The Least of These
Next Sunday, November 8, we will pause for a special day we observe each year called Orphan Sunday. On this day, we seek to inform, inspire, and challenge our church to consider the incredible need for foster care and adoption. Throughout Scripture, we see that our Heavenly Father has a heart for the most vulnerable, especially the fatherless.
Exodus 22:22–23 — "You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry…"
Deuteronomy 10:18 — "He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing."
Psalm 10:17–18 — "O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more."
Psalm 68:5 — "Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation."
These are just a few of the many passages that reveal God's heart for children who are without the care and protection of their parents. As believers, we are called to reflect that same heart through the way we love and care for others.
I realize that not everyone is called to foster or adopt. The reality is that fostering and adoption are hard. They require sacrifices of time, money, relationships, and opportunities. But while not everyone can foster or adopt, everyone can do something.
This Sunday, November 8, we will share several practical ways you can get involved in caring for these children and supporting the families who have opened their homes to them.
Two of the simplest ways to get involved are through our Giving Tree and supporting foster and adoptive families within our church.
Beginning November 8, our Giving Tree will be available with gift tags representing children in the foster care system. Our desire is to come alongside foster parents and help lift the financial burden of purchasing Christmas gifts, while showing both the children and their caregivers the love of Christ in a real and tangible way.
We also have several families within our church who have stepped up and answered the call to foster or adopt. Find one of these families and simply ask, "How can I help?" Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness and support can make an incredible difference.
But perhaps you've been considering taking that next step yourself—opening your heart and home to children who desperately need a safe and loving place to belong. We would love to talk with you about what that might look like and help connect you with the right people to begin that journey.
My prayer is that we would continue to be a church that doesn't simply talk about God's love for the vulnerable but actively demonstrates it.
May we continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor JD
James 1:27 — "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." (ESV)
Why I Serve.
By Sky Bates
I first got involved with the Events Team because I was simply looking for a way to plug in, connect with others, and put my love for planning and organizing to good use. I wanted to help with our amazing VBS, and that became a great starting point for me. I’ve always believed that hospitality and thoughtful details can make people feel seen and valued, so serving with the Events Team felt like a natural fit. More than anything, I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself—to help create spaces where people can walk in, immediately feel welcomed, and begin building community. That desire is also why I continue to say “yes,” especially when it comes to outreach.
Serving gives me an opportunity to physically be the hands and feet of Jesus right here in our community. I’ve been on the receiving end of outreach opportunities both as a child and as an adult, so I know firsthand what a difference they can make. Because of that, I believe deeply in paying that blessing forward. There is something powerful about watching someone who may have felt invisible or forgotten walk away knowing they were seen and loved. But one of the greatest parts of serving has been getting to share those experiences with my children. Seeing them right alongside me, serving others in our community, has been one of the greatest joys of my life.
Several experiences stand out, especially because my son, Kaiden, was serving alongside me. We loved being part of Laundry Love, visiting local laundromats like BAM in Mansfield and several low-income apartment complexes. We were able to pay for people’s laundry, provide detergent, and simply spend time talking and fellowshipping with them. Another unforgettable experience was preparing food for a huge crowd and then loading into the back of a truck with a mix of kids and adults to deliver meals throughout the parish. We visited hospital workers, first responders, neighborhoods, and families who weren’t expecting us. Watching the surprise, relief, and gratitude on people’s faces was incredible. But what stayed with me even more was seeing the joy on the kids’ faces as they realized they were bringing joy to someone else.
The New Orleans Mission Trip with Pastor Steve was another experience I’ll never forget. Kaiden and I had the opportunity to go onto ships, pray with seafarers, listen to their stories, and learn about people whose lives and walks with Jesus looked very different from our own. Across all of these experiences, seeing the life, love, and heart Kaiden poured into people—and hearing him boldly share his own testimony—has been one of the absolute highlights of serving for me.
