Newsletter - Monument Point Fellowship

Monument Point Fellowship
John C. Phillips, Pastor
February 2015
Mickey C. McBrayer, Associate Pastor
Valentine’s Banquet
February 13
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
MPF Fellowship Hall
Come enjoy a night of Christian love, great
food, entertainment and awesome door prizes.
$10.00 per person
In this edition...
Reservations are required by Sunday, February 8.
Menu
Childcare and dinner servers will be
Lasagna or Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
provided by the MPF youth for a donation
Salad, Bread, Dessert & Beverage
toward Youth Summer Camp.
Pastor’s Pen
2
Stewardship News
7
Sunday School
3
Upcoming Events
7,8
Adult Ministries
4
Mission Team
8
Youth Ministry
5
Nursery Schedule
9
Children Ministry
6
Church Calendar
10
MPF Birthdays
7
Saturday, March 7
Church Work Day
Sunday, March 8
Dinner on the Grounds
Sunday, March 28
Children’s Easter Fellowship & Egg Hunt
Sunday, March 29
Palm Sunday; Lord’s Supper
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Dear Church Family,
You have most likely heard
by now that Lynne and I are
officially grandparents! Our
first grandchild, Piper Sloane Phillips, was born at
12:50 a.m. on Friday, January 9, to my daughter-inlaw Meghan and my son JP. Piper was 20 ¾ inches
long and she weighed 9 pounds and 15 ounces. And,
of course, she is beautiful. Looking back over the
whole experience, I can say it has been amazing but I
will admit the part related to waiting for her birth was
tough.
Piper’s due date was December 28; so naturally as we
came to about December 20, the wait was on! I could
just feel the expectancy rise as discussions centered
around when she might arrive. Meg and J.P. were
definitely ready and there were even signs that hinted
at the possibility of an early delivery. Piper’s room
was perfectly decorated and the house was all
prepared for her planned home birth. Because the
delivery was expected to occur during the holiday
season, the family members had worked out
schedules to be ready at a moment’s notice to travel
to Lakeland for the celebration of Piper’s birth. As
the date grew closer and closer it seemed every
conversation focused on he impending arrival of the
baby. I even arranged for Mickey to cover my
preaching duties for Sunday, December 28, as I was
sure I would be out of town for the birth. Then
December 28 came and went and we waited and
waited some more. Every phone call from our kids
was answered with an expectancy of hearing “It’s
time!” After about two weeks of this daily routine,
the call finally came. It was wonderful and even
surreal that it was actually happening. After waiting
so long, I was even thinking on the drive over that
this might be a false alarm until each progress update
assured us that it was really happening. Finally, she
was here! Piper was here and what a joy it was to let
others know she had arrived.
As I now reflect on it, I believe there are so many
spiritual lessons to be learned from the experience.
First off, there was an intense desire for this sweet
baby’s arrival. So I found myself pondering whether
I feel that same desire to see the Lord as I had to see
my grandchild. Secondly, much time and energy
went into planning and preparing for her arrival. I
have to wonder, what plans do you and I make each
day for the Lord to come and fellowship with us?
Third, there was no mistaking the overwhelming joy
that surrounded the birth of this child. Yet, is there a
sense of overwhelming joy in my heart, or in yours,
as a result of the Lord’s presence in every day life?
The miracle of childbirth is truly an opportunity to
see the handiwork of our God. I know Piper is a
miracle of the Lord. But don’t we have that
opportunity placed before us every day? I am thrilled
baby Piper is here. I am so thankful she and her mom
are doing well. I am also excited to see the love and
care that Piper is going to receive each day of her life.
But I also sincerely want to feel that same expectancy
for my Savior to come. I want my heart to rejoice in
His love and want the Lord to know the longing in
my heart is for His presence in my daily life. I pray
we live this year with such expectancy for the Lord;
not only awaiting His return but, in the meantime,
looking and longing for Him to be present in each
day of our lives. The birth of a child is amazing but
the Creator of all, including precious Piper, is even
more amazing! Have a great month in the Lord.
Love in Christ,
Pastor John
Sunday, February 8
10:30 a.m.
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Sunday Mornings
9:00 a.m.
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In America, the first national Sunday school effort began in 1824 with a stated purpose of
organizing, evangelizing and civilizing. It was during the 1800’s that the Sunday School
initiative was expanded to include all ages instead of the previous focus of teaching the
gospel and doctrine to children. Sunday school became a primary way of assimilating
members into the life of the church. And almost 200 years later, these objectives remain.
