SPRINGFOCUSmidlandevangelicalfreechurch April 2019

Sunday Worship at Midland Free – 9:00 and 10:45 amLife Groups Spring Cycle – April 14 - May 19, 2019

Table of ContentsSummer Events—2

Adult—3Children—4

Children’s Special Events—5Youth—6

Marriage & Family—7 Missions—8GoLocal—9

Men—10 Women—11

Care—12Special Events—13

7221 N. Jefferson AvenueMidland, Michigan 48642

989.631.4411 • mefchurch.org

www.mefchurch.org

@mefchurch

March 31 Ephesians 4:26-32 April 7 Special Guest Speaker: Gary Thomas – Cherish Your MarriageApril 14 Ephesians 5:1-2April 19 Good FridayApril 21 Easter – King JesusApril 28 Ephesians 5:3-14

May 5 Children’s SundayMay 12 Ephesians 6:1-9May 19 Ephesians 5:15-21May 26 Ephesians 5:22-33June 2 Ephesians 6:10-20June 9 Ephesians Summary

Ephesians – Weekly Sermon Scripture Reading

GOOD FRIDAYApril 19 • 7:00 pm

Communion Service. Childcare unavailable so families can worship together.

EASTERApril 21 • 9:00 and 10:45 am

Sunday School available for infant through 5th grade.

summer events 02

August 18Outdoor Water Baptism, Picnic,

and Water Fun11:30 am - 1:00 pm (AFTER the Worship Service)

Rooms: 305/307/309Bring your own chairs, picnic blankets, and get ready for some fun water games, outdoor baptisms, and fellowship.

June 30Rise and Shine Summer Breakfast

8:45 am - 9:45 am (BEFORE the Worship Service)Rooms: 305/307/309

Pastor’s Chuck and Gib will lead a team of cooks to serve a delicious and hearty breakfast complete with bacon, cinnamon rolls, casseroles, muffins, yogurt, fruit, bagels, orange juice and coffee. One of the pastors will welcome everyone, pray, and encourage each group to enjoy the questions/conversation starters at the tables.

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Small Churches in the Summer (Memorial Day – Labor Day)Do you want to dig deeper into God’s Word? Come early on Sunday mornings in the summer to grow in a smaller group setting. Everyone welcome!

Faith Builders8:45 am

Room 308

Legacy Builders9:00 am

Room 306

mefchurch.org/small-churches

Discover Midland FreeFinding your way in a new church with lots of people can be challenging. Let us welcome you and answer your questions! Whether you’ve been attending Midland Free for a year or only a few weeks, this class is for you! The two-week, Discover Midland Free class helps you learn about life at our church and where you can best connect, grow, and serve.

Meets on SundaysApril 28 & May 5, 2019 • 9:00 amGathering Room ARSVP by Wednesday, April 24

Register at mefchurch.org/dmf.

Baptism Classes Do you want to be baptized, or do you have questions about baptism? If so, please join us! You will learn the Biblical reasons for baptism as well as the baptism process followed at Midland Free. Questions? Contact Melanie Draves, Adult Ministries Assistant at melaniedraves@mefchurch.org or 989.631.4411 x1010.

Sunday, April 28, 2019 • 10:45 amRSVP by Wed., April 24Meets in Gathering Room A.

Sunday, August 4, 2019 • 9:00 amRSVP by Wed., July 31.Meets in Gathering Room A.

Register at mefchurch.org/baptism.

Life GroupsLife Groups are the primary way to belong and build friendships at Midland Free. Groups meet every week in homes to dig deeper into their faith, encourage each other, pray for each other, and grow in their relationship with God and one another. The Spring Life Group cycle begins the week of April 14 and meets through the week of May 19 (7 weeks). Sign up online at mefchurch.org/life-groups. Questions? Contact Melanie Draves, Adult Ministries Assistant at melaniedraves@mefchurch.org or 989.631.4411 x1010.