Serving has also deepened my own faith in ways that simply sitting in a seat never could. It pushes me outside of my comfort zone, teaches me to rely on grace, and allows me to see God working in real time. I’ve watched Him use incredibly ordinary things—setting up tables, handing out supplies, preparing food, or simply greeting someone—to touch people’s lives. It has reminded me again and again that God doesn’t need us to be perfect. He simply asks us to be available. Serving has made my faith more active, grounded, and outward-focused.
Whether someone walks through the doors of one of our events or encounters us somewhere in the community, my hope is that they feel valued, seen, and cared for. I want people to experience the unconditional love and grace of Christ in a tangible way and to know that they are fearfully and wonderfully made by a God who sees them and knows them by name.
Of course, I want people to have a great time and enjoy a well-planned event. But my greatest hope is that they experience something deeper—a genuine sense of belonging and the light of Jesus shining through the people serving them. I want them to leave knowing that they matter, that they aren’t alone, and that there is a loving community where the Gospel is not only spoken but lived out.
And to anyone who has thought about serving but hasn’t taken that step yet, I would say: just jump in and try it. It’s completely normal to wonder whether you have enough time or the “right” skills. But you don’t need a special set of talents to serve. You simply need a heart that is willing to help. Serving isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up. If you’re unsure where to begin, ask someone—or come join me! We can even serve together on something small if taking a big step feels intimidating. We have a church full of people who would love to walk alongside you, and there truly is a place for everyone.
You may start serving because you want to give something to others. But somewhere along the way, you’ll discover just how much God gives back to you through it. You might even find the community and purpose you’ve been looking for.
Our Journey to Belonging
When Jeff and I decided to visit Fellowship Community Church (FCC) in early January, we never dreamed it would be a life-changing first step. We were searching not just for a church home but for a church family, one where we felt welcomed, included, and loved.
From the moment we stepped through the doors, we were greeted with smiling faces, handshakes, and hugs from people who showed a genuine interest in getting to know us. What began as a warm welcome quickly grew into something much deeper, a sense of belonging and genuine connection. As we became more involved, we discovered that FCC provides many opportunities to build those relationships, with one of the most meaningful being Life Groups.
Being brand new to Life Groups, we didn't really know what to expect, but WOW! It is an integral part of fellowshipping with our brothers and sisters in Christ while sharing a meal and studying God’s Word in a small group setting. We have made so many close friendships through these groups. Actually, the word “friendship” doesn’t quite fit anymore; “family” is a much better description.
Serving is another important aspect of the church body at FCC. From door greeters, communion service, meal trains, community outreach, to building ramps for the injured and elderly, there are so many opportunities to connect with others and show God’s love to those around us.
At the heart of FCC is a genuine love for God and His Word. Pastor Josh, along with his team of assistant pastors, consistently and passionately preaches the Word of God. They don’t simply skim the surface but take us deeper into Scripture, carefully teaching God’s truth and helping us understand its meaning and application to our lives. Their messages challenge, encourage, and convict us, while continually pointing us back to Christ. It is evident our pastors spend time with God studying His Word and come prepared each Sunday to faithfully teach it.
Attending the FCC Membership Class and hearing the wealth of information presented was absolutely mind-blowing. Pastor Josh leads the class in a relaxed, small-group setting and gives an in-depth overview of where the church began and how it has grown to where we are today. As with his preaching, he is very thorough, using Scripture to explain what we believe, and more importantly, why we believe it. If you come with questions, you can bet they will be answered!
To anyone on the fence regarding Membership Class or joining FCC, I would say, don’t delay! There is no better time to connect and become a part of what I believe is the best church family around. If you are committed to hearing and studying the true Word of God with brothers and sisters in Christ while cultivating lifelong relationships, FCC is the perfect place.
Love in Christ,
Jeff & Debbie Jackson
Great Accomplishments Require Great Sacrifice!
Friday night lights will soon illuminate the skies of stadiums all over the country! The games are fun to watch and filled with excitement as you cheer on your team. What we see on a Friday night is the finished product of months of work being put in behind the scenes. Every practice, every rep in the weight room, every sprint run, every play executed speaks of one thing… sacrifice. Great accomplishments require great sacrifice. Every player has to be willing to sacrifice for the good of the team. Every player has to believe in the mission. Every player has to be able to look their teammate in the eye with full confidence, knowing that the work and the sacrifice they are putting in are not in vain.
