2012 Annual Report Elders ______

Kearney eFree Church Annual Congregational Meeting January 27, 2013 4:00 pm

John 4:35 - Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. (2013 Theme Verse)

Presiding Elder: Jim Ward

Praise and Worship: Pastor Kent Sundberg and Worship Team

Opening Prayer: Jim Ward

Approval of Minutes of previous meeting: October 28, 2012

Membership Update: Deacon and Deaconess Commission – Gaylene Wiseman and Debbie Mead

• Those requesting membership: Peg & Leroy Stevens, John & Lisa Rademacher, Jennifer Beck, Joy & Tracy Brand, Kyle & Kelly Jensen • Prayer for new members – John Bonk

Treasurer Report: Lori Koeppe

Senior Pastor Report: Pastor Mike Shields • 20/20 Vision

Agenda Items: 1. Update of Kitchen/MPR remodel – Tim Peterson 2. Approve Budget for 2013 – Joe Maul 3. Continue discussion on radios for South Sudan

Corporate Prayer: 20/20 Vision

Closing Prayer: Dave Malone

Table of Contents:

Monthly Income Statement 3

Quarterly Designated Funds 5

2013 Proposed Budget 6

October 28, 2013 Congregational Minutes 7

January 2013 Annual Elder letter to the Church 9

Senior Pastor’s Report 11

Elders Annual Report 14

Administration & Finance Annual Report 16

Adult Commission Annual Report 17

Building & Grounds Annual Report 19

Children’s Ministry Annual Report 20

Deacon/Deaconesses Annual Report 22

Outreach Commission Annual Report 23

Worship Arts Commission Annual Report 25

Youth Commission Annual Report 26

EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH Kearney, Nebraska Unaudited Income Statement - DECEMBER

|------CURRENT MONTH------| |------Y T D ------| GENERAL FUND BT < WT > BT < WT > BT < WT > BT < WT > Actuals Budget Last Year Actuals Budget Last Year Receipts Gifts 204,491 95,435 96,043 1,468,325 50,600 161,289 Interest 71 71 (110) 748 748 240 Other Income ------TOTAL 204,561 95,506 95,933 1,469,073 51,348 161,529

Disbursements Worship Arts/Tech 8,630 (4,739) (6,735) 49,563 (2,863) (3,576) Adult 2,272 (605) (1,565) 13,444 6,556 3,096 Children 3,679 (1,563) (4,738) 25,160 240 (8,536) Student 485 598 506 14,000 (1,000) (5,961) College 1,769 (363) (1,330) 20,054 (3,179) (9,059) Outreach 9,222 1,603 252 114,614 15,286 (13,647) Pastoral Staff 44,767 (306) (9,852) 477,414 56,125 1,854 Support Staff 28,751 (2,396) (958) 353,485 (37,224) (37,269) Administration 5,912 (2,412) (3,037) 40,606 1,394 8,073 Board / Elders 84 4 (9) 1,112 (62) (485) Building & Grounds 29,927 (7,177) (15,218) 254,071 18,929 (25,388) TOTAL 135,499 (17,355) (42,686) 1,363,523 54,202 (90,896)

Total General < Over > Under 69,062 105,550

DESIGNATED AND SPECIAL MINISTRIES:

Deacon Fund 14,067 Deacon-Med Asst Fund 3,836 Deacon-Undesignated Fund 920 Adoption Fund 44,775 Memorials 7,981 Youth/College (3,296) Miscellaneous Sales 1,391 Miscellaneous Gifts 17,806 Missions 16,702 MOPS 7,357 Joy Fellowship 936 So.Sudan/Well 5,933 TOTAL 118,408

EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH Monthly Cash Flow Analysis - DECEMBER

2012 Prior Year GENERAL FUND Cash Balance - 1/2012 $ - $ - Receipts & Interest 1,469,073 1,307,544 Disbursements (1,363,523) (1,272,627) Change In: Taxes / Premiums Withheld 6,199 (3,153)

CASH BALANCE $ 111,749 $ 31,765

BUILDING STRONG FUND Cash Balance - 1/2012 $ 471,489 $ 238,964 Receipts (Bldg/Strg Fnd) 449,199 347,756 Addl Loan Funds 200,000 1,550,000

Disbursements/Expenses (337,499) (1,815,925) Loan Payments (448,966)

Balance on $2.0M Loan 1,942,614 Balance on $200,000 Loan 105,059

CASH BALANCE $ 334,223 $ 320,795

2012 CASH BALANCES General Fund $ 111,749 Building Strong Fund $ 334,223 Designated Funds $ 118,408 TOTALS $ 564,380

Wells Fargo Checking $ 372,494 Exchange Bank $ 40,773 Five Points Bank $ 150,483 Exchange Bank - CD (Joy Fel) $ 629

TOTALS $ 564,380

EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH Kearney, Nebraska Designated Fund Report - 4Qtr 2012

