“connecting people to jesus and others” honoring...

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“Connecting People to Jesus and Others” August 2015 Honoring Marriage Pastor Tim Erickson One of the distinctives of being an evangelical church is that we believe that the Bible is the ultimate authority for evaluating all areas of human knowledge and action. One of these areas is how we are to understand and honor God’s design for marriage. As we all know, at the end of June the US Supreme Court, has made a significant ruling which impacts our culture’s definition of marriage. Over the past few years, our Elder Board has spent a significant amount of time researching and articulating our position on both marriage and the nature of human sexuality. (If you are interested in details, please contact me, or one of our Elders, or our office for a copy of our Marriage Policy and our Statement Regarding Human Sexuality) The EFCA Spiritual Heritage Committee gives the following suggested definition of marriage, the values of which are reflected in our policies: "Marriage is the original and foundational institution of human society, established by God as a one-flesh, covenantal union between a man and a woman that is life-long (until separated by death), exclusive (monogamous and faithful), and generative in nature (designed for bearing and rearing children), and it is to reflect the relationship between Christ and the Church." Following the Supreme Court decision, I’ve appreciated the perspective of many godly, Biblical leaders: Our new EFCA President, Kevin Kompelien, writes, “The reality of the situation is that the Supreme Court decision did not take God by surprise nor does it in any way change the biblical definition of marriage. Rather, it is a call for us to clearly embrace the Lord’s definition of marriage, and for the EFCA to respond with grace and truth. It is important that responses reflect the character and heart of Jesus to the world around us.(see http://go.efca.org/resources/document/efca-response-supreme-court-ruling) The evangelical church in Canada has been living and ministering under the same type of ruling for the past ten years. Canadian pastor Carey Nieuwhof speaks to this in his blog dated June 29, 2015. He addresses five main points: 1. The church has always been counter-cultural; 2. It's actually strange to ask non-Christians to hold Christian values; 3. You've been dealing with sex outside of marriage for a LONG time; 4. The early church never looked to the government for guidance; and 5. Our judgment of LGBT people is destroying any potential relationship. (cited in the Forest Lakes District weekly update. See http://careynieuwhof.com/2015/06/some- advice-on-same-sex-marriage-for-us-church-leaders-from-a-canadian/ for the full article.) Malachi 2:10-16 teaches that people who are faithful to God’s word will be faithful to his design for marriage. The obvious lesson to Israel in 435 BC was that since God keeps his word, you should keep your vow in marriage and don’t opt for divorces of convenience. But the broader lesson impacts everyone – young or old, married or unmarried, and those who have no intention of being married. We’ve been dealing with the problem of sex outside of marriage for a long time; and everyone of us makes daily choices to honor God’s design for marriage. The temptations we face aren’t just regarding same-sex relationships; but also to resist lust or fantasies about someone other than your spouse; to stop viewing or excusing pornography; and – perhaps most difficult – to abstain from sexual intimacy until you are married. In everything, may we have the courage and conviction to respond to others with grace and truth.

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Page 1: “Connecting People to Jesus and Others” Honoring Marriagestorage.cloversites.com/bibleevangelicalfreechurch...Malachi 2:10-16 teaches that people who are faithful to God’s word

“Connecting People to Jesus and Others”

August 2015

Honoring Marriage Pastor Tim Erickson

One of the distinctives of being an evangelical church is that we believe that the Bible is the ultimate authority for evaluating all areas of human knowledge and action. One of these areas is how we are to understand and honor God’s design for marriage. As we all know, at the end of June the US Supreme Court, has made a significant ruling which impacts our culture’s definition of marriage.

Over the past few years, our Elder Board has spent a significant amount of time researching and articulating our position on both marriage and the nature of human sexuality. (If you are interested in details, please contact me, or one of our Elders, or our office for a copy of our Marriage Policy and our Statement Regarding Human Sexuality) The EFCA Spiritual Heritage Committee gives the following suggested definition of marriage, the values of which are reflected in our policies:

"Marriage is the original and foundational institution of human society, established by God as a one-flesh, covenantal union between a man and a woman that is life-long (until separated by death), exclusive (monogamous and faithful), and generative in nature (designed for bearing and rearing children), and it is to reflect the relationship between Christ and the Church."

Following the Supreme Court decision, I’ve appreciated the perspective of many godly, Biblical leaders:

Our new EFCA President, Kevin Kompelien, writes, “The reality of the situation is that the Supreme Court decision did not take God by surprise nor does it in any way change the biblical definition of marriage. Rather, it is a call for us to clearly embrace the Lord’s definition of marriage, and for the EFCA to respond with grace and truth. It is important that responses reflect the character and heart of Jesus to the world around us.” (see http://go.efca.org/resources/document/efca-response-supreme-court-ruling)

The evangelical church in Canada has been living and ministering under the same type of ruling for the past ten years. Canadian pastor Carey Nieuwhof speaks to this in his blog dated June 29, 2015. He addresses five main points:

1. The church has always been counter-cultural; 2. It's actually strange to ask non-Christians to hold Christian values; 3. You've been dealing with sex outside of marriage for a LONG time; 4. The early church never looked to the government for guidance; and 5. Our judgment of LGBT people is destroying any potential relationship.

