What's up @ CF

Staff Highlight

dspallone@cfmiami.org (dspallone) — Sat, 02 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Pastor Eric Geiger

Pastor Eric serves as Executive Pastor for Christ Fellowship, overseeing and providing leadership to the staff on behalf of Pastor Rick, leading in strategic initiatives, and serving as the point-person for the day-to-day ministry of the church. He also frequently teaches at weekend services.

Eric and Kaye have been married for 12 years and have a daughter named Eden, which you have probably all heard about by now.

For fun, Eric enjoys dating Kaye, playing with Eden, reading, writing, and challenging other guys on staff to a game of hoops.

Staff Highlight

dspallone@cfmiami.org (dspallone) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 14:50:00 +0000

David Lopez

David oversees mission efforts at the Palmetto Bay and Downtown campuses. He was born in San Salvador, El Salvador, but left due to civil unrest and arrived in Miami when he was four-years-old. David graduated from Southwest Senior High School and attended Trinity International University. He has a Bachelors degree in Biblical Studies with minors in elementary education and sociology. David is very close to completing his M.A. in Missiology.

He married his wife, Adriana, in 2000, and after serving in Miami for a few years, they moved to Texas, to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Then, David and Adriana lived in Milan, Italy, as church planters with the IMB for a few years. They have a son David Sebastian Lopez.

David currently works with an organization called Family and Children Faith Coalition. FCFC is a local faith-based, non-profit that's working with CF on a variety of projects. He likes Italian food, reading, learning, teaching, and starting things from scratch.

Boot Camp Challenge, 2.0 Style

jreed@cfmiami.org (JReed) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:12:00 +0000

At Christ Fellowship, our Pastors have recently challenged their members to step up and take the "Boot Camp Challenge"...

Engage fully in all 6 Boot Camp Services (our weekend services)
Spend time with God every morning for 30 days
Pray and fast along with all of Christ Fellowship on Thursday, May 7th
Reach Beyond the walls of the church once with your Small Group

I'm taking the challenge, and I hope you do too. I do, however, have an additional addendum for some of you out there... the #BootCamp2.0 challenge... share your Boot Camp Challenge experience online through your Social Networks!

If you Facebook, then share what God's doing through your life on Facebook! Write status updates, share pics, post notes/articles about your experience with the Boot Camp Challenge.

If you Twitter, share your experience (in less than 140 characters, of course) with how the Boot Camp Challenge is changing your life. Please use the hashtag #BootCamp2.0 somewhere in your twits (no space between "Boot" "Camp" and "2.0"). By using the hashtag #BootCamp2.0, Twitter will combine all our experiences together into one feed!

If you Blog, then share with your readers/subscribers how the experience has brought you closer to Him.

You can start with Sunday's services, where Rick spoke to all our campuses on "Commitment" (audio's already online if you missed it), and then online devotions start tomorrow at the "My Boot Camp Challenge" website. Share what God did during your fast, or how you helped reach out to your community during your Reach Beyond... we want to hear your stories!

I ask my readers to hold me accountable, as I go through this. But then I challenge you 2.0 people out there (you know who you are) to come alongside me, be open with your experiences and share with your friends, family, and co-workers how God is growing you through the Boot Camp Challenge.

Will you take the Challenge, 2.0 style? Holler at me - jreed [at] cfmiami [dot] org - if you do, and we'll see you online!

(Thanks to Carlos Lollett for the idea...)

UPDATE: Just got a look at the Bootcamp Challenge website. AWESOME! Check it out. Do it! Do it! Do it NOW!

Staff Highlight

dspallone@cfmiami.org (dspallone) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:46:00 +0000

Todd Breiner

Todd Breiner is our Middle School Pastor. He has been on staff for two years and is passionate about ministering to students! He is a graduate of Liberty University. Todd is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio and loves to watch Ohio State Buckeye Football. He is married to JoAnn, who also serves in the student ministry. Together they have a beautiful two-year-old daughter named Abi Jo. They are expecting a baby boy, Anderson any day now.

Todd enjoys reading books whenever he gets a quiet minute. He loves playing sports of all kinds and enjoys going to the zoo with his family. Todd's favorite activity is to go on dates with his wife and watch his daughter do gymnastics. Watching "The Biggest Loser" is an event every Tuesday night.

Good Friday thought from pastor eric

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Geiger) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:34:00 +0000

Today, take some time to reflect on the gospel…the good news that Christ accomplished and completed your salvation on the cross.