Balance Balance 1-1-12 Receipts Disbursements 12-31-12

Deacons 7,498 47,475 (40,907) 14,067 Deacon-Med Asst 3,836 0 0 3,836 Deacon-Undesignated Fund 0 8,741 (7,821) 920 2,825 41,950 0 44,775 Memorials 12,099 1,100 (5,219) 7,981 Youth 8,871 59,936 (72,103) (3,296) Miscellaneous Sales 1,688 11,222 (11,519) 1,391 Miscellaneous Gifts 40,905 40,702 (63,800) 17,806 Missions/Projects 523 42,190 (26,010) 16,702 MOPS 9,718 7,802 (10,163) 7,357 Prime Time (Joy Fel) 936 0 0 936 Thanksgiving Offering 0 36,418 (36,418) 0 So. Sudan/Well 15,658 0 (9,725) 5,933

Total $104,557 $297,536 ($283,685) $118,408

2013 Proposed Budget

Budget Proposed Ministries 2012 2013 Budget

Worship Arts 18,700 15,000 Tech 28,000 25,500 Adult 20,000 19,000 Women Ministry 500 2,500 Children 25,400 26,000 Student 13,000 13,000 College 16,875 0 Outreach 129,900 131,000 Staff 849,800 933,900 Administration 42,000 36,600 Elders 1,050 500 Building and Grounds 273,000 272,000

Totals $1,418,225 $1,475,000

KEARNEY EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH QUARTERLY CONGREGATIONAL MEETING October 28, 2012

The Congregation of the Kearney Evangelical Free Church met in regular quarterly session on April 29, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. in the Church auditorium.

Worship Arts & Children's Ministry Pastor Kent Sundberg and team opened the meeting with worship through song.

In place of Elder Jim Ward, Presiding Elder Scott Porter shared some opening remarks regarding I Thessalonians 4:1, the theme verse of the Church for 2012, on how the Lord has provided for His church throughout the year. Scott then led in opening prayer.

Regarding the minutes of the meeting of April 29, 2012, Sue Anne Roberts moved that the minutes be approved as presented. Seconded by Tim Valleau. Minutes approved upon voice vote.

On behalf of the Deacon/Deaconess Commission, Marie Liibbe presented the following candidates for church membership: Sandy Ayers, Doug Cline, Becky Wilson, Bill and Laura Mathis, John Loschen, Dionne Moore, and Jason and Misty Hasselquist. The following members requested to shift from Active Membership to Inactive Membership: Garry and Pat Wilke, and KaEllen Brown. Elder Tom Shield then called for those membership candidates present to come to the front of the auditorium to introduce themselves and to share a short testimony on their reasons to pursue Church membership. Tom then prayed for the new members. Their membership was approved. This brings the total active membership to 446 (440 + 9 - 3).

142 members were present, thus establishing quorum.

Church Treasurer Vaughn Duncan presented the Treasurer's Report, as distributed.

Senior Pastor Mike Shields began his report by stating that an additional $140,000 had been given by the Church family, above and beyond the general fund giving apportioned toward Mission and Outreach toward other missions and outreaches such as “Love Kearney,” “Feed My Starving Children,” and the like, and he gave praise to the Lord for this.

He then went on to Agenda Item #3 regarding the excess funds from the South Sudan Water project, in the amount of $7,000-$9,000, and how to use these funds most effectively for the Lord’s work. (He mentioned that Nate Miles had just departed for South Sudan with the other teams who had gone, and we look forward to hearing from Nate upon his return.) The Elder Board recommended that these funds be used to purchase solar-powered/charged radios to distribute among the residents in the area of where we had sponsored the two wells already functioning, since they do have Christian radio broadcasting immediately available to them. Dave Malone seconded the recommendation. According to Outreach Pastor Kevin Andres, each radio would cost around $20, and they would need to supply 700-750 radios to the approximately 4,500 residents.

Upon further discussion, due to the many unsolved issues and options, Pastor Mike withdrew the recommendation, stating that the decision is not urgent, and he charged the Outreach Commission

7 to do more research and report back to the Congregation at the January meeting. Dave Malone also withdrew his second. Recommendation tabled.

Pastor Mike then went on to talk about 20/20 Vision, the long-range plan for the Church and its growth from now until the year 2020 and beyond. He said that the vision is based around our priorities of Build, Connect, and Release. He then went over the goals as they pertained to each of the three above-mentioned areas, and while he went over the goals rather quickly, he stated that he would go over them in much more detail in upcoming worship services. He went on to read Colossians 4:2-4, urging those present to be like the Apostle Paul and be diligent in prayer for boldness in proclaiming Jesus Christ and The Gospel. He then led in prayer for Vision 20/20.

Associate Pastor Tim Peterson, along with Rod Russell and Dan Wurtz on behalf of the Project Team, updated those present on the progress of the west parking lot paving project, plus some observations regarding the parking situation in the meantime. The project is on schedule, or slightly ahead, for timely completion, since the weather has been such that progress was not hindered adversely.

It was announced that November 10th would be a work day to clean the Church grounds to prepare for winter, with Jim Kolbo in charge. Work will begin at 8:00 a.m. that day.

