Upcoming sermon on Sunday, November 3
based on Ruth 4:1-11, Jesus Saves!
Watch the sermon from Sunday, October 27
based on Ruth 3, Full or Empty?
Where is This Thing Headed?
World News Article
Don't miss this beautiful article. Our own Tammy Stevens is featured in this World Magazine article written by another one of our own, Leah Hickman!! We thank God for the 💖 Labor of Love Ministry 💖 in Mid-Michigan and all our GoLocal Team does to support this fantastic doula ministry. For more details and how you can support Labor of Love, visit their website.
Everyone is invited to this FREE event! Bring your whole family for a delicious lasagna lunch (gluten-free and vegetarian options available). Also, we still need volunteers to help with set up, clean up, and during the event. Could you help in one of the following ways:
Set up from 8:00-9:00 AM
Put tablecloths on tables between services from 10:15-10:45 AM
If you would like to bring a potluck dish, please consider one of the following:
Bread (garlic bread, bread sticks, etc.)
Large Salads (fruit, veggie, coleslaw, etc.)
Desserts (2 - 3 dozen individual servings)
Thank you! See you tomorrow!
TOMORROW! BAPTISM CLASS: Sunday, November 3 \\ 10:45 AM
Gathering Room A
Do you want to be baptized as a disciple of Jesus Christ? Attend this class to learn more about the biblical reasons for baptism as well as the baptism process followed at Midland Free.
TOMORROW! DISCOVER MIDLAND FREE: Sundays, November 3 & 10 \\ 9:00 AM
Gathering Room A
Are you new to Midland Free? This is a perfect class to introduce you to all the opportunities and ministries here. You will learn more about our church, the leaders & pastors, and our beliefs and teachings. Join us!
All high school students are invited for this exciting event that includes food, a road rally, prizes and more. Invite a friend. Meet in the Game Room at Midland Free at 3:00 PM on November 3rd. See you there!
ENCORE
Fellowship for Singles 40+
Interest Meeting
Are you over 40 and single? Join us for an Interest Meeting & Luncheon on Sunday, November 10, at 12:15 pm in room 309. In an effort to continue to create meaningful communities of teaching, fellowship, and prayer at Midland free, we would like to invite you to consider being a part of this new fellowship group. If you are unable to attend the Interest Meeting, we still want to hear your thoughts! Please send an email to Pastor Gib.
BIG FORUM Wednesday, November 13
6:30 - 8:00 PM // Rooms 306/308
Join the Elders as they share and discuss important topics including some ministry updates, the Mission/Vision update, a proposed change to our Doctrinal Statement, and a re-finance proposal. More details here.
Doctrinal Statement
The only change to the Doctrinal statement would be changing the word premillenial to glorious.
“We believe in the personal, bodily and premillenialglorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ. The coming of Christ, at a time known only to God, demands constant expectancy and, as our blessed hope, motivates the believer to godly living, sacrificial service and energetic mission.”
For the benefits and reasoning behind the change in our association’s Doctrinal Statement (and thus our proposal to adopt it), please see:
Hebrews 13:20–21 (ESV) 20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
All members of Midland Free are called to this Special Business Meeting to vote on the action items presented during the BIG Forum on November 13. Meeting packets and further details will be emailed to members soon. Childcare is available for the Business Meeting.Please RSVPto Chelsea by December 1, 2019 for childcare.
Children & Youth Events
HARVEST PARTY - THANK YOU!
This year was the largest turnout ever for the Harvest Party! We welcomed nearly 300 children and over 190 families! What a tremendous outreach opportunity for our community. Please continue to pray for the children and families who attended.
We would like to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who contributed to the Harvest Party this year! Whether you donated candy or treats, helped with set up or clean up, greeted guests, ran a game, prayed for the event, or said good-bye to guests and invited them to return -- you made a huge impact! THANK YOU!
We especially would like to thank Johanna Humphrey for her leadership and organizational skills! She worked tirelessly to make the Harvest Party successful. Please read this beautiful testimony from Johanna: "...we never ran out of candy! As we saw the candy coming in this year we were amazed that we received twice as much as we did last year. God knew who was coming last night and He put it on peoples hearts to buy the candy. What an amazing blessing to see God working."
Well done!!
JAM LOCK-IN:
For all Middle School Students! Friday, November 8 \\ 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM
Midland Community Center \\ $15 Register here
All middle school students are invited to this overnight event that includes basketball, swimming, movies, food, volleyball, gaga ball, crafts, and other fun activities! You must pre-register your child online by Friday, November 8th, at 5:00 pm. Register and make payments online. Questions? Contact Jody Best at 631-4411, x 1001.
