Professional Documents
Culture Documents
GUIDE
FA
LL
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to ministry opportunities
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
FALL 2016
CHURCH LIFE
SERVING OPPORTUNITIES
WORSHIP
CHILDREN
STUDENTS
MIDDLE SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL
ADULTS
WOMEN
MEN
CARE
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
MISSIONS
STAFF DIRECTORY
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FALL 2016
THE GUIDE contains our ministry programs and events at Maple Grove
Evangelical Free Church. Browse this catalog to see opportunities within each
ministry to CONNECT as family, GROW in faith and SHARE hope with our world.
We are so glad you are here! It is important to find a church that fits and
finding the right information is a great place to start. As a larger church we
want to help you get CONNECTED in smaller communities. Please take the
time to learn how you can CONNECT at MGEFC!
Stop by the Welcome & Information Desk to meet volunteers and leaders
who can answer any questions you may have about MGEFC.
Family Information
Childrens Programs
Our Sunday morning programs for kids from birth through 5th grade create a
safe, fun atmosphere where children can learn about The Big God Story and
participate in age-appropriate worship and activities. Stop by the Welcome
& Information Desk and a volunteer will be happy to escort you to your
childrens classrooms.
CHURCH LIFE
LIFE EVENTS
Births
We celebrate each new life and would like to express our joy for each new
baby born. Please let us know the details of your growing family.
Contact: Becky Swenson | beckys@mgefc.org
Baptism
Weddings
SERVE
The Church Isnt A Building; Its People!
Every ministry here at MGEFC relies on people like you to serve as volunteers
and share HOPE with the world around them. The following is a list of our
current serving opportunities where you can volunteer and make a
difference. If you dont see an opportunity that fits you, please contact our
Connection Coaches Mark and Meg Neubauer who will help you connect
with a place to serve or visit mgefc.org/serve. A spiritual gifts test is located on
this page as well.
WORSHIP
Worship Team
Ushers- They are on the front lines providing warm and hospitable service
to those entering our worship services each week.
Contact: Bill Bolte / bbolte3911@gmail.com
CHILDREN
115 Weekly Faith-building Volunteers
Research indicates that kids and youth need at least five people, in addition
to parents, to build into their lives in order to pass on a lasting faith. Whatever
your giftteaching, shepherding, greeting, preparing snacksyou can make a
difference and be one of a child's five! Sign up on the Volunteer Spot link at
mgefc.org/servekids. Contact: Kristy Kratky / kristyk@mgefc.org
STUDENTS
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Prayer Warriors
SERVE
Sunday Morning Snack Prep
Support our middle school students behind the scenes and make our
Student Impact classes a great place to connect and grow. Join our team
and prepare and set out pre-planned snacks on Sundays before 9:00am
Student Impact classes.
Contact: Toni Sather / tonis@mgefc.org
Every student in Oasis needs care, support and mentoring to grow in their
faith. Make an eternal difference in a students life by joining our team of
adult small group shepherds who lead and mentor a group of middle school
students throughout the year. Training and encouragement provided.
Contact: Toni Sather / tonis@mgefc.org
HIGH SCHOOL
Prayer Warriors
Consider changing the life of our high school students by becoming a prayer
warrior and regularly praying for our students and ministry. Prayer tools and
requests are provided.
Contact: Zach Marino / zachm@mgefc.org
We are looking for 2-3 adults to be on a rotating schedule to staff our tech
booth on Monday nights during our weekly FUEL ministry.
Contact: Pastor Zach / zachm@mgefc.org
ADULTS
Welcome Team
Greeters- Volunteers welcome and connect with guests as they enter the
church building on Sundays from 8:30-9:15am or 10:15-11:00am.
Welcome & Information Desk Volunteers- Volunteers serve once a month
answering questions about our ministries and escort first-time visitors to their
classrooms on Sunday before and after 9:00am or 10:45am worship services.
Parking Lot Attendants- Team members serve once a month to ensure
visitors feel special, make parking easier, increase safety for all and facilitate
a smoother transition between services.
Contact: Travis Rosinger | travisr@mgefc.org
SERVE
CARE
Community Care
Care Connection- Our on-call team helps meet needs in our church family by
providing meals, odd jobs around the house and more.
