Please click here to find out how you can get involved.

Small Groups - Where you get connected into the E-Free family.

We are a church “of” small groups. The small group values are woven into every ministry at E-Free.

What can you expect when you first visit any Open Small Group?

• Open Small Groups are generally 3-12 people who meet at a regularly scheduled time usually in homes, but could also meet at church, at the workplace, at restaurants etc.
• These small groups are the ideal size for you to develop friendships through sharing life together, which may involve eating, praying, serving, laughing or sharing the ups and downs of life with one another. This is what we call Authentic Community.
• God’s Word in the Bible is the reason we gather together and Application of what God is teaching us is how our lives are changed.
• Open group where each of us are inviting and welcoming people who have visited E-Free and those in our network of relationships at work, play, neighbors etc to become part of God’s family.
• Each group member is encouraged to serve where they are uniquely gifted.

Click here to register

Single Mom’s Morning Out

Life at E-Free

What: 2008 Women’s Retreat: Anchor of Hope
Where: East Bay Camp at Lake Bloomington
When: Save The Date! Earlier than past years! Sept. 12th - 14th
Cost: Lower cost this year, only $85

Do you ever feel like you want to get away from your busy life? Would you like to be able to spend time totally focused on God and your relationship with him? Would you like to grow spiritually? Would you like to go home spiritually filled and physically rested? If so read on.

We all, at some point, need to get away. Whether we are busy moms of toddlers, have a full time job and no children, women with grown children, retirees, new college grads just trying to figure life out, or some combination of the above. E-Free’s annual Women’s Retreat is your opportunity to get away!

This year’s retreat will be held at beautiful Lake Bloomington- just a quick drive from town. We will have comfortable accommodations at East Bay Camp that include comfy beds, hot showers in a clean modern building and beautiful and spacious meeting rooms with glorious views of the water. East Bay camp provides great breakfasts, lunches & dinners in a relaxed buffet style. Better than the delicious food is the fact that they do the DISHES!

Your weekend will include motivating speakers, from our church family and an outside speaker, who will explore our theme subject, HOPE. For all of you who love to scrapbook there will be a dedicated scrapbook area that will be available all weekend. There will be opportunities to hike, canoe, swim and maybe just sit on the beach in the warm sunshine and reflect. You will be able to visit the prayer room, spend time in the reflection room and have time for individual prayer. Women in the past have commented that game night was one of their highlights from retreat- this year will not be an exception!

The Women’s Window is the newsletter published for E-Free’s Women’s Ministry Program. The mission of the Women’s Window team is to “support E-Free’s community of women with resources, encouragement and voice as they serve God, their families and others.”

Submissions to the Women’s Window are welcome! Send updates, devotional thoughts, recipes, encouraging words or anything else that would be useful in supporting our mission. Editors reserve the right to edit for content and space.

View our current May, 2008 edition here!

Archive:
November, 2007 edition

The Women’s Window

The newsletter of the E-Free Church Women’s Ministry
May 2008

In this edition…
[1] Mentoring: The Sharing of a Life (Part 1)
[2] Calendar of Upcoming Events
[3] Single Mom’s Morning Out 2008: Giving Hope
[4] The Blessing of Praying for My Husband
[5] Journey through the Psalms this Summer at SOS
[6] Anchor’s Away Children’s Thursday Morning Program
[7] Fit for Life Returns This Summer!
[8] Maintaining Discipline during Summer’s Carefree Days
[9] Five-Fruit Salsa: A yummy treat for upcoming summer picnics!
[10] Anchor of Hope: 2008 Women’s Retreat
[11] The Great Park Tour
[12] To Be Kind
[13] Discovering Mansfield Park
[14] About Women’s Ministry…
[15] About Women’s Window…

[1] Mentoring: The Sharing of a Life (Part 1)

By Julie Ryan
Recently, in fact just three days ago, I had the opportunity to sit across the table from a mentor of mine in Scottsdale, Arizona. We sat at a table in the beautiful Phoenician Resort and had “high tea” together. Quite an elegant affair! Those two hours that we spent together meant so much to me, as we opened up our hearts to each other and shared our lives.

Isn’t that a true description of the mentoring process—one person sharing their life with another? It’s not a casual process. It’s not a business relationship. The kind of mentoring that I’m talking about is a type of spiritual mothering—one woman sharing her life with another. And in that sharing is included many valuable things, such as:
• Praying with and for another
• Being open and honest
• Vulnerability
• Laughter and warmth
• Love and a gracious attitude
• Friendship
• Availability
• Modeling a godly attitude and worldview

Titus 2:3-5 say this:
Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, that the word of God will not be dishonored.

Here, Paul is describing a lifestyle for older women. He is instructing Titus that the women of Crete—where Titus was living and ministering—were to live in contrast to the typical customs of the day. God’s women were to set an example in how they used their time. They were not to spend their time in gossip and purposeless chatter. They were not to laze around sipping wine. These women who had already raised their own children and had more free time now, were to be investing their time in the lives of younger women. They were to “teach what is good” and “encourage younger women to love their husbands and children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands.”

These women weren’t to just verbally teach. They were to live their lives in a way that was worthy of emulation by these younger women. A woman who showed by her example that she was pure, self disciplined, kind cheerful, reverent, and respectful was a powerful model for these younger women to watch and learn from. Can you imagine our society if every young woman had a positive, loving role model like this?

