First Free News & Notes: August 2003

Ron & Mae Olson will be celebrating their 50^th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday, September 13^th. You are invited to celebrate with them from 2:00-5:00 PM at the church. Slight entertainment will be imposed at 3:30 PM. No gifts please.

Women's Guild begins at 1:00 PM on September 2. Come and enjoy the fellowship and hear our speaker, Terri Miller, tell us about her ministry in Russia.

An All-Church Concert of Prayer on September 14, 6:00 PM, will be part of our Prayer Emphasis Week to seek God's blessings as we begin the new school year.

Attention young adults (for those post-high school up to 25 years of age), we have a small group for you! We'll be meeting each Sunday for young adult fellowship beginning September 7^th, from 11:00-11:45 AM, in Classroom #5 - down the hall from the Pastor's Study. If you have any questions, please call Wayne or Julie Danielson at (612) 869-0874.

Children's Church starts on Rally Day Sunday, September 7. Children are dismissed from the Worship Service at about 10:00 AM for classes.

An Adult Bible Fellowship Leaders' Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10, 7:00 PM, in the Old Fireside Room. We will be talking about our common focus on the Purpose Driven Life that begins October 19.

Jr. Church Hike (4-6^th Graders) is set for September 13^th. Meet in the church parking lot at 9:00 AM. A $5 donation is appreciated. See Ross Olson for more details.

Baby Dedication Sunday is September 14^th during morning worship. If your family is interested, call the church office.

An Olde Tyme 70's Sojourners Social is scheduled for Friday, September 19, at 7:00 PM (no children). Please bring snacks: A-M chips or popcorn and N-Z bars or cookies.

Bring your friends to Women's Neighborhood Bible Study beginning September 10^th. They will be meeting Wednesday mornings from 9:30 -11:00 at the church. They will start with a study of the book of Romans. A great program is also planned for children ages infant to five years.

Do you want to live and love like Jesus? YOU CAN!

What are believers saying about The Everyday Commission?

"I know this was something I needed for my life. It was presented in such a clear way." ──Paul

"I will reprioritize and refocus so that carrying out the Great Commission becomes an everyday activity." ──Angie

This special workshop is coming

Saturday, September 6^th to First Free!

~ Sign Up Today at the Table in the Foyer ~

Missionary Prayer Focus

Jeff & Vanny Evanson, Thailand

Jeff works as a Bible Institute teacher. Pray that Jeff, Vanny, and their family will be able to share the Gospel by life example in culturally sensitive ways. May they truly be living examples of sharing Christ "In Word and Deed."

Dear church family - Thank you so very much for your prayers and thoughtfulness on my behalf since my car accident while on chaplain duty. Your cards, calls, visits, and meals have been a wonderful help and encouragement. Our God truly is Jehovah-Rapha, The Lord that Heals (Exodus 15:26). --Love & Blessings, Barb Hugo

Congratulations to Thompson & Bio Ivory! Their son, Ayebayai, was born on August 19^th.

Everyone is welcome to Barb Olson's organ recital, Wednesday, August 27, 12:00 Noon, at Wayzata Community Church. Call the church at (952) 473-8877 for directions.

You are invited to a baby shower for Rachel Olson (proud new mother of Laura Ellen) on Thursday, August 28, 7:00 PM at the church. All women are welcome.

Women's Guild begins at 1:00 PM on September 2. Come and enjoy the fellowship and hear our speaker, Terri Miller, tell us about her ministry in Russia.

Prayer Emphasis: Start off the school year with prayer! Join us for a Concert of Prayer on September 14^th at 7:00 PM.

An Olde Tyme 70's Sojourners Social is scheduled for Friday, September 19, at 7:00 PM (no children).

Grow in Knowledge at the Women's Neighborhood Bible Study

Starts: Wednesday, September 10th

Who: Women of all ages (bring your friends!)

What: A study of the book of Romans

When: Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 AM

Where: First Evangelical Free Church, 5150 Chicago Avenue South

Great program for children ages infant to 5 years!

Missionary Prayer Focus

Marjorie Flood, Retired, Venezuela

Marjorie writes, "How I wish I could step in and greet each one of you. I thank God for the privilege of being your representative for 43 years in Venezuela."

"God has given me many years and now my mission is intercession. May God bless your continuing ministry. I still pray for First Free and thank you a million."

Do you want to live and love like Jesus? YOU CAN!

What are believers saying about The Everyday Commission?

"I know this was something I needed for my life. It was presented in such a clear way." ──Paul

"I will reprioritize and refocus so that carrying out the Great Commission becomes an everyday activity." ──Angie

This special workshop is coming

Saturday, September 6^th to First Free!

~ Please call the office and sign up now ~

You are invited to a baby shower for Rachel Olson (proud new mother of Laura Ellen) on Thursday, August 28, 7:00 PM at the church. All women are welcome. Call Carrie Boyum at (612) 866-3717 with questions.

Rally Day on September 7^th is just around the corner! Comedian DonB! will be performing at 11:00 AM for our Sunday school and VBS children. Friends of our K-6 children are also welcome!

Prayer Emphasis: Start off the school year with prayer! Our prayer week from September 7^th - 14^th will include two sermons focused on prayer and a concert of prayer. Join us Wednesday night, September 10^th, at 7:00 PM.

An EFCA North Central District Men's Retreat is scheduled for September 19-21 at Camp Shamineau. The featured speaker will be Lonnie Titus, founder of REAP and Chaplain at MN House of Representatives. The cost is $85. Registration forms are available at the Information Booth.

