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February Update

Submitted by John on March 14, 2009 - 4:37pm.

Dear Moorpark Ev Free Family,                                 

It has been said that we cannot over communicate when it comes to the strategic vision of our church, and that redundancy is paramount in communication.  With that being said, let me to bring you up to date on a number of items that will keep you informed about what is happening at Moorpark Evangelical Free Church.

Month of the Family:  Having just finished our "What Would Jesus Think" series, we embark on a new series called Month of the Family.  As elders we have talked about the importance of families and my commitment to developing a world-class family ministry here at our church.  It is our desire to focus on marriage, parenting, and family issues during the month of February on an annual basis.  That's right... every year we will take a look at those topics essential to the health and vitality of our families.  Over the years I have cultivated friendships with some of the finest family life speakers in the country.  We have the privilege of hearing two of these gentlemen this month!  Attached to this email is a PDF with more information about this month's speakers.  You will also be receiving an invite piece in a separate email that you can forward to friends.  Here is a sneak peak:

  • February 1: The Danger of Raising Nice Kids... Tim Smith. Tim is the former Family Ministry pastor at Calvary Community Church and the author of 16 parenting books. He has been a personal lifelong friend of mine since our college days.
  • February 8: Love and Respect (part 1)... John Erwin. Founder of the National Association of Family Ministries and currently the Sr. Pastor at Moorpark Ev Free.
  • February 15: Love and Respect (part 2)... John Erwin
  • February 22: Faith, Families, and our Future... Dr. Ken Canfield. Ken is the Executive Director of the Boone Center for the Family at Pepperdine University. Both Marc Judd and I will be gone that weekend as we lead our first-ever couples' retreat at Forest Home.

 

You won't want miss a single week.  This month is specifically designed for you to invite neighbors, co-workers and friends.  Whether you are married or single, with or without kids, this month expect God to change lives!  Whom are you inviting?

 

Financial Update:  Praise God we met (and exceeded) our budget for the first time since we began our new fiscal year in September 2008.  We still have a deficit to overcome, but we know God is faithful!  If you missed last Sunday, please listen to the sermon online.  I think you will be encouraged!  I do want to thank all of you who contributed sacrificially to the church this past year.  No matter what your giving level is, I am thanking God for your support!  I am also asking each family to do the table talk questions from last week and prayerfully consider partnering with us financially, especially if that hasn't been your regular pattern.  Thank you in advance to those who already sacrificing to help us become the church God has called us to be!

 

Preaching Schedule:  When I came to the church, the elders asked me what my expectations were of how often I expected to be in the pulpit.  We both pondered the question and felt that 42-44 (80-85%) times a year on average would be a good target.  We also agreed that though I would be the primary voice, I certainly wouldn't be the only voice.  This past year between vacation Sundays, outside speaking opportunities, and the desire to do special emphasis weeks with outside speakers we will hit this target.  For those who like the numbers - in 2008 I was gone 4 Sundays and preached 32 of 37 Sundays I was at church.  By the way, when we bring in an outside speaker for "pulpit" supply, we give that individual a $200 honorarium.  In some cases this will be several hundred dollars less than their normal fee.  Praise God for friends who want to help us reach Moorpark!

 

Calendar Update:

  • February 15: Welcome Lunch for Newcomers @ Tim and Jolene Rumph's
  • March 1: Business meeting/forum to discuss...
  • o Statement of Faith update
  • o By-law revisions
  • o Mission statement and core vales

•·         March 15:  Mid-year business meeting and vote, immediately following the service

 

One-Year Bible:  It is not too late to jump in.  Join us as we read through the Bible together.  Don't get discouraged if you miss a few days.  We are told that anything we do for 21 days straight will ultimately become a habit. Remember that famous movie line... "You can do it!"

 

Email Communication:  Would you do your pastor a favor?  Every once in awhile, would you respond to one of my table talk challenges?  I often ask you to email me about what God is doing in your life.  It is usually in the table talk questions in the back of the sermon outline.  I generally hear from only a handful of people.  If you would rather call me (you'd rather talk than type!), that would be fine, too.  It helps me know whether you feel we are on target, as well as encourages me to know that you are growing spiritually.  I want to be more than a pulpit voice - I want to be your pastor, too.  So, here you go.  Please email me at john@moorparkevfree.com and send me 3 short answers to these questions:

  • 1. What is God is doing in your life?
  • 2. What are the names of 3 people that you are praying will come to Christ?
  • 3. What can I do that would help you grow in your faith?

 

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this update.  I love you and am asking God's blessing on you this next year!

 

In His Grip,

John Erwin