Hope Free Press
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                                                                                                              December 2009 Newsletter
 
In This Issue
Our Vision
Music Ministry Calendar
Ministry Quicklinks
Senior Saints Luncheon
Thank You
Christmas Eve Service
Teens of Hope
White Cross Update
Staff Christmas
Small Groups
Men & Women Bible Studies
Mission Update
Resource Center News
Student Ministries
Kids of Hope
 
 
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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. 
Music Ministry December Calendar
 
Dec 3
Cel Choir 6:45
Dec 6
Full Run Musical Rehearsal  3:15
Dec 6
Teen Choir   5:00
Dec 10
Final Dress Reh  6:45
Dec 11-12
Performance  7pm
Dec 13
Performance  10am
Dec 13
Teen Choir 5:00
Dec 20
Teen Choir  5:00
Dec 21
Teen Choir to Drug Rehab
 

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Helpful Links
Senior Saints Luncheon
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Senior Saints, Tuesday, December 8 at 12 Noon
 
We have enjoyed beautiful Fall weather. Who knows what December will bring? Well, one thing December will bring is another opportunity for Christian fellowship with other people over a great meal. December will also bring the sounds and smells of Christmas. Pastor Ken & Sherie Bergstedt, and Jerry & Judy Wubbena will be presenting the music portion of our time together. Levon Kline will be accompanying us and helping us help you sing some songs as well. Pastor Ken will give devotions too.  Menu: Roast Turkey and Stuffing!  Donation suggested:  $4.  Please call Betty Alexander (815.623.2336) to make your reservation for you and those you are inviting to come with you! {Be sure to leave your phone number when you leave a message in case there is a snow storm that causes us to postpone the meeting!}

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Thank you 
 
Dear Hope Free Family,  Thank you for the flowers that were sent after my surgery.  I appreciate your many thoughts and prayers.  Steve Franzen
 
We want to thank you for the pretty bouquet of flowers, and the many Get Well Prayers. 
Leo is doing well.  We are staying close to home, for fear of germs.  We are flying to Florida, to spend the winter with our son and daughter-in-law, hoping to keep Leo well in the sunshine.  Leo & Leona Battist
 
Dear Hope Free Family, I want to thank you so much for your prayers & for the beautiful flower arrangement I received.  They both meant so much to me.  Also, the visits and cards were greatly appreciated.  I am happy to report things are looking better and I know that God is answering prayers.  Your friend in Christ, Eva Summers
 
Dear Hope Free Family,  Thank you all very much for your prayers for my surgery.  They surely helped as I am home now.  The lovely flowers were a pleasure to see.  Thank you, Carol Stenger
 
Our family wishes to thank the Hope Free friends for their thoughts, prayers and plant.  Also, Pastor Ken for his gracious assistance in planning our memorial service for Vern.  Our family was very impressed in the liberty he gave the family to have their input and thoughts expressed.  Thank you, Ken for a meaningful and excellent presentation of salvation.  Kindly, Mattie Chance and family
 

soldiers 
For the Troops 

A heartfelt thank you for so generously supporting our military.  Because of your giving we were able to fill our soldiers Christmas boxes with quality items.  We sent each one a DVD, a Christmas booklet, batteries, a puzzle book, trail mix and gum.  Also included was a "pocket pal" which is a coin shaped token with a word such as Courage, Hope, Strength, on one side and a Bible verse on the other.
The Roscoe Kiwanis Club gave a $100 donation as well, for which we were so grateful. 
We feel privileged to honor these young men with this gift and know they will appreciate that folks at home support them and pray for them.
Phyllis Larson

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Christmas Eve Service
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Come Celebrate Christmas Eve with us Thursday, December 24 at 4 pm for our Christmas Eve Service.
 
For Unto Us a Child is Born, Unto Us a Son is Given 

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Teens of Hope
 
 
Be praying for our teens and staff as they head off to Drug Rehab for ministry, Tuesday, December 21.
 
 
White Cross Update
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WHITE CROSS UPDATE
Sharon Vinson & Connie Ruden, Coordinators
 
Needs of others throughout the world come to our attention through TouchGlobal Ministries.   Local needs are also brought to our attention.  As a result, the six quilts we finished recently were delivered to Rockford Rescue Mission for their use in the men's and women's crisis centers while additional items are stored for shipping 3-4 times a year  Won't you help us help others?
 
