2009 Summer/Fall Facing Bench

"Hearing the Call; Taking the Risk"
Dear children let’s not merely say that we love each other;  let us show the truth by our actions.” 1 John 3:18
The Call? To demonstrate the love of Christ. The risk? Stepping outside of our comfort zone. Our response? Daily yielding to His will in our lives.

Across EFC-ER the tradition of bringing practical help to needy neighbors is not new. In fact, several churches have instituted the tradition of regularly reaching out with practical help to those around them. Hundreds have responded by participating in short-term international, national or local missions trips.Thousands have helped within their communities after prayerfully considering the cost of participation.
But the quick and brief practice of a “Serve Time” during the annual meeting was a new experience for us. Delegates came to the opening session prepared for business and were challenged to step outside of the comfort of the sanctuary and into the needs of the local community. Work gloves, trash bags, and locations of needs were provided. 
Fifteen teams of ay least a dozen volunteers each were gathered and assigned target locations. Tangible results were possible as each team gave one hour of focused work towards their goal. Satisfaction grew as they saw progress in weeded parking lots and baseball fields, washed windows, sorted clothing at the crisis pregnancy center and much more. All returned with filled garbage bags of trash, worn work gloves, dusty clothes and wide smiles. So many had stories to share of spreading a glimmer of Christ’s love to someone. Although the time was limited, the experience will resonate with deepened friendships among volunteers and a positive presence in the community.
“Hearing the Call” did not begin or end at Yearly Meeting. We can know that when God calls us to have the mind of Christ, He calls us to stretch and grow in His love. As we ask the Lord to lead us, we will see opportunities. We will see areas of need. We will see our next step of obedience.
Taking the risk may mean walking across the street to meet a neighbor, picking up the phone to call and mend a relationship, or taking a plane to share your resources internationally. No act is better or more valuable than the other. Christ calls unique individuals to unique tasks, suited to their personality and gifting. We can rest in His leading, in His love, and in His provision.

EFC-ER Strategic Vision Statement:
In joyful obedience to Jesus’ Great Commission and in the spirit of his Great Commandment
our movement purposes to serve the church and the world in love multiplying disciples
and churches in the power of the Holy Spirit so that our children’s grandchildren
and generations of the unreached will be compelled to join.