If football and other sports, for that matter, put in this much work, energy, and sacrifice, HOW MUCH MORE SHOULD THE CHURCH? Think of how much greater our mission is, our message is, and the victory already won! We have been commissioned by our resurrected Lord Jesus to proclaim the good news of His victory over Satan, sin, and death to all of creation. How much more should we be single-minded in our pursuit of the mission of Christ, in our willingness to sacrifice to ensure the furtherance of the gospel, and in our fellowship with one another. HOW MUCH MORE… Every great accomplishment is made possible by people united with the same mission and goal. Are you on mission?
Therefore, let us dare to do great things for the glory of God! As the month of August begins, commit yourself to the things of God. Commit yourself to spending time in His presence and His Word. Commit yourself to sharing your faith with those around you. Commit yourself to attending church consistently and inviting others to join you. Commit yourself to the people of God at FCC. When the world looks for every reason and excuse as to why something cannot be done, let us look to Jesus for a way to bring Him glory as we give our best!
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord.” Colossians 3:23
A Call to Community
In the book of Acts, we get a glimpse of the fledgling church as it begins to find its footing. After Jesus’ ascension, the eleven apostles and the other followers of Christ were gathered together in an upper room when the Holy Spirit came upon them. Empowered by the Spirit, they proclaimed the gospel boldly, and on that very day about 3,000 people placed their faith in Christ and were baptized.
Many of these new believers eventually returned to their homes outside Jerusalem, but the church in Jerusalem still experienced remarkable growth. For even the most seasoned church leader, caring for a rapidly growing congregation would seem overwhelming. Yet the early church kept its focus on what mattered most.
Luke gives us this picture in Acts 2: And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:42–47 (ESV)
I won’t unpack every verse, but notice where Luke begins. The believers devoted themselves to four foundational practices: the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer.
The word fellowship (koinōnia) describes far more than casual friendship. It speaks of a shared life—a close, committed partnership centered on Christ. This fellowship was expressed as believers gathered around meals, shared communion, cared for one another, prayed together, and carried each other’s burdens.
These were not optional activities that some believers chose to participate in. They formed the heartbeat of the early church. They were the means God used to strengthen His people, mature disciples, and display the gospel to the world. And as this happened, “the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
These same priorities should mark every healthy church today.
As covenant members and regular attenders of Fellowship Community Church, we should be devoted to sitting under the faithful teaching of God’s Word by the pastors and elders whom God has entrusted with that responsibility.
But Scripture is equally clear that community is everyone’s responsibility.
Every believer has been called to encourage others, bear one another’s burdens, pray for one another, show hospitality, speak the truth in love, and stir one another up to love and good works. None of those commands can be fully lived out in a crowd on Sunday morning alone. They require relationships.
That is why Life Groups are such an important part of who we are at FCC. They are not another program to fill your calendar. They are one of the primary ways we seek to live out the picture of biblical community that we see in Acts 2.
God may be calling you to take the next step by opening your home, facilitating discussion, or helping shepherd a group of believers. You do not have to have all the answers. You simply need a willingness to love people, create space for God’s Word, prayer, and fellowship, and trust the Holy Spirit to work through ordinary faithfulness.
Years from now, someone may tell the story of how they came to know Christ, found healing in the midst of suffering, restored a broken relationship, or grew into a mature disciple because someone simply opened their home, made room around a table, and faithfully invested in others.
That is how God has often built His church—not only through sermons preached from a platform, but through ordinary believers who welcomed others into their lives and pointed them to Christ.
If God is stirring your heart, don’t ignore that prompting. Prayerfully consider hosting or leading a Life Group. You may never fully know this side of eternity how your simple act of obedience becomes part of someone’s story of faith. But God does, and He delights in using ordinary people to make an extraordinary, eternal impact for His kingdom.
-Pastor JD
New Orleans Mission Trip
Personal testimony by Becky Culver
I didn't know what to expect when I signed up for this mission trip. But what I found at that port changed something in me — and I don't think it will ever quite change back.
