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<body class="body-norm">  <table border="0" width="90%"> <tr> <td><p align="center" class="title-large">Building the Family - 2005-2006</p> <p class="norm-norm" align="left">As we turn the page of a new year and close fourteen years of existence as a church family we have much to be thankful for, and much to do in the year to come.<br> <br> In addition to the many improvements to the Worship and Training Center, we have maintained strong support for missions, helping to sponsor short-term mission trips and missionaries, sustained strong ministry through our Kid City and Teen ministries, and, of course, continued to serve the needs of people through our Cell Ministry.<br> <br> The ministry to and through people is the very heart of our calling. We will continue striving to build our capacity to share the Gospel with the people of the metro-east area through Bible-centered teaching, preaching and witnessing.<br> <br> One of our most pressing needs as we face the new year is the cultivation of more cell leadership-cell leaders and interns. Currently our cell groups are "crowded" to the point of being unrecognizable as "small groups". This then diminishes their effectiveness.<br> <br> Nevertheless, under the ministry of some very committed and spiritual leaders cell groups continue to serve the church and the community with efforts that edify and evangelize. Pray that the Lord will give us leaders, multiplication and even more outreach to the lost in our area.<br> <br> We will focus on even better compliance with our mandate as a church-to reach and teach everyone we can. Be watching for cell-based and church-wide opportunities to get involved in the greatest work on earth. We still have before us our vision-to establish 1,000 life-giving, self-propagating Christian communities (cells) in the St. Louis metro-east area.<br> <br> May the Lord give us favor with those we are called to reach for Him. Pray to that end, and labor with one another for His cause. <br> <br> "<span class="scripture">Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.</span>"<a target="_blank" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NASB&passage=1+Corinthians+15:58" class="link-norm">1 Corinthians 15:58</a></p> <p class="note" align="right">Pastor Rich</td> </tr> </table> <hr width="80%" size="3" noshade color="#10807F"> <div align="center"> <table align="center" border="3" cellspacing="1" width="250"> <tr> <td class="table-heading-norm" align="center"><input type="button" value="Bookmark MECF" onclick="javascript:window.external.AddFavorite('http://www.mecf.net','MECF')" onmouseover="return overlib('Click to Bookmark MECF Website', CAPTION, 'Add To Your Bookmarks');" onmouseout="return nd();" class="buttons"><br> <br> <input type="button" value="Set MECF As Your Start Page" onclick="this.style.behavior='url(#default#homepage)';this.setHomePage('http://www.mecf.net');" onmouseover="return overlib('Click to Set MECF As Your Start Page', CAPTION, 'Set Start Page');" onmouseout="return nd();" class="buttons"> </td> </tr> </table>  </div> <hr width="80%" size="3" noshade color="#10807F"> <p><a name="prayer" target="cntr_stage"></a></p> <p align="center" class="title-med"><u>Member Prayer Requests</u></p> <div align="center"><center> <table border="1" cellspacing="1" bordercolor="#0C7F80" width="85%"> <tr> <td valign="top" align="left"><p class="title-norm">For our Brothers & Sisters</p> <p class="norm-norm" style="margin-left: 10px">Pray for our Brothers and Sisters around the world who suffer because they believe/share the love of Jesus to others.</p> <p class="title-norm">Spirit of Unity</p> <p class="norm-norm" style="margin-left: 10px">Pray for a Spirit of Unity among the churches of the Metro-East Area.</p> <p class="title-norm" style="margin-left: 0px">Our Government Officials</p> <p class="norm-norm" style="margin-left: 10px">Pray for our men and women who serve as government officials.</p> <p class="title-norm">The the 10/40 Window</p> <p class="norm-norm" style="margin-left: 10px">For the lost people to know Jesus</p> <p class="norm-norm" style="margin-left: 10px"> </td> </tr> </table> </center></div> <p align="center"><a href="question.html" class="link-norm" target="cntr_stage">Do you have a prayer request?<br> Please send us your request. We pledge to interceed for you regularly.</a></p> <hr width="80%" size="3" noshade color="#10807F"> <p><a name="praise" target="cntr_stage"></a></p> <p align="center" class="title-med"><u>Praise the Lord<br> </u>"To the Faithful You Show Yourself Faithful..."-- <a target="_blank" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Psalm+18:25" class="link-med">Psalm 18:25</a></p> <div align="center"><center> <table border="1" cellspacing="1" bordercolor="#0C7F80" width="85%"> <tr> <td valign="top" align="left"><p class="title-norm">Prayed for an unreached people group to adopt</p> <p class="norm-norm" style="margin-left: 10px">He led us to the Fulani-Wodaabe</p> <p class="title-norm">Prayed for a mission team to support</p> <p class="norm-norm" style="margin-left: 10px">He led us to the Eckerts</p> <p class="title-norm">Prayed for opportunity to visit and minister with the people</p> <p class="norm-norm" style="margin-left: 10px">He provided for 2 trips, 7 people</p> <p class="title-norm">Prayed for more laborers</p> <p class="norm-norm" style="margin-left: 10px">More churches are adopting Fulani-Wodaabe people<br> - Colorado Springs<br> - Washington State<br> - California</p> <div align="left"><table border="0" width="100%" style="margin-left: 10px"> <tr> <td width="8%" valign="top"><p class="norm-norm">He sent:</td> <td width="50%" valign="top"><p class="norm-norm">Eckerts, Browns, Jeff Woodke, Abdou Idi and Ibrahim-Tambaya, and still others!</td> </tr> </table> </div><p class="title-norm">Praise the Lord for the safe return of all of our people from our Mission Trips!</p> <p class="title-norm"> </td> </tr> </table> </center></div> <p> </p> <hr width="80%" size="3" noshade color="#10807F"> <p></p> <div align="center"><center> <table border="0" width="90%" style="background-image: url('images/babies.jpg'); background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat-y; background-position: center top"> <tr> <td width="100%"><p align="center" class="title-norm">New Beginnings Pregnancy Care Centers<br> Observe<br> Sanctity of Human Life Sunday</p> <p class="norm-norm" align="center"><em>"What was I supposed to be? What were my eyes supposed to see?