Off to New Orleans!

Bridget Gossen and Elijah Harer (shown above with Jack Allen, Ben and Katie) are going on a missions trip organized by Jack Allen called Urban Impact, New Orleans. The team, leaving from Sandstone, picked both of them up at our church at 1:30 pm this afternoon (Friday). Here's a little of what they will be doing...  Six years after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, EFCA TouchGlobal Crisis Response is still making a kingdom impact on New Orleans.  This team is going to help be the feet and hands of Christ by partnering in this ministry. The adults and youth will be doing everything from helping to rebuild homes and churches, to prayer walking the streets and hosting block parties as a way to build relationships.The group will return home on April 8.  Please be in prayer!  Thank you!

Now Showing: "The Passion of the Christ"

Everyone is invited to see the showing of: “The Passion of the Christ” on Friday, April 6 at 6:30 pm, Pine City EFC, Lighthouse.

The Passion of the Christ is a 2004 American drama film directed by Mel Gibson and covers the final 12 hours of Jesus’ life beginning with the Agony in the Garden and ending with a brief depiction of his resurrection.  Flashbacks of Jesus as a child and as a young man with his mother, giving the Sermon on the Mount, teaching the Twelve disciples, and at the Last Supper are also included. If you missed seeing it in the theaters, now’s your time to see it!

This movie will touch your hearts with the realization of what Christ truly did for each one of us.  Because the movie is graphic, we recommend that 7th grade and above attend.

Take The... Our Response: 14% Challenge!

Take the Our Response: 14% Challenge!  Read on... On average, Americans throw away 14% of the food we purchase while billions of people try to survive on less than $2/day.  Our Response, a unified community effort to "respond" to global poverty, is challenging the people of East Central MN to take the 14% Challenge during the month of April.  What an amazing impact we could have if we reduced our food purchases (grocery store, eating out, etc.) by 14% during the entire month of April and donate the savings to fight malnutrition in Kivuruga, Rwanda. Several of us have been there and served meals to children that were made possible only through the donations of Our Response; and we want to fulfill our commitment to fully fund that Nutrition Center. If you decide to take this challenge, at the end of April, drop off your donation in an envelope marked "Our Response: 14% Challenge” at the PCEFC office or drop in the offering plate.  Thank you everyone!

Looking Forward to Easter Week!

Looking forward to Easter week @ PCEFC starting with "The Palm Sunday Parade."
We will also be hosting...
Thursday, April 5 @ 6:30 pm- A full Seder dinner with Hinckley EFC
Friday, April 6 @ 6:30 pm- Showing "The Passion of the Christ"                                                        
Sunday, April 8 @ 10:30 am- Easter Celebration Service
All activities will be at the Lighthouse. See you there!

Miss Minnesota Junior Teen
1st Runner Up

Congratulations goes to Amanda Basta, as she was crowned 1st Runner Up Miss Minnesota Junior Teen!  The competition was last Saturday, March 25 in the Twin Cities.  We are so proud of you, Amanda!  You are our little sweetheart!!  Pray for Amanda as this title will be an opportunity for her to give out the love of Christ to others and set an example of what it means to love the Lord Jesus Christ.  Congratulations, Amanda!

Experience a Seder Meal

Easter is just around the corner and everyone is invited to experience a Passover Seder on Thursday, April 5, 6:30 pm at the Lighthouse.  One of the most significant Jewish holidays, Passover, recalls and rejoices over the Israelites' redemption from slavery in Egypt. The symbolic elements of the feast cause us not only to look back and remember what the Lord did for the Israelites in the past, but also foreshadow a greater redemption through Jesus, the Passover Lamb. 

The Seder is a retelling of the story of the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. The Seder itself is based on the biblical verse commanding the Jews to retell the story of the Exodus from Egypt: "You shall tell your child on that day, saying, "It is becuase of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt." (Exodus 13:8). 

The Passover meal that you will experience is of Jewish tradition but has been shortened, simplified, and adapted so that families can have a sense of the ceremony.  Jeff Starnes, pastor of Hinckley EFC, will walk us through this very special event. 

This will be a very meaningful time for you and your family as we enter Easter week.  Bring the whole family.  Along with the ceremonial dinner, we will also have a supper for you to enjoy with a number Jewish recipes!  You won’t want to miss this!  Nursery will be available for those who wish to use it for children 3 years and under. This event is free to all but sign up is so important! 

A New Great Grandbaby!

Grandpa-the-great (aka Loren Ferch) would like to announce the arrival of his 28th great grandchild.  Reagan Loren Johnson was born to David and Lisa Johnson on March 20, weighing in at 8 lbs. 10 oz., and he was within the slot limit of 22 inches…. a keeper!!  The other very proud great grandparent is Shirley Johnson.  Reagan is the ninth grandchild of two very excited grandparents, Lonnie and Jeanne Johnson.

A Morning Out With Other Women!

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and come on over to Jenine Preston's home on Saturday, March 31, from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.  Come and enjoy some much needed fellowship with other ladies from PCEFC!  We always have a great time, so make plans now to attend!

It's A Boy!

Congratulations to Darren and Amy Carlson on the birth of their new baby boy, Josiah David Carlson. Josiah was born this morning, March 13, weighing, 9lbs 6oz. 21 inches. Amy and Josiah are doing great! Thank you for praying everyone!

Arctic Blast 2012
Our teens had a great time at Arctic Blast which was held at Camp Lebanon near McGregor, Minnesota the weekend of February 24-26. All reported that the speaker and the music were fantastic! Here are a few pictures that reflect an amazing weekend!

Retreat46

Something very special is being planned for our 4th –6th grade kids! Camp Shamineau is organizing a retreat for the weekend of April 13-15.  Retreat46 will be a great opportunity for students in grades 4-6 to celebrate the year together, learn about God and have a blast doing so.  This growth level retreat will have many activities, games and chapel times geared specifically for this age. Some weekend highlights the kids will enjoy are: zip line, climbing wall, riflery, chapel times, crafts, campfire donuts, nature center and horseback rides.  The weekend cost is $65. This will be an absolutely amazing weekend! If you are interested in going, contact Todd and Kari Johnson.