From the moment I arrived, it became clear that Global Maritime Ministry is something that could easily be overlooked by the world. These ship workers sail in from countries scattered across the globe, dock for a brief window of time, and then disappear back out to sea. Most people never think about them. But this ministry does — and being there to witness it firsthand was one of the most moving experiences of my life.
The Team
Steve & Sherri Gilley, Edy Fannin, Beck Culver, and
Theresa Stewart
Christmas at the port
One of the first things that struck me was the package delivery service. It sounds simple enough — a place for ship workers to receive packages — but the reality of what it means to these men was anything but simple. I watched as they tore open boxes, their faces lit with a joy that was almost impossible to contain. Some had ordered things for themselves, personal items they needed after long stretches at sea. Others had carefully chosen gifts for the families they hadn't seen in months.
One moment I will never forget: a grandfather pulled me over, beaming with pride, to show me the roller skates he had purchased for his granddaughter back home. He hadn't seen her in who knows how long. He wouldn't see her open them. But the love in his eyes as he held up those skates told me everything about why these men endure what they do. It was like watching Christmas morning happen right in front of me, and it broke my heart open in the best possible way.
The toiletries, cookies, and drinks we handed out were small things. But paired with a genuine human connection — someone looking these workers in the eye, treating them with care and dignity — they became something much larger. I could see the hunger for that connection in their faces. Many of them come from countries where speaking freely about faith isn't possible, where simply receiving kindness from a stranger is rare. Here, even for just an afternoon, that changed.
A young man from the Philippines
Of all the conversations I had, one stays with me above all others.
I met a young man from the Philippines. He didn't have a lot of time, but he gave me everything he had in those few minutes. His face lit up when he talked about his family — his wife Kristine, his high school sweetheart, and their two children waiting for him at home. He pulled out a map and showed me exactly where he lived, and together we traced the enormous distance between his home and New Orleans. He was signed on through the end of the year and was even considering extending his contract.
I kept thinking about what that means. To love your family so deeply that you are willing to spend months away from them, on the open sea, just to send money back home. The sacrifice was staggering. He was about to show me pictures of his family when our time ran out.
I still think about him. I pray for him, for Kristine, and for their children — every week. That conversation didn't just change my perspective on this trip. It changed the way I think about sacrifice, love, and what it means to provide for the people you hold dear.
God moving in the margins
Going into this trip, I prayed a simple prayer: Lord, take "me" out of "me." I wanted to get out of my own way. I wanted to stay focused on the mission — on the people we came to serve — and not let comfort or distraction pull me off course. And I believe God honored that prayer.
I saw Him moving in ways I didn't anticipate. He was using this ministry not just locally, but globally — touching lives in the Philippines, in Eastern Europe, in Africa, in countries I may never visit. I realized that through this port, the world had come to me. I didn't have to cross an ocean to share the love of Jesus with someone from another country. I just had to show up.
There were moments when ship workers were visibly hungry to hear the Word of God — genuinely open in a way that was striking. And the conversations that bloomed around a bag of toiletries and a cup of something cold became unexpected holy ground. God was faithful to give us opportunity after opportunity, and I am grateful we were there to receive them.
What I'm bringing home
I also made connections I didn't expect. I met a wonderful couple from Illinois who make this trip at least twice a year. They welcomed me like I'd always been part of the team, and I gleaned so much from their wisdom and experience. Our morning share and prayer times with the group were precious. Getting to know the hearts of the people I traveled with — that was a gift too.
When people ask me whether they should go on a mission trip like this, my answer is simple: yes, go. It's close. The need is real. And the opportunity to touch lives from around the world is unlike anything I expected.
But more than all of that — it was an honor. An honor to step into something bigger than myself, to be a small part of how God is moving through Maritime Ministries to impact the world for Jesus. I came to serve, and I left transformed.
"It was an honor to see how Maritime Ministries impacts the world for Jesus."
