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  • ​Savior
  • Beliefs
  • Ministries
  • Leadership
  • Movement
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Who is Jesus?
Jesus is the subject. So, who is Jesus?

Jesus is the very product of God’s love. He is the Son of God and the second person in the Trinity. Born of a virgin, he is fully human and fully God. More than two thousand years ago, he walked the earth and radically changed the culture around him. As the perfect sacrifice, he willingly endured a shameful death on a cross, taking upon himself the punishment that we deserved for our sins.

Three days following his death, he was raised to life again, neutralizing the power of sin and death over our lives. Those who accept Jesus Christ as Savior are no longer bound by the power of sin and have an eternity waiting for them in heaven. As our Lord, he calls us to personal and cultural transformation. Taking on the likeness of Christ, we seek to change the world through the love of God and offer the hope of Christ to all.

Jesus is the reason we exist. Jesus is the center of what we do. Jesus makes all the difference.

Do you want to make Jesus the subject of your life? You can become a Jesus-follower (a Christian) today!

First, recognize that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23). Second, understand that the consequence of sin is death, but God’s gift through Jesus Christ is eternal life (Rom 6:23). “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Rom 10:9 NIV).

It begins with a prayer. Talk to God. Ask him to forgive your sins (1 John 1:9), thank him for his sacrifice, and accept his gift to you. He’ll hear you, and you’ll begin a brand new life (2 Cor 5:17).
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What next?
Next Step Discipleship offers free resources for you to understand the basics of what it means to follow Jesus.
  • Let your friends and family know of your decision.
  • Connect with a local church.
  • Be baptized as a witness and affirmation of your decision.
  • Share your experience of a new life in Christ with others.
Related scriptures: Philippians 2:6–8, Isaiah 53:5, Luke 1:34, Hebrews 7:27, John 11:25, 1 John 1:7, John 14:6, John 15:15
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The Bible

GOD WROTE A BOOK

The Bible is God's Word to all people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because it was inspired by God, the Bible is truth without any mixture of error and is completely relevant to our daily lives.
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(Deuteronomy 4:1-2; Psalms 119:11, 89, 105; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 22:29; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 3:16)
Trinity

GOD: THREE IN ONE

  • Father
  • Son
  • Spirit
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God is great, God is good

God is great: He is all powerful, all knowing, ever present, unchanging, completely worthy of our trust, and above all, holy. It is in Him that we live, move and exist. God is good: He is our Father. He is loving, compassionate, and faithful to His people and His promises.
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(Exodus 3:14; Numbers 23:19; Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2; Psalm 11:4-6; Malachi 3:6 John 3:16; 4:24; 5:26; 14:1; Acts 17:28; Romans 3:3-4)

​God became man

Jesus Christ is completely human but, at the same time, completely God. He is the only plan for bringing people who are far from God back into a right relationship with God. He lived a perfect life, so that He could be a substitution for us in satisfying God's demands for perfection. He defeated death in His resurrection so that we could have life.
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(Isaiah 7:14; 53; Matthew 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 14:33; 16:16; 28:5-6; Luke 22:70; 24:46-47; John 1:1, 14; 10:30; 11:25-27; 17:1-5; Acts 1:9; 2:22-24; 7:55-56; Romans 1:3-4; 3:23-26; 8:1-3; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; Gal 4:4-5; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:15; 2:9; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 3:16)

God is always present.

His presence assures us of our relationship with Christ. He guides believers into all truth and exalts Christ. He convicts people of their sin, God's righteousness, and the coming judgment. He comforts us, gives us spiritual gifts, and makes us more like Christ.
(Genesis 1:2; Psalms 51:11; 139:7 ff.; Isaiah 61:1-3; Joel 2:28-32; Mark 1:10; Lk 1:35; 4:1; 11:13; 12:12; John 15:26; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4; 13:2; Romans 8:9-11, 14-16, 26-27; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Peter 1:21; Revelation 22:17)
Eternity

SOMEWHERE FOREVER​

Man was created to exist forever. He will exist either eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is Heaven. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence.
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(John 3:16, 36; Romans 6:23; 1 John 2:25; 5:11-13;Revelation 20:15)
Man

GOD'S IMAGE BEARERS

Man is made in the image of God and is the supreme object of His creation. Man was created to have fellowship with God but became separated in that relationship through sinful disobedience. As a result, man cannot attain a right relationship with God through his own effort. Every human personality is uniquely created, possesses dignity, and is worthy of respect and Christian love.
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(Genesis 1:26-30; 2:7, 18-22; 3; Psalms 8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 17:5; Acts 17:26-31; Romans 1:19-32; 3:10-18, 23; 5:6; 6:6; 7:14-25; 1 Corinthians 1:21-31; 15:19, 21-22; Ephesians 2; Colossians 1:21-22; 3:9-11)
Salvation

