Spring 2001 Facing Bench

Using the Technological Gifts God Makes Available

Just as Friends a century ago, used the printing press to voice their opinions, we need to use the tools God has provided to this century to fulfill His Great Commission. Getting your church “up to speed” may be easier than you think!

One goal of the EFC-ER Communications Board is to one day have every congregation in the Yearly Meeting set up with some form of e-mail access. The ease of communicating between churches, from the World Outreach Center to churches, and visa versa could be improved dramatically if each of our 90-plus congregations had e-mail access and had it listed in the directory in the yearbook.

One of the great needs of EFC-ER is to occasionally get information out to all our churches in a quick and timely matter. When news from missionaries requires immediate prayer support, a rapid broadcast to all our churches is needed. When unexpected events like deaths, funerals or emergency financial needs come to the attention of our Eastern Region staff, a one-step e-mail message to all congregations would increase efficiency. Staff members spend an unnecessary amount of time placing phone calls, waiting for responses, and leaving phone messages for churches without e-mail.

A quick check of our most recent yearbook shows that about 40 congregations are still not accessible to the yearly meeting by e-mail. Some of these churches may actually have e-mail available, but have neglected to report that address to headquarters for inclusion in the directory. If your congregation is in this category, please send that information to headquarters (e-mail Donna Neff at efcerdonna@aol.com or call 1-800-334-8863).

If your church does not have e-mail access yet, a variety of rather inexpensive solutions are available. The easiest, most inexpensive route to bringing e-mail to your church, even if you do not have a computer at the church or in the pastor's home, is the "e-mail appliance." Several companies provide an electronic device that just provides e-mail access. The appliances are small, compact, portable to give around the clock access to the pastor or contact person. One such device is "MailStation" provided by Radio Shack. I mention this one, not as a specific recommendation, but because most churches have a Radio Shack retail outlet near by.

"MailStation" which measures 8" w X 6" d X 1.5" h. runs by batteries or AC and stores up to 400 typical e-mails. All you need is a phone line plugged into it (and your telephone line then going out to your regular handset). It has only one function: sending and receiving of e-mail . It is not a PC, cannot access the Internet, nor sing the baby to sleep. But it will store up to 1,000 contact addresses and has a spell checker with a 20,000 word dictionary. The beautiful part is that the device itself is only about $100, and the monthly fee for e-mail (provided by Yahoo) is $10. One problem is that this (and most other such appliances) require a credit card for the monthly billing.

How about it? Is it time for your church to join the growing world of rapid communication? Many people find the cost of such service is partially offset by the savings in long distance telephone charges and postage required by more traditional communication methods. Want more information? Contact your local Radio Shack or search the web for other e-mail appliance providers.

Submitted by Wallace White, Communications Board
Wally pastors the Valleyview Friends Church in Deleware, Ohio.

Our Gratitude to Lynn and Esther Shreve for 11 Years Service as Area Superintendents for EFC-ER

Printed below is a letter written by Dr. John P. Williams, Jr. sent to all church pastors and lay leaders in our churches.

As you know, Lynn and Esther Shreve have served graciously and effectively as our Virginia and Piedmont Superintendents over these past (nearly) 11 years.

Carol and I cherish their partnership and deeply appreciate the way that they have encouraged, supported and been pastors to our pastors in Virginia and Piedmont. Lynn and Esther are a unique team, committed to one another, to the Lord and to ministry together.

Over the past couple of years, Lynn has dealt with a chronic blood disease courageously and with a great deal of “spunk.” Esther has always been there by his side and, together, they are doing quite well. Lynn has continued, and almost without interruption, to carry out ministry with effectiveness and enthusiasm.

Desiring God’s best for the Shreves, we have talked and prayed together over the past few months and have sensed the Lord leading Lynn and Esther to step out of the Area Superintendency, effective June 30. They will enjoy more freedom to be with their family and each other and will, of course, continue to be a blessing to our EFC-ER movement; they may even occasionally drop by our Virginia and Piedmont churches to worship and encourage.

As we plan for the future, I am pleased to report that Executive Board has warmly approved our recommendation of Duane and Carol Rice to serve as Virginia and Piedmont Area Superintendent, effective July 1, 2001. The Rices are planning to reside in the Tidewater, Virginia, area and are excited about this new venture in ministry. Concluding 20 years of faithful and fruitful pastoral leadership at Trinity Friends Church in Van Wert, Ohio this year, Duane and Carol will be focusing on pastoral care, church growth and evangelism. Duane, in fact, will be available to hold evangelistic meetings as invited and will also assist us, from time to time, in Leadership Training and Church Growth ministries in India. We are very grateful to welcome Duane and Carol.

We thank the Lord for both of these wonderful couples and pray for His fresh anointing as we serve together. Thanks for being part of our team - for Christ and for people.

written by Dr. John P. Williams, Jr.
General Superintendent, EFC-ER

Pastor’s Conference a “Splashing Success”

For the first time in four years, the Annual Spring Pastor’s Conference was held in Myrtle Beach, SC. Pastors and their families arrived in time for two beautiful days of sun before the clouds rolled in.

Times of refreshing were enjoyed by all and Malone College helped to set a tone of fellowship as they hosted the first evening’s refreshments. Several of our pastors shared in devotional times each morning and through special music. Dr. Dale Galloway, our guest speaker, shared from his years of experience as a successful church planter and professor of church growth on the topic, “Leading with Vision.” Thursday morning began with a meaningful time of prayer led by Dr. John. Special prayer was offered for the Tony Watson family, Hillary Harrison, and Andrew Swamidoss, Director of Yavatmal College for Leadership Training in Yavatmal, India. The final meeting concluded with a time of communion.