(cited in the Forest Lakes District weekly update. See http://careynieuwhof.com/2015/06/some- advice-on-same-sex-marriage-for-us-church-leaders-from-a-canadian/ for the full article.)

Malachi 2:10-16 teaches that people who are faithful to God’s word will be faithful to his design for marriage. The obvious lesson to Israel in 435 BC was that since God keeps his word, you should keep your vow in marriage and don’t opt for divorces of convenience. But the broader lesson impacts everyone – young or old, married or unmarried, and those who have no intention of being married. We’ve been dealing with the problem of sex outside of marriage for a long time; and everyone of us makes daily choices to honor God’s design for marriage. The temptations we face aren’t just regarding same-sex relationships; but also to resist lust or fantasies about someone other than your spouse; to stop viewing or excusing pornography; and – perhaps most difficult – to abstain from sexual intimacy until you are married.

In everything, may we have the courage and conviction to respond to others with grace and truth.

Page 2: “Connecting People to Jesus and Others” Honoring Marriagestorage.cloversites.com/bibleevangelicalfreechurch...Malachi 2:10-16 teaches that people who are faithful to God’s word

“Connecting People to Jesus and Others”

August 2015

Small Groups. Don’t Take My Word For It Neil Nelson, Associate Pastor of Adult Disciple Making

When Jesus was on earth He ministered to enormous crowds. Literally thousands of people would sit for days to hear Him teach, but the primary focus of His ministry was twelve men from various backgrounds that He invited to follow Him. Jesus understood the significance of deep and intentional relationships. Through His relationships, He would equip His followers to change the world. I believe there is still great power in intentional relationships. That is why we are trying to grow the Small Group Ministry in our church this fall. I asked Courtney Poppler, who has been at Bible EFC for around two years, to share a little about her experience with small groups at Bible EFC

ME: Tell me about your small group experience. What group are you a part of; how did you get to be a part of it?

COURTNEY: “ Emily Ewers actually confronted me because I was pretty new to even going to church. At first, I was like, um, I don’t think I can join a small group. I was actually skeptical of it because I’m not really a religious person and this was all new to me. Joining a small group sounded very intimidating. I felt like everybody was going to be judging me. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life and thought I don’t know if I can be in a group, especially with the pastor’s wife. That was a little bit much. But she (Emily) was like just come one time with me. As soon as I met Carole I thought, ‘Wow! This is awesome”. She’s just a really great person, so accessible and friendly. It’s a women’s small group, four or five people, whoever comes that week. It was life changing to me. We get to sit down and talk about God and life and both of them together. I feel like it really helped me.”

ME: You mentioned you were scared of some things. What would you say to someone else who is nervous about a small group.

COURTNEY: “ I would say that the people who are in it are also a work in progress and (you should) try it out because it is really not at all what (you) are probably thinking it is. The people that are in (the small group), even though they have been going to church for a long time, they are still working with God. They are not any better than you. You’re all a work in progress and you all have the same goal in life.”

ME: That was a great comment you made about being nervous and I hadn’t even thought about asking about that. Another question, for you what difference would you say being in a small group made for your faith?

COURTNEY: “ For myself, I have a lot of friends who I would say are not the greatest influence on my life and I feel like coming into a setting like that keeps me grounded because I could easily falter. And on a weekly basis I need that, above and beyond the sermon. I needed that to feel close to God and share experiences with real people.”

ME: How would you describe what your small group does?

COURTNEY: “ We take the Bible Life Cards and we go through whatever questions we are able to (cover). We try and get through the card as best we can and then we have prayer time. We go around and talk about our daily lives and things; people that we need to pray for or people in our lives or just anybody; and then we go through and we do the prayer for everybody. We also do fun activities, (for instance) we’ll have lunches at each other’s houses and things like that, a beginning of the season celebration and an end of season celebration.”

ME: This fall we are kicking off Small Groups for the whole church and encouraging people to sign up. Speak to the general person in our church, why would you say it’s important to join a small group?

COURTNEY: I would say it’s important because I don’t feel that you get nearly as involved just going to the (worship) service. It’s life changing, it gives me chills (to talk about), it’s just amazing. We know each other’s lives, it’s amazing and eye opening, and it brings you so much closer to God.

ME: Thanks, Courtney.

Courtney is just one of the amazing stories of God working through Christian community and changing lives. Consider filling out the small group survey that is in this month’s newsletter. Or you can find it attached to this month’s bulletins. Consider inviting some of your friends to intentionally take time to investigate His Word together, and to be a part of the Holy Spirit’s work in one another’s lives. Just like in Jesus’s life, small groups are a powerful tool in experiencing God’s work in each of us.

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Happening at Bible EFC...

Page 3 August 2015

The Deaconesses request that families/couples bring food items based on their last name: A-F: Side Dish or Salad G-L: Dessert M-Z: Main Dish

Tableware will be provided

Contact Pastor Neil if you can help with set-up and tear down of chairs, tents and equipment. Many hands lighten the load.

Bible EFC Baptism Service Sunday, August 9th at 10:00am Here at Bible EFC and Johnson’s Pond

followed by an All-Church Potluck and Fellowship in the Activity Center

Wednesday Morning Owls2

Come join the OWLS2

(Older, Wiser, Loving Senior Saints)

each Wednesday at 10:00am in the Dining Room

for coffee and treats, fellowship, a brief devotion

and prayer.

