16), it brings tears to my eyes. This is the picture of someone who longs fervently for one thing to go her way, to not be second best anymore, to finally be considered a successful person.

Of course, the story goes on, and Hannah does get to have a son, Samuel, and she follows through on her promise to give him to the Lord, taking him to live and serve in the temple. While Samuel grows and accomplishes amazing things for God and Israel, Hannah’s story doesn’t end there. God continues to bless her by giving her three additional sons and two daughters (1 Samuel 2:21).

We each have dreams and plans for our lives, things we want to do and experience. The right house, the right job, the right spouse, the right church, the right friends, the right ______________. Many blessings fall into our laps; we didn’t ask for them, we are just pleasantly surprised that something works out in our favor. Then, there are other times when we endure hardship and longing and waiting for the blessing we desire.

I’ve often waited on God for His response to a need or a dream, and I realized that I’ll fall prey to the thinking that God is messing with me by keeping me in suspense. Of course this isn’t true, but how often do we delude ourselves to this mindset? After discussing this with my dear friend Monica the other day, she stated that God loves to surprise us, not mess with our heads. How true is that statement? God doesn’t relish in torturing us, teasing us with a dangling carrot. He loves us and delights to give us what we need in His timing and according to His will.

I don’t want to focus on the waiting period today though; I want to draw your attention to the response. Hannah prayed a beautiful prayer of gratitude, exalting the Lord as she gave her three-year-old son into His service (see 1 Samuel 2:1-10). Her dream fulfilled, her status increased, her faithfulness rewarded. Ladies and gentlemen, that’s how it’s done.

Are you thanking God for the blessings you have asked and pleaded with Him for, and are you thankful for the gifts that He gave you before you asked?

- Johanna

UNleashed:Worship Bible Study
Thursdays @ 8:00pm
INSIDE the FHCC Campus (6708 Ingram St.)
www.fhcchurch.com

Hangin with the Hebrews - Part II

This weekend saw an incredible miracle take place. Spirit-filled Gentiles hit the parks and streets of the neighborhood inviting Jewish people to our upcoming Passover service. That alone is really cool, but what put the icing on the cake was the manner in which the FHCC crew approached the Jewish community, and the overwhelming favor in which they were received. Haredi were actually thanking us for inviting them to our Seder dinner! It was an amazing testimony to the faithfulness and favor of God.

Please pray with us for the upcoming Seder service. While there were many who were grateful for the invite, there were also several who were less than thrilled about the idea of Christians inviting Jews to a Seder meal. We understand that this may not be a "orthodox" practice, but it is biblical. Our soul desire is that of the Torah: to proclaim the saving power of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He is who we are celebrating, and it is because of Him we are saved and brought into Covenant. Pray that many in our community will join us for a night of proclaiming the goodness of God over His meal.

PS> Deadline to secure a seat for the Seder Meal is Wednesday, March 24.

Passover Seder
Tuesday, March 30 @ 6:30pm
INSIDE the FHCC Campus (6708 Ingram St)
www.fhcchurch.com

What's Up with Isaac?

This week we finally get a good strong look at the life and "ministry" of Isaac. It has been a roller-coaster of a ride up to this point, we must admit. Sure, things started off great in chapter 21 when he was willing to die for the word of the Lord. Then there was the whole "marrying a stranger sight unseen" thing in chapter 24. Chapter 25, however, was not so great.

Again, Isaac started off pretty strong by being blessed by his daddy and his God in the opening lines of the chapter. When his wife, Rebekah, was later deemed barren, the young patriarch did not panic, but instead sought the Lord faithfully in prayer for 20-years concerning his wife. The bible says that the Lord eventually blessed Rebekah with children because of Isaac. Seems like the guys is alright and doing great! But then there was verse 28... Isaac decides to play favorites with his kids and a division is created between not only the children, but also between him and his blessed wife. Has Isaac soured?

Join us as we examine the one, and only chapter, devoted completely to the life of Isaac. Come witness how a man of blessing reacts to fear, opposition, favor, and tragedy. Learn with us how to respond to all the challenges in life in a way that not only brings God's favor into our personal lives, but also the lives of all those around us, namely our family. You don't want to miss this Sunday!

Beginnings: Sibling Rivalry
Sunday Mornings @ 10am INSIDE the Midway Movie Theater
Monday Nights @ 8pm INSIDE the FHCC Campus
www.fhcchurch.com

Hanging with the Hebrews - Part I

Many of the FHCC family have been hanging out with the local Hebrew (Jewish) population recently. This is because for the first time our church is holding a Passover Seder meal, and our people are seeking guests. They have many stories and questions as a result of these spiritual interactions, and it is a revealing a lot of what is right and wrong inside the modern church.

