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Hope Free Press
November 2009 Newsletter |
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| Joy by Pastor Ken Bergstedt |
 Where does your joy come from?
Would it help you to answer this by finishing a phrase?
I am happiest when...
I am happy today because...
Part of my pastoral responsibility is to spend time with people when things aren't exactly wonderful. I go to them to encourage them, pray with them, and hopefully leave them better than when I came. Often I find in the midst of really difficult times Christians are still joyful. Not like the saying "ignorance is bliss" but they have inner joy unrelated to the difficult time. Where does this joy come from?
Perhaps a glimpse into a visit with a family who has just had a loved one promoted to heaven will help answer this. After discussing the plans for the Memorial Service, talk moves toward sharing memories of recent events and of personal history with the one who has gone to glory. Some time during this meeting someone will say, "I don't know how people get through this if they don't know Jesus." We grieve, indeed we do. But not like those who have no hope!
Zophar in replying to Job in chapter 20 verse 5 says "that the mirth of the wicked is brief, the joy of the godless lasts but a moment." That's because the godless' answer to where their joy comes from points toward things temporary in nature. When what made them happy disappears or the situation changes to something bad, they lose their joy.
If your joy comes from something or Someone that is unchangeable and unaffected by the temporary, you have an inner resource to get through those difficult times. For instance, I am meeting with the people of Hope who have lost their job. Months have gone by and even after many interviews and applications, no job offer has come. Times are tough. You know that unemployment numbers are high. I talked to a company president who had to reduce his workforce by 70% in the past year and a half. How do you have joy in your inner being in this stressful time?
The solution is to turn to your loving Heavenly Father. Pray Psalm 85: 4 "Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul." Find out the truth of Nehemiah's words of encouragement to people who had just heard Ezra read and explain the Laws of God and were pretty discouraged at their nation's failure to obey. Nehemiah said, "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10)
That's where the joy comes from. It comes from the Father. And so do what it takes to refocus your attention to Him and not to yourself. They grieved at the reading of the Law because it showed them their sins. Nehemiah said you can keep on focusing on your inability to be perfectly righteous in your own strength, or you can turn your thoughts toward the Lord and depend on Him to get you through. I am thankful I have a Heavenly Father like that. Aren't you?
Happy Thanksgiving! |
| Senior Saints |
 Senior Saints will meet Tuesday, November 10 at Noon
You are invited to join us for our monthly luncheon. Senior citizens and those who do not want to be labeled such come together for good food, friendly fellowship and inspirational music. Invite some friends to come with you. Or come and make some new friends with others who share your history.
While this month will see many turkeys on tables for Thanksgiving, we're having beef stew and biscuits! (If you are disappointed, come back in 28 days!) All we ask is for a $4 donation.
Professions of Faith - male singing group will be inspiring us with their songs. Pastor Ken will share a devotional. He also has some touched up photos of your childhood heroes who have aged since you saw them last to share with you.
Call Betty Alexander (815.623.2336) by Friday, November 6th to make your reservation so the cooks will know how much food to purchase.
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Women of Hope |
Living Above the Line
Morning Seminar 9-11 am
Saturday, November 21
Taught by Pam MacRae, Associate Professor of Women's MInistries Pastoral Studies at Moody Bible Institute
Would people around you say you have a strong personality? Or perhaps a quiet one? Do you find yourself frustrated because you just want peace but there is a person you have a relationship with who just loves to confront every difficult issue head on.
Understanding how we relate to others - and how others are wired to relate to us helps us know how to most effectively work and live together. Why do our greatest strengths have the potential to also be our greatest weakness. Can we learn to thrive in relationships where we relate to one another in a profoundly different way.. Leadership Above the Line teaches principles that are very easy to understand which inform us not only how to lead well, but live in all relationships well. You will learn strategies that will help you maximize your strengths, understand your weaknesses, and learn how to work with people whose weaknesses clash with your strengths! This information is useful for every one of your relationships.
Everyone is welcome and it is FREE!!
We do ask that you sign up in the Narthex so we can prepare enough materials for everyone attending.
Have you ever been overwhelmed with the isolation of being home with your young children? Do you feel sometimes that you really don't know how to be a good wife and mom?