The gospel is the good news that God’s righteousness is given to us because Christ died for our sins. We are incapable of becoming right before God in our own goodness. But the good news is that our righteous God came here to give us His righteousness. Romans 1:17 is the central verse in Romans and was the foundational verse that brought about the reformation.

For in the gospel, a righteousness from God is revealed (Romans 1:17).

Martin Luther (the initiator of the Reformation) was a young monk who hated Romans 1:17 because he hated the phrase, “the righteousness of God.” He dreaded the phrase because he knew no matter how hard he tried he could not attain the righteousness of God. He lived his life by a list of rules, attempting to do more and more good to earn Gods righteousness. But he only grew more and more frustrated. After studying this verse day and night, God transformed Luther’s heart and he became a new person. He realized that God was offering His righteousness if he would simply receive it and place his faith in Christ.

Because of the cross of Christ, God gave His righteousness to those of us who believe. This is why in the gospel, a righteousness from God is revealed.

Luther then wrote…

And now, where I once hated the phrase “the righteousness of God,” I began to love and extol it as the sweetest of words, so that this passage in Paul’s letter became the very gate of paradise for me. ~ Martin Luther

Easter at Christ Fellowship

dspallone@cfmiami.org (dspallone) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:49:00 +0000

All services are identical at each campus.

Downtown
Wednesday, April 8th
Service @ 12:00 PM

Sunday, April 12th
Service @ 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM
Family Easter Activities @ 12:30 PM
Located @ 500 NE 1st Avenue, Miami, FL 33132
Click here for directions.

Homestead
Saturday, April 11th
Family Easter Activities from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Service @ 5:30 PM
Located @ Waterstone Charter School, 855 East Waterstone Way, Homestead, FL 33034

Sunday, April 12th
Service @ 10:00 AM & 11:30 AM
Located @ Campbell Drive Middle, 900 NE 23rd Avenue, Homestead, FL 33033
Click here for directions.

Palmetto Bay
Friday, April 10th
Service @ 7:00 PM

Saturday, April 11th
Family Easter Activities from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Service @ 6:30 PM

Sunday, April 12th
Service @ 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM & 12:30 PM
Located @ 8900 SW 168th Street, Miami, FL 33157
Click here for directions.

Redland
Saturday, April 5th
Family Easter Activities @ 1:00 PM
Located at South Dade Park, 16350 SW 280th Street, Homestead, FL 33031

Sunday, April 12th
Service @ 9:00 AM & 10:30 AM
Family Easter Activites @ 12:00 PM
Located @ 16390 SW 248th Street, Redland, FL 33031
Click here for directions.

West Kendall
Sunday, April 12th
Service @ 8:30 AM & 10:00 AM
Located in The Regal Kendall Village Theater, 8595 SW 124th Avenue, Miami, FL 33183
Click here for directions.

Staff Highlight

dspallone@cfmiami.org (dspallone) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:44:00 +0000

Pastor Sammy Flores

Sammy and his wife Linda, have been married for nearly 28 years and they have 3 beautiful children. He has an undergraduate and a graduate degree in music. He loves music, worship, and our Lord. He's thankful for all that Christ has allowed him to do and be. His hobbies include running marathons, biking, triathlons, hunting, fishing, taking road trips with the family, and family night at home.

One of his favorite verses is Zephaniah 3:17; "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

Sammy loves his life. He says, "What could be better? A loving Savior who has given me much grace, a beautiful and devoted wife, three awesome children and the best church ever to serve. Incredible!"

312

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Geiger) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 23:49:00 +0000

Pastor Eric here with HUGE news...

The first quarter of 2009, CF small groups “reached beyond” the walls of CF into the city and culture 312 times. We ask all small groups to serve the community at least once a quarter and our groups nailed it. CF groups participated in 312 different service projects, which averages to be over 3 tangible expressions of God’s love via serving every single day.

I am very proud of our groups at every campus. The acts of service range from cooking burgers for students at FIU to providing school supplies for public school teachers to providing a day at the park for terminally ill children to serving in our Caring Place at Downtown (Homeless ministry) or Redland (Farm Workers Community), to landscaping the Agape women’s center property to building a playground for children at the Florida Baptist Children’s home.

So excited about what God is doing…

Staff Highlight

dspallone@cfmiami.org (dspallone) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:16:00 +0000

Paul Ronda

Paul is the proud father of five, and in love with his wife, Mechelle. He enjoys problem solving, working with his hands, sailing, and riding his bike.