<br> Why did I taste of death before I even drew a breath......"</em></p> <p class="norm-norm">These are the famous lyrics by Christian Contemporary musician Ray Boltz. It makes you wonder about the 35 million babies who have been aborted in the last 25 years since abortion became legal in the United States. What were <strong>they</strong> supposed to be? What were <strong>thei</strong>r eyes supposed to see?</p> <p class="title-norm" align="center"><em>35 Million Babies!!</em></p> <p class="norm-norm">New Beginnings Pregnancy Care Centers began helping women choose life for their unborn babies 11 years ago and they are making a difference!<br> <br> New Beginnings Pregnancy Care Centers both in Granite City and Fairview Heights continue to minister to women who find themselves in crisis pregnancies. They are committed to meet the material, emotional, and most importantly the spiritual needs of their clients.<br> <br> In 1997, out of nearly 500 clients, we had 68 abortion minded clients and only 6 of them actually chose abortion.<strong> God is go good!!!</strong><br> <br> This year one of our Board members has started the Prayer Champion Ministry. This has organized prayer warriors to intercede on behalf of the volunteers, staff members, and clients. We have seen the Lord do wondrous and marvelous works as direct answer to prayer! <strong>He answers prayer!</strong>! As our client load is ever increasing, we need more laborers.</p> <p class="title-norm" align="center">Is God calling you to join us in the ministry?</p> <p class="norm-norm">You can pray, volunteer, or give a financial donation to the ongoing ministry of the New Beginnings Pregnancy Centers. Our next volunteer Training Seminar will be held in March. All sessions will be held on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings for two consecutive weeks. For more information, please call either center location at the numbers below. Child care will be provided.</p> <table border="1" width="100%"> <tr> <td width="100%" colspan="2"><p align="center" class="title-norm">New Beginnings Pregnancy Care Centers</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="50%"><p align="center" class="norm-norm">2019A Johnson Rd.<br> Granite City IL 62040<br> <strong>618-451-2002</strong></td> <td width="50%"><p align="center" class="norm-norm">10700 Lincoln Train, Suite C<br> Fairview Heights IL 62208<br> <strong>618-397-2122</strong></td> </tr> </table> <p align="center" class="title-x-small"><em>All gifts are tax deductible</em></td> </tr> </table> </center></div> <p> </p> <hr width="60%" noshade color="#008080"> <p> </p> <div align="center"><center> <table border="1" width="85%" cellspacing="3" cellpadding="2" bordercolor="#408080"> <tr> <td width="100%"><p class="title-med" align="center"><a name="evidence" target="cntr_stage"></a>Resurrection Evidence</p> <p class="norm-norm" align="left">Also, for a very helpful and encouraging "apologetic" on the truth of the bodily resurrection of Jesus, check the website for <a href="http://www.leaderu.com/truth/1truth22.html" target="_blank" class="link-norm">RESURRECTION EVIDENCE</a>.</p> <hr width="60%" noshade color="#008080"> <p class="title-med" align="center">"One Another's"<br> The "One Another's" of the New Testament</p> <p class="norm-norm">Listing of verse references to the Greek word ALLELOUS, translated "one another" or "each other") <br> <br> "<span class="scripture">Be at peace with each other</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Mark+9:50" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Mk. 9:50</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Wash one another's feet</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=John+13:14" target="_blank" class="link-norm">John 13:14</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Love one another</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=John+13:34" target="_blank" class="link-norm">John 13:34</a>, & 12 other references)<br> "<span class="scripture">Be devoted to one another in brotherly love</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Romans+12:10" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Rom. 12:10</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Honor one another above yourselves</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Romans+12:10" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Rom. 12:10</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Live in harmony with one another</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Romans+12:10" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Rom. 12:10</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Stop passing judgment on one another</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Romans+14:13" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Rom. 14:13</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Instruct one another</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Romans+15:14" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Rom. 15:14</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Accept one another, as Christ accepted you</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Romans+15:17" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Rom. 15:17</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Greet one another with a holy kiss</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Romans+16:16" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Rom. 16:16</a>, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=1+Corinthians+6:20" target="_blank" class="link-norm">1 Cor. 6:20</a> and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=2+Corinthians+13:12" target="_blank" class="link-norm">2 Cor. 13:12</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">When you come together to eat, wait for each other</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=1+Corinthians+11:33" target="_blank" class="link-norm">1 Cor. 11:33</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Have equal concern for each other</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=1+Corinthians+12:25" target="_blank" class="link-norm">1 