Many young women today are longing for godly role models to watch and learn from. Could God be calling you to this powerful ministry of influencing a younger woman?

When I was 18, I met a woman named Martha, who had a profound influence on my life. When I met her I had not yet committed my life to Christ. She was about four years older than me and was a strong Christian. I watched her life, and later – after I had become a believer myself, she and I started meeting weekly for Bible study and prayer. I could hardly find the book of John in my Bible and had rarely prayed out loud before. As we met weekly, I learned much about what it meant to be a young woman following God. I noticed how Martha seemed to pray about everything and had such peace, as a result. She trusted God to care for her in the details of her life. I was amazed at this and was encouraged to trust him more myself. As we continued spending time together, Martha’s prayers with me and for me shaped my life at that time. She provided an important contrast for me to what many of my friends were seeking after. To this day, Martha is still a treasured friend.

One of the keys to becoming a mentor is to be available to God to be used in the life of another. If you think God may be drawing you in to this kind of ministry, begin praying about it. Ask God to prepare you to be used as a mentor. Then ask God to bring women into your life that he wants you to influence. Be sensitive to the opportunities he brings your way for this. Is there a younger woman in the church or your neighborhood who could use your prayers and encouragement? Be available to God and to her. You might suggest that the two of you get a cup of coffee together sometime or take a walk. Sometimes mentoring relationships develop naturally, sometimes formally. In the case, with Martha, she simply offered to do a Bible study with me.

God has led us in Women’s Ministry to help facilitate this mentoring process for women through Heart 2 Heart. This valuable “life on life” type of ministry is available for you to get involved with. If you have questions or would like more information about Heart 2 Heart, contact Bridget Nelson, our Heart 2 Heart coordinator.

[2] Calendar of Upcoming Events

May
08 - Small Talk, 6:45-8pm
10 - Single Mom’s Morning Out, 9am-noon
22 - Small Talk, 6:45-8pm

June
03 - evening S.O.S., 6:30-8:30pm
03 - Fit for Life, 6:30-8pm
05 - morning S.O.S., 9-11am
10 - Park Tour at Anderson Park, 10am
10 - evening S.O.S., 6:30-8:30pm
10 - Fit for Life, 6:30-8pm
12 - morning S.O.S., 9-11am
17 - Park Tour at Fairview Park, 10am
17 - evening S.O.S., 6:30-8:30pm
17 - Fit for Life, 6:30-8pm
19 - morning S.O.S., 9-11am
24 - Park Tour at Bittner Park, 10am
24 - evening S.O.S., 6:30-8:30pm
24 - Fit for Life, 6:30-8pm
26 - morning S.O.S., 9-11am

July
01 - no S.O.S.
01 - Fit for Life, 6:30-8pm
03 - no S.O.S.
08 - evening S.O.S., 6:30-8:30pm
08 - Fit for Life, 6:30-8:00pm
09 - Park Tour at McGraw Park, 10am
10 - morning S.O.S., 9-11am
15 - evening S.O.S., 6:30-8:30pm
15 - Fit for Life, 6:30-8pm
16 - Park Tour at Tipton Park North, 10am
17 - morning S.O.S., 9-11am
22 - evening S.O.S., 6:30-8:30pm
22 - Fit for Life, 6:30-8pm
23 - Park Tour at Miller Park, 10 AM
24 - last morning S.O.S. for the summer, 9-11am
29 - Fit for Life, 6:30-8pm
30 - Park Tour at Anderson Aquatic Center, 12:30pm

August
01 - Park Tour at Clearwater Park, 10am
05 - no Fit for Life
08 - Park Tour at Rollingbrook Park, 10am
12 - Fit for Life, 6:30-8pm
15 - Park Tour at Carden Park, 10am
19 - Fit for Life, 6:30-8pm

[3] Single Mom’s Morning Out 2008: Giving Hope

By Karen Estes

One of the more overwhelming feelings a single mom has is tackling everything on her own. She has twice the responsibilities she had before. For some, she has been the sole caretaker of the home and family from the beginning.

God did not design us to do it all alone. He wants us to help each other and to share our strengths. The Single Mom’s Morning Out Event is a perfect way to do just that! 1 Peter 4:10 says this, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” God designed us with different gifts on purpose! When we use them as he directs, they will see Jesus in us and glorify him for the help they have received!

Last year we were able to bless over 100 single moms and their children. We are hoping to bless well over that amount this year! Here are a few quotes from a couple of attendees last year…
“Know that I was not only renewed physically and mentally, but also spiritually. May God bless all of you as abundantly as you have been a blessing to me.” ~ Patti

“Please accept my most sincere thanks for the fabulous Single Mom’s Morning Out. It was truly relaxing, refreshing, and rejuvenating. I was lucky enough to participate in all presented activities ~ all were fabulous!”

We are all called to serve… Hebrews 13:16 says this, “Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to God.”
Won’t you join us on Saturday, May 10th from 9am - noon and be a part of this worthwhile event? Volunteer sign-up will continue through Sunday, May 4th. Stop by the table in the foyer, fill out the sheet according to the area in which you would like to serve, pick up a Welcome Letter, and a Volunteer Information Sheet. If you are looking for other ways to serve, there will be an opportunity to donate specific items for the gift bags!

