April 1, 2020


Alliance Friends Church welcomed Pastor Russ Gumm as their new lead pastor this week. Russ and Kelli, and their daughter Julianne, have joined the Alliance Friends Church community.

The Malone University Chorale hosted a "social distance-sing" last week. Malone University shared on Facebook, "Even separated, our University Chorale is demonstrating educational innovation and showering us with hope." Click on the video to the left to listen to their virtual performance.
Leadership Development Team Online Course Opportunity - Book of Acts
Are you at home with a little extra time on your hands? Take advantage of this online Bible course with online group interaction, sponsored and led by the Leadership Development Team.

This course is open to pastors, ministry staff, and anyone in the church who would like to increase their knowledge and skill in studying the Scriptures. Find out more and register here by April 13.
Please pray for Dave Aufrance’s upcoming surgery, which is now scheduled for this Friday, April 3. He will have a stent put into his abdominal aorta. The procedure was originally scheduled for February 14 and then February 28, but was cancelled both times because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Pray that the surgery is able to proceed as scheduled this time.  
COVID-19 Resources
The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act includes loans to churches, a portion of which may be forgivable. Forgivable expenses include 8 weeks of payroll costs, mortgage interest, and certain utilities. A one-hour webinar is available from Injoy Stewardship Services. 

Alliance Benefit Group has prepared a guideline for stock market recovery periods following big declines.

The Everence Sharing Fund provides relief to church and community members in need, including pastor wages and compensation lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic . To utilize this fund, your church must identify a parishioner to serve as a stewardship advocate. Stewardship advocates will receive orientation training to serve in this role .

Additional church resources are available at https://coronavirusandthechurch.com/.
Visit the events calendar on our website at www.efcer.org/events .

* April 10 - Evangelical Friends Headquarters CLOSED
* April 27-28 - Church Health Team and Leadership Development Team meetings
* April 29-30 - Multiplication Team meetings
* May 1 - Finance and Administration Team meeting
* May 8-9 - Malone University Baccalaureate and Graduation POSTPONED.
* May 13-14 - Oversight Board meeting
* July 17-20 - Yearly Meeting 2020 at First Friends Church in Canton, OH.
Quote for the Week

"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." - Psalm 62:5-8 (ESV)