Cor. 12:25</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Serve one another in love</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Galatians+5:13" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Gal. 5:13</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">If you keep on biting and devouring each other.you will be destroyed by each other</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Galatians+5:15" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Gal. 5:15</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Galatians+5:26" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Gal. 5:26</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Carry each other's burdens</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Galatians+6:2" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Gal. 6:2</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Be patient, bearing with one another in love</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Ephesians+4:2" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Eph. 4:2</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Be kind and compassionate to one another</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Epheians+4:32" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Eph. 4:32</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Forgiving each other as God in Christ has forgiven you</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Ephesians+4:32" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Eph. 4:32</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Ephesians+5:19" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Eph. 5:19</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Ephesians+5:21" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Eph.5:21</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">In humility, consider others better than yourselves</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Philippians+2:3" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Phil. 2:3</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Do not lie to each other</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Colossians+3:9" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Col. 3:9</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Bear with each other</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Colossians+3:13" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Col. 3:13</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Colossians+3:16" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Col. 3:16</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Teach one another</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Colossians+3:16" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Col. 3:16</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Admonish one another</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Colossians+3:16" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Col. 3:16</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Make your love increase and overflow for each other</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=1+Thessalonians+3:12" target="_blank" class="link-norm">1 Thess. 3:12</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Encourage one another</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=1+Thessalonians+4:18" target="_blank" class="link-norm">1 Thess. 4:18</a>, and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=1+Thessalonians+5:11" target="_blank" class="link-norm">5:11</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Build each other up</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=1+Thessalonians+5:11" target="_blank" class="link-norm">1 Thess. 5:11</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Encourage one another daily</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Hebrews+3:13" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Heb. 3:13</a> and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Hebrews+10:25" target="_blank" class="link-norm">10:25</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Spur one another on to love and good deeds</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=Hebrews+10:24" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Heb. 10:24</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Do not slander one another</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=James+4:11" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Js. 4:11</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Don't grumble against each other</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=James+5:9" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Js. 5:9</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=James+5:16" target="_blank" class="link-norm">Js. 5:16</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Love one another deeply from the heart</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=1+Peter+1:22" target="_blank" class="link-norm">1 Pet. 1:22</a> & <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=1+Peter+4:8" target="_blank" class="link-norm">4:8</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Live in harmony with each other</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=1+Peter+3:8" target="_blank" class="link-norm">1 Pet. 3:8</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=1+Peter+4:9" target="_blank" class="link-norm">1Pet. 4:9</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=1+Peter+4:10" target="_blank" class="link-norm">1 Pet. 4:10</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=1+Peter+5:5" target="_blank" class="link-norm">1 Pet. 5:5</a>)<br> "<span class="scripture">Greet each other with a kiss of love</span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/bible?language=english&version=NIV&passage=1+Peter+5:14" target="_blank" class="link-norm">1 Pet. 5:14</a>)</p> <p class="norm-norm"> </td> </tr> </table> </center></div> <p> </p> <p align="center" class="norm-x-small">[<a href="#prayer" target="_self" class="link-x-small">Back To Top</a>]</p> <p> </p> <script language=javascript> var rndURL = (1000*Math.random()); document.write("<scr"+"ipt language=javascr"+"ipt 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