Beginning in February 2010, Hope will be launching a new ministry to Moms! Mom to Mom is a ministry rooted in God's directive found in Titus 2:3-4: "Teach the older women to...teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children." Mom to Mom will provide quality instruction in parenting, small group discussion and the opportunity to interact with "mentor moms." It will be a safe place for committed Christians, new believers and seekers to learn what God's Word has to say to them as moms.
We'll learn a lot but there won't be a lot of homework for our busy moms other than things to think about and put into practice in our families. We'll meet on Wednesday mornings and childcare for infant and preschool children will be available.
Watch for more information coming soon!
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| Music Minsitry |
"Canticle of Christmas"
Fri, Dec 11 7pm Sat, Dec 12 7pm
Sun, Dec 13 10am
Invitations available later this month!
The traditional Christmas story...central to what we as Christians believe - but to the unbeliever it likely seems more of a fairy tale filled with wonderful, but somehow unrealistic events: a virgin who bears a child; angelic visitations; a mysterious new star appearing in the sky; kings from lands afar following the star, kneeling among animals and presenting a peasant child with priceless gifts; a baby who will bring peace to the whole world?
Mark your calendars now! Whom will you invite?
Canticle of Christmas is an enjoyable Christmas Concert based on the incredible & true story of the birth of the Christ child. "Canticle" simply means "song". As the story is woven, you will hear the song of the nativity- Mary, Joseph & the baby Jesus... You'll hear the song of the prophets - the shepherds and angels- the song of the Magi from the East who came to Jerusalem in search of the Messiah... All of these groups of people were part of God's promise and plan directed toward a world in turmoil. Each group responded to the birth of this Savior called Jesus.
We ask that you be praying even now about whom you will invite! We deliberately arranged the schedule to include Friday night, Saturday night and only one presentation on Sunday morning for the purpose of making it "guest" friendly and allowing you to plan a total experience of fellowship with the guests you invite. It's certainly okay to invite believers, as we all need to be reminded of the truth of God's purpose and plan, especially in a world that likes to take the "Christ" out of Christmas.... But make a real effort to plan an evening out with unbelieving friends in your midst. They probably have already heard the general "story" regarding the basics of the birth of a baby in the manger - but do they know what it means? Here lies their opportunity to find out - and the experience will certainly be enjoyable!
Reach out to your families, friends, co-workers and neighbors! Consider inviting them to this year's Christmas Concert! After the concert, maybe have a meal or dessert at your home with your guests to fellowship and celebrate what God has done for us!
3 favors ...1- We need 2 people to handle childcare during a Sunday afternoon, Nov 29th rehearsal from 3:00-5:00. 2- We need some help with serving and cleanup following our final dress rehearsal on Thursday evening, Dec 10. 3- Will you continue to pray for this event - for all aspects of it; staffing, production, childcare, advertising, that God will begin to work in the hearts of those He wants to hear the message even now, so when you ask your guests they will be ready say yes? It is our desire to be used by God to draw those who are lost to Him, and to draw those of us who are already His closer to Him.
Thank you - The Celebration Choir
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 Hope Free Church
Our vision is to be a church whose passion for God gives rise to a heart for the lost and is
demonstrated by our love for one another.
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Helpful Links
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A Note of Thanks
Dear Hope Family, Thank you so much for my beautiful flowers they made my day and thank you for your prayer for my surgery. Love, Abby Curtis
To Our (My) Great Church Family!! Thank you for all your prayers, the wonderful flowers, and caring card. In Him, Tammy Atterbury
Dear Hope Family, Thank you for the beautiful cut flowers. The lilies were just gorgeous. Such beautiful colors. Also, I want to thank you for all your prayers and cards. I am doing really well, but handwriting I need to work on more. In Christ, Ruth Leisure
Pastor Ken & Hope friends, Thank you for the ways you invest your life in the lives of others. Thank you for your kind thoughts and generosity in our time of grief. Kim & Ed Conley & family
To my dear Hope Free Family, Praise God from whom all blessings flow ! The past spring and summer were long, difficult and different than past ones. I have a new appreciation for God's words, "Be still and know that I am God". When He says something, He really means it. I want to thank each of you for your faithful prayers for my health and also for my family. The reason I know you prayed is that God gave me such a sense of peace during very trying times, that I can't begin to explain. I also appreciated so much the cards you sent. They were not only beautiful and thoughtful, but you'll never know how so many of them came at just the perfect time. After I first came home in May, the church sent a wonderful food basket. It arrived on May 18th, and I went back into the hospital on May 19th. After I finally really got home (the 19th of August), I received a beautiful floral arrangement. It lasted about 2 and 1/2 weeks and I enjoyed the flowers daily.