On September 16, we will have a guest speaker,

Joshua Shudlick, Attorney, talking about Estate

Planning. All are welcome!

We are seniors but young at heart,

no age restrictions.

Contact Ray DeVoe at 372-9587.

Do You Like to Bake?

Our Awana Café Coordinator, Tandy

Houston, is seeking people who would

be interested in being part of a team to

make Desserts for the upcoming Awana

year.

Please contact

Tandy if you are

interested or

have questions.

372-9028 or

608-343-4455

Page 4: “Connecting People to Jesus and Others” Honoring Marriagestorage.cloversites.com/bibleevangelicalfreechurch...Malachi 2:10-16 teaches that people who are faithful to God’s word

Happening at Bible EFC...

Page 4 August 2015

Men’s Breakfast Gathering

After Setting Up at Bible EFC for the Baptism Service

Sunday, August 8 at 7:00am

Fort McCoy Beach Day Sunday, August 16

Watch for more details!

Questions? Contact Pastor Neil for more details 608-343-5101 or [email protected]

Ministry OUTDOOR

Upcoming Neighborhood Events:

Warrens #4 & 5; Tomah Pink #13: Let’s go Kayaking & Canoeing on Friday, August 7 with the

Warrens Yak Club. Meet at the Budde’s 5:30pm. An evening of great fun both

on the water and shore! Contact Maretta if you need a canoe or kayak

608-343-3312 or [email protected] (26063 Cty Hwy EW, Warrens)

Outlying #1 (Elroy, Kendall, Wilton, Norwalk) and #3 (Camp Douglas, Oakdale): There are a

couple of options to enjoy together on Saturday, August 15th. Meet at

Buckhorn State Park from 10am-12pm and learn about Smokey Bear, play

games and so much more! And you can head to the Necedah Wildlife Refuge

from 1-2pm to learn about Raptors and check out the beautiful hiking trails.

Questions? Contact Sue Bannan at [email protected] or 427-2253.

Ridge Runners #7 and Tomah Purple #8: Saturday, August 22 is the day to go Canoeing on the

Kickapoo River together! Meet at Curly and Deidre Nauman’s at 11:00am to

caravan and carpool to the river. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Please

RSVP to Deidre at 608-343-3554.

Warrens #4 & 5; Tomah Pink #13: Gather together for an Outdoor Movie, Popcorn and Popsicles

at the Warrens Area Community Park on Saturday, August 22 at 7:00pm. The

popsicles and popcorn are provided, bring your own refreshment, lawn chair,

and bug spray. Movie will be G or PG, title yet to be announced.

**See Neighborhood Table, Facebook or the Bible EFC Website for more details.

Match the number on your Nametag on Sunday to the Neighborhood Map in the Foyer

and see what your Neighborhood is up to!

To EVERYONE who had a hand in

making this Summer’s Vacation Bible

School a success, we say THANK YOU!

Our children had a wonderful time

learning why choosing Jesus

is GREAT for them!

Thank you for showing God’s love

through your support of this fun ministry!

Prayers for Mission Trip

Please pray for the 27 Leaders and Students from our Ignite Youth Group who will be serving in Guatemala August 2-8. Pray for God to work

through them as they visit area Elementary Schools, make some home visits with families, attend activities with the church youth group

and minister to a local Guatemalan Army unit.

May hearts be touched and changed through God’s grace!

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Bible EFC Small Group Interest Survey

Happening at Bible EFC...

Page 5 August 2015

NEW SMALL GROUPS STARTING Check the box if interested in attending either of these Small Groups

HEAVEN BOUND? Do You Have Your Affairs in Order? This group will meet on Sunday mornings this fall to overview the key factors that every family should understand about the spiritual, medical, legal, financial and emotional aspects of death and dying. Facilitated by in-person subject matter experts, presentations will made every other week with alternate weeks for review and study. This is not a video-based program and relationship building will be encouraged.

The curriculum is aimed at all family and adult single groups and highlights the essential decisions that need to be made ahead of a crisis. This group will meet in the Dining Room from 9:15 to 10:15am starting Sept 13th. Space is limited.

Quiet Time Café This group is for women/moms, and will meet on Friday mornings at 9:30am in the Snack Shack at Bible EFC. Each week group members will study passages around that week’s sermon, and then gather to discuss what they have been learning. The setting will be informal, and encouragement will come from sharing lessons from the Bible with one another. Children will be welcome, but will be the responsibility of the parent. Please talk to Becky Robertson ([email protected]) for more details.

When would you be available for Small Group? (Check all that apply)

Mon AM Mon PM Tues AM Tues PM Wed AM Wed PM Thur AM Thur PM

Fri AM Fri PM Sat AM Sat PM Sun AM Sun PM

Life Stage? Single Married Married with Children

Would you be interested in…? (Check all that apply) Similar life stage group

Same gender small group

Multi-generational small group

All Male/Female group

Please place me with ___________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

Would you be willing to Facilitate a Small Group? Yes No

Would you be willing to Host a Small Group? Yes No

Will you need childcare? Yes No

Comments: _______________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________

Name _______________________________ Email _________________________________

Phone Home: _____________________________ Cell: _________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________________________________________

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Fall Kick off September 13th More info to come.