Our “Shared Blessings” area will be in the garage again this year. Look for a list of suggested items. These items can be dropped off in the church vestibule between May 5th and May 9th only!

If you have any questions, contact Karen Estes, via email at kestes721 @ msn dot com.
Blessings to you!

[4] The Blessing of Praying for my Husband

By Christine Huchthausen

Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!”(1 Chronicles 4:10)

Our small group started out in September with a study by Jon Ortberg called Get Out of the Boat and since January we have been studying The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson. Both studies have focused on getting out of our comfort zone and asking God to change us and lead us to do something for Him. All of this boat rocking and territory expansion has definitely brought us out of our comfort zone and changed us.

My husband’s life, especially, has not been very “comfortable” since this study began. He has had more challenges these last few months than I can remember. This prompted me to pray for my husband like never before. Through this time of intense prayer for my husband, I have been blessed as a wife.

First of all, I have seen the power of God at work. God has answered prayers in wonderful ways: He has brought blessing, ministry opportunities, direction, clarity, strength, encouragement and peace to my husband. Our faith has increased as we have trusted God together. It is easier to keep getting out of the boat when you know that God is holding your hand.

Also, praying for the needs and desires of my husband has made me feel more involved in his life. Sometimes it feels as if we are living two separate lives as he goes to work and I focus on our children and home. Through these months of praying, I have partnered with him as I prayed about his struggles and rejoiced in answers to prayer. I want to hear about his day because I prayed about his day. He, in turn, shares more because he knows I am interested and he wants me to pray.

Praying for Joel is a way to honor him. Ephesians 5: 33 says to respect or honor your husband. Cleaning our house, doing laundry and taking care of our kids help my husband and I believe he is appreciative but these acts of service don’t seem to honor him like supportive and passionate prayer does. By praying for him, I am communicating concern, compassion, love and most of all, honor, for him.

I have seen how God is working in my own heart to deepen my love for my husband and make his desires my own. At first I prayed for what he wanted and not necessarily what I wanted and as time passed we are truly unified in our desires. Also, it is easier to follow my husbands leading when I have been praying for God to lead him!

As I have prayed I have been strengthened as well. It would have been easy to be pulled down when my husband was discouraged but praying kept me more focused on God’s perspective of things. During these challenges, Joel needed me to have peace and the Holy Spirit gave that to me as I prayed.

As I pray the Prayer of Jabez for my husband, I am discovering that the Lord is answering that same prayer for me. God is blessing me indeed. My territory or ministry within my family is expanding and I see God’s Hand upon me as well as my husband.

[5] Journey through the Psalms this Summer at SOS

By Lori Heil and information from LifeWay Christian Resources

E-Free and SOS are excited to offer Beth Moore’s newest study, Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent this summer.

The study guides participants through daily homework and weekly video sessions on Psalms 120-134, the “Ascent Psalms.” Participants in this study can pray, reflect, and write a personal rendition of these ancient choruses.

Moore said she previously wanted to develop a study on the Psalms but was uncertain how to cover such an extensive book of the Bible.

“This is the first time I’ve written an in-depth study on the Psalms,” Moore said in the introductory session of the study. “Until now I haven’t had a clue how to approach a book of 150 chapters in a time frame that wasn’t too demanding for participants.

The studio set for Moore’s video sessions depict the south steps of the temple in Jerusalem, where in Old Testament times hundreds of Jewish people and priests recited these specific Psalms.

Spoken by God’s people in the Old Testament during specific events, such as journeying to Jerusalem or walking up the temple steps, these psalms are significant in revealing more about God and a personal relationship with Him.

The daily personal study in Stepping Up delves into topics such as redemption, worship, God’s blessing and knowing the Lord as shelter and keeper.

Different from her previous studies, Moore focused on the worship aspect of the study by featuring Travis Cottrell and other musical performers in the video segments to teach participants new songs during the sessions. Cottrell leads music at LifeWay’s Living Proof Live events featuring Moore.

In the introduction of the study, Moore recounts what the Psalms have meant to her in her walk with Christ, referring to them as “constants throughout [her] entire life.”

“I’ve turned to the Psalms many times when I’ve had feelings that needed biblical expression,” she said. “Sometimes I needed a way to word overwhelming gratitude and praise to God. Other times my sorrow desperately needed an outlet for expression. Even when I’ve been afraid or angry, the Psalms have invited me to safely pour out my heart to God.”

- For more information on Moore and other resources authored by her, visit lifeway.com.

SOS will meet Thursday mornings from 9-11am and Tuesday nights from 6:30-8:30pm, beginning the first week in June. Click here to register online. The materials fee will be $25. Childcare is offered for a nominal fee. Scholarship monies for books and childcare may be available.

[6] Anchor’s Away Children’s Thursday Morning Program

By Becky Gilroy

I wanted to share with you the exciting learning going on for our preschool children during Thursday morning SOS! The children’s program on Thursday mornings is called Anchor’s Away! We have children ranging in age from 2-5 years of age. This semester, as curriculum coordinator for the Anchor’s Away program, I’ve introduced a brand new curriculum from David C. Cook called Godprints! The children and teachers LOVE IT!

