Flamingo Beach Concert Event

Flamingo Road is gonna rock the Hollywood Bandshell next week, Friday, March 6th at 7pm, in a Family Concert Event!

Invite your friends & neighbors & small group members...

Don't miss out! Its going to be awesome.

Love Dare Discussion Guide

40 Day Love Dare Discussion Guide
Week Four

1. "And when you have received this new life and love as your own, you are free to love in ways you've never been capable before." Have you dared to trust Jesus Christ for salvation? How has that decision affected your life?
2. "There are needs in your life only God can fully satisfy. God is your everyday supply. Of everything you need." Did you deliberately spend more time praying and reading your Bible? Do you feel you are growing as a person?
3. "You can give undeserved love to your spouse because God gave undeserved love to you - repeatedly, enduringly... Unfortunately, your marriage has enemies out there." Are you committed to love, even if your spouse seemingly has lost interest in receiving it? If you feel comfortable doing so, share how you took active steps to protect your marriage this week.
4. "Lust is in opposition to love. It means to set your heart and passions on something forbidden." What are some practical ways you have found to combat lust in your life?
5. "Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord." Unforgiveness keeps us in prison. How easy or hard is it for you to forgive? Are you learning to take responsibility for your own areas of wrongdoing?

Remember to take time to pray together as a group as you finish your discussion this week.

Verse of the Week!

Colossians 3:23--" Whatever u do, work at it with all ur heart, as working 4 the Lord, not 4 men."

Gear 6 Launching soon! (Biblical Certificate)

Leaders, we are launching Gear 6, an extension of the Gears journey and a vibrant discipleship program. This 12-month series—offered in eight, four-week courses—is designed to train developing Christ-followers in key areas of the Bible, Christian faith and heritage. It will be offered at the Cooper City Campus, in Room 126, beginning March 7th, from 8:30am to noon.

The purpose of the Biblical Ministry Certificate is to provide leaders of the local church a biblical basis for ministry and to provide tools for properly interpreting Scripture in that context.

12 month journey will consist of:

1. Introduction to New Testament Study – BIUS1150 (Beginning March 7, 2009)This course is designed to provide a survey of the New Testament. The study consists of a brief overview of each book, including pertinent geographical and historical information.

2. Introduction to Old Testament Study– BIUS1110This course is designed to provide a survey of the Old Testament. The study consists of a brief overview of each book, including pertinent geographical and historical information.

3. Baptist Doctrine/Theology – THUS1110This course is designed to provide a survey of Christian doctrines with an emphasis on Baptist distinctives. The study consists of an examination of revelation, God, man, the person and work of Christ, he church, the Christian life, and the Christian hope.

4. Hermeneutics – BIUS11XXThis course on how to study God’s Word is in development.

5. Church History – THUS11XXThis course on church history is in development.

6. Evangelism– PMUS1110This course is designed to provide a study of the biblical basis of evangelism, church programs for evangelism, and personal witnessing.

7. Missions – PMUS1117This course on understanding the mission of the church is in development.

8. Apologetics– THUS11XXThis course on understanding the proof of Scriptures is in development.

You can register for any of the GEARS by emailing gears@flamingoroad.org today, or by passing by your Connections Corner at Cooper City.

Course Application Fee is $25. Four (4) week sessions cost $90 (college accredited hours).

Totally GOD

"That's how u know it's God's vision: if it's bigger than u & bigger than what u can do." Beautiful Words at Beautiful Feet conf. #C309

Well, are you?

Know any crazy people??? There’s good crazy, not so good crazy…crazy-crazy folks!! Actually many crazy people doing life on church & leadership teams. Yes, you heard right! Ed Young gave us some principles on dealing with crazy people.

How do you know if someone is “crazy” or have “crazy” qualities?

They possess several or ALL of these:

You see “it” in their eyes
They pull the God card (all the time) “God told me…”
Name dropping!!
One :uping”
Blow the phone or scenario UP!
You give them advice, they get teary eyed…but DON’T change
Are SELF-centered & consistently think & talk about themselves
They DON’T have a filter
Dress in FULL gear of their team
Enjoy their dysfunction!!?!
Answer phone like this.. “yellooow”
They want, demand & ABSORD your FULL attention
Are pride-FULL (& ignorant to their craziness)

God has built-in a “crazar” radar in all of us. It will help you discern.