On behalf of the Nominating Committee, Tim Valleau presented the ballot as supplied to those present, and he pointed out the two anomalies on the ballot, explaining the situations thereof. The vote was taken and the ballots were then collected.

Administration & Finance Chair Joe Maul presented the 2013 budget proposal. He stated that the proposed budget was for $1,475,000, but that the Commissions had requested a total of $1,578,000. He stated that we are not in a positive position to grant such a request at this time, but that we should continue to be in prayer about being good stewards of our resources and giving as God leads to meet the needs of the Church in positive growth.

It was announced that the ballot was overwhelmingly accepted as presented.

Those present went into a time of corporate prayer, focusing on the upcoming 20/20 Vision.

Elder John Bonk then closed the meeting in prayer.

The meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Mike Osterberg, Church Secretary

Christian Living

We believe that God’s justifying grace must not be separated from His sanctifying power and purpose. God commands us to love Him supremely and others sacrificially, and to live out our faith with care for one another, compassion toward the poor and justice for the oppressed. With God’s Word, the Spirit’s power, and fervent prayer in Christ’s name, we are to combat the spiritual forces of evil. In obedience to Christ’s commission, we are to make disciples among all people, always bearing witness to the gospel in word and deed.

The book of First Corinthians is the most comprehensive single study of the local church in all the New Testament. Perhaps the central characteristic of a local congregation is best described in Paul's admonition: "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (I Cor. I: 10).

With that verse in mind, a local church may be defined as a group of Christians meeting in one place who have love for and fellowship with one another and who have agreed to speak and do together those things which God has given them to speak and do collectively according to His written Word.

As we follow the word of God and the path laid out for us, we must ensure that we do not neglect anyone that God has placed in our midst.

Caring for the children: Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall write them on the doorpost of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

Caring for the family: But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1 Timothy 5:8)

Caring for the whole body: Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. Acts 20:28

Directing the work of the Church as its living Head is Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:18). To emphasize how dependent the Church is on His leadership and inspiration, Jesus compares Himself to a vine: "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). The success of the Church is dependent on the power and inspiration it receives from Jesus Christ. Functions within the Body of Christ are established by Him "to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-12, NRSV). Paul tells us that "there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone" (1 Corinthians 12:4-6 NRSV).

As followers of Jesus Christ, we at Kearney E-Free must live according to the Living Word of God always striving to grow in knowledge and wisdom as we daily learn from His word. We must put the needs of others before our own. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interest of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:4-8)

Following the Lord Jesus Christ and serving others with you,

The Elders

SENIOR PASTOR’S MINISTRY REPORT January 2013

Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,

The power and presence of the Holy Spirit in the work here at Kearney eFree is a joy. People are responding to the Truth of God’s Word in life changing ways. Thanks for your willingness to walk with us as God leads to finish this decade on purpose.

2012 was an incredible year of ministry once again. Our leadership team consisting of our elder team, deacons and deaconesses and commissions, as well as our staff have been blessed with unity and purpose as we fulfill the call of God to advance the gospel in the Kearney area. We witnessed dozens of conversions and baptisms, recommitments to Christ and testimonies of the sufficiency of Christ in the lives of still many others. In the fall of 2012 our 2020 Vision was communicated to the congregation and we are praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as we finish this decade on purpose.

When Jesus talked to and demonstrated incredible love for the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4, she was so moved that she returned to her town and told her friends that they needed to “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” They went out of the town and were coming to him.”

It was at this point when the Samaritans were coming out in large numbers to Jesus that He turned and said to His disciples who were now with Him, “Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.”

It is our prayer that God would allow us to continue to be a part of His harvest for eternity. The years to come will be a joy if we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ.

2020 Vision Many have asked about next steps in this vision, so I will try to explain: (the complete goals of this 2020 vision are printed at the end of this letter) 1. Renovation of the Multi-purpose room for youth ministry: The Word of God is already being taught to our youth in a powerful way. Our desire is now to create an atmosphere where youth will be drawn and discipleship relationships can be formed. (as soon funds are available without borrowing). 2. Expansion of the current Kitchen: There are so many ministries using the kitchen and it is clearly too small to meet all of the needs going forward. We have had such an outpouring of gifts to this point for the kitchen renovation that it should be able to begin very soon. 3. Community Center: We are praying for a ministry center to the people of Kearney and surrounding communities on our property to the North. So many individuals and families are hurting and the church needs to be the place they turn for help. We will pray that God will help us establish this place of ministry with skilled volunteers who can help build “Safe Families” through tutoring, food pantry, clothing distribution, adoption and foster care respite, medical help etc… all in a place where we do not neglect the primary need of spiritual encouragement. (Completed by 2020).

Going forward there are several ways that you can help with this tremendous work of Almighty God. Please pray about your part in the journey over the next 7 years: 1. Generously give to the general fund. We do not want to see current ministry lessened as we trust God for future ministry steps. 2. Give to the “Building Strong Fund.” This fund has been established to see that the future ministry of this church is funded in a way that is honoring to God and the goal is to complete this vision without further debt. 3. Pray that God will supply all that is needed: There will be hundreds of volunteers needed in the days to come with renovation and then stepping into the lives of those in need when the Community Center is completed.