Young Adult Life Group LaunchAll young adults ages 18-35 are invited to this new Life Group gathering with the intent to form several smaller groups according to age and life stage. Come to this initial launch event and connect with other young adults. Our purpose is to live out Biblical community and we will focus on fellowship around the scriptures and prayer.

Wednesday, April 24 • 6:30 - 8:30 pmRoom 306

mefchurch.org/life-groups

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Firm Foundations Early Learning Center (FFELC) began in 2017 as an outreach of Midland Free Children’s Ministry to communicate the Gospel through the care shown by our staff toward our community’s youngest population. We are excited to announce that effective April 2019, we are offering an optional Christian education component at FFELC, and we have had an overwhelming response from parents choosing this for their children. We will be using The Gospel Project for Kids® curriculum and following the same weekly lessons as the BLAST Children’s Ministry Sunday School

classes. We are excited to be able to build a spiritual foundation for these youngsters, speaking truth into the hearts and lives of kids and their families.Here are some highlights from the first quarter of 2019 in FFELC: We have had special visitors from various professions in our community such as an EMT, a nurse from Dr. Grossman’s office and a dentist. Kids were able to learn about our community helpers and about personal health and hygiene. To encourage reading, they had a special visit from Lou E. Loon in March. Field trips included bowling at West Midland Family Center, The Playground

(a brand-new indoor playground), and an upcoming trip to the Saginaw Zoo.Questions about Firm Foundations Early Learning Center? Email the directors at director@ffelc.org and either Renee Johnson or Alexa Crase will be in touch with you.Questions about Midland Free Children’s Ministry? Kristi Smith, Children’s Director, is available to answer any questions about our Sunday offerings, our special programs, and the strategic direction of our children’s ministry. You may reach her at kristismith@mefchurch.org.

During the summer, BLAST Children’s Ministry gives all of our school-year volunteers a break from regular scheduling. This opens up opportunities for new volunteers to serve. Might God be calling you?Here’s the challenge: pick ONE week for you and your family (your spouse and teens too!) to worship together through serving.Here’s 5 reasons why you will want to make time in your calendar for this:

1. You are serving Jesus!2. You will be making a difference for

eternity! Don’t we all have that longing to be a part of something bigger than yourself and something that really matters?

3. The harvest is plentiful! You might have heard of the 4-14 Window that says that 83% of Christians accept the gospel between the ages of 4-14.

4. You are building up the body of Christ! Not only do you impact the lives of kids, you bless parents too! One volunteer shared that when her kids were little, she was so blessed that the church’s children’s ministry enabled her to be spiritually fed and to worship. She now gives back by serving in our Kindergarten class!

5. It’s fun! Serving in Children’s Ministry really is a BLAST! Have you seen that meme on social media?: “I like having conversations with kids. Grownups never ask me what my third favorite reptile is.” J

BLAST 2019 Calendar

April 7 Faith Path Foundations Class for 4’s Young 5’s—Family Time

April 14 Parent-Child Dedication Class 5th Grade Battle of the Book

April 28 Faith Path Foundations Class for 3’s/Young 4’s—Blessing

May 5 BLAST Sunday Parent-Child Dedication Service

May 19 Sunday School for Infant— 5th Grade – 9:00 am Church-wide Go Local Day of Caring 10:30 am – 6:00 pm

May 26 One Worship Service at 10:00 am (Beginning of Summer Service Schedule - Memorial Day to Labor Day) Classes for Infant— 4’s/Young 5’s ONLYJune 2- One Worship Service at 10:00 am Aug 18 Elementary students (completed grades K–5th) will meet in rooms 109/116 Sunday mornings.

June 2 BLAST Volunteer Appreciation Lunch @ 11:30 am Rooms 305/307/309

Aug 26 - Children’s Area CLOSED Sept 2

Respond today to serve!

1. Which date works for you? (June 2—Aug 18)2. What serving role fits you best? (Classoom Assistant, Safety4Kids Supervisor, or Wonderfully Enabled Shadow)3. What age level do you prefer? (Nursery, Early Childhood, Elementary)Contact: children@mefchurch.org with your responses!

