“A Celebration of New Life”storage.cloversites.com/bibleevangelicalfreechurch...“A Celebration...
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“Connecting People to Jesus and Others” August 2014 “A Celebration of New Life” Pastor Neil Nelson, Associate Pastor of Adult Disciple Making This month we get to celebrate God’s work in our church family during our Baptism service. Whenever I think of baptism, I am reminded of a story I heard in one of my seminary classes from a traveling preacher’s journal. I am sharing it with you this month because I believe it beautifully captures the work God does in our lives when we put our trust in Him, and it is what we are celebrating in the lives of those who will be baptized on August 10 th . This story is from the 1830s, but I hope this testimony will get you excited for our celebration of new life. In 1837 Campbell was with Mallary at Eatonton, helping Dawson with a protracted meeting. “I met on the street a young lady (Caroline), whom I had known from her childhood. She was of one of the most prominent families in the town; beautiful, intelligent and accomplished, and was considered the most popular and influential young person in all that region. I knew she had been much devoted to worldly pleasures. But, upon meeting her, I took the liberty to inquire into her religious condition. She promptly replied, that she had been brought to see the folly and wickedness of her past life, and had resolved to apply for membership in the church upon the first opportunity that might offer. With her consent, I informed Dawson of her intention; the door of the church was opened that night. She came forward promptly, related a most interesting experience, and was joyfully received. She was clear and emphatic in describing the conflict she had experienced in deciding to give up worldly amusements of a sinful nature, ‘But’, she said, ‘the struggle is over now, and I desire to be even more devoted to my Savior than I have ever been to the world.’ Her baptism was appointed for the next evening, just before sunset, at a creek half a mile east of the town. Of course everybody was there. The banks of that little stream were lined with crowds of interested spectators… Julia, of Monticello, her best friend and companion in her worldly course, seemed loath to leave her even for a moment, and clung to her till she reached the water’s edge. A hymn was sung, Mallary made a few remarks and offered prayer, when Dawson took Caroline by the hand and led her down the shelving bank into the limpid stream. They had attained to about half the desired depth, when she requested him to stop a moment, and, turning to those on the bank, waving her hand, she said, ‘Farewell, young friends! Farewell, Julia!’ The effect was electrical. The whole audience convulsed, and tears rained from eyes unused to weeping… upon coming up out of the water, Julia rushed forward to meet her friend, embracing her, and crying out in agonizing tones, ‘Oh, Carrie, you must not leave me! Mr. Dawson, pray for me! Mr. Mallary, pray for me?’ And we all went down upon our knees on the bank of that beautiful stream,… that night Julia came forward for prayer, followed by forty or fifty others. She soon obtained hope in Christ, and was baptized; and, in the course of a week about forty were added to the church… In nearly every case they referred to the baptism of Caroline as the means of their awakening. The gospel is ‘the power of God unto salvation.’” Praise God that still today, people are putting their trust in Him, experiencing forgiveness of their sins, and new life in Jesus. I hope you will join us on August 10 th at 10:00am here at Bible EFC. Invite others to celebrate the work God is doing in the lives of those who have put their trust in Jesus, and are proclaiming their desire to live for Jesus the rest of their lives.
Transcript of “A Celebration of New Life”storage.cloversites.com/bibleevangelicalfreechurch...“A Celebration...
“Connecting People to Jesus and Others”
August 2014
“A Celebration of New Life” Pastor Neil Nelson, Associate Pastor of Adult Disciple Making
This month we get to celebrate God’s work in our church family during our Baptism service. Whenever I think of baptism, I am reminded of a story I heard in one of my seminary classes from a traveling preacher’s journal. I am sharing it with you this month because I believe it beautifully captures the work God does in our lives when we put our trust in Him, and it is what we are celebrating in the lives of those who will be baptized on August 10
th. This story is from the 1830s, but I hope this
testimony will get you excited for our celebration of new life.
