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In This Issue

MIDWINTER MINISTERIAL THEOLOGICAL DISCUSSION

Insights from Emerging Church Ministries and an Evaluation of Emergent Church Theology
The deadline to receive discount rates for hotel rooms in Albuquerque is January 3.  Event registration fees increase on January 8.  A schedule of Dr. Ed Stetzer's presentations are posted at http://www.efca.org/pastoralcare/midwinter/ along with other updated information. 

THE TRUE MEANING - A GIFT FROM ONE OF OUR CHURCHES

Finding Christ in Christmas
BeholdHim.org was designed to help Christians prepare their hearts for the Christmas season so that the wonder of Christ's birth might reign. The site includes an advent devotional guide inviting readers to travel 2000 years into the past to behold the events surrounding the birth of Christ. Art, poetry, scripture, and prayer are all used to prepare hearts so that the wonder of these events might take root and blossom. Be sure to check out the resource page on the site for bulletin inserts, a poster, PowerPoint slides, images, and suggested text for announcements.

Thank you to Pastor Rob Devens of First Evangelical Free Church of La Crosse (WI) for sharing this wonderful and timely resource. If you have questions, please contact robdevens@firstfree.org.  

DIFFERENT WAYS OF DOING CHURCH

Have you embarked on an unusual/ ground-breaking way of "doing church" in your congregation? Perhaps a new model for giving, preaching or leadership-training, for small groups, missions or worship? For example, one church has linked up with youth in EFC congregations in a different country, to better reach youth in both.

The possibilities are endless, and EFCA Today would like to hear about them. Please send a summary paragraph (with details) before Christmas to the editor: dianemc@journeygroup.com

RESOURCES FROM NEXTSTEP

New book honors R. Kent Hughes
Preach the Word
Essays on Expository Preaching: In Honor of R. Kent Hughes
This volume celebrates veteran pastor Kent Hughes' legacy of preaching God's Word by examining what it means to be an expository preacher.
http://tenderfoot.windborne.net/nextstep/product_info.php?products_id=10048
 
Gift Book Featuring a Pictorial History of the EFCA
A Living Legacy: Evangelical Free Church of America
A Pictorial History
By Jim Forstrom
A Living Legacy gives a pictorial history overview of the Evangelical Free Church of America. Throughout our history there have been many men and women who have been God's instruments providing leadership and direction to our growing ministry.
New Lower Price - $12.00
http://tenderfoot.windborne.net/nextstep/product_info.php?products_id=2831

GODSIGHTINGS TELL OUR STORY

GodSightings are the evidence of God's hand in action touching lives all across the EFCA. Let us share and celebrate God's work together! Many GodSighting stories and videos are on the EFCA Web site, and available to download in both iPod video and Windows Media Player formats. These stories are great to use in worship services, new member classes, and Bible studies. To find out more, visit http://www.efca.org/godsightings. Email your story to Godsightings@efca.org (Please attach related pictures whenever available, and be sure to advise if the story should be communicated anonymously.)

Glorifying God Who "heals broken hearts and carries out His purposes"
Shortly after hearing of our tour of duty extension, we experienced a heavy blow-- two more of our soldiers were killed. As I laid my hand on the pouches that held the remains of our fallen warriors, they were still hot to the touch. The men had been killed instantly. Many soldiers were in tears, devastated by the tragic loss of their friends. Some soldiers were vigilant. Some were mad. Some were in shock. Our battalion performed like professionals given the horrific scene (even the Humvee was indistinguishable).  I prayed for the souls of the two deceased soldiers, Michael & Wade. Then many on the scene gathered around as I read a verse from God's Word. We prayed. Others were huddled together in grief. I walked over, we linked arms and we prayed ... for the families of these men, for our unit, for justice against those who inflicted evil on those who were bringing good.
 
The very good news is that Michael had come to faith in Christ just months before his death. Michael was hungry for God's truth, and he and I would pray together for himself and his wife (Katrina).  I will never forget a line from one of Katrina's email messages: "Chaplain Strong ... I cannot believe I am 21 and a widow." After returning to the States, I wanted to meet Katrina and hear how her life has been since Michael's death. She said that she finds her strength in the Lord! It breaks my heart to think about Katrina, but God heals broken hearts and carries out His purposes.
 
EFCA Chaplain Tom Strong

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 or write today for a free church loan packet.  For more information and a church loan packet, call us today at (800) 995-8574, visit us online at http://www.christianinvestors.org, or email us at admin@christianinvestors.org. 

EFCA FOUNDATION

Generations: A Great Resource for Adult Small Group
This popular quarterly publication covers topics important to us all: wills, trusts, and ways to increase income or save taxes. The best part, it's free.  Send your list of names and mailing addresses, and we will ensure you and your ministry friends receive future issues.  For details, contact Lanny Harris at (800) 995-8578 or by email at foundation@efca.org. Check out the website at http://www.efcafoundation.org for additional resources.

 

TIU PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH (Repeat)

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.

BUMP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN (Repeat)

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.