Meal Makers- At MGEFC we provide a meal for those celebrating a new birth,
recovering from an illness or experiencing other care needs. Meal team
members receive e-mail alerts when there is a meal need and respond when
they are available. We welcome meals for our Care Ministry freezer
as well.
Visitations- Would you like to visit those in the hospital, recovering at home or
home-bound? You can make an impact by bringing encouragement and
comfort during a time of need. Training and support provided.
Prayer Partners
Sunday Prayer Team- Join our Sunday Prayer team on a rotating schedule
and experience the blessing of praying with individuals at the close of our
worship services at 9:00 and 10:45am.
Prayer Chain- Our prayer chain is a lifeline to those with prayer needs 24/7
and prays for needs throughout the week at home. Both experienced and
new prayers can sign up to become a member of this team and start
receiving requests for prayer by e-mail.
Contact: Becky Swenson | beckys@mgefc.org
WORSHIP
For every worship service or special event at MGEFC, our purpose is to honor
God through the creativity that he instilled within us and to communicate the
life-changing gospel message.
Join this sermon parallel series with your connect group or start one.
SIMPLE CHRISTMAS
December 4 December 25
Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go; take a
look in the five-and-ten, glistening once again with candy canes and
silver lanes aglow. Ready or not, Christmas is coming!! The celebration
of Christmas brings so many wonderful sights, smells and sounds. It can
also bring significant stress, busyness and frustration. Is it possible to enjoy
the silver lanes aglow and simply celebrate the joy of the birth of Jesus?
We think so. We invite you to join us for a Simple Christmas. We will take
four weeks to turn our hearts toward the celebration of the birth of Jesus
Christ. Christmas can be that simple.
CHILDREN
KIDS QUEST CHILDRENS MINISTRY
Our children's programs for kids from birth through 5th grade create a safe,
fun atmosphere where they can come to know, love and follow Jesus. Stop
by the Welcome & Information Desk and a volunteer will be happy to escort
you to your child's classrooms.
Our Sunday curriculum, Tru, helps kids and their families CONNECT to God,
find their place in His big story and respond to him through the power of the
Holy Spirit. Kids are engaged in worship, The Big God Story, small groups and
other correlated activities. Children 2 years and up must be the designated
ages before September 1, 2016.
CHILDREN
WEDNESDAY NIGHT QUEST 2>52
Wednesday Dinner
Quest 2>52
SPECIAL EVENTS
CHILDREN
SURGE/OUTFITTERS & EXPLORERS: SHINE SERVING OPPORTUNITY
Wednesday | December 7 | 5:15-8:00pm | Feed My Starving Children
This is a great opportunity for our 4th-5th grade preteens to shine their
lights by serving at FMSC. Kids are encouraged to start saving their
quarters now to donate to help feed kids around the world.
Register online.
Sneak Peak
SPRING MUSICAL
Choir rehearsal | Starting Wednesday, January 4
Drama & dance rehearsal | Starting Sunday, January 8
Performances on weekend of March 17
PINEWOOD DERBY
Wednesday | February 8
ROCK THE CHURCH
July 17-20 | 9:30am-noon
Note date change and mark your calendars!
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CHILDREN
115 WEEKLY FAITH-BUILDING VOLUNTEERS
Research indicates that kids and youth need at least five people, in addition
to parents, to build into their lives in order to pass on a lasting faith. Whatever
your giftteaching, shepherding, greeting, preparing snacksyou can make
a difference and be one of a child's five! Sign up on the Volunteer Spot link
at mgefc.org/servekids. Contact: Kristy Kratky / kristyk@mgefc.org
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STUDENTS.MIDDLE SCHOOL
MIDDLE SCHOOL 6 8
th
th
grade students
Check mgefc.org/middleschool for the most up-to-date information and
subscribe to our online calendar to have middle school events automatically
added to your calendar or smartphone.
No registration required
Sundays | September 11 - April 30 | 6:15-8:00pm (Doors open at 6:05pm)
Oasis includes biblical teaching, worship, fellowship, games, testimonies,
small group mentoring, service projects, retreats, leadership development,
socials and conferences. Friends always welcome! No Oasis due to special
events September 25, October 23, 30, November 20, 27,
December 4, 18 & 25.