God has blessed me in so many ways! I've met many Christians who are definitely not afraid to tell of their "Jesus". This opened the door for great conversations. I only pray that I will be as bold as they were. Thank you again. God is good all the time and in so many ways. You are blessed and a blessing. In Christ,
Linda Mitchell
Dear Hope Free Family, Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers and all the cards that I received after surgery. I am recuperating well. Rosemary Hansing
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| Operation Christmas Child |
Christmas is about sharing the gift of God's Son, Jesus Christ, with the world. You can share His love with needy children in Honduras, Kosovo, or another country by taking part in Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse--the Christian ministry led by Franklin Graham, the son of Dr. Billy Graham. More than 7.7 million hurting children experienced the joy of Christmas in 2008 as Samaritan's Purse distributed boxes in some 100 countries. Help spread His love and peace to a world in need by being part of this special Christmas project by filling a shoe box with small toys, school supplies, and other little gifts. Brochures are available at the Welcome Center, the old narthex, Drake Fellowship Hall and the church office. The brochure will give you all the necessary information on how to pack a shoe box gift. New this year, you can follow your shoe box gift by using EZ Give. Make your donation online by using a credit or debit card and then print out the EZ Give label included in your e-mail receipt. The barcode on the label will allow the shoe box to be tracked. When the shoe boxes are shipped overseas, you will receive an email telling you the destination of your gift. Hope Evangelical Free will be serving as a Relay Center for the surrounding community. Shoe boxes can be dropped off at the Samaritan's Purse table on Sunday mornings or during Collection week, November 16-22. Relay Center collection hours Monday-Thursday (Nov 16-19) 12:00-2:00 p.m. Friday (Nov. 20) 12:00 -3 p.m. Sat. (Nov. 21) 11 a.m. -2 p.m. Sun (Nov. 22) 12:00-2 p.m. Any questions can be directed to Jaime Johnson @ 815-623-7859. You can also visit the Samaritan's Purse website at www.samaritanspurse.org.
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| WHite Cross Update |
By: Sharon Vinson & Connie Ruden, Coordinators  Someone will soon be blessed by the items shipped to TouchGlobal Ministries in mid-October. The boxes weighed 304 pounds and were filled with many layettes, quilts, knit baby hats, surgical linens, and other donated items. In fact, there were 218 layettes and 21 quilts in this shipment!! Thanks for any part you played in this gift to the needy throughout the world. We certainly appreciate any of the designated offerings for White Cross to cover the shipping costs of $2.50 lb.
Our November workdays are Tuesday, November 3, and Saturday, November 21, from 8-12 in Drake Hall so do plan to join us. We'll be tying quilts, cutting out dresses for the dress kits, cutting materials for receiving blankets and quilt tops, etc. Just bring your scissors and your servant's heart. An additional blessing is the fellowship with other willing workers for Jesus.
Our needs this month include:
Blankets & mattress pads for inside of quilts
Lightweight flannel for receiving blankets
Rickrack, bias tape, thread, small scissors, pins & needles to include in the dress kits
Gallon storage bags (ziploc style)
Sheets, sheets, & more sheets for quilt backs (flat, any color) We look forward to seeing many workers make a difference in God's kingdom as we try to supply for the needs of those in Congo, Tanzania, Cameroon, Bosnia, Romania, Mongolia, and more. We continue to deliver items to local ministries as the need arises.
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| Music Calendar Dates |
Celebration Choir Rehearsal
Thurs at 6:50 except Nov 26
Sunday, Nov 29th 3:00pm Canticle of Christmas Full Rehearsal
Teen Choir
Sunday, Nov1, 8, 15 & 29 5:00
Note: There is no Teen Choir on November 22 | |
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| Men of Hope Ministries |
Men's Retreat 2009 Recap
On October 23-24 - we were blessed by having Dan Erickson speak at our Men's Retreat. He also delivered the Sunday message. We were taught many things that should benefit the body here at Hope, as well as our families and our men. What are some of the things we learned?
1. We should not fear failure - we should fear being successful at things that don't matter. What are we pursuing being successful at?
