This Week's News
June 29, 2008
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Special Offering to Aid Myanmar and Yanomamö Indians
The EFCA has been involved with the aid effort for Myanmar due to the cyclone that devastated the southern part of the country. The lost of life and staggering devastation has made headline news. Our own Mark Ritchie traveled there in May to see the devastation and to assist in rebuilding. At our recent Praise Gathering, Jerald Dawson told of the near starvation and lack of supplies at Cosh, Venezuela, among the Yanomamö Indians.
In order to touch our world the Elders have approved receiving a special offering for these two areas that are in desperate need. A special offering will be received on Sunday, June 29, and will be split between the two needs. The Apostle Paul asked the Macedonian church to plan and set aside the money they had determined in their hearts to share with the Jerusalem Christians undergoing a famine. Let us take his words to heart and plan and prepare what we will be able to give toward this huge need. If you are unable to contribute this Sunday, but would like to provide assistance, contact the church office.
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Make This Sunday Evening Special by Attending our Hymn Sing!
Everyone from young to old is invited to join Dave and Jennifer Noga on Sunday evening, June 29, at 6:30 pm. Dave will play his accordion and you can request your favorite hymns or choruses. For more details, contact Dave.
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Worship at the Well on Sunday Evenings
Anyone who enjoys contemporary worship music and wants to join others for prayer and praise should plan to attend "The Well" on Sunday evenings at 8:00 pm. The service is held in the multi-purpose rooms and is lead by some of our college students. Everyone is welcome!
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180° and Refuge News
No Youth Group Meetings this Week!
Parents of middle and high school students, please note that there is no Impact Group tonight, Discipleship Training on Tuesday or 180° Refuge on Wednesday this week because Jeremy and many of our students and adult leaders are attending the Challenge Conference this week in Salt Lake City.
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Hear First Hand Accounts of Needs in Myanmar and Venezuela on July 6
The first Sunday of each month, we gather after the second service for a brown bag lunch and to join together in a time of concerted prayer for personal, church, national and world needs.
On Sunday, July 6, Jerald Dawson will provide an update on situation in Cosh, Venezuela, and Mark Ritchie will shares about his recent trip to Myanmar. After a question-and-answer period, we will pray for these two troubled areas of the world. Please join us to learn more about the people suffering because of natural disasters and political repression and to offer prayers on their behalf.
Don't let your nerves over praying in public keep you away; no one is required to pray aloud! Everyone is welcome!
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Women’s Ministry News & Events
Women’s Summer Book Club Continues on Alternate Thursdays at 7 pm
On July 10, we will have a second discussion on First Light by Brock and Bodie Thoene. Our first discussion was far-ranging and very lively. We covered some of the "big questions" of God's unconditional love and the tragedy of evil in the world, sharing insights and stories. Even if you missed the first session, you can still attend this one! Each session stands alone!
If you don't feel you can read First Light by July 10, then grab a copy of our next book, At Home in Mitford, by Jan Karon, and start reading. We’ll discuss this book on July 24 and August 7. So, get a copy – at the library, over the internet, at a Christian bookstore -- and plan to join us. Contact Jan Sabourin if interested in participating.
Join Us for...Prayer Walking and Blueberry Picking
Ladies, start each summer weekend on the right foot by joining with other women to walk and pray together at 8:00 am Saturday mornings. Each week will we start our walk from a different home and spend about 30 minutes in prayer and fellowship as we walk together throughout the neighborhood.
On either July 12 or 19 (depending on when the blueberries are ripe), we will leave the church at 8:00 am and travel to Wilmington, IL to spend the morning picking blueberries. Before returning to the church, we'll enjoy a picnic lunch on the ground of the blueberry farm. Information and schedules are available at the church Welcome Center, which is located right outside the back of the sanctuary.
You Are Always Welcome at the "Read Through the Bible" Prayer & Study Group
Each Tuesdays, a group of women gather to pray together and dig into God's word and its meaning for their lives. The women begin the evening with praising God for His goodness and praying for one another. This Bible study will continue to meet through the summer each Tuesday night at 7 pm in the Upper Room. The group is currently reading Philippians, Paul's great letter of joy and encouragement. Newcomer's are welcome at any time! Contact Liz Parat for more details.
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Congregational Business Meeting Scheduled for August 3 at 6:30 PM
Our Next Congregational Business meeting date is Sunday, August 3 at 6:30, rather than Sunday, July 27. The Evangelical Free Church of Wauconda is "congregational" in its form of government. That means that church members play a key role in church decisions. While only church members can vote on items of business, everyone is encouraged to attend to hear the reports of the Board members and various Committees. Mark your calendars now and plan to attend.
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Ongoing News and Needs
Food Pantry Donations Are Always Needed
Rising food and gas prices are a challenge for everyone, but for those on a fixed income or those without steady work, these increased costs can force many to seek assistance at area food pantries. Please remember that we have a box for donations to the Wauconda/Island Lake Food Pantry located in the coat room.
Hearing Devices Are Available for Use During Service
This is a reminder that we have four headsets available for those who have difficulty hearing. You may check them out at the sound board before the service.
Pick Up a Copy of the Daily Bread Devotional for June-August
Are you looking for a devotional to accompany your quiet time? Or, perhaps you are looking for a tool that can help you get into the word on a more regular basis. If so, please take a copy of the current issue of Our Daily Bread. We have copies of the June, July and August available at the Welcome Center.
Do You Have a Story for our Newsletter?
Seeds for the Sower, our church newsletter is published each month. The newsletters goal is to share what is going on in our church and help us get to know one another and the various ministries in our church family. The deadline for articles to be considered is the 22nd of each month. We like the stories to be short and readable. Please contact the church office if you wish to have something included in the newsletter.
Remember to Check the Lost & Found
Our lost and found is brimming once again with lots of Bibles and other items that have accumulated over the past several months. Items left behind after Services, Adult Bible Fellowship, Sunday School or church meetings are placed in the "lost and found," which is located in the coat room. Please check to see if anything belongs to you. Items not claimed by Monday, June 16, will be passed on to those who can use them.
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Mark Your Calendar for these Dates:
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Sunday, June 29 ~ Hymn Sing at the Nogas
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Sunday, June 29 ~ "The Well" Contemporary Worship at the Church
- Sunday, July 6 ~ Brown Bag Prayer Gathering
- Saturday, July 12 ~ First Weekly Prayer Walk: Women's Ministry
- Saturday, July 12 (or 19) ~ Blueberry Picking: Women's Ministry
- Sunday, August 3 ~ Congregational Business Meeting
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