Don't miss upcoming events! View our Online Event Calendar>

In This Issue

CHURCH SAFETY SOLUTIONS NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE

The EFCA Church Insurance Program has posted the monthly "Church Safety Solutions" newsletter published by Church First and Zurich North America. The November issue is titled, "Deterring Theft and Vandalism" and the October issue is titled, "Church Building & Property Maintenance - Fire."  This newsletter is an excellent resource for your risk and property management staff and volunteers. The current newsletter and past issues are available at http://www.efca.org/insurance/css/index.html.

BUMP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Picture junior high students teaching Arab, Chinese or Latino children about Jesus during Bible story time at VBS.

Picture high school students running a 3-on-3 basketball tournament for urban junior high students.

Picture youth group members setting up carnival games and grilling hot dogs for a block party in an inner city neighborhood.

Picture students praying with a child to receive Christ as their Savior.

See all this in "real time" by registering for BUMP - Bridging Urban Mission Project - the Urban & Intercultural Mission's summer youth missions weeks.  To find out more, go to http://www.efca.org/bump.

TIU PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH

Like no other time in its history, Trinity International University is poised for growth and increased Kingdom impact.  The spiritual ethos of the community is strong.  TIU is in the center of conservative evangelicalism, remaining true to biblical inerrancy and the centrality of the Gospel.  The integration of faith and learning is considered key to equipping students to think Christianly and prepare to be servant-leaders who will impact the world.
 
The Board of Regents invites nominations and applications for the position of President at Trinity International University.  Would you help us by getting this word out?  There may be people in your congregation or community who might be perfect for this leadership challenge.
 
Visit http://www.tiu.edu/president for complete information about nomination and the application processes.

HELP SUDAN

Rains have finally stopped in southern Sudan, paving the way for a mass movement of up to 100,000 refugees to return from camps in Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia. Now is a crucial time to help our Sudanese brothers and sisters!  With the anticipated flood of refugees over the next few months, the EFC of Sudan needs help to provide food, clothing, blankets, cooking utensils, seed, garden tools and more for returning Sudanese refugees. This could be a great holiday project for your church or group! For more information about the situation in Sudan and other Sudanese Repatriation resources, go to http://www.touchglobal.org/sudan/  

If you would like to help, please send donations to EFCA TouchGlobal at:

EFCA TouchGlobal
901 East 78th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55420-1300
Include "Sudanese Repatriation Fund" on the memo line.

To give online, go to https://www.efca.org/apps/giving/?designation=Sudan%20Repatriation%20acct.%202021709-3972

If you have questions about this need, contact edward.pollasch@efca.org.

URBAN IMPACT MINISTRIES CHRISTMAS STORE

Urban Impact Ministries is still seeking donations for their Christmas Store. As the December 8 event draws near, more gifts are needed (specifically gift cards) to ensure that the store is a success.

The Christmas Store will empower Urban Impact's neighbors by allowing them to provide Christmas gifts for their children. The concept, used by several other urban ministries throughout the United States, is an effort to provide parents a sense of responsibility and dignity. Parents will have the opportunity to purchase Christmas presents for their children at 25 percent of retail cost. The store proceeds will fund several employees needed to operate the store, and any remaining funds will go toward continuing ministry for families in the community.

The Christmas Store needs new toys and gifts for older children in the $15-$25 price range. Wal-Mart gift cards are also be greatly appreciated, as some older children might prefer to choose their own gift.

For more information on how you or your church can participate, visit http://www.urbanimpact.org/involved.html. You can view the list of toys or download the brochure to share with friends.

NEW REFERENCE BOOK

Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament
D. A. Carson, G. K. Beale, editors
In this volume, G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson have brought together a distinguished team of scholars to isolate, catalog, and comment on both the obvious Old Testament quotations and the more subtle allusions found in the New Testament. The result is a comprehensive commentary on the Old Testament references that appear from Matthew through Revelation.
Save 25% - $39.97
For more information and to order, go to http://tenderfoot.windborne.net/nextstep/product_info.php?products_id=10046

 

 

THE BRIDGES STUDY

The new BRIDGES Study is helping Christians connect with Muslims. This 6-session DVD Small Group Study provides biblical teaching about Islam and what Muslims believe, opening the door for better understanding between the religions.

Since 9/11, the image of Muslims evokes fear and mistrust in Americans. Yet, Jesus teaches compassion and challenges his followers to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. With nearly 7 million Muslims calling North America home, it is critical that Christians respond to Muslims with compassion. Crescent Project produced BRIDGES to help awaken the Church to make a difference in the lives of Muslims. After 15 years of connecting Christians with Muslims through practical, biblical teaching, this time-honored material is available in a small group study format accessible to you and your community.

The BRIDGES Web site is packed with video clips, detailed session outlines, and instructions for leader requirements. Learn more about this amazing study at http://www.bridgesstudy.com.

CHURCH PLANTING BOOTCAMP

The Church Planting BootCamp is an intensive five-day training experience that covers the major issues church planters face in their first year starting a new church.
 
The next Church Planting BootCamp will be in Houston, TX - January 7-11.
 
Other locations in 2008 include:
Kansas City, MO - March 31-April 4
Chicago, IL - May 12-16
Dallas, TX - May 12-16
Los Angeles, CA - June 9-13
 
For more information, visit the Web site at http://www.efca.org/planting. Contact church planting at (800) 745-2202 or by email at churchplanting@efca.org.  Registration is available online.

