pastor tim erickson · 2016. 5. 27. · a person’s life. of course, a person cannot baptize...
TRANSCRIPT
The Three “Actors” in Baptism Pastor Tim Erickson
“…The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the gospel. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordi-nances confirm and nourish the believer.”
Evangelical Free Church of America Statement of Faith #7
In a few weeks, June 19th, we will be having our annual Baptism service. This day is one of the most joyful Sundays of the year for our church!! If you have trusted Jesus for salvation, committing to following him, but haven’t yet been baptized, I invite you take this bold step in just a few weeks. There are several reasons to be baptized: it is commanded by Jesus (Mt. 28:19), it is modeled by Jesus (Mt. 3:13-17), and it is the first step of obedience after conversion. Throughout the book of Acts (2:38-42; 8:12, 36, etc.) there is a pattern of preaching, followed by repentance and salvation, which in turn leads to baptism. Baptism doesn’t save a person, but it follows closely after their conversion to Christ. The final reason for baptism is perhaps most important: it is a symbol of identification with Jesus Christ in his work on the cross (Rm. 6:1-5) and with his body, the church (Gal. 3:26-28). One way of understanding what happens at baptism is to look at it from the perspective of the three main “actors” or participants in this joyful celebration (I first heard it explained this way by EFCA Pastor-Theologian Bill Kynes in January, 2005). There is first the person who is being baptized. “Those who accepted his message were baptized…” (Acts 2:41a). Baptism is an important, public declaration and identification with Jesus that says, “I’ve called on Jesus to save me.” The promise in Rm. 10:9 shows the importance: “…if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Because it’s so important, it must be public. It’s somewhat like a bride & groom at their wedding. In their engagement, they have already committed themselves to one another privately in their hearts; but at the ceremony, that commitment is made public. Baptism is the public “I do” and “I will” to the call of Jesus in a person’s life. Of course, a person cannot baptize themselves. Baptize is a passive act, which means someone else must do it to you. The second actor in baptism is the church. “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about 3000 were added to their number that day” (Acts 2:41). Whether it’s a pastor or elder or mentor, the person who baptizes does so as a representative of the church of Jesus Christ. So the first actor professes faith in Christ, and the second actor, the church, hears that testimony and receives the one baptized as part of the true body of Christ. While becoming a Christian is a very personal choice, it is never private. Baptism is the visible act by which a person becomes incorporated into a new kind of family – the family of God (Galatians 3:26-28). This family now has priority – even over your old family of origin (Mt. 12:48-50)!! It’s probably obvious that if we left it with just these two actors, it would be merely a human ceremony. The third actor in baptism is God himself. Baptism is something the Lord himself does. “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead…we too may live a new life.” Baptism symbolizes our participation in the promises of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. We make promises and we have faith, but only God has the power to transform our lives and to give eternal life. So baptism is a visible sign of an invisible grace made possible only by God himself.
We look forward to this year’s celebration on Sunday, June 19th at Winnebago Park at 10:00 am. If you have been saved through Jesus work on the cross and God is calling you to give testimony about your story this year, please contact me or our church office by Friday, June 10th.
“Connecting People to Jesus and Others”
June 2016
What A Summer
Neil Nelson, Associate Pastor of Disciple Making
In Mark 12, Jesus was asked a challenging question, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Most of us probably know how he answered, and for our church His answer has served as the basis for our understanding of a four C disciple. We are called to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This is an incredible perspective on how a follower of Jesus should approach God’s call to His people. In one sense it is an incredible simplification of the entire law, in another sense, it is what we will spend the rest of our lives trying to do. On the one hand, simple, on the other, worthy of our entire life’s effort. This call is also a great summary of two new exciting ministry experiments.
Starting on Wednesday, June 8th, we will be trying a five week exploration of Theology that
meets on Wednesday nights. We will be using the book Visual Theology by Tim Challies and Josh Byers as an outline to explore some of the deep tenants of our faith. We will explore our standing in Christ, an understanding of Biblical holiness, and even the worth of studying doctrine at all. Each night will include worship, teaching, and discussion. Even if your summer plans take you away for some, I encourage you to sign up. But what can we do with our kids?? I am glad you asked. While adults meet to explore the Collision of their faith and life, students from kindergarten up will be able to participate in a mini-sports camp with fun chances to try multiple different activities mixed with truth from God’s Word. There will also be nursery for younger children, so that the entire family can experience a great night.