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STUDENTS.MIDDLE SCHOOL
7TH & 8TH GRADE C.I.A. STUDENT LEADERSHIP & DISCIPLESHIP TEAM
CONNECT with other middle school students, GROW in your faith in Christ,
SHARE HOPE with our world and MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Meet at church to ride
the bus to these events. Friends are always welcome!
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STUDENTS.MIDDLE SCHOOL
LOVE-IN-DEED DAY/ANGENO'S PIZZA BUFFET
Saturday | November 19 | 11:00am-4:30pm | $10
Make a difference with us as we serve God together at Second
Harvest Heartland in Golden Valley, Minnesota. Students will work
together at Minnesotas largest hunger relief food bank on a variety of
jobs such as: sorting, labeling, re-packaging bulk foods into family-sized
portions or hand-packing food boxes that go directly to hungry
children and struggling seniors. Eat a big breakfast before you come,
wear closed-toe shoes and meet at church at 11:00am. You will be
greeted with a muffin and glass of milk before you serve. Debrief will
take place at Angeno's Pizza in Maple Grove with an all you can eat
pizza buffet. Register and pay online by November 7.
Sneak Peak
30 HOUR FAMINE
Friday-Saturday | March 10 - 11
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HIGH SCHOOL 9 12
grade students
Check mgefc.org/highschool or facebook.com/fuelmgefc for the most
up-to-date information and subscribe to our online calendar to have high
school events automatically added to your calendar or smartphone. To
get updates through text message opt-in and text "mgefc" to 292929.
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th
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STUDENTS.HIGH SCHOOL
FUEL PRAYER GATHERING
Monday | December 5 | 6:30-9:00pm |MGEFC Worship Center
You are invited to experience God together with students from FUEL and
other area youth groups as we journey through a time of engaging
worship and an interactive prayer experience you wont want to miss! All
high school students are welcome to attend.
Parent Gathering
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ADULTS.ABF
ADULT BIBLE FELLOWSHIPS [ABFs]
ABFs let you start CONNECTING as family here at MGEFC. In each of our ABFs,
you will have an opportunity to meet and build relationships with other adults
and study Gods Word together. ABFs provide a place to be involved, known
and loved
ABFs are open to anyone who is 18 years of age or older. You will find a mix
of newer attendees and longtime members in each group.
ABFs are offered on Sunday mornings during each worship service. You are
welcome to join a class at any time.
ABF Opportunities
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ADULTS
REDISCOVERY ABF (FOR ALL ADULTS)
Sundays | 10:45am | Youth Room
Come for Bible teaching to GROW in your faith and to CONNECT in
fellowship, prayer and support. Coffee and snacks each week.
CONNECT GROUPS
A great pair of running shoes fits snugly on an athlete actively keeping their
body in shape. In the same way, the Bible reminds us that the church is like a
human body. God designed us to be spiritually healthy and full of vitality. It
takes the right tools like Connect Groups to keep the church in great shape.
Gods plan for us is to CONNECT and fit snugly together as a church family.
Made up of 10-14 people, Connect Groups meet about twice a month in
a relaxed atmosphere to develop caring relationships and GROW in faith
together. They run for approximately 2-3 months with open registrations twice
a year. Check the website for a list of Connect Groups, descriptions, meeting
times, availability and leaders' direct contact information for the groups you
are interested in joining.
Have a heart for GROWING authentic relationships and deepening faith in
others? If so, you may want to consider becoming a Connect Group leader.
Contact: Travis Rosinger / travisr@mgefc.org
Want to start a new connect group of your own? Its simple and easy.
Grab an All In connect group kit on a Sunday morning at the All In table
or MGEFC Information Desk. Gather your neighbors, coworkers, and
friends by inviting them to join your group and register your group
through the All In webpage. Grow by meeting together regularly to
discover through Gods word what it means to be an All In disciple
for Jesus.
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ADULTS
GETTING STARTED AT MGEFC
NEWCOMERS WELCOME LUNCH
MEMBERSHIP
Become a GROWING part of God's family here. We believe God wants each
of us to take the next step spiritually to GROW in our relationship with him
through getting more connected to his body of believers.
