Reflections on being everyday disciples of...

“Connecting People to Jesus and Others”

September 2014

“Live for Eternity—Life is Short”

Reflections on being everyday disciples of Jesus Pastor Tim Erickson, Senior Pastor

At a conference many years ago, Joni Eareckson Tada was asked what kept her going despite the obvious physical challenges of being a quadriplegic. How was she able to keep creating and leading and teaching all over the world? Her answer: “This is the only time in history when I get to fight for God. This is the only part of my eternal story when I am actually in the battle. Once I die, I’ll be in celebration mode in a glorified body in a whole different set of circumstance. But this is my limited window of opportunity, and I’m going to fight the good fight for all I’m worth.”1 I suspect that all of us to some extent are “saving for a rainy day.” That’s certainly one measure of wisdom. But when you have time – as I’ve had this summer – to stop working, planning, and “doing”, it would also be wise to reflect on just what is that rainy day. What are you saving for? Why are you conserving your resources? Jesus said, “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” One of the risks of American Christians, is that the gains of this world will obscure the more important gains of eternity. A disciple of Jesus is constantly being changed to be more like him. This means we don’t put too much value on this life and this world. Historically, believers who make the most impact on this world are those who think most of the next. So what life are you waiting for? You only get one – and it’s relatively short. We only have one shot at living the Jesus mission. So we might as well die to self and live for Christ. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. “ (Gal. 2:20)

1 – quoted by Bill Hybels, Axiom, p. 187

“What good will it be for a man

if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?”

Jesus

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“To Do or Not To Do” Neil Nelson, Associate Pastor of Adult Disciple Making

We are now face-to-face with another fall. Kids are going back to school, our week of summer has passed, and the BEARS are about to play their last preseason game. While the summer season extends a few more weeks on the calendar, our schedules have shifted focus to the startup of school and church activities. I am excited about what we have upcoming for our Adults this fall.

As you look at our calendar, you will see Neighborhood Ministry Opportunities, Parenting Opportunities, Outdoor Ministry Opportunities, a great ABF series at 9:15, OWLS2 on Wednesday mornings, and chances to serve our community. A question that arises as you look at these and add them to the activities already going on in your families (ie: sports, clubs, family nights) is how do we take our call to disciple making seriously in spite of the opportunities we have?

Look at your schedule, do you anticipate a time where you have been run ragged and you have to figure out where are my chances to connect deeply with others and my chance to connect with God? Do you face the challenge of filling up your calendar with church events, and then school events, added on top of work events, and realizing there just is not enough time? Most of us face the challenge of looking at our schedule and realizing what we need most are often the things that are squeezed out first. I offer two suggestions:

1. Pastor and author Wayne Cordeiro is famous for teaching on leading out of rest. The idea is that in our schedule, we give priority to things that give us rest and reenergize us be fore we schedule things that drain us. I am not talking about merely sleep (although that is exactly what some of us need). I am talking about finding those things that restore us and help us to fully be who we are called to be. The most important of which is communing with our Creator and Redeemer. First, identify those times when you need to be with Jesus and make sure nothing else interrupts. If you have a spouse, include them in this plan so that you can work together to seek the Lord and to seek rest for each other’s benefit. Protect those places of rest for yourself and your loved ones, even if it means doing less.

2. Think through what Connect, Grow, Serve means for you as an individual. Connecting, Growing, and Serving are the three different aspects that we as a church are targeting as

pathways to growing as a disciple. If we were to apply this to our own lives, you might ask “where am I connecting with other believers?” or “Where am I growing in my relationship with the Lord?” and “how am I using my unique gifts to serve?” Take inventory of what you are doing in each of those areas.

Furthermore, think about all that you are doing, ask what the primary focus of this ministry is. Yes, we will grow inside of ministries where we are connecting, we will grow inside of serving opportunities, and

connections will take place where we grow and serve. The danger becomes when we look at our schedules and say, we are only involved in things that help us connect with others, and therefore we are

frustrated because we are not really growing, or we serve, serve, serve but do not know anyone outside of the role of teacher or doer.

I think for many of us, the answer might be doing less, but with more intention. Find those places where you are building relationships, deepening your relationship with the Lord, and having an impact with the gifts God has given you. I encourage you to look at our newsletter this month with a strategy. Prioritize your rest, and then look at where you are going to connect, where you are going to grow, and where you are going to serve. As you answer those questions, take the rest of the opportunities, pray God’s blessing on them and then put them to the side. Your “no” to that opportunity might be the best growth strategy you have ever used.

“Connecting People to Jesus and Others”

September 2014

Happening at Bible EFC...

September 2014

Beginning September 7th

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.


