OEFC News for August 27 - September 5

September 3rd, 2026

TAKE NOTE
NEW PICTORIAL DIRECTORIES HAVE ARRIVED If you were photographed in April or submitted a photo, you can pick up your complimentary directory in the foyer beginning on Sunday morning, August 30 or in the church office on or after September 1.

USHERS MEETING on Thursday, September 10 at the church...ushers, plan to attend this important meeting for information and updates.

MINISTRY FAIR Sunday, September 6 is our annual Ministry Fair with nearly 40 ministries featured. Expect the foyer, fireside room, hallways and even the front lawn to be full of tables and displays and leaders to connect with about getting more involved with OEFC.
It's also "Nametag Sunday" to help us get better acquainted with each other!

YOUTH CAMPOUT is happening September 11-13 for Grades 7-12 at Blue Bronna Wilderness Camp. Register online. $100 per youth includes transportation, wonderful food, dry cabins, amazing campfires and games, meaningful times of worship and teaching, and unlimited fun! PARENTS complete the Annual Informed Consent form (required for all youth attending OEFC Youth in 2026-27).

CONNEXION CAFE On Monday, September 14 (7-9pm), enjoy pie and ice cream as we kick off this year’s new theme for Women’s Ministries (Flourish) and highlight the events and ministries available to women at OEFC. Marion D, Linda H, Shirley P, Donna K and Lyn B will share about a time they flourished where God planted them.

EFREE FRIENDS is our ministry to adults with disabilities, meeting on Thursdays (1-3pm) beginning September 17. Two people are needed to help out: Bible Teacher (curriculum provided) and Activity Leader (for games and activities). Contact Monica D for more information.

MEN'S BREAKFAST Join other men on Saturday, September 19 at 9am for a delicious breakfast, fellowship around the table, and an engaging speaker. This year's theme: Men Who Serve, Men Who Lead" based on Joshua 24:15.

LADIES BIKE RIDE From Banff to Johnston Canyon (50K roundtrip) on Saturday, September 26 (the road will be closed to vehicles). Meet at the church with your bike at 7:15am to carpool (return to church mid-afternoon). Bring a lunch to enjoy at Johnston Canyon. Register online by September 19. Questions? Contact Rosie O.

INFO DESK COORDINATOR This is a ministry opportunity for someone to coordinate those who serve each Sunday at the Info Desk, communicate with the team, and serve at the desk when necessary. For more information, please contact Laurie B or the church office 403-938-3311.

THIS WEEK @ OEFC
Thursday, August 27
7:30pm ROOTED Young Adults hang-out event - details and updates on Instagram

Friday, August 28
5:30-7:30pm GRADE 7 BEACH EVENT Going into Grade 7? You and one of your parents are invited to Crystal Shores Beach to enjoy hotdogs and meet other Grade 7s. Find out what to expect at OEFC's Friday Night Youth and ask questions of the Youth Leaders.

Sunday, August 30
9:15am and 10:45am WORSHIP SERVICE Pastor Rob is preaching. NURSERY (0-24 months). Children 2+ will stay with their parents; activity sheets are available at the back of the auditorium.
10:15am PRAYER for those seeking prayer (Prayer Room, right front Main Auditorium).
Livestream available HERE during and after the 10:45am service.

Monday, August 31
7pm MONDAY NIGHT VOLLEYBALL for 18 years & older @ Bill Robertson Park weather permitting (in case of poor weather, it will be held at the church).

Tuesday, September 1
7:30pm ROOTED Young Adults Bible Study (1&2 Peter, 1,2,&3 John, Jude) check Instagram for location, updates and details!

Wednesday, September 2
8-9am MEN WHO PRAY in the Multi-Purpose Room

Thursday, September 3
1-4pm SET UP for ministry fair
7:30pm ROOTED Young Adults hang-out event - details and updates on Instagram

Friday, September 4
10am-noon SET UP for ministry fair

Saturday, September 5
9-11am SET UP for ministry fair

CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES will resume on Sunday, September 13 (9:15am and 10:45am) for Preschool (ages 2-4) and CONNECT (K-Grade 6). Arrive early to use the Child Check-In system! Here are some opportunities for adults and youth to get involved:

SOS (Standby On Sunday) BUDDIES are needed to work with children struggling to attend Sunday School. Training is provided. Please contact Monica D or Alexis B for more details.
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS / HELPERS Please contact Alexis B for details or to sign up to help with K-Grade 6. Tech helpers and Check-In helpers needed too!
PRESCHOOL SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS Do you love interacting with young children? We need teachers and helpers for 2-3 year olds, as well as a class for 4 year olds. The schedule involves teaching for one full month three times between September and June. Plan to Protect training at OEFC is required. For more information or to sign up, contact Laurie K.

TUESDAY NIGHT CLUBS registration is OPEN HERE! For girls and boys in Grades 1-6, clubs will begin on Tuesday, September 15 (6:30-8pm). Want to help out on Tuesday nights? Contact Tanis Y or Ben H.

BIBLE STUDIES THIS FALL
WEDNESDAYS IN THE WORD Bible study for adults will be starting up on Wednesday, September 9 at 10am in the Fireside Room, facilitated by Rob D. Everyone welcome! No cost.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDIES will begin on September 16, from 6:30 to 8:15pm.

WOMEN Daring Joy: What six women in the Bible teach us about the power of celebration when it feels risky, complicated, and even impossible. No cost.
MEN When you face a challenge in your life, do you reach out to God or do you grab your Duct Tape & WD40 Combo Pack to help you fix it? Join us as we discuss some practical advice found in the Book of James. No cost.

TUESDAY BIBLE STUDIES

MEN 6-7:15am at the church, beginning September 15, FIRST WATCH will spend 12 weeks in the Gospel of Mark. Let Cameron O know if you plan to attend.
WOMEN 9:30-11:30am at the church, beginning September 22. Register with Hannah H (Cost TBD (approximately $30). Join us as we work through The Names of God by Kristi Mclelland’s and others. Learn about the different names of God recorded in Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, names that reveal who He is, what He does, and how He relates to His children.
WOMEN Tuesday evenings for young ladies at Pam D's house, beginning October 6. Register with Pam and order the book on Amazon. What Happens when Women Walk in Faith by Lysa Terkeurst. Lysa knows what it means to walk by faith and encourages you to discover the deeply personal truths of God's Word. This study is filled with stories and Scripture to help you apply practical, Biblical truths to your life and equip you to walk in obedience to God’s calling on your life.

CHECK IT OUT
OEFC Library News
Veiled Freedom and Freedom’s Stand by Jeanette Windle Naïve and idealistic, relief worker Amy Mallory arrives in Kabul ready to change the world. She soon discovers that as a woman in Afghanistan, the challenges she faces are monumental. As the new security chief to the Minister of the Interior, former Special Forces veteran Steve Wilson is disillusioned to find that the country he fought to set free has fallen into its old habits of greed and corruption. Afghani native Jamil returns to his homeland seeking a job while his painful past continues to haunt him. All three search for truth . . . and for freedom . . . but at what cost?

OUT & ABOUT
BC WILDFIRES Samaritan's Purse is on location in Clinton, Penticton and Kelowna providing shelter to those evacuated from their homes due to wildfires. Please pray for those who have been evacuated to safety, emergency workers and firefighters battling the fires, and Samaritan's Purse personnel serving with compassion and care. More information and an opportunity to donate can be found online.