In 1837 Campbell was with Mallary at Eatonton, helping Dawson with a protracted meeting. “I met on the street a young lady (Caroline), whom I had known from her childhood. She was of one of the most prominent families in the town; beautiful, intelligent and accomplished, and was considered the most popular and influential young person in all that region. I knew she had been much devoted to worldly pleasures. But, upon meeting her, I took the liberty to inquire into her religious condition. She promptly replied, that she had been brought to see the folly and wickedness of her past life, and had resolved to apply for membership in the church upon the first opportunity that might offer. With her consent, I informed Dawson of her intention; the door of the church was opened that night. She came forward promptly, related a most interesting experience, and was joyfully received. She was clear and emphatic in describing the conflict she had experienced in deciding to give up worldly amusements of a sinful nature, ‘But’, she said, ‘the struggle is over now, and I desire to be even more devoted to my Savior than I have ever been to the world.’ Her baptism was appointed for the next evening, just before sunset, at a creek half a mile east of the town. Of course everybody was there. The banks of that little stream were lined with crowds of interested spectators… Julia, of Monticello, her best friend and companion in her worldly course, seemed loath to leave her even for a moment, and clung to her till she reached the water’s edge. A hymn was sung, Mallary made a few remarks and offered prayer, when Dawson took Caroline by the hand and led her down the shelving bank into the limpid stream. They had attained to about half the desired depth, when she requested him to stop a moment, and, turning to those on the bank, waving her hand, she said, ‘Farewell, young friends! Farewell, Julia!’ The effect was electrical. The whole audience convulsed, and tears rained from eyes unused to weeping… upon coming up out of the water, Julia rushed forward to meet her friend, embracing her, and crying out in agonizing tones, ‘Oh, Carrie, you must not leave me! Mr. Dawson, pray for me! Mr. Mallary, pray for me?’ And we all went down upon our knees on the bank of that beautiful stream,… that night Julia came forward for prayer, followed by forty or fifty others. She soon obtained hope in Christ, and was baptized; and, in the course of a week about forty were added to the church… In nearly every case they referred to the baptism of Caroline as the means of their awakening. The gospel is ‘the power of God unto salvation.’”
Praise God that still today, people are putting their trust in Him, experiencing forgiveness of their sins, and new life in Jesus. I hope you will join us on August
10th at 10:00am here at Bible EFC. Invite others to celebrate the work God is doing
in the lives of those who have put their trust in Jesus, and are proclaiming their desire to live for Jesus the rest of their lives.
Happening at Bible EFC...
Page 2 August 2014
Bible EFC Baptism Sunday August 10, 10:00am On Sunday August 10th we will have just one outdoor, onsite worship celebration. The highlight will be testimonies of God’s life-transforming activity. Immediately following the worship time together, we will transition to our neighbor’s beautiful pond and continue the ceremony with the actual act of baptism!
If God is calling you to take a stand for Him and the transformation He has done in your life and you wish to be baptized, please contact the church office or attend one of the brief meetings being conducted by Pastor Neil this week. Meetings are this Sunday, August 3rd at 9:15 or 10:30am in the Dining Room.
Following the festivities, an all-church potluck will take place! Condiments, tableware and beverages will be provided. The Deaconesses do ask that families/couples bring a dish to pass based on the following rotation: A-F: Dessert G-L: Side Dish or Salad M-Z: Main Dish
May the Holy Spirit lead and guide each individual whom He desires to be a part of this celebration and may each of us make plans to join in celebrating God’s given grace.
Contact Pastor Neil if you are interested and/or available to help with set-up and tear down of chairs, tents and tech equipment for the Baptism Service. Many hands lighten the work load of this meaningful service. Thank you!
Upcoming Neighborhood Events:
Ridgerunners #7: Meet up for a Campfire and S’mores on Friday, August 15th at 7:00pm at
the David & Heather Dahl home. Bring your lawn chair and 1 S’more ingredient (chocolate,
marshmallows, or graham crackers). (20496 Hematite Ave, Tomah)
Tomah Purple #8: Bring your appetite! We are having a Corn Roast on August 16th at the
home of Greg and Heidi Jordan. This is a potluck style gathering with Roasted Corn, Lemonade
and Paper Products provided. (18003 Innswood Rd, Norwalk)
Team Blue #12: Let’s have a Back to School BBQ on Wednesday, August 20th at the Steve and
Emily Ewers home. Please bring a school supply to donate. (1711 Superior Ave, Tomah)
Match the number on your Nametag on Sunday to the Neighborhood Map in the Foyer
and see what your Neighborhood is up to!
