New Year Resolutions? (How about ending phubbing?)

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1 Grace Evangelical Free Church rd Ave. NE Fridley, MN JANUARY 2017 MONTHLY LETTER New Year Resolutions? (How about ending phubbing?) Dr. Gerald Stigall Senior Pastor Scot Hintermeyer Director of Administration and the Arts David Preston Director of Youth and Young Adults Ändrea Lombardo Associate of Youth and Young Adults Jackie Den Hartog Director of Christian Education Development Trisha Pull Director of Children s Ministry Communications The beginning of a New Year is a strategic time to make resolutions. Many of us may purpose to stop some bad habits and to begin some good ones. Perhaps we ll resolve to exercise more, to eat less, and even to deepen our intimacy with the Lord. There s much that is good in all of these and other resolutions we ll be making in the coming days. The problem is that, if you are anything like me, by March you ll simply run out of steam. The get up and go will have gotten up and left. That s the bad news. But here s the good news: the Apostle Paul reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). He resolved to present everyone mature in Christ. A most worthy goal, right? But notice that he states, For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me (Colossians 1:28). You see, trying to fix or improve ourselves will inevitably end in frustration. But experiencing God s dynamic power flowing through us makes us more than conquerors. What we cannot do, He can! So let s get practical. Have you heard about a new term called phubbing? The act of phubbing, or phone snubbing, is a very real epidemic in the United States, and aside from being rude and inconsiderate, may also come with a few more insidious results. Not only is phubbing damaging relationships, but research is showing that phubbing can also lead to depression and lower rates of overall life satisfaction for the phubbee. Wait, you say, this doesn t pertain to me! Well, take the following survey - which I m revising slightly - that Professor James Roberts of Baylor University used on 453 adults and see if you are a phubber like I am. Gulp!

2 During a typical mealtime together, do you ever pull out and check your cellphone? Do you place your phone where you can see it when you are with others? Maybe on the table or your desk? When your cellphone rings or beeps, do you pull it out even when you re in the middle of a conversation? Do you glance at your cellphone when talking to someone? Do you tend to wake up and immediately check your cell phone? If there is a lull in a conversation, or before a meeting starts, (or even before or during worship!) do you pull out your cellphone and catch up with the news rather than actively engage with the people around you? The very last verse of I John exhorts us to keep ourselves away from idols (I John 5:21). Webster defines an idol as an image or other material object representing a deity to which religious worship is addressed OR any person or THING (cellphone?) regarded with admiration, adoration, or devotion. So why don t we put down our phones and start paying attention to the people sitting right next to us. Perhaps you might benefit - as I have - from checking out the website: stopphubbing.com! And remember the good news, we can do all things - even stopping phubbing! - through Christ who strengthens us! One final plea: Parents, the Children Ministries team will be encouraging children NOT to bring/use their computer games during the Bible Hour. It s simply too distracting for everyone. Let s explore together how to use the incredible resources which are literally at our fingertips in ways that enhance relationships and build faith, rather than undermine the connection with the Lord and each other that we all desire. From a reforming Phubber, :) What is Alpha Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith, typically run over eleven weeks. Each talk looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. Pastor Gerald will lead an Alpha class starting January 22 in the Library for 11 weeks during the Bible Hour of 9:15-10:15 am.

3 Grace Evangelical Free Church will be hosting an event with a focus on men s purity as part of the monthly men s ministry called Friday Night Fights. We are pleased that Dr. Irv Woolf who is currently Director of Hopewell Counseling will be our guest speaker. The event will take place on Friday evening, February 3, 2017 at 6:30 pm. Dr. Wolf s message is titled Seven Crutches Men Use. The evening will begin with a meal catered by Bob s Produce of Fridley. There is a suggested donation of $7.00 to cover the cost of the meal; however, please attend even if you can t afford the $7.00. Please call the church office by noon Thursday February 2, to confirm that you would like to attend so we can get an accurate count to make certain that we have enough food. The phone number for the Grace Evangelical Free Church office is The meal will be followed by the message with a focus on men s purity from Dr. Woolf. There will be time at the end of the evening for questions. Purity Boot Camp There will be an event entitled Purity Boot Camp to be held the following week from Monday through Friday at 6:30 to 8:00 pm. We will all get much more information about the expectation of God for a man s purity and to learn tools to help every man in his daily battle to remain pure in a sinful world. The address of Grace Evangelical Free Church is: rd Avenue North East Fridley MN, Please enter through door A on the South side or door D on the North side of the church. The Friday Night Fight event will be held in the Fellowship Hall which is located near Door A on the south east side of the building.