2. God will not judge us for where we are at, but He will judge us for what we refuse to become. What are we refusing to do or become for God?
3. Our condition or circumstances do not define us, they refine us. Do you let your circumstances define you or refine you?
4. We all too often find our significance in what we do, not who we know. Do you place your significance in your job, your reputation, or in God and what He has done for you?
5. Excuses are the crutch for the uncommitted. Ouch!
6. Greatness is the ability to descend in humility.
7. We act too often like eagles in a cage, sitting on a branch. Use the branch to propel into our potential and ministry for the Kingdom of God.
8. If you had all the resources in the world and complete freedom to fail, what would you do? Hint: We already have the same resources that raised Jesus from the dead, created the heavens and the earth - what are we afraid of?
 
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| Missions Update |
 Has not the LORD Almighty determined that the people's labor is only
fuel for the fire, that the nations exhaust themselves for nothing?
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the
LORD, as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:13-14
Though Jim and Merry Carole Backstrom have been involved in both international and local missions for over 35 years, the truth of this passage has been revealed to them in a new and powerful way as they have sought God and followed His calling to new territory....Malaysia!
When many of their friends are retiring, Jim and Merry Carole (in their 60's with their adopted son, James, from China) have ventured out to tend to the harvest the Heavenly Father has prepared for them (a harvest of unreached people groups, specifically Muslims). In venturing out, Jim and Merry Carole have come to recognize two agendas or causes we can live for: 1) a worldly agenda of pursuing temporal riches- fuel for God's fire, or 2) God's kingdom agenda of filling the earth with the knowledge of God's glory through making the message of redemption through Jesus Christ known (see 2 Cor. 4:5-6).
The Backstroms are fully aware that He has called each of us to different countries and peoples that WILL come to be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord - these often "dark" places and people all around the world will one day experience the powerful glory of God. This revelation has been a genuine encouragement for the Backstroms as they affirm why they are living in a foreign culture, struggling with difficult languages, striving to make disciples of the Most High, and planting churches where His truth will be made known.
Please praise with them that:
* They made it to Malaysia and are experiencing rich and challenging opportunities for growth as they learn yet another new language and interact with and build meaningful relationships with the unreached
* God is faithful in teaching them how to move forward in becoming humble ambassadors
Please pray with Jim and Merry Carole that:
* God would clarify their vision and strategy
* Strategic relationships would form and grow with those the Lord brings to them
* God would work mightily in the heart of James (their teenage adopted son)
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| Student Ministries |
 What happened to summer? In fact, what happened to Autumn? Something tells me we won't be saying the same thing about winter!
What a tremendous privilege it was to pray publicly for our students, schools, teachers, administrators and country at SYATP! About 50 students at Hononegah and 30 at RMS showed up to pray (and eat doughnuts!)
What an eye-opener (or, rather, ear-opener) to have Laurie Higgins from the Illinois Family Institute (IFI) here for discussion. We continue to give thanks that God has His people everywhere doing His kingdom work. Hope student ministries continues to be in prayer that Christ-followers throughout the stateline area will rise up with one voice and pray together - speaking the truth in love.
More eye-popping, ear-opening, brain overloading fun is just around the corner: Worldview weekend's Code Blue Rally is coming to 1st Free in Rockford Sunday night, November 22! This is for all our student ministries (middle and high school) and one to bring your friends to - this one will make you think! Meet at the church building at 3 pm, mingle with the student ministries of Freeport (Martintown), eat some pizza, then road trip with us down to Rockford! We will return to the church building no later than 9:45 pm (parents if you'd like to pick up your student earlier - you will find us at Culver's by 9 pm). We will need drivers - so please contact Pastor Andy or Ed Moreland if you can help - no Smartcars®, please! : )
Our very own "Narrow Road" band will be assisting us in a great night of family  thanksgiving and food, Saturday night, 6-8 pm, November 21.
Here's what the flyer says:
· A good old-fashioned family "potluck" - bring your friends, neighbors or maybe just someone who doesn't have family and may not get to experience a truly "thankful" Thanksgiving!
· Everybody bring a main dish, last names A-M a salad/side, N-Z a dessert.