Contact: Travis Rosinger / travisr@mgefc.org
DISCOVER MEMBERSHIP
Wednesdays | November 2, 9 & 16 | 6:15-7:45pm | Room 245
Join us for a basic introduction to our church family, meeting our
pastor and staff, and delving into topics like our church values,
statement of faith and what membership means here at MGEFC.
Childcare provided by preregistration. Register online.
MARRIAGE
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ADULTS.WOMEN
MARRIAGE MENTORING
Marriage mentor couples are trained to come alongside other couples
to encourage, teach communication skills, help with conflict resolution
and evaluate strength and growth areas.
MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT
Events specifically designed to enrich and support your marriage are
held throughout the year. Watch the website for upcoming events.
WOMENS MINISTRY
Bible Study
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ADULTS.WOMEN
Special Events
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
Friday | December 2 | 7:00pm | $10
Our annual outreach event prepares our hearts to celebrate the
Christmas season. You are encouraged to invite others to a meaningful
program and worship followed by dessert. The program is free with
unlimited seating. Limited dessert tickets go on sale in November.
Contact: Jen Petersen / brentjenp@gmail.com
WOMEN'S RETREAT
January 20-22 | $175 per person/two women per room
Oak Ridge Hotel & Conference Center Chaska, MN
Join other women for a weekend getaway to CONNECT with each other
and recharge your relationship with God! This years speaker will by Suzie
Umbel, worship leader, Christian CD recorder, and womens bible study
writer. Brochures with additional info will be available in September.
Register online by noon, December 29th, with a non-refundable deposit
of $50 to reserve your spot. Final payment is due January 10, 2017.
MENTORING
Whether mentor or mentee, these intentional relationships are based on
a six-month commitment and are the next step in GROWING as a disciple
of Jesus. If you are already in a mentoring relationship, our mentoring
prayer team would like to cover you in prayer. Contact our ministry to
make a new mentoring connection.
Contact: Gay Hedberg / gay.hedberg@gmail.com
BECOMING WOMEN OF PRAYER
Tuesdays | 9:30-11:00am | Jeanne Laitinen's home
Join other women for a time of prayer and support. You are welcome
to come weekly or drop in whenever you can.
Contact: Jeanne Laitinen / 763.670.2868
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ADULTS.MEN
MOPS
MOMS IN PRAYER
Moms in Prayer impacts children and schools worldwide for Christ by
gathering mothers to pray. The vision is that every school in the world
would be covered in prayer. Groups are available for moms with
children in elementary school, secondary school and college.
To find a group: email / momsinprayer.org
MENS MINISTRY
Men's Ministry desires to help men develop a personal relationship with Christ
and be spiritual leaders in their homes, loving husbands and dedicated
fathers. In today's culture these roles can be challenging and confusing to
live out. We exist to help men GROW and passionately SHARE the love of
Christ. This can best be accomplished through daily Bible study, prayer and
service in an environment that has Christian men holding one another
accountable to live by faith and conviction.
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ADULTS.MEN
Men's Special Events
A great way to meet other men, get CONNECTED and SHARE hope.
MEN'S BREAKFAST
Saturday | October 15 | 8:00-10:00am | $5
Join us for a morning of CONNECTING with other guys, enjoying a
hearty breakfast and learning more about Mens Ministry at MGEFC.
Register online.
Contact: Tom Weibusch / tom.wiebusch@gmail.com
A great place to GROW in your faith through Gods Word and discussion.
BIBLE STUDY
Wednesdays | 6:00am | MGEFC
Join other men as we dive deeper into God's Word to challenge and
encourage one another.
Contact: Geoff Harper / harper2897@comcast.net
BIBLE STUDY
Thursdays | 7:00-8:30am | Perkins, Hwy. 81, Osseo
Thursdays | 9:00-10:30am | Cabela's, Rogers
Join with other men to study God's Word and discuss it together.
Contact: Rob Watlov / robwatlov@earthlink.net
LAMPLIGHTER STUDY
Thursdays | 8:00pm | Barnes & Noble, Maple Grove
Men of all ages are invited to join Lamplighters discipleship study.
