MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Health Challenge ¬—No time for fruits and veggies or physical exercise? Check out the article in Abundant Living magazine for some strategies to put you on track. A 12-week health challenge will begin Sunday, September 12. To register NOW and track weekly progress, visit www.alcf.net/magazine and select ‘‘health challenge”. Participants will receive weekly encouragement. A few of the most successful participants will be interviewed with a follow up article in Abundant Living magazine.
PrayerWorks will be on summer recess September 7. If you are unemployed or desire to encourage those who are, join us on September 14, for a time of sharing, praying and encouragement. (WC Prayer Room, Noon–2 PM, prayer-visitation@alcf.net, x209)
Community Impact (September 11–12): Be the hands of God’s love by participating in one or more service activities:
*Assemble teacher supply kits for two under-resourced elementary schools.
*Serve the homeless by distributing meals and gift bags, or assist with cleaning projects at the shelter.
*Help with landscaping and home repair projects requested by low income seniors at a mobile home park, or come decorate bookshelves with kids and participate in other activities designed to improve their literacy skills.
If you are unable to serve this particular weekend, but would still like to be a blessing, you can donate children’s books or specifically requested classroom supplies. For more information or to sign up, visit the Strategic Partnership Ministry booth following services or e-mail communityimpact@alcf.net.
Kid’s Club: ALCF is entering its second academic year offering a free, bible based after school program at Brentwood Academy, a public elementary school in East Palo Alto. Please join us as we teach and mentor K-5 students, helping them to develop strong moral values and attending to their physical, academic, social, emotional, and spiritual needs. Looking for those willing to lead or provide assistance with small group discussions, crafts, games, worship, and prayer or help with lesson preparation and curriculum development. (Contact Rosemarie Nola: strategicpartnerships@alcf.net)
Healing Prayer Ministry: (Saturday, September 11, 10 AM–Noon, C/7) If you have compassion and a compelling urgency to pray for those who are sick and infirm, please join this ministry orientation. (Contact: Prayer-visitation@alcf.net, x136)
GROUP ACTIVITIES
OASIS Seniors’ Night Out: (Friday, September 10, 6:30 PM, FH) Join other active senior adults for a great evening of music, fellowship, good food and fun, with special guest speaker, our own Pastor Roy Tinklenberg. Sign up in the lobby after each worship service. (Contact: seniors@alcf.net, x222)
Boundaries (Thursdays, September 9–November 18, 7–9 PM, SK-1/2) is an 11–week coed, interactive group based on the book Boundaries—When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Christian psychologists Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. It will help you to distinguish God’s will from your own, and show you how to bring new health to your relationships. Cost $25. To register, visit www.alcf.net/events. (Contact: Cynthia.Dupree@alcf.net, x147)
Hopekeepers: (Saturday, September 11, 2:30–4 PM, AO/B) Are you living with a chronic illness, cancer, or pain? This is a Christ-centered support group which meets every 2nd Saturday. It’s a safe place to meet with others who understand your circumstances. (Contact: HopeKeepers@ALCF.net, x147)
GriefShare (Mondays, September 13–November 29, 7–8:30 PM, AO/A) is a support group for those grieving the loss (death) of a loved one. Cost $12. To register, visit www.alcf.net/events. Registration will close after the first three weeks of class. (Contact: Cynthia.Dupree@alcf.net, x147)
Christ-centered recovery groups will begin this month. These new groups will run for 16–20 weeks. (Contact: Benita.Winn-Neal@alcf.net, x177)
* A Way Out and A Woman’s Way Out are gender-specific Christ-centered, 12-step groups for men and women seeking healing from alcohol/chemical addiction.
* Anger Management and Coping with Attitude are gender-specific, Christ-centered groups for men and women seeking healing from anger and other emotions.
* Food 4 the Spirit is a coed Christ-centered, 12-step group for people seeking healing from eating disorders.
* Women at the Well is a Christ-centered group for women struggling to overcome sexual temptation, romance and/or relationship addiction.
* God Pleasers is a Christ-centered, support group for men and women seeking healing from codependence.
* Faithful & True is a group for men seeking healing from sexual addiction. They will be meet on Thursday nights and will begin in early October. For details on taking part in this safe, confidential group, contact Pastor Tobey.Hall@alcf.net, or call x113.