4 CHILDREN S MINISTRY news January 2017 Here are some ways you can help support Upward Basketball and Cheerleading at Grace: We need game day helpers! Volunteer for one job, one game, one day, or the whole season, any combination can work for us. We need half time leaders, devotions, team introductions, set up, take down, concessions, score keepers, time keepers, and referees. Ways you can pray for Upwards: open hearts to the Gospel coaches prepared for team devotions players attentive to devotions God s word faithfully presented every child loved good experience and spiritual growth for each child coaches and referees as good role models connections with unchurched families welcoming atmosphere well run practice nights and game days safety, health for all opportunities to serve families concessions workers connections to guests game day/half time hosts faithful presentation of truths at half-time our faithful prayer warriors Adam and his coaching team Jenni and her game day responsibilities Pam for wisdom and service to all planning for Celebration Night for God s glory If you would like to get regular updates and prayer s for Upward Basketball and Cheerleading, please see Pam Olsen. January 9 - First Upward Practice January 28 - First Upward Game Day February 4 - Picture Day January 1 - No Sunday School January 8 - Sunday School Resumes January 4 - Backwards Night February 1 - Beach Night Wee Worship and Nurseryl January 1 - NO Wee Worship or Bible Hour Nursery January 8 - Wee Worship and Bible Hour resume

5 - Girls Night - Keep your eyes and ears open for dates to be announced! - Quiz Meets - January Lakes Free - February New Hope - March Oxlip - April New Hope - April Grace E-Free Fridley - Youth Pizza Ranch in Andover - Monday evening, April 10 - District Blitz - April Join us Sunday 9:15 am In the Upper Room! Youth Group Also meets weekly on Wednesday evenings in the upper room 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm See you there! Questions, comments, concerns? Contact us! Pastor David Preston : dpreston@gracefree.org Ändrea Lombardo: alombardo@gracefree.org

6 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 Will study Books of Wisdom - Job, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs Second Wind Meeting Room: 301 Coordinator: Roland Peterson Will be studying Church History - part of the Essentials of Faith CROSSwalk (Issues adults face today) Lecture, large and small group discussion Meeting Room: 302 Coordinator: Val Hubel New Testament Survey - part of the Essentials of Faith Hilltoppers (Bible centered study) Lecture format with large group discussion Meeting Room: Fellowship Hall Coordinator: Bruce Miller The book of Genesis will be team taught - part of the Essentials of Faith Berean This class will be going 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 will also be praying together each week, as well as doing one or tow service projects and meals together in the spring. The will meet in the 3rd floor lounge. Married-Doing Life Together Ben Kubicek is leading this class on an in depth study of the gospel of Luke in the Conference Room.

7 Help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member, or friend GriefShare is a special weekly seminar and support group designed to help you rebuild your life after losing a loved one. Our group is led by caring people who have experienced grief and want to help you through the difficult days ahead. We know it hurts, and we want to help. Contact Us Today Wednesdays 6:30-8:00 pm January 4 - March 29 Grace Evangelical Free Church Conference Room Kathy Jacobson, Facilitator

8 MISSIONS Pressing on toward the Goal Let Us Run the Race set before us looking unto Jesus Goals for 2017 Adopt- A- Missionary : Develop a personal connection with one or two missionaries. Any small group, adult group, ministry group, family or individual can be the Adopter. Ideas: get to know each other, mutually share prayer requests and praise, remember birthdays and/or holidays, if possible- - participate in their ministry (an event or project) directly or perhaps through financial support. Calendars: See faces and names as you pray for them, especially on birthdays and anniversaries. Available at the Mission Display Board Faith Promise: Additional commitments forms are available at the Mission Display Board. E- Prayers: Receive E- mail updates as they arrive. Choose to focus on as many missionaries as you are able. Contact Liz at lchristie@gracefree.org. Local Opportunities: (not an exhaustive list) 1. Construction at Living Hope Ministries, Contact Larry of Renewed Dwellings at Remodeling at new house; also Interactions with internationals in neighborhood for Linda L. Contact mission team for information. 3. Interactions with internationals - Contact Hospitality Center for Chinese at , info@hcchinese.org, hcchinese.org. 4. Freedom Works, mentoring, involvement in special events, training sessions. 5. Feed My Starving Children, packing meals Prayer Together: NEW TIME this year 1 st Saturday at 9:30 am, starting January 7, Room 301 Also, Prayer for the Persecuted Church, meets on first and third Tuesdays. Preparation for Disciple- making: Dave and Cindy N. are willing to offer a six- week video- teaching series by Crescent Project. Let the Mission Team know of your interest. Short- Term Training: We are committed to assisting in spiritual and cultural preparations. 1. Vacation Bible Camp in Nigeria, late July- early August 2. English Character Camps in Montreal, summer 3. Bethany Baptist, Riga, Latvia 4. Urban Impact Ministries, New Orleans, continual need for work teams Team Building: We are looking to add at least one person to help coordinate local ministry involvements. Transitions Dave and Joyce J. are going to be supporting their NEXT International ministry through tent- making. They will still be sharing ministry opportunities for construction trips nationally and internationally. We will continue to share those opportunities and related prayer requests. Dan and Marcy S. have returned to Brazil to help the tribal church move toward maturity. Their son Jason and family continue to make recordings for the solar players. Tim and Cheryl G. moved to western Wisconsin, as they expand their AWANA ministry area. Rick and Denise K are now in Georgia, working at a Bible college. Rick will continue to do summer training with their mission agency, as well as doing research to help others with disciple- making and church planting among people who have other religious backgrounds. After the passing of Laurence Sutherland, we finished supporting Shirley through the end of the year. As we begin to see some of our veteran missionaries approach retirement, we plan to reduce the overall number of supported missionaries. There may be those in our church family who will be sent out at some future time. On occasion, we will still add new missionaries, as the Lord leads us. That is the reason we added Joel and Angela to our group of missionary families. Pray for God s provision to complete their support building, so they can begin language study and serving in Asia.

