Eternal Significance Pastor Tim Erickson, Senior Pastor One of God’s design features for humans is to participate in a cause which will last. “He has also set eternity in the hearts of men” according to the wisest man who ever lived (Ecclesiastes 3:11b). IN this little Old Testament book, Solomon traces our search for significance through the many options on earth — work, positions, and pleasures are key examples. These all fail to satisfy, but they are used to draw us to God: “God does it so that men will revere him” (Eccl 3:15). This fall we’ve seen that God’s standard for evaluating all disciples of Jesus is what we’ve done with what has been entrusted to us. We have been give the message of reconciliation, “that God was recon- ciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them” (2 Co 5:19). Spiritual maturity is measured by faithfulness to this mission. “Now it is required that those who have been give a trust must prove faithful” (1 Co 3:2). A few years ago, Pastor John Piper wrote a thought provoking book called Don’t Waste Your Life, full of practical, deeply convicting lessons. It’s not that we can or should avoid work, or possessions, or even leisure; but the question is how can these aspects of life be surrendered to God day by day so that he produces fruit that matters for eternity. “Connecting People to Jesus and Others” November 2015 A Small Thought on Small Groups Pastor Neil Nelson, Associate Pastor of Adult Disciple Making During the month of November, we will be wrapping up our first semester of small groups. As the semester has gone on, we have learned so much. There have been things we would do differently, and things that worked better than we anticipated. By far what surprised me the most, was how hungry groups have been for connections. In October we met with a team of small group leaders. While many of the groups are studying different topics, the deep relationships and spiritual growth seemed to be a reoccurring theme. With the pace most of our lives move and the size of our church, it is so important we find intentional ways to develop Biblical Community. Small groups are an effective way for us as a church to practically care for one another, and study the Word together. Personally, Erika and I have been so encouraged by the relationships we are developing in our group, and we have only met a few times!! My prayer is that everyone in our church find a place of connection where they can be challenged to grow as disciples of Jesus. A primary place that we want those relationships to occur is in small groups. Starting November 28, there will be a new chance to sign up for groups that will begin right after the New Year. I encourage you to consider joining a small group as a step toward Biblical Community. There will be some chances to sign up for groups that will use the Bible LIFE Cards, as well as a few topical groups. Look for the small group sign-up sheet in our church bulletin, in the December newsletter, or at the Connection Point. If you are in a place where you feel disconnected from others who are following Jesus, then small groups are definitely the place for you.
16
Embed
Eternal Significance - Clover Sitesstorage.cloversites.com/bibleevangelicalfreechurch... · 2015-10-30 · Eternal Significance Pastor Tim Erickson, Senior Pastor One of God’s design
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Eternal Significance Pastor Tim Erickson, Senior Pastor
One of God’s design features for humans is to participate in a cause which will last. “He has also set eternity in the hearts of men” according to the wisest man who ever lived (Ecclesiastes 3:11b). IN this little Old Testament book, Solomon traces our search for significance through the many options on earth — work, positions, and pleasures are key examples. These all fail to satisfy, but they are used to draw us to God: “God does it so that men will revere him” (Eccl 3:15). This fall we’ve seen that God’s standard for evaluating all disciples of Jesus is what we’ve done with what has been entrusted to us. We have been give the message of reconciliation, “that God was recon-ciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them” (2 Co 5:19). Spiritual maturity is measured by faithfulness to this mission. “Now it is required that those who have been give a trust must prove faithful” (1 Co 3:2). A few years ago, Pastor John Piper wrote a thought provoking book called Don’t Waste Your Life, full of practical, deeply convicting lessons. It’s not that we can or should avoid work, or possessions, or even leisure; but the question is how can these aspects of life be surrendered to God day by day so that he produces fruit that matters for eternity.
“Connecting People to Jesus and Others”
November 2015
A Small Thought on Small Groups Pastor Neil Nelson, Associate Pastor of Adult Disciple Making
During the month of November, we will be wrapping up our first semester of small groups. As the semester has gone on, we have learned so much. There have been things we would do differently, and things that worked better than we anticipated. By far what surprised me the most, was how hungry groups have been for connections. In October we met with a team of small group leaders. While many of the groups are studying different topics, the deep relationships and spiritual growth seemed to be a reoccurring theme. With the pace most of our lives move and the size of our church, it is so important we find intentional ways to develop Biblical Community. Small groups are an effective way for us as a church to practically care for one another, and study the Word together. Personally, Erika and I have been so encouraged by the relationships we are developing in our group, and we have only met a few times!! My prayer is that everyone in our church find a place of connection where they can be challenged to grow as disciples of Jesus. A primary place that we want those relationships to occur is in small groups. Starting November 28, there will be a new chance to sign up for groups that will begin right after the New Year. I encourage you to consider joining a small group as a step toward Biblical Community. There will be some chances to sign up for groups that will use the Bible LIFE Cards, as well as a few topical groups. Look for the small group sign-up sheet in our church bulletin, in the December newsletter, or at the Connection Point. If you are in a place where you feel disconnected from others who are following Jesus, then small groups are definitely the place for you.
