November 2017 Growing Together In Christ

It’s November! Don’t forget to set your clock back one hour on Sunday, November 5. Use that extra hour to join us for some of the wonderful opportunities to be together this month. Here’s what’s coming up: Prayer All church fasting and prayer day is Wednesday, November 1. Also the Prayer Team invites you to join them Sunday, November 5 and Sunday, November 19 from 9-9:45 am in the prayer room where we pray for the needs of our church.

Men’s Breakfast Inside this issue Saturday, November 4 7:30 am at the Golden Corral in Grand Chute. All men are welcome for this time of good food and Opportunities…………....2 fellowship. Elder’s Report ...... 3 Ladies Make n’ Take Kitchen Use………………..3 Join us on Saturday, November 11 to enjoy a fun morning Thrivent Financial.……...4 getting to know each other better. A charming Holiday Craft Youth & Children…….….5 will be led by Emily Nash of 'Winsome Nest'. Come if you craft, come if you don't! Word From Pastor Greg…………..6& 7 Operation Christmas Child Mission of the Month...7 Shoeboxes are due here at church Sunday, November 12. If you haven’t filled yours yet there is still time to bless a child with a wonderful gift filled shoebox. Save the Date

Thanksgiving Potluck • Christmas Tea-Saturday, Sunday, November 19 at 4:30 join our church family and December 2 celebrate God’s blessings as we gather together with thankful • AWANA Grand Prix– hearts. Bring a dish to share and enjoy a time offellowship. • Saturday, January 20 Ongoing Activities • Sunshine Boxes– Bible Studies Saturday, January 27

Men’s Bible Study meets Wednesdays at 6 am. There is coffee! This is a Women’s Ministry Event for the Awana whole family Wednesdays at 6-7:30. All children are welcome. Opportunities Texas Trip We are in the first stages of planning a trip to Texas. The dates will be February 24-March 4, 2018. We need your decision by December 1 so we can finalize our trip details. Please be in prayer about this opportunity. If you want more information please contact Tim and Sue Diestler at 851-3104 or [email protected]. Operation Christmas Child November is Operation Christmas Child month! This year boxes are due at church November 12. The changes for this year are important to remember: $9.00 to mail each box, and no toothpaste or candy. You may go on line and follow your box to find out the country where it went. The kids would love a note from you and a picture if you desire to do that. The most important thing to remember is to pray for the child who receives your box that they come to know our Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. Thank you so much for helping kids to be introduced to Jesus!

We would love to have you join us for the Women’s Christmas Tea on Saturday, December 2 from 11:30am-1:30pm. Come for the friendship, fun, excellent food, and a time of inspiration and worship. Please consider hosting a table.

2018 No Regrets Men's Conference

Men, the No Regrets Conference is Saturday, November 11 on February 3rd, 2018 at Christ the 9:00-11:30 Rock Community Church in Menasha. This annual simulcast Women 18+ are invited provides great speakers as well as Sign up is in the lobby break sessions on many men's Plan to join us! topics. Go to: www.noregretsconference.org/ event for more information. If you have any questions contact Tom Deason at 920-257-6305.

PLAY THE MAN!

Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley may be two men of which you have never heard. It was an October, 1555 day much like the days we have been having when they were on their way to being martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ. ‘Play the man’ Latimer said to Ridley as they were being prepared to be burned at the stake.

I believe I Corinthians 16: 13-14 tell us what Latimer meant. “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” Men’s discipleship provides an opportunity to be watchful, stand firm, and act like men with other believers in the faith. Proverbs 27:17 tells us ‘Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.’

Contact Tom Deason for discipleship opportunities.

2

2 Elder’s Report

ECOURAGEMENT is one or our Core Values at Appleton Community.

Recently we have welcomed several into our official membership: Sam & Emily Nash, Marshall & Shay Legg, Cindy Pinch, Michelle Soto, Keith & Marie Olson, Yon Abel, Ryan Malchow, Doug & Aimee Moran, Sue Obermeier, Desmond & Rachael VanHouten.

