A LETTER FROM OUR PASTORAL STAFF
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Dear Church Family,
Each time I write for the eNews I feel like I’m asking you to pray some big prayers with me. And this time is no different!
We’re beginning a series in High School this semester called Masterpiece: God’s Design for You. We believe that each person has been designed intentionally by Jesus as a part of His redemption plan. Every single person has been designed uniquely and beautifully. The message our students hear in the media is often something to the effect of “You’re special, just the way you are.” or “There’s only one you. Go out and be the best you can be!” We think that these messages miss the mark and lead us to believe we’re unique just because “there’s no one else like us.” We’re not unique or special because of who we are. We’re unique because of Who created us. Jesus created us intentionally and by design. The goal of this series is to figure out what exactly that design is.
We are going through some hefty, important and sometimes controversial topics. Some of these topics include God’s Design for Social Media, God’s Design for Race and Ethnicity, God’s Design for Sex, and God’s Design for Gender. With our current cultural climate, you can already see some of the controversies we may run into.
Here is where I’m going to ask you to pray BIG with us. Pray that the word about our series gets out through our students to their non-Christian friends and they would be intrigued to come and hear what we have to say, even if they’re coming to argue with us. Pray that our high school amphitheater is PACKED with students. Pray that we won't be able to close our garage door because we have so many students who want to listen. Pray that the High School Team and our speakers speak the truth boldly and that we won't be afraid to say something just because it goes against what all our students hear in school and online. Pray that we will speak the truth in love. Pray our voices will be soft and caring when we’re saying something that’s hard to hear. Pray that the Holy Spirit will lead our sermon and small group discussion preparations and that we will say what the Lord wants our students to hear.
Finally, pray that our students and their non-Christian friends will meet Jesus, know that He designed them intentionally and with purpose, and understand that He loves them.
God is big. No prayer is too big for Him to answer.
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Josh Fasold
High School Guys Ministry Director
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Grand Huddle
Thursday, January 17, 7:00 - 8:30pm, NC190
Grandparents, consider this your personal invitation to attend our bi-monthly Grand Huddle next week Nothing is more important than praying for our grandchildren with so many outside influences, distractions and choices surrounding them. Want to learn how to better lift up both your grandchildren and grown children in prayer? Join other grandparents as we explore together some creative strategies, resources and practical ideas for ramping up our prayers and prayer life for our families. Along with refreshments, an added feature of the evening will be a live interview with musician/singer John Elliott, composer of the song "Somebody's Prayin." Feel free to invite your friends, churches, and adult fellowships.
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ThinkWell
Starting January 20, 6:00pm in the Chapel
ThinkWell is a lecture series which will address a variety of current issues and how the timeless fundamentals of the Christian faith impact our approach to those topics. Each month will feature a variety of different communicators teaching with the goal of helping each of us to be thoughtful and discerning about important ideas. Designed to be appealing to both longtime disciples of Jesus and those who have no prior connection with the church, we are praying that ThinkWell can be a point of meaningful connection and community around vital issues of the day.
This month we will be joined by Dr. Eric Hedin, Professor of Physics & Astronomy at Biola University. Eric will be walking us through a discussion on Origins and Science in the Bible. This is a conversation for everyone from the hardcore science lover to the homeschool parent to participate in. We pray you are equipped, encouraged and empowered to continue the conversations after you leave! Questions? Contact Mitch Fierro.
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Discipleship Training
Starting Wednesday, February 6, 7:00 - 8:30pm in NC 180.
The spring offering to help you on your discipleship journey will be a six-week series on the Enneagram and Spiritual Gifts. The book of Acts tells us that the disciples were called Christians. A Christian is a disciple of Jesus, and discipleship for the Christian is a lifelong process. If we believe that discipleship is working together to grow in adoration and imitation of Christ, we should continuously be seeking opportunities to learn and grow to be more like Christ. This six-week series will help you better understand your personality strengths and shadows as well as your spiritual gifts. This information will position you to be used in the most effective way possible in serving the body of Christ. If you are interested in attending, please register here.
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Baptism at EvFree
Baptisms will take place on Sunday, February 10 in all three services. If you are interested in being baptized, please register here. You may also visit our website here to learn more about baptism or email Heather Freeman with any questions.
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Legacy Coalition Grandparenting Summit
Consider attending the National Legacy Coalition Grandparenting Summit happening here at EvFree February 21-23. There is a special discounted rate for our EvFree Church Family. Be sure to enter the promo code EVFreeMem when registering. Visit here for more details and/or to register. For any other questions, please email Cheri Evans.
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Coed Volleyball League
February 21, Registration at 6:00pm with Evaluation at 6:30pm in the Gym.
Calling all volleyball players! Come check out our brand new Coed Volleyball League on Thursday nights from 6:00-10:00pm. We are kicking off the winter season starting February 28 and ending with playoffs on May 9. There is a fee of $55. Register here or email Heather Freeman for more information.
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Ed Hartman – With sympathy, we acknowledge the passing of Ed Hartman on January 2, 2019. Ed was an active part of the Joint Heirs Adult Fellowship, he sang in the choir and enjoyed serving each year with Love Fullerton. The Hartman family welcomes your presence as they celebrate the life of Ed on Friday, January 11, at 2:00pm in the Chapel, followed by a cookie reception in the Fireside Room.
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Glory Ehlers – God called Glory home to heaven on January 2. She was blind but can now see and the first face she saw was Jesus! Glory attended women’s and singles events as well as Sunday services at EvFree over the years. Her family welcomes your presence at her memorial service this coming Monday, January 14, at 1:00pm at Morningstar Christian Chapel, 16241 Leffingwell Rd, in Whittier.
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We're Hiring!
Love to work with kids and have Tuesday mornings free? Click here for details and to apply.
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OC United
Want to make a difference in your city? OC United was founded on the core beliefs that ANYONE could make a difference. We believe that communities are made better when we're united on the front lines with compassion to empower the vulnerable. Join OC United, be a part of the movement!
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Budget–Year to Date
Budget: $5,115,000
Received: $4,521,354
Surplus (or deficit): ($593,646)
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Actual–Year to Date
Actual Income: $4,521,354
Actual Expenses: $4,299,420
Positive Cash Flow: $221,934
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The High School Ministry seeks to create environments where students can interact with God, both in and out of the church building. Sometimes that looks like our Sunday and Wednesday programs where worship equipment is needed, leaders are given study materials and books, and activities are intentionally planned in the lobby for relationship building. Between these programs, the High School Staff is visiting schools and also providing food or resources for Christian clubs and events. Much of the work culminates in one-on-one meetings with students and leaders where Jesus can transform the hearts and lives in the ministry over a cup of coffee. Whether it is programmatic or relational, the General Fund is fueling the spread of the Gospel among students in this area.
Numbers are based on an annual budget of $7 million dollars.
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Praise God for the ladies that faithfully serve our church each week providing sign language interpretation for the deaf and hearing impaired at our 10AM services!
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