On Sunday night, June 3rd, we will be taking our regular high school youth group time to welcome our incoming freshman and honor our outgoing seniors. Also on Wednesday night, June 6th, we will be promoting our incoming 6th graders to Jr High youth group. For both of these events, students will need to DRESS FOR A MESS…the details are a surprise. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes so that you can be sprayed off and bring a towel. Parents are STRONGLY encouraged to attend these nights to observe all the fun. … [Read more...]
Worship 101
May 18, 2012 By
One of the goals of this teaching series is to help us live a constant life of worship to God! I hope to prod all of us towards worship that flows from Sunday to Sunday, not just from 8:30-10:00 on Sunday morning. We should want to make our whole life a verbal and visual offering to God, showing him everyday how worthy he is! What we are after is 24/7 authenticity, not one hour automation. And as God’s people start living a life of worship, not a ‘lie’ of worship (too many of us have taken the ‘f’ out of life and made our worship exactly that – a ‘lie’!), then everything changes … Sunday’s are different! The whole church experience becomes an overflow, not an outershow. That’s why one of my primary goals in this short series is to bring all of us to the place where we truly understand that worship is: a 7-day pursuit, not a one-day program an on-going lifestyle, not a sporadic liturgy an overflow, not an outershow authentic, not … [Read more...]
Amazing Wonders Aviation Registration
May 18, 2012 By
This year's Vacation Bible School is covering the exciting "Amazing Wonders Aviation" and is bound to take us in to the clouds! With games, snacks, exciting and educational Bible lessons, your kids will be sure to have a blast during our VBS. We can't wait for our church to be transformed into a vintage airport, with hangars, luggage, pilots, and flight crews. Sign up today for our VBS... it's right around the corner! Vacation Bible School will be running from June 10-14. Take-off is scheduled every day at 6pm, with an expected landing time of 8pm. Are you ready to register for this year's Vacation Bible School? There are two simple steps: 1. Click here to complete the online registration form. 2. Click here to download the VBS Hold Harmless form, complete it and return it to Ronell Carr [email address]. That's it...you're registered! … [Read more...]
Family Camp 2012 Registration
April 24, 2012 By
Register your family today for Family Camp 2012! … [Read more...]
Pastor of Celebration Update
April 15, 2012 By
Upon Marty's announcement that he was leaving First Family, the elders formed a transition team (Joni Boone, Steve Noble, and Josh Skow) that would continue overseeing the essential areas for which Marty was responsible. Shortly thereafter, a search team was formed as well, and the sub-team of elders working on this aspect began to have an uneasy feeling about the speed to which we were pulling things together for a search. The big question that burned in our hearts and minds was, "What does God want us to do?" rather than "Who should we be looking for?" In short, we felt that God would rather have us approach this from the perspective of what he wants for FFC instead of how do we simply fill a vacant position . After all, Marty and the Creative Team were faithfully serving under the "R2R" vision at FFC of equipping and preparing others for ministry -- getting people "ready to reproduce." With this question lingering in our minds, we took this to the entire Elder team … [Read more...]
Coming Up at FFC
April 12, 2012 By
Dear FFCer, As a Gospel-centered church, the week of Easter is one of our favorites. And God proved faithful again in drawing people to the cross and saving them. Hallelujah! Lord willing, you'll see them baptized in the next few weeks. In fact, this Sunday at 10:00 AM we'll be baptizing many whom God has saved lately, so be sure and be there to celebrate with them. And I want to thank you for being a faith family willing to live in the messiness of a spiritual birthing room! It's the beginning point of our mission as a church - to, for the glory of God, develop devoted followers of Jesus Christ in people groups here and around the world who celebrate, grow, and serve (Matt. 28:19-20, Acts 2)! Speaking of mission, this week also launches our 3-week GO emphasis, and it is our delight as a body of believers to commission the Fuller family to the Congo for a 2-year term. Join us at either service for this moving experience rooted in Acts 13. This coming Sunday is also week 28 in our … [Read more...]
Chapter 25 – The Greatest Question of All Time
March 22, 2012 By
A BBC magazine answered the “101 greatest questions of all time.”[1] What did they include? Well, questions like “What is OK short for?” Answer? “OK comes from ‘oll korrect’, a deliberately misspelled writing of ‘all correct.’ It was popularized in Boston newspapers around the 1840s when it was fashionable to go around spelling things incorrectly for humorous effect.” The #1 “greatest question” was “Where is the safest place to stand outside in a thunderstorm?” And, in case you must know the answer, it is “A car or other enclosed metal structure is the safest place to be in a thunderstorm.” Jesus asked a question that should have been first on the list. He and the disciples were in Caesarea Philippi. Call it the shopping mall of religion. It was located in a region known as Paneon, or the home of the Greek god Pan. Once it had been a center of Baal worship. A temple was located there dedicated to the godhead of Caesar. And other … [Read more...]