Prayer Focus

Lareau & Evelyn Lindquist, Barnabas Intl

Lareau is Director of Barnabas Intl. This organization exists to bring encouragement to missionaries and church leaders around the world. His letters of Encouragement are sent out on a regular basis.
Pray for Lareau & Evelyn. In the last six months eight good friends have died - both young and old.
Lareau writes, "My Christian friend, be encouraged. Death is not to be feared. Not to be dreaded. It is truly the beginning of LIFE AT ITS VERY FULLEST. . . the best will never be on earth . . . but rather on the other side with Him."

Do you want to live and love like Jesus? YOU CAN!

What are believers saying about The Everyday Commission?

"I know this was something I needed for my life. It was presented in such a clear way." --Paul

"I will reprioritize and refocus so that carrying out the Great Commission becomes an everyday activity." --Angie

Workshops with Bill Allison are coming Saturday, September 6^th to First Free!

Sign up before August 22^nd to receive special reduced rates! The cost is $10 for The Everyday Commission and $20 for The Everyday Commission and Becoming a High Impact Teacher.
Make checks out to First Evangelical Free Church.
To register call or mail in your registration form to the church office.

Grow in Knowledge

at the Women's Neighborhood Bible Study

Starts: Wednesday, September 10th

Who: Women of all ages (bring your friends!)

What: A study of the book of Romans

When: Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 AM

Where: First Evangelical Free Church, 5150 Chicago Avenue South

Great program for children ages infant to 5 years!

My thanks to the church for your prayers on my behalf after my fall, for all the visits, and for the expressions of love that I received. --Mildred Smith

Thank you isn't adequate, but please know that all of you who served so willingly on funeral lunch committees these past few years have been greatly appreciated. Thank you all so very much! -- Sincerely, Margaret Jensen

The August Quarterly Business Meeting has been cancelled due to vacations and no new business.

A Youth Retreat will be held at the Holman & Friesen cabins, August 15-17. Meet at the church Friday, August 15, 9:00 AM. For further details, see Jesse Willet.

Lake Baptisms & Church Picnic

You are invited to attend the baptisms of Dan, Donna, David, & Anthony Larson, Bob Gu, Karen Beckett, and Chelsie Larson at west Lake Nokomis Beach following worship on August 17^th.

All are invited to the Church Picnic following the baptisms at the reserved area near the beach.
Families with last names beginning with A-P should bring a salad to share in a small cooler.
Families with last names beginning with R-Z should bring a dessert to share.
Beverages and dinnerware will be provided.
Everyone bring blankets and lawn chairs (card tables if you desire - not many picnic tables).

There will be no Fellowship Time, ABF's, or Classes on August 17 - join us at the Lake!

Do you want to live and love like Jesus? YOU CAN!

What are believers saying about The Everyday Commission?

"I know this was something I needed for my life. It was presented in such a clear way." --Paul

"I will reprioritize and refocus so that carrying out the Great Commission becomes an everyday activity." --Angie

This special workshop is coming Saturday, September 6^th to First Free!

Look for registration forms and complete details in your August Newsletter.

~ For reduced price, sign up before August 22^nd ~

Missionary Prayer Focus

Julie Turnquist, Dar es Salaam

Julie returned to Tanzania on July 28^th. Pray as she adjusts to the change in country and customs.
Pray as she prepares for the upcoming school year at Haven of Peace Academy (HOPAC) where she teaches fourth grade.
The school may be leasing a housing compound, which is a five-minute walk from school. There are many advantages to this. Pray for wisdom and that God's will would be done.

Pray for the family of Dr. Arnold T. Olson. A.T.O. went home to be with the Lord on July 25 after many years of dedicated service to the Lord. His Home Going Celebration was held at First Free on July 30.

Dr. Olson wrote the story of his life in the book, Give Me This Mountain. He also wrote several books about the history of the Evangelical Free Church. They are The Search for Identity, The Significance of Silence, and Stumbling Toward Maturity. All these books are available in our church library.

Pray for long-time friend, Glen Beckwith, who currently lives in Duluth. His wife, Maryann, passed away on July 21^st.

Join us at Lake Nokomis following our service on August 17^th. Several people will be getting baptized in the lake, and an all church picnic will follow at around Noon. There will be no Fellowship Time, ABF's, or Sunday School that day.

The 20^th Anniversary of National Night Out takes place on Tuesday, August 5. Check with your neighbors to see if you will be having a block party that night.

The August Quarterly Business Meeting has been cancelled due to vacations and no new business.

Big Lake Softball Tournament will be held on Saturday, September 6. the cost is $100 per team. Contact Cory Ewing at (763) 263-3399 for more details. Proceeds will benefit Shamineau Ministries.

Do you want to live and love like Jesus? YOU CAN!

What are believers saying about The Everyday Commission?

"I know this was something I needed for my life. It was presented in such a clear way." --Paul

"I will reprioritize and refocus so that carrying out the Great Commission becomes an everyday activity." --Angie

This special workshop is coming Saturday, September 6^th to First Free!

Look for registration forms and complete details in your August Newsletter.

Missionary Prayer Focus

Tom & Joy Harriger, Student Venture

Walking with Jesus is such a great adventure! Thank you for choosing to partner with us to reach teenagers globally. The mission teams we send introduce young people around the world to the Savior and give American students experience in international ministry.
Our East Asia mission teams, canceled because of SARS, were reassigned to New Zealand! Pray that the students on these missions will see many Chinese immigrants reached for Christ through the English camps they lead, and as they personally communicate the gospel. Other summer teams served in England, Hungary, Russia, Slovakia, and Kenya.
Pray for us in August as we supervise and serve mission teams, and as we prepare to send future teams to Russia and Europe. We also plan to take a few days of vacation.