251 Avenida Los Angelos, The Villages, FL 32162, 352-259-9305
FEBRUARY 2017
Visit our Website at FairwayCC.org
Fairway’s First
M I S S I O N S FA I R
February 18-19, 2017 in Fellowship Hall
Representatives from our global, national, and local
missions and outreach programs will be on hand before,
during, and after our services to share with you about
the exciting work God is doing .
Coffee and refreshments served.
The Fairway Christian Church Missions Ministry is excited to host our
first Missions Fair. Located in the Fellowship Hall, representatives from many of our
missions and outreach programs will be on hand to share with you about what God is
doing in the mission and outreach work they are involved in.
Coffee and Refreshments will be served. The adult bible school classes during
both hours will be dismissed in order to give everyone an opportunity to talk with our
mission and outreach representatives. Are you aware that Fairway Christian Church
supports 17 different mission and outreach organizations while giving over $250,000
annually to support them?
Information on Our 2017 Short-term Mission Trips will be available at
the missions Fair as well. Find out if God is asking you to GO!
TCM International Institute • Good News Productions, International • Kerala Christian Mission / India •
Partners in Missions / Ukraine • Johnson University Florida • The Chains Are Gone Prison Ministry •
Christian Restoration Ministry • Fellowship of Associates of Medical Evangelism (FAME) •
International Disaster Emergency Services (I.D.E.S.)• Lake Aurora Christian Camp & Retreat Center •
Prisoners of Hope • Dads for a Day • Love, INC.
Ministry Staff
PREACHING MINISTER
Mark Fessler
ASSOCIATE MINISTER
John Penn
ASSOCIATE MINISTER
Butch Gastfield
CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR
Norm Liskey
Office Staff
ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR
John Sears
FINANCIAL SECRETARY/TREASURER
Pat Hudy
OFFICE MANAGER
Bev Johnsey
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Leigh Ann Johnsey
RECEPTIONIST
Mary Fancher
MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR
Bill Kleckner
ELDERS
Bill Burson
John Hall
Norm Liskey (Chairman)
Allan McClure (Vice-Chairman)
DEACONS
Richard Cammeron (Chairman)
Herb Bussa
Jerry Maddox
Charlie Covey
Bill McAlister
Harry Harris (Vice-Chairman)
George Nase
Bob Iserloth
Ricardo Paras
Bill Kleckner
Dick Reddinger
Dan Lowmaster
Mike Ross
The class will be studying the
“Foundations” series.
Join us Sundays at 9 or 10:15 am
in Classroom C-D
Classes led by Dennis Leslie & Harv Buckner
“Did You Know?”
That 10% of your offering to the
General Fund each week goes to
support our Missions?
FAIRWAY SCORE CARD - JAN. 2017 Averages
Average Worship Attendance (5 weeks)
991
Total Weekly Average Bible Study Attendance
265
(Ave for January 2016= 1094)
Offerings Received (5 Week avg.)
$ 40,424.60
Impact Campaign Mission Tithe
Monthly Giving ………... $ 2,256.35
New Members since Jan. 2017 = 15
Journey of Faith Series
In an effort to help people know the Word of God and
equip themselves for ministry, we have developed the
Journey of Faith series as follows:
1. All About Fairway - Next Class—TBD
This class is a study that is taught by Mark Fessler to inform new and prospective members about the Christian
Church. Studies included in this series are: Understanding
the Bible, Why the Christian Church, Our Identity, Salvation, The Lord’s Supper, The Mission of the Church, and
The Structure of the Church.
2. Growing in Christ: Next Class - February 11
John Penn teaches this study which is designed for the
new church member, or even older church members who
want to develop a more mature approach to their relationship to God. Studies included in this series are Bible reading, spending time with God, Honoring God with my giving and fellowship.
3. Discovering Your Ministry: TBD
This class, taught by Butch Gastfield, will help you
understand the complex blend of your unique motivations, abilities, personalities and spiritual gifts, and
help you select a ministry to best use these gifts in
service for Christ and the Church.
All three classes are on a Saturday from 9 am - 2 pm,
and lunch is provided. You may sign up at THE HUB
or call the church office.