Paul manages the Maintenance and Security teams at our Palmetto Bay campus, and currently volunteers at CF Caring Place Downtown. His favorite treats are ice cream, grilling and chocolate.

Staff Highlight

dspallone@cfmiami.org (dspallone) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:34:00 +0000

Anthony Spallone

Anthony Spallone was born in Germany on December 9, 1986. He is the Youth Director for CF Students at our West Kendall campus. Anthony married his wife Lauren last July at our Downtown campus. He is enrolled at Liberty University, studying Theology.

Some of Anthony's favorite hobbies are Ping Pong and Dodgeball. His favorite meal is pizza with a LOT of ketchup.

CFLive, the slide show...

jreed@cfmiami.org (JReed) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:32:00 +0000

CFLive: Because of His Great Love was a huge success. Thanks to everyone who helped to make it happen.

Below is a slide show from the night. Watch and enjoy as we celebrate our transformed lives because of His Great Love.

The CD/DVD recording from the evening will be available soon online, or at a Christ Fellowship Campus near you.

Staff Highlight

dspallone@cfmiami.org (dspallone) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:15:00 +0000

Chet England

Chet is the Director of Ministry Support at our Palmetto Bay campus. In this role, he is responsible for the oversight and direction of custodial services, facilities and vehicle maintenance, campus security, staff clerical support, Christ Fellowship Academy, food service operations, building projects and our volunteer support ministries. He has been a member of the church for 23 years and has been on staff for almost five years, after retiring from a 37 year career in the food industry.

Chet has been married to his wife Carol for all of those 37 years and they have two grown children, Christopher and Bethany. He loves to sing and is a faithful participant in our Palmetto Bay worship choir. For the past three years, Carol and Chet have led a Vacation Bible School class during mission trips to Capetown, South Africa.

Pastor Who?

dspallone@cfmiami.org (dspallone) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 14:11:00 +0000

Pastor Tony Isaacs

Tony is the Small Groups Pastor at our Palmetto Bay campus, where he just celebrated 10 years here at Christ Fellowship in January. Tony and his lovely wife Lavonne have been married for 27 years and they have four children: Jesse, Luke, Jenna and Jared.

Tony is a 7th degree Senior Master with the American Taekwondo Association. His hobbies are watching his kids and fishing in the Everglades. Some of Tony's favorite things include, the movie Apollo 13, the book "Purpose Driven Life" and mission opportunities.

6:30 & 8:30!!!

noreply@blogger.com (whatsupatcf) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 18:15:00 +0000

LIVE @ CF Worship Concert this Saturday Night, February 28th at 6:30 pm & 8:30 pm (Palmetto Bay Campus).

We are adding a second Night of Worship experience at 8:30 p.m., for this weekend only, just for this incredible night of worship! At the 8:30 p.m. time slot, there will ONLY be the music portion of worship, and no teaching from Pastor Rick. Also, CF Kids and CF Students will not be offered.

The new time slot (8:30 p.m.) is perfect for you:
1. If you attend a campus other than Palmetto Bay, then you should consider coming to the 8:30 p.m. "Night of Worship," because you will hear Rick's message from the 6:30 p.m. service at your campus in a few weeks, and the 8:30 p.m. service will only be the music portion.

2. If you do not have children, this is a great option because we will not be offering CF Kids for this service, only for the 6:30 p.m. service.

3. If you are a volunteer who will be serving during the 6:30 p.m. service, then the 8:30 p.m. service is perfect for you. Feel free to bring your kids to the 8:30 p.m. service!

4. Web Savvy folks - hey if your reading this and don't go to bed at 9:45 p.m. while watching CNN, then 8:30 p.m. is not late for you.

We want this to be an incredible experience for our guests and our members. By offering this additional service we believe that those who come will leave encouraged and excited about all that God is doing here at Christ Fellowship and in this city.

Pastor Who?

dspallone@cfmiami.org (dspallone) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:28:00 +0000

Pastor Jorge Molina

Pastor Jorge Molina and his wife Jessica moved to Miami five years ago to begin serving at Christ Fellowship. They have two beautiful daughters, Gabriela and Nadia. Jorge is the Missions Pastor, as well as the Homestead Campus Pastor.

Jorge is originally from El Salvador and is a graduate of Liberty University. He enjoys spear fishing, reading, leading mission trips, running, watching football (Go Dolphins!) and playing Wii games with his family.

