Lanse Link – 17 April 2022

Church Family News

Family Photo Area

There is a floral display on the Ark Park side of the building for people to take family pictures together. Thank you to Jordyn Skacel for creating that for us this year.

Nursery Team Leader

Our new Nursery Team Leader is Becky Schiefer. If you are interested in serving in this ministry or for more information, see Becky.

Children’s Church Expansion

Starting next Sunday, April 24^th we will be offering two classes. We will have Little Learners for children 3 years old through Kindergarten and Bible Explorers for 1^st through 3^rd grades. Little Learners will continue to meet in the current room, and Bible Explorers will meet in the classroom across the hall.

Children’s Church

Interested in helping with children’s church? As this ministry is expanding, we are looking for more classroom assistants. If anyone would like to get more involved, see Pastor Matt for more details.

Family Bible Week Parents’ Survey

The Family Discipleship Vision Team has a few questions for all of the parents of LEFC kids to help us make plans for Family Bible Week 2022. Parents, please answer the short survey sent to your emails (one response per household) by May 1st. Thank you!

Family Bible Week

The Family Discipleship Vision Team is hoping the church will have a Family Bible Week this summer. If you are interested in helping with teaching, games, skits, or any other needs that go with FBW or have questions on how you might be involved, see Pastor Matt.

 Graduation Sunday on May 29^th

Every year we set aside some time to honor those in our church family who have graduated from high school, college, or graduate school. Are you completing any type of schooling during the 2021-2022 school year? Stop by the table in the foyer and pick up a Graduation Info Sheet and return to Misty Michaels or fill out the form in the Lanse Link email by May 8^th so that we can include you in our celebration.

Library Spotlight

Check out these children’s books recently added to the library. The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin DeYoung, and illustrator Don Clark. Young readers will hear the memorable retelling of 104 of the Bibles’ greatest stories. Beginning in Genesis and ending in Revelation, readers will learn how each of these stories fit into the overarching storyline of the Bible. Each story is beautifully illustrated and concludes with a thoughtful prayer. Go and Do Likewise!: The Parables and Wisdom of Jesus by John Hendrix. Children will learn how Jesus taught his disciples the redeeming power of sacrificial love and showed mercy to everyone around him through the parables of the good Samaritan and the prodigal son, the lost sheep and the beatitudes. Little Pilgrim’s Progress: Illustrated Edition by Helen L. Taylor. This is a simpler story based on John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress  written in a way that kids can understand the journeys of little Christian and Christiana and brings its treasury of wisdom nearer to the heart and minds of children,

Free Resources

There are two books available for you to pick up in the foyer. The Biggest Story Bible Storybook: Easter Stories. This new children’s booklet focuses on Bible stories celebrating Jesus’ death and resurrection. This is a wonderful way for us to share what Jesus has done for us through his death and resurrection with the children in our lives. Easter: The Greatest News. This is an engaging little book to give to a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or family member to share about Jesus and why we celebrate Easter.

Quarterly Church Family Meeting

The next church family meeting will be held April 24^th in the auditorium following the service. We will be sharing ministry updates, new members, plans for a pastoral sabbatical, and upcoming facility improvement projects.

2023 Pastoral Sabbatical

In 2023, we will celebrate 25 years of Pastor Matt’s ministry with us. At the church family meeting, the elders will be sharing their plans to provide a three month sabbatical for Pastor Matt and Heather to thank them for their service and provide a much needed rest. Special funding for travel during their time away is available through the Lilly Endowment. For more details, talk to Pastor Matt, Heather, or one of the elders.

Church Workday

Come out and join the Facilities Team to help them spruce up our church grounds on May 7. They will clean up the leaves, plant some grass, and repair any damage to the ground from the winter plowing. Bring your rakes and leaf blowers at 9:00am and lend a hand!

 360 Leadership Institute

Trinity International University if offering a two-week student leadership program from June 18 to June 30 for teens aged 15-18. The registration cost is $900 and includes food, room, transportation to field locations, and 360LI merchandise. For more information go to www.tiu.edu/undergrad/360-leadership-institute.

Designated Giving – ReachGlobal

With Ukraine in crisis due to the brutal conflict unfolding in this eastern European country, ReachGlobal is mobilizing to support the refugees displaced as they flee the conflict. We have opened a designated giving fund here at church to partner with their efforts. Prayerfully consider a gift to help our brothers and sisters as they minister to those in need. Mark your gift “Ukraine” and drop it in the offering plate.

Summer Camp – Join Us!

Thirteen campers and one volunteer are heading up to church camp this summer! All campers qualify for a $40 group discount. The cost per camper for regular camp (ages 8-18 – various weeks) is $230 and Buckaroo camp (ages 6-9) us $70. (June 23-25) Information is available in the foyer. Our designated giving fund has money to support two more campers. Consider joining our group.

Explore the Bible at Home

Many adults in our church are utilizing the Explore the Bible resources to dig deeper into God’s word. Pick up your free copy of 1, 2 Thessalonians and join as we continue our study this week with Session 7: Risen.

Giving Opportunities

Designated giving funds remain open for our deaconess compassion fund to help those in need within our church family, and a future pavilion here at the church.  Be sure to mark your gifts and drop them in the offering plate.

All Church Notification Email List

Do you receive our weekly news bulletin (Lanse Link) and notifications from the church? We use this list to keep you up to date on any key announcements and changes to our regular worship service. To be added, send your email address to the church office (churchoffice@lansefree.org) and Misty will include you.

Continue to Give

Thank you for continuing to support our ministries and missionaries. Ways to give:

Mail your offering check to us at PO BOX 114, Lanse, PA 16849.

• Cash or Check in person. Drop off your offering at the church during office hours in the offering plate right inside the  office door.
• E-banking – Check with your financial institution about using their bill pay programs to have the bank send us a check directly at no cost.
• Online Payments – PayPal and Venmo are our current e-giving options. Our account address is our email: churchoffice@lansefree.org.