April 2020
Brief note from me:

Friends, here we are. As of this writing, it looks like the month of April is shaping up to be the “fight” – where we’re likely to see the greatest number of infections and, sadly, the most fatalities. But yet it also may be our finest hour. Because just as we never expected this crisis to happen, this month we celebrate what a ragtag group of disciples also never expected to happen – the resurrection of their crucified King!

As I have scoured the internet over the past few Sundays watching your online church services, I can’t help but offer this plea to you: Save every single recording . Save all of them. Save them, to someday play for your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Let them see how you preached boldly to an empty auditorium. Let them see how you stared confidently into the camera in a living room because you were locked down in your house. Let them hear the thunder in your voice and feel the conviction in your bones as you steadied fearful hearts and wavering souls. Let them see that nothing stops the gospel going forth. Let them understand the stock from which they were born. 

We have offered several opportunities (so far) to connect over Zoom, as you see below. We will likely add more, so please forgive our many attempts to keep you in the loop. And know that our EFCA West team is here for you in these unprecedented times. We will get through this, you will get through this , and the Church will emerge stronger than ever!

Much Love,

Tim Jacobs
District Superintendent
EFCA West


Wednesday, April 1 - 10:00am(PDT), 11:00am(MDT)
Seizing Opportunity in Unpredictable Times
Hosted by Chris Brown, North Coast Church, Vista CA
*Register   HERE
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Tuesday, April 7 - 11am(PDT), 12pm(MDT)
Creative Children's Ministry Ideas
Hosted by Joseph Gutierrez, Family Ministry Pastor at Southwest Community Church, Indian Wells, CA
*Register   HERE
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Tuesday, April 7 - 2pm(PDT), 3pm(MDT)
Keeping Students Engaged in a Locked-Down World
Hosted by Mike Szoradi, Executive pastor of Students and Families at Compass Church in Goodyear, AZ
*Register   HERE
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
We're still moving forward with our biennial gathering on June 18-19 at North Coast Church in Vista, CA.

This gathering is not just for pastors or pastoral staff. Elders, deacons, volunteer ministry leaders, and anyone who provides ministry oversight in your local church will find the general sessions and workshops helpful.
EFCA WEST CELEBRATIONS
Howard & Janet Grobstein
Howard and his wife Janet have been on the mission field for 13 years and are currently serving with Pioneers International Mission in Chihuahua Mexico planting deaf churches. Howard obtained his EFCA Ministry License in 2017 and now we celebrate that he's obtained his Certificate of Ordination. Congratulations Howard and thank you for bring the good news to the deaf of Mexico.
SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT
Corona Virus Edition
Bob Osborne
Director of Church Health

It’s been a busy month for you, and it’s been a busy month for us at EFCA West, too. The last thing you need is for someone to prompt you to talk about anything other than the COVID19 crisis impacting you, our churches, our communities and our world.

So talk about COVID19. Talk about how to care for your flock, care for your community and live out the gospel as we navigate the uncertainties ahead with faith, hope and love. May our action glorify Him.

And know that EFCA West remains committed to the ministry of strengthening churches and their leadership communities. Watch for upcoming COVID19 updates on Facebook and our website, www.efcawest.org . Please let us know how we might serve you.

Let us know if we can help and how your conversation goes . Contact Bob Osborne
BETTER TOGETHER: What is a Normal Church Network?

It is an interactive, facilitated conversation about the issues the attendees want to talk about. Each session will be limited to 20 participants from churches averaging less than 250 in worship services each week. We will collaborate in picking the topics to be addressed and in addressing them.  There is no keynote speaker or canned presentations – you and the issues you are facing will be our only focus. Sign up today!

  • April 28-30 - Tulare CA - Cancelled
  • June 2-4 - Torrance CA - We plan to have this event if circumstances allow. Please sign up today so we can plan. If cancelled your registration fee will be quickly refunded.
In February 2020, EFCA pastors and church leaders gathered at Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, for the annual Theology Conference. The focus was on the theme “Contending for the Faith – 7 Critical Contemporary Doctrinal Challenges: A Biblical, Theological and Pastoral Response.” On this episode of the podcast, we share Greg Strand’s introduction to the conference. Greg serves as the executive director of theology and credentialing in the EFCA .
KIDS + QUARANTINE
Trying to figure out what to do with the kids? Here's a good resource for our kids during the quarantine.
Solano Community Church, El Cerrito, C A

Solano Community Church, El Cerrito, CA

Church of the Canyons, Santa Calrita, CA

Community Bible Church, Folsom, CA

Calvary Community Church of Brea, CA

Hope Church, Albuquerque, NM
We suggest that EFCA churches contribute 3% of their general fund giving to EFCA West and EFCA ministries.

There are three primary giving options:

  • Preferred option: By making your gift to “EFCA PARTNERSHIP” one-third of the funds received will be distributed to support the ministries of the EFCA national office. Two-thirds will be distributed to support the district ministries of EFCA West including church planting.

  • You may designate 100% of your gift to support the ministries of EFCA West by giving to “EFCA WEST.”

  • You may give an additional gift to support EFCA West’s church multiplication ministries by designating to “EFCA WEST CHURCH MULTIPLICATION.”

To give online: Visit our website at EFCA West .

To give by check: Please make the check payable to EFCA West , 901 E. 78th St. Minneapolis, MN 55420
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