A “Financial Management Policy & Procedure Handbook” has been drawn up by our Finance Ministry Team, Gary Donaldson and Roberta Selle.

As we pray to our Our “Growth Groups” (formerly called Small Groups) have grown in God and Father number with additional leaders and members.

about you, we think Our AWANA ministry now ministers to 70 children. Wow! of your faithful Our new outdoor signs are being put into place with one at our work, your loving driveway, and one on each side of our building facing Capital Drive and deeds, and the Lyndale Drive. enduring hope you All of the above happenings are encouraging. It’s good to consider have because of our what our Core Value Statements say. This one reads like this, “We Lord Jesus Christ. believe we are responsible for caring for and encouraging one anoth- 1 Thessalonians 1:3 er.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 reads: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

From time to time all of us need encouragement. How can we encourage one another? It is stated in the preceding verse 10, “(Christ) died for us so that …we may live together with him…” Nothing can separate us from our present life with Christ or our anticipated eternal life with Christ. No mater how tough and difficult it is at times in our lives, Christ never abandons us.

It’s a good idea for each of us to remind one another of this truth. We need to encourage each other in our various responsibilities and We will be participating in this ministries as we serve our Lord and our fellow believers. Words of encouragement are a greater force for good than we often realize. And program that serves prisoner’s often all it takes is a few words or a brief note. families for Christmas. You will be able to pick an Angel Tree Gaylen Olson child, shop for gifts and deliver them. Contact Lisa Schodorf for details. KITCHEN USE Many hands make light work! When using the kitchen for meetings, classes or events please be sure you put it back the way you found it. Tables and chairs should be returned to their original positions and anyh extras that are

used should be put away. There is a list on the table in the kitchen with what should be done. Many groups use our kitchen so it is our desire that it is always in the best possible condition for each of you.

Thank you-Your Kitchen Crew

3 Thrivent Financial Opportunity

Connecting faith & finances for good. Action Team Thrivent has several opportunities for members to use funds to seed projects for a nonprofit organization of their choice through the Action Team program. This Action Team can go for a fund raiser, education or a service project. Once your request is approved you will receive a $250.00 Community Impact Card. In the past this program has purchased study materials for Bible Study, pizza for AWANA, books for the Children’s Library, small laminator and walkie talkies for Children’s Ministry, a table for the Puggles Room and food for the Beth Moore Simulcast. It is an opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to our church ministries and outreach.

Thrivent Choice With Thrivent Choice®, you can recommend where some of Thrivent Financial's charitable outreach funds go. Since 2010, more than $330 million has been distributed to churches and nonprofits nationwide. Appleton Community EFC is one of the listed church’s you can direct the funds to.

Next Step If you have a policy with Thrivent you are a member and can use these opportunities to support our church and its ministries. Melanie Cable is available to help you learn how to utilize these opportunities. She can be contacted at 920-858-1521 (c), 920-757-9373 (h) or by email at [email protected]. If you are wondering what needs various ministries may have or what programs are coming up that would benefit contact Mary in the office and she can get you connected with the right person. The office phone is 920-735-9971 or email [email protected].

Thanksgiving Potluck Sunday November 19 Come at 4:30 eat at 5:00 Bring a dish to share. Beverages are provided.

Contact Ginny Parish with any questions (920) 878-0314

Church Office Closed Thursday, & Friday, November 23-24 for Thanksgiving Weekend.

Have a joyous and blessed Thanksgiving.

Regular Church Office Hours Closed Mondays Tuesday 10:00 am-4:00 pm Wednesday 1:30 pm-7:30 pm Thursday and Friday 10:00 am-4:00 pm

4 Youth Group News Youth Group enjoyed some creative time with pumpkins during their last meeting in October!

We meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 6:00-7:45. We are using the study Alpha for Youth and enjoy good discussions, fun, games and snacks.