At MPF we view Sunday school as a wonderful opportunity to constantly keep the gospel
message fresh in our hearts and minds while increasing our understanding of biblical
doctrine. Whether you are new disciple or have been in church all your life, Sunday school
will be a benefit and a blessing as you hear and discuss scripture and share questions and
viewpoints. Additionally, it is one of the best ways to become and stay connected to your
church family. These small group settings allow for relationships to be developed, prayer
requests to be shared and encouragement to take place. So come join your family in one
of the classes being offered and see how the Lord can knit your heart with others, help you
use your life for His good purposes, as well as bless you in the process. We look forward to
seeing you there!
Study of Matthew
Co-ed Class I with Craig Cartwright in the Fellowship Hall
This class is working verse by verse through the Gospel of Matthew. One of the purposes of Matthew is to
prove to the Jews that Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah, which is evidenced by the frequent reference to
how Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament Scriptures. As the first book of the New Testament, Matthew really
connects with what has gone before, showing that the Bible as a whole is a testimony about God’s promised
salvation in Jesus Christ. Needless to say, this study will lay a solid foundation for your understanding of
scripture and the Person and Work of Jesus Christ.
with
Tony & Chris Pondozzi
at their Home
This class meets in the home of Chris and
Tony Pondozzi (14004 Fortunado Road located across the street from MPF in the
Spanish
Point
neighborhood).
The
curriculum being used is adapted from the
Love & Respect Marriage Conference and
this study will continue through to spring
2015. We will examine the way God
designed and intended the marriage
relationship to be and provide practical
guidance to experience it. If you have any
questions or need directions, contact Tony
at 294-2441.
Men’s Class with Leonard Masters in Room 201
Women’s Class with Lynda Smith in Room 202
Co-ed Class II with Steve Skipper in Room 206
Co-ed Class III with the McBrayers in the Library
Young Adult Class with Bobby Burnett in Room 200
Youth with Joe Meserve & Kristine Allison in the Modular
The Gospel Project takes the story of Jesus — the
Gospel — the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation,
and points to the one story that infuses Scripture from
cover to cover — God’s redemptive plan to rescue us from
sin and death. Because the entire Bible points to Jesus, it
is important to examine the theology and mission within
the text, as all of it is an important part of understanding
the awesome depth and power of the gospel. During
February we will continue our survey of the “Seven Daily
Sins” by specifically looking at gluttony, lust and wrath
along with receiving helpful instruction from scripture on
removing these sins from our daily lives. On February 25,
we will begin a new unit that delves into the expectations
that arise when we are chosen, called, converted and
united with Christ.
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Women’s Bible Study
Men’s Bible Study
Monday, February 9
Fellowship Hall
6:30 p.m.
Beverages are provided.
Monday, February 2 & 16
Fellowship Hall
6:30 p.m.
All ladies of MPF, college age and up, are welcome
to join your fellow sisters in Christ this month at our
monthly Bible study. We have just introduced a new
study covering Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, also
well known as the Beatitudes, which is led by Pastor
John. There is so much to be learned (and
reminded of) in this section of scripture that will
help us live out our faith through our thoughts,
words, and actions. What a wonderful opportunity
to receive encouragement and guidance on how to
live differently than the world for Christ’s sake!
Let’s believe the promises set forth in these verses
so we might live with a confident expectation of
experiencing this true way to happiness! Hope to
see you there.
Thursday Morning Bible Study
All ladies of MPF are welcome to join us for our
Thursday morning women’s Bible study. We meet
each week from 10:00–11:30 a.m. in the MPF
modular building for a wonderful time of study and
encouragement. We are moving through a study
from the book of Exodus and newcomers are
welcome to join us at any time. Contact Ruth Mack
(223-5517 or ruth.mack@comcast.net) for more
details or with any questions.
Join the Team!
All men of MPF (college age and up) are invited to
join us for Bible study and fellowship this month as
we continue our study from the book of James.
This will be a profitable study for all who have a
heart that yearns to be not only a hearer of the
Word but a doer also (or anyone that desires to
develop such a heart). These meetings also allow
the men to build relationships with brothers in
Christ. A time of fellowship is available from 6 –
6:30 p.m. at dinner which is served for $5 per
person.
Choir News
It’s never too late to jump in and help us sing
praises to the Lord! If you are willing to serve in
this ministry, we have a place for you! The
following practices have been scheduled and are
held in the Fellowship Hall from 4:30 - 5:40 p.m.
Please see Gabe Nehemias if you have any
questions.
