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Thanks for Praying!
This past weekend was the annual Elder Board retreat—a time for the Elders and their spouses to focus on key issues, to pray, worship and build relationships. This time, several of the Elders as well as Mike and I led sessions. This was a time to talk together for an extended period. We were not rushed or hurried—no one had to go anywhere.
 The focus of the sessions centered on church issues, growth and God’s leading. Important governance revisions are being introduced to the congregation this week, February 15-17, and so the Elders had plenty of discussion on this topic. There was a wonderful sense of unity and oneness of purpose and direction.
The Elders showed their level of commitment by attending the retreat. Those who have children made an extra sacrifice to be away from them. Thanks to those friends and family members who watched those kids! It was very good to have our spouses there as well. This not only allowed us all to talk through vital issues with broad input but we were able to build relationships.
Look at the qualifications of an Elder and the wife of an Elder:
This saying is trustworthy: “If someone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work.” The overseer then must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher, not a drunkard, not violent, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money. He must manage his own household well and keep his children in control without losing his dignity. But if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for the church of God? . . . Likewise also their wives must be dignified, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in every respect. (1 Timothy 3:1-5; 11)
This is not a task list or job description but a charter of the godly character that the Elder and wife should have. It is important that we know each other and be able to pray and worship together. This allows us to grow together and in Christ. We’re grateful that happened this past weekend.
Prayer was key to this weekend’s success. There was a group of men led by Ron Mayo who had the idea of praying for the Elder Retreat from 6:00 pm Friday night straight through until noon on Saturday. Dozens of you signed up—and showed up—from Friday evening to the middle of the night to early morning to pray for the Elders by name, to pray Scripture on our behalf, to intercede and worship. Thanks so much for investing the time in your Elders! Your prayers were felt. Your spiritual service is greatly appreciated.
What was particularly exciting about this was that Ron brought the idea to us and said, “I’ll run with it.” Great ministry doesn’t need staff involvement. If ministry is going to be affiliated with the church, it does need to be blessed by church leadership—then the people of the church can make it happen.
 David Fletcher
Executive Pastor
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Congregational Meeting on Governance
February 16, 7:00–8:30 pm, Worship Center.
February 17, 7:00–8:30 pm, Commons.
 Open to anyone in the church. Mike will share briefly on vision, TJ Addington will share on governance at EvFree churches around the country. Brad Rose will share on governance at the church. The same topics will be covered both nights. More information will be available online (evfreefullerton.com/governance) after the leaders meeting on Saturday.
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Church Officer Nominations
 Every May we hold an election for open positions in the church’s leadership, which is made up of volunteer members of our church. We are inviting your nominations for these strategic spots—which you can do online or by picking up a paper nomination form at Info Central or the office. Please make your nominations by February 16—and please pray with us about those God is calling to serve in this way.
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Women’s Spring Conference
March 7 & 8, Commons.
 SCOUTING THE DIVINE
Join Margaret Feinberg on her spiritual adventure that moves from reading the Bible to entering stories that can be touched, tasted, heard, seen, smelled and savored. Her search for God in “wine, wool and wild honey” will both delight and educate. Register online or at the Women’s table on the plaza. Tickets: $45. Space is limited; early registration is encouraged.
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Guys InterGen Service Project
Tuesday February 18, 6:00–9:00 pm, Worship Center
Calling all men, any age, to help install hundreds of seat racks on the Worship Center seats. Join us for a little hard work and some guy time. Food will be provided. Please bring a cordless drill and extra batteries, if you have them. Contact Jeff Key or Michael Callahan for more info.
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Membership Class
Sunday, February 23, 5:00–8:00 pm, Commons C212
Interested in becoming a member? Contact LaDona Peterson, 714.257.4380, to register and receive class materials.
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