The following information comes straight from David Cook’s website:

The Godprints lesson divides the class time into three important segments that reflect thoughtful priorities for teaching young students. Step 1 sets the standard when you Start With the Heart. Step 2 follows with BibleWize, the interactive Bible story time. Step 3 wraps up the lesson with Kid Stuff Application Stations.

Little ones also learn from hearing things more than older kids, so preschoolers spend four weeks exploring one Bible story… Each lesson is fresh and new so kids don’t tire of the message.

Godprints multi-sensory curriculum permeates every aspect of each lesson, and captivating music facilitates Bible verse memorization. Teachers become master storytellers and keep children engaged through the interactive Bible stories!

When kids imagine what God is like, they open themselves up to a life-changing relationship with their Creator. Godprints helps children grow in their knowledge and understanding of God’s character and His desire for them to become more like Him. Godprints’ unique Pondpacks also provide a creative and lasting spiritual keepsake for every child.

There are 9 animal characters that the children can relate to, with Uncle Cheezer “speaking” to the children each week! Our Anchor’s Away Kids absolutely LOVE Uncle Cheezer!!!

Uncle Cheezer (mouse)
They call me Uncle Cheezer, even though I’m not really anyone’s uncle. My wrinkled brow, bespectacled nose and cozy cardigan just make me look uncle-ish, I guess.

Tuck (turtle)
I’m the damage control patrol when it comes to Nip. But he’s my brother and I wouldn’t trade him for the world.

Nip (turtle -Tuck’s brother)
I’m looking for the action, the excitement. I wear this cap backwards ’cause I don’t want to miss seeing anything spectacular that might come my way.

Pouch (opossum)
Why does everyone have to be so noisy! It’s the middle of the day. Can’t they see I’m trying to sleep? They complain that I’m grouchy. Well, you would be, too, if no one ever let you get a decent day’s sleep!

Bumbles (girl bunny)
If I paid attention more, my big floppy ears would stand up straight. But I like to giggle too much. It just feels good! I’m always falling over backwards and knocking things over.

Slink (rough-looking cat)
You’d be amazed at the places I can go and no one even notices I’m there. Not till I’m ready to let them know I’m there. I just show up when they least expect me.

Twinkles (lightning bug)
I’m small, but I have a very big twinkle, don’t you think? So don’t let things get you down. Let me remind you to always keep hoping.

Rocket (raccoon)
I’m here, I’m there, I’m everywhere. With a moment’s notice, I’ll flip on my goggles, tie on my scarf and I’m off faster than gravity can pull me back. That’s why they call me Rocket.

Swoop (Blue Jay Bird)
They tell me I gossip too much. And brag. And tattle. I’m not so sure they’re right, but maybe I’ll play it safe with the likes of you. Not that I’m scared of you. I’m not. Nothing scares me.

I would be remiss if I failed to mention the superb teachers we have in our Anchor’s Away program! Ellen, Becky, and Marla are our faithful and energetic teachers! Ellen warmly welcomes each child and parent every week and assists in gathering supplies for the lessons. Becky and Marla share the responsibilities of preparing the lessons and HAVING FUN! We appreciate these ladies for their commitment to the spiritual growth of each child they take such great care of each week.

Won’t you think about joining other women for great Bible Study on Thursday mornings at SOS and allowing your child the incredible opportunity to learn about Jesus and God on a level that will develop your little one into a life-long follower of Jesus???

[7] Fit for Life Returns This Summer!

By Donna Wagner

If you are looking for ways to stay active this summer you might consider being part of Fit for Life. Fit for Life is a ministry of E-Free that believes that our bodies are a gift from God and that we can live to our highest potential when we are being good stewards of the amazing bodies God has given us. We believe in wholistic living that includes every aspect of who we are from physical to emotional to spiritual. Taking care of your self physically will benefit other areas of who you are… more energy for living life and carrying out all of the roles you have. An investment you can’t afford to skimp on. We provide a weekly exercise class which includes cardiovascular-conditioning, strength-training and flexibility-conditioning modes of exercise. Every class is suited to your needs whether you are a beginner or advanced in your fitness level. We also will introduce a brief study from a book called “Greater Health God’s Way” by Stormie Omartian. In this book you will love the excellent insight Stormie shares about how to live a godly, healthy lifestyle.

We are so looking forward to the mutual accountability we can share with each other this summer as we seek to be “Fit for Life.”

When: Every Tuesday, beginning June 3rd, 6:30-8pm through August 19th. Meet in Fellowship Hall. Look for the registration table in the church hallway in the coming weeks. Any questions please contact Donna Wagner or Laura Bryant.

[8] Maintaining Discipline during Summer’s Carefree Days

By Angie Reedy

The carefree days of summer are coming! As I write this on yet another 30 some degree day at the end of March, its hard to believe those days will ever arrive, but I have lived in Central Illinois for over 30 years and have yet to experience a year when God forgot to give us summer. Along with those carefree days comes freedom from a schedule crammed with classes, meetings, and other events that define my weekly schedule. I carefully choose the activities I’m involved with throughout the year, and thoroughly enjoy them, but I also look forward to a relaxed summer schedule that allows me to take the days and weeks as they come. This freedom means getting to decide each morning the best way to spend the day.

As luxurious as this freedom from routine sounds I know from past experience with this schedule shift that when I am no longer committed to another person or event, I have a different type of challenge. I remember that without the clock dictating my plans, I must make a conscious decision every day to do the things that should not be neglected; even during the carefree days of summer.