God's only way

The blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, provides the only way of salvation through the forgiveness of sin. Salvation occurs when people place their faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as sufficient payment for their sin. Salvation is a gift from God, and it cannot be earned through our own efforts.
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(Isaiah 1:18; 53:5-6; 55:7; Matthew 1:21; 27:22-28:6; Luke 1:68-69; 2:28-32; John 1:12; 3:16, 36; 5:24;Acts 2:21; 4:12; 16:30-31; Romans 1:16-18;3:23-25; 5:8-10; 6; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Galatians 2:20; 3:13; Ephesians 2:8-10;Philippians 2:12-13; Hebrews 9:24-28; Revelation 3:20)
The Church

God's design for community

The Church is a local community of baptized believers unified through faith in Christ. It is committed to the teachings of Christ and obeying all of His commands, and it seeks to bring the Gospel to the world. The Church works together in love and unity, intent on the ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ.
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(Matthew 16:18-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-47; 5:11-14; 13:1-3; 14:23; 16:5; 20:28; 1 Corinthians 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:10-12; 5:22-32; Colossians 1:18; 3:15; 1 Timothy 4:14; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 21:2-3)
Lead Pastor - Joel & Shafali Frymire

Their Story

Both Joel & Shafali received salvation at early ages. Their families’ faith having shaped much of their early lives. They both enjoy leading people into an ever deepening relationship with Jesus. They are excited to help others discover the truth of God’s word and works; showing people the similarities between their lives and those presented in the bible. Getting people to discover what God is calling them to do is one of their primary goals; they strive daily to live out the Great Commission.
Pastor Joel draws great strength from the verse Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. It reminds him that ministry is not about himself or what he does. It is letting Jesus live through him and letting Jesus be front and center in his life/ministry.

Family Life

Married since 2005 the Frymires’ feel that God has called them to live a family life that glorifies Him, just as He has called them to life of service to the church.
Their two sons (Malachi and Elliot) and two daughters (Mahalia and Eliana) are an integral part of their lives. Together, Joel and Shafali strive to raise Godly children and model a faith filled family life. While life is often messy and never perfect, Joel and Shafali strive to please God with the way the lead and guide the family He has placed in their care.
The Frymires enjoys board games, movies, fishing, hiking, and good fellowship.
Board Chairman- Joe Petrokovich
Joe, his wife, Sarah and their two teenage children have been attending Ivy Heights for  six years.  During this time, Joe has shown passion, dedication and decrement in Gods will for the church. 

Currently, Joe serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and the Adult Ministries Coordinator. 

Joe feels that he is called in the adult ministry area to assist new and seasoned Christians into a deeper spiritual relationship with Christ.  He has found that small group type settings are key to building these type of Godly relationships.

Joe's life scriptures are:

 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

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Vice Board chairman- Gary Greer
Gary has been attending Ivy Heights Church of God for 26 years.  He was saved when he was 9 years old, and baptized a few weeks later.  In 2009 he married Jennifer, and has two children; Stephen 4, and Spenser 2.  Other than serving on the Church Board of Trustees, Gary also is one of the Youth leaders, and plays on the church Volleyball and Softball teams.
Outside of the church, he loves to watch sports and love movies.  He also is kind of a Christmas nut, and runs his own Christmas light hanging business called “Merry Gary’s Lights”.
His life verse is 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”. 
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Council Member- Scott Cousins
​Scott moved to Roxana in 1972 and began attending Ivy Heights Church of God in October of that year, accepting Christ in eighth grade.   With expectation of almost four years recently spent in Indiana, he has attended Ivy Heights since then.
​Over the years he has served in a  number of positions, including Children's Church, Youth Group, Sunday School Teacher, Sound Booth Specialist, past member and Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Treasurer.
​He is a 1979 graduate of Roxana High School, and graduated SIUE in 1983 with a bachelor's degree is Mass Communications/Journalism, and returned to receive a bachelor's degree in Political Science in 2006.
​He has been a working journalist for all his adult life, primary at the Alton Telegraph, Madison County Journals and Frankfort (Ind.) Times
Treasurer- Justin hale
Justin has attended Ivy Heights for over 30 years. He has participated in every ministry: student/participant- children’s, youth, adult, music; leader- youth, small-groups, music and BOT.
Justin’s Life verse is: Jeremiah 29:11- For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil. (ESV)
Justin married Dawna in 2009, they have one child, Patrick born in 2008. Two fur-babies: Kasey & Kasper.
Justin enjoys camping & hiking swimming, playing Minecraft with Patrick, board/card games, hanging out with friends. He like STL Cardinals, Six Flags & Raging Rivers.
He is an Assistant Professor of Accounting & Business at LCCC, Licensed CPA, MBA from MOBAP
Council member-Jo Johnson