WORSHIP SERVICE TIMES
Contemporary Worship
Saturdays at 6:00 p.m.
Sundays at 9:00 a.m.
Traditional Worship
Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
Adult Bible Study Classes will be offered
Sunday mornings at 9:00 and 10:15 a.m.
Nursery available at all services.
RECREATION ACTIVITIES:
Greetings from the Library!
EVERY MONDAY, 1 - 3 PM MAH JONGG
If God is all-powerful, why does He need us to
pray? If we pray and nothing happens, does
this mean God isn’t listening? Dutch Sheets
explains it all in his book, “Intercessory Prayer”.
In the Fellowship Hall, (Janet Suttle, coordinator)
Please enter the North Foyer doors by the Library.
PICKLEBALL
Mondays, 12-1:50 pm at Sterling Heights Rec.
Center (2508 St. Charles Place) Courts #1,2 & 3
Thursdays, 3-5 pm at Pimlico Rec. Center
FAIRWAY MIXED GOLF
Men/Women/Couples/Singles
All golfing & dining together
Villages Executive Course 9-Holes
Sunday, February 12, 2017
Must have a Villages Resident ID
Tee Times 1:00 – 4:30 pm depending on course
availability. Sign up at the HUB by February 5th
CHURCH GAME NIGHT
Friday, February 10th, 6:30 pm
Come learn a new game, meet new folks,
join in the laughter and fun! Bring a few
snacks to share. Game Night is located in
Classrooms C & D.
New Beginnings
Meets the first Friday of every
month, at 10 am in Room E.
Next session: March 3rd
This group is for Widows/Widowers who want to meet
and share ideas, suggestions & fellowship together.
All are welcome to join us!
Wednesday Night Bible Study
Dinner Wed., February 15th
Dinner starts at 5:00 pm
Bible Study at 6:30 pm
“Hot Dog Fest”
Menu: Beef Hot Dogs,
Choice of toppings: Chili, Cheese, Sauerkraut, etc.
Homemade Coleslaw & Baked Beans, Chips,
Dessert, Tea & Water
Be sure to sign up at the HUB
Want to “Read Through the Bible in a Year”?
Pick up a Bible Reading Calendar for February in
the brochure racks or at the Welcome Ctr. at Door 2.
5 Non-fiction and 3 Fiction were added to the library shelves
this month.
Blessings from your Library Staff
Movie Night
Friday, February 17th
Refreshments in Fellowship Hall at 6 pm
Movie in the Worship Center at 6:30 pm
Showing: “I’m Not Ashamed”
I’m Not Ashamed is the inspiring and powerful true
story of Rachel Joy Scott- the first student killed in the
Columbine high school shooting in 1999. This hopefilled story reminds us that when we put our lives in
God’s hands, we can make a world of difference.
No charge - bring a friend and enjoy the movie!
New Ladies Bible Study
March 14 - April 25
Carole Horlock will lead:
“Becoming More Than a
Good Bible Study Girl”
Learn how to make a Bible passage come alive in your
own devotion time. Sense God responding to your
prayers. Sign up in Gathering Hall by Feb. 19 so a
book can be ordered for you.
DAYTRIPPERS
Florida Strawberry Festival
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Enjoy all the Strawberry Festival has to
offer and reserved seating for The Oak
Ridge Boys concert!
$65 per person includes:
Round-trip transportation, Reserved seating for concert,
Entry ticket for Festival.
Pick up a flyer at the HUB for Itinerary and
payment information.
Sign up in the Gathering Hall is required for this
event. Deadline to sign up & pay is February 19th.
Wednesday Night Bible Studies
January Elders Report
The monthly meeting of the Elders at Fairway was held
January 16, 2017, 4:00 PM at the church. Present were 4
Elders, Rich Cammeron, Harry Harris, Mark, Butch and
John Penn. John Hall read from John 14:27 and expounded on not needing to worry.
Deacon Report:
Rich reported on the plan for Sherm’s Memorial; he
talked about the responsibilities of the Deacons; his
questions about many of the functions of the Elders were
responded to; a question about additional Deacons
brought the understanding Deacons need to want to serve;
and the S.O.P. portions pertaining to the Deacons need to
be given to Rich.