As we grow in our understanding of God, the appropriate response is worship. We worship in song, but we worship with our lives as well. As Jesus identified, love for others pours out of our love for God. As a church in the Tomah region, we must constantly grow in our love for those around us, including those who we might at times be tempted to avoid rather than love. With that in mind we have developed a summer class called, the Conundrum of Poverty: Responding to Poverty at the Church Door. It will begin Sunday morning, July 24, during the 9:15 service. On the 24
th we will hear from Pastor Chris Crye, of Neighborhood City Church in Lacrosse, on a theology
of poverty, both in worship and during the 9:15 class. The 31st of July will feature ben Hein,
director of Families First in Tomah, on three of the biggest influencers of poverty in the Tomah region. The next few weeks will give us a chance as a church to look at those contributors and hear how they impact our community. The speakers and the topic will certainly challenge some of our presuppositions, and I pray it will drive us to the Word in study, to our knees in prayer, and then to our feet as the bearers of good news. Each week will include 15 to 20 minutes of multi-generational teaching on the topic of the day, and then 40 minutes of discussion in age specific environments.
The goal of these two opportunities is not just knowledge, whether it be of God or our
community. The goal will be an increase in knowledge for the sake of a deepening love. First a
love directed toward God, but then also a love poured out into the people around us. I encourage
you and your family to consider one or both of these opportunities. My prayer is that they will serve
as aids in obedience to the greatest commandments in scripture.
Our Baptism Service is June 19th
10 am at Winnebago Park Potluck to follow
Youth Ministry is providing hot dogs & hamburgers
The Deaconesses request your help based on the following: A-L: Side Dishes/Salads
M-Z: Desserts
Please contact the office by June 10th
if you are interested in being baptized.
[email protected] or 608.372.9377
Collison: A place where faith and our lives collide
Staring Wednesday,
June 8th,
6pm-7:30pm
Nursery & Sports
Camp available
15 week study–
preregistration
no later than
Sunday, June 5
Registration forms can be found at the Connection Point
or a fillable form is on our website. http://bibleefc.org/adult-ministries/grow
Watch the website for the
softball schedule.
Games begin June 7th. Join the fun!!
Questions?! Please contact
Pastor Neil–
608.343.5101 or
Join us as we say farewell to Pastor Joel and the Sandager family Sunday,
June 5th! Let’s celebrate with them as God leads them on their next
adventure!
Happening at Bible EFC...
Lists
Micaela Saville
Kayla Winkelman
Calsie Reavis
Lisa Reavis
Jack Haye
Jennifer Buse
We are sponsoring The Tomah Community Table June 13th!!
at the Tomah Masonic Temple
Sign up and donation list can be found at the Connection Point Questions? Contact Pastor Neil
608.343.5101
Ignite- "Let light shine out of darkness"
NIV 2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made
his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of
God in the face of Christ.
SUMMER 2016 6pm-8pm
June
5th NO Ignite (Graduation Sunday)
12th Joyce’s House
19th NO Ignite (Father’s Day and Baptism)
26th
Amy Georgeson’s House
Directions
June 12
th - Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Directions to Robert & Kelly Joyce’s house: 815 W. Monowau St Tomah.
Leave out of the church parking lot – take a left at the stop sign onto W
Veterans. Follow W Veterans to Parkview Dr by the lake. Take a left on
Parkview (toward the hospital). Parkview turns into Butts Ave. near the
hospital. Follow Butts about 0.5 miles to W Monowau St on the right. Their
home will be on the right.
26th - Read 1 Corinthians 15:54-58
Directions to Amy Georgeson’s house:
12902 Flicker Rd—From Church to Amy’s
Leave out of church parking lot, take a left at stop sign. Follow Hwy Cty ET
around to the lake, at stop sign take a right. Follow Cty Hwy ET to Flatiron
Ave (uphill) Take slight left onto
Fleming Ave. Turn right onto Flicker Rd. Amy’s house is on the right.
