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“Connecting People to Jesus and Others”
February 2015
Why Bother? Neil Nelson, Associate Pastor of Adult Disciple Making
Last week we had our annual elder retreat and a major topic of conversation was the concept of being a multi-site church. As we continue to move forward with developing another location where people can more easily enter into and experience what God is doing through Bible Evangelical Free Church, it was very easy to get ahead of ourselves and begin to try and flesh out what multi-site in our region might look like. With any new concept, it can be easy to ask, “Why bother?” During our discussion an interesting and timely comparison was raised between the No Regrets Men’s conference, which we are a week away from hosting here at Bible EFC for the fourth time, and the idea of a multi-site campus around Tomah. I heard from a number of men last year who were thankful that they were able to experience it so close to home. Following the conference I met with the planning team and asked the question, “was it worth it?” Hearing about the great experience our men had going to the conference in Milwaukee, I wondered if we ought to focus on sending men there rather than offering it at our location. Thinking about the value of hosting the No Regrets Conference offers some great parallels to why multi-site is so compelling in our region. One of the biggest concerns with hosting No Regrets versus going to No Regrets is of course the loss of experience. When you think about traveling to Milwaukee with a group of guys, hanging out the night before, and then attending the conference together with a few thousand men, you realize there is much to the conference beyond the messages. Hosting the conference locally will never fully re-create the experience had by those in Milwaukee, but we realized that by doing the simulcast well, we are able to offer a great experience locally while removing barriers that previously kept guys from attending. At the Bible EFC simulcast we have a high quality worship team leading the men, we have breakout sessions led by gifted teachers who are familiar with our community, we have men serving all over the church to help those attending have a great day, and an excellent meal (shout out to BP Smokehouse). We have also added a Friday evening set up and movie night for men to recapture some of the time lost by not traveling together to Milwaukee and improved the video playback quality in our sanctuary so we feel closer to those delivering the messages. By offering all of this locally, we have eliminated travel to Milwaukee and the cost associated with that (which can be further complicated by Wisconsin winters). This also helped men whose schedules would otherwise have not allowed them to be away from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening. A recurring theme I heard in the feedback from last year was how much our No Regrets experience felt like participation in a men’s conference and not merely an afternoon spent at our church. Related to multi-site, if we offer a high quality experience at a location other than here in Tomah, a person will still feel connected with the unique mission and identity of Bible EFC. Utilizing our gifts in worship, children, youth, hospitality, and by continuing to utilize key technologies we too can remove barriers for people who might not be able or willing to travel longer distances to connect to a church. While you might assume that every community has a Christ-centered church that is able to reach people from every stage of life, we have realized that not every community has that blessing. Imagine if more people in our region where able to experience the work God is doing in and through Bible EFC without having to exit their community. This leads to the bigger reason that multiplication like No Regrets simulcast or Multi-Site Worship is so compelling. We can reach more people with the life-changing good news of the Gospel. When we were sending groups of men to Elmbrook, between 35 and 50 attended. The first year Bible EFC hosted the simulcast, that number was doubled. Four years in we have tripled the number of men who are able to experience No Regrets. I contacted Elmbrook Church, the host of No Regrets, and asked about the difference simulcasting has made for them. They said that 4000 men will physically attend the conference this year, while 6,000-8,000 will watch via simulcast. Think about that for a minute… What if they had decided in order to reach more men they would build a sanctuary twice the size of their existing sanctuary? That would not be enough! I would imagine some of those attending the simulcast would also have balked at the idea of traveling to Elmbrook and chosen not to attend. Instead, by replicating the conference in multiple locations, they are reaching between two and three times the number of people. In my opinion, the compelling vision of a multi-site church is bringing a disciple making community of believers to new people, instead of expecting new people to come to us. What if people all over our region went to a church like Bible EFC in their own community, rather than commuting to a church 20-30 minutes away? The comparison between No Regrets and a multi-site church is not perfect though. Where a conference is a once a year experience for encouragement, the church is meant to be a regular (even multiple times a week) reality in the life of a follower of Jesus. The church also is called regularly participate in their communities. That can be accomplished more effectively by a multi-site model, with a fellowship located in their city, as opposed to a church located some distance away. Talking to people who attend our church from far away, one of the common refrains is the challenge of being more fully involved and of inviting friends because of the distance. What if Bible EFC commits to leveraging the abundance of our gifts and resources to make church more accessible to our region, removing barriers of time and travel so that more people are reached by the gospel. Maybe, like No Regrets, we could reach more people by going to where they live, than by trying to find ways to get far away people to come to us?