Wednesday Night Bible Study - 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Mark Fessler is leading a study entitled “Strength for
the Journey” by Jeff Snell. This faith-building study
from the book of Hebrews, reminds us that Christ is the
same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews affirms
that Jesus is able to strengthen us for the journey
through this life and throughout eternity.
Butch Gastfield is leading a study entitled “ A Brief
Journey Through Church History”
This 5-week study will cover:
1. The New Testament Church
2. The Rise of the Roman Church
3. The Protestant Reformation
4. The Restoration Movement
5. The Church Today
Minutes were approved for the December meeting.
Financial/Business Report:
Norm gave a report on finances; the mortgage balance
1/1/2017 was $2, 020,930; the last mortgage renewal 16
months ago has saved Fairway $204,671 to date; and the
budget is on track with both giving and expenses meeting
the projections in the overall; and several projections into
the budget for FY 2017/2018 were discussed. The new
Fiscal Budget is being worked on. Norm and John are
evaluating a security firm; background checks are being
done for Dad’s for a Day;
Minister Report:
There are several mission representatives coming on
January 21st & January 28th & 29th (both Tony Twist and
Ray Trantham); the Stovers are going to take a break
from Grief Share and Discover Your Ministry; a Mission
Fair is scheduled for January 18th & 19th; there were
several reports of ministries and maintenance; and Bill
Behrman will be representing CFR in a free seminar at 4
& 6:30 PM, January 30th on Estate Planning (Trusts).
There is no cost to those attending or to the church for the
seminar.
Old Business:
Issues such as audio and video were reported on; a
Mission Committee report was made, with early planning
for a mission trip or two; Butch will be taking over the
Discover Your Ministry class in place of Allan Stover;
and there is planning for outreach ministries; the budget
for the new fiscal year, and reports on the local outreach
ministries to date.
Submitted by Allan, Recording Secretary for the Elders
The Wildwood Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen are having
their annual “Seeds of Hope” Food Drive Feb.22 - Mar. 13.
Fairway will be having their semi-annual Grocery Bag
Food Collection for Wildwood Food Pantry last 2 weeks
of March. (More info in future bulletins.)
Watch the Announcements!
In the next few months, be sure to
watch for details regarding the
Holy Land Experience Day Trip,
Friday, April 7.
This is something you won’t want to miss.
Sign-up begins, Saturday, February 26.
Have you dreamed of Walking where Jesus walked?
Seeing what he saw?
John Penn is planning the next group trip to Israel in
April 2018. John will hold an informational meeting
on Monday, February 27th at 4:30 pm to give you the
details and answer your questions.
BRYAN POPIN
CONCERT
Sunday, March 5, 2017
6:00 P.M.
Pianist, Songwriter and Worship
Leader, Bryan uses all of his Godgiven talents for the Glory of God.
Mark your calendars and invite your neighbors and
friends for this special evening of testimony and music.
Bryan was last here at Fairway in
July 2013.
From John’s Pen
Years before I ever went there, in our car
with the boys, we’d play the game Going To
Jerusalem. Someone would start by saying,
“I’m going to Jerusalem and I’m taking …
(say, a suitcase)”. The next one would say
the same thing and have to add something to it. And so
each player would add an item and have to repeat the
items before that, until someone forgot one and would
drop out, etc. Anyhow, I DID get to GO to Jerusalem
for the first time in 1994 and haven’t gotten over it
since! And I’ve taken numerous groups from here and
elsewhere, as you probably know. Now, I plan on taking
a group from here in April 2018 - and YOU can go to
Jerusalem TOO, if you wish - and to other places in the
Holy Land as well. It’s educational, undeniably: you’ll
never read or teach the Bible the same again. It’s
inspirational, unquestionably: to walk where Jesus - and
others -walked, ‘way back even to Abraham - and see
what they saw and be where they were. It’s breathtaking. We’re having a meeting February 27th at 4:30 p.m.
to let you know more about it. It may seem early to be
doing so, but our tour company says hotels over there
are nearly booked up NOW for November, and tourism
has never been busier. Part of that may be a feeling of
better relations with Israel under our new president,
which I think is true. Of course, we as tourists have
never had a security problem or threat over there. So,
the tour company advised me to let people know about
this trip starting now - and I am. Come to this meeting or one I’ll be having later - and find out all about it. Or
just ask me what you want to know.