Practices Dates
February 8 & 22
March 8 & 22
April 12 & 26
Performance Dates
February 22
March 29
April 26
The Children’s Ministry Team is having their first meeting
of 2015 and we’re looking for volunteers to help us plan
events for this vital ministry. We will meet immediately
following the worship service on Sunday, February 1, in
the Modular. See Pastor Mickey or Johnny Ellis for more
information!
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Monthly Bible Study
Tuesday, February 3
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Our Bible study and dinner fellowship this month will
be held at the Websters’ home on Tuesday, February
3, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. The main dish and
beverages will be provided. Please bring a side dish
or dessert to share. See Joe or one of the Websters
if you need more info or directions. The Websters
have moved and now live across the street from
MPF.
February Service Project
The youth will be serving on Sunday, February 1,
after the service to collect the Souper Bowl of Caring
offering that is being held on Super Bowl Sunday to
help tackle hunger in our community We will also
serve during the Sunday Worship Service on Sunday,
February 22. Sign up with Joe in Sunday school or
on Wednesday night to participate in these service
opportunities this month.
Fundraiser Opportunity
The youth have an opportunity to earn money for
summer camp by serving at our annual Valentine’s
Banquet on Friday, February 13, from 6:45 – 9:30
p.m. Help is needed with serving the dinner as well
as providing childcare for the night. Sign up is
required to ensure we have appropriately covered
each area of service. See Joe for full details and
make sure you sign up by Sunday, February 8.
All youth are invited to come
out for fun and games on
Friday, February 20, from
6:30 – 9:00 p.m. at our Youth
Game Night.
You are
welcome to invite a friend.
Bring a snack to share and any favorite games you
have. Beverages will be provided.
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Summer Camp 2015
Preparations are now underway for 2015’s Youth
Summer Camp. The youth will be attending
MFuge, a mission based camp, Tuesday, June 23
through Saturday, June 27, at the Ridgecrest,
North Carolina location. This year’s camp theme is
“Alive & Free” and will include teaching on how
believers are to be set apart so that people will
see a difference and want to experience it for
themselves. The speaker is Rob Turner (a huge
favorite) and the band for the week is Rush of
Fools. The camp requires a $50 non-refundable
deposit by the end of January to secure each
reservation. If you have signed up, please remit
your $50.00 by Sunday, January 25. The total
cost of the camp will be $250 per person. This
camp is already sold out and we will not be able to
add additional participants once we confirm the
number and pay the deposit. Please see Joe
Meserve or Stacy Skipper if you have any
questions or need further information.
YouthQuakeLive
The February production for Youth Quake Live is
being held on Friday, February 6, at the Potter’s
House. The February show centers around the
“True Love Waits” campaign and includes
messages and skits about purity. All the material
is presented in a biblical context, but our youth are
all at various levels regarding this subject matter
and many families differ on how and when they
want to discuss this. Since this show is farther
away and includes material of a sensitive nature,
we will not attend as a group but do encourage
the parents to attend with their youth or use their
discernment on having their youth attend with
friends. The March 6 show is being held at
Southpoint Community and we will attend this one
as a group. Further
information will be included
in the March newsletter.
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Sunday
Mornings
10:30 a.m.
There will be no GP4K on Sunday, February 8
due to the observance of the Lord’s Supper. We
feel it is beneficial for the children to observe or
participate in (if they have personally accepted
Christ) this sacrament with the church family.
This enables the children to witness this act of
worship and provides a wonderful opportunity
for the parents to share teachable moments and
further instruction to their child(ren) about the
privilege of partaking of the Lord’s Supper for a
believer in Christ. The younger children (K & 1st
grades) may join our Jr. KIDS’ Church that meets
in the Orange Room if their parents discern this
is the best for their child and those sitting
around them.
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MPF Children’s Ministry exists to partner with
parents in the biblical training of their child(ren).
Our heart’s desire is to provide avenues of
education and training through classes, activities
and events that encourage a knowledge of and
devotion to the Lord, a heart to serve others
and a desire to share the Gospel.
Love God
Serve Others
Reach the World
As we look forward to 2015 we are prayerfully
considering how to continue ministering to our
preschoolers and elementary students.
We
welcome your input as we plan for this ministry
in the coming year. Please see Pastor Mickey,
Johnny Ellis, Brooke Sterner or Marilyn Poyner
with any encouragement or suggestions you
might have. Also, dates have already been set
for a couple ministry events in 2015.
SAVE THE DATE
Mark your calendars for these dates and watch
for more information in upcoming newsletters.