Questions about youth events? Contact Pastor Neil (608.343.5101)
Children’s Ministry Summer Schedule
June 5th: Regular Sunday morning ministries
June 12: Ministry year finale - Regular ministries
June 19: Baptism at Winnebago Park. No Children’s ministry
June 26 – July 18:
9:15 & 10:30: Early Childhood and Extraordinary classroom only.
July 24 - August 28: New for the summer during the 9:15 hour:
“Conundrum of Poverty” is an intergenerational gathering where families come together and take a
new look at our city and the needs that are around us. There will be special guest speakers presenting
and the children will have an opportunity to break off into their own activities.
9:15: Early Childhood
“Conundrum of Poverty” in the Activity Center
10:30: Early Childhood and Extraordinary classroom
4k-5th grade ministry in the Activity Center.
September 4th: Labor Day - Early Childhood and Extraordinary classroom only.
September 11: Fall ministry Kick-off
What’s happening in Children’s ministry
Join us June 12 after the 10:30 worship service for Child Protection Training. This is a brief class that is necessary to volunteer with Children or Youth but is also a great informational session for parents and grandparents who would like to know more about
the policies and procedures that are in place to protect our young ones. Please contact Krishna if you have any questions or are interested in taking
this class.
Blustery Birthday Bash The cold didn’t stop us from celebrating Spring birthdays!
We’re conquering mountains this year in VBS! VBS is just a few weeks away and as school is winding down, our
excitement is ramping up. There are many ways you can help.
Join us the week prior to VBS to help decorate the building to make this
VBS come to life!
or
Contact Nikki Renaud to find out how you can help on the various
nights of VBS
or
Watch for the donations list to see what craft and snack supplies are
needed
Contact Nikki Renaud at 608-387-3084 if you’re interested in helping in
any of these ways. And most importantly, register your child today online
at www.bibleefc.org or pick up a registration form at the Connection Point!
Offering Attendants:
June 5– Curt Patterson
June 12– Jim Retzlaff
June 19– Heidi Jordan
June 26– Amy Georgeson
If you have questions about Bible EFC finances,
Contact Tandy Houston, Treasurer 372-9028
Sherri Shack, Financial Secretary 343-6429
Financial Ministry
Financial Report
For the period: July 1, 2015 through May 15, 2016
General Offering: $ 423,363.05
Budget Goal: $ 471,119.62
Expenses paid: $ 402,575.99
Checkbook Balance as of Apr 15 2016: $ 34, 072.96
Money Market Balance Apr 15, 2016: $ 6,071.51
For more information or to volunteer, contact:
Levi Frost 608-387-9293
Usher Schedule
June 2016 Bible EFC Schedules
June 5 June 12 June 19 June 26
7:45 Service
Ron Nicks
Craig Budde
George Lovold
Terry Christen
Jim Spence
Ben Spence
Tim Garrels
Mark Schack
9:15 Service
Paul Kastner
HS Student
Ron Johns
HS Student
Curt Nauman
HS Student
Cliff Collins
HS Student
10:30 Service
Josh Eagleson
Levi Frost
Todd Linenberg
Chad Matteson
Jim Retzlaff
Jeff Brieske
Jason Strike
Kevin Dechant
Connection Point Schedule
5-Jun Main Door Preschool Door A.C. Door Floater Connection Point Hospitality
7:15-7:45 Gloria Dettle
Cindy Best Wendy Vann Jack Christen 7:00-7:45
8:45-9:15 Gloria Dettle
Nathan Jungmeyer Carole
Erickson Cindy Best Wendy Vann
Brian Rasmussen
8:45-10:30
10:15-10:30 Jim Garber Linda Garber Carole
Erickson Whitney Sanjari Wendy Patterson
11:45-12:00 Jim Garber Linda Garber Nathan
Jungmeyer Whitney Sanjari Wendy Patterson