Adults - Sunday Morning Opportunities for Growth Find your way to one of the Sunday Morning Adult Options and plug into a group where you can fellowship, pray, praise, share and study.
9:15am ~ Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF)! Fellowship, open Bible and conversation are key in this group.
10:30am ~ Adult Gathering Time! Stop in any week or every week as your schedule allows.
We are about fellowship, learning and deepening our relationship with God! We meet in the Patio Room.
Happening at Bible EFC...
Page 2 February 2015
Wednesday Morning Owls2
Come join the OWLS2
(Older, Wiser, Loving Senior Saints)
each Wednesday at 10:00am
in the Dining Room
for coffee and treats, fellowship,
a brief devotion and prayer.
We are seniors but young at heart,
no age restrictions.
Contact Ray DeVoe at 372-9587.
If you have input or questions
about Adult Ministries, Please contact Pastor Neil
Office: 372-9377 or Cell: 343-5101
It’s Almost Here! This Saturday, Feb 7th is the day! The day for the No Regrets Simulcast for men here at Bible EFC!
We have Live Worship, On-Site Breakout Seminars and Lunch catered by BP Smokehouse.
Get online and get your tickets at https://befc-noregrets.eventbrite.com
Ticket are $30 in advance and $35 at the Door
Happening at Bible EFC...
Page 3 February 2015
RESCHEDULED Membership Class If you would like to know more about why Bible EFC
exists, where we are going and what we believe; then you are invited to a one-evening-only
Membership Class with Pastor Tim.
Class is Monday, February 23 from 5:00-8:00pm in the Patio Room.
And Supper is provided!
Please RSVP to the church office for food and materials preparation.
Phone: 372-9377 Email: [email protected]
Men’s Breakfast Gathering Meet in the Snack Shack on
Sunday, February 15 at 7:30am for an informal time of Breakfast & Fellowship
Ice Fishing Saturday, Feb 21 at 1:00pm
Annual Fishing Trip Friday, July 24—Saturday, July 25
Going with Dumper Dan out of Sheboygan Need a $40 deposit/person by Feb 22
to reserve Boats for the trip Questions? Contact Pastor Neil for more details
608-343-5101 or [email protected]
OUTDOOR Minist ry
Baptism Date is Set! August 9th If God has done transforming work in your life and wants you to take a stand for Him—contact the church office to be added to the list of who will be baptized as a part of this year’s celebration! We are planning to hold the service at Lake Tomah, followed by an all-church potluck meal and fellowship.
Tomah Community Table We are seeking people to donate Food Items and help Serve at the Community Table Meal on Monday, February 23
rd
Please see the Sign-Up Sheets in the Foyer
(look for the small Table Setting) for more Details and Times
Questions? Contact Pam Zaehler 608-387-9869
Thank you for serving your Community!
Celebrating a Milestone
You are cordially invited to help
Elizabeth Nelson celebrate her 100th
birthday on Saturday, Feb 14th.
There is an Open House being held in her honor at the New Lisbon Community Center
from 1:00-3:00pm.
The family has requested NO gifts but said cards for Elizabeth would be welcomed.
Upcoming Neighborhood Events: Ridgerunners #7: Meet up at the Retzlaff’s for a Super Bowl Party on Sunday, Feb 1 starting at
4:30pm. Bring a dish to pass. (20951 Helmville Ave, Tomah)
Tomah Blue #12: Meet at the Tomah Ice Rink on Saturday, Feb 14th at 7:30pm for some Ice
Skating! Bring your skates and join in the family fun.
Match the number on your Nametag on Sunday to the Neighborhood Map in the Foyer
and see what your Neighborhood is up to!
Happening at Bible EFC...
Page 4 February 2015
Baseball Anyone?
Let’s start dreaming of warm sunny days, green grass, peanuts, the crack of the bat…
Make plans in your summer schedule now to attend the Annual Brewer Game Trip!
This year we will be watching the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Minnesota Twins on Saturday, June 27th at a 1:30pm game.
More details to follow soon—stay tuned!
Bible EFC Scholarships Applications for the Bible EFC Scholarships will be available in the Church Office in the near future.
Scholarships are open to individuals of any age, to include adult students. They may be applied to Christian, Secular or Technical Colleges
Donations can be made to this revolving fund year-round and are a tax-deductible contribution. Please be sure to mark your giving as designated toward the Scholarship Fund on your check or envelope.
