online - everettfamilychurch.org | mail - 15317 73rd AVE SE #2, Snohomish, WA, 98296 | phone - 425 387-1975

Guidelines for Intimacy by Pastor Mike

Thoughts of the Ten Commandments have two common responses. We can be marinated with guilt or puffed up by a feeling of self-accomplishment. The Big Ten can be like a magazine quiz and after a quick perusal we give ourselves a grade. With a high enough cumulative GPA and SAT scores we might get a full ride scholarship into God’s graces. But what did Moses deliver to the Israelites in the desert and what did Jesus teach concerning these ten rules?

The Ten Commandments are comprehensive addressing our relationship heavenward and earthward. They are like the preamble of the U.S. Constitution, laying out the fundamental values of our future living together as a community under the benevolent leadership of Yahweh God. These could better be described as “Guidelines for True Intimacy with God.” It is not by accident that they parallel the basic tenets of intimacy in marriage. Here’s how I would restate these from God’s perspective.

Faithfulness. “Let there be no one else who violates the sacred relationship we share. I want to be your one and only.”

Authenticity. “Let your worship of me be sincere and heartfelt. Let it exalt me rather than confine me. Do not cheapen our relationship or let it be self-serving.”

Honor. “Let your words be kind and uplifting, not flippant. Cherish my name and mean what you say.”

Time. “Let us spend regular time together every week. Quality and quantity of time matter to me.”

As I have meditated on the Ten Commandments in this fresh way I have been attracted all the more to my loving Father. He longs for intimacy and this was made possible through his Son. Our relationship is sure but intimacy is fostered. I love intimacy. It fills my deepest desire. I have a Father so desiring to be near me that he has taught me how I can know Him and be fully known. What does it stir in you?

This coming Family Gathering I will share more about the next six guidelines for true intimacy with God.

E F C F O C U S M A R C H 2 0 1 5

EFC FAMILY GATHERING S A T U R D A Y S @ 5 P M

Join us for a time of family worship and age-graded teaching. We call our service the Family Gathering. It’s a time when the EFC gathers as a family for worship, music, Bible teaching and age-graded breakouts followed by a simple dinner.

Our study of the Bible book of Exodus and the life of Moses continues as we discover why God has saved us and for what purpose we were rescued!

EFC BIRTHDAYS: March 5 Linda ......................March 6 Phoebe ......................March 8 Kevin ......................March 9 John ......................March 12 Perry, Angelique ....................March 14 Michelle ....................March 15 Kayla ....................March 20 Shawn ....................March 26 Lisa....................

TACO TUESDAY - March 10th @ t he Fam i l y Tr ee Ap t s

Join EFC as we serve dinner for the residents in south Everett. We provide a free meal and space to build

relationships and experience a sense of family together. Dinner is served 6-7pm.

Sign-up online to contribute to the meal or attend.

EFC Weekends in March Talk to your Community Pastors for more on your Community Group location. More info is online. Mar 7 Family Gathering (at Hope) Mar 14 Family Gathering (at Hope) Mar 21 Family Gathering (at Hope) Mar 27 Community Groups (in homes)

s

online - everettfamilychurch.org | mail - 15317 73rd AVE SE #2, Snohomish, WA, 98296 | phone - 425 387-1975

Blizzard Celebration: We were led by Pastor Spud and the Blizzard worship team (Rebecca, Harrison, Rachel, and Luke) on February 7th. During this time we shared the stories of God’s presence at camp and saw a video of this year’s camp fun.

Valentine’s Day Gathering: It was a special night gathered as a church family on February 14th. We celebrated God’s love and had some fun in our dinner time. Here’s some of the great family photos that were taken during our celebration.!

Crazy Love: The new men’s Bible study began on Saturday mornings. Darrell Wilson has been hosting as the EFC men meet to explore God’s incredible love for us.

New Community Pastors: Mike and Mary Lee are moving into the role of caring for EFC families through a Community Group. They have been part of EFC since the beginning and eagerly join the team. EFC Community Groups are a place of intentional Christian discipleship through fellowship organized around a meal, interactive lesson for children and adult discussion.

FEBRUARY REWIND

E F C M a n a g e m e n t T e a m T H E T E A M : Dan Bell, Janine Ripley, & Mike Wright Thank you for your generous and sacrificial giving to the ministry of EFC. This past month we bought a new printer that will expand our capabilities. Your gifts allow us to support God’s work here through EFC and abroad. Be in prayer as we look for someone to help in the financial management aspects of EFC.

Total Joy Box gifts in February $7,096 .................Total EFC spending in February $6,955 ............... Community Ministry & Missions Abroad $1,350 ......................

Everett Family Church is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization. Tax Identification # 71-1025722

Visit EFC online (everettfamilychurch.org) for a current calendar of all events, times, and locations.

FAMILY CAMP 2015 Friday-Monday, June 26-29

Join us for an extended weekend of refreshment, spiritual growth, and family fun in the warm

sunshine of eastern Washington. Things begin on Friday evening and conclude on Monday after

breakfast.

The days are spent playing in the water at the State Park and at Slidewaters. The evenings are

spent in fun, worship and Bible learning. The kids play and play and play the whole time! Throw in a talent show and cooks to prepare the meals and this could be the best vacation of your summer!

Register online at the church website: Cost is $155 per adult and $50 per child (5-17 years).

Preschool (0-4 years) are free.

Everett Family Church Anniversary It all began in April, 2007. Many have walked with EFC for seasons of their spiritual journey. What is something you would like to share with the church family? I would like to post these in the April Focus.