Author: Co/Mission Couples Ministry

Making Headway…

April 16, 2019 Co/Mission Couples Ministry

It has been an event-filled beginning to 2019! OneLife has worked hard to strengthen our friendships within the church and in our neighborhoods. January, February, and March have all given our group opportunities to fulfill our vision and purpose. Let’s take a look back…

January

OneLife and Gnosko members got together on a Saturday back in January to go hang out in the Twin Cities. We mix/divided the groups into 1-car teams who would converge at Ikea for a really fun photo scavenger hunt. Teams were given an hour to walk through Ikea to fulfill some-20 odd photos including recreating a movie scene, sitting on a toilet, all in bed together, etc. Afterwards we enjoyed a lunch at the Ikea cafeteria. Dang, if that wasn’t a blast! Thanks goes out to Gnosko for their full participation. We really do “church” with an eclectic bunch of people.

January also brought about a very frigid neighborhood outreach in the Huhmann’s neighborhood. They ventured out on the ice of Lake Menomin for a fire, fellowship, and home-made ice-golf. Erik and Tavis also invented a new gliding-lawn-chair game. They had a good turnout and a really nice time with the neighbors.

February

OneLife joined Kindred for a Sunday evening of bowling. The members of both groups formed mixed teams and each team came up with a name and a theme. We bowled two games. On the first game, the first ball of each frame had to be done according to instruction: Fred Flinstone “Twinkle-Toes” bowling, bowl with the wrong hand, slow-motion bowling, and trophy bowling, just to name a few. We had a really nice time and laughed a lot. I can’t help but think how goofy we must have seemed to the rest of the bowlers that day. No doubt, it was clear we were enjoying ourselves.

February also brought a neighborhood gathering at the Samens residence. Nick and Amber planned a fellowship in their garage complete with toy projects for kids, food and lots of conversation. They had a nice turnout even with how cold it was. The kids and adults all had a good time.

March

Dyer’s, Schug’s, and Shields’ all planned neighborhood gatherings. Schug’s held a Friday night bonfire and snacks. Several people came and great conversation was had by all. Dyer’s had a Saturday art day complete with print-making, ceramics, and food. A smattering of Laura’s current and ex co-workers came and we all got to talk about art and life. Shields held a backyard fire and food on Sunday afternoon. They enjoyed getting to know a newer couple to church around a warm fire.

Yet Future

We have a large section of our group going to the Philippines this year. So we’re all pitching in to help cover them on the home-front. They will be in our prayers as they go. In the meantime, we will be preparing to head into the summer to do some community outreach events with the Duluth community group as well as Street Level International, the Bridge, and more neighborhood gatherings. Keep us in prayer as we seek to find ways to reach our neighbors with the good news.

Interested?

OneLife is a ministry for young couples and young families. Our mission is to minister to each other in the everyday things of life, minister to our neighbors in ways that express Jesus love and gospel kindness, and deepen fellowship within the church.
Our monthly events offer a mix of things including planning meetings, outreach events, and fellowships. But at least once a month, we open up our meeting time to non-members in the church to meet over coffee to discuss the current Sunday message which inspires some good discussion and prayer. You will find us gathering at coffee shops, the co-op, and local restaurants for these events.
Email us: onelife@jfbelievers.com

Gnosko…What’s that about anyway?

February 16, 2019 Co/Mission Couples Ministry

Gnosko are a group of married couples that are dedicated to God. Living our lives through helping each other and those in our community and beyond.

Calling donations for Kentucky

At the end of December, several Gnosko members fueled up at a local Denny’s before heading to Red Wing. We met with Patti who gave us an opportunity to pick up some items to send to Kentucky.

Patti with the Connecting Connection regularly donates to Honduras via a cargo plane. Some sizes of clothing (large on up) are too big to send down there. That’s why we where able to get some clothing from that ministry there to send to Kentucky.

So we rolled out the barrels and filled up the trailer. These barrels were really sturdy and great to move around. We are planning to work with Patti in Red Wing this spring. To help repair items before they ship out to Honduras.