For many, this dialogue with Jewish people is the first time they have held a serious conversation about Jesus with someone of another religion. While this may seem odd or a bit of an overstatement, consider your own life. How many times have YOU had a pointed conversation about Jesus with someone who was of another faith? I am not talking about a passing comment on religious affiliation; I am talking about intentional witnessing. Chances are the occurrences are not that many, and here is why...

The fact is that we live in a "PC" world. We are told that certain topics and words are "off limits" due to the feelings of others. Our world has told us that Jesus,and the teachings of Christianity are to be kept private and personal, as they might offend someone who does not know or share this worldview. Whether we cognitively know it or not, the average American Christian has adopted this position as well. We may put up a "Jesus fish" on our bumper or screen saver, but we simply will not engage people on the key elements of Christianity.

While I am all for showing compassion to my fellow man, I can think of no higher offense than not sharing the personhood and teachings of Jesus with another, especially one who is another faith. First of all, Jesus alone is good! Every other religion teaches/relies on human interest and activity. People spend their whole lives trying to create perfection, create justice, ore create love, and all they end up with is rules, disappointment, class-envy and dictatorships. The story of Jesus is the complete opposite. Jesus is no mere man or teacher. He is God incarnate who chose to leave His home in heaven (where He reigns in a place of perfection) to take on the fullness of man. He did this for the sole purpose of dying in the place of all humanity for the offense that all have committed willingly against Him so that all may be brought near to Him in faith alone. There are no classes of people, requirements of works, or intermediaries. Jesus alone saves, and that is very Good News!

Second, to not share Jesus is not only offense to a world stuck in religion and self-disappointment, but it is also highly offensive to Jesus! When we sit silently and do not share the significance of Jesus with others, we are declaring by our silence that Jesus is not worth sharing. People who love baseball always talk about baseball; why? Because they love baseball and believe that it is worth talking about. Grandparents cannot keep quiet about their grandkids. They talk to every person they meet (young, old, married, single) about their grandkids because they love their grandkids and believe firmly that their grandkids are worth talking about. Jesus is greater than baseball and grandkids, yet we consistently sit quietly while the world goes to hell. That is offensive!

We've bitten the apple and have bought into the lie that God is not really God. For many of us, He may be "our" God, but He is not "The" God who rules and reigns over all. We've bought into the lie of political correctness and have used this excuse to hide our own shame, fear and disbelief. We've sinned, and now the world is dying in ignorance as a result.

Brothers and sisters in Jesus, let's get out there and preach! Don't just sit around and chat with fellow believers; be like Jesus and go find someone to whom you can preach. Be a Christian, and live life as a missionary. Be like Jesus, and PREACH because He alone is worth talking about.

Passover Seder
Tuesday, March 30th @ 6:30pm
INSIDE the FHCC Campus (6708 Ingram St)
RSVP: 718.274.7309 or info@fhcchurch.com
www.fhcchurch.com

Beautiful day; now what?

What an incredible weekend at FHCC. The weather was beyond horrific and never-ending, we lost an hour of sleep,and we discovered a new law banning signs on the street. It was a trying time to say the least; however, despite all the circumstantial setbacks, God spoke and did amazing things in His people.

This weekend, over 1,500 invitations to the Spring Holiday services were handed out, two new families joined the church, and we wrestled with a piece of Scripture that would make your head spin. God has been exceedingly good to us despite all the challenges and shortcomings taking place.

Today is new day. Today the sun is shining, there is a gentle breeze (if any), the temperature is suppose to rest round 60 degrees, and God is still on His throne. If He could use us in miserable conditions, what can He do with these favorable conditions?

I want to encourage all of you to keep allowing God to use you. Swing by the campus today and pick up some more "Invite Cards" for the Holiday services. Read your Bible today for the treasure that it is, not selling the time off to some others temporal pleasure. (Don't be like Esau!) God this day, and every day, for the Glory of God. He desires to do great things in and through your life, but you must obediently treasure Him at all times.

Q - What is God going to do with 55 radical Christians today?...

Big Family

Sibling Rivalry…

I come from a big family. 7 kids. With a 20-year span from oldest to youngest. Never mind brothers-in-law, grandkids and great-grandkids. And when you come from a family that big, you quickly learn three things:

Your parents will never get your name right. With all the first names, middle names, nicknames and pets’ names to keep track of, you’ll be there all day if you wait for them to get to yours. Not to mention the times you’ll be referred to as “whichever one you are”.