Our December workday is Tuesday, December 1, from 8-12 in Drake Hall so do plan to join us (no workday on the third Saturday this month).  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 come enjoy some fellowship with other willing servants 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 (watch for the sales at JoAnn's)
 
~Gallon storage bags (ziploc style) for dress kits and layettes
 
~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, Bosnia, Romania, Mongolia, and local ministries.     Prov. 31:20


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Staff Christmas
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  Dear Hope Free Family and Friends,
 
During this Christmas holiday season, we are reminded each year that as Christians, we have much to be grateful for. Here at Hope, we now have 8 very qualified staff members to meet our ministry needs, including 4 pastors, 2 Office staff, a Music Director, and a Director for Children's Ministries. Each of these individuals works diligently throughout the week in their respective areas to keep our church functioning in the way that God intended.
 
In recognition of their dedicated service, we (the Elder Board) would like to combine our resources this year as a church family and provide a financial Christmas gift to each member of the staff. With a suggested contribution of $25 per family we can collectively provide a meaningful, specific gift amount for each individual.  The success of this effort however, depends on the active participation of everyone whom God has blessed with the ability to contribute. Please prayerfully consider the importance of your gift.
 
Checks can be made payable to HEFC with "Staff Christmas gift" on the memo line and placed in the green envelopes available in the hymnal racks for the next few weeks, and a box for collection will be located in the narthex for your convenience. Our intent is to distribute all gifts on Sun, Dec 20th.  
 
In His Service, The Elders
 
"Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share."  1 Timothy 6:18 NASB
 

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"Canticle of Christmas"

Fri, Dec 11  7pm   Sat, Dec 12  7pm
Sun, Dec 13  10am
 
Invitations available at the Information Center!
 
 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 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!

 anderson gardens long 
 
2 favors ...
1- We need some help with serving and cleanup following our final dress rehearsal on Thursday evening, Dec 10.
2- 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 saved closer to Him. 
 
Thank you - The Celebration Choir

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Small Groups - Winter/Spring, 2010Small Group

If you are interested in an evangelistic Bible study, we will have an opportunity to participate starting in January.  If you have a non-Christian friend, coworker, neighbor who you would like to go through a study with in a Bible study format, we will have numerous options for going through "10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible" DVD study.  The whole Bible is one story.  It begins in a garden, ends in a city and all the way through it points us to Jesus Christ
 
The "Keys" will open up the story of the Garden where God introduces Himself, and tells us who we are.  We'll learn about the disaster in the garden and its effects on our lives today.  Then we will follow the Old Testament story, discovering how right through human history God has been reaching out to men and women, making a way for us to know Him, and inviting us to come.
 
The "Keys" will also open up the story of Jesus, exploring his birth, death and resurrection.  We will discover who the Holy Spirit is, and see what God intends the church to be.   Then we will take an honest look at the Christian life; the struggle that every Christian experiences, and the power that God makes available to us.   Finally, we'll take a glimpse at the highest peak of all, - the new creation that God has promised when Jesus Christ returns in glory.
 
But for those who are new to the Bible, or want a quick overview of the Christian faith, this is the place to begin.


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Winter 2010 Bible Studies
 
Finding Your Greater Yes! greater yes
By Dr. Dan Erickson
 
FOR MEN
Offered:  Wed. evenings         6:45 -8:15 pm     
Beginning January 6 to March 31, 2010
Cost: $13.00  for book and workbook
           OR $4 for just the workbook     
 
Life is too short to waste it by succeeding at things that don't really matter. Learn how to lead a life that echoes in eternity and to discover your God-given potential and destiny. You can live a life that stands out and demands an explanation. Unlock your potential today.

 
 
Experiencing God:
Knowing and Doing the Will of GodExperiencing God
by Henry Blackaby, Richard Blackaby and Claude King
 
FOR MEN & WOMEN
Offered:  Wednesday  7:00 - 8:30pm       
10 weeks   Jan. 13 - March 17
Cost:   $16.00  
Homework: 45 minutes, 5 days/week
Separate men's and women's discussion groups and whole group DVD viewing.
 
     Over the years God has used the truths of Experiencing God to awaken believers to a radically God-centered way of life.  As a result, millions have come to know God intimately, to recognize His voice, and to understand His will for their lives.
     God is inviting you to experience Him in an intimate love relationship through which He reveals to you His will, His ways, and His work.  Through the biblical principles in this course, God can teach you how to -
                               know when He is speaking to you
                               recognize His activity around you
                               adjust your life to Him and His ways
                               identify what He wants to do through you
                               respond to His activity in your life
     When you recognize where God is working you can join Him in what He is doing.  Then you will experience God doing through you what only He can do.
 

Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed:
A Study in the Life of DavidAnointed

By Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore and Kay Arthur
 
FOR WOMEN 
Offered:  Wed. morning  9:00-11am      
              Wed. evenings 6:45 -8:30 pm     
Both offered for 7 weeks  -  Feb. 3 - Mar. 17
Cost:$14.00                                      
Homework:  30 minutes, 5 days/week
 
     At the 2007 Deeper Still event, three women explored their lives and the life of David. Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed: A Study of David contains the video portions of the Deeper Still conference featuring Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, and Kay Arthur.
     You'll laugh with them, cry with them, and learn to love God with them. These authors' messages are divided into three segments, two lessons each. Each segment focuses on the life of David at a different stage of his life: as a young man (by Pricilla Shirer), as a middle-aged man (by Beth Moore), and as a man facing the final third of his life (by Kay Arthur).

 
 
5 Conversations You Must Have With anderson gardens longYour Daughter
by Vicky Courtney
 
FOR WOMEN
Offered: Wednesday Mornings 9: 00 - 11 AM    
6 weeks   Feb. 3 - Mar. 10
Cost:  $12.00
    
     Time to talk to your daughter about some tough topics? Looking for Scripture to help guide those conversations? Let's talk about the culture's lies - and God's take on issues girls face every day. Let's talk about what you need to be saying to your daughter and how to keep those conversations going.
 
This Bible study is for moms of daughters from the cradle to college. This six-session group experience will help you discover God's take on critical issues. Learn from Vicki Courtney and other moms who've been there. From growing up too fast to online chat rooms, Vicki covers the hot-button issues you're sure to face and gives you tools to navigate the land mines with confidence.




Mom to Mom - Heart TalkMom to Mom
FOR WOMEN
Offered:  Wed  9 - 11 AM  
7 sessions   Feb. 3 to March 17
Cost: $16.00 for book

     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.
   
 
 
Nursery Care provided Wednesday morning for infants up to Kindergarten. 
 
 
 
***Visit the registration table Sun. mornings, Dec. 6, 20, and 27. Dec. 27 is the last day to register for Experiencing God & Finding Your Greater Yes! Jan 3 & 10 are additional sign-up dates for all other studies. Not considered registered until your Bible study book is paid for***


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Mission Update
 
   There is an opportunity presenting itself and it may be something you would be interested in.  If you have a tape measure, a pair of tin snips and enjoy the feel of a pencil tucked above your ear there are a couple of apartments in North Carolina in need of new roofs.  Ken Ruge is looking for volunteers through Wycliffe Associates to roof the dwelling units of retired missionaries.
    Last year Norm Hansing, Dan Meyer, and I spent a week on that JAARS campus roofing six dwelling units.  We worked with ten new friends from around the country.  It was a privilege and a blessing to serve these missionary couples who have given their lives to the service of spreading the gospel overseas.
    If you have thought about serving in a missions project and you think there is joy in serving the Lord on a roof please consider setting aside your choice of 5-14 days in March.  Your dwellings will be comfortable apartments and you'll love the warmer weather of the southern climate.
    Please consider getting in touch with the missions board so we can begin coordinating schedules.  Who knows, this may be the time to find out if God has gifted you in this service area. Marshall Newhouse
 
 

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Resource Center News
We are excited to start adding brand-new resources to our shelves again, after being on a spending freeze for over a year!  We won't be ordering as much as we used to for budget reasons, so we would still appreciate your donations (especially for recently published resources).
 
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll see on the "New Arrivals" shelf in December:
 
Fiction:     
·         Sinner (Paradise Novel #3) by Ted Dekker
·         Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes (Sisterchicks Series #8) by Robin Jones Gunn
·         Seventh Day (A.D. Chronicles Series #7) by Brock & Bodie Thoene
·         Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury
 
Non-Fiction:
·         Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide and Companion for Every Single Parent by David & Lisa Frisbie
 
Juvenile:  
·         Gigi, God's Little Princess Treasury by Sheila Walsh
·         The Tallest of Smalls by Max Lucado
·         Runaway (Starlight Animal Rescue Series #1) by Dandi Daley Mackall
·         Mad Dog (Starlight Animal Rescue Series #2) by Dandi Daley Mackall
·         Wild Cat (Starlight Animal Rescue Series #3) by Dandi Daley Mackall
·         Dark Horse (Starlight Animal Rescue Series #4) by Dandi Daley Mackall
 
DVD:         
·         Love Takes Wing (Love Comes Softly Series #7)
·          Love Finds a Home (Love Comes Softly Series #8)
·         Abe and the Amazing Promise (Veggie Tales Series)

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Student Ministries

     
As we depart the "Thanksgiving Season" let's keep the momentum for an "attitude of gratitude" going right on through into the new year! Christmas is just as much a time to be thankful as thanksgiving is. As we pause to give thanks, let's remember that God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it but to save (Jn 3:17)! To say that the most important, eternally significant and humanly meaningful gift you can give this Christmas is an introduction to Jesus would be a ginormous understatement! Let's truly give the gift this Christmas and intentionally pursue someone with God's Love.  
    
