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TRANSCRIPT
“Connecting People to Jesus and Others”
May 2015
Don’t Worry Tim Erickson, Senior Pastor
Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry…” and in case we miss the point he repeats it 3 times in a short two paragraph lecture (Mt. 6:25-34). But what’s often overlooked in understanding these popular (though convicting) words is what he just finished talking about (Mt. 6:19-24). He presses his disciples to see the costly choices we make every day about treasure, perspective, and lordship. From this comparison we can draw three obvious conclusions: 1) we have to choose; 2) the choice is obvious (God must be Lord); and if so, 3) we don’t have to worry! Our choice about who is God will change what we’re concerned about. If our master is “stuff” (money, property, self), we’ll pursue stuff just like any other non-believer. But if our master is God, we’ll pursue his kingdom and his righteousness (Mt. 6:32-33)…and we won’t worry so much!
To defeat worry, we should first make a list of what we worry about. (By the way, I’m included with the majority of Americans who struggle with anxiety.) Jesus first uses nature – birds and flowers – to show us that most of what we are anxious about is a useless waste of time and emotional energy. But we should also evaluate what our worries say about our conception of God or about what is our functional “god.” In Jesus’ talk about worry, he hints at several qualities which are true of God:
He knows what’s important, v. 25. He makes accurate judgment calls.
He is fair and just, v. 26. He knows what’s valuable. He cares for you.
He is in control, v. 27.
He has unlimited resources, v. 29-30. He will provide.
He knows what we need, v. 32. He can be trusted.
When we worry, we are saying that we don’t trust God; that he can’t do it himself – he needs our help; and that sending his Son to die for our sins wasn’t enough.
Some time ago, my wife came across this anonymous saying:
“Let’s get something straight: 1. There is a God. 2. You’re not Him.
(we sure try to be!!) It’s God role to provide; it is our role to need. It’s OK to be weak – God is strong. It’s OK to be afraid – lean on God.”
“Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself” (Mt. 6:34)
“Connecting People to Jesus and Others”
May 2015
Repercussions of Easter Neil Nelson, Associate Pastor of Adult Disciple Making
One of the things that strikes me about the story of Easter and the week leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection is how unlikely it is that a story like that would lead to the world we know today. When we look at Jesus’ life in the four gospels, He indeed was remarkable. In fact, one of the most remarkable men who has lived. I would argue, however, that apart from the Easter story He would not have been THE man who changed the next 2000 years.
Jesus was a renowned teacher and healer. We know he attracted crowds. The gospels contain two instances where Jesus taught crowds that contained 4000 and 5000 men (not counting women and children) (Mark 6:30-44, Mark 8:1-10). We know that He healed sick people. In Mark 1 Jesus healed many of the sick in Capernaum, and it says the whole town gathered to see Him. He also performed powerful signs. For example, those two large crowds that He taught, He also fed with a few loaves and fish. In John chapter 11 we read that in front of a skeptical crowd, He raised a man from the dead.
While Jesus was popular, we also know He was controversial. In John 6:66 Jesus loses the
majority of His followers because He claimed His body and blood to be the source of life for all people. We know from countless places that the religious leaders of the day hated Jesus, and were the instigators of His crucifixion (John 19:6). Jesus was betrayed and handed over to the authorities by one of his twelve disciples, and when Jesus was arrested prior to His death, even His closest followers abandoned Him. Jesus died a humiliating death, abandoned by his friends, and rejected by those He came to reach. Yet, just under 2000 years later, He is the man who changed history. The resurrection of Jesus convinced His timid disciples to become life-sacrificing followers. Less
than two months after denying Jesus, Peter stood before a crowd filled with leaders who had persecuted Jesus and proclaimed “This Jesus God raised up, and of that we are all witnesses.” Peter and the other disciples traveled around the world proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus. According to tradition, all of the disciples suffered for their testimony and ten of them were killed.
The truth of the resurrection affirms the claims of Jesus and empowers those who believe in
Him to commit their lives to His mission. Isn’t that what it is to celebrate Easter? To affirm that
Jesus is alive and all that He said and did is true. If Jesus is alive and all that He said is true, what
does that mean for our lives after Easter? The resurrection literally changed history, and to
celebrate it today is to enter into the wave of truth that has swept over the entire world. Jesus lives!
Affirming that means nothing can be the same. So Easter is a few weeks past, but for you, His
follower, nothing can be the same.
Happening at Bible EFC...
Page 3 May 2015
All-Area
National Day of Prayer
Event
Join with area Churches and Believers for a time of Song and Prayer
in honor of the National Day of Prayer
Thursday, May 7th At 6:30pm
at the Gazebo in Gillett Park, Tomah
Please join us to: Celebrate the highlight’s of God’s work at Bible EFC over the past year.
Vote on the 2015-2016 Budget and Church Elected Positions
Written nominations signed by at least two Members may be presented for any office that needs to be filled. Such written nominations must be presented to an Elder two weeks prior to the election date. NO nominations will be taken from the floor.
