Grace Evangelical Free Church
755 73rd Ave. NE
Fridley, MN 55432
763-784-7199
www.gracefree.org
M AY 2 0 1 7 M O N T H LY L E T T E R
Raising Our Outreach Temperature
Dr. Gerald Stigall
Senior Pastor
Scot Hintermeyer
Director of
Administration &
the Arts
David Preston
Director of
Youth &
Young Adults
Jackie Den Hartog
Director of
Christian Education
Development
Trisha Pull
Director of
Children’s Ministry
Communications
Katie Espeseth
Intern for Youth
Ministries
At your annual physical, your doctor asks all sorts of
questions. Along the way he/she will take your
temperature, check your pulse, and take your blood
pressure. All of this, of course, is to get a general measure
of your health.
What’s true in a doctor’s office has been similar for many
of us in various church settings this year. For example, the
Elders as well as the staff team have regularly “taken” our
“outreach temperature”. That is, we’ve described on a scale from 1 - 10
what our outreach temperature is (1 = ice cold; 10 = raging passion).
We’ve been learning that while it’s important to note where we presently
are on that scale, it’s even more important to note the trajectory. Are we
growing warmer in our commitment to share our faith, or less so? Are we
moving up, one degree at a time, or merely plateauing?
From personal experience I can report that knowing that others are holding
me accountable to grow in this area has been helpful. What is more, I’m
discovering how open people are all around me to talk about spiritual
matters. Purposing to increase my “outreach temperature” has enriched my
life and deepened relationships with my friends/acquaintances who do not
yet know Jesus. And even at those times this past year when I have grown
colder rather than warmer, I have appreciated knowing that others are
asking the challenging questions to me.
This past year Roland Peterson (the Director of Outreach) and I have been a
part of an Evangelism Cohort in which representatives from 15 Free
Churches in the Greater Metro Area have met monthly to think through
outreach strategies. Along the way we’ve read a few books one of which
I’ve secured copies of Organic Outreach for Churches. for all of the Elders
and Directors to read/review. In the Disciplemaking sermon series that I
preached in January - March I shared several principles which I found
helpful.
In this article, perhaps you’ll appreciate my reminding you of thoughts
from Don Everts and Doug Schaupp in their excellent book entitled, I Once
Was Lost. The authors talk about five important shifts that one more than
likely in our culture must make to become a follower of Christ. The
unbeliever must move…
•
•
•
•
•
from distrusting to trusting
from being complacent to being curious
from being closed to change to being open to change
from meandering to seeking
crossing the threshold of the Kingdom itself
With these thresholds in mind, think about those people in your life who do not yet know the Lord. Where are they on
this continuum? What might you do to help them cross over the next threshold so that they eventually come (sooner
rather than later) to the place of deciding to follow the Lord? The authors have some very specific suggestions. I
would welcome the chance to discuss with you some ideas which they mention.
So how’s your outreach temperature? What will you purpose to do to increase it one degree this next month? Do you
know your neighbors? Why not have a barbecue and invite them over? Or what about challenging them to a croquet
game? Maybe they can give you some pointers on lawn care, or flowers. Remember: more times than not, before a
person is drawn to Christ, he/she first is drawn to a Christian.
May we shine our lights brightly so that others can see our good works (hospitality?) and give glory to our Father in
heaven (Matthew 5:16).
Determining with you to grow 1°,
A Money Matters Gift for you!
Thanks to Thrivent Financial, we made available, at no cost, the book, Your New Money
Mindset by Brad Hewitt and James Moline. Please secure your copy in the Commons following
our worship... IF you endeavor to read it within the next three months. : )
Consider ascertaining your financial assessment. Go to:
https://service.thrivent.com/content/your-new-money-mindset/
assessment/
to take your free and confidential assessment regarding your mindset
toward money. This assessment was created to be used with the book
that we are distributing. Also, because of the interest, we have invited
Bradlee Bame, the lead Financial Consultant of Thrivent Financial, to lead a four-part study on
money matters, Your New Money Mindset. This study will be on Wednesdays, from 6:30-8:00
p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The dates of the sessions and the four topics are: May 17th, Start
with the Heart; May 24th, A New Money Mindset Lesson; May 31st, More Than Enough;
June 7th, Enough to Share.
There is no cost to this study; however, registration is encouraged (to ensure we have ample
materials). Please sign up in the Commons in the coming weeks or call/email the Church
office: 763-784-7199, [email protected].
MISSIONS
Marion Lorence is working with Steiger International School of World Missions over the coming year. She
leaves for Germany on May 1. This mission agency provides training for missionaries and local churches who
are committed to proclaiming the gospel of Jesus in the language of the global youth culture. Marion will serve
by supporting infrastructure needs and mentoring during the ten-week summer training session. For the
remainder of the year, she will help with various administrative roles including the implementation of on-line
training and development of ministry connections. Pray for her adjustment to dorm living and the community
setting. Praise that she will be able to work alongside family members Jon and Julie and their children.