Firm Foundations Early Learning Center Spotlight

Summer Serving Challenge

children’s special event05

SpringHill Day Camp – Monday, July 29 – Friday, August 2

Springhill Day Camp will be at Midland Free again this summer from July 29 - August 2, 2019, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.Parents, your kids will love this exciting week of full-day adventure activities including water slides, a climbing wall, bungee trampoline, archery, outdoor games, crafts, and more.

Your child will also enjoy the high-energy large group sessions, camp songs, and other faith-based activities. We’ll keep your kids engaged and energized all day, every day!!

Open to all children who have completed Kindergarten through 5th grade.

Registration is required for all campers, with a $20 discount if you register before June 1, 2019.

Cost is $199 before June 1, and will rise to $219 after June 1.

Don’t miss this opportunity to have your child soak in the name of Jesus for a full week at summer day camp!

Register at: mefchurch.org/events-for-children

WE ALSO NEED VOLUNTEERS!

COUNSELOR IN TRAINING (CIT) – Must be 15 years old. Time commitment will be from approximately 8:30 am - 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday. CIT’s will help the SpringHill Day Camp staff in a small group.

HOST HOME – Are you willing to open up your home for 2 to 3 SpringHill Day Camp staff? Please provide a light daily breakfast and dinner two nights of the week.

REGISTRATION VOLUNTEER – Monday morning July 29, from 8:30-9:30 am. You will welcome and check-in the kids for the week of camp.

TUESDAY/THURSDAY GATHERING HOSTS – Time commitment is Tuesday or Thursday evening. Do you have a home with a backyard where the staff can relax, eat and play? Would you like to show your love and appreciation to the awesome SpringHill Staff and their ministry? Please consider serving as a host!

For more questions or to sign up as a volunteer, please email Chelsea Topolewski at children@mefchurch.org or 989-430-7762 (cell).

youth 06

Questions: Contact Pastor Chuck Lloyd (chucklloyd@mefchurch.org) or Jody Best (jodybest@mefchurch.org).

mefchurch.org/jam-events mefchurch.org/xtreeme-events

Youth Events – Summer 2019

mefchurch.org/jam-impact-tripsmefchurch.org/xtreeme-impact-trips

Senior Recognition

Apex: Baltimore (X-treeme)

Butler Level 1 & 2 (JAM Students)

JAM Canoe Trip – 10:00 am – 5:30 pm

Senior Sneak – 11:30 am – 4:30 pm (starts after service; open to students entering 12th grade)

Grove Park VBS (JAM Students that attended Butler)

Discipleship Adventure (Wisconsin) – Just 9th Graders

X-treeme Beach Party at Sanford Park with Water Baptisms

Youth Activities Week for JAM Students – (Kokomos, Bike Ride & Ice Cream, Bowling, and other fun events)

Student Captains Training (11th & 12th Graders only – by invitation only) 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Youth Mission Report Back - 8:45 am – 10:00 am

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15-22nd:

22-29th:

10th:

14th:

15-19th:

20-25th:

24th:

25th:

15th:

19-22nd:

June

July

Aug

Donate: Sunday, April 28 • Noon - 5:00 pm Monday, April 29 • 9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Shop: Friday, May 3, 2019 • 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Saturday, May 4, 2019 • 9:00 am - Noon

All Rummage Sale proceeds benefit Short-Term Mission Trips in the United States and around the world.

mefchurch.org/rummage-sale

April 6, 20196:30-9:00 pm$15 per person

Tickets: mefchurch.org/marriageThis is a perfect date night for all couples. Invite your friends and make it a double date! Visit mefchurch.org/marriage for more information and to purchase tickets.

Cherish Marriage Event Weekend at Midland Free

Sponsored by Mid-Michigan Community Family Ministries

CHERISH MARRIAGE CLASSES

Wednesday EveningsApril 10 – May 29, 2019

6:30-8:00 pm Midland Evangelical Free Church Adult Wing, Room 304These classes are based on Gary Thomas’ book and conference, Cherish. Gary’s message is that marriages will not only survive, but thrive, when husbands and wives learn to cherish one another.There is no cost for the class. However, it is strongly recommended that couples purchase the Cherish Study Guide. Register at mefchurch.org/marriage.