September 2014

Upcoming Neighborhood Events:

Warrens Area #4 and #5: It’s time for a Hayride! Meet at Tim and Jeanne Plunkett’s home for a

great time of family fun on Saturday, September 6 from 2:00-5:00pm. Rain date is Sat. Sept 13.

(3515 Hwy 12, Warrens)

Ridgerunners #7: Meet up for a Potluck Lunch and Playground Fun on Sunday, September 14 at

1:00pm at Winnebago Park in Tomah.

Tomah Purple #8: We’re going on a Hayride this month out at the Wicklund Farm on Saturday,

September 20 at 5:00pm. Chili meal will be provided. (15515 Helix Rd, Tomah)

Team Blue #12: We are visiting Mosely’s Apple Orchard on Saturday, September 20th. Our time

to meet is still being determined so watch for details soon.

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

and see what your Neighborhood is up to!

Outdoor Ministry

September 12 at Ft McCoy - 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, fellowship, and time on Ft McCoy’s paintball course.

Sept 19-20 Campout at Potter’s Flowage: Camping and Fishing out at Potter’s Flowage. Open to fathers/father figures and kids who’s parents feel they are age appropriate for this activity. Watch for details online, speak with Pastor Neil, or come to the September 12th Men’s Gathering to help finalize the plans and details.

Coming Soon! This Fall we will have

TWO Parenting Classes available to you!

Paul Gasser: will be leading a class on Sunday nights in the Dining Room covering Parenting Techniques. The series begins

on Sunday, Sept 14 at 6:00pm.

Pastor Tim & Carole: will be leading a class on Wednesday Nights at 6:00pm

beginning in October. Watch for dates and details!

Adults - Sunday Morning Opportunities for Growth Find your way to one of the Sunday Morning Adult Options and plug into a group where you can fellowship, pray, praise, share and study.

9:15am ~ Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF)! Fellowship, open Bible and conversation are key in this group.

We will be starting a 12 week study called the Family Project beginning Sunday, Sept 7.

See page 2 of this newsletter for more details on this great study. We meet in the Patio Room.

10:30am ~ Adult Gathering Time! This group will being focusing on a study called “Work is Worship” through RightNow Media.

Stop in any week or every week as your schedule allows.

We are about fellowship, learning and deepening our relationship with God! We meet in the Patio Room.


September 2014

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.

If you have input or questions

about Adult Ministries, Please contact Pastor Neil

Office: 372-9377 or Cell: 343-5101

Membership Class - September 11

If you would like to know more about why Bible EFC exists, where we are going

and what we believe, then you are invited to a one-evening-only Membership Class

with Pastor Tim.

Class is Thursday, September 11 from 5:00-8:00pm in the Patio Room

and supper is provided!

Please RSVP to the church office for food and materials preparation.

Phone: 372-9377 Email: [email protected]

Let’s Read a Book!

We have a GREAT opportunity to help out in the Tomah Area School District by simply spending an hour reading with a child! Please visit the sign-up sheet in the Foyer on the black tables to indicate what mornings and/or afternoons you could be available. Pastor Neil is available for any questions you may have about this fun new ministry!

Youth Minstry

Staff:

Pastor Joel

Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades)

Year Theme: Reconciled. Live the Story. Tell the Story. II Cor. 5:18 “ All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”

Opportunities to connect: Sunday Mornings Youth Sunday School at 9:15 am (Middle School & High School class) & 10:30 am (Combined class) Sunday Nights Ignite Youth Group 6-8 pm (See schedule for location and times.)

September 7—Ignite Kick Off at the Gathering Place 14— Ignite 19— God’s Not Dead Movie at Tomah HS @ 6 pm 21—Ignite 24—See you at the Pole @ 7am 28—Breakaway (See your leader for time and location)

REGISTER FOR FALL CHILDREN MINISTRIES AWANA, Sunday School & Prayze Craze! - Sign up sheets in the foyer!

Beginning September 7th - Children’s Ministry

Schedule

Sunday during 9:15 Service Nursery for children 0-1 year old Sunday School for children 2 years old through fifth grade 2/3 year olds begin in Early Childhood Classroom 4K through fifth grade begin in Café (end of ramp on left)

Sunday during 10:30 Service Nursery for children 0-1 year old Ministry for 2/3 year olds (Early Childhood Classroom) Prayze Craze for 4K through third grade in the Activity Center Fourth & fifth Grade Prayze Craze rotate between classroom

and sanctuary every other week Extraordinary Classroom - Individualized ministry for children with special needs (James/John Room-across from Dining Room)

Wednesday Evenings AWANA begins at 5:45 pm in the Sanctuary Wednesday Night Café begins at 5:00 (Complete dinner provided - suggested donation $1 per child and $2 per

adult)

Got Stuff?

