online - everettfamilychurch.org | mail - 15317 73rd AVE SE #2, Snohomish, WA, 98296 | phone - 425 387-1975

Dear EFC,

The last time we were gathered as a church family was a humbling one. I thank our heavenly Father for His unwaivering love and kindness expressed to us in Jesus. The days since have been ones of a deepening intimacy in my relationship with Jesus.

Jesus loves me (us). He is all we need. He truly is. And until we receive this truth, by faith, we will not be nor have what He has for us.

We have met as a church for nearly six years. We have been immersed in church culture and have become well-versed in appropriate “Christian” behavior. Our morality would be considered commendable by many. But this is not enough. It is not by works we are saved or enjoy a relationship with Jesus. The good news of Jesus is not that we would live better lives but we would be changed - not just in our thinking but in our hearts; Not greater efforts but greater fruit! No tree strains and wishes to pop out fruit - it is a natural product of abiding in the rich environment in which it was designed to flourish.

When we “strive” to be Jesus with skin we often guilt and pressure ourselves to do things. When we abide in Christ and rest in Him and enjoy genuine relationship with Him “Jesus with skin” will be a natural outflow. A genuine and personal relationship with Jesus is the rich environment in which we were designed to flourish. How wonderful this relationship is - in Christ I feel more loved and alive than with any other I have known.

I’ve been pressing and straining by my own effort in recent months. Many of you have looked to my example. By God’s grace there is a change. I have made a resolution - not because of the new year - but because Jesus is enough. He is truly enough. In this I pray that you will follow my example. And let’s discover what this truly means.

For His Glory, Pastor Mike

E F C F O C U S J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 3

FAMILY GATHERINGJanuary 5 and 12 at 5pm

Join us on Saturdays for the Family Gathering where we gather to worship Christ and grow in our knowledge of the Scriptures. All ages are welcome to the family worship time and preschool childcare is provided for little ones. Following our family worship there is a breakout time for elementary-age children and middle schoolers. We return to our study of the Bible book of James where we are learning that it is not what we purport to believe but what actually flows out of our heart that reveals the genuineness of our faith. Join us on Saturdays as we study God’s word together.

4:30pm, Prayer time5:00pm, Family worship6:00pm, Sermon & children’s breakouts7:00pm, Fellowship & refreshments

WHERE? 11329 23rd Dr. SE, Everett, WA 98208

EFC CHURCH PRAYERSATURDAYS @ 4:30-4:50PMTUESDAYS @ 6:45-7:45PM

All invited to join us for prayer and intercession. Prayer requests can be emailed to the Community Pastors or turned into the prayer box.

BLIZZARD CAMP 2013January 25-27, for 2nd-6th graders

REGISTER ONLINE FOR BLIZZARD CAMP!You may help provide a way for children and youth to attend camps who could not attend

otherwise. We provide financial aid for families in need who request camp scholarships. Please

give your gift and note that it is for “camp scholarships”.

SCHO

LARS

HIPS

NEE

DED

EFC Community GroupsCrosswalk and LIFE Group

Friday, January 18th, 6:30-9:00pmOur weekly gathering and the mission of EFC continues as we move into homes for Community Group. This is a vital

part of EFC life and all are welcome to join us. Contact the Community Pastors (Steve/Janine and Dan/Jenn) for the

location of this month’s groups. They lead a special time of sharing, fellowship, and prayer.

online - everettfamilychurch.org | mail - 15317 73rd AVE SE #2, Snohomish, WA, 98296 | phone - 425 387-1975

Thank you from Hands of Hope: EFC financially supports the Hands of Hope food bank. This note comes from their director, Sue Osborne…

“I wanted to send a note of Thanks to you and your congregation for the continued support of Hands of Hope Food Bank. God Bless you all!” 

New Horizons: Another month of serving the teens of Seattle, a highlight! As you can see, the parents step back and the children and youth virtually lead the entire night’s service!

Family Tree Apartments: We hosted Christmas dinner for the residents. There were over 70 tickets distributed and many who came. We provided roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, tossed salad, and cherry delight and cake. In the midst of the program we had a craft, music, and a message.

EFC Christmas Party: December 15th was our Christmas Gathering. It began with festive music and a teaching skit from Isaiah. Then Pastor Mike delivered “A (Christmas) Sermon on the Price of Peace.” The Spirit was present.

Then we gathered for the party and enjoyed a potluck and had some good laughs over the white elephant gift exchange. The kids are standing with their spoils in the pictures above!

Christmas Eve Service: Several families gathered to reflect on the joy of Christmas. We experience true joy in this season and in every season because of our heavenly Father’s loving pursuit of a relationship with us!

DECEMBER REWIND

E F C M a n a g e m e n t T e a mDan Bell, Janine Ripley, & Mike Wright

The Management Team oversees financial operations of EFC including the use of meeting space, monthly operating budget, and accountability as to how resources are used. Using what God entrusts to us is an act of worship for this team and one in which they have seen the hand of God in very tangible and awesome ways. Your support through

prayer and generous giving are requested!........................Monthly operating budget $6,900

...............Total Joy Box gifts in December $5,783..............Total EFC spending in December $5,855

............ Community Ministry in December $607

Everett Family Church is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization. Tax Identification # 71-1025722

E F C B I R T H D A Y SLet me know if your birthday is missing!

............................Jan 12 Jono

............................Jan 20 Max

............................Jan 21 Steve

............................Jan 28 Mike W

............................Jan 31 Bella

Blizzard Staff MeetingsBlizzard Snow Camp is January 25-27th and our youth

and adult staff is set. Please pray for this tremendous team who will be serving the children at camp!

All-Staff Training #1 - Sat, January 5, 9-11am

All-Staff Training #2 - Sat, January 19, 9-11am

Contact Jenn for more information (jndbell@frontier.com)

Missions Support OverseasWe continue to support mission locally and abroad. Those families involved in being Jesus in other cultures that we

support are:

Kim and Mason Lockwood - Papua New Guinea

www..ntm.org

Nicolas and Priscille Rinderknecht - Paris, France

www.worldventure.com

Christopher and Heather Schwarzen - Nepal

www.globalmissionary.org

Visit their website and see what their work is about.

Pray for them. Continue to give generously to the Joy Box that we might support them in a greater way!