Speaking of our government: in addition to all our
opinions, the Bible has something to say about it - and
that’s to PRAY for it, whether you’re pro or con.
Remember, the government of the 1st century was a
godless Roman one, yet Jesus, Paul, Peter all said to
respect it, obey it, and pray for it - so please see and do
what Paul says in 1 Timothy 2:1-2. I’m confident that
God has blessed, does bless, and will bless America …
as America blesses God.
Glad to be an American Christian - and able to visit
Israel again, John
Women’s Creative Card Ministry
Next Class: Tuesday, March 7th, 12:00 - 2 pm
Classroom C-D
Supplies needed: 1-8½ x 11 Solid Sheet of
Cardstock, 1-Designer Sheet of Cardstock,
Craft Scissors, Cutter, Glue tape adhesive,
Black ink pad, Limited supplies will be
available. Please sign up at the HUB.
Women’s Ministry News
2017 promises to be a wonderful
year. We have added several
positions to the Advisory Team
giving us a complete circle of Members. The Women’s
Ministry would like to extend an invitation for ALL
Women that attend Fairway to get involved with the
Women’s Monthly Teams. There are so many fun and
Spiritual Events throughout the year where Women can
socialize and form new friendships.
We started the year with the Women’s Ministry’s first
event which was “Winter Mixer”. It was well executed;
the theme was to “Mix” with Women who visit Fairway
on a regular basis and Women who are here for the
winter season. It gave all the Women of Fairway a
chance to get to know one another on a deeper level.
This month we are looking forward to a luncheon on
February 16th and next month a very Spiritual and uplifting Women’s Retreat on March 22nd. If you plan to
attend the WM Retreat please pick up your registration
form at The Hub. Fill it out and submit it to the front
Office with your check.
Registration end date is February 17th.
Ladies Retreat
“Becoming a Woman of Worth”
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Lake Yale Conference Center
Last day to Register/Pay is February 17th
Pick up a flyer at the HUB for all details!
“The Wonder of it All”
Ladies February Luncheon
Thursday, February 16, 12:00 pm
“The Wonder of it All”
DeDe Gastfield will speak about
“The Wonders of God’s Love”
All ladies and their guests are welcome!
Please sign up at the HUB if you plan to attend.
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Do to church growth and space
available, only members are listed.
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY’S:
2
Harry Harris
Robert Gall
Nilda Raynolds
Jeanne Chairez
3
John Delmage
Mei Wong Petersen
Chuck Hudson
Susan Agnew
4
Avery Creef
Sandie Kime
5
Carol Tomsey
Peggy Ruth
Maureen Ottenlips
Don Liles
7
Ralph Bortone
Jim Hires
8
Rick Sutherland
9
Shari Taylor
10
Jerry Cunningham
Nancy Nase
Linda Eccles
Kathy McGraw
Jim Wilson
Larry Anderson
Dirk Bender
11
Henry Wilhoit, Jr.
12
Cal Watson
Janet Stewart
14
Ginny Moffett
D.J. Lindholm
15
Terry Gill
Bill Hartog
16
Marianne Gregerick
17
Jim Meyer
Lydia Heistand
18
Doris Hoover
Carole Larson
19
Rick Gish
20
Teddy Murvin
Doug Wearren
21
Hollie Day
Bob Everett
Barb Wilson
22
Thomas Rupley
Marv Hollenbeck
Lorraine DeGenova
Dave Sellars
Al Heaney
23
Richard Blythe
Don Batterson
February Birthday’s Cont.