Page 2
Happening at Bible EFC...
November 2015
Men’s Breakfast Gathering Meet in the Snack Shack on
Sunday, November 15 at 7:30am For an informal time of Breakfast & Fellowship
2nd Annual Hunters Chapel Thursday, November 19
Starting at 6:00pm here at Bible EFC
All Hunters (men or women) are invited to join us for dinner, as well as a
time of testimony, worship and a message.
All are welcome!
Questions? Contact Pastor Neil for more details 608-343-5101 or [email protected]
Ministry OUTDOOR Thanksgiving Eve
Worship Service Please join us Wednesday, November 25
at 6:00pm for a special evening of
family worship together as we give
thanks to God for His work
and presence among us.
Some thoughts you may wish to share
that evening could be “God-stories” of
what difference He has made in your life
this last year. You could also share
your thankfulness for how God has
used someone or something to
bless you recently.
We look forward to an evening
of praise with you.
Happening at Bible EFC...
Page 3 November 2015
MEN! Mark your Calendar to be part of the No Regrets 2016 Simulcast
The Great Gift Return Mark your calendars for “The Great Gift Return”
scheduled for New Years Eve at Bible EFC. This will be an opportunity to
give glory to God through the gifts and talents that He has given us.
Please consider sharing the gifts/talents that the Lord has blessed you with. We look
forward to a variety of expressions of praise. Examples of potential offerings to honor God:
vocal or instrumental music, skits, poems, dramatic reading, slide shows of photography or
other artwork, crafts and artistic displays, culinary treats, etc.
There will be more details in the December newsletter and/or bulletin.
Point of contact: Karen Birkeness 608-387-0824.
Christmas Eve Worship Services
4:00pm & 5:30pm
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.
We are seniors but young at heart, no age restrictions.
Contact Ray DeVoe at 372-9587.
Happening at Bible EFC...
Page 4 November 2015
Annual abf packer party/Christmas gathering
The 9:15 Sunday ABF Group invites you to join them for their Annual Packer/Christmas Gathering Celebration
This year they will be watching the Green Bay Packers take on
the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Dec 13th. 3:25pm Kick-Off *Location is to be determined*
There will be food, fun, fellowship and football!
(Family friendly event)
Bible EFC has been blessed through providing shoeboxes for children through the Operation Christmas Child Program and now we have the privilege of
being a local Collection Site for this great program!
Help us spread the word that people/groups/organizations have a local site that they can bring their completed boxes to!
We will have an Operation Christmas Child representative on-site during the following times: Nov 16 and 17: 4-7pm; Nov 18: 8-11am; Nov 19: 1-4pm; Nov 20: 4-7pm;
Nov 21: 9-Noon; Nov 22: Noon-3pm; Nov 23: 8-11am
Serve Your Community...
Page 5 November 2015
Angel Tree Arrives Nov 29th
Bible EFC is partnering with Prison
Fellowship again this year by being
part of the Angel Tree Ministry.
Our “Angel Tree” will be in the
foyer beginning on Sunday,
November 29th. Simply pick an
‘angel’ you would like to shop for,
complete the tag and go shopping!
Don’t like to shop? We can always use gift deliverers
too! See the Angel Tree Area in the foyer for more
details on return dates, delivery dates, etc.
Let’s use this opportunity to show you Christ’s love
through a gift or delivery of a gift for a child.
Any questions can be directed to Charissa Finn at 518-
366-4323 or Kathy Winkelman at 608-387-0247.
Thank You Thank you to all who participated in the
Annual Pastoral Prayer Initiative.
The Pastors have expressed their sincere appreciation and commented
that they could sense the Lord working through your prayers.
4th Annual “Harvest Challenge”
Neighbor for Neighbor Food Pantry is holding their
4th Annual Harvest Challenge,
now thru December 15th
.
Several local businesses have joined forces to match
up to at least $10,000!
All donations stay local and go toward supporting
their mission of “providing food to the hungry
with compassion and respect”.
All donations—whether cash, check or through the
Paypal account on the pantry website must indicate
that the gift is for the “Harvest Challenge”.
All monetary gifts are tax deductible.
Thank you for supporting your local
food pantry!
www.nfnfoodpantry.org
Salvation Army Bell Ringers Needed: Bible EFC will be helping the Salvation Army by providing Bell Ringers at both Walmart entrances for the weekend of December 3, 4 and 5. Make it a Family Activity, get your Neighborhood together, or meet up with your Bible Study friends. No matter who you are with, it’s a great way to spend an hour of your day!
Sign up sheets are
at the Connection Point!
Clothing will be available for distribution here at Bible EFC on
Saturday, Nov 14 from 9am—Noon. (Each person needing clothing or other items must come in person. All items received will be distributed free of charge
on a first come, first serve basis.)
Interested in Volunteering? Join us for any of these times: Set Up Times: Thurs, Nov 12 from Noon—3:00pm Friday, Nov 13 from 8:00am—Noon Event Volunteer Times: Saturday, Nov 14 from 8am—2pm
Building Communities...Strengthening Lives
Join the Tomah Ecumenical Choir! The Tomah Ecumenical Choir is open
to ALL who love to sing!