Chapter 24 – Breaking Free from the Kingdom of Me
March 15, 2012 By
Only 14.3 acres in total land mass, it is a small kingdom unto itself. Located in three separate areas in the United States—part in Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Northern California—you can leave the United States and enter the Republic of Molossia. It is considered to be a micro-nation . . . a “nation within” our nation. Molossia has its own flag, its own signs, and its own boundary markers. It even has its own tourist attractions. Kevin Baugh is the president, or Sovereign, over his own little kingdom. His space program consists of model rockets. The basic unit of currency in Molossia is the valora. The valora is linked in value to Pillsbury Cookie Dough. Three valora has equal value to one tube of cookie dough. There is a railroad—model sized. The national sport is broom ball. And although his nation is landlocked, he claims a navy that is merely an inflatable boat. You can visit anytime you like. But—although it sounds fun—don’t think you can move … [Read more...]
Utah Missions Training Begins Sunday
March 2, 2012 By
This Sunday we will begin weekly training for FFC's summer Utah Missions trip. Witnessing to Mormons can be confusing. Mormons use many of the same terms Christians use, but they have different meanings! For example, ask a Mormon if they believe in Jesus Christ, and they will answer yes. Ask a Mormon if they believe Jesus Christ is the son of God, and they will answer yes. Ask a Mormon if when they die they will go to heaven, and they will answer yes. Still, even though a Mormon answers yes to all of these questions, their faith is misplaced. The Mormons believe Jesus Christ is a created being and that he is "a son of God," but not the Son of God. Mormons believe they are going to heaven, but the Mormon heaven has three levels and even the most wicked, evil man in the world will go to heaven. Hell, on the other hand, is reserved for the unfortunate Mormon who is excommunicated for some reason. Learning about Mormonism is a fascinating journey through American history. You will discover … [Read more...]
Reserve your place in our pictorial directory
March 2, 2012 By
Reserve your place today in our first church pictorial directory. We have partnered with Lon Monahan to photograph the families of our church for our directory. You can be assured of a high quality family portrait taken during a 20 minute session at Lon's studio on SW Walnut in Downtown Ankeny. The portrait session is free and you will have the opportunity to purchase prints from Lon's website if you desire. We would love to have everyone who calls First Family home to be a part of our pictorial directory. You do not have to be a member. We've just added several more days to our appointment calendar, so take time now to reserve your 20-minute session. If you would prefer to make your appointment in person, we will have a table setup during the cafe time for you to sign up. Our goal is to complete the photography sessions by the end of March and have the directories available in May. Click here to make your reservation online. … [Read more...]
40 Days of Prayer and Fasting – Day 4
February 29, 2012 By
As we observed last Sunday, the Bible contains prayers that are great models for us. Such is the case in Psalm 80:19. Consider praying this today each time you review your 40 DOPF card as a way to align your heart with God's: “Restore us, O LORD God of hosts! Let your face shine, that we may be saved!” Additionally, I'd like to recommend a wonderfully helpful Web site, Examen.me, as a tool for our faith family that could prove quite beneficial during this 40-day adventure. Developed by one of our deacons, Ben Robie, and his brother-in-law, Examen.me is an interactive site designed to "foster personal interaction with God," specifically through the intentional reading of God's Word, prayer, and journaling. I have been a member for a few years and benefit from the ways it encourages reflection and intentional thought. Their various reading plans are especially beneficial, and I think many of you would also find it spiritually stimulating. Praying with you! Pastor Todd … [Read more...]
40 Days of Prayer and Fasting
February 28, 2012 By
FFCers, First, thanks for embracing the challenge of the next 40 days -- to live with a vertical perspective through prayer and fasting! Truly, as God works in us, he will surely work through us to accomplish his purposes, all for the glory of his name. On behalf of our church leadership, I am sincerely appreciative. Second, six quick reminders/clarifications in case some information this morning was accidentally omitted or not communicated as well as hoped. The 40 DOPF card was a duplicate, perforated in the middle. We are asking that, if you haven't yet, you fill out both halves and turn one in to the church office so our leadership can pray with you for your requests during these 40 days. You keep the other half for your own prayer times. Feel free to turn in your half of the 40 DOPF prayer card to the office any time in these 40 days. Obviously, the sooner the better. But some may have needed more time to think through their responses. If you didn't get a perforated prayer card, … [Read more...]
Marriage Event: Love Worth Fighting For
February 2, 2012 By
About Love Worth Fighting For The Bible repeatedly uses “father,” “husband,” “bride” and “child” analogies to demonstrate God’s relationship with the church and his followers. There is no better example of the unconditional love God has for us than what we are instructed to have for our spouse and children. Building upon these themes, Love Worth Fighting For is a marriage event, featuring teaching by Kirk Cameron and music by Warren Barfield, designed to strengthen and encourage your marriage. About Kirk Cameron Following the success of his 1980s hit television show, Growing Pains, Kirk Cameron married actress Chelsea Noble and started a family. Today the father of six is an outspoken believer and has starred in the Left Behind movie series as well as the widely acclaimed movie Fireproof that was released in theaters nationwide this past year. About Warren Barfield North Carolina-born singer/songwriter Warren Barfield is on a mission to make the truly important … [Read more...]