Happening at Bible EFC...
Page 3 August 2014
If you have input or questions
about Adult Ministries, Please contact Pastor Neil
Office: 372-9377 or Cell: 343-5101
New Beginnings ABF Campout & Picnic
DATE: August 15 & 16
Join us for one night or whatever works for your schedule! If you can’t camp these 2 nights, be sure to join us for the
Potluck & Campfire on Saturday, Aug 16th
TIME: Games and fun all day Potluck Picnic 5:00pm on Saturday, Aug 16th
Bring a dish to pass, lawn chairs, and outdoor games
LOCATION: McMullen
Campground, Warrens
ACTIVITIES: Swim or Canoe on
the Lake, Playground for the Kids, Horseshoes, Volleyball, Fishing and Hiking!
Camping cost is about $18 depending on Tent or Camper, Electric, etc For more info call Philip or Cindy Puent
608-343-7494 or email [email protected]
August 16th from 4:00-9:00pm
Potluck Style Gathering with Roasted Corn, Lemonade and Tableware provided
Join them for a fun celebration and fellowship! Games, 4-wheeler Rides,
Hiking, Evening Fire, Laughs and Music if you bring your instruments
18003 Innswood Rd, Norwalk (approx. 11 miles from Tomah)
Coming This Fall...
Page 4 August 2014
Outdoor Ministry
August 8 at Bible EFC 7:00pm: Men’s Gathering that is open for all men. This is a time of “guys getting together with guys” including a brief study in God’s word and fellowship time.
August 16 Skeet Shoot at 3:00pm: Outing at the Woods & Meadows Skeet Range. Open to fathers/father figures and kids who’s parents feel they are age appropriate for this activity. Watch for details online or come to the August 8th Men’s Gathering.
Coming this Fall! During the 9:15 Hour on Sundays beginning Sept 7th, the New Beginnings ABF (Adult Bible
Fellowship) invites you to partake in “The Family Project” (a study by Focus on the Family).
“Why do families work? Because God himself designed them!
Thriving families will lead to thriving communities, and thriving communities will transform the world.
People will find purpose, joy and redemption; and generation after generation will create a positive legacy.”
The Family Project is a 12 session experience that explores the theological,
philosophical, and cultural underpinnings of the traditional family,
and combines that information with inspiring stories and practice tolls to help 21st families thrive.”
Questions? Contact Josh Eagleson 343-9495 or Dustin Robertson 343-8583.
Coming Soon! This Fall we will have
TWO Parenting Classes available to you!
While final details are being ironed out, make a note to watch for details on these
Sunday night and Wednesday night options to be led by Dr. Paul Gasser and
Pastor Tim & Carole Erickson.
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades( Theme this summer is Underground Reality-Colombia
2 Corinthians 4:8 –9 “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not
abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”
How can you be part of our community?
Sunday Mornings Youth Sunday School—9:15am and 10:30am
Middle School and High School students are invited to join at either class hour, coming together to study The Word and life application.
Sunday Nights Ignite Youth Group—6:00-8:00pm (See the schedule for location and
times.)
Join us to develop a sense of community within our Youth group and
beyond our church walls, helping and supporting one another!
Youth Ministry Staff:
Pastor Joel Sandager
(608) 387-2131
Charissa Finn (Admin)
(608) 372-9377
Date: August 7-9 at Mirror Lake State Park & Noah’s Ark Waterpark
Cost: $35 per student
See page 8 of the newsletter for the permission form!
It’s almost here! Middle School Retreat starts August 7! This trip is for anyone entering 6th grade through those who are entering 9th grade. Cost is $35 and includes camping for two nights, meals, and a day at Noah’s Ark Waterpark. Sign up today if you plan on attending!
Date: August 7-9, 2014 Time: August 7 at 10:00 am— August 9 at 10:00 am Cost: $35 per student
Parent/Guardian’s Signature: _________________________________Date: __________
I, the parent or guardian of __________________authorizes their participation in the Middle School Retreat in
Baraboo, Wisconsin, with Bible EFC on August 7-9, 2014. I authorize their participation in all activities during this
trip. I release and indemnify Bible EFC of Tomah, WI, its employees, volunteers, and staff from any claims to
liability arising out of participation. I understand that reasonable care will be taken to insure my child’s safety.