-Becky
May 2026
I'll be honest with you — I said no for a long time. I was asked to serve on the Wednesday night kids team three or four times before I finally said yes. Each time, I prayed about it and asked God…
I Finally Said Yes — and It Changed Everything
By Danielle Dahlem · Midweek Kids Team Volunteer
I'll be honest with you — I said no for a long time. I was asked to serve on the Wednesday night kids team three or four times before I finally said yes. Each time, I prayed about it and asked God to use me where I was needed. But I kept hesitating. I wasn't sure I was the right person. I wasn't sure I could show up the way these kids deserved.
What changed my mind was thinking about my son Hunter. Watching everything he learned and absorbed between Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights — watching that foundation being laid in his life — made me want to be a part of building that same foundation for other kids. That was the moment I stopped waiting and said yes.
"I was scared I couldn't be used the way I needed to be — but after praying and saying yes, I was so wrong."
Walking into the unknown
Going into Wednesday nights, I knew it was going to be loud and a little crazy — but rewarding. When I started serving, Bethany was just beginning to lead, and honestly, it felt like an adjustment for everyone, including the kids. The structure was still taking shape. But even through all the noise and energy, something real was happening every single week.
From story time to crafts to dinner, I watched relationships form. I watched God move. The station-based setup — similar to what we do during VBS — gives kids a full evening of connection and learning, and it works. What started as something new for all of us has become something I look forward to every week.
What these kids already know
If you had told me before I started how much these kids already know, I'm not sure I would have believed you. But every week I get to serve, I am blown away. During story time and crafts, when we ask questions, these kids answer — and they answer with a depth and sincerity that warms my heart every single time.
One Wednesday stands out more than most. We talked about prayer — what it is, what it means, and how to do it. We made a craft that gave the kids ideas for what and who to pray about. As an adult, I know that's something most of us struggle with at some point in our lives. But sitting with those kids, listening to them talk openly about who they pray for, what they bring to God — it reminded me of something I needed to hear.
God doesn't need a perfect prayer. He just wants me to pray. Those kids reminded me of that. I came to pour into them, and they poured right back into me.
"Getting to watch these kids grow in their faith, accept God as their Savior, and get baptized — I am so glad I get to be a part of this."
The table where it happens
Dinner is my favorite part of Wednesday nights — and it has nothing to do with the food. It is the time when kids open up. They tell me about their days, the things they are facing, the questions they are carrying around. That table is where real relationships get built, and I get to be a part of that. I get to be someone outside of their home who genuinely wants them to know Christ.
We laugh a lot at dinner. We laugh a lot all night, honestly. But in between the laughter, something sacred happens too. Watching these kids grow week after week — seeing them take steps in their faith, accept God as their Savior, get baptized — that is more rewarding than I ever could have imagined when I first walked through the door.
How serving has changed me
I came onto this team asking whether I was the right person for it. What I found is that serving has made me a better version of myself. Knowing these kids are looking up to me, watching how I live and carry my faith, has pushed me to be more consistent — more intentional in my time in the Word, in my prayer life, in the way I show up each day.
I ask myself: if I am not living how Christ expects me to, how can I be an example to these kids on Wednesday nights? That question has become an anchor for me. I was brought out of my comfort zone, and I am so grateful for it. In many ways, I came to help build a foundation for other kids — the same kind of foundation I watched Hunter build — and God used the whole thing to build something in me too.
"It has been the most rewarding decision. Getting to watch these kids each week has brought so much joy — and it has made me stronger in my walk with God."
Come on — we'd love to have you
If you are on the fence about serving, I want you to know: I felt the exact same way. I was hesitant. I questioned whether I was enough. And I was wrong. The moment I said yes, God showed me exactly how He could use me — and He has been doing it every Wednesday night since.
Come visit on a Wednesday night. See what it looks like. Come shadow me if you want — I mean that. There are kids showing up every week who need someone to look up to, someone to ask about their day, someone to show them what a life of faith looks like in real time. The team has room. And if my story tells you anything, it's that God doesn't need you to have it all figured out before you show up. He just needs you to say yes.
The Midweek Kids Team serves on Wednesday evenings. To learn more about serving, reach out to Ashley Klitzke or Bethany Jones.