An “Extra Point” for FFC
January 24, 2012 By
You may not be aware that one of the labels we use for additional teaching insights about the text or topic for a given Sunday is "Extra Point." For instance, we have an "Extra Point" podcast (search in iTunes and subscribe for free!), and many of my blogs are just that -- "extra points" that help us understand and apply the Scripture/subject on which we're focused. There are even some "extra point" videos on my YouTube channel (aka Todd's Tube). Consider this an "Extra Point" email that encourages you to either check out the following blog about God's chastening nature, or listen to my message from Isaiah that gives even more understanding about this aspect of God's character. Or both! Oddly, I actually "stumbled" across this blog I wrote in 2008 when it came up as my most-read blog of 2011…and then to see that the topic was about the very thing I taught about yesterday. Quite timely, I thought. So maybe God will use it for his glory among the body here as we continue to process … [Read more...]
Chapter 16 – Create a Revolutionary Motto for Your Life
January 18, 2012 By
In the early formation of our nation, George Washington had the opportunity to become king of the burgeoning nation. But given the young nation’s experience with England and because he had a robust prayer life, he knew there was only one King, so he declined the offer. The people of the land apparently knew the same. “In a 1774 report to King George, the Governor of Boston noted: ‘If you ask an American, who is his master? He will tell you he has none, nor any governor but Jesus Christ.’ The pre-war ColonialCommittees of Correspondence soon made this the American motto: "No King but King Jesus."[1] The story of God’s chosen people might have gone very differently had they chanted the same motto. Instead, they wanted a king. Over the period of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah there were thirty-eight kings. Only five of them were good. Of the others a refrain heard throughout the Old Testament goes like this: “They did evil in the … [Read more...]
Chapter 15 – Can You Hear Him Now?
January 13, 2012 By
Verizon Wireless created one of the most memorable marketing campaigns ever in 2005. In their commercials a so-called ”test man,” accompanied by a crowd of network engineers, travels the country asking the simple question, “Can you hear me now?” in an ongoing exercise to determine the reliability of the mobile phone carrier’s network. The “catch phrase” caught on. The company’s market share went up and employee turnover went down. It seemed people could relate to the struggle to connect. Folks were tired of dropped calls and unreliable communication systems. And Verizon sent a message that they wanted desperately to connect with its subscribers and wanted its subscribers to be able to connect with each other. At the risk of selling Him short, God has done the same. Even when the Kingdom had split in two, He kept sending His message. He gave the people of the Divided Kingdom some 208 years to decide whether they would … [Read more...]
Childcare Request for “Courageous” Movie Night Feb. 3
January 10, 2012 By
First Family will provide free childcare for kids K-5th grade during the showing of “Courageous” on Friday, Feb. 3. Childcare will be available beginning at 6:45 pm. In order to take advantage of childcare, parents must register their children prior to the event. The deadline for registration is Jan. 31, 2012. If you have any questions, please contact Nathan Boyd, 515-965-8300. Please click here to register you children. … [Read more...]
Kid Central Plus Starts Tomorrow Night!
January 10, 2012 By
We are MoRe than excited for another season of Kid Central Plus to start. Tomorrow night marks the first night for this session. Show up a bit before 6pm to make sure you don't miss out on a minute of fun! Registration is not necessary so bring your next of kin, your sister and your friend. We'll wrap things up for the night at 7:3opm. If you are still interested in helping out with KC+ please email Nathan Boyd (nathanboyd@firstfamilyministries.com) and he'll get you plugged in! See you tomorrow night! … [Read more...]
I Am an American Idolator
January 5, 2012 By
This article is part instruction and part confession. As I've studied the topic of idolatry, I've found myself confessing to the Lord: I am guilty. This Sunday we will look at the results of Solomon’s life—his legacy, if you will. As we described Solomon in our last message from The Story, he was the king who “had it all.” There was nothing Solomon wanted that he did not possess—fame, fortune, wisdom, sensual pleasures—you name it, Solomon had it in spades. One thing Solomon lacked, however, was self-control. He lived a life of excess, and as a result, suffered the consequences of a life of excess. In the end, Solomon’s legacy was one of failure and defeat. The kingdom he had led to glory was to be torn in two, with only a small remnant going to Solomon’s son, Rehoboam. The remainder of the Kingdom, 10 tribes in all, was given to Solomon’s servant, Jeroboam. This revolution within the Kingdom of Israel was a direct punishment from the Lord for Solomon’s idol worship … [Read more...]
Right to Life Emphasis at FFC
January 4, 2012 By
Starting January 15 and going until January 29, FFC will be displaying an abundantly simple and positively clear message about children on the grassy (or snowy) areas of our property: WE LOVE CHILDREN! This succinct message will be nicely pictured on two banners at each end of our property, accented with three smaller "silhouetted" banners of children between them. Our goal? To celebrate children, both out of the womb and in the womb, during these weeks. In fact, January 22 is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, which is right in the middle of the two weeks of our display. This is intentional, and we want you to be aware of this. Why? So you can also clearly and concisely let curious people know what’s up with all the banners on the church property. We anticipate lots of drive-by traffic who will know clearly where we stand in relation to the treasure of children and the gift they are to a family and a society. Abortion is a wicked blight upon the soul of our nation, and this is just one … [Read more...]
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