While I am already looking forward to a break from the rigors of my Bible Study and the weekly preparations that come with it, I also know that I will miss the accountability it brings. With the expectation of the group that my lesson will be done every week no longer a factor, it becomes just between me and God. He is the only one who will know if I am spending time in His word and in prayer this summer and it takes discipline to maintain this commitment.

My family may eventually notice a difference in my outlook and words if I suddenly stop spending time alone with the Lord, but it is not their responsibility to make sure I am maintaining a regular time alone with God. This is where true discipline comes in to play. Being disciplined is not a new practice for me. I know what physical discipline means as I have pulled myself out of bed every morning before dawn for years to run miles and miles as I prepared for marathons and other smaller races. But the discipline of seeking God is even more personal.

So, what are the steps to being disciplined, even in the summer? To begin with, it would be a great plan to start praying now for the discipline it will take to be faithful to the Lord throughout the routine-free days of summer; all the way through until September when scheduled activities begin again. Another great option is to connect with a friend who promises to keep you accountable. This doesn’t have to mean adding a meeting to your wonderfully free summer, but could simply be a phone call once a week or a quick face to face check in with a good friend at the pool as you keep an eye on the kids. It doesn’t take more than a few minutes to report on current Bible study habits. Of course, another incredible opportunity to maintain a bit of a schedule through the summer and enjoy the friendships and weekly encouragement of other women would be to join a summer SOS group.

Discipline is a virtue that is important to develop, but being disciplined doesn’t always have to mean going solo. Sometimes in fact, discipline is taking the step out of our comfort zones to create the accountability that we need in order to stay on the disciplined track. So before your days and weeks change from a carefully planned schedule make plans to ensure that you keep an appointment with God on your calendar every day. Then look to see what new things God will teach you through the carefree days of summer.

[9] Five-Fruit Salsa: A yummy treat for upcoming summer picnics!

From the kitchen of Julie Anderson

2 C chopped fresh cantaloupe
6 green onions, chopped
3 kiwifruit, peeled and finely chopped
1 med. naval orange, peeled and finely chopped
1 med. sweet yellow pepper, chopped
1 med. sweet red pepper, chopped
1C finely chopped fresh pineapple
2 jalepeno peppers, seeded and chopped
1C finely chopped fresh strawberries

Cinnamon Tortilla Chips:

10 flour tortillas
1/4 C butter, melted
1/3 C sugar
2 tsp gr. cinnamon

In a bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Drain if desired. Just before serving, stir in strawberries.

For chips, brush tortillas with butter; cut each into eight wedges. Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over tortillas. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 10-14 min. or just until crisp. Serve with fruit salsa.

Yield: 8 cups salsa and 80 chips

[10] Anchor of Hope: 2008 Women’s Retreat

What: Anchor of Hope: 2008 Women’s Retreat
Where: East Bay Camp at Lake Bloomington
When: Save The Date! Earlier than past years! Sept. 12th - 14th
Cost: Lower cost this year, only $85

Do you ever feel like you want to get away from your busy life? Would you like to be able to spend time totally focused on God and your relationship with him? Would you like to grow spiritually? Would you like to go home spiritually filled and physically rested? If so read on.

We all, at some point, need to get away. Whether we are busy moms of toddlers, have a full time job and no children, women with grown children, retirees, new college grads just trying to figure life out, or some combination of the above. E-Free’s annual Women’s Retreat is your opportunity to get away!

This year’s retreat will be held at beautiful Lake Bloomington- just a quick drive from town. We will have comfortable accommodations at East Bay Camp that include comfy beds, hot showers in a clean modern building and beautiful and spacious meeting rooms with glorious views of the water. East Bay camp provides great breakfasts, lunches & dinners in a relaxed buffet style. Better than the delicious food is the fact that they do the DISHES!

Your weekend will include motivating speakers, from our church family and an outside speaker, who will explore our theme subject, HOPE. For all of you who love to scrapbook there will be a dedicated scrapbook area that will be available all weekend. There will be opportunities to hike, canoe, swim and maybe just sit on the beach in the warm sunshine and reflect. You will be able to visit the prayer room, spend time in the reflection room and have time for individual prayer. Women in the past have commented that game night was one of their highlights from retreat- this year will not be an exception!

Register in July!

[11] The Great Park Tour

Moms and caregivers of young children are invited to gather for the third annual “Great Park Tour.” The goal of the tour is to provide E-Free moms and kids opportunities to get together during the summer. This time won’t be structured or planned out…the goal is to just get together. Each week a different park will be highlighted. The day of the week will change each month to give everyone a chance to be involved. We’ll meet at the playground area. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch for you and your kids. In case of rain, let’s check out the Children’s Museum. No need to RSVP but if you have questions please contact Connie Unruh at 663-0721 or connieunruh@gmail.com.

Click here to see the schedule for the Great Park Tour.

[12] To Be Kind

A Poem by Candace Armstrong

Lord, help me to today be kind
And soothe the conflicts of my mind
It is Your voice I want to hear
Truth of Your presence to draw near
There are, I know, more ways to serve
If I would only have the nerve
To me Your will I want to bind
Today Lord, help me to be kind.