Sunday MorningsApril 7 – May 19, 2019

(Not Meeting Easter Sunday, April 21)9:00-10:15 am

Location: Room 305No cost, however strongly recommended for couples to purchase the Cherish Study Guide. Register at mefchurch.org/marriage.

07 marriage & family

Thursday Evenings May 9-30, 2019 • 6:30-8:00 pm Midland Evangelical Free Church Adult Wing, Room 304Register at mefchurch.org/marriage.Based on Gary Thomas’s book and DVD, the Sacred Search class enlightens singles in “why” to marry so they know “who” to marry. This class challenges people to think beyond finding a “soul mate” to thinking about finding a “sole mate”, someone who will walk with them on their spiritual journey.NOTE: You will need to purchase the Sacred Search book.

Sacred Search: Identifying the Qualities to Look for in a Future Spouse

Parent-ChildDedication

ServiceSun., May, 5

Faith Path Foundation ClassesParents, join your kids throughout the year and experience a Faith Path spiritual milestone together in their Sunday School classroom. These opportunities will help equip you to take your faith from the classroom to your home.

Upcoming classes:

April 14, 2019 • 9:00 am • Room 119 Parent-Child Dedication Class Register online: mefchurch.org/family

April 7, 2019 4s/5s - Family Time – Dan and Sarah Hickman

April 28, 2019 3s/4s - Blessing – Bev Steel

Parenting from the Tree of LifeAn 18-week class designed for couples to work together in training their preschool to preteen children. The focus of the study is to learn to speak life into our children and our homes while raising morally responsible children. For more information, visit mefchurch.org/family.

Meets through June 9

missions 08

Secret Church 2019Friday, April 26, 2019

6:30 pm – 1:00 amRoom 308

Cost $10 + snack to shareSign up at mefchurch.org/global-missions

We were created to know and enjoy God, and to depend on Him for our every need. Sadly, though, we often look to the things of this world to satisfy us, and we are constantly tempted to rely on ourselves rather than on God’s wisdom and power. In Secret Church 19, we’ll see that all of Scripture invites us to pursue God, and we’ll see how crucial the role of prayer and fasting is in this pursuit. Beginning in Genesis and moving all the way through Revelation, David Platt shows us that God has designed prayer and fasting not only to meet our daily needs but more importantly so that we might find greater intimacy and satisfaction in Him. We’ll also see the critical role of prayer and fasting in carrying out the mission Christ gave to His church—to make disciples of all nations.

Other questions covered in this study include:• How does prayer work?• What does biblical fasting look like?• Why pray if God knows what I need and what will

happen in the future?• What do I do when it feels like I’m praying into thin air?• How do I know what God is leading me to do with my life?

God has designed prayer and fasting for His glory and for our good. So let your life be an all-consuming quest to know, enjoy, worship, and love Him.

Prayer• Malay Prayer – 12:10-12:50 pm on the first and third

Tuesdays of the month at The Loch Coffee Company, 309 Dartmouth Drive, Midland, MI.

• Tatar Prayer – First Monday of each month from 6:30-7:00 pm in the South Atrium at Midland Free.

• Prayer for Japan – Fridays from 12:10-12:50 pm in the South Atrium at Midland Free.

09 golocal

Join us on our first Day of Caring, Sunday, May 19, serving in GoLocal’s adopted area, North Midland. Serve with your Life Group, small group, family or come alone and meet new people. Midland Free will only be worshipping during the first service that day at 9:00 am, and then we will depart at 10:15 am from there! The Day of Caring event includes lunch and dinner, and will conclude by 6:00 pm. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to serve in both word and deed, making connections with residents, glorifying God AND having FUN! Sign up at mefchurch.org/golocal.Can’t make May 19? GoLocal will be planning another opportunity to share in word and deed with our Grove Park neighbors on Saturday, July 20th! This day is designed for singles, groups, families (min. age 8 yrs) to serve at our two Community Partners (Open Door, CareGiving Network) and engage in Grove Park beautification projects. Stay tuned for more information!