Galatians 3:11 tells us that “The righteous shall live by faith.” God has blessed us tremendously and we have a responsibility to step forward in faith in a way that can only be accomplished if the Lord shows up in His strength!

In Christ, Mike Shields Senior Pastor

2020 Vision Connect Goals: • Concerted prayer effort for every area of this community. Remembering what it was like to be without Christ we will pray for the outpouring of His Spirit.

• Become a church “full of grace and truth.” A welcoming community of believers that receives people as they are and introduces them to Jesus.

• Pray for 100 new believers in Christ as well as 100 baptisms each year. 2020 Vision Build Goals:

• Have each family and each individual pray concerning the writing of a mission statement of purpose as a follower of Christ. Prior to the year 2020 the goal would be 1000 people who have completed this mission statement.

• Encourage involvement of every believer in some form of smaller Biblical Community. We will continue to offer Life Groups and the emphasis will be that all believers find a place to grow deeper in Christ.

• Communicate and implement Faith@Home ministry.

• Through regular teaching on Stewardship seek to eliminate debt so that dollars can be used for further communicating the gospel message.

2020 Vision Release Goals:

• Commit to the planting of at least 1 local and 3 International churches by the year 2020. The local church is to be a Hispanic church in our building.

• Vital ministry to the poor in our community and the world through the development of a community Center on our North property. This community Center would have a place for

children and families to gather for recreation, tutoring, volunteer medical, dental, financial and counseling services as well as an expanded food pantry, clothes distribution etc…

• Encourage and assist families in the adoption and Foster Care process. Help families to adopt with financial assistance through the Adoption Fund.

• Train 25 “Next Generation” leaders to go into full-time Christian service through areas such as local and international church planting, and other mission opportunities.

Kearney eFree Church 2012 Annual Report Elders ______

2012 Theme Verse - 1 Thessalonians 4:1 - Finally then brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.

2012 was an exciting year for the elder team composed of Pastor Mike Shields, Pastor Tim Peterson, Scott Porter, Jim Ward, John Bonk, Tom Shield and Claire Boroff God continues to work in amazing ways in our body andthe elders are humbled to be allowed to be a small part of all that God is doing in our midst. The elders, as in past years, have placed continual emphasis on People, Prayer, and the Word. It is the desire of the elders to be vessels used by God as he chooses and to stand upon the truth of His Word in all that we do. Each elder meeting began with a time of prayer devoted to individuals and families that make up the KEFC body. During this time the elders sought God's wisdom and direction for the body to grow deeper in love with our Lord and serve Him with the gifts that He has so graciously given each person.

The Word was and always will be the elders guide and solid foundation as we continually asked for God's guidance and wisdom for direction as a leadership team. It was and is our prayer that God's standards and not man's standards would be the guiding light for direction in all decisions that were made. We were constantly reminded of "Where Stands It Written as we sought out God's direction from His Word. The devotions for each meeting was led by a different elder as we studied Luke and Galatians. It was amazing to see how God continues to mold each of us through His Word.

Elder meeting were held the first and third Tuesday of each month. In addition two retreats were also held. During the retreats time was invested in developing the team concept, unity, accountability to each other and trust within the elder team. We are reminded that we function as a team, based on plurality of leadership, stressing that as elders, we are all equal and all opinions are valuable as we are guided by the Holy Spirit. It was the desire of the elders to model "transparency" in all that we do. The mission of Growing in love with Christ and His people, along with the vision of Connect - Build - Release were constant guidelines for decisions that were made as we asked the question, "will this decision enhance the mission and vision of KEFC?"

The theme for 2012 was 1 Thessalonians 4:1 - Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. This verse was a reminder that as a body, guided by the Holy Spirit, we are to live a life that is pleasing to God everyday of our life as long as we live. This verse also reminds each of us that this process of growth in sanctification and in our ability to please God is an on-going process.

The elder team prayed over and discussed the 20/20 Vision and this was presented to the congregation by Pastor Mike. The elders are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for this Vision and we are excited to see how God will bring this vision to completion. The completion of the west parking lot and the anticipated renovation of the Multi Purpose Room and kitchen will enhance the ministry of KEFC. We continue to be blessed by the generosity of the body and by a Godly staff, wonderful volunteers and an abundance of prayer. We thank God that we are allowed to be a part 14 of the life change that we see taking place all around us. We praise God for this wonderful privilege. The elders love serving this church body. We thank you for your prayers in 2012 and we look forward to your prayers for church leadership, at all levels, in 2013.

We close 2012 and move into 2013 with a challenge for the KEFC body to spend time alone with God in prayer, study His Word and to share the love of Christ at every opportunity. It is our prayer that we will look forward with much anticipation to seeing how God will work in our body, in our city, and around the world. May God richly bless each person in the body.

Kearney eFree Church Elder Team.

Kearney eFree Church 2012 Annual Report Administration and Finance Commission ______

The Administration and Finance Commission (A & F) is responsible for the care, custody and control of the financial assets and properties of the Church, as well as overseeing the personnel, policy manual and the annual budget.