​Jo Johnson has been on the Ivy Heights Council for about 2years. She resides in Edwardsville with her husband Steve and children, Alex and Amber. Jo works at SIU School of Dental Medicine as a dental assistant. The Johnson family has been attending Ivy Heights for 15 years. In addition to serving on the council, Jo enjoys serving in the children's ministry and has a passion for out reach.
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Her favorite verse is Psalms 40:1-5   I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.   He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.  He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.   Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.  Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.
Council member-Steve Selby 
Steve has attended the Ivy Heights Church Of God for thirty years.  He loves God and our savior, Jesus Christ.  Steve enjoys being on the Church Council and serving as Head Usher.  He looks forward to worshipping with my church family each Wednesday and Sunday.  The Ivy Heights Church Of God is a wonderful church to grow within Our Holy Father and our Lord Jesus.  We welcome you to attend our services and worship with us
Children's ministry director- Sarah petrokovich
Sarah has been attending Ivy Heights for  6 years,  with her husband, Joe and two kids,  Halee & Daniel.  Sarah is currently the Children's Ministry Director and Church Secretary. Her passion is to help kids know and understand the Bible, help them build a deep relationship with God and to have a little fun along the way!
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​Her life verses are:  Joshua 1:9- "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  and Philippians 4:13-  I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.

​Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and friends, shopping, playing games and attending sporting events. She is an avid St. Louis Cardinals  and Kentucky Wildcats fan.
Assistant children's ministry director- Jen Greer
Jen has been attending Ivy Heights for just over 5 years now with her husband, Gary, and two sons Stephen (4) and Spenser (2).  She is the assistant children’s ministry director to Sarah Petrokovich.  Jen has always had a heart for volunteering and feels that the children of the church are not only the future of the church, but have an impact of the church right now.  She loves seeing them grow and learn in God’s word each week.
Her life verses are: “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 and “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her!" Luke 1:45 
​When she is not working at Hobby Lobby, she can be found playing with her boys outside or window shopping in St. Louis with her family.  Jen also loves scrapbooking and crafting, which is one of the reasons she loves children’s church so much!
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​OUR VISION: Jesus is the subject. Jesus came to change the world. As followers of Christ, we, too, are called to change the world by demonstrating the love of Christ.
OUR MISSION: We are not in the business of reforming the church, but, rather committed to reclamation—taking back what hell has stolen. We will proclaim Jesus in every place we step, by the works we do. We will build missional communities that serve as indispensable instruments of healing and wholeness in every place they are found. Within these communities, we will invest in, disciple, and empower Christ-followers around the world. 
HISTORY: The Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) is a global movement of people seeking to fulfill god’s mission in the world. We’re committed to studying the word of god and faithfully living it out. We’re committed to the mission that Jesus Christ gave every believer: To make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:18–20). The Church of God movement appeared in the 1880s in the midst of the broader American Holiness Revival. The pioneers of the Church of God hoped to restore a more biblical understanding and practice of what it means to be the church. One of our early church songs says: “The Bible is our rule of faith and Christ alone is Lord.” This lyric still summarizes the core belief of Church of God people. We have not issued any official belief statement, and we have no formal creed. Yet, the following statements reflect the heart of the Church of God:
  • Salvation makes us members of God’s church. We believe that the church is composed of every person who has accepted Jesus Christ as Savior. We enter into the life of the church, not by joining a denomination or a human organization, but by committing our lives to Christ (John 3:1–7).
  • Christians are called to be one. We believe that God calls all followers of Christ to live in unity and peace, regardless of who they are or the church they attend (Gal 3:28). While we may not agree on everything, we can rally around our subject, Jesus.
  • We must be holy. We believe that followers of Christ have been called to live a life of love, purity, and godliness. We are called to live like Christ, taking on a new nature (2 Cor 5:17).
We also embrace these biblical principles:
  • The Lordship of Jesus. There is one Lord, who is God’s Son Jesus Christ, over the church. Christ is the church’s ultimate authority on all matters (Acts 2:36).
  • Making Disciples. Each of us is called to fulfill Matthew 28:18–20, making fully devoted followers of Christ—disciples—who will then teach others to follow Christ.
  • Loving God and Neighbor. We are called to fulfill Matthew 22:37–39, not only loving God with our entire being, but also loving all that he loves.
  • The Work of the Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit equips believers with unique gifts that enable us to carry out the mission of Christ in the world. At the same time, the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in every believer (Galatians 5:22–23), which demonstrate the Spirit’s presence within us.
  • Stewardship. Since God is the source of life, all of life is to be used for the honor, glory, and service of God (Psalm 24:1).
You will find a great diversity of convictions and practices within the Church of God. Though we have differences, we share a common story of faith, growing together into the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13). We worship and serve as citizens of God’s kingdom. We celebrate our life in Christ and accept our call to be the body of Christ in our world—all to the glory of God.
Want to learn more about the beliefs, practices, and history of the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana)? Check out the following resources available from Warner Press.