Lamplighters is a Christian ministry focused on intentional discipleship.
Contact: Byron Berry / byronrberry@msn.com
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CARE
In this world we will have times of trial which demand great perseverance.
Our Lord Jesus has promised that he will provide the perseverance we need.
Let the MGEFC family come around you in your time of need or shortage.
Join a Care Ministry team in one of the many ways detailed below. Carry
each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
(Galatians 6:2)
For all care needs contact: Becky Swenson / beckys@mgefc.org
CARE CONNECTION
Experiencing a situation or season where you would benefit from the
helping hands of our care ministry team? Some ways we may assist are
with meals, visits, household or home repair help.
VISITATION CARE
Offering prayer, spiritual support and encouragement to those in our
church who are hospitalized or recovering at home.
CARE MEALS
During a time of need, meals may be scheduled. Freezer meals are also
available and may be donated at any time.
FINANCIAL COUNSELING
This ministry provides financial counseling and assessment to help with
budgeting and financial discussions.
BENEVOLENCE
Members or regular attendees facing overwhelming financial hardship
may meet to discuss their situation and the possibility of assistance. There
is an application process for this assistance.
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CARE
GROUP SUPPORT
GRIEFSHARE
Tuesdays | September 13 - December 13 | 6:30pm | Kid Zone | $20
GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside
you through one of lifes most difficult experiences: grieving. Youll gain
access to valuable resources to help you recover from your loss and
rebuild your life. No GriefShare November 22. Register and pay online by
September 6.
PRAYER
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CARE
PRAYER CHAIN PRAYER WARRIORS
Dedicated people from our church pray for the needs of others. You
may join at any time. Prayer requests may be submitted online.
PRAYER SHAWLS
3rd Tuesday of every month | Starting September 20 | 7:00-9:00pm
Judy Mackey's home
Knit or crocheted by loving hands and prayed over the gift of a prayer
shawl blesses those in sorrow and celebration. To request a prayer shawl
or join the team, contact Care Ministry.
ELDER/PASTORAL PRAYER
Pastoral staff and/or elders cover you in prayer and anointing.
PREMARITAL CLASSES
Premarital classes help couples prepare for their marriage with a firm
biblical foundation.
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COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
SHARE hope by being the hands and feet of Jesus in the inner city and in our
own Maple Grove backyard. Get involved with our Community Partnership
events by looking for various opportunities highlighted on a monthly basis
that let us SHARE hope as a church body! To volunteer or find out more
Contact: Jim Hobbs / jimh@mgefc.org
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MISSIONS
The Missions' Leadership Team assists and upholds the church in fulfilling
Christ's Great Commission to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20).
Our goal is to help our congregation:
GROW in vision and passion for missions,
CONNECT with our missionaries and projects, and
SHARE the gospel with all peoples, especially the unreached.
HAITI
Mission Trip | Summer 2017
This team will partner with our Evangelical Free Church missionary, Jen
Blevins, in serving the people of Haiti.
Contact: Bill English / bill@billenglish.org
Please pray for the Evangelical Free Church of Rwanda and Pastor Esron
Maniragaba and his wife Kezia and their family. Pray for Christ-centered
unity and strong leadership in the local church, the church plants
throughout Rwanda and their Christian schools and students.
Contact: Shane Mason / shanermason@gmail.com
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MISSIONS
U.S. BASED PARTNERS
Ryan & Laura Elliot (Cru, OH), Neil & Sue Grindheim (Navigators, CO),
Mike & Linda Gunderson (ReachGlobal, Latin America), Nate & Lori
Johnson (Cru, CO), Bruce Kratky, Brad Lien. Dan Miles (Timber Bay), Dan
& Debby Minell (Heres Life Inner City, New York City, NY), Rob & Jackie
Passer (ReachGlobal, NY, Crisis Response), Charlie & Abbie Schaller (Cru,
IA), Worker with JESUS Film Project (Cru, FL)
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
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STAFF DIRECTORY
MINISTRY STAFF
Senior Staff
Adult Ministry
Care Ministry
Student Ministry
Children's Ministry
Worship Ministry
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Operations
Communication Arts
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