The Keene Koinoia

Keene Evangelical Free Church Newsletter July 2012

Pastors Corner
July 2012 As I was traveling, I heard a Catholic Theologian speak on Genesis 1 and the dominion that God gave to man over the garden. His main point was that this word that God gave Adam to do was in fact, in the meaning of the word, to protect; to guard the garden. I was intrigued by the implications that this man gave about that simple command [sorry I cant remember his name]. The word implied that Adam had something to guard, or protect, the garden against. That would be Satan, the adversary. Not only did Adam need to protect the garden, he also had a wife to protect and guard. As this theologian continued to explain the verses and the implications he laid out the three choices that Adam had to Satans threat [a whole other discussion] at the tree of life. Adam could have called on his Father, God. He could have rolled up his sleeves and challenged Satan [which even though he would have lost his life, God would have accepted his sacrifice and raised him from the deadthat too is for another discussion]. Adams last choice was to be silent. This last choice is the one he chose; therefore, condemning all mankind to a life with sin. My friends there are times to be silent; there are times to call to our Father for help; and there are times to roll up our sleeves and stand for truth with a challenge. I am finding that having the discernment to know the difference and chose the correct response is part of knowing Christ more and more. I will be honestif I cannot determine what is correct I want to always fall back on calling out to my Heavenly Father for help. I dont think you can go wrong with that choice! I pray this summer as you continue to walk your faith journey that you will think about these three responses-for if you are a follower of Christ, you are in a battle- you have something to protect, to guard faith. May we have the grace and guidance to know. In Christ, Pastor Matt

Inside this Issue

Page 1 Pastors Corner -Womens Circle - Missions Page 2 - VBS Thank Yous! -SWAT News -Womens Ministry News Page 3 -Bible Study Resumes -Church Potluck -Keene Community 125th Celebration -Volunteers Needed -Summer Sunday School -Coming Up at Keene -Contact Information Page 4 Keene 125th Volunteer Information

Womens Circle for July

Circle #3 headed up by Stephanie and Mary are responsible for serving at events taking place at church in July. Thank you ladies!

Missions
The Mission for July is Jim and Terri Wilson with Press On Youth Ministry in Kearney. The VBS Missions Project in June was to help sick children being cared for at the Tandala Hospital in Africa. A young girl, named Shiloh, sent her money to this hospital wanting to help children who were sick and needed help paying for their care. An account was set up in her name to help those in need. The children and their families generously gave $213.80 during the week!

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VBS 2012
We had a great week at Babylon with 55 kids attending! We learned all about Daniel and his adventures with God while he was in captivity in Babylon. Thanks to the following volunteers: Director: Stephanie Anderson Tribe Leaders: Sara Wells Michelle Jura Brittney Anderson Nancy Wells Angie Fickenscher Daniels Adventures Bible Story Time: Pre-K & K Class Pre-K & K Class st nd 1 & 2 Class rd th 3 & 4 Class th th 5 & 6 Class Pastor Matt Justin Moore

SWAT News
National EFCA Youth Conference in New Orleans, LA June 30-July 6th Please pray for our New Orleans crew (Ashley Snell, Paige Twohig, Zoe Dahlgren, Sam Mellema, Jackson VanLaningham, Pastor Matt, Joy Snell, Rachel Hicks, Justin Moore) as they attend National EFCA Youth Conference in Louisiana. Pray for safety in travel to and from New Orleans and around New Orleans! Pray for protection during our community service project! Pray for us to hear Gods voice as we listen to speakers, as we worship, as we enjoy drama! Pray for a life-changing encounter with Jesus! The New Orleans crew will be sharing about the conference and their experiences during Morning Worship on July 8th!

Marketplace Craft Time: Doris Cain, Jody Frerichs, Chrissy Frerichs Helpers: Ali Halsted, Caitlin Hinrichs, Rachel Hicks, Brandt Runge, Dustin Rose, Sky Halsted, Becky Bennett, Bri Moore, Jackson VanLaningham, Jody VanLaningham, Jenn Marsh, Tyson Marsh, Andrea Wheeler Celeste Wells, Andrea Runge Joy Snell Doris Cain, Adam Cain, Larry & Mary Williams, Don & Jody Frerichs

SWAT Private Pool Party

When: Sunday, July 22nd Time: 7:00-9:00 p.m. Where: Axtell Swimming Pool Bring your friends to this private FREE party! See you all there!

Snacks: Celebration Time: VBS Picnic:

A huge thanks to Mary Wendell for making all of our Tribe banderas! Thanks to Jenn Marsh for running Power Point during Celebrations and for making all of our handouts. *Thanks to everyone who helped decorate and set-up the church! * Thanks to all who donated cookies, supplies and monetary gifts!

Womens Ministry News

There will be a Ladies and Kids Private Pool Party on Sunday, July 15th at the Axtell Swimming Pool.

Ladies of all ages and all of our church kids are invited to this private FREE party! Come to swim or just hang out!

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Bible Study Resumes

Bible Study will be at 7:00 p.m. on July 11th, 18th, 25th th No Bible Study July 4th .

Volunteers Needed for Keenes 125th Celebration!

The Keene Church will be actively involved with the Community 125th Celebration on July 28th and 29th! We will be selling cookbooks both Saturday and Sunday, please sign-up for a two hour slot on either day. We will be hosting the Sunday Service and serving the Sunday Dinner on the 29th. There will be many ways to help! Please sign-up in the Fellowship Hall to volunteer. Please take notice of the attached flyer that includes items that will be needed and things that need to be done that will be needed to make it all a success! Thanks!

All Church Potluck

There will be and All-Church Potluck on Sunday July 8th following Morning Worship! Please bring TWO dishes to share!

Summer Sunday School

Summer Sunday School classes continue throughout July and August. The classes are grouped accordingly: Circle #3 will serve Stephanie and Mary Kids Pre-K through 6 grade Jr. and Sr. High Adult Class Anyone willing to teach on or more weeks of the Kids Class please sign-up in the Fellowship Hall.
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Keene is 125 years old!

The Community of Keene is celebrating July 28th and 29th! Saturday, July 28th 10:00 a.m. Parade (line up west of cemetery) 12:00 p.m. BBQ 1:30 p.m. Kids Games Horse Shoe Tournament Free Swimming Inflatables for all ages Hole in one Contest Pie/Concessions 6:00 p.m. Hot Dogs and Hamburgers Beard Judging 7:00 p.m. Burn Band 8:00 p.m. Mr. Keene America Contest 9:00p.m. Local Jam Session Chelewski Brothers Polk Band Sunday July 29th 9:30 a.m. Coffee and Rolls 10:30 a.m. Community Church Service 12:00 p.m. Dinner 1:30 p.m. Community Concert Historians/Historical Display

Coming up at Keene
August 4th Dismal River Canoe Trip see sign-up sheet on Bulletin Board.

Keene Evangelical Free Church 662 F Road Axtell, NE 68924 (308)743-2611 (Church and Parsonage) Church Email: keeneefc@rcom-ne.com Pastor Matthew J. Snell Pastors Cell (308)830-2603 Stay up to date on blogspot keeneefc.blogspot.com For general communication items for bulletin, announcements, newsletter, etc. email to: keeneoffice@rcom-ne.com

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