Maybe Lane County Is Not So Bad After All

It's getting to be pretty crazy out there.  Here is a news story about a couple prohibited from having a Bible study in their home.

Class of 2009 Baccalaureate

The baccalaureate for our 2009 graduating seniors is this Thursday, May 28 at 7:00 p.m.  This is a special time to honor our grads for their accomplishment of graduating from high school.  Mr. Russ Conklin of McKenzie River Christian School and Mr. Jeff Sherman of McKenzie High School will be our speakers this year.  Dessert will also be served.  Please come and help us celebrate with our seniors and their families!

Graduations Galore!

Over the next month a number of our teens will be graduating from their respective high schools. Note the following list:

McKenzie High School - May 30th

McKenzie River Christian School - June 5th

Thurston High School - June 6th

Also note Caleb Gresham is graduating from the Art Institute of Los Angeles. Note his work at www.calebgresham.com. Congratulations Caleb.

Softball this Wednesday

Hey all you ballplayers let's get out to Bob Artz field on Thurston Rd at 6:30PM and get in some practice. We are just two weeks away from opening night and we need to get in a few practices with most everyone there so we can evaluate what positions players want to play. Also if you haven't paid please bring your moolah, cash, dinero, greenbacks, etc. Can't wait to see you all there.

Family Forum Review

Last night we had a Family Forum here at the church.  The three main issues discussed were: the church's financial situation, the invitation extended to MRCS for the 2009-2010 school year, and the current phase of the gym building process.  

Pastor Dean explained that the permits are ready to begin construction on the gym structure; we are simply waiting for our sprinkler system to be designed and submitted to the county.  When that is done, then we can start scheduling work days and begin building!   There will be two structures built - the gym structure and the classrooms structure.  As a church, we will first focus on getting the gym done.  There was much discussion on how this could be used as a unity builder for our church family and as an outreach to our community.

Pastor Dick explained the invitation extended to McKenzie River Christian School to come back to the church building for the 2009-2010 school year.  Because of the decrease of paying students, MRCS must move from their current location in Vida.  If they accept the invitation, the school will be at the church Monday-Thursdays.  They have agreed to pay all extra expenses that will be accrued, such as electiricity, garbage, water system, and paper supplies.  Russ & Gayle Conklin expressed their deep gratitude and appreciation to MBF for the invitation, as it allows the Christian school to continue.

Pastor Dick then presented information about the church's financial situation.  He explained that earlier in the year, the church was notified of a $20,000 deficit at the end of 2008.  That deficit has now decreased to $17,000.  The elders and deacons have met and agreeed to adjust expenses that are controllable.  Pastor Dick also explained that our income has not decreased, we just need to adjust how we are spending the money.

If you have any questions or comments concerning any of the information discussed, please feel free to email us at mckenziebible@gmail.com or dick@mckenziebible.com.

Quotes from D.A. Carson

Beware of the seduction of applause ... On the Last Day we stand or fall on the approval of One Person, and One Master, the Lord Jesus

2 Cor. 10.18

Work Day Saturday!

This Saturday beginning at 9:30 we will have our final Spring work day.  There are a number of projects to accomplish, including replacing a wall and siding on the Youth Building, staining the deck in front of pastor's office,  appliance repair, and lots of cleaning and weeding, and other things.  Lunch will be provided.  Come when you can and stay as long as you like.  Youth can earn summer camp scholarship points for helping on our work days.  See you there! (or here!)

Family Forum this Sunday -- 5 p.m.

What is a Family Forum? Family Forums are meetings in which the elders share with the congregation some of the things that are happening at McKenzie Bible Fellowship.  It has been a few  years since we had our last Family Forum.  This Sunday we will share with the congregation the status of our building program, the current financial situation of the church, and the invitation to McKenzie River Christian School to move their school to our church facilities for the coming school year.  Family Forums provide opportunities for our members to ask questions and provide comments for the church leadership team.  We hope you will join us at 5:00 this Sunday evening.  The meeting should last about 90 minutes.

Greeting Ministry Begins

McKenzie Bible Fellowship is now training teams of select individuals to serve in our greeting ministry.  Our goal is to demonstrate Christ's attitude of love toward strangers by providing a warm welcome to those who are visiting our church.  For years Joyce Brottlund has served as an example of the power of a smile and a warm greeting as she has introduced visitors to our church.  We want to expand that effort by adding other individuals to assist in this most important ministry. Our Greeting Teams will not only assist Joyce in her duties, but will also provide visitors with directions, information about classes and ministries, and introductions to Sunday School teachers.  Greeting Teams will also help provide secure oversight during our church services.  We want all of our members to welcome and greet visitors.  In that sense we are all part of the McKenzie Bible Fellowship greeting ministry.  Who knows, you never know when an angel might enter. (Heb. 13.2)

Softball practice 10 a.m. Saturday EWEB Park