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In This Issue

DID YOU KNOW?

We have available for churches to download an overview of how the EFCA is involved throughout the world and across the U.S. Use this presentation to welcome visitors, educate new members, and share with your congregation during a church service. To download an updated version of the presentation, go to http://www.efca.org/communication/resources/

 

 

 

GOD AND GOVERNING CONFERENCE

Do you believe that morality has a place in American politics?  As we enter the presidential election season in 2008, the God and Governing Conference will address the questions that Christians need to ask as they go to the polls - or to Washington. The God and Governing Conference, a conference on Ethics, Virtue, and Statesmanship, will take place on February 1-2, 2008, in Costa Mesa, California. Featured speakers include Os Guinness, Dallas Willard, David Wells, Paul Marshall, Stephen Kennedy, Vishal Mangalwadi, and Pat Nolan. The God and Governing Conference is sponsored by Trinity Law School and Trinity Graduate School, part of Trinity International University. Learn more online at http://www.tiu.edu/godandgoverning.

NEW REACHGLOBAL DVD

ReachGlobal has a new DVD available explaining its focus on multiplication, healthy national partnerships and healthy ministry. Also on this DVD are two-minute videos focusing on the individual ministries of EFCA TouchGlobal, EFCA EQUIP, EFCA CONNECT, and LIVEº. This DVD is helpful for churches interested in better understanding ReachGlobal. If you would like a copy of this DVD, please contact ReachGlobal@efca.org and write "ReachGlobal DVD" in the subject line of your message.

EFCA TO IMPLEMENT CHECK21/ARC

When you provide a check as a donation or payment, you authorize the EFCA either to use information from your check to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account, or to process the payment as a check transaction. When we use information from your check to make an electronic fund transfer, funds may be withdrawn from your account as soon as the same day we receive your check, and you will not receive your check back from your financial institution. Please contact Lisa Theurer at lisa.theurer@efca.org or (800)745-2202 with questions.

SHARE YOUR STORY IN EFCA TODAY

Broken Things
EFCA Today is looking for stories about brokenness in your life and your church, for an upcoming issue. God works through brokenness and weakness, even though we as Christians work hard to hide it.
 
If you have a story about brokenness in any area of your life - your health, ministry, marriage, job, parenting, image or other - or in the life of your church ... and if you'd be willing to share what you learned about yourself and about God as a result, please do let us know. Contact the EFCA Today editor at: dianemc@journeygroup.com

EFCA Today wants to hear about your Samaria
You might be at the beginning of a new journey ... or you might be well on your way.
 
Beginning:
If the talks and music and examples from the 2007 Leadership Conference triggered your thinking, and you've been seriously taking a journey to learn, "Who is my Samaria?" then we want to know.
 
Tell us how you've been praying. Tell us what questions you've been asking. Tell us how you are exploring the Samaria to which God might be calling you. The journey you are on is important - even if you haven't "arrived"!
 
Already on the journey:
If you and your church are already ministering to people not like you, then we want to hear about it. Not like you isn't always a racial difference. It might mean people who are different economically, physically or socially, in terms of their health, marital status, sexual preference or job.
 
We'd like to help others in the EFCA explore their Samarias, and so your story might be just what they need to read. Send your comments to EFCA Today's editor at: dianemc@journeygroup.com

QUICK START GUIDE: CREATING A MINISTRY OF COMPASSION

Are you wondering how to start a ministry of compassion at your church?  EFCA TouchGlobal has created a resource to help you serve those in need. If you are ready to take your first steps in creating a ministry or and want to go deeper with an existing program, Dr. Ron Hesselgrave has written an excellent "Quick Start" guide to assist your church in planning. The guide will help you develop an initial playbook, and gives many ideas on how to get started. Follow this guide and be proactive as God leads. Start serving!
 
To download a copy of this free e-book, go to http://www.touchglobal.org/qsg/

 

EFCA HISTORY EXHIBIT

The EFCA Archives will have a display of EFCA history at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis during the month of August. The display is in connection with a special exhibit entitled "Sacred Beauty" bringing together works by leading Swedish designers in an exhibit of textiles, precious metals and religious art from Sweden.
 
Several denominations with Swedish roots will display their historical background. The EFCA exhibit shares highlights of our history through pictures, banners and artifacts from the EFCA Archives. For more information about this exhibit and how to attend, go to http://www.americanswedishinst.org/ and look under "Exhibits/Collections."

GODSIGHTINGS TELL YOUR STORY

When families gather, it is stories of the past and present celebrated together in laughter and tears that unify their hearts. GodSightings are the evidence of God's hand in action touching our lives. The goal of the GodSightings campaign is to unify the hearts of the EFCA family! Gather. Share. Celebrate God's handiwork across the EFCA! Email stories to Godsightings@efca.org (Please attach related pictures whenever available, and be sure to advise if the story should be communicated anonymously.)

 Hole-In-One
The event was the Brainerd Lakes Area Par 3 Championship, a charity fundraiser at Grand View Lodge, with each hole having prizes for a hole-in-one.
 
Fred Boos attends The Journey EFCA church in Nisswa, MN.  On Sunday morning, Fred told Pastor Scott that if he got a hole-in-one, he would donate the money to the church. Just before the message, Pastor Scott told everyone Fred's plan. The church prayed for Fred to get a hole-in-one.
 
That afternoon, on the 6th hole, Fred hit the ball.  It landed just short of the pin and rolled into the cup!  There was much celebration, and Fred donated the entire $5,000 prize to The Journey.

MEN'S MINISTRY SPEAKER RECOMMENDATION

TJ Addington, Senior Vice President of the EFCA, highly recommends Jim Seybert as a speaker and resource for your local church Men's Ministry retreats. Jim is an EFCA local church leader, writer and speaker who offers great coaching for men on leadership and vision.  The following is an excerpt from his website:
 
In short - I am convinced God cares deeply and personally about the details of our lives. He went so far as to leave us an entire book FULL of examples on how we should lead our own kingdoms.  My retreat topics help men recognize these examples. And, I encourage them to think differently about the way they lead - in their jobs, their church and their homes.
 
To read more about Jim Seybert, or to request his presence at your next Men's Ministry retreat, email jim@jimseybert.com or visit the web at http://web.mac.com/jim.seybert/iWeb/Site/Welcome.html

EFCA FOUNDATION

Church Leaders:  Pass the Word! 
There are people within your congregation who are willing to provide their local churches with substantial future gifts, but they do not know where to turn.  Refer them to the EFCA Foundation and your ministry may benefit.  We provide timely helps in many areas of gift planning. For details, contact Lanny Harris (800) 995-8578 or foundation@efca.org  In addition, check out the website at http://ww.efcafoundation.org.

 

STUDENT MINISTRIES

The latest copy of the Student Ministries E-zine is available on-line at http://www.efca.org/student/media/summer07.pdf   Check it out!

CHRISTIAN INVESTORS FOUNDATION

Since 1959, Christian Investors Foundation has helped hundreds of Evangelical Free Church congregations realize their dream of buying, building, or remodeling their church facility.  Our mission is to serve your congregation by providing the loan you need to make your building project a reality.  If your church is considering expansion or renovating, call today for a free church loan packet (800) 995-8574, visit us online at http://www.christianinvestors.org, or email admin@christianinvestors.org.