Thank you for continuing to support this program and the students of our Bible EFC family.
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades)
Year Theme: Reconciled. Live the Story. Tell the Story. II Cor. 5:18 “ All this is from God, who reconciled us to
himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
Opportunities to connect:
Sunday Mornings Youth Sunday School at 9:15 am & 10:30 am in High School Room Sunday Nights Ignite Youth Group 6-8 pm (See schedule for location and times.)
Youth Ministry Staff:
Pastor Joel Sandager (608) 387-2131
MaryBeth Jacob (Admin)
608-387-3083
Ignite Schedule
February 1—Ignite—Super Bowl 8– Ignite 13-14-City on a Hill trip (new date) 15-Ignite 19-Ski/tubing event at Fort McCoy 22-Breakaway March 1—Ignite 8-Ignite 15-Ignite 22-Ignite—Seder Meal 29-Breakaway
If you are interested in going to Guatemala this
summer, the deadline for applications is February 8. Mission trip
applications are available in the office, high school room or in the foyer.
See application for more details.
Guatemala Mission Trip: August 2-8
(possibly a date on either side depending on airfare)
Please contact Pastor Joel with any questions.
Super Bowl Sunday—
February 1
Join us starting at 4 pm for
a Super bowl party!
There will be games,
giveaways, pizza & lots of
food as well as the game on
the big screen.
Guys– Bring cheese for
pizza
Girls– Bring favorite pizza
topping
Leaders—bring dessert
CITY ON A HILL HIGH SCHOOL TRIP
February 13-14 is the new date for this trip. We will leave after
school and return Saturday evening. Cost is $25. Fill out a
yellow permission slip if you are interested in attending. We will
be serving at a Health Clinic for this event.
Ski & TubE at
Fort McCoy
Location: Meet at Whitetail Ridge Ski Area at Fort
McCoy
Cost: $11 to ski & tube (extra to rent skis)
Time: 6-10 pm on February 19th
Scan QR Code for more information!
Districts 2015 Pictures
Please join us for
Child Protection Training February 11 at 6:00 In the Snack Shack
This is necessary to volunteer with Children or Youth but is also a great
informational session for parents and grandparents who would like to know more about the policies and procedures that are in place to protect our young ones.
You must RSVP Krishna at (608) 343-3282 or
[email protected] to attend.
Let’s welcome our newest addition to children’s ministry… Wrigley Joseph was born on January 17 and weighed 9 lbs. 13 oz. and was 21.25 inches long. Excited parents are Jake and Lisa Lincoln.
VBS meeting coming up!
It takes a lot of work and preparing
so it’s never too early to start the planning.
If you’ve ever been part, or considered being a part of the
VBS core team, join us here on Thursday, February 5,
at 6:00. Come ready to share your ideas, brainstorm,
and essentially change lives. Hope to see you there!
You’re invited to a party! Saturday, February 21 we’re celebrating all the awesome kids with December, January, and February birthdays. Bring your family and friends to the church from 1:00 pm—3:00 pm for cupcakes and games for everyone and prizes for the birthday kids.
Hope to see you there!
Awana schedule
February 4th Regular Club Night 11th Regular Club Night 18th Regular Club Night 25th Regular Club Night March 4th Awana GO Carnival, Family Night $3 per child 11th Regular Club Night, 3/4 way through-Are you still cruising? 18th Regular Club Night 25th Regular Club Night
Time to Quiz!
Bible Quizzing Practice:
February
1st No practice
8th Sunday Practice 12:00-1:30 pm
15th Sunday Practice 12:00-1:30pm
22nd Sunday Practice 12:00-1:30 pm
March
1st Sunday Practice 12:00-1:30
7th Saturday, Bible Quiz 10:00am
and Awana Games 1:00pm in Menomonee.
Be at church by 7:45am to carpool, leaving at 8:00am.