Children’s Easter Fellowship and Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 28
Join us on Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m. in
February for Out in the Wild: Arctic Chill!
Kids will go out in the wild from the swamp to
the arctic as they help the Creature Commander
Company test their new penguin call. Through
this adventure, they will learn how God wants
them to use their words.
2015 VBS - Expedition Everest
July 13 - 17
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Year-end Finances
Praise the Lord! We closed out 2014 with a $32,000
surplus due to a 5% increase in tithes and offerings
and diligent budget control efforts by all our Team
Ministries. Per the approval received at our annual
business meeting, we have a purchased a new copier
for the church office at a cost of $9,000. The
remaining $23,000 surplus was applied to the
outstanding principal balance of our mortgage loan.
With this lump-sum payment and the additional
$1,000 that was approved to be added to our
scheduled monthly payments, we will be able to pay
off our debt completely by the end of 2015. If we
continue to receive additional gifts over and above
the tithes from our members that are designated to
the Building Fund, we could potentially pay off the
mortgage loan by the time we celebrate our 29th
anniversary of ministry (October 15, 2015).
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
February
Thanks be to God for His constant provision and care
over the ministry work at MPF and also for those who
have been obedient to bring their tithes and offerings
to the Lord’s house. It is only through biblical and
faithful giving that MPF can continue to support this
local expression of Christ and fund the ministries
efforts that help us to love God deeply, serve others
sacrificially and reach the world with the gospel.
6
10
10
11
13
16
17
17
19
21
21
24
Pam Mortimer
Johnny Pittman
John Lokietek
Johnny Ellis
Mary Puckett
PASTOR JOHN
Marilyn Williams
Jeanae Clark
Simon Lokietek
Sarah Boudreaux
Ethan Lokietek
Cindy Pittman
Wednesday Night
Dinner
February 4
Year-end financial statements are now available for
review by any MPF member. See Stacy Skipper if
you would like to obtain a copy or have any
questions regarding this information.
Stewardship Update as of December 31, 2014
Budgeted Tithes and Offerings
$ 456,056
Actual Tithes and Offerings
$ 444,247
Overage of Actual Tithe to Budget Tithes
$
Tithe and Offering Income
$ 456,056
Miscellaneous & Interest Income
$
Total Income
$ 457,975
11,809
5:45 - 6:30 p.m.
Chicken Pot Pie, Salad
Dessert & Beverage
Alternate Kids Menu:
Chicken Nuggets & Fries
1,919
Less:
MPF’s Outgoing Tithe
$
Operating Expenses
$ 375,792
50,165
Income over Expenses
$
32,018
$4.00 Youth/Adult
$3.00 Kids
Reservations are REQUIRED
via envelopes in the foyer by
Sunday, February 1.
TE AM W OR KS
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Mission Team News
Love God, Serve Others, Reach The World
At our meeting held December 14, 2014, the
Missions Team selected the following ministries/
missionaries/sponsored children to support during
the 2015 calendar year:
Monthly
Amount
Florida Baptist Children’s Home
$350
Florida Baptist Convention
$350
Forrest Hendrix (GEM)
$350
Megan & Christian Espinoza, Costa Rica
$350
First Coast Women’s Center
$350
Reaching & Teaching International Ministries
$350
Youth Quake Live
$350
IMB Lottie Moon
$350
Nathan & Kristin Ching
$350
Jacksonville Baptist Association
Regular Budget
Collegiate Ministries
Port Ministries
$150
$100
$100
Sponsored Children
Okoa Refuge
Caberet - Haiti
Gospel for Asia
$100
$ 75
$ 70
Beyond Benevolence Fund
$105
Mission Trip Support
$100
February 1, 2015
Baby Bottle Boomerang
In support of Sanctity of Human Life
Sunday observed on January 18, we kicked
off the Baby Bottle Boomerang fundraising
campaign which will continue through
Sunday, February 15. This fundraiser will
benefit First Coast Women’s Services, one
of the ministries that MPF supports on a
monthly basis through our Missions Team.
Their ministry is focused on assisting
women facing unplanned pregnancy
through counseling and other free services.
To participate, please pick up an empty
baby bottle in the foyer and fill it with
change or any donation you desire (make
checks payable to First Coast Women’s
Services). All bottles (filled or empty) are
due Sunday, February 15 and it is very
important to return the bottles. FCWS will
have to pay about $4 per bottle to replace
those that aren’t return, so please be a
good steward and return the bottle if you
take one. Pray about how you can support
the sanctity of human life by participating in
this fundraiser and by regularly uplifting
this ministry in prayer.