Some of the biggest leaders in the Bible were surrounded by crazy people…Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar. King Belshazzar, a crazy himself, in the midst of this situation, but couldn’t see the writing on the wall. He failed to see Daniel. He didn’t know who he was. As a result, he “deconstructed” lost it ALL.

We must weed through the crazy people, to find the “Daniels”.

God will give us opportunities to confront crazy people. Daniel did. When you must confront, do so in love & respect while honoring the position they hold. Speak the truth & shame the devil!!

Craig Groeschel said...

Becoming obsessed with what people think about you is the fastest way to forget what God thinks of you. Wow. - Craig

Love Dare Discussion Guide

40 Day Love Dare Discussion Guide
Week Three

1. "But if you've been delighted before - which you were when you got married - you can be delighted again." Share how you chose to neglect one of your activities, in order to focus on something your spouse would really like to do.
2. "A person who has become holy to you has a place no one can rival in your heart." What unusual thing did you do this week to show honor and respect for your spouse?
3. "Prayer really does work. It is a spiritual phenomenon created by an unlimited, powerful God." Did praying for your spouse this week change your own heart in any way? What did you learn about yourself as you prayed for your spouse?
4. "And yet God, who knows secrets about us that we even hide from ourselves, loves us at a depth we cannot begin to fathom." Did you take time to really listen to your spouse? Did you learn something new about them? What did you do specifically to get to know them better?
5. "The truth is, you can't live without Him, and you can't love without Him." Did some of the dares from the past days seem humanly impossible? Are you starting to learn to depend entirely upon Jesus Christ for your relationship? Talk about this.

Remember to take time to pray together as a group as you finish your discussion this week.

What if??? (from C3)

We are down at C3 with the TEAM, an awesome creative conference led by Ed Young's church & in just a few hours last night...here's what left an imprint on my heart:

What if?

• we could see each other in the body of Christ thru MERCY
• we could see THE LOST through MERCY
• we were reminded daily that God's mercy is greater than anyone's failure!
• everything we did, we did through His eyes...thru MERCY

We were reminded how GOD is OBSESSED with the LOST! Lost sheep, lost coin, lost son...our role in all of this? To be the spiritual GPS's or Navigators for the LOST in a hurting world FILLED with LOST people, lost sheep, lost coins, lost sons...we are to REROUTE those who are lost to HIM. Afterall, HE GAVE HIS ONE & ONLY SON for the LOST.

And here were some of my FAVORITE one liners of the night that I had to write down:

• "Don't identify your life as a Christian by what you don't do, but by WHAT YOU DO for Him (your foot prints :)
• "The only way a room gets dark...is by turning OFF the light (that's us removing ourselves from the lost)"
• "Are you a fishermen of men...or are you a Keeper of the aquarium?"
• "Most churches dont want to be inconvenienced to reach the lost..." :(

Thank you God for allowing me to be part of a Vision that WILL be inconvenienced, stretched, annoyed, exhausted, tried, tired before giving up! Protect our Flamingo as we go after it!!!!

Pensacola anyone???

If you're at one of Flamingo's campuses (or not) and would like to volunteer to be a part of the Pensacola Party heading north every weekend for the launch of Flamingo Road's 7th campus . Email me here - It's going to be a blast ... the people are pumped and the buzz has begun. Easter 2009 launch is going to rock. We're looking for some fired up people willing to take some time off on the weekend and spread the fire up in Pensacola ... let us know in Connections or email heredes.ribiero@flamingoroad.org.

Don't think about it twice!! Just do it!!

Life is so short...make time matter :)

Friends that are more like Sisters

I am reminded of a verse in John when I see this picture..."Love each other as I have loved you"

Love comes in all shapes, colors & sizes. I feel so blessed that I am loved on so many levels when it comes to friends & family...and these girls have been like sisters to me for so many years...in the good & not so good times, in my celebrations & mournings...in my victories & losses.