Please let us know if you have old vests, t-shirts or books that you would like to donate back

to the AWANA program!

Wednesday Night Café

Wednesdays can be busy—Let us make a healthy

dinner for you and the kids! Join us for Wednesday

Night Café starting at 5:00pm on AWANA club

nights! Great opportunity for fellowship among

AWANA families. Suggested donation is $2 per

adult and $1 per child.

Awana & Café begin September

3rd!

September 3rd - FIRST CLUB NIGHT! Bring your parents! (Registration Night) Parents, follow the club you know the least about. 10th - Regular night 17th - Regular night 24th - Regular night

October 1st - Regular night 8th - Cowboy night! Dress up western! Large group time around the campfire (weather permitting) 15th - Regular night 22nd - Regular night, 1/4 way through handbooks 29th - Regular night

Awana Ministry Conference Many workshops available for any children and youth ministry workers. Saturday, October 11th, in Madison Saturday, November 1st, in Wausau Contact Sue Bannan to register.

Hearts at Home Conference (hearts-at-home.org/) 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

Pick up your registration form at the table in the foyer.

Featuring Dr. Kathy Koch and Angela Thomas

Also, available...Family Backpacks!!! Backpacks are filled with games, crafts and fun Christ-centered activities for

families to do together! Check one out outside of Krishna’s office!

What a great year! Thanks to all who supported Christian Youth in Action!

http://www.hearts-at-home.org/

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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]

The fall Schedule is under

construction. The dust hasn’t quite settled

yet! Help us by becoming a children’s ministry

helper this year. We are Flexible to work

with your

schedule. There are many ways you can be

involved in this rewarding

ministry!

mailto:[email protected]

Offering Attendants:

September 7 - Deidre Nauman

September 14 - Curt Patterson

September 21 - Jim Retzlaff

September 28 - Heidi Jordan

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 Aug 15, 2014

General Offering: $ 49,498.58

Budget Goal: $

Expenses paid: $ 55,622.47

Checkbook Balance as of Aug 15, 2014: $ 6,573.02

Money Market Balance Aug 15, 2014: $ 6,003.77

Timberwood Bank Loan as of Aug 15, 2014: PAID OFF!

For more information or to volunteer, contact:

Levi Frost 608-387-9293

[email protected] Usher Schedule:

Sept 3 Sept 10 Sept 17 Sept 24

7:45 Service

Ron Nicks

Craig Budde

George Lovold

Terry Christen

Jim Spence

Ben Spence

Tim Garrels

Mark Schack

9:15 Service

Paul Kastner

HS Student

Ron Johns

HS Student

Curt Nauman

HS Student

Service Opportunity

HS Student

10:30 Service

Josh Eagleson

Levi Frost

Todd Linenberg

Brad Niemerg

Jim Retzlaff

Jeff Brieske

Jason Strike

Kevin Dechant

September 2014 Bible EFC Schedules

“Raise the Roof”

Update

We are VERY happy to share that through your generous giving and extra effort this summer,

our roof is PAID OFF!!

Thank you to all who gave to this project and helped eliminate this budget expense ahead of schedule!

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Labor Day Office Closed

2 6:45pm Prayer Time

3 10:00am OWLS2 5:00pm Wed. Night Café 5:45pm Awana Kick-Off

4 5

6

7 FALL KICK-OFF for Children, Youth and Adult Ministries Ignite Fall Kick-Off at The Gathering Place

8 9 6:45pm Prayer Time

10 10:00am OWLS2

4:00pm Elder Board Meeting 5:00pm Wed. Night Café 5:45pm Awana 6:00pm Wed Night for Adults

11 5:00pm Membership Class

12 13

14 Ignite at Bible EFC

15


17 10:00am OWLS2

5:00pm Wed. Night Café 5:45pm Awana 6:00pm Wed Night for Adults

18 6:00pm Leadership Gathering

19

20

21 Ignite at Bible EFC

22


24 10:00am OWLS2


25

26

27

28

Ignite at Bible EFC

29


Oct 1 10:00am OWLS2


2 3 4

Sunday Morning Schedule

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 (Special Needs) 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

September 2014 Bible EFC Calendar

Outdoor Ministry Camp Out

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

September 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

The Board unanimously approved the minutes from the June 2014 meeting.

The Board received Pastor Neil’s report. The membership application for Chad Matteson was approved. The meeting closed with a time of prayer.

Next Elder Prayer Time is schedule for Sunday, September 7, 2014 at 7:00am at Bible EFC. Next Elder Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10, 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 July 10, 2014

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].

For more information about

Bible EFC’s Prayer Ministry

Contact Karen Birkeness

608-387-0824 or

[email protected]

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