Sunday Morning Volunteer Schedule
Questions and comments related to Children’s Ministry are welcome and should be directed to:
Krishna Battista, Children’s Ministry Director Cell: 608-343-3282 Email: [email protected]
Page 13
Offering Attendants:
February 1 - Curt Patterson
February 8 - Jim Retzlaff
February 15 - Heidi Jordan
February 22 - Amy Georgeson
If you have questions about Bible EFC finances,
Contact Tandy Houston, Treasurer 372-9028
Sherri Shack, Financial Secretary 343-6429
Financial Ministry
Financial Report
For the period: July 1, 2014 through Jan 15, 2015
General Offering: $ 269,833.93
Budget Goal: $ 283,136.54
Expenses paid: $ 264,741.16
Checkbook Balance as of Jan 15, 2015: $ 24,798.47
Money Market Balance Jan 15, 2015: $ 6,026.91
For more information or to volunteer, contact:
Levi Frost 608-387-9293
[email protected] Usher Schedule:
Feb 1 Feb 8 Feb 15 Feb 22
7:45 Service
Ron Nicks
Craig Budde
George Lovold
Terry Christen
Jim Spence
Ben Spence
Tim Garrels
Mark Schack
9:15 Service
Paul Kastner
HS Student
Ron Johns
HS Student
Curt Nauman
HS Student
Service Opportunity
HS Student
10:30 Service
Josh Eagleson
Levi Frost
Todd Linenberg
Brad Niemerg
Jim Retzlaff
Jeff Brieske
Jason Strike
Kevin Dechant
February 2015 Bible EFC Schedules
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 Ignite - Youth Super Bowl Event
2 3
4 10:00am OWLS2
5:00pm Wed. Night Café 5:45pm Awana 6:00pm Wed Night for Parents
5 6:00 pm Vacation Bbible School (VBS) Planning meeting
6 7 No Regrets Simulcast here at Bible EFC
8 Elder Prayer Time-7am 12:00pm Neighborhood Leaders Meeting Ignite at Bible EFC
9
10
11 10:00am OWLS2
5:00pm Wed. Night Café 5:45pm Awana 6:00pm Wed Night for Parents
6:00 pm Child Protection Training
12
13
14
15
Ignite at Bible EFC
16
17
18 10:00am OWLS2
5:00pm Wed. Night Café 5:45pm Awana 6:00pm Wed Night for Parents
19 6:00pm Leadership Gathering
20
21 12:00pm Children’s Ministry Birthday Bash at Bible EFC
22
Ignite - Breakaway
23 5:00pm Membership Class in the Patio Room
24 25 10:00am OWLS2
5:00pm Wed. Night Café 5:45pm Awana 6:00pm Wed Night for Parents
26
27 28
Page 14
Sunday Morning Schedule
Sanctuary Worship 7:45; 9:15 & 10:30am Prayze Craze 10:30am Nursery (ages 0-1): 9:15 & 10:30am (ages 4K to 5th Grade-Activity Center) Sunday School (ages 2 yrs to 5th grade) 9:00am Extraordinary Classroom (Special Needs) 10:30am (ages 4K-5th Grade meet in Café) Youth Sunday School (MS and HS) 10:30am Youth Sunday School (MS and HS): 9:15am Adult Gathering in Patio Room 10:30am Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF) in Patio Room 9:00am
February 2015 Bible EFC Calendar
Youth serving at City on a Hill Mission
625 W Veterans St
Tomah, WI 54660
Phone: 608-372-9377
Fax: 608-372-9372
E-mail: [email protected]
www.BibleEFC.org
Bible Evangelical Free Church
Connecting People with Jesus and Others
February 2015 MINISTERS Every Believer
Senior Pastor Tim Erickson [email protected]
Associate Pastor of Adult Disciple Making Neil Nelson [email protected]
Associate Pastor Student Ministries Joel Sandager [email protected]
Children’s Ministry Director Krishna Battista [email protected]
Worship Times:
SUNDAY MORNINGS:
Sanctuary Worship 7:45am 9:15am - Video sermon 10:30am
Craig and Jane Meeussen’s membership applications were accepted.
Discussed the possibility of a remote campus of Bible Evangelical Church being developed in a region east of Tomah. Pastor Tim when through the vision to include the need, the details, the vision, and observations made about the region. So what does this look like for the future? This is something planned to discuss at the Elder Retreat.
Pastor Tim reported that he recruited Wendy Patterson to join the Personnel Team. The Per-sonnel Team is appointed by the Elder Board to assist in overseeing the personnel issues and decisions for our staff.
Increases to health insurance coverage for personnel were presented. The increase was 0.5% less that what was budgeted.
Next Elder Prayer Time is schedule for Sunday, February 8 & March 8, 2015 at 7:00am at Bible EFC. Next Elder Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at 4:00pm at Bible EFC.
ELDERS: Leading through prayer, mission, vision & strategic leadership! Questions ~ contact Frank Best, Elder Chair 343-5521.
Elder Meeting Highlights from December 10, 2014
If you would like to be added to the Email Prayer Chain to receive
urgent Prayer Requests, please provide your email address
and/or request to the Church Office at [email protected].