Joan May
24
Mike Tanner
Rob Hobbins
Rick McKinney
25
Marilyn Cates
Russ Bridges
26
Mary Stevens
Wendy Stephens
Don Warren
Michael Fentress
Mike Schoeben
Rosann Bunner
27
Ward Vaughn
28
DeDe LGastfield
29
Donna Bryant
MARCH BIRTHDAY’S: (1st week)
1
Rodger Ryan
Ann Hodge
2
David Gassner
Ken Rux
3
Jim Martin
Dave Flynn
Kathy Gay
Dan Johnson
4
Bob Naramore
5
Bob Lopez
Pat Byrd
6
Bebe Frantz
Butch Gastfield
7
John Pierce
MARCH ANNIVERSARIES: (1st week)
5
Herb & Eleanor Bussa
6
Ron & Ida Loranger
7
Sam & Karen Skaggs
NEW MEMBERS , JAN. 2017
FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES:
3
Bill & Sarah McAlister
Jerry & Kathy McGraw
5
Rick & Lorraine Gish
10
Jeff & Anni Albert
11
Roger & Janet Casterline
12
Terry Dolasinski, Carole
Rader
Wayne & Tricia Masters
13
George & Shirley Downs
Gene & Bonny Tokarek
14
Slim & Liza Adkison
Tom & Jeannine
Armstrong
Tony Schoonover/Judy
Hubbuch
Marshall & Sue Ramme
15
Norman & Deanna Brown
Jorge & Martha Gonzalez
17
Harry & Jackie Stuckey
18
Ward & Kathy Vaughn
Rob & Linda Garverick
19
Ron & Vickie Kinman
22
John & Martha Johnson
24
Bob & Marlene Stalter
27
Chuck & Alice Hudson
John & Suzanne Sears
Jim & Nora Wilson
Art & Dee Meyers
28
Rich & Marilyn Barrett
Byrd, Larry & Pat
Village of St Charles
Harris, Bob & Kathy
Village of Collier
Appell, Buddy & Gail
Village of Pine Ridge
Ramme, Marshall & Sue
Lady Lake
Masten, Barbara
Village of Pine Ridge
Kime, Sandie
Village of Mallory Square
Bill & Ginny Wolff
Village of Palo Alto
Dennis & Kathy Gilbert
Village of Springdale
George Brady
Village of Glenbrook
Fairway Christian Church
P.O. Box 271
Lady Lake, Florida 32158
ROMANCING YOUR SPOUSE
A husband and wife went to their unorthodox preacher for marriage counseling. As soon as they sat down,
the husband said, “Preacher, my wife says I never pay her any attention!” The preacher then got up from behind his
desk, walked over to the man’s wife, and planted a big kiss on her lips. But the husband seemed rather unconcerned.
The preacher said, “Sir, if you want to improve your marriage, that’s what your wife needs every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!” To which the husband replied, “Fine! I’ll bring her over to you Monday and Wednesday. But
you’ll have to come get her on Friday. I play golf on that day!”
This month we are encouraged to express our love to our Valentines. I hope your golf game doesn’t interfere
with romancing yours! Dr. Arthur Sazbo conducted an interesting study recently with a group of German physicians
and psychologists. He determined that those men who never kiss their wives before they go to work (or play!) are apt
to be moody and depressed. However, kissing your wife every day can have remarkable benefits. This study found
that those who do so miss less work, have fewer automobile accidents, earn 20-30% more a month, and live about
five years longer.
He explained that a kiss signifies a sort of seal of approval, and sends the husband away with a positive
attitude. And by the way, the study found that wives also seem to enjoy it! Perhaps you might consider testing out
Dr. Sazbo’s hypothesis this month and then write a book, entitled Pucker Up to Grow Rich, Feel Good, and Live
Longer!
Seriously, expressing our love should not be what we do only when the month of February rolls around each
year. Jesus frequently urged His followers to express their love to one another, especially to their spouses. In God’s
Word husbands are admonished to “love your wives, just as Christ loved the Church.” In like manner, wives are to
“respect your husbands, as to the Lord.”
Forty-five years ago the Lord did more than just send me a Valentine—He blessed me with an angel, who has
loved me more than I deserve. She committed her life first to the Lord and then to me, and I have done the same. And
the Lord has blessed us beyond our imaginations. Maybe it’s because we have followed Dr. Sazbo’s advice!
Your Partner in Ministry,
Mark