Members of the Commission in 2012 included: Chair - Joe Maul, Assistant Chair - Brandon Luke, Treasurer-Vaughn Duncan, Director of Finance-Nina Valleau, Staff/Elder Representative-Tim Peterson, Elder-Scott Porter, Lori Koeppe and Brett Weis. Chuck Woodside will be joining the Commission in 2013. Lori Koeppe has recently taken over the duties of Treasurer as Vaughn Duncan’s term has expired, per Church Bylaw. Vaughn Duncan will remain on the Commission at this time.

We offer a huge prayer of thanks as the fiscal year 2012 ended with a positive balance in the General Fund. The Building Strong Fund has also grown. We will continue to make the monthly mortgage payments out of the Building Strong Fund.

The proposed budget increase from 2012 to 2013 will be 8.7%.

Large expenditures in 2012 included paving the west parking lot. Plans are in the works in 2013 to expand the main kitchen and update the Multi-Purpose Room.

We are blessed in many ways as a Church family, including financially. As a commission we made it a point to prayerfully consider all decisions, and we were rewarded in many ways by God’s work in our Church.

Respectfully submitted, Joe Maul

Kearney eFree Church 2012 Annual Report Adult Commission ______

Purpose Statement: To oversee the “equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry”. -Eph. 4:11-12

Membership and leadership changed during 2012 with the addition of four new members and the resignation of George McHargue. Todd Kollars was elected chairman late in the year. Other members: Claressa Millsap, Brenda Jochum, Gail Kollars, Steve Coddington, Eddie Larraga, Brad Brandt, Jake Riley, Doug Cline. Scott Porter (Elder Representative).

The commission worked on planning and implementing Sunday morning LifeGroups and promoting the classes for the adults to attend that centers around the stage of life. Turnout and attendance has been very good with some groups much larger than expected. These Sunday Morning LifeGroups are to help people get connected that may feel more comfortable attending a midsize class than being in a small group atmosphere in someone’s home. Specialty classes like Financial Peace and “Step by Step” (A blended family study group) have been offered and doing well. The Step by Step was also started behind the scenes, and the class is open in January 2013.

Starting Point this year has really been a blessing getting to know those that are new and are wanting to know more of who we are and how to get better connected. There have been a number of first time salvations that have come about from going through this class.

Women’s ministry: Sarah Staples and Brenda Jochum have done an excellent job in leadership in the women’s ministry. This past year Women's ministry saw continued growth through our two main events in April and September which drew over three hundred women from the church and community between the two events. In July, Sarah Staples, who was on staff in administrative support roles, transitioned half of her time to focus on Women's ministry. With this dedicated focus, Women's ministry saw new Bible studies launched and over 50 women gathered to connect and grow in God's faithfulness at Journeys: A Night for Women in November.

Connection Café: The Connection Café team has done a great job in providing the atmosphere of fellowship and connection on Sunday mornings, evenings and Wednesday night. It takes a lot of volunteers as well as time to provide this ministry at the level they are doing. They can always use more volunteers and if you would be interested, even if you don’t want to make the specialty coffee there is a place for you. Thanks to Claressa Millsap, Kay Wolford, Pat Pennington, Vonda Lundell, and Ann McGowan for their leadership and ministry.

Marriage Enrichment Team: Much discussion and prayer on developing some type of marriage enrichment for the congregation and community. A group of couples were brought together in December to promote the idea and show a video on the Art of Marriage from Family Life. It was desired to find a leadership team to develop marriage programs, classes or seminars for the church body and Kearney area. Starting in Feb. we are providing the Art of Marriage 6 week series on Wednesday nights from 6:45 to 7:45. This is an opportunity that no matter if you are newly married or been married over 50 years 17 to come and listen to great marriage experts on the skills and tools for developing a healthy God honoring marriage.

Home LifeGroups – Much thanks to all those who are facilitating their LifeGroups we have had some start new LifeGroups out their existing LifeGroup on their own which has been awesome and exciting. We had a fall kick off called Convergence at Yanney Park and was well attended and was a great time of encouragement and information time. The plan is to provide this year a 3-4 week training time for potential Facilitators to start new groups.

God Bless

Todd Kollars (Chairman) Brian Klein (Pastor Representative)

Kearney eFree Church 2012 Annual Report Buildings & Grounds Commission ______

In 2012 several projects were completed and all the main goals were accomplished. Windows and brick on the North side were sealed and classrooms painted. Middle School room was constructed and finished in a short amout of time with little expense due to many volunteers donating their time. Bids were reviewed and accepted for the west parking lot and work began immediately with completion a week early. Forty determined people made Volunteer Saturday a succes by removing all items from our storage building and moving back main items into designated areas. Remaining unused items were left on the parking lot for anyone to take home. After 2 days, all items were gone except a broken desk and a few pieces of scrap lumber. All items in the building are now listed on inventory and will be integrated into our computer system. Many landscaping projects were also completed that day with the Islands out front being redone, trees trimmed, bushes pulled out and mulching around new trees. This day had many blessings as the hard working volunteers pushed through until the job was done. We were truely inspired.