In case of medical emergency, I give permission to Bible EFC representatives to select a physician and to secure
treatment for my child. I give medical professionals the right to take any action needed to help.
Middle school Retreat
August 7– 9, 2014
Awana in August
The first night of Awana (September 3rd) is fast
approaching. Keep an eye and ear open to upcoming church
announcements to learn of the dates and times of the year
beginning trainings and meetings. Anyone interested in helping with
Wednesday evening ministries (Cafe, Awana or Nursery) please contact
Sue Bannan, [email protected] or 427-2253.
Summer birthday bash!! All children who have birthdays in June, July, or august are invited to the next birthday bash on august 23 from 2-4 pm at Winnebago park. Please RSVP Krishna at 343-3382.
5 Day Clubs
Please join us for
Child Protection Training August 24th at noon
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.
VBS is done & our church sure did SHINE!!!! What a wonderful & full week we had
filled with 80 volunteers & 160 registered children! God was definitely present
in all that happened & we had such an amazing week! Thank you to everyone that
participated and donated!! None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for
each person bringing in their gifts and talents to fit together with others as a
team! It was amazing to see each team work in their areas (decorating, crafts,
snacks, games, bible story, worship, registration, and tech) to come together
and make this an exciting week for everyone to be able to learn about how to
become glory givers, not glory getters. Not only that, but the gospel was
obviously presented many times & we were able to see 7 children make the
decision to trust Jesus with their life! Praise God for His presence in this week &
for your service and choice to be glory givers and SHINE!!!
Upcoming Club Days:
August 11 –15: Location -Kendall Evangelical Free Church, 104 E. Hall Street, Kendall. Time will be 9-11 am. August 11-15: Location- 944 S. Broadway Street, New Lisbon. Hosted by Ryan and Heidi Meyer. Time will be 1-3 pm. August 11-15: Location—Bethel Baptist Church, N9498 1st Avenue, Camp Douglas. Time will be 4-6 pm.
Summer schedule:
Nursery, Early Childhood classroom, and Extraordinary classroom will continue as typically scheduled
throughout the summer with the exception of Baptism Sunday (August 10).
Elementary schedule:
August 3: Children are encouraged to attend service in the Sanctuary with their
family. “Children’s Packets” will be available for them to complete if parents choose to have
them do so.
August 10: BAPTISM SERVICE!!! No Children’s Ministries.
August 17 and 24: All elementary children will meet in the Activity Center for both 9:15 and
10:30 services. The Large Group Lessons provided at 9:15 will vary according to the teacher
each week. Summer of Service will take place during the 10:30 service.
August 31: No Elementary ministries due to the holiday weekend.
September 7: FALL KICK OFF!!!
Hearts at Home Conference will help you enjoy the moments, the laughter, and the grace of being a mom. It’s a weekend that will help you learn to love your real, but imperfect, life!
CALLING ALL WOMEN!!!
November 7-8
Bible EFC is getting a group of ladies together to attend this
awesome event! $130 will cover travel to Rochester, MN on Friday, admission to Friday’s Moms’ Night Out, 1 night hotel stay, registration fee for Saturday’s all day conference (33 different workshop topics to choose from!) and travel home Saturday evening.
For more information or to sign up for this event: Contact Becky Robertson (608) 343-3583 or
Krishna Battista (608) 343-3282
NO ELEMENTARY MINISTRIES AUGUST 3. EARLY CHILDHOOD AND EXTRAORDINARY CLASSROOM ONLY ON THIS DATE.
