The document summarizes recent events at Everett Family Church, including creative presentations of Bible stories for children, a church picnic, and youth activities over the summer. It also provides an update on finances and community groups.

1. online - everettfamilychurch.org | mail - 15317 73rd AVE SE #2, Snohomish, WA, 98296 | phone - 425 387-1975
Words from a “Drive by” Victim
by Pastor Mike
I had been working as an intern at my home church for about a
year. My supervisor, the children’s minister, had given me creative
license to design the children’s insert for the weekly announcements
put into a colorful, novel-length bulletin that took most of the sermon
to read. One particular week I attempted to describe the nativity
scene in a humorous way with Mary using a “pig for pillow.”
Monday morning I arrived in the office and checked my inbox
where a glaring sticky note was pasted to the children’s
announcement page. The anonymous “woman”- deduced from my
investigative skills - was greatly offended by my ignorance of Jewish
cleanliness laws and the flippancy in my describing this sacred
moment. She couldn’t conceive how one who aspired to be a pastor
would defile Jesus in this way. It was my first piece of pastoral fan
mail and it hurt. I was embarrassed and unable to respond to her
personally. I could only print a retraction and apologize to my
anonymous victim. I never forgot the pain of that note because she
presumed and assumed and then engaged in what I now call a
“drive by”.
These kinds of moments happen in a variety of ways in church life
(even at EFC!). You have probably been the recipient of a drive-by.
An anonymous sticky note or passing comment loaded with
undertones or a subtle Facebook status update or lengthy email or
text delivered at time convenient for the sender but at time when
you can only perculate on the hurt you feel. They hurt, don’t they? I
know! Ironically, most of the time drive by-ers aren’t even aware
what they are doing. He thinks he is speaking the truth. She thinks
she is sharing her heart. They have been victims of a drive by
themselves. The Scriptures are clear how we are to respond when
we are hurt or offended by someone. Matthew 18 instructs us to go
to the person and share our hurt. If they will not listen or receive us,
we are to take a mature, Spirit-filled witness. If the offense continues
to go unaddressed there are additional steps we are to take. To
help EFC be a healthier family let me summarize some
fundamentals in dealing with hurt and pain to avoid future drive bys.
• We don’t ignore it and avoid it.
• We don’t use Facebook to air our hurts.
• We don’t talk to someone else about the issue.
• We don’t use sticky notes, email, texting or letters to address
conflict.
• We don’t use ultimatums.
Rather…
• We deal with it promptly.
• We deal with it face-to-face.
• We show kindness and extend grace.
I wish the woman who was so offended by me had come to me
personally. While I appreciate her sensitivity to Jewish customs and
my need to carefully consider my words, her manner bruised me.
There have been many times I have hurt others by my insensitivity
and carelessness. Those who have dealt with it promptly, face-to-
face, and shown kindness and grace are the ones I have the closest
relationships with today. Hurt and conflict is not a sign of unhealth
but the means by which the Spirit promotes greater health within
relationships. May we receive His courage and grace so the
inevitable hurts promote intimacy at EFC rather than division.
E F C F O C U S J U L Y 2 0 1 3
Experiencing God in a
Kid-Sized Way!
We are studying the life of David as a church. Our
Family Gatherings are focused on helping the children
experience God in a kid-sized way. We have a music set
to help them worship, a Bible teaching skit followed by a
concise sermon from Pastor Mike after which he leads a
special breakout time for the kids. The Community
Pastors lead a time for the adults during the elementary
and youth breakouts. The evening
will conclude with a simple meal
and fellowship.
Invite a friend or family who desire
to grow kids in their relationship
with Jesus!!
FAMILY GATHERING
S A T U R D A Y S @ 5 P M
SCHEDULE:
4:30pm, prayer time
5pm, family worship
6pm, breakouts
7pm, dinner and
fellowship
Women’s Re-TREAT
Sunday-Tuesday, July 14-16
The women of EFC are heading across
the mountains to the beauty of
Leavenworth for a time of refreshment
physically, relationally and spiritually!
Contact Pascale for more information
(425) 387-8918.
Crosswalk & LIFE Group
July 26th, 6:30-9:00pm
The Community Groups will be meeting as usual on the
fourth weekend of the month for a meal, fellowship,
p r a y e r , a n d a t i m e o f
encouragement from God’s
word. Pastors Steve and Janine
and Dan and Jenn continue to
challenge and shepherd us.