9 Crime Alert - Theft of License Plates There has been a trend license plate thefts. On Sunday, 12/18/16, the rear license plate was stolen off the vehicle of a member of our congregation in the back of the church's parking lot. Two members of the ERT saw a suspicious vehicle enter the wrong way on the east side of the building and proceed to the back lot. As they approached the vehicle, the driver of which was in the process of removing the plate, he quickly got back into his vehicle and sped out of the parking lot, nearly hitting one of the ERT members. The police were called and statements were given by all involved, including the owner of the car who had his plates stolen. There are several reasons for this sort of crime, but the most common is gas theft. The perpetrator will try and find a vehicle which matches their own, go to a gas station and fill up their car, then drive off without paying. If a security camera or witness records the plate number, then it will be tracked back to the victims car. The owner is then victimized twice. There are several things that can be done about this: 1. Please inspect your vehicle daily, looking for both plates. This is particularly important if you park outside of a secure garage, whether at home, work, shopping, etc. 2. Second, if you do notice a missing plate(s), call and report the crime right away. It is crucial to have this reported to the police and for you to have the police report in hand. Please don't hesitate to call Many people mistakenly think that this service is only for emergency situations, but if you need a police officer then call. The police report will also help you in the event you receive a call from the gas station owner/manager. 3. After giving your statement to the police, you should receive instructions to get new plates. Please replace them as soon as possible. 4. Consider using security screws to fasten your plates ( We noticed during the Christmas Eve service two other cars, which had missing license plates. We do not believe this occurred during service, but it does show this to be a common crime. The ERT has since increased outdoor patrols, but it's important to remember that this is a crime of opportunity and can happen very quickly. - Emergency Response Team

10 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) 4:00 pm Quiz Practice Mondays: 7:00 pm Adult Volleyball Tuesdays: 6:00 am Fe 2 Men s Group 9:30 am Staff Team Meeting Wednesdays: 1:00 pm Hilltopper Small Group 5:15 pm Kids Choir 5:30 pm Fellowship Meal 6:30 pm Awana, Grace Youth, Adult Bible Studies,GriefShare 8:10 pm Grace Orchestra Rehearsal Thursdays: 6:00 am Women s Bible Study 6:30 pm Grace Chorale Rehearsal Fridays: 7:00 am Prayer in the Conference Room 8:15 am Bread Ministry Saturdays: 8:00 am Men's Basketball Grace Calendar Upcoming Grace Events January 1 Communion Sunday 9:15 am Hilltopper Adult Community January 2 Church office closed January 3 10:00 am Prayer for the Persecuted Church 6:30 pm Upward Coach Training 6:30 pm Directors Meeting January 4 Wednesday Ministries Resume January 6 Annual Reports due to the office January 7 9:30 am Quiz Practice January 8 Term2 Bible Hour begins 2:00 pm Quiz Meet at Lakes Free 4:00 pm Dordt College Concert January 9 January 10 10:00 am Prayer for America 6:30 pm Elder Board Meeting January 12 11:00 am Birthday Brunch Bunch at IHOP January 13 6:00 pm Food Distribution January 16 January 17 10:00 am Prayer for the Persecuted Church January 19 January 22 Upward Sunday 9:15 am Beginning 11-week Alpha January 23 January 24 10:00 am Prayer for America 6:30 pm Elder Board Meeting January 26 January 28 10:00 am Upward Basketball Games January 29 12:00 pm All-Church Potluck 1:00 pm Annual Church Business Meeting January 30 January 31 In case of inclement weather, church cancellations for weekdays will be posted no later than 3:00 pm at If the weather is questionable, please use your own discretion when deciding to drive or not.