Enjoy fellowship around a potluck lunch. The Deaconesses request your help with meal items based on the following breakdown:
A-L: Main Dish M-S: Side Dish/Salad T-Z: Dessert
~ Sunday, May 31st
Membership Class
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 Membership Class with Pastor Tim.
Class is Wednesday, May 20th
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]
Happening at Bible EFC...
Page 4 May 2015
Happy Mother’s Day
to all of our
Mothers,
Step-Mothers,
and Grandmothers!
May God continue to
bless you
with His love.
Annual Bible EFC Youth Garage Sale Come shop and support the Ignite Youth traveling
to Guatemala in August!
Sale Hours Thursday, April 30 8:00am-3:00pm Friday, May 1 8:00am-3:00pm Saturday, May 2 8:00am-Noon
Looking for lunch on these dates? Stop by the Brat Sale held during the same hours!!
Baptism Service - August 9th
If God has done a transforming work in your life and wants you to take a stand
for Him—contact the Church Office to be added to the list of who will be baptized as a part of this year’s celebration!
We are planning to hold the service at Lake Tomah, followed by an all-church potluck meal and fellowship.
Watch for additional details regarding location confirmation and ways you can help to make the day even more memorable for those being baptized.
Bible EFC
Scholarships:
Application Deadline May 1st
Applications are available in the Church Office or on BibleEFC.org and will be accepted until the May 1st, 2015 deadline. Scholarships are open to individuals of any age and may be applied to Christian, Secular or Technical Colleges.
Happening at Bible EFC...
Page 5 May 2015
Let’s go brewers! We are heading back to Milwaukee on
Saturday, June 27th to cheer on the Brewers!
For just $65 per person, you receive your Game Ticket, a chauffeured ride on a
Charter Bus, a Tailgate Meal, Great Fellowship, Laughter and Fun!
Family Friendly Event
Sign-Up in the Foyer TODAY before your seat is gone!
Play Ball!
Do You Like to Mow? We are seeking a Group of
Volunteers who would like to
help mow the Church Lawn
(equipment is provided)
Please contact Curt Patterson
(343-9248) with your interest.
Landscaping Do you have Perennials in your yard that
need thinning out? Our Building and Grounds Crew may be interested in them
to use here at Bible EFC!
Do NOT bring them to the church but DO
contact Curt Patterson to discuss what you
have available. Thank you!
Curt Patterson can be
reached at 608-343-9248
Co-Ed Church Softball Team * Games on Tuesday Night’s at Bud’s Ballfield in Tomah * Co-Ed Team for ages 13 and up * All Skill Levels Welcome * Games Start in Early June * Sign-Up Sheet is in the Foyer—join the fun!
BIBLE EFC is Serving at the Tomah Community Table
on Monday, May 11th
We need your help with Meal Ingredients, Preparation,
Set-Up and Serving!
See the Table Setting in the Foyer for more details on Food Needs.
Thank you!
Happening at Bible EFC...
Page 6 May 2015
Upcoming Neighborhood Events:
Ridge Runners #7 and Tomah Purple #8: You are gathering to do a Service Project at the
Boys & Girls Club in Tomah on Saturday, May 9th from 3:00-5:00pm
with Pizza afterward. Please RSVP to Amy Georgeson at 608-547-7744
for planning purposes.
Outlying #2 (Mauston, New Lisbon, Necedah, Adams): Plan to be at Brad & Katie Niemerg’s home on
Friday, May 15th beginning at 6:30pm. For a night of fellowship and
viewing a video through the RightNow Media Resource with a follow-up
discussion. (1594 Cty Rd J, Friendship)
Match the number on your Nametag on Sunday to the Neighborhood Map in the Foyer
and see what your Neighborhood is up to!
ARE YOU READY?
Bible EFC will be transformed into SonWorld Adventure Park
this Summer for Vacation Bible School!
Take a look at Page 10 to see where you can Help Out or Pitch In
with some Item Donations.
Our Kids have a BLAST each year so let’s help make this the best one yet!
Men’s Breakfast Gathering
Meet in the Snack Shack on
Sunday, May 17 at 7:30am for an informal time of Breakfast
& Fellowship
Trout Fishing Event Saturday, May 30
through the Tomah/Warrens Club approx 3:30pm Start
Annual Fishing Trip Friday, July 24—Saturday, July 25
Questions?
Contact Pastor Neil for more details 608-343-5101 or [email protected]
Ministry OUTDOOR
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 & 10:30 am in High School Room Sunday Nights Ignite Youth Group 6-8 pm (See schedule for location and times)
Youth Ministry Staff:
Pastor Joel Sandager (608) 387-2131
MaryBeth Jacob (Admin)
608-387-3083
Ignite Schedule
May 3: Ignite Senior Sendoff 10: No Ignite (Mother’s Day) 17: Ignite Here 24: No Ignite (Memorial Day) 31: No Ignite (Graduation Week)
2015 Graduating Seniors
Dani Hininger
Allison Jacob
Joshua Jensen
Caitlin Keichinger
Nicholas Prindiville
Cody Schenker
Anna Soenksen
Miranda Stark
Kayla Winkelman
Hannah Zaehler
Miranda Zelley
Summer Ignite June 7th: Amy Georgeson’s House
June 14th: Greg & Heather Saville’s House
June 21st: NO IGNITE (Father’s Day)
June 28th: Curt & Wendy Patterson’s House
5-Day Club is an exciting, fun-filled one
and one-half hour gathering for 4-12
year olds held each day for five
consecutive days. It includes: dynamic
Bible lessons, creative learning
activities, and inspiring missionary
story, meaningful songs, and
life- changing Scripture memorization.
