Last Sunday, being the second Sunday of September, was what we often refer to as the “kick-off” Sunday of the church ministry year. (I think it’s called that because it coincides with the beginning of the National Football League season in the U.S.) In many ways, it’s appropriate to refer to last weekend as such in the church calendar because it’s the beginning of the ministry year – worthy of celebration almost like many of our Christian holiday Sundays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas!  

It was notable, I think, that in the Worship Service last Sunday, we recognized the beginning again of two important ministries – Kids Church and Youth Ministry – by meeting the leaders and praying for them. It was also a special Sunday because we enjoyed a delicious pot-luck lunch prepared by our hospitality people, and then had a Congregational Meeting to affirm the nomination of six members to the Pastoral Search Team, and four to the Nominating Committee. We also heard about the good support for the Scholarship Fund to send young adults to discipleship schools, and we also had another opportunity to see the way church ministry plans are shaping up for ministry this fall and winter. One couldn’t help but sense there was a buzz in the atmosphere of the church last Sunday in anticipation of the year ahead – especially also because of the good attendance at the worship service – 160 people (at least 20 of them children). 

The photo accompanying this newsletter is of the Ladies Ministry Fall Kick-off  BBQ at the Regitnig’s home last Friday (September 8), which I heard was attended by some 32 women. Plans are for monthly fellowship meetings and a Women’s Conference on Saturday, November 4^th with Donna Carter on Developing Healthy Christ-centered Friendships.  Information concerning this and other up-coming ministries will be available in this newsletter and on our website. 

The Pastoral Search Team (PST) had its first meeting this week to prayerfully begin plans for the pastoral search. Soon the profile of the kind of pastor the church is seeking will be posted on our website and various places. You will have the opportunity to refer possible candidates to the posting for them to consider applying. Watch for the positing soon. 

Over the next few months, the entire church will be engaged in seeking the Lord’s will concerning the appointment of its next pastor. To this end, this Sunday’s Worship Service message at 10:30am from John 10 is about Hearing God’s Voice. Mat Reed will be leading worship and kids will be dismissed for Kids Church just before the message. In Communion at the end of the Service, we will be reminded of the centrality of the Gospel to everything in our lives and at TEFC.  

Everyone, including children and youth, is invited to join in for our Church-wide Prayer Gathering at 6:30 this Sunday evening. Hank and Alvina Wall will lead in a few songs of worship before we divide into groups for prayer for the church – especially in finding a pastor. 

I look forward to seeing many of you in the Service and/or Prayer Gathering this Sunday. The 10:30am Worship Service will also be online for those who aren’t able to actually attend. 

Have a great final summer weekend, wherever this finds you…

Pastor Ed

The vision of Women’s Ministries is to provide opportunities for women to connect with one another while encouraging them to grow in their walk with Christ. 

Currently Mary Braun, Shirley Dyck, Kathryn Eberl, Margitta Greeno, Darlene McCoy, Tina Neudorf, Sheryl Regitnig, Andrea Warkentin and Michelle Willms make up our Women’s Ministries Team.

We just enjoyed hosting our annual Fall Kick Off that over 30 ladies attended! We are excited to be planning our next event, which is a one day Women’s Conference on November 4^th at our church. Our speaker will be Donna Carter from Calgary, who will present 3 Sessions on developing Christ-centered friendships. 

We look forward to fellowshipping with and growing in Christ with the ladies from our church and community at our November 4^th Conference and future Women’s Ministries events.

The Turkana people are an unreached, nomadic tribe living in the desert of northwestern Kenya. There are half a million people living in extreme conditions. They live in a dry and barren land with daytime temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius. They lack food, water, medicine, and education. The women walk up to 50 kms a day to carry 20 litres of contaminated water back for their families. The children exist on a diet of boiled maise flour and water, most of them eating only once every 2 days. 80% of all hospitalizations are due to waterborne diseases. Life expectancy is approximately 40 years. They call themselves the forgotten people...But they are not forgotten! With your help, we are bringing clean water to the Turkana. Join us this year and let's continue the amazing work that is happening in Kenya. 

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