CHRISTIAN INVESTORS FOUNDATION

Do you want to help EFCA churches and ministries with their mortgage needs?  Since 1959, CIF has been making loans to churches and ministries of the EFCA.  However, we cannot make these loans without our investors.  For more information or to request an investment packet, call us at (800) 995-8574, or visit us online at http://www.christianinvestors.org.
 
This shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of Investment Certificates in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale is not authorized.  The offering is made solely by the OFFERING CIRCULAR. * EARLY REDEMPTION PENALTY: (i) 90 days' interest on the principal amount redeemed if the original maturity is one year or less, (ii) 120 days' interest on the principal amount redeemed if the original maturity is over one year to two years and (iii) 180 days' interest on the principal amount redeemed if the original maturity is over 2 years.  Christian Investors Foundation reserves the right to discontinue offering these Investment Certificates at any time.  AN INVESTMENT IN THE INVESTMENT CERTIFICATES INVOLVES CERTAIN RISKS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN THE OFFERING CIRCULAR, INCLUDING THE RIGHT OF CHRISTIAN INVESTORS FOUNDATION TO REDEEM THE INVESTMENT CERTIFICATES PRIOR TO THEIR FINAL MATURITY. THE INVESTMENT CERTIFICATES ARE NOT FDIC INSURED.

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.)

BUMP'ed Back to Multiply
BUMP Chicago 2007 was our third BUMP experience. Again, it proved to be life changing for our students at East Evangelical Free Church in Wichita, KS. When we returned from Chicago, many of our students wanted to keep working with kids on an ongoing basis. They loved the little ones at First EFC and Salem EFC in Chicago, but wanted ongoing relationships with those they minister to. We have connected with World Impact, Youth For Christ and a couple other church ministries in Wichita. We had many meetings for planning and prayer, and asked God to lead this venture. In October, we started our Urban Wichita ministry with a block party complete with 25 carnival games, face painting, salvation booth, moonwalks and a Christian rap artist who would present the gospel to about 300 residents of the neighborhood. Since the block party, there have been nearly 30 people who have expressed interest in Bible study involvement. New Bible studies are developing and follow-up is happening. The students have been given the go ahead to develop a sports ministry for the Madison area block. Thanks to Renee Young, the leadership at EFCA, and the BUMP program for giving our students the opportunity to develop and fine tune new skills. Keep providing growth and ministry opportunities, because lives are being changed, one at a time!
 
Troy Watson
Wichita, KS

TENURE POSITION OPENINGS AT TRINITY COLLEGE

3 positions in Teacher Education are available
Professor (open rank):  Tenure-track position in educational technology beginning 08/09 academic year.  Experience in K-12 schools is required; experience as technology facilitator/technology trainer of teachers is ideal. Additional qualifications include an earned doctorate (ABD considered), superior teaching skills, student-centered approach manifested in teaching and mentoring, and the ability to work collaboratively. 

Professor (open rank):  Tenure-track position for excellent teacher with public school experience in elementary education; specializing in science education ideal. Qualifications include an earned doctorate (ABD considered), superior teaching skills, student-centered approach manifested in teaching and mentoring, and the ability to work collaboratively. 

Professor: One year renewable position for excellent teacher with public school experience in instructional leadership.  The ideal candidate will have expertise and experience in one or more of the following areas: school administration, research, assessment. Qualifications include and earned doctorate, superior teaching skills, student-centered approach manifested in teaching and mentoring, and the ability to work collaboratively. 

Review of applications for these positions begins immediately and continues until the positions are filled. Final candidates subject to a background check.  Please send curriculum vitae and letter of interest to: Dr. Joyce Shelton, Interim Dean of the College and Graduate School, Trinity International University, 2065 Half Day Road, Deerfield, IL 60015.

A GIFT THAT PROVIDES FOR THE LORD AND FOR YOUR NEEDS

Consider the advantages that charitable gift annuities provide... secure income for life, tax savings, and a way to support your favorite Evangelical Free Church ministries.  Rates vary by age up to 11.3%.  Church leaders are pleased to know the people taking part may choose to ultimately remember any EFC ministry including their local church, favored camp, or their district ministry.  For details, contact Lanny Harris at ( 800) 995-8578, by email at foundation@efca.org, or check out the Web site at http://www.efcafoundation.org.

 

ATTN: CHURCH TREASURERS

In order to properly credit the FCMM retirement accounts of all your participating staff members, FCMM needs to receive the contribution checks prior to December 31, 2007. Your attention to this matter will help you "close your books" in a timely fashion, and put the money to work on behalf of your pastors and other staff members. Thank you! If you have questions or concerns, please contact bud.smith@efca.org.

WOMEN'S MINISTRIES LEADERSHIP INTERNSHIP (Repeat)

Learn the essentials! Catch the vision! Impact the next generation! Join women from around the country who serve women in local churches at the upcoming Women's Ministries Leadership Internship, January 28 - February 2, 2008 at Trinity Church in Redlands, California. Experience six days of comprehensive leadership training on how God's Word strengthens women for the good of the next generation and the glory of God! The Internship is hosted in partnership with EFCA Women's Ministries and Trinity Church. Register early as space is limited. For more information and an application, visit http://www.efca.org/women/internships/index.html or call (800) 745-2202 ext. 765.
 
NEW! Interested in taking the Women's Ministries Leadership Internship as part of your MA studies at TEDS? Contact Dr. Ken Botton at kbotton@tiu.edu for credit options.