We are looking for people who are
willing to host a club at their house
(usually outdoors) this summer.
If you are interested, please let Krishna
know. Hosts would not be responsible for
supplies or teaching, just providing
a location and having fun during
the club time!
Summer Bible Camp
The following discounts are available
to campers that would like to attend
Arrowhead Bible Camp this summer:
Third child in same family: $25 discount
Bible EFC scholarship: $50 toward camp fee
Contact Krishna for more information
or to turn in registration forms. 608-343-3282
Camp dates: (Grade completed)
1st & 2nd grade: June 9-12 $165
3rd-5th grade: July 5-10 $268
6th-8th grade: June 28-July 3 $268
VBS is Coming! Children up to 5th Grade (grade in Fall 2015) are in for a
Thrilling Summer as the Church transforms into
SonWorld Adventure Park VBS! July 12 through July 16
Registration Forms are Available NOW in the Foyer and on www.BibleEFC.org
If you would like to get involved, Contact VBS Coordinator Nikki Renaud at 608-387-3084
or Children’s Ministry Director Krishna Battista 608-343-3282
We would love to borrow the following items: Crazy Hats, Glasses, Boas or other fun Photo Booth Props
Awana schedule
May 6th Appreciation Dinner 16th Sparks Camp-a-Rama for 2nd graders who have finished their 3rd book. TBA Book Finisher Outing
Awana Appreciation Dinner For ALL and ANYONE
Who was involved in making Wednesday evening ministries work (Café, Nursery, Tech, Awana, and Adult Study)
Are You? Appreciated? …. YES!
Hungry? …. YES! Going to be there? ….
Wednesday, May 6 at 6:00pm at Church
Please RSVP either way by May 4th to Sue Bannan 427-2253 or [email protected]
Are you a Sparks or T&T Clubber
who finished a Handbook this Year?
Congratulations!
We are working on plans for the Book Finisher Outing
We will contact you individually when we have the details
The Awana year has ended…
Now it’s time to put on your Summer VBS hat.
Come join us there! (see page 10 for more details)
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:
Page 14
Offering Attendants:
May 3 - Amy Georgeson
May 10 - Deidre Nauman
May 17 - Curt Patterson
May 24 - Jim Retzlaff
May 31 - Heidi Jordan
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, 2014 through April 15, 2015
General Offering: $ 384,550.14
Budget Goal: $ 414,592.79
Expenses paid: $ 373,778.62
Checkbook Balance as of April 15, 2015: $ 20,099.87
Money Market Balance April 15, 2015: $ 6,036.16
For more information or to volunteer, contact:
Levi Frost 608-387-9293
[email protected] Usher Schedule:
May 3 May 10 May 17 May 24 May 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
Cliff Collins
HS Student
Service Opportunity
HS Student
10:30 Service
Josh Eagleson
Levi Frost
Todd Linenberg
Brad Niemerg
Jim Retzlaff
Service Opportunity
Jason Strike
Kevin Dechant
Curt Patterson
John Battista
May 2015 Bible EFC Schedules
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
30 1 2
3 Elder Prayer Time-7am Ignite at Bible EFC
4 5
6 10:00am OWLS2
6:00pm Awana Leader Appreciation
7 6:30pm National Day of Prayer at Gillett Park
8 9 Ridge Runners and Tomah Purple Neighborhood Event 3:00-5:00pm
10 Happy Mother’s Day Baby Dedication No Ignite
11 Bible EFC serving at the Community Table
12
13 10:00am OWLS2
4:00pm Elder Board Meeting
14
15
16
17
Ignite at Bible EFC
18
19
20 10:00am OWLS2
21
22
23
24
No Ignite
25 Memorial Day
26 27 10:00am OWLS2 7:00pm Baccalaureate Service at Tomah High School
28 29 30 Outdoor Ministry Trout Fishing Event
31 Annual Congregational Meeting at Noon No Ignite
Page 15
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 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
May 2015 Bible EFC Calendar
Annual Youth Garage Sale
Thursday & Friday 8am—3pm Saturday 8am—Noon
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
May 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
Pastor Tim shared his report and the Board discussed campus staffing needs for multi-site wor-ship. Critical roles were identified as worship team and lead pastor.
Pastor Tim and Pastor Neil will meet with neighborhood ministry team in the Necedah area. Praying for the Lord to raise up a ministry leader for Necedah.
Next Elder Prayer Time is schedule for Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 7:00am at Bible EFC. Next Elder Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 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 March 11, 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].