If you are interested in or feel

God leading you to help with

our Youth Ministry, we have

opportunities available. Please

contact Pastor Joel 387-2131

or MaryBeth 372-9733.

Middle School Only Event on Sunday August 30th

from 6:00-8:00pm at Bible EFC Join us for fun, games, pizza & hanging out.

Find out what Ignite is all about! For questions contact Pastor Joel 387-2131

or MaryBeth 372-9377.

Page 7: “Connecting People to Jesus and Others” Honoring Marriagestorage.cloversites.com/bibleevangelicalfreechurch...Malachi 2:10-16 teaches that people who are faithful to God’s word

Guatemala Mission Trip 2015

Please Pray for the 27 Youth and Adults

that are traveling to

Guatemala August 1st—8th

Shawn Addis Caleb Jensen

Karen Birkeness Hannah-Jo Jensen

Trevor Birkey Joshua Jensen

Bryanne Burkwalt Lauryn Patterson

Marissa Finn Jarred Pearson

Michael Frey Joel Sandager

Jennifer Glaze Taylor Spence

Zoey Good Dalton Staller

Breanna Gowin Marge Staller

Brittany Gowin Miranda Stark

Allison Jacob Amanda Stoewsand

MaryBeth Jacob Billy Stoewsand

Sydney Jacob Jessica Weiland

Kayla Winkelman

Page 8: “Connecting People to Jesus and Others” Honoring Marriagestorage.cloversites.com/bibleevangelicalfreechurch...Malachi 2:10-16 teaches that people who are faithful to God’s word

Summer Ignite: Water fun at Mc Mullen Park In Warrens!

Page 9: “Connecting People to Jesus and Others” Honoring Marriagestorage.cloversites.com/bibleevangelicalfreechurch...Malachi 2:10-16 teaches that people who are faithful to God’s word

We’re celebrating our June, July, and August birthdays!

On August 22, head over to

Winnebago Park from 1:00 - 3:00

and join lots of families in

celebrating lots of birthdays!

There will of course be cupcakes,

games and even prizes for the

birthday kids.

Please R.S.V.P. to Krishna 608-343-3282

Come join us August 30 at 12:00 in the dining room for an awesome opportunity to reach across the globe by packing boxes for children in need through Operation Christmas Child.

SAVE THE DATE!

Join us August 29 at

Devil’s Lake for a

family day.

Families can enjoy many of the

activity options and you can find

them all on the Devil’s Lake

website. Come together at 1:00 for a

large group lunch that will be

provided and fun games afterward.

Stay tuned for more details!

First night of club is September 9th! Awana is just around the corner.

If you’re a volunteer, either new or returning , we ask that you choose one of the following dates to

attend the year-beginning meeting. The meetings will be August 19 or September 2 at 6:00 in the Patio Room.

Page 10: “Connecting People to Jesus and Others” Honoring Marriagestorage.cloversites.com/bibleevangelicalfreechurch...Malachi 2:10-16 teaches that people who are faithful to God’s word

Summer Schedule: Nursery, Early Childhood classroom, and Extraordinary classroom will

continue as typically scheduled throughout the summer with the exception of Baptism Sunday (August 9).

Elementary schedule:

July 5-August 2: Elementary ministries will be on break. Children are encouraged to attend service in the Sanctuary with their family. We have fun “Children’s Packets” that will be available for them in the back of the sanctuary to complete if parents choose to have them do so. August 9: BAPTISM SERVICE!!! No Children’s Ministries. August 16, 23, and 30: All elementary children will meet in the Activity Center for both 9:15 and 10:30 services. 9:15 service has a fun-filled box for each child to take home. The box includes multiple games, activities to do as a family, and a DVD including a music video. 10:30 Summer of Service will take place each week. September 6: No Elementary ministries due to the holiday weekend.

September 13: FALL KICK OFF!!!

Page 11: “Connecting People to Jesus and Others” Honoring Marriagestorage.cloversites.com/bibleevangelicalfreechurch...Malachi 2:10-16 teaches that people who are faithful to God’s word

VBS Fun!!

Page 12: “Connecting People to Jesus and Others” Honoring Marriagestorage.cloversites.com/bibleevangelicalfreechurch...Malachi 2:10-16 teaches that people who are faithful to God’s word

Hey, Kids! 5-Day clubs are coming August 3-6th.

Join one close to you! Place: Warrens Area Park 601 Pine Street, Warrens, WI Time: 2:00 - 4:00 pm Contact: Kris Anderson Place: Rhonda Hunkins home 304 2nd St, Necedah, WI Time: 6 :00- 8:00 pm Contact: Rhonda Hunkins Place: United Methodist Church - Camp Douglas 302 Main St, Camp Douglas, WI Time: 12:00 - 2:00 pm Place: United Methodist Church, New Lisbon 116 W Bridge St, New Lisbon, WI Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm

TREATS · GAMES · SONGS · BIBLE STORIES

Page 13: “Connecting People to Jesus and Others” Honoring Marriagestorage.cloversites.com/bibleevangelicalfreechurch...Malachi 2:10-16 teaches that people who are faithful to God’s word

Questions and comments related to

Children’s Ministry are welcome

and should be directed to:

Krishna Battista, Children’s Ministry Director

Cell: 608-343-3282 Email:

[email protected]

4K THROUGH 5TH GRADE - ELEMENTARY MINISTRIES

Nursery lead: Angie Frost Nursery lead: Erica Champlin 4K Lead: Lead:

2's lead: Michelle Sayer 2's lead: Ladina Whitegull 4K Asst: 4K:

Floater: 2's/nursery Floater: 2's/nursery K/1st Lead: K/1st:

K/1st Asst: 2nd/3rd:

3 year class lead: Emily Ewers 3 year class lead: Charissa Finn 2nd/3rd Lead: 4th/5th:

3 year class asst: Steve Ewers 3 year class asst: Philip Puent 2nd/3rd Asst:

4th/5th Lead: Lead: Amy Matteson

4th/5th Asst: Assistant: Chad Matteson

BAPTISM-NO CHILDREN'S MINISTRY!!!