While there will be no Family
Gathering on this weekend,
you may give your Joy Box
gifts to your Community Pastor
or mail them in.

2. online - everettfamilychurch.org | mail - 15317 73rd AVE SE #2, Snohomish, WA, 98296 | phone - 425 387-1975
Family Gatherings and the Kids. The men of EFC presented
a creative version of David sparing King Saul’s life
and the following week Jenn and youth girls presented
the story of Abigail through the eyes of the servants. It
will be hard to forget these memorable and fun
teaching moments from God’s word. The elementary
“Star Chart” has become the latest activity (aka
“obsession”) of the EFC kids who are earning stars as
they memorize Psalm 139, bring their Bibles to class,
give Joy Box gifts, and read their Bibles each week.
Their diligence is an inspiration to their parents and
older siblings!
EFC Picnic. Our annual church picnic happened in the
backyard of Hope Church. We played volleyball,
ultimate frisbee, enjoyed friend chicken complemented
by a cornucopia of dishes contributed by the EFC
family.
Remembering JT. A wonderful team stepped up to help
prepare and host the family and friends of Sarena
Thomas as we remembered her husband, JT, who
returned home in late May. Thank you to Caleb, Lisa,
Jenn, Janine, Pascale, and Luke who served on June
15th.
Praxis Youth Journeyed and Played: The youth wrapped up
The Gospel Journey, with Greg, Zane and the
adventurers who tackled the question of what Jesus
taught about the true Christian message. Many friends
and new faces joined us for this series!
New Youth Promotion: Welcome to Bella Kirshner, Makayla
Tornga, and Joshua Travis to the Praxis youth ministry!
Community Groups in June: The Ripleys and Bells continue
to create a space for families to gather in homes.
Special thanks to Perry and Lisa who opened their
home to the Crosswalk group and Mark and Nathalie
who opened their home to the LIFE group! We know
how much work goes into cleaning before and after
group and we appreciate your generous stewardship
of the beautiful home the Lord has blessed you with!
J U N E R E W I N D
E F C M a n a g e m e n t T e a m
Dan Bell, Janine Ripley, & Mike Wright
Your continued support is an important part of your
ministry. Join the other families who are doing their part in
supporting Pastor Mike and the EFC mission.
................Monthly operating budget $6,200
................................Total Joy Box gifts in May $5,069
...............................Total EFC spending in May $5,500
..................................Community Ministry gifts $300
..............................Total Joy Box gifts in June* $4,253
.............................Total EFC spending in June* $1,579
................................Community Ministry gifts* $300
*May’s numbers are current through 6/25/13
Everett Family Church is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization.
Tax Identification # 71-1025722
PRAXIS SUMMER YOUTH
E ve r y Tu e s da y, 6:30- 8:00pm
EFC Family Camp, Fri, June 28 to Mon, July 1.
July 2 – No youth event, so enjoy your family!
July 9 – Mukilteo Beach. Bring $1. 6:00-9:00pm
July 16 – Strategic game of elimination. How long
will you last? 6:00-8:00pm. (Travis home)
July 23 – Lazy River Float (Sultan to Monroe)
1-6pm. Meet at Hope Church at 1pm. Drive
to our destination. Float. Return at 6pm. Eat
lunch before you come. Bring water and
sunscreen. Let us know if you have inner
tubes and/or rubber rafts. (Ladies, if you
choose to wear a swimsuit, please have it be
a one-piece or a two-piece with a colored t-
shirt. Guys, no 1970 speedos - please !)
July 30 – Mystery Night. 6:00-8:00pm. Bells and
Kirshners to coordinate.
August 6 – No youth event, so enjoy your family!
August 13 – Fun and simple card and board
games. 6:00-9:00pm (Wright home)
August 20 – Watch, receive, send, and be sly
about it, and the great Cake-o-licious! Bring
$1. 6:00-8:00pm.
August 27 – Movie Night at the Bell’s house. Bring
your own snack, and more if you want to
share. See you there from 8-10:30pm.
Talk to Perry Travis for more information at
webtravis@juno.com or 206/412-0688
E F C B I R T H D A Y S
Let me know if your birthday is missing!
.............................July 2 Julia
............................July 14 Dan (40th!)
............................July 18 Mike
............................July 21 Janine
SUMMEREVENTS