[13] Discovering Mansfield Park

By Courtney Mammen

Jane Austen’s work has seen resurgence over the past few years with movies like Becoming Jane, The Jane Austen Book Club, and The Complete Jane Austen on PBS’ Masterpiece Theatre.

Mansfield Park, published in 1814, is the story of Fanny Price, whose family sends her to live with her wealthy uncle and aunt, Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram. She is to grow up with her cousins Tom, Edmund, Maria, and Julia. Fanny finds solace in the friendship of Edmund, who is planning to be a clergyman.

The trouble starts when Henry and Mary Crawford arrive. Henry flirts with both Julia and Maria, who is engaged to marry Mr. Rushworth. At first, Mary is interested in Tom, the heir, but she soon finds herself attracted to Edmund, although the prospect of marrying a clergyman does not appeal to her. Fanny has innocently fallen in love with Edmund, although she does not even admit this to herself.

Fanny Price is not the typical Jane Austen heroine. Elizabeth Bennet, from Pride and Prejudice, and Emma Woodhouse, from Emma, are both outspoken. Fanny is often overlooked by others, until someone needs her to do something. She seems more like an observer of the action rather than a main character.

On the other hand, Fanny is not easily persuaded by others with the exception of Edmund. You see this when she refuses Henry Crawford’s offer of marriage. Even though Sir Thomas feels strongly that she should accept the offer, Fanny holds true to her convictions. She does not trust nor loves Henry, and like many of Austen’s heroines Fanny will only marry for love.

The book is filled with lush landscapes and fantastic characters. Take time this summer to step into the worlds that classic literature has to offer.

[14] About Women’s Ministry…

Interested in Women’s Ministry at E-Free? Looking for more information about an upcoming event? Seeking new friendships with other women? Contact Julie Ryan at the church office at 663-6534. Be sure to check out the Women’s Ministry announcements in the bulletin each Sunday. There is also a Women’s Ministry brochure available at the information desk.

[15] About Women’s Window…

The Women’s Window is the quarterly newsletter published for the Evangelical Free Church’s Women’s Ministry Program. E-Free is located at 2910 East Lincoln in Bloomington, Illinois. The church can be reached at 309-663-6534.

The mission of the Women’s Window team is to “support E-Free’s community of women with resources, encouragement and voice as they serve God, their families and others.”

Submissions to the Women’s Window are welcome! Send updates, devotional thoughts, recipes, encouraging words or anything else that would be useful in supporting our mission. Editors reserve the right to edit for content and space.

Joining us for the evening will be Cheryl Pacilio, our speaker. Cheryl will share her thoughts on hope with us.

Cheryl writes, “I am the mother of four children aged 23-12 and the wife of Michael for nearly 25 years. We currently live in Geneva, Illinois having been transferred around Illinois for Mike’s profession. This marks our fifth community of residence.

I have been on staff with Hearts at Home for the last seven years. At Hearts at Home I have held several positions including magazine editor, staff director, and radio and print media writer. I also currently serve on the Board of Directors.

What God is teaching me? Who is my neighbor? The blessing of women’s friendships.

The luxury of starting over in new communities has given me a fresh vision for women. Recently I have become acutely aware of how much women need each other for personal support and encouragement. Several old friends, and many new ones have crossed my path – each one unique yet somehow similar in their desire to be known and understood. I am listening as God shows me how to see, appreciate, and love these women as individuals in the midst of their life issues. I believe that we are called to ministry and mission right where we live. I believe that the responsibility to neighbor goes much deeper than coffee cups and conversation. It is an extension of the love of Christ to offer support, Biblical encouragement and a place to know Jesus more personally and profoundly.

The Women’s Window

The newsletter of the E-Free Church Women’s Ministry
November 2007

Guard Yourselves with Gratitude

By Angie Reedy
Every year as Christmas approaches, I wonder what I can do differently that will make the current year a real celebration of the birth of Christ rather than an exercise in how quickly I can make six different kinds of cookies, purchase and wrap what seems to be endless gifts, and decorate our home in the most festive way. When I came across a sermon by John Piper entitled “Guard Yourself with Gratitude,” I was instantly intrigued. As I feel like I’m balancing at the top of the hill about to tumble into the whirlwind to Christmas, I know my heart could use some guarding!

In the sermon it appears that Piper’s main point is that “…thankfulness is an essential guardian of the soul, and therefore we should guard ourselves with gratitude. Evidently we are fair game for the devil when we don’t abound with thanksgiving.” With wishes of “Happy Holidays” rather than “Merry Christmas” and the focus on Santa Claus rather than Jesus Christ, it seems that the enemy already has a foothold into our homes this time of year. As the stores provide deeper discounts the more that you spend, and the competition of how many presents your children are going to receive hangs over us, our tendencies are to become more and more greedy, selfish, and discontent rather than full of gratitude and the peace that Christ came to bring.

December is actually a time when our hearts should abound more and more with thanksgiving as we celebrate the birth of Christ. When we do not recognize God and glorify Him by giving thanks to Him, our hearts are increasingly open to the attacks of the enemy. As Christmas approaches and you find yourself impatiently standing in line to buy one more present for Great Aunt Suzy, think of how to guard your heart with gratitude. When you are preparing the icing and sprinkles for your preschooler to decorate gingerbread men, guard your heart with gratitude. And when it comes time to attend the Christmas Eve service at church after a stressful day of entertaining your family, guard your heart with gratitude and be prepared to thank Him for sending His Son, Jesus Christ, the greatest gift ever known!