Nursery lead: Jeanne Plunkett Nursery lead: Marge Staller Lead: Krishna? Lead: Krishna Battista

2's lead: Diana Retzlaff 2's lead: Dalton Staller Asst: 4K:

Floater: 2's/nurseryTiffany Hammer Floater: 2's/nursery Tech: K/1st:

2nd/3rd:

3 year class lead: Kelly Sutherland 3 year class lead: Stacy Frost 4th/5th:

3 year class asst: Cody Sutherland 3 year class asst:

Lead: Lisa Reavis

Assistant: Brianna Battista

Nursery lead: Autumn Garrels Nursery lead: Lisa Short Lead: Krishna? Lead: Krishna Battista

2's lead: 2's lead: Asst: 4K: Brianna Battista

Floater: 2's/nurseryTiffany Hammer Floater: 2's/nurseryAlicia Barr Tech: K/1st:

2nd/3rd:

3 year class lead: Kelly Sutherland 3 year class lead: Rashelle Hintz 4th/5th:

3 year class asst: Cody Sutherland 3 year class asst: Courtney Poppler

Lead: Sarah Gnewikow

Assistant: Alysabeth Gnewikow

Nursery lead: Courtney Poppler Nursery lead: Elizabeth Antes Lead: Krishna? Lead: Krishna Battista

2's lead: Ben Spence 2's lead: Asst: 4K:

Floater: 2's/nurseryMicki Spence Floater: 2's/nurseryLuke or Lily Antes Tech: K/1st:

K/1st Asst: 2nd/3rd:

3 year class lead: Katie Niemerg 3 year class lead: Jami Vitcenda 2nd/3rd Lead: 4th/5th:

3 year class asst: Brad Niemerg 3 year class asst: 2nd/3rd Asst:

4th/5th Lead: Lead: Mandy Brieske

4th/5th Asst: Assistant: Brianna Battista

AUGUST 2

3

EXTRAORDINARY CLASSROOM

SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:00AM PRAYZE CRAZE 10:30AM

EXTRAORDINARY CLASSROOM

EARLY CHILDHOOD 9:00AM EARLY CHILDHOOD 10:30AM

AUGUST 3

0

EARLY CHILDHOOD 9:00AM EARLY CHILDHOOD 10:30AM SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:00AM PRAYZE CRAZE 10:30AM

EARLY CHILDHOOD 9:00AM EARLY CHILDHOOD 10:30AM SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:00AM PRAYZE CRAZE 10:30AM

PRAYZE CRAZE 10:30AM

EXTRAORDINARY CLASSROOM

EARLY CHILDHOOD MINISTRIES

AUGUST 9

AUGUST 16

EXTRAORDINARY CLASSROOM

AUGUST 2

EARLY CHILDHOOD 9:00AM EARLY CHILDHOOD 10:30AM SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:00AM

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Page 14

Offering Attendants:

August 2 - Jim Retzlaff

August 9 - Heidi Jordan

August 16 - Amy Georgeson

August 23 - Deidre Nauman

August 30 - Curt Patterson

If you have questions about Bible EFC finances,

Contact Tandy Houston, Treasurer 372-9028

Sherri Shack, Financial Secretary 343-6429

Financial Ministry

Financial Report

For the period: July 1, 2015 through July 15, 2015

General Offering: $ 18,805.61

Budget Goal: $ 20,483.46

Expenses paid: $ 20,968.30

Checkbook Balance as of July 15, 2015: $ 18,871.63

Money Market Balance July 15, 2015: $ 6,042.02

For more information or to volunteer, contact:

Levi Frost 608-387-9293

[email protected] Usher Schedule:

August 2 August 9 August 16 August 23 August 30

7:45 Service

Ron Nicks

Craig Budde

Jim Spence

Ben Spence

Tim Garrels

Mark Schack

Dale Wicklund

Service Opportunity

9:15 Service

Paul Kastner

HS Student

Baptism Service

at 10:00am

Curt Nauman

HS Student

Cliff Collins

HS Student

Service Opportunity

HS Student

10:30 Service

Josh Eagleson

Levi Frost

Jim Retzlaff

Service Opportunity

Jason Strike

Kevin Dechant

Curt Patterson

John Battista

August 2015 Bible EFC Schedules

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

2

No Ignite

3 4 7:30pm Co-Ed Softball at Glendale Field

5 10:00am OWLS2

6

7 Warrens East & West, Tomah Pink—Kayaking and Canoeing at the Budde’s 5:30pm start

8

9

10:00am Baptism Service at Bible EFC No Ignite

10

11

12 10:00am OWLS2

4:00pm Elder Board Meeting

13

14

15 8:00am Co-Ed Softball Tournament Neighborhoods 1 and 3 See Page #4 for your Gathering