“30 Days of Prayer” for the Muslim World begins May 27 and continues through June 25 this year.
Join Christians worldwide who are praying for our Muslim neighbors to be drawn to Jesus Christ. This
is connected with the Muslim month of Ramadan, when they are more aware of spiritual matters. The
prayer guide includes information for learning about, praying for and reaching out to our Muslim
neighbors.
The Vacation Bible Camp Team for Fiditi, Nigeria is diligently preparing for another
summer of working together with the Nigerian teachers. The Nigerian teachers will be
primarily responsible for the Bible lesson times. Mary A. and Debbie V. are the co-leaders once
again. Other team members include Jeff V., Melanie S., Gloria O. and Edeth J. and family. Pray
for God to prepare and work in the hearts of the campers.
Pastor Vasiliy Gredasov and our Sister Church in Riga, Latvia is inviting us to join them July 24-­‐28 for a Vacation Bible School for elementary children, ages 6-­‐12. They are planning about 4 hours per day with a Bible lesson, songs, games/sports, and crafts. Contact Liz C. if you are interested in being a part of a small team working with them. Camp Shamineau is a “meeting place with God” for many campers. It is also a place where many
of our teens and young adults learn and serve. This summer, we will be praying for Sierra S., Ethan
S., Justin C., Miah M Jacob B., and Hannah H.
Once again, we have been invited to send an entire team or interested
participants to join others on a team to serve at a Character Camp in
Montreal. Steve and Jane W. are helping to recruit teams for the two young
ladies who are in charge of these vital summer ministries. Especially needed
are high school juniors or seniors or college-age young adults to be buddies
for the campers. The teams also need counselors, cooks, photographers, and
more. This summer there will be eight camps, so pray for God to send people
into the harvest.
Our new missionary candidates, Joel and Angela have 94% of their support raised. They are excited to see how God will provide the remainder, so they can join their team soon. Pray for God’s continued guidance and provision for their family. Pray for the people groups that will be able to hear the good news about Jesus. ATTENTION MEN
Joe Pull is pulling us together to join
together on an adventurous (but not too
adventurous!) bike ride (not a race) starting
at the church on Saturday, May 13th at
10:30 a.m. We’ll ride north along the east
side of Mississippi River up through Coon
Rapids Dam Regional Park. We’ll complete
our ride at the Hibachi Grill and Supreme
Buffet on University Avenue just north of
the church. Please email Joe and let him
know if you can join us
([email protected]). Again, be ready
to go right at 10:30 (e.g. air in tires, etc.). $50 Camp Scholarships are available to children
of Grace church families for any Christian Bible Camps.
Please complete voucher below and turn in to the church office.
Christian Bible Camp
SCHOLARSHIP
Child’s Name ___________________________
Bible Camp Name _____________________________
May 2017
Easter Sonrise Service
The Easter SONrise
service was
incredible! Huge
thanks to everyone
that helped make it
go so smoothly.
A group of us went to the District Blitz in Duluth on April 21-23. We
Districts learned about gospel clarity through multiple sessions, seminars, and
breakout groups. Some of us even jumped in Lake Superior.
UPCOMING EVENT:
Youth Sunday
Mark your
calendars May
21st is Youth
Sunday!
Adult Communities
Adult Communities provide gathering opportunities to encourage friendships while also learning from
God’s Word. Adult Communities are geared for every stage of adult life and growth. We’re sure there’s
a Community where you’ll feel welcomed and appreciated.
These communities meet on Sunday morning at 9:15 am.
Mosaic (Biblical Topics)
๏ Meeting Room: 303
๏ Coordinator: Eric Comer
๏ Using the RightNow Video series “Oneness
Embraced” by Tony Evans facilitated by Jonathan
Den Hartog. With parts of the video series “I am n”
by voice of the Martyrs.
Hilltoppers
✦
✦
✦
✦
(Bible centered study)
Lecture format with large group discussion
Meeting Room: Fellowship Hall
Coordinator: Bruce Miller
The books of Galatians & Ephesians being
team taught.
CROSSwalk (Issues adults face today)
✤
✤
✤
✤
Lecture, large and small group discussion
Meeting Room: 302
Coordinator: Val Hubel
Topic to determined
Second Wind
‣ Meeting Room: 301
‣ Coordinator: Roland Peterson
‣ Studying Joshua
Married-Doing Life Together
★ Meeting
Room: Conference Room
★ Coordinator: Ben Kubicek
★ Studying James
Berean
This class is continuing through I Corinthians,
studying a section each week, seeking to
discern the author’s intent for the original
audience, and how the passage applies to us
today. We are also praying together each week,
as well as doing one or two service projects
and meals together this spring. We are meeting
in the 3rd floor lounge.
The Alpha Film Series is being facilitated
by Pastor Scot. Each film looks at a
different question about faith and is
designed to create conversation.
Alpha meets in the Library.
May’s topic: “Trust in God When Life Hurts”
May 5th at 6:30 pm
in the Fellowship Hall.