Pastor Who?

dspallone@cfmiami.org (dspallone) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:29:00 +0000

Pastor Jeff Borton

Jeff Borton is the Pastor of Students at our Palmetto Bay campus. He loves seeing students' lives transformed, discipled, and involved in missions of any kind. He honestly believes High School students are some of the coolest people in the world.

Some of Jeff's interest are reading good books, writing, sports, and when the weather is good, he enjoys spear fishing with friends. Jeff and his wife, Jen, have been married for almost 5 years. Jeff recently co-authored a book with Pastor Eric entitled, "Simple Student Ministry," which will be available in book stores and online later this year.

When you have the chance, come to the student area at our Palmetto Bay campus. He would love to meet you!

Pastor Eric is "hung-over."

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Geiger) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 20:47:00 +0000

Last night, we gathered the volunteers from all our campuses for our quarterly ministry rally, where we share some direction and provide training. Was an electric atmosphere and I always feel that the people in that room can change Miami. Some highlights:

We introduced our mission’s staff. We have expanded our mission’s team to help us better reach our city. They include Jorge Molina (who focuses on Homestead and Redland campuses – South side of the County), David Lopez (who focuses on Palmetto Bay and Downtown), Cassie Lollett (West Kendall), and Carlos Fojo who works with our partnerships.

We announced that we intend to take CF Caring Place throughout Miami-Dade County (not just Downtown) as a means to serve under-resourced and hurting. We envision this being a separate 501c3 (not for profit organization).

After pushing groups in the main session, I heard the most incredible story in a breakout session. A guy was sharing in the small group leader’s breakout how he brought his mother-in-law to church for Christmas. She became a believer. And then just died in a car accident last Saturday – 33 days after becoming a Christian. His small group has been incredible for him and his wife during this time. I am grateful for how the gospel changes lives and for how biblical community holds us together.

I feel hung-over today because last night was very intense, but it’s a good hung-over. One that caused me to fall asleep grateful to be apart of Christ Fellowship.

Pastor Who?

dspallone@cfmiami.org (dspallone) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 20:50:00 +0000

Pastor Bill Baggett is our Redland Campus Pastor. He feels so blessed to serve on staff at Christ Fellowship. Many years ago, he married his wife, Marilyn, at First Baptist Church of Perrine. They have one son, Jeff, who is in the Sports Medicine field in Pensacola.

One of his favorite pastimes is to read. His favorite authors include John MacArthur, John Piper, and Ed Stetzer. He is also an avid fisherman and hunter, quail being his favorite.

LIVE @ Christ Fellowship Volume 2

dspallone@cfmiami.org (dspallone) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 03:11:00 +0000

Join us Saturday, February 28, 2008 for the recording of Live @ Christ Fellowship Two. Check out www.cfmiami.org/home for directions.

Ministry Rally

noreply@blogger.com (whatsupatcf) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Friday, February 6, 2009 from 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

Are you interested in serving or are you already serving? Then join us for dinner, a message and some training. Childcare with a meal will be provided for birth - 5th grade only.

RSVP HERE

Ministry Rally - Mission Support

dspallone@cfmiami.org (dspallone) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:03:00 +0000

Our next Ministry Rally is Friday, February 6, 2009, 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

Are you interested in serving or are you already serving?

Then join us for dinner, message and some training. Childcare with a meal will be provided for birth - 5th grade.

Pastor Who?

noreply@blogger.com (whatsupatcf) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 13:23:00 +0000

We have A LOT of pastors on staff at Christ Fellowship, so in an effort to familiarize you with our pastoral staff we are posting a series of blogs highlighting members of the CF staff.

First up…Pastor Pete Cotto

Pete is our Pastor of Pastoral Care and Downtown Campus pastor. Pete worked for many years in a managerial role at Costco Wholesale before joining the CF staff. He holds a degree in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University, and at one time Pete was a professional wrestle in the World Wrestling Federation. You can watch some of his matches on YouTube under the name 'Pete Sanchez".

PODCAST

noreply@blogger.com (whatsupatcf) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:00:00 +0000

I'm not sure if you realize, but you can download the weekend messages to your MP3 player and listen to GREAT biblical teaching in your car, at the gym, or where ever. Just subscribe to our podcast by clicking HERE.

Downtown Mid-Week service EVERY WEEK

noreply@blogger.com (whatsupatcf) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:00:00 +0000

If you work or attend school in the Downtown area we have an awesome, mid-week worship service for you and your friends.

Get Connected

noreply@blogger.com (whatsupatcf) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:00:00 +0000

We believe that a Small Group is the best environment for growth and life change. To get connected to a Small Group visit our website HERE.