God is on the Move!Forgotten Man Ministries, bringing the healing powers of the Great Physician to those incarcerated in Michigan county jails, has had 30 baptisms at the Midland County Jail in the past six months!!

God is powerfully moving through Mike Peterson and Intervarsity at Saginaw Valley State University! Just last month, six SVSU students made first time commitments to Christ!

Renovations to the Caregiving Network chapel are accelerating through grants, community donations, and support from Midland Free. The prayer is to open Care Chapel ministries as a lighthouse in GoLocal’s adopted Grove Park area.

Through the fundraising initiative Building for Change, Midland’s Open Door will be expanding programs and services to transition homeless single mothers into permanent housing and self-sufficiency.

Fostering Hope in Michigan (new 501C3 umbrella to Royal Family and Teen Reach) has named new directors, our own Rich and Barb Shull! 2019 will be the second summer of reaching older foster teens and providing Christ based mentoring. More volunteers are needed!

Pregnancy Resource Center has changed their name to LifeClinic Community Resources, expanding their services and locations. They continue to empower choices for life!

Midland Free, Let’s Love Local!Day of Caring – May 19, 2019

Fostering Hope in MichiganYou can be a superhero to children in foster care and help share the love of Christ! Volunteer with Fostering Hope in Michigan through one of their life-changing summer camps – Teen Reach Adventure Camps (TRAC) and Royal Family Kids Camp (RFK). See the training opportunities and camp dates below:TRAC Camp DatesBoys Camp: June 27 - 30 • Girls Camp: July 11-14RFK Camp DatesJuly 19 - 24, 2019Newbie Training: Must attend one session if you have not been to camp. The trainings are held at the Christian Celebration Center in Room 101:April 14: 12:30 - 5:00 pm • May 19: 12:30 - 5:00 pmTRAC Training: June 24: 6:00 - 9:30 pm at Midland Free (Rooms 307/309). Contact John Blackson (johnblackson512@gmail.com) for more information.RFK Training:RFK Combined Camp Training: April 27 from 7:30 am - 12:30 pm at Midland Free (Rooms 305/307/309)Final July Camp Training: July 15 from 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm at Midland Free (Rooms 307/309)Contact Don & Michelle Krogstad at julyrfk@gmail.com for more information.

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Men’s Breakfast – 7:30-9:00 am

All men are invited to this FREE and delicious breakfast as we study the

topic of Men’s Purity. Teenage sons are welcome, too. Bring a friend who needs

encouragement.

Saturday, April 13 7:30-9:00 am

Room 309

Please register online at mefchurch.org/men so we can prepare enough food. Thank you!

Men’s PrayerThursday mornings

7:00–7:30 amMidland Free South Atrium

All men are invited to a time of prayer each Thursday from 7:00-7:30 am at Midland Free in the south atrium.

Contact Jeff Koehlinger, 989.837.4068 or jkoehlinger@sbcglobal.net.

Men’s Christian Community Golf LeagueThe Men’s Christian Community Golf League is fun, non-competitive, and open to all skill levels. It is a two-man team format playing each week for points and concludes with a celebration banquet after the final round of the season. Men must be 18 years or older.

For more information or to join, please contact:League Coordinator: Don NewtonContact Information: dh.newton@hotmail.com or 989-423-4573.

Where: Currie GC both East and West CoursesWhen: Every Monday except Memorial Day and Independence DayDates: May 13th – August 26th (14 nine-hole matches)Tee Times: Starting at 5:00pmGreens Fee: TBD but approximately $230 to be paid prior to the start and non-refundable

women11

Mat Pilates ScheduleMondays & Thursday8:30-9:15 am

Mat Pilates for Women will meet on Monday & Thursday each week from 8:30 – 9:15 am through the summer. No class on Thursday, July 4th. Questions?