Men, please register with the church office by
noon on Thursday, May 4th
to attend this night of food, fellowship and discussion
as we pursue fighting the fight of faith together.
Cost is $7.00.
September 29-30, 2017
Grace ChurchMN
9301 Eden Prairie Rd
Minneapolis,
| Grace Church
Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Starting at $59
lifeway.com/abundance
800.254.2022
In Him, we find a heart that overflows.
But sometimes we forget. When we refocus on Him—the fruitfulness of
walking with Him, the wealth of wisdom He offers, the bounteous grace
that covers us from head to toe—our affection for Him is renewed.
Join us for ABUNDANCE, a two-day event in which we will remind
ourselves, and each other, that Jesus is more than enough.
Congratulations to the whole Quizzing Team of
Grace! This past school year students have
diligently studied the Gospel of Luke. We celebrate
the achievements of all of the students and the
faithful mentoring of the whole Quizzing
leadership team and those who facilitated the
Quizzing meets. We celebrate the following students for their
individual accomplishments at the final Quiz Meet,
April 30th: In the upper division, we celebrate
Rachel Wong (1), Daniel Korbel (9) and Ethan Stone
(10). In the lower division, kudos to James Wong (3), Deacon Bock (7), Katie Boehrs
(8) and Paul Wong (9). Also congratulations to the Grace lower division for placing
first! The top lower division “FTV” (Find the verse) was Paul Wong and the top
lower division referencer was Katie Boehrs. The Season Awards for the Upper Division Champion went to Grace Generic (Coach:
Emma Beecken, quizzers: Rachel Wong, Stephanie Boehrs, Daniel Wong, Hannah
Hedlund, and Bryant Alexander). The top individual awards went to Rachel Wong
(2), Miah McNiff (4), Daniel Wong (5), and Stephanie Boehrs (8). The lower division
league individual awards went to James Wong (2), Deacon Bock (7), Paul Wong (8). On Tuesday, June 6th at 7:00 p.m. in the Fridley High School Auditorium there will
be a free showing of the movie: Screenagers. However, tickets are required which will
be distributed to anyone desiring to go. The award-winning movie probes into the
vulnerable corners of family life, including the director's own, and depicts messy
struggles, over social
media, video games,
academics and internet
addiction. Through
surprising insights
from authors and brain
scientists solutions
emerge on how we can
empower kids to best
navigate the digital world. Our hope is to have a panel of experts to help the viewers
process the learnings from the movie. We believe that this will be well worth your
time. Grace Calendar
Upcoming Grace Events
Weekly at Grace
Sundays:
9:00 am Prayer for Worship
9:15 am Bible Hour: Nursery, Sunday
School & Adult Communities
10:30 am Worship Service
• Nursery
• Wee Worship (during the sermon)
Mondays:
7:00 pm Adult Volleyball
Tuesdays:
6:00 am Fe2 Men’s Group
9:30 am Staff Team Meeting
Wednesdays:
1:00 pm Hilltopper Small Group
6:30 pm Grace Youth
8:00 pm Grace Orchestra Rehearsal
(final rehearsal May 3)
Thursdays:
6:30 pm Women’s Bible Study
6:30 pm Grace Chorale Rehearsal
(final rehearsal May 11)
Fridays:
7:00 am Prayer (Conference Room)
8:15 am Bread Ministry
Saturdays:
8:00 am Men's Basketball
May 2
10:00 am Prayer for the Persecuted
Church (Library)
May 3
6:00 pm Wednesday Meals Volunteer
Appreciation Dinner (RSVP required)
6:30 pm Purity Platoon (room 303)
May 5
6:30 pm Friday Night Fight
May 6
7:30 am ERT Building Evaluations &
Training
9:30 am Mission Prayer Time
May 7
Communion Sunday
May 9
6:30 pm Elder Board Meeting
May 10
6:30 pm Purity Platoon (room 303)
11:00 am Birthday Brunch Bunch —
IHOP
May 12
6:00 pm Food Distribution
May 13
Dodgeball Tournament, Coon Rapids
EFC
May 14
Mother’s Day
May 16
10:00 am Prayer for the Persecuted
Church (Library)
May 17
6:30 pm Purity Platoon (room 303)
6:30 pm Your New Money Mindset
Bible Study
May 23
5:30 pm Elder Board Dinner &
Prayer Meeting
May 31
5:00 pm VBS Work Night
DISCOVER GRACE Class
WHO WE ARE. WHAT WE BELIEVE.
Periodically we offer an orientation to Grace
EFC. We believe this three-part class will
interest you if you desire to officially join our
church or if you are visiting and would like to
understand what our vision is and ways that
we seek to live out that vision. The three
sessions (June 4, 11, and 18) will be held
during the Bible Hour (9:15 am-10:15 am).
We’ll explain our core values, our
organizational structure, a little about our
history, and especially a pathway for disciple
making. Please call the church office
(763-784-7199) or email us
([email protected]) and let us know about
your plans.