Please remember to keep our student ministry teams in prayer this month, our leaders and our leaders in training. Here's what's up and coming:
 
DEC:
we are wrapping up our intense look into Biblical worship and will have a few copies of Return To Worship available in the Upper Room for devotionals.
 
JAN-FEB:
we are beginning our 2 months of holiness which will include: study questions and discussion from the book Worldliness, some guest speakers (interested adults should contact pastorandy@hefc.net), a "holiness" retreat, a media fast (yay!), a food fast (even better!), a special emphasis on Sanctity of Human Life Sunday (that week), and lots of prayer. Much time will be given during these two months focusing our hearts and minds on applying Biblical worship, purity, our holy priesthood and immersing ourselves in prayer and in the Word.
 22-24 JAN:
is beginning to look good for our winter high school student retreat at Cascades. The cost is going to be right around $120.00 a head and includes everything. 
 
FEB:
we are already discussing plans for BUMP 2010 and some discussion has been given to fun-filled night Sunday 14 FEB. That's right - Valentine's Day is on a Sunday night this year and we may want to take advantage of it as a student ministries to plan something special for our parents (and others who may want to contribute to each student participating in BUMP in 2010). If you could help and/or would like to participate we need everything from talent to food organizers. Please consider it.
 
God bless our students - they need spiritually mature adults who will spend at least as much time with them as they spend at school, with "friends", or working! Let us pray diligently for them! Love, Andy

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Crossroad Junior High Youth Group Blog 

 

freeway

 

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kidsofH
Biblical Virtue to Pray for our Kids - This month let us pray that our children will be generous.  "Grant that my children may be generous and willing to share, and so lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age." (1 Tim 6:18-19)
  
We are in need of dedicated substitute teachers for the preschool area during the flu season. We are currently in need of someone in the 2 year old room during the 10:30 service for the rest of November.  If you can help in this area, contact Chris Fosler at 815-636-9428.
  
Worship for Kids is looking for two people who are willing to shepherd a group of kids each Sunday.  You will be assigned a consistent group of children to be with.  Call Candy Tichgelaar at 815-540-9238 for more information.
 
If you are willing to help in the nursery for one of the Choir Concert performances on (December 11, or 12 at 7:00pm) or for the Christmas Eve service (December 24 at 4:00 pm) call the church office or drop Vera an email at vera@hefc.net

 
AWANAAWANA
      It is hard to believe we are in the second quarter already at AWANA.  We had a successful game night on November 13th with parents and clubbers joining us for some games and great food.  Thank you to all who were able to attend.  It's wonderful for the clubbers to see their leaders attend these outreach events.  It's an excellent opportunity for leaders to connect with those parents who come each Monday.  As second quarter draws to an end, we will continue to focus on God's truth and sharing the gospel message with the clubbers.
    The Sparks have been focusing on learning the value of obedience, the power of trusting God and how to run the race of life with purpose.  God's word tells us in 1 Corinthians 9:23-26:  Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last: but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
    We collected cans and food items for our local pantry.  Thank you to all the parents and clubbers for their thoughtful contributions.
    Our Cubbies Director, Mrs. Steege, mentioned our Christmas Project in her November letter.  We have already begun collecting for some needy, school families in our community.  We are asking our AWANA families to grab a tag from our Christmas trees located at the registration tables of each club.  These tags have a variety of items listed on them.  Needy families have listed some of what they need.  The needs range from snowsuits to toy items.  The ages of the children are listed on each of the gift tags.  The collecting will end on December 14th.  Thank you in advance for your contributions.  We realize that times are tough and we are thankful for all of our Awana families who are graciously giving.
     Christmas Break will begin December 21st through January 3rd.  We will have club on the 4th of January.  Have a wonderful Christmas celebrating our Savior's birth, God's promise to save mankind from their sin.
      In His precious name,  Amy Hill  Director of Sparks

awana



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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