We are going on 18 strong years + & counting..thank you for a glorious afternoon last Saturday...for my special Tea Garden Shower, but most of all, your LOVE all these years. I am so blessed to have you each in my life.

The Love Dare Discussion Guide

40 Day Love Dare Discussion Guide

Week Two

1. "Because love is not selfish and puts others first, it refuses to let jealousy in. It leads you to celebrate the successes of your spouse rather than resenting them." Have you been able to focus on your spouse's achievements this week? Brag about your spouse!
2. "...adding warmth and enthusiasm gives you the chance to touch your mate's heart in subtle unspoken ways." Did you change how you greet your spouse to reflect your love for them? How does a warm greeting make you feel?
3. "When you rebuild your marriage with agape as its foundation, then the friendship and romantic aspects of your love become fore endearing than ever before." In what practical way did you meet a need for your spouse? Did you find a way to make them feel cherished?
4. "If it doesn't matter in the long run - especially in eternity - then give up your rights and choose to honor the one you love." Did you experience any power struggles this week? Did you willingly choose to give in to an area of disagreement?
5. "Love reminds you that your marriage is too valuable to allow it to self-destruct, and that your love for your spouse is more important than whatever you're fighting for." Were you able to establish healthy rules of engagement this week?

Remember to take time to pray together as a group as you finish your discussion this week.

New Connection Groups launching soon!!

Conexion Mujer Latina - Weds, 11am, in Room 127"Connecting spanish speaking Women with the Vision of Flamingo"
Contact Gabriela at gabrielasmx@yahoo.com.mx


Monthly Senior Adult Connection Group (Cooper City Campus)Gathers in the "Children's Building" (The Dive), Every last Thursday of the Month from 11-1:30pm for a warm time of fellowship & lunch. Cost is $7 per person - Contact john.fleming@flamingoroad.org


Women's Book Study - "The Sleeping Beauty"Cooper City, Thursdays in Rm 127 at 7:30pm"See yourself as God sees you". Book is $10.Contact bernymudo@bellsouth.net


Women's Connection Group - Cooper City CampusWeds Nights, 7pm, "The Children's Building" (The Dive)"Uniting Women to reach their God-potential"
Contact barbarabashley@bellsouth.net


Bilingual "Latin Connection" Group - Tuesdays at 8pm
Wilfredo & Mildred Orama's Home19060 SW 24 St, Miramar
Email worama@zerassociates.com


Singles Connection Groups (Cooper City Campus) Friday Nights, 7:30pm, in Room 126/127 Contact singles@flamingoroad.org
"Don't do life alone"http://www.flamingoroadchurch.com/

Singles Connections Event tonight at 7:30pm

Singles of Flamingo!!! Connections is hosting the 1st Singles event of the year in the Cooper City Lobby...starting at 7:30pm. Come on out & invite a friend!

Singles Connection Groups include:

- The "new" Loft (25-35)

- Summit! (35 - 45)

- and new group "Legacy" (45 & better!)

For all the details, check out our website and to connect with Singles Connection Groups...email singles@flamingoroad.org

Movie Date Night for Couples this Friday

Say "I Do" ... All Over Again!
It was the No. 1 independent movie release of 2008, confounding movie-industry experts with its strong showing week after week after week at cineplexes across the country. Much more importantly, the movie touched the hearts and marriages of more than 4 million people!

We are preparing a romantic couples Movie Date night this Friday at our Cooper City & Hallandale Beach Campus. Event starts at 7pm. (Saturday night at Lima Campus). You can register your child for free childcare by sending an email to connections@flamingoroad.org with names & ages.

Don't miss this Couples Connection Event! Fireproof your marriage.

How many families have you invited?

Hey guys, just a quick reminder that we are in the midst of a brand new series this wknd very creatively called "The Family Series" :) Gonna be talking about dating, marriage, parenting, finances & much more all areas Pastor Troy is passionate about. You will not want to miss a single weekend...AND, it's a great time to INVITE people...invite neighbors, coworkers, other mommies that do not yet know Christ. Everyone has a family, comes from a family, lets make a dent in South Florida. 5.2 million live here, 93% are unchurched.
We are His hands & feet....and VOICE!