We had major upgrades to our equipment starting with a new weedeater and hedge trimmer that will see a lot of action with additional green space and new trees added. A new pickup was donated and blade purchased for snow removal. (Praise the Lord) We now have access to a bobcat 24-7 that is being stored in our building thanks to a generous donor. We will need to replace our other mower next summer as it is 23 years old.

I have been blessed beyond all expectations by all who have contributed to these projects and commission members who have special skills dedicated to serving Christ.

Dan J. Wurtz

Kearney eFree Church 2012 Annual Report Children’s Commission ______

2012 was a busy year filled with incredible blessings. I must begin by celebrating the new children’s staff who have joined our team during 2013. In January we were blessed to have Kent Sundberg join us as Children’s Pastor. Jill DeMoss joined the Hand-N-Hand Preschool team in January as well. Bethany Philippi became our Nursery Coordinator in May. Justine Tschetter, Children’s Ministry Coordinator and Jordan Hinrichsen, Middle School Director both began serving in July. All these amazing individuals have become an incredible asset to Children’s Ministry here at Kearney eFree.

Highlights of our year include: 1. Sunday School-Well over 200 children from birth-4th grade join us on Sunday mornings. Between 60-70 devoted volunteers supervise, teach and share Christ with these little ones each week. 2. AWANA-Approximately 200 children ages 3-4th grade gather here for AWANA on Wednesday evenings led by Nate McClenahan and his team of over 50 volunteers. These children memorize God’s Word, grow spiritually and learn teamwork through playing games. Divorce Care for Kids is also offered on Wednesday nights for school age children. 3. Paid childcare-Led and organized by Bethany Philippi, many events at Kearney eFree provide childcare to participants. Overflow, Life Groups, Recovery, Women’s events, just to name a few, all benefit by having their children cared for here at the church at no charge to the parents. 4. Faith at Home-Seminars for parents of children nursery-4th grade began this fall. These trainings emphasize to parents their role as the primary spiritual leaders of their home. 5. Checkpoint Safety-In 2012 all children began to be checked in to Sunday School, Nursery, and AWANA electronically. Children receive name badges with a security code that must match with the parent’s code at pick up time. This has increased our level of security here at Kearney eFree dramatically in keeping the children in our care safe.

Special Events held this past year included: 1. January-An Olympic Games inspired kids’ event was held here at Kearney eFree. Everyone who attended had a great time. 2. April-Ballet Emmanuel, a professional ballet company bringing the Good News and the joy of dance to communities across the United States conducted a workshop at our church for participants ages 4 and up. About 60 young women participated and had the opportunity to dance with Ballet Emmanuel that evening at a concert here at the church. It was a wonderful display of worship that included girls who haven’t had the opportunity to learn dance as an expression that glorifies God. 3. July-Vacation Bible School led by Pam Luke and a host of volunteers shared the curriculum Amazing Wonders Aviation to over 200 children in our community. Another team of volunteers fed over 300 hungry kids and parents each night. It was a huge outreach success sharing Christ’s love. 4. November-Operation Christmas Child-Over 400 shoeboxes filled with gifts were collected and sent off to kids around the world through Samaritan’s Purse.

5. December-Christmas at eFree-Children from kindergarten to 4th grade had the opportunity to sing three songs alongside the adult worship team celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Children’s Commission is looking forward to 2013 and the opportunity to share Christ’s love to the children of our church, our community, and our world.

Respectfully submitted, Linda Woodside, Chair

Kearney eFree Church 2012 Annual Report Deacon/Deaconesses ______

The Deacon & Deaconess Commission, according to the by-laws of the Evangelical Free Church at Kearney, Nebraska, is charged with the care and concern for the local church body, and ministering to both physical and spiritual needs. Specific duties and responsibilities of the Commission are to: 6. Perform new member interviews, follow-up, and periodic membership updating. 7. Recommend new member candidates to the Elder Board prior to the quarterly church meeting. 8. Assist as needed with Baptism, serving Communion at both services, Home Communion for the shut-ins, and anointing the sick. 9. Dispense money from the Deacon/Deaconess Fund for the material needs of the body. 10. Visit individuals and families with special concerns. 11. Dedicate themselves to prayer for the church body and families. 12. Coordinate response for the church body on various social ministry concerns.

As members of the Deacon/Deaconess commission, we feel blessed to represent a caring and giving congregation. The bulk of our resources come from the monthly benevolent offering on Communion Sunday and other donations for special concerns.

In year 2012 Donations at the door to the D&D Benevolent Fund were $24,665.81 Other Donations $22,808.98 Total Donations to D&D for 2012 were $47,474.79 ------Adoption Fund Balance $44,775.00

Members of the Commission feel a very definite responsibility to be good stewards of this resource and allocate it in a manner that will be pleasing to our Lord and in keeping with what we feel would be the expectations of the congregation.