Before our day trip ended we were able to stop at a local place you can’t leave town without stopping at…Hanisch bakery….not to be confused with Harnisch! From there we delivered the items back to be stored away until Street Level is preparing to leave for KY in March.

Currently, we’re collecting men’s work clothes and boots, housewares, furniture and more. The next time we will do so is Sunday, February 24, and possibly beyond till shortly before the team leaves. Please contact Bryan Harnisch to make the specific arrangements to drop those items off with Gnosko. Please be in prayer for the upcoming SL missions trip, which is just around the corner, to prepare the hearts of those going and for the opportunities there while in KY.

Mark Driscoll Video

The Gnosko members group got together after church a couple weeks ago to watch Mark Driscoll’s Spirit-Filled Jesus Conference: Live by His Power video. To sum up this amazing conference Mark taught us that Jesus didn’t do it on his own, He relied on the Holy Spirit. We shouldn’t rely on ourselves and should rely on the Holy Spirit just as Jesus did. Growing through every experience we have whether it’s good or bad, and we need to forgive as Jesus forgives us. We can fight the demonic with these five God-given weapons The Holy Spirit, Your Identity, Godly Perspective, Scripture, Faith to Trust.

A Trip to IKEA

January although cold brought plenty of fun. On January 19th, the Gnosko Members accepted an invitation from the OneLife Ministry on a City Road Trip. The intent of the event was to create opportunities for cross-fellowship and unity among the members of the church and among the members of Gnosko and OneLife. The event included teams comprised of members from each group who spent the day together in fellowship and included an IKEA scavenger hunt, a group meal, lots of fun and laugh, and lots more.

Healthier Living

Some of us in Gnosko saw the need to make some life changes. These changes would be beneficial not only to us and our health but especially for keeping kingdom work in our plan. Towards the end of January Gnosko began The Biggest Loser. We are having monthly weigh-ins to help keep us on track. Checking in with each other and holding each other accountable in this journey together. We need each others prayers and support in the hopes of better health and kingdom work for our future. So feel free, all of you, to join us in encouragement, accountability, and prayer!

One Life – Making it count!

December 21, 2018 Co/Mission Couples Ministry

OneLife 2018 Christmas decor — Whip it good!

Who we are…

Our monthly events offer a mix of things including planning meetings, outreach events, and fellowships. But at least once a month, we open up our meeting time to non-members in the church to meet over coffee to discuss the current Sunday message which inspires some good discussion and prayer. You will find us gathering at coffee shops, the co-op, and local restaurants for these events.

October

2018 Oct football fellowship — “Green-18! Green-18 -GO!”

October always has us looking to suck up on any remaining warm days we can get. We held our second flag football, fire and chili gig. The day was reasonably warm and sunny. Once again, no one got hurt (except egos) and we all headed home warn out from laughing, yelling, running, and eating some delicious chili. Some of our people get competitive while others are about as “who cares if we follow the rules” as they come. It makes for a really fun adventure.

November

2018 decoration party — Erik opted for a red bow for his head-wear.

November brought our members together to decorate for the Christmas season. This year we added some new ideas to upscale the feel. Our sanctuary is looking better and better all the time (new carpet, subtle decor, and lighting). This particular hangout included some holiday treats and cocoa. We also want to say thank you to Justin and Courtney for jumping in with us that day.

December

2018 OneLife party — What age does a younger person begin to love stuff like this?

December was especially fellowship-y. We saw a need for our group to come together more often just to be together and enjoy each other’s company. The leaders will be doing this and the members did. We gathered at the Huhmann’s house and fired up the pizza oven. So, did you know there were so many types of olives? I didn’t. We had fresh pizzas, sodas, and a smattering of other snacks. It was a nice relaxing evening.

