What’s Happening 5/15/26

Unfortunately, we are no longer able to use the Walgreens parking lot across from the church for Sunday parking. Please first use the church parking lot, then the Calumet Club lot, and if those are full, you are welcome to use the business parking lots just past Walgreens on the left. Strandz Salon has asked that we leave three spots open in front of their doors.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Please help us welcome our new church family members, Brian & Brenda Bierman, Doug & Trena Beaty, Brian & Carol Thurston, and Hannah Walker!

We are thankful you are now part of the Forward family and look forward to serving, worshiping, and doing life together with you!

“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” — Romans 15:7

This past Sunday was a truly special day in the life of Forward Church as we celebrated our Family Dedication.

During this meaningful moment, families made a commitment to raise their children to know and love the Lord, dedicating them to God and committing to lead them with faith, intentionality, and prayer.

We are so grateful to stand alongside these families and celebrate what God is doing in their homes and in the next generation.

The following children were dedicated to the Lord on May 10, 2026:

Mark Blanton
Ivy Brock
Ezra Brock
Olive Brock
Levi Miller
Logan Mathis
Landon Mathis
Lillian Mathis
Ezra Chastain
Ainsley Estes
Hadley LaCroix
Sophia LaCroix
Silas LaCroix
Tillie Kasse
Jane Skees

“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
Deuteronomy 6:6-7

If you’re new to Forward Church, we’d love to invite you to Lunch with the Leaders following the service on Sunday, June 14th! This is a great opportunity to meet our church leaders and make connections with others who are new in the church as well. Lunch and childcare will be provided. Space is limited to 20 people, so be sure to register soon!

Women of Forward, join us for our next Game Night! on Friday, June 26th, from 6-8PM. Bring an appetizer or dessert to share. Register online and let us know you’re coming! See you there!!

We have a meaningful volunteer opportunity available for anyone with a heart to care for others. If you have the gift of mercy—supporting people in times of need—we invite you to be part of our Care Ministry.

This team serves our Forward Church family by providing meals, visiting those who are sick at home or in the hospital, offering support during times of loss, and more. Through both life’s challenges and celebrations, we aim to walk alongside our members and share the love of Jesus in practical ways. If you feel called to serve in this way, please reach out to Lisa Sutherland at lisa@forwardchurchfamily.com.

We want to celebrate and recognize our 2026 high school graduates! If you are a graduating senior, or have a graduating senior, please email Blake your student’s name along with a horizontal (landscape) photo. Congratulations Class of 2026!!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

This year’s Women of Forward Fall Retreat dates and location are officially set! Make plans to join us Thursday, November 5th at 7PM through Saturday, November 7th at 3PM.

We’ll be gathering at Cliffview Resort in Natural Bridge, Kentucky—a beautiful setting for a refreshing and meaningful weekend together. This year’s theme is “This Is My Story”.

Registration is now open! There is a $50 deposit with registration. Registration will end on Sunday, May 31st (unless sold out before).

Did you know we have a church app? The Church Center app is a simple way for you to stay connected. It’s your one-stop place for forKids check-in, giving, tithe statements, event sign-ups, payments, tracking, and much more!. Download it today!

Women of Forward – share the Love of Christ  – serve at The Breakaway Recovery House

Join us once a month as we share a meal and the love of Christ with the ladies residing at The Breakaway Recovery House, our neighbors just across the alley from Forward Church. Our goal is to make these women feel welcomed, valued, and invited to worship with us if they don’t have a church home.

Volunteers from Forward Church will prepare a meal and/or spend time in fellowship with the residents. Women of Forward, if you’d like to help or learn more, please contact Tonia Hatfield at Hatfield912@gmail.com.

Upcoming Dates:
April 19, May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 20, October 18

Propel Youth Ministry

Propel is a ministry for middle and high school students. We meet every Wednesday evening from 7:00–8:30 PM at the church. It’s more than just a gathering—it’s a place where students can grow in God’s Word while building meaningful friendships and authentic community. Come join us—we can’t wait to see you there!

Contact Pastor Blake Belles at blake@forwardchurchfamily.com with any questions.

Merge Young Adults

If you are a young adult (age 18-29) and looking for encouraging community and solid Biblical teaching, then we invite you to join us as we gather every other Monday evening at the church. Dinner is always provided at 6:30 PM and our Bible study begins at 7 PM. Our next gathering is Monday, May 11th. Look us up on Stack Team app – Merge@Forward.

Reach out to Tanya at tanya@forwardchurchfamily.com with any questions.

Sunday School Class

The Sunday School class will be taking a summer break starting Sunday May 17th.  The plan is to reconvene the class this fall. Stay tuned for updates. If you have any questions, please contact Dave Hollander at dgchollander@yahoo.com.

Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study

All men are welcome to join! Every Tuesday morning from 7-8 AM at Panera Bread on State Street. For any questions, reach out to Brent Kulwicki at brentkulwicki@gmail.com

Tuesday Evening Men’s Bible Study

All men are welcome! We meet every Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM at the church. If you have any questions or want to learn more, reach out to Vince Garmon at vinceg0710@gmail.com.

If you are interested in becoming a member of Forward, contact Pastor Neil at neil@forwardchurchfamily.com!

The Chest of Joash provides an opportunity to give above and beyond the normal tithe. The money from it goes directly to work needed done on our building.

In 2 Chronicles 24 we find Joash repairing the temple and a chest was set outside of it for people to bring a tithe that was used to pay the workers restoring the temple. Verse 10 says, “And all the princes and all the people rejoiced and brought their tax and dropped it into the chest until they had finished.”

A huge THANK YOU to all of you who have joyfully donated just as the Israelite officials and people did!

You can give to the Chest of Joash by clicking the button below and selecting “Chest of Joash” in the drop down menu.

We want you to know that you are not giving TO Forward Church, you are giving THROUGH Forward Church! Our commitment is to stewarding every dollar that God entrusts to us for the advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Join us online from anywhere every Sunday at 10:30am! You can stream our services here on our website! Just click “Watch Live” at the top of any page!

1 Peter 4:10, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:”

We’re encouraging and challenging everyone to take the step to get connected in serving on a team with us at Forward! We have many opportunities to serve:

• forKids (Nursery, Toddlers/Twos, The Clubhouse/Pre-K, God City/K-1st, The Dig/2nd-5th)
• Propel Middle (meets Sunday mornings) and Propel High (meets Wednesday evenings)
• Greeters and Ushers
• Parking Team
• Tech Team

For any area you may be interested in or want more information on, click the “Serve With Us!” button below and we’ll get you started!