They rehearse from 12:00-1:00pm each Sunday in November at First United Methodist Church in Tomah. Performances are on December 6
th and
13th at area churches.
For more info, contact Kathy Kuehn at 387-0211.
Youth Ministry Staff:
Pastor Joel Sandager
(608) 387-2131
Admin MaryBeth Jacob
(608) 372-9377
YOUTH MINISTRIES IGNITE
Ignite Schedule
November 1– Ignite November 8– Ignite November 15– Operation Christmas child November 22– Ignite November 29– No Ignite—Thanksgiving
Districts
January 8-10
Cost $120
Balance due by Nov. 22. If you pay after Nov. 22 it will be an additional $10
The deposit is nonrefundable. Information will be sent out to parents in
mid December.
November
Operation Christmas Child
NOVEMBER 15 What to bring: shoe boxes...lots of them Christmas gift(s) (that fit in the shoe box ) Pick an age (2-4, 5-9, or 10-14) and girl or boy,
then buy your gifts See page 6 in newsletter for ideas
We will wrap the gifts together at our Youth Gathering on Nov. 15.
Happy Thanksgiving!
IGNITE
Hard candy, gum
Pencils, colored pencils
Erasers
Pencil case
Crayons
Pens
Ruler
Glue stick
Safety scissors
Coloring book
Markers
Notepads
Stickers
Self-inking stamp
Socks
Flip flops
Hand held toys
Plush small animals
Balls: Tennis balls, bouncy balls,
Jigsaw puzzle
Silly Putty
Sunglasses
Bandanas
Small flannel throw
Necklace
Watch
Hat
Bean bags
Hacky sack
Small dry erase board & markers
Teddy bear
Unopened Happy Meal toy
Toy binoculars
Inflatable balls
Legos
Solar-powered flashlight
Harmonicas
Recorder
Tambourine
Jump rope
Paddle ball
Yo yo’s
Handheld Etch A Sketch
Small board book
Slinky
Flash cards
Miniature checkerboard
T-shirts
Balloons
Crafting kit (beads, etc)
Toy toolkit set
Plastic eating utensils
Sippy cup/cup with a lid
Comb
Brush
Mild soap
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Colorful bandages
Small pack colorful tissues
Package of Sharpies
Travel sewing kit
Hair ribbons
Ponytail holders
Barrettes
bracelets
Clip-on earrings
November 15
6-8 pm Gift Ideas….
Child Protection Training
OCC
Please join us for Child Protection Training
Sunday, November 1
After the 10:30 service
In the Snack Shack
This is necessary to volunteer with Children or Youth but is also a great informational session for parents and
grandparents who would like to know more about the policies and procedures that are in place to protect our young ones.
You must RSVP Krishna at (608) 343-3282 or [email protected] to attend.
You’re invited!!
We are going to celebrate our fall
birthdays by attending the Premier Viewing
of “The Peanuts Movie” at 10am at the
Sparta Cinema 6, hosted by Sojourner’s
Journey. Following the movie, we will
gather for lunch and activities at an
alternate location (TBA). Details (including
lunch and location) are available at the
Connection Point. All are welcome (no
matter when your birthday is)!!
Cowboy night pics
Save the date!
Our next packing party will be on November 15th. We will meet in
the dining room after the 10:30 service to pack shoe boxes for
children in need all around the world. Check out the Christmas tree in
the foyer to see how you can contribute to such an incredible cause!
November 4th - Regular Club night; 1/4 way through - Are you there in your handbook? Sparks through Red Jewel 1 Section 2; T&T through Discovery/Challenge 2 or 14 sections signed. 11th - Awana missionary visiting 18th - Awana GO (Global Outreach) Carnival; Bring a Friend! Family Night - No Nursery (Want to shop end of October candy sales and donate? We accept! Please no Halloween themed wrappers.) 25th - No Awana - Thanksgiving Break, praise God for His blessings! December 2nd - Regular club, Grand Prix cars for sale $5 (race January 27th) 9th - Regular club night; T&T go caroling 16th - Regular club night 23 - No club, Celebrate God’s love and His great gift of His Son! 30 - No club
Cowboy Night
Questions and comments related to Children’s Ministry are
Sanctuary Worship 7:45am 9:15am - Video sermon 10:30am
Reviewed and unanimously approved the membership application for Naomi Reimann.
Pastor Tim provided the Board an update on his Sr Pastor’s report: status of volunteers needed for ministry; the board reviewed an update on finances; status of the missions team.
Pastor Neil provided the Board with an update on Small Group Ministry: 12-15 groups this Fall; Leader training was held on August 30th.
Pastor Tim provided the board with an update on Connections Ministry.
Next Elder Prayer Time is schedule for Sunday, November 8, 2015 at 7:00am at Bible EFC. Next Elder Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, 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 August 12, 2015
If you would like to be added to the Email Prayer Chain to receive
urgent Prayer Requests, please provide your email address