The Souper Bowl of Caring utilizes the hype of Super Bowl weekend to raise
support to tackle hunger and poverty in local communities. MPF will participate in
this initiative by receiving monetary donations on Sunday, February 1, at the
conclusion of the service, which is Super Bowl Sunday. You can place cash or
checks (CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE PAYABLE TO Arlington Community Services).
100% of the donations will be given to Arlington Community Services to assist
them in their on-going efforts to fight hunger in our community. Join us as the
Lord leads you and let’s bring glory to the Lord by our willingness to give and
provide a blessing to those in need. Our youth will be stationed at all the exits
with empty soup pots to accept your donations.
Sunday Morning Nursery & Kids’ Church
Sunday
School
February 1
Kids’ Church
Babies
1&2
year olds
Jr. Kids’
Church
Tim Sterner
Donna Cerasaro
Cherri Hauser
Robin Ellis
Whitney Burnett
Cherri Hauser
Ruth Mack
Lynda Smith
Courtney Mack
Lesson 7.1
Kristine Allison
Sophia Allison
Leonard Masters
GP4K
Mike Hauser
Tony & Tessy
Robbins
February 8
Tim Sterner
Dee Bosworth
Pat Stevenson
Debbie & Byron
Moody
Hannah Boudreaux
Cindy Pittman
Christian Pittman
Stephen Skipper
Lesson 7.2
Brooke Sterner
Chris & Laurie
Webster
NO GP4K
Lord’s Supper
February 15
Ruth Mack
Johnny Ellis
Nicole Parker
Laura West
Heather Meserve
Dena Guenther
Cathy Maycott
Samuel Skipper
James West
Lesson 7.2
Brooke Sterner
Tony & Bonnie
Moore
GP4K
Mike Hauser
Rebecca
McBrayer
February 22
Tim Sterner
Mike Hauser
Stacy Skipper
Debbie Cullen
Ashlyn Cullen
Amanda Cullen
Pam Mortimer
Daniel Moody
Seth Moody
Lesson 7.3
Emily Parks
Riley McCool
Chris Siegrist
GP4K
Mike Hauser
Robin Hudgins
March 1
Nicole Parker
Dena Guenther
Johnny Ellis
Cindy Boetcker
Pat Stevenson
Betty Lueders
Elizabeth Nehemias
Ian Poland
Jarred Lokietek
Lesson 7.3
Emily Parks
Riley McCool
Jeff Jarvis
GP4K
Mike Hauser
Whitney Ellis
Date
REMINDER
All nursery volunteers are
asked to report to the nursery
no later than 10:15 a.m. on the
morning they are scheduled.
This will ensure a smooth
transition from Sunday school
to worship service volunteers.
Wednesday Night Nursery Schedule
February
February
February
February
March 4
4
11
18
25
Stacy Skipper, Steve Skipper, Amanda Cullen
Emily Parks, Casey Parks, Ashlyn Cullen
Debbie Miller, Sherry Oliver, Judi Della-Loggia
Rhonda Johnson, Dena Guenther, Whitney Ellis
Stacy Skipper, Steve Skipper, Kristine Allison
SUN
1
Souper Bowl Of
Caring Offering
MON
2
TUE
3
WED
4
Men’s Bible Study Youth Bible Study
6:30 p.m.
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Websters’ Home
Wednesday Night
Dinner
5:45 - 6:30 p.m.
9
11
THU
5
FRI
SAT
6
7
13
14
Women’s Bible
Study
10:00 a.m.
Youth Team
Meeting - Noon
Children’s Team
Meeting - Noon
8
Lord’s Supper
10:30 a.m.
10
Women’s Bible
Study
6:30 p.m.
12
Women’s Bible
Study
10:00 a.m.
Valentine’s
Banquet
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Choir Practice
4:30 p.m.
15
Baby Bottle
Boomerang
Return Deadline
16
Men’s Bible Study
6:30 p.m.
17
18
Newsletter
Deadline
19
Women’s Bible
Study
10:00 a.m.
20
21
Youth Game Night
6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
PASTOR JOHN’S
BIRTHDAY
22
Choir Practice
4:30 p.m.
23
24
25
26
Women’s Bible
Study
10:00 a.m.
27
28
Monument Point Fellowship
John C. Phillips, Pastor
13720 Mount Pleasant Road
Jacksonville, FL 32225
Phone: 904-221-5035
Fax: 904-221-3230
Email: jody@mpfjax.com
www.mpfjax.com