Likewise, we also joined fellowship with Street Level. We brought an “IN-YOUR-FACE! -WINTER!” Summer picnic to the Street Level House. It was complete with virgin pina coladas, grilled chicken, burgers, BBQ beans, coleslaw, and orange fruity jello in molds. 50 plus attendees made for a very “rowdy” (Ben’s word) afternoon. Team Pete dominated Team Jenae in the event’s final activity, full-group Pictionary. The crazy thing is 95% of OneLife are the ghost of Street Level past. So, it was just a really fun way to connect, talk, encourage, and fellowship together before the students all started finals week. Thanks to Street Level for a great time!

Next on the Docket

January begins our winter neighborhood gatherings. Once each month, two families will be hosting an event to connect to neighbors. Who knows what fun things will come about. Its clear we all have neighbors who like to come together for food and fun. We just need to make it happen.

We will be taking a road trip to the Twin Cities in January with our friends from Gnosko. Their members and ours will be splitting up, cruising to the big city, and enjoying a game, food, and fellowship at none other than Ikea. Wondering how that works? The truth will be revealed.

February also presents a members fellowship with our friends in the Kindred ministry. It involves shenanigans with bowling balls, themed teams, and more! We are excited to make it happen.

Get Involved!

Covenant member of JFB, if you would like to get involved, reach out to pastor Tom for how to make that happen.

Church guest, you are welcome to attend an event if you like. Details of what we are doing and when is found on the JFB calendar page or you can email us at onelife@jfbelievers.com

Winter Already?

October 16, 2018 Co/Mission Couples Ministry

Recently

The Gnosko Families headed out this past Sunday to enjoy the fall colors and ended up driving around in a Winter Wonderland and enjoyed ice cream at the Nelson Creamery in Alma, WI

Over the Summer

This Summer we’ve had our fair share of outdoor and indoor fellowship and fun bowling first on Father’s Day and then in July at Jeremiah’s Bullfrog Fish Farm.

It was a gorgeous day full of steamy hot weather that Summer dished out and to complement it the most mosquitoes in one place I think many of us have ever encountered. They offered free music and as always the staff would cook you up your fish catch or just cook a plate up for you either way fishing or no fishing. We got to mingle with the Kindred folks there as well! We enjoyed the food, fishing, fellowship, and music so it was a great opportunity to be out in the community.

A return trip to Riverside Park in Eau Claire was another memorable time of fellowship in July where we enjoyed swimming and soaking in a wonderful Summer day here in WI. We teamed up with One Life and Kindred in August for a work day at the campground. We got to clean up the campground of leaves, sticks and cut wood for the campground.

Full group studies have continued throughout the Summer. It’s a great time connecting on the small group level which is really important as the church grows and in fellowship together. We recently got to do one outside with the full group at the Bowlin’s during Biking for Tacos event to cheer on the riders.

As Summer was coming to an end we got to work on the rocket stove at the campground. The goal is to have some heat out there when we all are utilizing the pavilion area when it’s cool outside. A barrel, straw, sandstone and clay were involved in the creation of a rocket stove.

What’s Coming

Fall has come to Wisconsin and Winter’s around the corner, we look forward to God’s plans for Gnosko in the coming seasons and covet your prayers for this ministry and all that are a part of it.

OneLife Ministry Delightfully Digresses

August 16, 2018 Co/Mission Couples Ministry

OneLife ministry fellowship 2018 — Grillin’ and Chillin’

OneLIfe Ministry has enjoyed an eventful summer so far. Since the last report (there was snow on the ground), we gathered for fellowship and fire with group members and group visitors, hosted four decently attended neighborhood cookouts, a group of us went to Kentucky on mission, and we have formulated some plans for the rest of summer and fall.

What Was

We started out the summer with neighborhood cookouts in July at Pederstuen’s and Samens’. The day was quite warm but meat was roasting and conversations were cooking. We met some new people and said hello to some familiar neighbors. Later, O’Gara’s and Dyer’s (via Cline’s) hosted a second set of cookouts. A number of the people invited from our hoods were people that the host home was already connecting with outside of OneLife. This has shown to be a more natural way to hang out. We will be looking for more opportunities like that.