Human Trafficking Awareness
for High School Students
All high school students and their parents are invited to this important event on Sunday, November 10 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Dr. Leslie Schutz will present. There will be a hot chocolate bar as well as a book giveaway. Invite a friend and join us!
Speaker: Michael Goad
Topic: Ministering to Men in Job Transition
After changing jobs in 2013, Michael started reaching out to men who were in transition from one job to another and encouraging them. This has been a great way to encourage others and deepen friendships. Most people experience self-doubt and a lot of worry during a job transition and targeted encouragement truly means a lot to them.
Invite a friend! Teenage sons are always welcome. The breakfast is FREE, butplease register.
Teaching Seminars THE DIRECTOR'S CUT
Wednesdays
November 6 & 20
What’s one of the first things you do after watching a movie at home? For some, it’s searching through the extended version or Director’s Cut. What was left out? What did I miss? What are they not telling me? What’s the inside scoop? For those who want to know and grow, there’s always more.
Join Pastor Jeremy as he leads us through “The Director’s Cut” - deleted scenes and insights from the book of the Bible being preached. Want to go deeper? Come this fall and find out how.
HELPING HANDS
GoLocal Christmas Projects
Adopt-A-Family
Adopt-a-Family from Central Park School, which is in the Grove Park area of Midland. You are able to purchase gifts and deliver them personally to the family or deliver them to the school. Sign up here.A Christmas wish list will be provided to you one week after sign-up. Gift drop-off date is Tuesday, December 19, between 4:00pm and 6:00pm at Central Park School or you can coordinate directly with the family to deliver the gifts in person.
Christmas Party at the North Midland Family Center (NMFC)
Save the date for Friday, December 13 from 5:30 - 8:00 PM. We need your help to serve dinner, play games, and participate in the gift giveaway! This is a great serving opportunity for families or Life Groups. Sign up here. The NMFC address is 2601 E. Shearer Road, Midland.
$25 Christmas Dinner Donation
Bless a family in need with a special Christmas dinner! We hope to provide for 150 families in the North Midland area. Pick up a donation envelope at the GoLocal lobby table and return it by Sunday, December 8th, after the second service.
Cold Weather Gear Collection Michigan winters can be tough… especially if you don’t have the proper clothing. You can help children in need stay warm this winter! Please pick up a tag at the GoLocal display in the south lobby and return the items to the North Midland Family Center Christmas Party on December 13th or drop off at the church on or before December 15th.
Operation Christmas Child (OCC)
Pack Shoebox Gifts You can help a child in poverty and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world! Pack a shoebox gift with school supplies, small toys, and non-liquid hygiene items. Your simple gifts change lives and give children in need a tangible expression of God's love.
Pick up a pre-printed shoebox at the lobby table near the BLAST Children's Ministry. There are also instructional brochures available with gift suggestions and more information about how to pack a shoebox gift. Return your gift-filled boxes to the North Atrium during National Collection Week, November 17-25.
Midland Free has partnered with Operation Christmas Child for 11 years as a regional Relay Center drop-off location in Midland County! We have the following hours available if you would like to volunteer in the North Atrium during our Relay Center hours. You will help greet and thank people, count boxes, and pack the boxes in cartons - one step closer to a child in need!
Please REGISTER HERE if you can serve during one of the shifts below:
Sun, Nov. 17: 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Mon, Nov. 18: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Tue, Nov. 19: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Wed, Nov. 20: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Thu, Nov. 21: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Fri, Nov. 22: 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Sat, Nov. 23: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sun, Nov. 24: 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Mon, Nov. 25: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Moms in Prayer International
Moms in Prayer invites you to have a profound impact on your children and their schools, from preschool to young adult. Entire communities are transformed when moms gather to pray to the only One who can change a human heart. You were made for such a time as this. Come to one of the times below and enjoy a time of fellowship, prayer and encouragement.
Dates & Location: 1st, 3rd, & 5th Fridays of each month at Midland Free
Times:
Prayers for Dow High School / Jefferson Middle School• 8:00 AM
South Atrium
(Contact Doreen with questions - 989.631.5527)
Prayers for Adams Elementary • 9:00 AM
Blast Children's Area Lobby (Contact Kristi with questions - 989.631.4411 x 1014)
In a world at war with itself, it’s easy to get swept up into the chaos and lose our footing. But we’ve been called to be rooted and grounded in God – an invitation that’s as refreshing as it is needed. Join the women of Midland Free and special guest, Joy McMillan, as we explore what it looks like to remain rooted in God’s love in an often-turbulent world. We'll enjoy good food, real fellowship and powerful worship as we lean into His presence and learn how to trust His heart, even when we cannot see His hand.