13. Each year, the commission distributes from 60 to 65 food baskets to needy families from our church. These baskets are given out to the families on the Saturdays before Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. The Commission is also responsible for the Church Food Pantry and food drives are held during the year and much food is distributed to families in need. 14. Each Communion Sunday a D&D team serves communion to those who are house bound. 15. Members of the commission interviewed 45 prospective members and removed 3 members from the church roles this year. Recommendations were forwarded to the Elders for their approval. 16. Numerous cards were sent each month to those who were prayed for on the prayer list, each D&D monthly meeting. 17. Numerous visits were made to individuals/families to discuss special concerns.

D/D Commission

Joe Arnold, Chairman

Kearney eFree Church 2012 Annual Report Outreach Commission ______

Members: Nate Miles (Chair), Prairie Miles, Glenn Epley (Asst. Chair), Dennis Rainey, Garland Miles, Jocelyn Blythe, Jon Lange, Jim Ward (Elder), Dave Newquist, Judy Newquist and Kevin Andres (Pastor).

Local

We hosted Feed My Starving Children the first weekend in May, packaging over 100,000 meals in 4 two-hour shifts. 500 people volunteered and approximately $37,000 was given towards moving these children from hunger to hope. Thanks to Sarah Staples, Tim Valleau, Jim Kolbo, Jim & Heather Russell, Kay Wolford and Ken Soderholm for their leadership.

This past fall we held our 1st annual Love Kearney event on Sunday, September 23rd. What an incredible day of getting together for one service and then going out and serving our city doing various service projects for four hours. Approximately 700 people were involved. Thanks to Skip Berry, Sarah Staples, Jocelyn Blythe, Nate Miles, Prairie Miles, Glen Epley and Tom Shields for their leadership.

Also, this fall we filled and handed out backpacks; held a clothing drive for Crossroads and had a new clothing drive for the children in our city. Please continue to pray for the local ministries that we support.

National

Several went to Chicago in February to work with Circle Urban ministries. This has been an annual trip for several years. Eight people went to Joplin, MO this summer to help with the continuing clean up efforts from the devastating effects of the tornado’s. There were several from Overflow that took part in the short term trip to Las Vegas over Spring Break.

Please continue to pray for the missionaries that we support nationally.

Global

We heard the great news that one of the two wells in Koat had been drilled this past year. We were able to send Nate Miles to Koat with Every Village in November and he had the privilege of being able to dedicate the new well. All of us were blessed to see the pictures that he brought back to hear how God is working there in the village. Over this past year many took short term trips to several places in the United States, to Australia, India and Mexico. Please continue to pray for the missionaries that we support globally.

Looking Forward . . . .

18. Feed My Starving Children - April 12-13 Meals goal: 500,000 19. Short term trips to Chicago; Mexico City; Miami; Denmark; New Jersey and Haiti. 20. Love Kearney (September 2013) Overflow God continues to bless the ministry to our young adults, whether they are in college, out of college or married. It never gets old to hear the stories of life change. Sixty of us went to Passion 2012 in January. We combined with CSF to go to Las Vegas over spring break for a short term mission trip. This past year the group raised enough money to sponsor 5 people to go to Passion 2013 from the La Vina church in Miami, as well as give over $700 to several needy families this past Christmas. Keep praying for this group as they launch into the new year with some big goals ahead of them: moving into the auditorium; continued teaching on stewardship; Live58 (living what God calls us to in Isaiah 58); outreach on campus with the Reasonable Faith chapter and the ongoing connection with the International students. Thanks to the Overflow leadership team, Isaac Bonk and Kara Crawford. Together In Christ, The Outreach Team

Kearney eFree Church 2012 Annual Report Worship Arts Commission ______

In the areas of Worship Arts, we will remember the year 2012 for how God added to our staff, Worship teams, and

21. The biggest change for us this year was sharing Pastor Kent with the Children’s Ministry and also the addition of Matt Demoret as his full-time Worship Arts assistant. We think we’ve gotten the best possible scenario since we still get all of Kent’s experience, talent, and love for worshiping Christ, as well as having a new full-time person to work on solely on Worship Arts activities. 22. Handel’s Messiah was presented by the Axtell Oratorio Society on Palm Sunday, as well as concerts by Christian recording artists Michael Gungor and Kutless/Fireflight/Rhett Walker Band. Other opportunities were allowed to pass as they didn’t fit our schedule, our audience, or our mission. We will continue to look at opportunities to host events here but want to make sure that none of them interfere with ongoing ministries here at KEFC. 23. The Worship Arts ministry continues to be blessed by an ever growing number of incredibly talented musicians who play and sing during services of all kinds here at KEFC. This is a repeat from last year but it still amazes me how God seems to bring people to serve from all different age groups, with varied skill sets, and all with a heart for serving Him. I can’t begin to count the number of people who comment on the high quality of music but, more importantly, on how they are led to participate in worship and connect with God. 24. The Christmas music concert this past December 8th .brought Christ to Christmas through music. Pastor Kent and Matt planned all of it out and many stepped forward to perform. So many talented people committed their time and energy to bring glory to God through this event. We as a Worship Arts Ministry are thankful that each one of them answered God’s leading to step in and fill a part. 25. The commission has been extremely blessed to have had people like Aaron Asay and Kelly Gubser on staff for technical work. This year, as the Gubser’s decided to follow God’s call elsewhere, we found a bright, enthusiastic candidate in Steven Morris. He has brought energy, ideas, and a passion for seeing Christ glorified to the technical side of the church. After working part-time at KEFC for awhile, Steven was a natural fit and his prior knowledge and experience has allowed him to hit the ground running. 26. We are blessed to have Pastor Kent Sundberg who has a passion for glorifying God through all things, a strong voice from our elder representative, Claire Boroff, and the committed participation/involvement of commission members who can talk through differences of opinion while keeping Christ at the center. Most of all, we are blessed to be called to serve God in this area and will continue to seek His will in all things.