God chose YOU!!!

It is such a privilege to sit in our monthly Staff Meetings..I can remember sitting in service weekend after weekend as a Member of Flamingo wanting MORE, wanting to make an IMPACT, wanting to get OUT OF MY SEAT, come alongside our Pastors, and be a part of this VISION...the sense of urgency, VERY REAL. I have to pinch myself most days because I am honored to get to do what I do at Flamingo...being called to Ministry is such an honor....even though I knew in my heart, I would be going head to head with the enemy.

Tonight Pastor Troy would remind us to:

- Be authentic in our joy & sorrow with others...don't do life alone

- BELIEVE in your calling!

- Have COURAGE to do the work, and act upon results

- God's calling is on our entire family as even our kids have been chosen for this place & time

- He begged us to GUARD OUR HEARTS (which carry our dream, drive & passion!!)

- TRUST God with our DREAMS!!! (my favorite :)

- Be OBEDIENT TODAY...to be prepared for "picture day"

- Watch out for our enemy - Satan, who wants to DESTROY you (my least favorite)

- Persevere, persevere, persevere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God, help us use ministry to BUILD people, to partner with the lives you entrust us to Shepard to reach their God-potential...give us the STRENGTH to persevere...to TRUST YOU unconditionally no matter what we are facing today, and to be reminded that we were created with purpose and destiny.

Give us the tenacity to LIVE and not just exist. -L

Don't worry...

• Live longer by worrying less.



• Worrying occurs when God is left out of the process.



• Worry is a choice.



• Dont worry about what you can't do. If you must worry, worry about why you won't do what you should do.



• When you choose to worry, you are choosing not to trust God.



• The best way to stop worrying is to start praying.



• Prayer changes things....worry changes nothing.

The Love Dare Discussion Guide

40 Day Love Dare Discussion Guide

Week One

1. "Patience avoids a problem; kindness creates a blessing." What discoveries ab out love did you make this week? How did you show patience and kindness?
2. "If there were ever a word that means the opposite of love, it is selfishness." What did you choose to give your spouse this week? What happened when you gave it?
3. "Love is thoughtful... great marriages come from great thinking." What did you learn about yourself or your spouse by practicing thoughtfulness?
4. "When you're irritable, the heart of the problem is primarily a problem of the heart." Where do you need to add margin to your life? What have you learned about times when you overreact, and the motivation behind your overreaction?
5. "In the deep and private corridors of your heart there is a room... called the Appreciation Room. Down another dark corridor lies the Depreciation Room." How did recognizing the existence of these two figurative rooms affect your behavior toward your spouse?

Remember to take time to pray together as a group as you finish your discussion this week!

Privilege of praying for others...

We had the honor of going into our auditorium this morning as Flamingo Staff to read & pray over the prayer requests that came in this weekend...if I may just share some of these with you and ask that you lift them up as well. There is so much hurt...

* Please pray for my husbands salvation

* Pray for my brother in NY who has a brain tumor - pray for his children

* asks that we pray for her marriage

* Diaz asks that we pray for a job

* Janet asks that we pray for her son

* Smith asks that we pray for their financial difficulties

* M asks for God's direction for his life

* V we pray for healing in her heart

* K asks that she could conceive after many years of failed attempts

* K asks for healing in her marriage

* J asks prayer for her son

* Beth asks for prayer for her home & direction for her husband

* A family ask we pray about a huge decision

There were so many more which we lifted before God. Lets also keep lifted all the lives that took that next step in Baptism this weekend and as always, pray for our Pastor & his family as he drives this HUGE vision God has given Flamingo.

Its an honor & privilege to do what we do everyday.

Attendance Averages Due!

January attendance averages are due by the 5th.

One of our goals in 2009 is to increase participation in small groups and connection ministries to 25%. Help us track this metric by submitting your attendance averages consistently by the 5th of every month via email to barby.ward@flamingoroad.org, or by stopping by the "Connections Corner".

Thank you in advance for your collaboration!