12-Jun Main Door Preschool Door A.C. Door Floater Connection Point Hospitality
7:15-7:45 Mary
Lovold Carol Lauer Pastor Neil 7:00-7:45
8:45-9:15 Paul
Kastner Autumn Garrels
Carole Erickson
Bev Kastner Brian
Rasmussen 8:45-10:30
10:15-10:30 Paul
Kastner Whitney Sanjari
Carole Erickson
Bev Kastner
11:45-12:00 Curt
Reavis Whitney Sanjari Kelly Haye
19-Jun Main Door Preschool Door A.C. Door Floater Connection Point Hospitality
7:15-7:45 John
Battista Gloria Dettle Carol Lauer Philip Puent 7:00-7:45
8:45-9:15 John
Battista Rose Dublin Gloria Dettle Carol Lauer
Brian Rasmussen
8:45-10:30
10:15-10:30 Curt
Reavis Rose Dublin
Chris Walters
Steve Ewers Jen Walters
11:45-12:00 Curt
Reavis Nathan Jungmeyer
Chris Walters
Steve Ewers Jen Walters
26-Jun Main Door Preschool Door A.C. Door Floater Connection Point Hospitality
7:15-7:45 Wendy Vann
Shawn Klinker Kelly Haye Gary Klinker 7:00-7:45
8:45-9:15 Wendy Vann
Carole Erickson Shawn Klinker
Diana Retzlaff Brian
Rasmussen 8:45-10:30
10:15-10:30 Curt
Reavis Carole Erickson
Jessica Prindiville
Diana Retzlaff
11:45-12:00 Curt
Reavis Nathan Jungmeyer
Jessica Prindiville
Jen Walters
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
1 10am Owls –Dining Room
2 3 4
5 7am Elder Prayer Time Pastor Joel’s Farewell
6 7 **Softball Games Start**
8 10am Owls –Dining Room 4 pm Elder Mtg 6pm “Collision” class
9 10 11
12 7:30am Men’s Breakfast-Dining Room
13 We sponsor the Tomah Community Table
14 15 10am Owls –Dining Room 6pm “Collision” class
16 17 18
19 Baptism– 10am at Winnebago Park
20 21 22 10am Owls –Dining Room 6pm “Collision” class
23 24 25
26 Only
Nursery/Preschool & Extraordinary Classes
offered
27 28 29 10am Owls –Dining Room 6pm “Collision” class
30
Sunday Morning Schedule Sanctuary Worship 7:45; 9:15 & 10:30am Prayze Craze 10:30am Nursery (ages 0-1): 9:15 & 10:30am (ages 4K to 5th Grade-Activity Center) Sunday School (ages 2 yrs to 5th grade) 9:00am Extraordinary Classroom 10:30am (ages 4K-5th Grade meet in Café) Youth Sunday School (MS and HS) 10:30am Youth Sunday School (MS and HS): 9:15am Adult Gathering in Patio Room 10:30am Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF) in Patio Room 9:00am
June 2016 Bible EFC Calendar
625 W Veterans St
Tomah, WI 54660
Phone: 608-372-9377
Fax: 608-372-9372
E-mail: [email protected]
www.BibleEFC.org
Bible Evangelical Free Church
Connecting People with Jesus and Others
June
2016
MINISTERS
Every Believer
Senior Pastor
Tim Erickson
Associate Pastor of
Adult Disciple Making
Neil Nelson
Associate Pastor
Student Ministries
Joel Sandager
Children’s Ministry Director
Krishna Battista
Worship Times:
SUNDAY MORNINGS:
Sanctuary Worship
7:45am
9:15am - Video sermon
10:30am
Pastor Tim provided the board an update on his Sr. Pastor’s Report
Budget update was presented from the Finance Committee, including the pro-posed budget for 16/17. Motion passed unanimously.
Approved membership for Grant Moseley.
The search committee for an Associate Pastor of Student Ministries met and had their revised job description reviewed. Also reviewed plans for the interim.
Next Elder Prayer Time is schedule for Sunday, June 5, 2016 at 7:00am at Bible EFC. Next Elder Board Meeting: June 8, 2016 at 4 pm
ELDERS: Leading through prayer, mission, vision & strategic leadership!
Questions ~ contact Frank Best, Elder Chair 343-5521.
Elder Meeting Highlights From April 2016
If you would like to be added to the Email Prayer Chain to receive
urgent Prayer Requests, please provide your email address
and/or request to the Church Office at [email protected].