In Christ, Brian Garey

Kearney eFree Church 2012 Annual Report Youth Commission ______

Middle School

2012 was an amazing year for the Middle School Ministry. The decision to add 5th grade to Middle School Ministry and to split into two groups has been a wonderful blessing from God. Both groups of kids have responded wonderfully to the transition. The split has created a stronger community for both groups to learn about Jesus Christ and the gospel. They have been able to learn and discuss faith in a more age focused approach, and we have been able to leave behind the broader approaches we have used in the past. The kids feel that everything is directed more towards their age group then in the past. Three of the highlights I have from the past year are being able to pass out Bibles to kids that didn't own a Bible, I love knowing that God is opening the eyes of the Middle School students to His majesty and glory. Also, getting to hear the middle schoolers worship God through music, in the past I feel having the groups together created an uncomfortableness between the 6th graders and the 8th graders, having them apart has dissolved this barrier and I feel the kids more comfortable to worship God, many of the kids choose to sing and praise God, they do not just listen or watch whoever is leading worship, but many of them join in, in praising Him. Also, getting to hear about the relationships forming between small group leaders and their kids. One of the most important features of youth group is the students trusting the leaders and seeing a bond form and knowing that the kids are beginning to open up and trust their leaders is amazing. God is moving in the hearts of the Middle School students, I continue to pray that God would mold and shape the hearts and lives of the boys and girls that attend youth group. I also pray that God would move in the hearts of the boys and girls who have yet to start a relationship with Him.

High School

Challenge 2012: Everything’s New everyday. everywhere. forever. (Challenge web site)

Daily, we are bombarded with messages of new inventions, ideas and experiences that promise to change our lives or fulfill our longings. And yet each day we wake up and it seems nothing has changed. But the promise of the gospel is that everything is new.

We’ve made the gospel small. We’ve made Christianity about little else than avoiding bad things, having access to a cosmic lifeguard, and getting our ticket to heaven stamped. But the gospel isn’t small! And following Jesus is about so much more than avoiding sin and going to Heaven. We follow a risen Christ, who killed us when He was killed, and raised us when He was raised, which means that now we can view everything through the other side of death — eyes filled with New Life. This risen Christ entrancement changes the way we see ourselves and every other person around us. It changes the way we view the church, school, technology, sports, dating, love, friendship and all the things that make up our lives. It changes everything.

Through the book of Colossians we will help students open risen eyes to discover the inexplicable wonder that through the Gospel, everything is new. Together, we will see how Jesus, not just

26 crucified for our sin, but risen for our new life, has massive repercussions for why and how we live our lives everyday, everywhere, forever. Literally, everything is new.

Our students were challenged to make everyday of their life new for Christ, everywhere, forever. We got a chance to live it by helping Urban Impact with a day camp. Some students worked with kids while others got their hands dirty cleaning up the area and doing some landscaping. It was a great blessing for them and us. In addition, Tim was asked to speak at Challenge 2012 regarding apologetic evidence of the Truth of Christianity.

The Revolution (High School)

The Revolution has begun (Romans 12:2)! This “revolution” is occurring in the lives of the high school students and our volunteer ministry leaders. The most exiting part is to see all of the volunteer leaders that God is raising to be on this awesome team! These people are on the front lines and building close relationships with the kids in their small groups. They usually get calls in the middle of the night before Tim does, and because of this, he considers them his fellow “youth pastors!”

Tim’s passion is to equip them and give them many opportunities to use their gifts on Wednesday nights and throughout the rest of the week. We meet before youth group on Wednesday nights as John Bonk takes us through a devotion and we pray together. Many of these leaders also attend Tim’s Sunday school class. It is awesome to see them growing in their knowledge, love, and enjoyment of their Creator!

Many of our younger leaders feel that God is preparing them to go into future full-time ministry. Because of this, we encourage them to develop sermons and talks, and Tim helps them with this. We love to see them get in front of the youth group and share what God has been teaching them!

The Theological Philosophy Sunday school class (a.k.a. “Live Stronger”) has been a huge ministry highlight. It is open to all ages; however, Tim is excited about the young students and, many of their families that attend and learn together. The “Live Stronger” Sunday school class is reaching people of all ages, strengthening families, and equipping Christians to be deep thinking evangelists that are boldly fulfilling the “Great Commission!”