Additionally, we held a fire fellowship at Tom and Becky’s house. Originally it was our intention to go camping this summer, but with Kentucky on the calendar for a good number of us, it wasn’t likely to happen. We have opted for at least this year to make time to fellowship with all members and visitors at least twice this year, giving opportunity for good conversation. Perhaps camping is in the cards for next year?

What Is

Currently, OneLife ministry members have been scheming up some games for the church campout this year. This Sunday we will be bringing into focus some solid options. You want a glimpse? …“In the Water”-beach volleyball! We’re planning to get the net out into the water to go head to head with anyone who wants in. I sense some dampness coming on. Be on the lookout for other fun games on the list (to watch or participate in). Events will be listed on the activity board by the mobile coffeehouse.

Before August is out, OneLife members will be heading out to the Drive-In Theater again. This has proven to be a fun time in the past (no matter what potentially yucky movie was playing). We always have fun just hanging out and meeting people.

What Next

As OneLife ministry heads into fall, we have bikes and tacos on the brain. You guessed it! Biking for Tacos is coming in September and we’re partnering with the Menomonie Public Library. We’ll be riding the loop around the lake and so start/finish will be at the library… where the tacos are! Students will be back and community (church and city) are all invited. Date and time is coming soon… Stay tuned.

We also are gearing up for fall retreat time for us. We’re set for heading to the JFB campground on September 21-22. Pray for good weather and an enriching time with the Master. For those wondering, stew is back on the menu.

Also, as I rub my temples with my index fingers in circular motions, I sense an October chili and flag football game in the air. We did this once a couple of years ago and, other than the Heinous-Brunner-Domination happening left and right, it was a really, really nice time. Our members really get on that. It’s a great time of exercising (and not the demon-removal type)!

Once winter makes its ugly return, we will be looking indoors for new adventures. We hope to translate the “neighborhood cookout” idea into something in homes some way. We have a creative bunch, something will pop.

Who We Is

OneLife Ministry is for young couples / families to be together both missionally and in fellowship. Usually we meet at 2pm on Sunday afternoons. If you would like to take part or even join as a member, get in touch with us. We would love to connect. onelife@jfbelievers.com

Food and Fellowship

June 16, 2018 Co/Mission Couples Ministry

What’s been

The last couple months has found Gnosko as a whole group continuing to go over notes in small groups and usually out and about in the community whether it’s enjoying the outdoors at the park, or ice cream at Culver’s. This is always a neat time to be one on one with different people each time and gaining new perspective as to what we gleaned from the service and how we are applying it to our lives.

This past week the whole group met out at the campground for some time out fellowshipping with another church, the E-Free church from Boyceville. It was great to meet new people and connect around the campfire.

While the missions team was in the Philippines Gnosko got to be a part of the carpet ripping out day with other fellowship groups within our church. In a matter of just over two hours the sanctuary was completely stripped bare of the carpet.

Another recent venture was helping out Street Level with the annual thrift sale. We paired up with a couple others each day of the event in morning and afternoon shifts to help out at the sale. We also took part in the setting up process beforehand and taking down after. A great part of the whole thing was getting to spend time and come alongside and help with another ministry’s projects. Many hands make light work and it was fun to see the very quick transformation from church house living areas into indoor thrift sale! It’s also a unique opportunity to be able to interact with the community.

The Gnosko Members enjoyed a van trip to the Cities in March to be part of a monthly fix it clinic going on in the Cities, this time we were in Osseo, they are held at different locations each month. It was to not only participate but glean information on how this runs and what it looks like in a big city and perhaps give us future direction for planning and doing similar again in our own small community here in Menomonie.

Coming Soon

Our Gnosko Leadership has been getting together a couple of times a month to share a meal and to discuss and grow in our relationship with each other and with God.

As Summer approaches we look forward to being out and about in the community as much as possible. Our Member’s group is looking forward to a Father’s Day fellowship with our kids at a local park.