ADULT EDUCATION/TRAINING
Women’s Bible Study: (Saturdays, September 11–November 20, 9–11:30 AM, GX) This 11–week course will go through Beth Moore’s study Esther: It’s Tough Being a Woman. Join Beth (via video) in a very personal examination of the Old Testament story of Esther as she peels back the layers of history and shows how applicable the story is to our lives today. Workbooks: $20. To register, visit www.alcf.net/women. (Contact: Cynthia.Dupree@alcf.net, x147)
JOBS Courses: Are you looking for a new career—a new direction? If you are interested in learning what it takes to work in the construction industry, ALCF JOBS Ministry is offering Phase 3 of the Construction Technology Vocational course beginning on September 18. In addition, JOBS is offering a 14-week vocational training course in Medical Coding CPC, beginning Tuesday, September 28. Upon completion, you can achieve certification and be on your way to a new medical coding career. To register, visit www.alcf.net/Chaplaincy.
CONFERENCES/SEMINARS/RETREATS/OUTREACH
Men’s Conference at ALCF Worship Center: (Friday, September 17, 7–9 PM & Saturday, September 18, 9 AM–2:30 PM) Last two weeks to register. Come be encouraged through worship, fellowship, and a team of ALCF leaders who know the challenges men face. Registration is $25. Cost includes materials and lunch. Stop by the Men’s Fellowship booth following weekend services or visit www.alcf.net/men to sign up, and for more information about the conference schedule and speakers. (Contact: men@alcf.net, x179)
Women of Worth (WOW) Retreat: (October 15–17, Mount Hermon) Registration for the 2010 retreat is open! Our very own Karin Baker and Pastor Sarai Crain are the speakers with musical guest Tapestry. To register, visit www.alcf.net/women. (Contact: Cynthia.Dupree@alcf.net, x202)
Church Prayer Leaders Network: (September 17–18, Church of the Chimes, San Jose) Join the intercessors and prayer warriors around the Bay Area for the Western Regional Conference. You will be refreshed as you learn how to experience God’s reviving presence in your own life and in your church. You will also be blessed and challenged by the dynamic worship, practical workshops, and inspirational keynote addresses. To register with ALCF (for a discounted rate of $28 through August 29), contact prayer-visitation@alcf.net or call x209.
The Eighth Annual ALCF Marriage Retreat: (January 7–9, 2011, Mt. Hermon Conference Center, Santa Cruz Mountains) Sign-ups has begun! Whether you have been married for one month or fifty years, you will have a wonderful time of fellowship, teaching and fun. To register, visit www.alcf.net/marriage and select “2011 ALCF Marriage Retreat.” Contact Dave and Emmylou Cerf: alcfmarriageretreat@hotmail.com, 650-493-8939 or Ezekiel and Marie Harvey 408-761-4069.
EXPLORING MEMBERSHIP/BAPTISM
All prospective members of ALCF are invited to attend Exploring Membership at ALCF on Saturday, September 11, at 10 AM in the Chapel. During this two-hour orientation, we will discuss the history, mission, values, beliefs, and ministries of the church. Sign up at the Information Center, e-mail Evie@alcf.net, or call x207
Baptisms are celebrated every third weekend during services. If you are a believer and have not yet been baptized, visit www.alcf.net/baptism or call Valarie Saunders at x205 to sign up.
COUNSELING/PRAYER
Biblical Counseling: If you are a member of ALCF and are experiencing difficulties in your personal life or relationships, we have biblical counselors that will provide encouragement and support in helping you find biblically-based solutions to your problems. (Contact the Director of Biblical Counsel: Pastor Cora.Harper@alcf.net, x125)
Budget Coaching: One-on-one coaching sessions. No matter what your financial situation, work with a coach and learn biblical financial principles using a practical application workbook. Our ministry is actively training new coaches. (Contact: budget@alcf.net, x227)
Visitation: If you or another ALCF member has experienced a death in the family, is sick, hospitalized or shut in, contact the Director of Prayer and Visitation (Contact: Geraldine.Hill@alcf.net, x209)
Prayerworks is a support ministry for the unemployed, entrepreneurs, and those in job transistion. Join the intercessors for prayer, encouragement, and spiritual support every Tuesday from Noon–2 PM. (Contact: prayer-visitation@alcf.net, x209)
Frontlines Men’s Prayer provides men with the opportunity to grow in their walk with Christ by prayerfully applying biblical principles to issues that are important in their lives. Men of all ages are welcome to come pray and be prayed for. For more information, please email: men@alcf.net
Child dedications: For information visit SAFARIKids@alcf.net.