The roles you play as children will irrevocably (even if in just a small degree) define your roles within the family as adults. A brain. An athlete. A basket case. A princess. Wait, that’s the end of the Breakfast Club…

Forget Yankees/Red Sox – siblings bring the term ‘rivalry’ to a whole new level. Sides are chosen, battle lines are drawn, and nothing is off limits. Intense? That’s nothing compared to Sibling Rivalry OT-style…

Join us this Monday as we continue our journey through the Genesis narrative by taking a deeper look into the volatile relationship between two brothers – Esau and Jacob.

It all starts at 7pm at the FHCC Campus with UNdone, and then we move into UNplugged at 8pm. Can't wait to see everyone tonight for church!

- Cathi

UNdone: Prayer Service @ 7pm
UNplugged: Interactive Bible Study @ 8pm
Monday Nights INSIDE the FHCC Campus (6708 Ingram St)
www.fhcchurch.com

Don't Miss UNplugged

You are not going to want to miss UNplugged tonight! I know the weather has been less than ideal the past few days, but tonight's talk is well worth a little drizzle.

Over the past few weeks we have been experiencing some intense times at our Monday night Bible study (UNplugged). People are not only bringing their friends, but are also coming prepared with real and challenging questions. It is truly one of the highlights of my week to attend UNplugged and watch God teach and use His people for His glory. You need to be at UNplugged tonight!

Please begin inviting your friends and catching up on tonight's text, Genesis 25:27-34. You can also listen to the sermon from Sunday at the FHCC website (www.fhcchurch.com). Write down whatever questions you may have ahead of time, and let's get ready for an awesome night with the Family!

Can't wait to see you all at 8pm!!

UNplugged: Interactive Bible Study
Monday Nights @ 8pm
INSIDE the FHCC Campus (6708 Ingram St)
www.fhcchurch.com

UNdone: Prayer Service

At Forest Hills Community Church, we love taking time out to talk to Jesus and thank Him for simply being God. It’s awesome to know that God is not some far off being, but rather is intricately involved in every aspect of our lives by the power of the Holy Spirit. To know that God desires to be united with his creation, and has come in the personhood of Jesus to simply die for us is an amazing truth.

I know that most people don’t believe these things, but let’s be honest; believability is not a prerequisite for something to be true. There are a lot of things in this universe that may seem unbelievable but are none the less true. The fact that so many people over the history of time have taken something that’s good and true, tried to manipulate it for their own gain, and then turned it into some thing less than desirable does not change the fact of the original truth.

However, the only way you’re ever going to know this Truth is by stepping out in faith, and asking the Lord to reveal Himself to you. Not from a point of contention or pride, since the maker of the universe doesn’t have to prove anything to any of us. Rather we should coem to Him from a place of respect and humility.

A great example of this is when your kids come to you with an attitude questioning your authority and your actions, while making all kinds of demands upon you. This type of questioning only leads to rebuke from the parent. God takes no pleasure in rebuking us when we approach him in arrogance. Therefore, let us come to the Lord in humility, asking questions and seeking answers with humility. This way God will not only answer our questions, but also allow us to experience His love and embrace.

Prayer is an act of faith taking place through a simple conversation with God. Jesus wants to reveal himself to you, but you must come to Him with an open heart; not an arrogant list of demands.

- Anthony Pereira

UNdone: Prayer Service
Monday Nights @ 7pm
INSIDE the FHCC Campus (6708 Ingram St)
www.fhcchurch.com

Sunday Preview

Be sure to join us this Sunday as we conclude (at least I am pretty sure we will conclude) Genesis chapter 25. As you may recall, this entire chapter has been devoted to the development of God's chosen family of Abraham through the real and common struggles of life. Just because we have an established relationship with God does not mean that life will be complication free. Instead, it means that we have a strong advocate and deliverer who will always see us through. He will accomplish this task through the encouragement of others (family/church) and/or through His personal involvement, both of which He has demonstrated in chapter 25.

Yet, does this divine will and involvement void us of our personal responsibility and decisions? Of course not! This Sunday will expose the root of our very nature and depravity. Isaac's two boys, Esau and Jacob, are going to have an intense exchange over dinner, and the consequences will be eternally damning. Yes, God's will and grace rules over all, but this does not negate our personal responsibility to choose righteousness.

Genesis: Book of Beginnings - Sibling Rivalry
Sunday Mornings @ 10am INSIDE the Midway Theater
Monday Nights @ 8pm INSIDE the FHCC Campus
www.fhcchurch.com

One on One

We are really excited about a new ministry coming to Forest Hills Community Church later this Spring. Our calling is to not simply be people of the Word, but "doers" of the Word as well; and this can be tricky. The Bible tells us that the greatest means for growing in God's word and ways is to do so with another. Of course, large group meetings such as our Sunday worship service and weekly Bible Studies are great, but for many these are just opportunities to get lost in the crowd. For true and lasting growth to occur, there needs to be a way for personal accountability and support. To meet this vital need, the FHCC team has developed an incredible and personal discipleship strategy.

