A LETTER FROM OUR PASTORAL STAFF
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Dear Church Family,
In a world that consumes our time and energy, it's easy to get distracted from the simple things. Such simple things might include stopping to watch the wind blow in the trees. Where did the wind come from? Why does it blow? We're reminded that the cool breeze is refreshing and we're grateful for it. At EvFree Preschool, we find the time to focus on the simple things. We teach our preschoolers to be thankful that God, the creator of all things, has given them beautiful trees that provide homes for birds, shade on hot days, oxygen to breathe, and beautiful landscaping.
We have created a new aftercare program this year that focuses on "The Whole Child," which provides opportunities for our two to five year-olds to explore. Each afternoon we teach either foreign language/culture, science, gardening, art, music, or sports/gross motor activities. Each subject focuses on the simplicity that makes them unique, and that we ought to be thankful that God has created us to enjoy them. The children find their strengths and interests through "The Whole Child" program. They are often heading home asking their parents to let them stay longer because they don't want to miss the activity. The children in our care feel secure, find answers to their curiosity and know that God has made such a remarkable world to explore. (Our aftercare program is supervised by Mrs. Rachel Stolk, a 19-year preschool teacher at EvFree and our newest Bible class teacher.)
Interested in hearing how your child can explore along with us? Visit our website or call our office to schedule a tour. Come and see the difference at EvFree Preschool.
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Stefani Ernst
Preschool Director
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NC180 Closure
A professional assessment of North Campus Room 180 revealed that the long present odors in the room were found to be coming from a chemical reaction between moisture in the flooring slab and the glue and carpet on the floor. Evidence was also found of a certain amount of water damage and white effervescence on the east block wall. While this was not identified as unsafe, we felt it best to exercise an abundance of caution and close the room and begin the remediation immediately.
Our hope is to complete this work as expeditiously as possible. However, we want to make sure that the corrective measures are done properly and that they eliminate the odor. As soon as the initial remediation is completed and we have confidence of when the work will be done, we will share that timeline.
While we do this work Joint Heirs will be meeting in the Chapel on Main Campus and Encouragement Inc. will be in NC120. Patti Matterson will contact other groups using NC180 for their temporary relocation. Please contact Patti Matterson or John Schaefer for any questions. We apologize for the inconveniences this will cause and appreciate your patience.
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Life Group Information Meeting
This Sunday, September 30, during the 11:30am service in the Commons
If you’ve been waiting to join a Life Group, your wait is over! This Sunday you will have an opportunity to hear the vision for Life Groups, meet the people that will be hosting our groups, and have the ability to sign up for a group on the spot! We’re excited about what God has in store for our groups and look forward to seeing you there. For any questions, contact Mitch Fierro.
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Library Used Book Sale
Sundays, September 30 - October 7
You are welcome to take as many books as you’d like in exchange for any size donation, which helps the Library purchase new materials. If you would like to donate materials for the sale, we are happy to take any Christian books, audiobooks, and DVDs (not VHS or cassette tapes).
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Prayer Somewhere
Tuesday, October 2, 6:00pm, on the Plaza between A & B buildings
Join us in prayer weekly for "Prayer Somewhere" — a weekly gathering in an ever-changing location. To find out more about each week's location, please sign up for the "prayer" Push Notifications in the Set-Up section of our new app.
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Basecamp
Starting Sunday, October 7, 8:30am, NC120
For those currently in college or forging careers and marriages, we are launching a new ministry geared to develop spiritual growth, character and leadership during this season of life. We will meet every other Sunday morning this fall. Come early for a free breakfast at 8:00am. Please email Scott Belon for any questions.
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PEP Talks
Sundays, October 7 - 28, 11:30am, Family Room
PEP (Parents Encouraging Parents) Talks are four gatherings designed to connect parents in group-led discussions, using a "TED talk" style format, with the goal of supporting and equipping parents as the spiritual nurturers of their kids. It's free and includes coffee so please join us! For questions or more information contact Scott Belon.