Calendar of Upcoming Events

Click here to download, view, and print a pdf Calendar of Women’s Events for the months of December, January and February.

Nov 29, 7pm, Evening for Single Moms
Dec 01, 8:30am, Women’s Christmas Celebration
Dec 06, 9:30am, SOS Fellowship - Christmas Celebration
Dec 13, 7pm, Evening for Single Moms
Dec 15, 4pm, Christmas at the Mansions (see article)
Dec 25, MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Jan. 08, 6:30pm, SOS Intro Session (Evening)
Jan. 10, 9:30am, SOS Intro Session (Day)
Jan. 22, 7pm, Get Acquainted Coffee
Feb. 19, 6:30pm, SOS Special (TBA)
Feb. 21, 9:30am, SOS Special (TBA)
Feb. 22, 6pm, Winter Escape Event
May 10, 9am, Single Mom’s Morning In

A Special Invitation for Single Moms from Julie Ryan

Dear Single Mom,

We want to invite you to a special evening of gathering with other moms! We’re excited about providing a regular time for single moms to gather together, learn from each other and take a joyful break from the challenges of single motherhood and life. You’ll learn practical tips for conquering daily tasks, enjoy the warmth of new friendships and grow in your spiritual journey.

Please join us on November 29th at 7pm at E-Free Church in Room 208, (2910 E. Lincoln, Bloomington). Child care will be available for a nominal fee. Please let us know that you’re coming and if you will need child care so we can plan for you. You can RSVP to the church at 663-6534.

We’ll meet a second time in 2007, on December 13th at 7pm (same location). We’ll be asking for your feedback and “vote” as we look ahead to 2008 for further planning!

We hope to see you on November 29th!
Julie Ryan
Director of Women’s Ministries at Efree
P.S. Feel free to invite a friend to join you!

2007 Women’s Retreat

Enjoy some photos! Be sure to catch Karen Estes’ article about the retreat in the next issue of the Great Commission!

Thin Within: More than Weight Loss

By Courtney Mammen
Thin Within is full of unexpected benefits. When I started this weight loss program, I thought it would be a lot like other programs. It is completely different from anything I have ever done before. Having to unlearn the things that worked in the other programs has been challenging, as well as very freeing.

There is so much freedom in Thin Within. No keeping track of calories, carbs, or fat. No food is off limits. The lessons and exercises are great and convicting. I have learned so much about myself, which has helped me grow closer to God.

Cindy Meade says, “Thin Within is definitely FREEDOM. God is the key; being in His Word and finding all that wisdom can be applied to food. It is a mind game and I have to talk to myself a lot. God is renewing my mind and I am losing weight. I can go to a party and freely pick out a couple things to eat and not worry about points, grams or calories. A taste of 3 or 4 things is all I need. I look at the table and think I can have whatever I want. I am special, so what would it be that I would choose. It’s actually FUN and FREEDOM.”

Thin Within meets on Thursday nights at 7pm. Hopefully more of you will join us for the upcoming year.

Christmas at the Mansions Tour

Three of the areas’ most elegant historic homes dating from 1869-1906 open for evening holiday tours. Ride the shuttle to each for music, food, costumed guides and tours. (As advertised in Midwest Living magazine)

Tickets are still available for this festive evening in our community. Stop by the church during office hours to purchase your tickets for $8 ($10 at the door). Consider who you might invite to join you on this fun evening out. This is a great way to reach out to a neighbor, co-worker or friend and cultivate a relationship with them.

Each mansion will be beautifully decorated for the holidays with vintage Christmas décor. You’ll enjoy a rare opportunity to take a step back in time to enjoy these historic mansions: Vrooman Mansion, David Davis Mansion and Broadview Mansion.

Shuttles will run continually between the mansions from 4-9p.m. on December 15th, starting from Second Presbyterian Church or David Davis Mansion. We’ll see you at the Mansions!

Sweet Pumpkins: A recipe from the kitchen of Candace Armstrong

Here is a delightful recipe that I have made two times with butternut squash. Guaranteed to get your kids to eat vegetables. I have made it with and without the yogurt.

1.5 - 2 pounds fresh pumpkin or squash
1/4 cup corn oil

1) Sweet Tomato Sauce:
• 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 4oz can tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger root, chopped fine
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground coriander seeds
• 1/4 teaspoons black pepper

2) Yogurt Sauce:
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup plain yogurt

3) Garnish:
• dry mint leaves, crushed

Preparations:
1) Peel the pumpkin and cut into 2-3 inch cubed pieces, set aside.
2) Heat oil in a large frying pan that has a lid. Fry the pumpkins on both sides for a couple of minutes until lightly browned.
3) Mix together ingredients for sweet tomato sauce in a bowl and then add to pumpkin mixture in frying pan. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes over low heat until the pumpkin is cooked and most of the liquid has evaporated.
4) Mix together the ingredients for the yogurt sauce.

To Serve: Spread half the yogurt sauce on a plate and lay the pumpkins on top. Top with remaining yogurt and any cooking juices left over. Sprinkle with dry mint. May be served with rice or pita bread.

Note: this is an Afghan recipe called Kadu Bouranee.