Contact Jennifer Adamick at jladamcik@att.net.

Summer Backyard Bible StudyCome join us as we gather in women’s backyards this summer to study what the Bible says about the Fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit are characteristics of Jesus that are displayed in the life of the believer, through the power of the Holy Spirit. We will meet on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:15 pm beginning June 11 and ending July 30. Lessons stand-alone so you can come when you can. Locations of each week will be updated on the Women’s Ministries Facebook page. Contact Nancy Willis at womensministries@mefchurch.org if you have any questions.“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” Galatians 5:22, 23a

Titus 2 MentoringDo you want to grow deeper in your relationship with God? We match women whom God has matured in a certain area of life with women who desire to grow in that same area. This could be just the discipleship path for you!Mentoring and discipling relationships grow for one year as part of our goal to connect women at Midland Free and encourage spiritual growth with the purpose of “making, maturing and multiplying” disciples of Christ. Our mission is based on Matthew 28:19a where Jesus commands us to “go and make disciples” and Titus 2:3-5, which calls upon older women to teach younger women.If you would like a mentor or would like to be a mentor please register online at mefchurch.org/women-equipping or contact Nancy Willis, womensministries@mefchurch.org.

Women’s Spring GatheringsAre you looking to meet and connect with more women? Spring Gatherings are happening the week after Easter, April 22-26. These are one-time small-group gatherings held in the homes of women from Midland Free. If you have not signed up to attend one and would like to do so, please contact Nancy Willis at womensministries@mefchurch.org no later than April 21. We will spend time in a short devotional and then enjoy fellowship for the rest of our time together. This can provide you a chance to connect and build friendships within our church body. We hope you will attend!

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Open Sundays through May 12Closed during the Summer

Stop by the Café on Sunday mornings before each service for a warm drink, friendly smile, and a nice conversation. The Coffee Connections Café is open in the South Atrium before both services. Serving coffee, tea, hot cocoa and hot cider.

At times we need help in a physical form. We help members and regular attendees with needs. This help may involve finances, financial counseling, home and car repair, and many other areas. Please complete the updated online Benevolence Application located at mefchurch.org/care.

Coffee Connections CaféBenevolence

Stephen MinistryAre you experiencing a difficult time during this season in your life? Do you feel overwhelmed by a tough job situation, illness, grief, unexpected event, or a challenging relationship? Let a Stephen Minister walk with you and care for you during this time! A Stephen Minister is a trained lay leader in our church who can provide man-to-man or woman-to-woman support for those who are experiencing life’s normal spiritual or emotional difficulties. They are compassionate, encouraging and are very beneficial for anyone – inside or outside our church. Just send a quick email to stephen@mefchurch.org and let them know you would like to meet with someone.

13 special events

April 6, 2019 • 6:30-9:00 pmMidland Evangelical Free Church

$15 per personFor more information,

see mcfamilyministries.org or email mcfamilyministries@gmail.com.

Sponsored by Mid-Michigan Community Family Ministries

GoLocal Day of CaringSAVE THE DATE

MAY 19, 2019 (Rain or Shine!)

One 9:00 am Worship ServiceLunch & Dinner Provided

Register today at mefchurch.org/golocal

May 3-4, 2019 Join the Rummage Sale Team and Support Midland Free Short-Term Mission Trips in 2019. There are

several ways to help. mefchurch.org/rummage-sale

Rummage Sale Drop-off Sunday, April 28 — Noon-5:00 pm

Monday, April 29 — 9:00 am-7:00 pm

Wonderfully Enabled Dance

You are the Star!Save the Date –

Saturday, April 27, 2019Outreach and Dinner Dance for the Specially Abled, 18 and over, in our community. Over 60 volunteers needed! Please consider how God is calling you to serve at this special event. mefchurch.org/go-local

Secret Church 2019Friday, April 26, 2019

6:30 pm – 1:00 amRoom 308

Cost $10 + snack to share

Sign up at mefchurch.org/global-missions