· An excellent time of family praise, thanksgiving, prayer and testimonies to the wonders of God's faithfulness! (Ephesians 4:4-6 and 5:19,20)
This is an all-student ministries event (middle and high school) and families (please include grandparents and little ones)! The sign up and what to bring is in the foyer of the main auditorium so please get going on this and help us get a head count! From 6-8 we will be eating, singing, praying and sharing with each other how good God is - you don't want to miss this! Contact Pastor Andy for details 507-202-2422, pastorandy@hefc.net.
Please remember to keep our exciting Wednesday night discussion on creation science, our student leadership training and our teen choir in prayer!   |
| Kids of Hope |
 Biblical Virtue to Pray for our Kids This month let us pray that our children will have Biblical self-esteem and be Content. "Help my children develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the realization that they are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:10) and "Father, teach my children the secret of being content in any and every situation, through Him who gives them strength" (Phil. 4:12-13)
 Nursery changes In an attempt to pass along as few germs as possible, we have begun disinfecting the nurseries and preschool rooms each time they are used during the week. Thank you to the 5 families who have volunteered to do this important task. We have also stored a lot of the toys behind closed doors. They are still available to play with but we will be able to get out clean toys between services. 
People from Hope passed out approximately 1,700 evangelistic tracts on October 31st. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will move people to read them and respond.
Awana Club night is a fun-filled evening of singing praises, playing games, learning Bible stories/truths from the Bible, memorizing scripture, eating snacks, as well as craft activities and puppets (for the little ones). If you have a child, grandchild, neighbor, friend etc. between pre-school (3yrs and potty-trained) and 6th grade, that you think would enjoy our program, it's not too late to sign up! We meet on Monday evenings from 6:30pm until 8:00pm. Come and check it out!
Coming up this month we have a special "Costume" theme night on Monday November 2nd, so be creative and come dressed as your favorite character, sports star, bible figure, professional, hero, etc. We are discouraging scary or evil-looking costumes. 
Mark your calendars for Friday November 13 as Awana is hosting a special "Family Game Night" here at church, where we will enjoy dinner together and then play some fun interactive large group games! There will be sign-ups at club for this event.
And lastly, as we go into the Thanksgiving season with grateful hearts for how God has blessed us, we are inviting the clubbers to bring a canned/boxed food item (or a few) to club with them on Monday November 23 for our "Harvest/Share Night", so that we can bless those less fortunate in our community by donating these needed food items to a local pantry. Thank you!
In December's newsletter look for information regarding our Christmas Service Project!
Serving in Christ,
Vicky Steege, Awana Cubbies Director
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| Moms In Touch |
 Arise! Cry Out!
A Worldwide Day of Extraordinary Prayer for Children & Schools
November 14, 2009, 9am -1pm
AT Life Church Offices, 11447 2nd St., Roscoe, IL 61073
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New Life Bible Church, 2285 Hoisington Rd, Winnebago, IL 61088
Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at the head of every street. Lamentations 2:19
Join women around the world on November 14 for Arise! Cry Out!, a worldwide day of extraordinary prayer for children and schools.
This generation is in desperate need of our Loving Father. Will you join us in praying for the children of our community and those around the world?
Imagine women in hundreds of locations throughout the United States and in countries around the world praying in one heart for God to bring repentance, restoration and revival to the children in our own communities and those around the world.
Imagine the impact our prayers could have throughout our schools, throughout our communities, throughout our world and throughout the generations.
Make plans now to attend at either Life Church Offices in Roscoe OR New Life Bible Church in Winnebago, and register at www.MomsInTouch.org.
Celebrating 25 years of praying for children and schools, Moms In Touch International is hosting this historic prayer event inviting women around the world to Arise! Cry Out! for the generations. This time of prayer will be facilitated by a professional DVD, created from the Live Event in San Diego on October 9 and 10.
Fern Nichols, the founder and president of Moms In Touch International, will inspire women to pray purposefully and passionately for our children. Pastor Miles McPherson (of Miles Ahead Ministries and pastor of the 3,500-seat Rock Church in San Diego) along with the worship team Crimson Bridge will encourage us in our time of crying out to the Lord for the transformation of this generation to truly know and love our Lord Jesus Christ.
Women, you don't want to miss this powerful time of praying corporately and in small groups for our children and schools. All women, from teens on up, are invited to attend. (Praying out loud is voluntary.)
To register, visit the Moms In Touch International website at www.MomsInTouch.org. For questions or more information please call Cathy Dobson, 815.624.2973.
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