Awana Awards Night 2012

The final night of Awana is a bitterweet one. We’re sad because the clubbers will be going separate ways during the summer, and we may not see them again until Fall (our Awana Clubs have kids from many churches and areas around the Rockford region). Yet, we’re praising the Lord for the growth we’ve seen and the Word of God that has been treasured up in young, impressionable hearts. May His Word dwell richly in them all!


Awana Grand Prix 2012

Annual Meeting and Potluck Photos

Once a year, the congregation at Elim meets to be edified in the grace of God as we look back on the previous year, and be encouraged in what the Lord may have for us in the future. Our annual meeting was no exception this year! What a joyous time of laughter and fellowship as we shared a fantastic potluck luncheon, then saw what God has been doing and how He has blessed with video reports from our missionaries around the world. Once again, we are awed by God allowing us to be part of His work in the salvation and discipleship of people all over the globe.

Encouragers’ Theater Trip

We have a terrific group of mature saints in the Lord who encourage us every day with their devotion and their perseverance. They’ve named themselves “Encouragers” because that is their mission: encouraging others to walk in the faith! Recently, a group of them went into the Mercery Theater in Chicago for a holiday performance of “The Christmas Schooner.” After a long drive in the rain, a warm cup of coffee at a nearby coffee shop was welcomed. Even though the play was wonderful, the fellowship was the highlight of the day!

Annual Praise Service & Pie Social

Every year on the night before Thanksgiving, the family of God that meets at Elim Baptist Church gathers to give praise to the ONE to whom praise is truly due— our God and Savior! This year, our theme was “Thank You, Lord, for People, Places & Things.” We were challenged to think of those things, and thank the Lord specifically for them. After the service, when we gathered downstairs for the gift of PIE, we had a place to record those things for which we are so thankful. And as always, we had a great time in praise & fellowship!

Baked Potato Buffet & Game Night

We just LOVE hanging out together! Recently, we had a baked potato buffet and game night. As you can see, folks of all ages enjoyed the evening, playing games and just generally acting crazy. When you share the love of Christ, just hanging out is fun!

To Refresh Your Spirit

Combined Choir Sings to the Glory of the Risen Christ

Elim Baptist Church joined with Rock Valley Bible Church, Morning Star Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Freeport in special concerts and services to declare the glory of the Resurrection. On Thursday, April 21st, the combined-church, 70-person choir sang at Morning Star Baptist Church in a service celebrating the Lord’s Table. Then on Good Friday, the choir sang in a service at First Baptist Church of Freeport that was highlighted by all four pastors participating in sharing the Word of God. We pray that God was glorified as these like-minded churches united under the banner of the Savior to share His truth and the hope of the Resurrection. Special thanks to First Baptist Church of Freeport for these wonderful photos.

Awana Clubs: Photo Gallery

Recently, we were able to capture some of the fun and excitement of our Awana Clubs. Here’s a glimpse into this dynamic, discipleship ministry. The Awana Clubs, whose goal is to reach boys and girls with the Gospel of Christ, and train them to serve Him (taken from the Awana Pledge).

Action Packs for Pakistan

Elim’s Awana Clubs recently undertook to send aid to our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ in the war-torn nation of Pakistan. With the collected clothing, bedding, towels, sheets and socks, ministry workers with Voice of the Martyrs will include a color Gospel storybook, He Lived Among Us. These Action Packs will be used by Christians in Pakistan to share the love of God among those who are in great need of God’s love and forgiveness. We had such fun assembling the Action Packs, making sure that ALL ages were involved in the process.