Join us! You are welcome and wanted. Children’s Ministry

*Lil’ Sprouts, 6 weeks- 18 mo.: Each month the Lil’ Sprouts will explore one of God’s wonderful creations with hands on learning using the items in the Surprise Bag. *Toddle/Pre S room will continue with the Bible Basics. Teaching the children in two groups has been a very positive experience for the children and volunteers. *K-5 will continue in the New Testament using The Gospel Project. Don’t forget to download The Gospel Project For Kids Family App or The Gospel Project Family App. Have your kiddos bring their Bibles! Christmas Program is coming up!! Do you like to sing, speak or act? If so, we are looking for Volunteers – Children, Youth & Adults To be a part of our NEW All-Church Christmas Program on December 17, 2017 during our 10:00 am service! If interested please contact: Donna Dykstra, Jen Zachek, Lisa Schodorf [email protected]

AWANA Schedule AWANA

• November 1-Regular It's a Pizza Night Out! Join us for our Club & Canned Food Community Impact Night at Pizza Ranch on Drive November 20 from 4 to 8pm. 20% of all • November 8-Crazy proceeds will go to support our AWANA club Hair Night & Canned when you bring in this flyer and eat at the Pizza Food Drive Ranch! Copies of the flyer will be available at • November 15-Regular church. We are also looking for some Ranch Club & Canned Food Drive Hands to help serve this night. If you love • November 22-NO serving, pizza, kids, and AWANA, contact Pam MacDonald at CLUB (920) 460-9571 or [email protected] help serve.

5 5 Some Thoughts From Pastor Greg

Learning From History: 500 Years Ago …

When I was in high school and college, history simply seemed to be a list of facts and dates that we had to memorize for the exam—apparently, I was too naïve to recognize the value of understanding how these various events influenced our lives. Then, I met Dr. Edwin Diebler and this Church History scholar grabbed my attention with amazing stories and lessons that showed how the vast majority of what revolves around our lives culturally is due to the background of the Church. Looking back, I can clearly express that there are many things that have shaped my life, but I have no doubt that studying the history of the Church is one of the most beneficial. Part of my passion for knowing and teaching God’s Word is due to what Church History has taught me. Therefore, as we celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation led by Martin Luther, I want to provide some insights about one of the most important events of all time. Some of the recent articles I’ve read suggest that there are some significant cultural similarities between what was happening in the Church during the late 1400’s and leading into the 1500’s and what is happening today. Years before the Reformation, various expressions of faith began to disappear from society. There was a marked decline in sincerity of worship—people found their practices had become empty because much was based on ritual and routine, rather than heartfelt praise and gratitude toward God. Among many who tried to emphasize and redefine the essential doctrines related to salvation was Martin Luther. One of his statements (given as a response to those who questioned him) says, “I consider myself convicted by the testimony of Holy Scripture, which is my basis. My conscience is captive to the Word of God!” On October 31, 1517, Luther distributed his well—known Ninety-five Theses challenging the Church’s beliefs and practices about sin, forgiveness, and salvation. Stemming from this, the Reformers developed a statement that focused on what has become known as the Five Solas. This is based on the Latin term meaning “alone.” The Five Solas are: Faith Alone (Sola Fide) People are forgiven of their sins by admitting “I can do nothing to save myself. It’s simply a matter of depending on God and trusting that Jesus Christ paid for my sin through His death and resurrection.” Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura) The Bible alone reveals to people what God has done to provide for our forgiveness and freedom from the penalty of sin. The Church must acknowledge the Bible as God’s authoritative and trustworthy guidebook for living a life of faith alone! Christ Alone (Sola Christus) There is only one Savior for all people! We live in a diverse world with many different backgrounds, belief systems, and perspectives on sin and salvation. But Jesus Christ is the One and Only Savior for every culture, creed, community, country, or continent. Grace Alone (Sola Gratia) God’s provision of forgiveness and freedom from the penalty of sin is a gift. People deserve the punishment that Jesus Christ received when He died as the Ultimate Substitute. No one can earn any portion of the benefits Christ offers. It is by grace alone! Glory to God Alone (Sola Deo Gloria) Recognition and appreciation is a big deal—everyone enjoys receiving honor and praise. But in the area and arena of salvation from sin, God gets all the glory! The Reformers made it abundantly clear: God alone deserves the recognition for our glorious gift of forgiveness and freedom from the punishment and power of sin! These five statements paint a portrait of what every faithful follower of Christ should maintain as a set of core values for life! God desires each of us to live in a way that illustrates how much we treasure and cherish the most precious gift anyone can ever receive.

