Sunday Worship Service - February 24, 2008
9:00a & 10:30a Worship Services
Nursery is provided for both services and programs.

Sermon Series beginning Sunday, January 20 - March 16 
"Shaped By God's Heart"  Senior Pastor John Hartenberger 
The Passion and Practices of Missional Churches. Books available through the Church Office.

Elders' Journal

“Following Jesus . . . Engaging People”

I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. (1 Corinthians 1:10)

Welcome: Thank you for your willingness to be a part of our fellowship this morning. If you are a visitor, please consider filling out the Welcome Card in your bulletin and place it in the Giving Box. If you have need to meet with the Pastor or have questions, indicate that on the card and someone will contact you soon.

Elder Thoughts: The new year has brought with it changes and new opportunities. The Elders hope the congregation will sense the excitement they have felt from the study of the elements of a missional church being presented in the current sermon series. We have also seen some dramatic physical changes with the completion of the major part of the remodeling of the building. While there are finishing touches to be completed, the largest one being the remainder of the new carpeting, we hope this effort will give us more usable space as planned. We thank the folks who have spent many Saturdays, evenings, and, for some, vacation time to accomplish this task, at great cost savings. We also look forward to the congregational decision today on the disposition of the Gillett St. property. The issue of this land has demanded considerable time and energy from the church leadership, and we look forward to a decision being made.

Tithes and Offerings: Electronic funds transfer continues to be an option for giving your financial gifts to ACEFC. Forms are available on the table in the back of the sanctuary and in the office. Place completed forms in the Giving Box. As always, your gift to the Lord is important regardless of the manner in which it is received.
Communication: The Elder listening sessions will continue to occur monthly on the second Sunday of each month. However, please don’t limit your questions, ideas and concerns to these sessions. Feel free to talk to one of the Elders (Tim Diestler, Dom Sollitto, Rick Landin, Chris Matula, Dennis Steffens or Pastor John) on Sundays or any time during the week. E-mail addresses are found on the back of the bulletin.
Prayer: Please pray that we will strengthen in our unity as we address matters of our Church body this year and reach out to our community for His sake.

Upcoming Events

Lunch and a Movie - Sunday, March 9, 12:00p - 1:00p, lunch and a movie in the Sanctuary. We'll provide a fun lunch of hot dogs, popcorn, drinks, & cookies. There is no charge, but donations are welcome. All profits go to support our Summer Senior High Work Trip to St. Louis, where we will be serving in the inner city working with children and doing home repair June 13 - 21.
Easter Egg Hunt - At Lynndale Apartments Saturday, March 22, at 10:00a. Come and get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny! Sign up sheet is on the table in the Gathering area. Volunteers needed to hide eggs. Sign up sheet is also in the Gathering area.

Good Friday Communion Service - Friday, March 21, at 4:00p.

Easter Sunday Baptisms - Sunday, March 23, We will be performing baptisms during both services. If you feel the call to be baptized or would like more information regarding baptism, please contact Pastor John (735-9971 or jhartenberger@applefreechurch.org).

Know Your Church Class - Sunday, March 30, 12:00p-2:30p for those interested in knowing more about this Church. Sign up at the Information Booth.

ADULT SMALL GROUP MINISTRY
Get connected...be involved!  Contact Pastor John (735-9971 or jhartenberger@applefreechurch.org) to join a Small Group.

EDUCATION AND EQUIPPING CLASSES (E & E)
David Olson, E & E Director 
     Mission Statement:  Ephesians 4:12 
     "...to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."

A new course will be starting Sunday, March 2, at 10:30a called "Discovering God's Way of Handling Money." Sign up at the table in the Gathering area. The cost of the book is $7. This course will be led by Sue Diestler. 

On Sunday, March 9, at 9:00a, a new class called "The Five Love Languages" will start. This class will be led by Kris and Mia Peterson.

At 9:00a, Lynn and Terri Burnett will be leading an interactive discussion called "Restoring Your Heart's Passion" in room 101. 

At 10:30a, Jim Dyer will be leading a Men's study called "Winning at Work and Home" in room 108, and Nancy Davis will lead a class on "Network Spiritual Gifts" in room 101.

SERVING & TRAINING at ACEFC
OPEN DOOR MINISTRY - Greeters needed, please contact Wendy Hall if interested.

OUTREACH MINISTRIES
Eyeglasses to Help the Needy - A collection throughout the entire month of February. This annual eyeglass collection allows people to experience corrected vision for the first time, thousands gaining the ability to read, attend school, gain employment, and take care of their families. Please drop off eyeglasses to the Church Office.
Helping the Homeless - We will be collecting new hygiene and cleaning items for local homeless shelters and crisis agencies through WEMI Radio's 16th annual "Help for the Homeless" campaign. Please place your donations in the collection box located in the Entrance way between February 16 and March 13. For more detailed lists there is a flyer on the table in the Gathering area or visit www.ChristianFamilyRadio.net.

Harmony Conversation Cafe - Wednesday, February 27, 7:00p to 8:30p, discussion on "How does the media influence you personally?"

Pastor's Coffee - We would like to welcome all guests and new attendees to our monthly "Pastor's Coffee" after second service March 2. You will have an opportunity to meet Pastor John and an Elder, learn more about our church, and have a treat. Please meet in the Gathering area. For more information contact Nancy DeDecker.

Volunteers Needed for Free Oil Change - Saturday, April 12, 8:30a to 12:30p, at the Church. Sign up sheets to help with oil changes and serve in the kitchen are on the table in the Persons in Need Giveaway and Blood Drive - will be August 23, from 9:00a-12:00p. Items needed: gently used clothing, bedding, towels, house wares, toys, and books. If you have any of these items (they must be in good shape), please consider donating them to the giveaway. It would be a great help if you could sort the clothes by size and gender, and mark the bags. We will begin collecting these items at the church the week of August 18. If you have any questions please contact the Church Office, 735-9971.  

CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES
Chris Matula, Ministry Director, (cmatula@applefreechurch.org)

Children's Ministries meeting Wednesday, February 27, at 7:00p.

We are in need of:

Storage Maintenance - Children's Ministry Closed and activity shelf - once a week.
Special Events Coordinator - to plan holiday events and help with outreach events within Children's Ministries 
NURSERY COUNTER - Rotation Schedule

CLASS HELPERS - weekly or rotation

Nursery is available for both Services - 9:00a & 10:30a

SNUGGLELAND for birth to 23 months in room 104. There is a rotating staff schedule. This time consists of playing, music, and taking care of God's youngest.
ADVENTURELAND is for 2 years to pre-kindergarten children in room 103. This includes playing, singing, craft time, refreshments, and teaching time.  Discipleland is the curriculum used.

Children's Ministries Classes
Kingdom Kids (1^st Service Sunday) 
Kingdom Kids starts in Worship Area with their families and will then be dismissed to class. 
Locations:

·      Kindergarten  room #106 with teacher Stacy Karle 
·      1st - 2^nd grade  #107 with teacher Bev Sollitto
·      3^rd - 5^th grade  #111 (Kitchen) with teacher Colleen Ziehr

Kid’s Fellowship for K-5^th Grade 
Between Services in room #107.  This is a supervised game time and includes snacks.

Kingdom Builders (2nd Service Sunday) 
This class builds upon the lesson from Kingdom Kids with an outreach focus providing a hands on approach with 3 stations of learning fun!  Discipleland Core Bible is the curriculum.

AWANA News...Tuesday, 6:30p-8:00p Diane Crotty, Commander
February's theme is "Give in to Jesus' peer pressure. Stories from Jesus' life!"
Feb. 26:    All Club Birthday Party! (Wear a cool party hat!)
February 26, is the last night you can buy Grand Prix car kits and Hot Dog Dinner tickets.

Mar. 1:      Grand Prix Workshop from 1:00p to 5:00p
Mar. 4:      Western Night (Dress like you live in the Wild West!) 
                   Grand Prix cars will be collected and kept at the church until Saturday's race. 

For questions or comments about AWANA Club…talk to your child’s director or Diane Crotty.
Special Events - Buy your Grand Prix car in February. This year, the Grand Prix is open to Cubbies too. Mark you calendars: The race/hotdog lunch will be held the morning of Saturday, March 8, but ALL cars are due March 4, and will remain at church until Saturday, March 8. Watch for details or call your child's director.

STUDENT MINISTRIES
Associate Pastor Mike Collison - 735-9971 - mcollison@applefreechurch.org

Middle School News…......
Sunday morning "Base Camp" -  9:00a,  room 108 with leaders Bob & Gay Phillip.  
We're studying the Bible in fun and creative ways and prepare for a new week.  During three years, we will cover the “best of the Old Testament, Gospels, and Early Church.”  This year is the Early Church (Acts-Revelation). 
Wednesday evening youth group “Maximum Elevation” -  7:00p-8:30p with coordinator Deb Welk. This is an energetic time full of play, relationship-building, and topical lessons designed for spiritual growth. Usually meeting at Houdini Grade School and get picked up at church.
Feb. 27:    Regular Meeting
Mar. 5:       Fun Night
Mar. 12:    Regular Meeting

Senior High News…
Sunday morning "The Circle" - 9:00a, room 105 with Pastor Mike.
A Creative Bible Study to challenge your heart & mind. There’s sugar, caffeine, stories & laughter. 100% money - back guarantee that this is worth your time! Our focus: The Bible Jesus Read - Big Stories of the Old Testament. 
Wednesday evening senior high group "True North" meets regularly from 7:00p-8:30p at Church during the school year.
Feb. 27:      Regular Meeting
Mar. 5:        Regular Meeting
Mar. 12:      Regular Meeting

MISSIONS - Missionaries of the Week:
Rev. Howard & Marilyn Plucar
(East Asia Director, EFCA - Reach Global)
4330 Hemlock Lane N
Plymouth, MN  55442
763-432-2285
Howard.Plucar@efca.org
Marilynn.Plucar@efca.org

MEN'S MINISTRIES 
Men's Morning Fellowship:  We meet every Wednesday at 6:15a for breakfast at Seven Angels Restaurant on John Street.  Contact Pastor John, 735-9971.
Evening Men's Study at Lynndale Apartments
This is a weekly, 16-part study series using Robert Lewis' workbook Winning at Work and Home. Meeting Tuesday, February 26, at 6:30p-8:00p, in the Lynndale Apartments Office. Dates will vary. Check with Pastor John for most current dates of meetings.

WOMEN'S MINISTRIES
Monday Evening Women of the Word ( WOW) )  meets at 6:30p, with the study "The Patriarchs" by Beth Moore.  Mary Noggle will be leading this study through March 31. Starting in April, we will begin "I Saw the Lord" by Anne Graham Lotz. Contact Mary Noggle to register.
Tuesday Morning Women of the Word (WOW) meets at 9:00a with childcare provided. Study is “The Patriarchs” with Beth Moore. Contacts are Ginny at 730-0039 and Gina at 757-0497.
Women's Retreat -  will be April 25, 26, and 27 at the Wagon Trail in Door County. Our guest speaker is co-author for the book  "Girl Talk...God Talk," Sally Miller. This year's theme is Soul Sisters. Registration forms are available at the Information Booth. Deadline for registering is March 9.   

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