Time Management Tips from Wise E-Free Women

Collected by Christine Huchthausen
I can’t say that time management is one of my strengths, but I know many women here at E-Free who have this much-coveted gift. The following are some of their advice for this hectic season. I need to continue to learn that by preparing ahead of time for Christmas, I will actually have time to do meaningful things to celebrate. As you shop, bake, decorate, and connect with friends and family in the upcoming weeks, it is my prayer that these tips will help all of us sort through the “clutter” and experience the Real Gift this Christmas.

Take a shopping trip with a friend in the beginning of November, exchanging ideas and sharing a fun day together. ~ Dawn Ritter

Cluster hospitality events in your home so that you just need to clean and bake once. ~ Julie Ryan

Make or buy the same gift for everyone. ~ Valerie Harlacher

Reduce gift giving by suggesting to extended family that the entire family go and do a family outing instead of buying gifts. ~ Lori Heil

When you decorate your home, use decorations that will last throughout the winter. (Snowmen, snowflakes, etc) ~ LeAnn Korty

Instead of sending Christmas cards, send cards at other holidays like Valentine’s Day or Easter. ~ Christine Huchthausen

Do a once-a-month cooking program in November to stock the freezer for December. ~ Dawn Ritter

After Christmas put decorations away in the order you will need to take them out next year. ~ Holly Pfister

When you’ve bought a few gifts wrap them, but don’t put the bows on so you can stack them up in a corner without crushing the bows. Be sure to put a code on them so you know who’s gift it is. I assign 1 or 2 random letters or numbers to each person (but not a letter of their name) and keep a code sheet in my drawer. Then when I’m ready to put them under the tree I only have to stick a bow on & write the name on the gift. ~ Becky Cobert

Use gift bags instead of gift wrap. ~ Marcy Taylor

Purchase gift wrap and gifts for next year during the after-Christmas sales. ~ Julie Ryan

Address and sign Christmas cards in the summer. Leave the envelopes open and ready for a family photo or newsletter before your seal them up and send. ~ Becky Cobert

Once weekly, take the time to make a menu plan for the week. It can be flexible, but you should plan enough food for a week’s worth of meals. Inventory before you go to the store! This saves lots of time by discovering the necessities and staples that are in low supply before you shop and eliminating those extra trips. ~ Candace Armstrong

For wrapping, Julie buys and Glenn and kids wrap. ~ Julie Gordon

Shop at Von Maur for out-of-town family and friends—they ship anywhere in the country for free. ~ Julie Ryan

Go to small town post offices to mail your gifts. There are virtually no lines in Heyworth, Hudson, Colfax, El Paso, etc. ~ Debbie McIntosch

Upcoming Movies

By Courtney Mammen
NOËLLE, coming December 2007. Father Jonathan Keene - a cold, impatient Catholic priest arrives in a tiny fishing village the week before Christmas to do what he does best: shut down a dying parish. But things take an unexpected turn as he becomes entangled in the various lives of the village’s eccentric characters.

Ted Dekker’s Blessed Child (co-authored with Bill Bright) is in development. It is the story of the relationship between Jason Marker, an agnostic Peace Corp worker and Caleb, the ten-year-old orphan he is conned into escorting to America, only to discover that the boy possesses the power to perform miraculous healings.

A New Season

A Poem by Jim Anderson
Crisp air…
Leaves crunch beneath each step,
Breath hangs thick like fog.

Wind whispers…

Chill is forgotten amongst the splendor
of color and contrast.

Gate creaks…

Intended work awaits
for another day.

Smoke swirls…

The warmth and comfort of a wood fire beckons,
extending it’s open invitation.

About Women’s Ministry…

Interested in Women’s Ministry at E-Free? Looking for more information about an upcoming event? Seeking new friendships with other women? Contact Julie Ryan at the church office at 663-6534. Be sure to check out the Women’s Ministry announcements in the bulletin each Sunday. There is also a Women’s Ministry brochure available at the information desk.

About Women’s Window…

The Women’s Window is the quarterly newsletter published for the Evangelical Free Church’s Women’s Ministry Program. E-Free is located at 2910 East Lincoln in Bloomington, Illinois. The church can be reached at 309-663-6534.

The mission of the Women’s Window team is to “support E-Free’s community of women with resources, encouragement and voice as they serve God, their families and others.”

Submissions to the Women’s Window are welcome! Send updates, devotional thoughts, recipes, encouraging words or anything else that would be useful in supporting our mission. Please send to chuchthausen theatsymbol pobox.com or call Christine Huchthausen at 309-473-9056. Editors reserve the right to edit for content and space.

1. Identify the type of small group you would like to join i.e. Family (Couples and singles), Men, Women, Support
2. If possible join a small group in your area of town.
3. Phone or email the contact person to arrange a visit.

Click here to check out open groups and register.

Heart 2 Heart exists to nurture and encourage women in their Christian walk by allowing them to be an intentional godly influence in the lives of other women. The ministry is designed to connect women who are in various life stages and seasons to link older women (either spiritually or physically) with younger women so that both may benefit practically and spiritually. This is God’s Design for fellowship and encouragement (see Titus 2) between older and younger women, as the older shares with the younger about His ways and words.

If you have any questions or are interested in becoming a mentor or mentee, please contact Bridget Nelson, Coordinator for the Heart 2 Heart ministry.