EFCA Update for 2009-05-05

In this issue of the EFCA Update

PANDEMIC FLU PREPAREDNESS

As news continues of a possible pandemic flu outbreak, we encourage church leaders to consider the effects that this could have on both congregational life and ministry. Churches would be wise to prepare for possible staff absences or interruptions to regular service schedules, and should also plan for increased opportunities for ministry that could arise if their community is impacted.
The US government and Centers for Disease Control have established Web sites specifically to provide information regarding a flu pandemic. Helpful resources include:

Please continue to check the news section on www.efca.org for additional information and resources.

NEW WHOLISTIC MINISTRY LEADERSHIP ANNOUNCED

As of April 2009, leadership of (w)holistic ministry in the US will be carried forward by Alvin Sanders, director of EFCA Samaritan Way. In addition, Denny Morrow has been appointed director of EFCA TouchGlobal, giving leadership to ReachGlobal’s (w)holistic ministry (including oversight of Crisis Response in the US). They will work closely to coordinate (w)holistic ministry efforts in the US. Alvin will also work with the ReachNational team in developing and implementing a (w)holistic strategy for local churches. Read the full announcement on our website and learn more about the EFCA Reconciliation ministry. For further information about (w)holistic ministry, please email Alvin Sanders or Denny Morrow.

 

EFCA.ORG WEB SITE POLL

Tell Us What You Think
Is the EFCA.org Web site capturing your attention? What do you think of the stories, resources and opportunities we offer you online? Take our Web site poll. We look forward to your feedback!

BOB ROBERTS TO SPEAK AT 2009 LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Is your church reaching the tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to breathe free in Christ, in your community? Keynote 2009 EFCA Leadership Conference speaker, Pa. Bob Roberts, Jr., leads one of the few churches in the United States that has lived the Great Commission, taking cultural transformation glocal, (both globally and locally) while maintaining an evangelical message. Roberts will provide practical application information for pastors and church leaders to grow glocally, teaching and inviting you to make disciples. More information about Bob Roberts and all of the training planned can be found on the Leadership Conference Web site. Register now!

NEW BOOK FROM LEADERSHIP NETWORK

Whole Church
Leading from Fragmentation to Engagement
By Mel Lawrenz - Senior Pastor of Elmbrook Church, Brookfield Wisconsin
"I am sick of fragmentation. How about you? The one community that should understand wholeness and explore it, embrace it, luxuriate in it, model it, enhance it, promote it, is the church." - Mel Lawrenz

Lawrenz outlines his proven model for "whole church/whole ministry." Church leaders and congregants can embrace this model to reinvigorate their mission by engaging with God, each other, their community, and the world. A "whole church" means that a local congregation believes it is called to the whole purpose of God in and through the church, rather than some narrowly defined specialization. Order online from NextStep Resources.

HOLISTIC SHORT-TERM MISSIONS SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES

Live to the Power of Nothing this summer!
Opportunities include:

  • Earthquake relief and development in affected area of Chincha, Peru
  • Teaching English, micro enterprise, survey and medical work in Pacific Asia
  • Teaching English and computer classes, and working with widows and orphans in Rwanda
  • Working with street children and women, micro enterprise, discipleship and evangelism in India
  • Several holistic opportunities throughout Asia

LIVE0 (a ministry of ReachGlobal) is currently offering short-term mission locations, training materials and coaching for local churches as they seek to fulfill their missions mandate and mobilize church members into international missions. In addition to helping churches with fields where they have existing connections, we are offering all-inclusive location, training, and ministry opportunity experiences in Peru, Rwanda, and several locations in Asia. For more information contact info@powerofnothing.org or call (952) 767-0557.

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 admin@christianinvestors.org. 

URBAN CHURCHES NEED YOU

Are you still looking for a summer missions trip for your students? Some EFCA urban churches need groups like yours to help them with their summer outreach ministries. Churches needing groups include:
- Stillmeadow EFC and New Christ Sent Fellowship - Baltimore
- Iglesia el Faro - Lebanon, PA
- Learning to Live Fellowship - Los Angeles
- First EFC and Mt. Olive EFC - Chicago

Please contact renee.young@efca.org for more information on how to participate. Check out our Web site for additional BUMP ministry information.

EFCA FOUNDATION

Your will -- don't leave home without it. 
Spring is here, the time that many families plan vacation trips. Have you made your will yet?  If not, do so before your vacation. It will give you peace of mind.

Before a summer trip is a great time to sign a new or updated will.  We can provide you with "A Guide to Wills and Trusts" to help you protect your estate and family.  Please call Lanny Harris at (800) 995-8578 or email lanny.harris@efca.org with "wills kit" as your subject.  We will promptly send you helpful information. For an overview of wills and estate planning, you may also view the "Wills Guide" video online.

PROPOSED BYLAW CHANGES - 2009 VOTE (Repeat)

A vote will be taken on proposed amendments to the EFCA Bylaws at the 2009 Leadership Conference, to be held June 23-25, 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. On the EFCA Web site you can read a letter from Board Chair Steve Hawn, as well as two additional items entitled "Proposed Amendments to the EFCA Bylaws" and "EFCA Bylaws, Showing Changes Proposed to be Made at the 2009 National Conference."  More information regarding the proposed amendment changes and a Special Rule relating to motions can also be found online.
EFCA - Multiplying Healthy Churches Among All People

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