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Family Game Night
Saturday, October 13, 7:00 - 8:30pm in the Family Room
Bring the whole family for a fun-filled evening of games, trivia and family competitions! Dessert will be provided. Sign up here and join us for this free event. Walk-ups are also welcome!
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Family Business Meeting — Save the Date!
Sunday, October 14, 4:00pm in the Chapel
Join us at our quarterly Family Business Meeting as our leaders discuss the latest ministry news and information. See you there!
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Child Dedication Class
Sunday, October 28, 10:00am in the Modular Lobby
Children are a gift from God and, as a church, we celebrate a formal opportunity to dedicate our kids to a life of following Jesus. Child Dedications will take place on Sunday, November 4, in all three services. If your family would like to participate in this dedication, you are asked to attend the mandatory Child Dedication class. Please register here.
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Emil Styffe — a long-time member of EvFree and beloved mentor to many entered into eternal life on September 20. Emil served as a co-founder of VIPS, now called Community Pastors, was a Sunday School teacher to four year olds, was deeply involved in the Pen Pal Program at Arovista Elementary School, as grandparents at Royal Family Kids Camp, was part of summer missions to Poland, Kenya, Thailand and Rwanda, and was part of All Ages & Stages. He was also a leader of CODA (Caregivers of Dependent Adults). A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 6, at 1:00pm in NC190 with a cookie reception to follow. Emil is survived by his wife June, whom he was married to for 69 years. He was 91.5 years old.
Lillian Hawkins — a long-time member of EvFree, entered into eternal life on September 20. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 11, at 2:00pm in the Chapel with a cookie reception to follow in the Fireside Room. Lillian was involved in Closer Walk, Bykota, Adelphians, and the Brea Senior Center.
James Ford — entered into eternal life on August 18. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 14, at 1:30pm in the Fireside Room with a cookie reception to follow. Jim was a former deacon and was a part of Bykota class, Adelphians, Closer Walk and a missions organization Jim founded called M.E. International.
Ruth White — a long-time member of EvFree, entered into eternal life on September 20. A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 19, at 2:00pm in the Chapel with a cookie reception to follow in the Fireside Room. Ruth was part of Closer Walk, Friday Ladies, Pursuit, Bykota and served as a deaconess.
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Mindy & Jeremiah Hartin serve with Mission Aviation Fellowship in Papua, Indonesia. Recently, Jeremiah had the honor of flying three Kodiak loads of Papuan pastors and church leaders into a remote mountain village for the dedication of the Moskona New Testament. There was a deep joy in the hearts of the people as they received the word of God in their own language. The people were saturated with the sense of God’s presence and blessing as the Moskona church embraced the treasure of Scripture in their own language for the first time. These people were overjoyed at the prospect of knowing God more intimately through the Scriptures.
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Budget—Year to Date
Budget: $2,540,000
Received: $2,249,154
Surplus (or deficit): ($290,846)
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Actual—Year to Date
Actual Income: $2,249,154
Actual Expenses: $2,226,473
Positive Cash Flow: $22,681
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Guest Speaker Richard Dahlstrom – Last week, we were blessed to have Pastor Richard Dahlstrom fly down from Seattle and spend Friday evening with our Elder Board. He spent the entire day on Saturday teaching to over 250 of our leaders at our annual LEAD Conference. Then on Sunday Richard preached in all three services. Not only was this a sacrifice for Richard’s church, Bethany Community Church, it was also a lot of time and work for Richard. We praise God for His kindness to our church by allowing and inspiring Richard to join us as well as His provision through the generous gifts of our congregation.
Numbers are based on an annual budget of $7 million dollars.
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Last Wednesday, we focused on Community in JHM, and we decided to let the students plan, run, and teach on what community means to them. They ran a night complete with dodgeball, mystery sandwich making, testimonies and prayer time with 7th and 8th graders praying for one another. It was great to see the students work together to plan this special night!
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