16 Elder Prayer Time - 7 am 12:00pm Neighborhood Leaders Meeting Outdoor Ministry: Fort McCoy Beach Day No Ignite

17

18

19 10:00am OWLS2

20 6:00pm Leadership Gathering

21 Children’s Ministry Birthday Bash on Saturday

22 Ridgerunners, Tomah Purple, Warrens East, Warrens West, & Tomah Pink See Page #4 for details on your next Gatherings!

23

No Ignite (Leaders Gathering)

24

25 26 10:00am OWLS2

27 28 29

30 12:00pm Operation Christmas Child Packing Party Ignite (Middle School Only Night)

31

Page 15

Sunday Morning Schedule Beginning August 16

Sanctuary Worship 7:45; 9:15 & 10:30am Prayze Craze 10:30am Nursery (ages 0-1): 9:15 & 10:30am (ages 4K to 5th Grade-Activity Center) Sunday School (ages 2 yrs to 5th grade) 9:00am Extraordinary Classroom 10:30am (ages 4K-5th Grade meet in Café) Youth Sunday School (MS and HS) 10:30am Youth Sunday School (MS and HS): 9:15am Adult Gathering in Patio Room 10:30am Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF) in Patio Room 9:00am

August 2015 Bible EFC Calendar

Ignite Youth Group and Leaders in Guatemala

Sunday Morning Schedule through August 2

Sanctuary Worship 7:45; 9:15 & 10:30am Nursery (ages 0-2): 9:15 & 10:30am Pre-School Sunday School (3 yr olds) 9:00 & 10:30am Extraordinary Classroom 10:30am

Page 16: “Connecting People to Jesus and Others” Honoring Marriagestorage.cloversites.com/bibleevangelicalfreechurch...Malachi 2:10-16 teaches that people who are faithful to God’s word

August Prayer Calendar A

ug

us

t 2

01

5 P

raye

r C

ale

nd

ar

Sunday

Monday

Tu

esday

Wednesday

Th

urs

day

Frid

ay

Satu

rday

Daily

Pra

yer

Daily

Pra

yer

Daily

Pra

yer

Daily

Pra

yer

Daily

Pra

yer

Daily

Pra

yer

8/1

/2015

Pra

y f

or

the H

oly

Spirit t

o

have H

is w

ay in

us a

nd

work

thro

ugh u

s.

Pra

ise G

od f

or

His

gra

ce,

merc

y,

pro

vis

ion &

unfa

ilin

g

love.

Pra

y t

hat w

e w

ould

be

lights

in

this

dark

world

.

Th

at

we w

ould

serv

e

those in

our

com

munity.

Fo

r aw

akenin

g &

re

viv

al

in t

he T

om

ah a

rea, in

our

countr

y a

nd the w

orld

.

Pra

y t

hat w

e w

ould

tru

ly

surr

ender

to G

od a

nd

obey H

is c

om

mands.

Pra

y t

hat each o

f us

would

in

cre

ase in

the

wis

dom

and k

now

ledge o

f G

od.

1.

Fo

r th

e d

evelo

pm

ent of

qualit

y r

ela

tio

nship

s

thro

ugh t

he N

eig

hborh

ood

Min

istr

ies.

8/2

/2014

8/3

/2014

8/4

/2014

8/5

/2014

8/6

/2014

8/7

/2014

8/8

/2014

1.

P

ray for

the y

outh

and

adults t

ravelin

g to G

uate

-m

ala

. F

or

safe

ty a

nd a

sm

ooth

tra

nsitio

n t

o a

diffe

r-ent

culture

.

1.

Fo

r unity w

ithin

the s

ma

ll gro

up m

inis

try t

eam

. F

or

the L

ord

to r

ais

e u

p le

aders

fo

r sm

all

gro

ups.

1.

Fo

r G

od t

o u

se t

he

Guate

mala

team

as t

e-

hey m

inis

try in

schools

and t

he c

hurc

h w

here

G

od h

as p

laced them

.

1.

Fo

r G

od to c

ontin

ue t

o

work

thro

ugh t

he n

urs

ery

volu

nte

ers

to s

pre

ad h

is

word

to e

ven t

he y

oungest

child

.

1.

Fo

r our

response t

o

the t

ruth

s r

eveale

d t

hru

th

e s

erm

ons. T

hat w

e

mig

ht

be d

oers

of th

e

Word

.

1.

Fo

r spiritual gro

wth

th

rough e

ach lesson f

or

the c

hild

ren a

s w

ell

as t

he

youth

& a

dults t

hat

are

le

adin

g t

hem

.

1.

Fo

r th

ose w

ho a

re lo

nely

and t

hose w

ho n

eed e

mo-

tio

nal healin

g t

o s

ense

God's

unfa

ilin

g lo

ve.

2.

Fo

r M

issio

narie

s E

d &

Janet P

olla

sch -

Mid

dle

E

ast/

Nort

h A

fric

a,

2.

Pra

y f

or

those w

ho w

ill

be b

aptized S

unday a

s they

public

ly p

rofe

ss t

heir f

aith.

2.

Fo

r y

outh

adm

inis

tra-

tive a

ssis

tant

Mary

Beth

Jacob.

