EFCA Update for 2009-12-30

In this issue of the EFCA Update

FIGHTING IN CONGO

In early December, a special broadcast was sent about the urgent situation in Congo. U.S. news agencies haven't reported much on this tragedy so most reports have to be translated from European news venues. Sad stories abound, yet the hope of the gospel continues to motivate the church. Information is trickling in, and updates from Evangelical Free Church of Congo leaders have been received.  Learn more online about the situation in Congo, updates on our response, and how you can pray for the Evangelical Free Church of Congo.

 

2010 EFCA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

The annual 2010 EFCA Leadership Conference will be held June 15-17 (Tuesday - Thursday) in Columbus, OH at the Downtown Hyatt. In early January, information about the 2010 conference will be available on the conference Web site (http://www.bthetree.org/). The Challenge youth conference (7th - 12th grade students) will also be held at the Columbus Convention Center a week later on June 28 - July 3.  More information about the student conference is available at http://www.challengeconference.com/

REGISTER FOR CHALLENGE 2010

Registration opens January 4!
Detailed information on conference and housing registration is available on-line. http://efcastudentministries.cpmpreview.com/trip-leaders/ 

EFCA CHAPLAINS

Thank you for supporting our chaplains!
More than 15 EFCA churches across the country forwarded care packages to 14 forward-deployed chaplains. Chaplains received these packages on their own behalf or for sharing with troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Saudi Arabia. This support has been a great morale booster, as well as a great means to help EFCA chaplains reach out to the troops. These chaplains need and welcome your prayers and letters of encouragement. For more information regarding involvement, please contact roy.bebee@efca.org.
 
Chaplain Candidate Intern Program
Do you want to help your church as well as a future military chaplain? Can your church use a Chaplain Candidate (for a limited and specific period of time)? The AMCIT Program (Associate Minister /Chaplain in Training) is designed to help both your church and the seminarian. The program allows seminarians to receive practical ministry training in your congregation. For more information on this program, contact roy.bebee@efca.org.

NEW BOOK FROM TJ ADDINGTON

Scripture tells us we are "God's workmanship," born to participate in intimate relationship with God. We are to do the work of His kingdom--this is foundational to our identity. Sadly, we often fall short of the grand design He intends. T.J. Addington says that Jesus changed the rules about what is ordinary versus what is significant. Discover your true significance and priorities in living out the incredible work of God's kingdom. This book will show you how to respond to your God-inspired inner urgings and live them out intentionally. A great discipleship tool, Live Like You Mean It may also be used in a missional setting or for personal spiritual growth.

Now available from NextStep Resources or call (800) 444-2665.
Special Price: $13.97

VAMPIRES?

Vampires are catching the attention of our youth, yes, but the book-and-movie craze is also huge with 25- to 40-year-old women. Are you engaging in any interesting/ revealing conversations based on the latest book/movie craze about vampires? If so, EFCA Today wants to know! Contact the editor at dianemc@journeygroup.com by January 11.

LONG TERM DISABILITY OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD IN JANUARY

Consider the value of income protection when a staff member becomes disabled. Participate in affordable group long-term disability insurance offered through the EFCA. The month of January is open enrollment time for the EFCA Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance. This is the time of the year when church staff given access to LTD insurance through salary deferral are able to come on the plan if they have previously waived coverage or failed to enroll during the first 30 days of employment.
 
If your church doesn't already provide disability insurance for staff members, contact us about group coverage.  Email benplan@efca.org or call (952) 853-1762 for more information.

START THE YEAR WITH LEARNING

During a time when many people are making New Year resolutions, perhaps improving ministry skills and making intentional efforts to learn are some of them. The following is a list of EFCA EQUIP online courses coming in early 2010. Register today and start achieving your resolutions!

  • Transforming Discipleship book course
  • Healthy Missions Partnership (Beta II)
  • Orientation to Effective Online Facilitation
  • Kingdom Expansion 101
  • Teaching in a New Culture--Short-term

Go to http://www.efca.org/equip/calendar to view course descriptions, dates and to find registration information. Learn more about EFCA EQUIP by viewing the latest issue of Kingdom Catalyst, our EFCA EQUIP newsletter. Contact us at equip@efca.org.

UNLEASH YOUR STUDENTS FOR MINISTRY WITH BUMP - BRIDGING URBAN MISSION PROJECT

Picture your students working alongside an EFCA urban church doing outreach ministry in a cross-cultural or inner city neighborhood. See them gaining ministry skills that will effect ministry back in your own community. Watch your students take a step toward growth in their faith walk.  Interested?  BUMP registration is now open.  Check it out at http://www.efca.org/bump. 

CHRISTIAN INVESTORS FOUNDATION

Enjoying the benefits of today and tomorrow.
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, visit our Web site at http://www.christianinvestors.org, and call us today at (800) 995-8574.

YOUR CHURCH'S RETIREMENT PLAN - Repeat

Do you have your church's retirement plan document in place? Do you know where it is? 
The IRS requires that churches and other ministries have these documents in place by January 1, 2010. The FCMM staff can still help, but it's essential that you contact Associate Director Bud Smith immediately! Call toll free (800) 995-5357 or (952) 853-1772; email bud.smith@efca.org or fcmm@efca.org.
EFCA - Multiplying Healthy Churches Among All People

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