Featuring Dr. Kathy Koch and Angela Thomas
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Sunday Morning Volunteer Schedule
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]
Page 17
Offering Attendants:
August 3 - Deidre Nauman
August 10 - Curt Patterson
August 17 - Jim Retzlaff
August 24 - Heidi Jordan
August 31 - Amy Georgeson
If you have questions about Bible EFC finances,
Contact Mike Mayhew, Treasurer 374-1007
Sherri Shack, Financial Secretary 343-6429
Financial Ministry
Financial Report
For the period: July 1, 2014 through July 15, 2014
General Offering: $ 17,833.90
Budget Goal: $ 20,224.04
Expenses paid: $ 20,698.76
Checkbook Balance as of July 15, 2014: $ 3,270.05
Money Market Balance July 15, 2014: $ 6,003.77
Timberwood Bank Loan as of July 15, 2014: $ 10,287.87
For more information or to volunteer, contact:
Levi Frost 608-387-9293
[email protected] Usher Schedule:
August 3 August 10 August 17 August 24 August 31
7:45 Service
Ron Nicks
Craig Budde
George Lovold
Terry Christen
Jim Spence
Ben Spence
Tim Garrels
Mark Schack
Dale Wicklund
Service Opportunity
9:15 Service
Paul Kastner
HS Student
Ron Johns
HS Student
Curt Nauman
HS Student
Service Opportunity
HS Student
Scott Garrett
Service Opportunity
10:30 Service
Josh Eagleson
Levi Frost
Todd Linenberg
Brad Niemerg
Jim Retzlaff
Jeff Brieske
Jason Strike
Kevin Dechant
Curt Patterson
John Battista
August 2014 Bible EFC Schedules
“Raise the Roof”
Update
Praise God! Your giving to the Roof Project has covered $60,110 of our debt obligation!! Thank you!
As you consider your offering, please pray over how you can continue giving to this project.
Remember to use the orange “Raise the Roof” envelopes to designate giving to the new roof or write “Raise the Roof” in the memo section of your check. Thank you!
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].
August 2014
“Connecting People with Jesus and Others”
Page 18
Bible EFC
Prayer Ministry
For more information about
Bible EFC’s Prayer Ministry
Contact Karen Birkeness
608-387-0824 or
Times of Refreshing... Watch for Future Dates
Begins at 6:30pm Light Meal available at 5:30pm
...is an informal gathering, typically once a month, for people to gather to worship, praise, sing, pray
and fellowship together while spending time with God and each other.
Please contact Karen Birkeness ([email protected] or 387-0824)
if you would like to assist in the areas of food, tech, worship team and/or setup and take down.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
2
3 No Ignite
4 5 6:45pm Prayer Time 7:30pm Co-Ed Softball at Glendale Field
6 10:00am OWLS2
7
8 9
10 Baptism Service 10:00am here at Bible EFC Potluck lunch to follow No Ignite
11
12 6:45pm Prayer Time
13 10:00am OWLS2
4:00pm Elder Board Meeting
14
15 Neighborhood Event for #7 Ridgerunners
16 Neighborhood Event for #8 Team Purple
17 Children’s and Youth Sunday School and Adult Ministries resumes at 9:15 & 10:30 Service Times No Ignite
18
19 6:45pm Prayer Time
20 10:00am OWLS2
Neighborhood Event for #12 Team Blue
21 6:00pm Leadership Gathering
22
23
24
Middle School Only Ignite
25
26 6:45pm Prayer Time
27 10:00am OWLS2
28
29 30
31 No Ignite
August 2014 Bible EFC Calendar Page 19
Sunday Morning Schedule
Sanctuary Worship 7:45; 9:15 & 10:30am
July 6 through Aug 3 Nursery (ages 0-1): 9:15 & 10:30am Pre-School Sunday School (ages 2-3 yrs) 9:15 & 10:30am Extraordinary Classroom (Special Needs) 10:30am
Middle School Youth Retreat
ABF Annual Campout
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 2014 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
Appreciation was expressed to Mike Mayhew and George Renaud for their service as Elders.
The Board unanimously approved Frank Best as Board Chairman and Ryan Meyer as Secretary for the 2014-15 ministry year.
The Board prayed for Pastors Neil and Joel for the summer schedules and increase in responsibilities during Pastor Tim’s sabbatical.
The Board was also updated on the Raise the Roof balance. The meeting closed with a time of prayer.
Next Elder Prayer Time is schedule for Sunday, August 10, 2014 at 7:00am at Bible EFC. Next Elder Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 13, 2014 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, 2014