2.

Fo

r G

od t

o r

ais

e u

p

leader's for

Fa

ll S

unday

child

ren's

min

istr

y.

2.

Pasto

r Joel's

physic

al

health inclu

din

g tim

es o

f re

st

and r

enew

al.

2.

Fo

r th

e L

ord

to h

elp

K

rishna m

ain

tain

fam

ily

and m

inis

try b

ala

nce.

2.

Fo

r th

e d

evelo

pm

ent

of

our

Gre

etin

g M

inis

try.

8/9

/2014

8/1

0/2

014

8/1

1/2

014

8/1

2/2

014

8/1

3/2

014

8/1

4/2

014

8/1

5/2

014

1.

Fo

r us t

o f

ollo

w G

od's

le

adin

g a

s w

e s

eek to m

in-

iste

r to

those in o

ur

com

mu-

nity.

1.

Fo

r each o

f us t

o o

pen t

o

the le

adin

g o

f th

e H

oly

Spirit

in o

ur

daily

liv

es a

nd m

inis

-tr

y.

1.

T

hat w

e w

ould

take

pers

onal re

sponsib

ility

fo

r fa

ith tow

ard

bein

g &

m

akin

g d

iscip

les.

1.

Fo

r child

ren t

o b

rin

g

their f

rie

nds to A

WA

NA

th

at th

ey m

ight

learn

about

Jesus a

nd H

is lo

ve.

1.

Fo

r th

ose w

ho n

eed

em

plo

ym

ent, f

or

the L

ord

to

guid

e them

to the r

ight

job.

1.

Fo

r th

e E

xtr

aord

inary

C

lassro

om

min

istr

y a

s

they e

xpre

ss G

od's

love

& g

race.

1.

Fo

r re

cently g

raduate

d

Hig

h S

chool S

enio

rs to

sta

y s

trong in t

heir r

ela

tion-

ship

with G

od.

2.

Pasto

r N

eil

for

qualit

y

daily

pers

onal devotio

nal

tim

es

2.

O.W

.L.S

- f

or

their m

inis

-tr

y t

o o

thers

and o

ne a

noth

-er.

2.

Fo

r youth

in

the m

any

day t

o d

ay "

challe

nges"

that th

ey f

ace.

2.

Fo

r th

e L

ord

to h

elp

P

asto

r N

eil

bala

nce fam

ily

and m

inis

try n

eeds.

2.

Th

at w

e w

ould

be

com

mitte

d t

o p

rayer,

pers

onal and c

orp

ora

te.

2.

Pasto

r T

im for

qualit

y

daily

pers

onal devotio

nal

tim

es

2.

Fo

r B

uild

ing &

Gro

unds

Coord

inato

r C

urt

Patt

ers

on

8/1

6/2

014

8/1

7/2

014

8/1

8/2

014

8/1

9/2

014

8/2

0/2

014

8/2

1/2

014

8/2

2/2

014

1.

Wors

hip

& T

ech t

eam

s:

Fo

r consis

tent serv

ice in

dedic

atio

n &

excelle

nce.

1.

Fo

r G

od to r

eveal to

P

asto

r N

eil

His

pla

n a

nd

desire f

or

Adult m

inis

trie

s.

1.

Wors

hip

/Te

ch M

inis

try

Adm

in A

ssis

tant

Leig

hA

nne P

uent

1.

Fo

r B

EF

C m

arr

iages

especia

lly t

hose w

ho a

re

str

ugglin

g

1.

Fo

r young a

dults &

sin

gle

s in t

he a

rea to

connect w

ith J

esus.

1.

Fo

r each o

f us to s

hin

e

the lig

ht Jesus in o

ur

neig

hborh

oods.

1.

Fo

r th

e L

ord

to r

ais

e u

p

leaders

and h

elp

ers

for

AW

AN

A.

2. W

ors

hip

Team

s f

or

unity

& H

oly

Spirit's

le

adin

g.

2.

For

contiued r

ela

tionship

build

ing d

urin

g t

he O

utd

oor

min

istr

y o

pport

unitie

s.

2.

For

Offic

e M

anager,

Lis

a R

eavis

2.

For

the p

ote

ntial im

ple

-m

enta

tio

n o

f G

ood N

ew

s

Clu

bs in s

chools

.

2.

For

the L

ord

to h

elp

P

asto

r Joel to

bala

nce

fam

ily &

min

istr

y n

eeds.

2.

Pasto

r T

im's

physic

al

health inclu

din

g tim

es o

f re

st

and r

enew

al.

2.

For

God t

o b

e e

xalted

durin

g S

unday m

orn

ing

serv

ices..

8/2

3/2

014

8/2

4/2

014

8/2

5/2

014

8/2

6/2

014

8/2

7/2

014

8/2

8/2

014

8/2

9/2

014

1.

Technolo

gie

s-

Fo

r a h

igh

level of com

mitm

ent fr

om

each t

eam

mem

ber

and for

more

volu

nte

ers

.

1.

G

uid

ance f

or

pare

nts

so

that child

ren a

nd t

eenagers

gro

wth

in

faith c

ontin

ues a

t hom

e.

1.

Th

at

each o

f us w

ould

purs

ue d

yin

g t

o s

elf a

nd

livin

g t

o C

hrist.

