EFC-ER pastors and churches have been given unique opportunities to creatively minister to others as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our world is hungry for peace and hope that is only found through Jesus Christ. We have all adapted to meet those needs in new ways. You have shared stories of online prayer groups, virtual Bible studies, live-streamed hymn sings, video testimonies, and digital or drive-in church services.

 

This Yearly Meeting is another opportunity for innovative ministry during a unique time. Due to concerns about COVID-19 and social distancing, the Oversight Board has prayerfully made the unanimous decision to host Yearly Meeting online this year. The one-day conference will be streamed online on Saturday, July 18. Yearly Meeting will include teaching sessions, Oversight Board and Ministry Team reports, guided prayer, and worship. Matthew Cork, Superintendent of Friends Southwest, will be the main speaker. You will not want to miss this special, one-day event! We will also provide resources and equipping workshops on our website at www.efcer.org/ym20 . Details will be added as they are finalized.

 

This year’s theme is “ Momentum: Fueling A Spirit-Led Movement to Change Lives .” Momentum, or motion, does not occur without action. The church gains movement as a result of the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and applying the teachings of Jesus. We continue to pray for you as you lead your church in innovative ways and prayerfully consider how we move forward together in ministry. Let’s pray that we will apply the preached word and move with momentum into all the world in our day. 

It is with mixed emotions that we announce that Julie Jenkins will be retiring from EFC-ER this month. Julie has faithfully served EFC-ER for almost 24 years. We are very grateful for Julie's insight and experience and will miss her cheerful voice and servant's heart. Please join us in wishing Julie the best as she moves into a new season.

Julie's last day in the office will be Thursday, June 25. Please direct future correspondences to Marie Hagin at [email protected].

Our love and prayers for the family of Jess Warren, who passed away on Monday, June 8. Jess served on several boards and committees for EFC-ER, Camp Gideon, and Mount Pleasant Evangelical Friends Church. The obituary is available here.

Dean Johnson's family is having a card shower for his 90th birthday (June 29). If you would like to send a card, please mail it to his daughter, Ruth Huxtable, at 1402 Goodyear Blvd., Akron OH, 44305. Dean and Freeda Johnson oversaw Friends Disaster Service for 32 years before they retired.

As we continue to transition our EFC-ER foreign mission fields to the care and oversight of Evangelical Friends Mission (EFM), you may begin to receive some communications directly from the EFM office, both digitally and in print. We are glad to endorse EFM as our missions sending agency and to partner with them in the work of making disciples of Jesus around the world. You can find out more about EFM at www.friendmission.com .

Visit the events calendar on our website at www.efcer.org/events .

* July 3 - Evangelical Friends Headquarters CLOSED

* July 18 - Yearly Meeting 2020. Details and live stream at www.efcer.org/ym20 .

* August 29 - Malone University Commencement.  Details will be added  here .

* October 12-14 - Glorious Finish 2020 National Conference at The Chapel in Akron, OH. Info available here . Use the code "EFCER" for $25 off registration.