6 Pastor Greg- continued In addition to this, I’ve inserted below, an outline of important For by grace you have been saved dates related to the Reformation. Please take a look, and enjoy the through faith; and that not of lessons of history! yourselves, it is the gift of God; With prayer for God’s glory and praise for His grace, not as a result of works, so that Pastor Greg no one may boast. For we are His

1455—Gutenberg printed the Bible on his “movable type press” workmanship, created in Christ 1483—Martin Luther was born in Eisleben Jesus for good works, which God 1492—Christopher Columbus makes his voyage to the Americas prepared beforehand so that we 1512—Luther earns his Doctorate & leaves monastery to teach in would walk in them. —Ephesians Wittenberg 1515—Luther is appointed district vicar over 10 monasteries. Began his focus on the book of Romans. 1517—On October 31, Luther distributed his Ninety—five Theses to challenge the Church leadership 1518—Luther is brought before the Cardinal in Augsburg & he refuses to recant 1519—Luther debates Johnann Eck and challenges the supreme authority of the Pope 1519—Reformation spreads to Switzerland 1521—Luther is ex—communicated. He refuses to recant his writings about the Church. He hides to protect his life. 1524—The first Protestant Hymn is used on public worship. “The Only Son of Heaven” 1525—The Anabaptist movement establishes itself with the first rebaptism of Christian believers 1527—Marburg, the first Protestant university is started 1530—A meeting at Augsburg results in the Augsburg Confession written by Philip Melanchthon. Luther does not attend because he is considered an outlaw by the government. 1534—Henry VIII declares himself to be the Head of the Church of England 1535—Anabaptists are publicly opposed by Lutherans. Thomas More is executed for opposing Henry VIII 1538—John Calvin is expelled from Geneva 1543—Copernicus determines and proclaims the earth revolves around the sun 1545—Council of Trent by Catholic Church denounces any who believe the Five Solas 1546—Martin Luther dies in county of Mansfeld in Eisleben How can we help? Mission of the Month-Voice of the Martyrs The Voice of the Martyrs is a nonprofit, interdenominational Christian missions organization dedicated to serving our persecuted family worldwide through practical and spiritual assistance and leading other members of the body of Christ into fellowship with them.

This mission is based on Hebrews 13:3;“Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.” Our church currently supports this ministry with a monthly gift. There are also opportunities on their website: https://www.persecution.com. You can sign up for the free newsletter, keep informed by subscribing to the weekly prayer alert, adopt a front line worker, send action packs filled with basic needs, write letters to prisoners and pray for persecuted brothers and sisters.

Please check out the bulletin board in the hallway by the restrooms for more information on this ministry.

7 7 Our Mission here at Appleton Community EFC is to lead all people in a growing relationship with Christ.

Growing together in Christ we value:

Biblical Truth We depend on the Bible as our source of authority in what we believe, what we teach, and how we live. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Worship We believe that we are created by God to worship Him. Therefore, we live in worshipful response to God’s character and activity. (Psalm 86:11) Prayer We believe that daily prayer is essential in the life of a believer and as such we pray with expectancy knowing that God is actively involved in our world. (Colossians 4:2) Evangelism We believe in sharing the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ with honesty and humility. (Matthew 28:19-20) Fellowship We believe that accountability, caring and a sense of belonging are essential for each believer to grow in their relationship with Christ. (Philippians 2:1-4) Encouragement We believe we are responsible for caring for and encouraging one another. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Appleton Community Evangelical Free Church 2490 West Capitol Drive Appleton, WI 54914 Phone

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