1.

Fo

r th

e H

igh S

chool

Senio

rs to s

eek G

od a

s

they m

ake d

ecis

ions r

e-

gard

ing t

he f

utu

re.

1.

F

or

the H

oly

Spirit t

o

besto

w d

iscern

ment,

wis

dom

and r

evela

tio

n

upon B

EF

C le

aders

.

1.

Fo

r th

e P

asto

r's w

ives

and c

hild

ren a

s they s

ac-

rifice s

o m

uch.

1.

Fo

r th

e M

issio

naries that

we s

upport

to h

ave a

n

incre

ased in

tim

acy w

ith

God.

2.

Fo

r contin

ued in

tegrity

&

holin

ess in

le

aders

hip

. 2.

Fo

r our

local, s

tate

and

natio

nal le

ader's t

o y

ield

to

God a

nd s

eek H

is w

isdom

.

2. F

or

the f

inancia

l needs o

f our

Mis

sio

nar-

ies to b

e m

et.

2.

Fo

r G

od to g

ive the

eld

ers

insig

ht into

God's

direction for

our

churc

h.

2.

Pasto

r N

eil'

s p

hysic

al

health inclu

din

g tim

es o

f re

st

and r

enew

al.

2.

Fo

r th

e p

ers

ecute

d

belie

vers

aro

und t

he

world.

2.P

asto

r Joel fo

r qualit

y

daily

pers

onal d

evotio

nal

tim

es

8/3

0/2

014

8/3

1/2

014

9/1

/2014

9/2

/2014

9/3

/2014

9/4

/2014

9/5

/2014

1.

Fo

r th

e A

dult B

ible

Fe

l-lo

wship

s o

n S

undays to

gro

w in

rela

tio

nship

s a

nd in

God's

word

.

1.

Fo

r G

od's

peace t

hat

passes u

nders

tandin

g to

guard

our

heart

s a

nd m

inds

in C

hrist Jesus.

1.

Fo

r th

ose f

acin

g h

ealth

issues. F

or

God's

peace,

healin

g &

str

ength

.

1.

P

ray f

or

our

Te

ch

Coord

inato

r, J

im S

weet

as

he le

ads this

very

chal-

lengin

g m

inis

try.

1.

Fo

r outr

each t

o c

hil-

dre

n w

ho h

ave n

ot

yet

been in

troduced to

Christ.

1.

Fo

r th

e p

oor

in o

ur

com

munity, th

at G

od

mig

ht

use u

s to m

inis

ter

to t

hem

.

1.

Fo

r child

ren to b

rin

g

their f

rie

nds to A

WA

NA

th

at th

ey m

ight

learn

about

Jesus a

nd H

is lo

ve.

2.

Fo

r C

hild

ren's

Min

istr

y

Directo

r K

rishna B

attis

ta

1.

Mis

sio

narie

s:

How

ard

&

Marily

n P

lucar

- Japan

2.

Fo

r each o

f us t

o

retu

rn t

o o

ur

firs

t lo

ve.

2.

Fo

r th

ose in

le

aders

hip

in

our

Schools

. 2.

Mis

sio

narie

s B

ria

n &

D

ana P

hip

ps.

2.

F

or

Mis

sio

nary

Anne-

Marie

Johnson

2.

Fo

r th

e d

evelo

pm

ent

of

our

Care

Min

istr

y.

Page 17: “Connecting People to Jesus and Others” Honoring Marriagestorage.cloversites.com/bibleevangelicalfreechurch...Malachi 2:10-16 teaches that people who are faithful to God’s word

625 W Veterans St

Tomah, WI 54660

Phone: 608-372-9377

Fax: 608-372-9372

E-mail: [email protected]

www.BibleEFC.org

Bible Evangelical Free Church

Connecting People with Jesus and Others

August 2015 MINISTERS Every Believer

Senior Pastor Tim Erickson [email protected]

Associate Pastor of Adult Disciple Making Neil Nelson [email protected]

Associate Pastor Student Ministries Joel Sandager [email protected]

Children’s Ministry Director Krishna Battista [email protected]

Worship Times:

SUNDAY MORNINGS:

Sanctuary Worship 7:45am 9:15am - Video sermon 10:30am

Reviewed and unanimously approved the membership application for Rhonda Hunkins.

Pastor Tim provided the board an update on his Senior Pastor’s Report to include growing through the Holy Spirit document; Elder’s role in establishing/facilitating small groups; Karen to plan two prayer events this summer; discussion continued regarding prioritizing key volunteer positions and we floated the idea of a “resource planning committee” for the future; highlights were reviewed from the Ministry Staff Planning Retreat.

Discussion followed regarding budget status and congregational communication/awareness. Motion made and 2nd to have Mark develop a small presentation to cover this subject and to offer it to any adult groups interested in hearing about it.

Next Elder Prayer Time is schedule for Sunday, August 16, 2015 at 7:00am at Bible EFC. Next Elder Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at 4:00pm at Bible EFC.

ELDERS: Leading through prayer, mission, vision & strategic leadership! Questions ~ contact Frank Best, Elder Chair 343-5521.

Elder Meeting Highlights from June 10, 2015

If you would like to be added to the Email Prayer Chain to receive

urgent Prayer Requests, please provide your email address

and/or request to the Church Office at [email protected].