No matter where you are at in your walk with Jesus (skeptic, discovery, or veteran), a plan for growth will be offered to both challenge and encourage you to see more of God's blessing and involvement in your life and witness. Each participant will also be assigned a coach/supporter who will offer that "one on one" experience and devotion that is so vital to following Jesus. This new ministry is going to be awesome, and you will not want to miss out!

Discipleship: Mentor Ministry
Coming in April!
www.fhcchurch.com

Forest Hills Outreach

We love telling people about Jesus and what He was done to save us! With the upcoming holidays of Passover and Easter, the opportunity has never been greater to see more people changed by the Gospel; but we need your help.

Join us this Saturday on the streets of Forest Hills as we promote our holiday services. This year will be extra special as we host our first Jewish Passover outreach. Please help us reach as many people as possible for Jesus!

Where: We will meet in front of the Midway Theater

When: Saturday, March 13th from 3pm-5pm

We'll wrap up the day with a quick bite to eat and a movie at the Campus. Email Cathi for more information or to sign up. We need your help, FHCC!

UNplugged Preview

A house divided simply cannot stand. Words so common and so true, yet words we all take for granted. As we wrap up our study on Genesis chapter 25, this proverb is going to be played out for all to see in graphic fashion. First, however, the stage must be set with a telling description of the characters.

This week we examine the makeup of the home of the elect: Isaac and Rebekah. Now, with the blessing and ability of God, their home is now flourishing with the life of their two boys: Esau and Jacob. Yet while these boys may have the same parents and birthdays, their lives and character could not be father apart. Amazing still is that their birth seems to have also acted as polarizing force in the life of their parents. Isaac and Rebekah seem to have lost a "spark" in their marriage and intimacy. Conflict is on the rise...

Join us this Monday night (3/8) as we dive into another powerful teaching from the book of Genesis. As we study the role of the family and the development of conflict, we learn a lot more than just "how to deal," we also learn "how to avoid." Tragically, the misery of Isaac and Rebekah's household would not have happened if they simply would of understood the definition of Love.

UNplugged: Interactive Bible Study
Monday Nights @ 8pm
INSIDE the FHCC Campus (6708 Ingram St)
www.fhcchurch.com

UNleashed Preview

Almost every contemporary church has a band that facilitates the live music for their services, called a “worship team.” If you’ve ever served on a worship team, you know it’s not the same as being part of a band. You also know that it’s a complicated endeavor, and even God-fearing people with good intentions can quickly become divided, arrogant divas. How do we get it right?

As we’ve been inspecting our practices of worship over the past several weeks, we’ve left this topic alone. This week at UNleashed, we’ll look at a biblical example of a large-scale worship service and the worship team that was assembled to lead the congregation in song. We’ll talk about who the various roles in a worship team, and what we can apply today in the modern church.

As a church in the process of forming a worship team, this week’s study could not be more appropriate. Whether you’re musically inclined or not, it’s sure to be a hot topic! Join us as we discuss how to build a worship team God’s way.

-Johanna

UNleashed:Worship Bible Study
Thursdays @ 8:00pm
INSIDE the FHCC Campus (6708 Ingram St.)
www.fhcchurch.com

Passover Seder

The night of March 29th will mark the first night of the Jewish Passover Feast. This biblically mandated holiday serves to remind the Jewish people of their salvation out of Egyptian bondage by the mighty hand of the Lord. Every element of the meal has significant and an elemental aspect. It is a powerful and joyful time of recalling the Lord's incredible love for His people.

At the same time, this meal also serves as a prophetic sermon. Throughout the Old Testament, God repeatedly speaks of a future Passover where His deliverance shall be greater than the first with even greater rewards. Of course, the event to which the Lord was referring was the coming of Jesus and His triumph over sin, death and hell. The Passover meal provides an incredible opportunity to preach about Jesus!

This year FHCC will hold its first Passover Seder meal. The event will take place on Tuesday, March 30, the second night of Passover. While we would love all our FHCC family to attend, however, due to limited seating space, we are making this a "closed" event. In order to participate you must bring a Jewish friend to the meal and RSVP before March 25th. Please be praying for this incredible opportunity to see our community come to know the fullness of the Lord's salvation.

FHCC Passover Seder
Tuesday, March 30 @ 6:30p
INSIDE the FHCC Campus (6708 Ingram St)
www.fhcchurch.com

*All costs have been absorbed by Forest Hills Community Church.