Saturday Breakout Sessions include:
Finding a Mentor, Being a Mentor: A Look at Titus 2 - Sarah Hickman
Fostering Hope in Michigan: How this Ministry is Impacting Children and Teens - Amy Burr
Helping Your Kids Develop Their God-Given Gifts - Kim Wells
The Old Testament …Where the Story Began - Bev Steel
What We Call Challenges, God Calls Seasons - Tammy Stevens
All women are invited on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in room 303.
No online registration.
John anchors us in his letters with truth in a culture that has lost its way. He separates light from darkness, offers community for loneliness and rest for our striving. Throughout his letters John gives us the ultimate gift of assurance: we can know that we knew Jesus. Join Kelly Minter in this theologically rich study--that also includes recipes for deeper fellowship--and discover what love truly is.
FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY
Sundays
9:00 AM • Room 305
Are you tired of money stress, or living paycheck to paycheck? Then you’re ready to join more than five million people whose lives have been changed by Financial Peace University (FPU)! This nine-lesson course taught by Dave Ramsey, Chris Hogan and Rachel Cruze helps you work a plan to nail a budget, defeat debt, and free yourself from money worries! Meets Sundays at 9:00 am in Room 305.
Single Moms Parenting Class
Victoria Rodriguez and Nicole Webster teach and encourage other single moms during this class. Meets Sundays at 10:45 AM in Room 301. BLAST Children’s Ministry Sunday School classes are available for infants through 5th grade. All single moms invited regardless of the ages of their children!
SMALL CHURCHES
Meet every Sunday morning!
NEW BEGINNINGS
SMALL CHURCH
Sundays \\ 9:00 AM \\ Room 304
Leaders: Rob & Amber Parrish
Are you in the beginning stages of growing your family, whether newly married or raising young children? Join us as we share life through Bible study and fellowship. A growing family changes the way we live, and it can be a struggle to keep a relationship with God as well as each other. You’ll find support and encouragement here!
W.E.L.L.
SMALL CHURCH
Sundays \\ 9:00 AM \\ Room 306
Leaders: Dave & D'Andra Walter
W.E.L.L. = Working to Establish a Living Legacy. This small church will offer prayer, service projects, care, a short, Biblically-based lesson, and discussion time. We will also offer practical tips for establishing a legacy for our children and, in some cases, grandchildren. EVERYONE is welcome to join.
FAITH BUILDERS
SMALL CHURCH
Sundays \\ 9:00 AM \\ Room 308
Leader: Bryce Landenberger
A gathering place for all ages seeking to grow and build each other up in faith and become disciple makers of Jesus Christ. Various members of the class serve as teachers and facilitators leading through studies and lively discussions of books of the Bible, current books and relevant topics.
YOUNG ADULTS
SMALL CHURCH
Sundays \\ 9:00 AM \\ Room 301
Leaders: David & Joanna Shumaker
We are a small church dedicated to building relationships among young adults and professionals (20+) and helping them grow in their faith. We will study the connection between our Christian world-view and how it impacts our lives as young professionals in the world. Open to all single or married young adults.
LEGACY BUILDERS
SMALL CHURCH
Sundays \\ 10:45 AM \\ Room 306
Leaders: Roger Kipfmiller, Rick DeShano, & Rich Packard
We are a fellowship of mixed ages who are growing, maturing, and making disciples. If you want to connect and develop friends, make disciples, train a Joshua, and develop a legacy with your family, then the Legacy Builders is for you. We welcome you!
Ministry Highlights
Open Door Soup Kitchen
Fall 2019 Volunteers Needed:
Join the Midland Free team serving on Tuesdays OR every first & fourth Thursday from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm this fall. You can choose how often you would like to serve: monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly. Please contact Christy Ferguson who is organizing the team:s.c.ferguson@sbcglobal.net.
HELP WANTED
Volunteer Display
Visit our new HELP WANTED Volunteer Display Wall in the Lobby! Some serving opportunities are urgent, while many are ongoing. Each month we will also highlight a special volunteer serving in our church.
If you are looking for a place to build relationships and belong at Midland Free, join a Life Group! They meet every week in homes to encourage each other, pray for each other, and grow in relationship with Jesus.
You do not need to read a book ahead of time because Life Group conversations focus on what everyone heard on Sunday morning. With other members of your group you will look more closely at some of the topics and issues raised by the Sunday Sermon. More details and registration here.
Vehicle Donations at Midland Free Two families at Midland Free need a donated vehicle that works and is dependable. If the Lord is leading you to donate a vehicle please contact pastor Gib at ggiblin@mefchurch.org or 989-631-4411, ext 1016.
Thank you!
COFFEE CONNECTIONS CAFE
Open Sundays before and between services.
Connect with others on Sunday mornings over a delicious warm beverage. Now serving coffee, tea, hot cocoa and hot cider.
