What’s been going on?

You wouldn’t know it unless you took the time to think but the last time you read a report from us was back in August. We were reflecting on the Biking for Tacos ride and other events that put us outside and enjoying the warm air. Today we stand knee-deep in the snow with weather patterns that have followed the predictions of the likes of the Farmer’s Almanac. –How do they do that, by the way?

Since then, we have made a shift in our meeting schedule. What used to be a once-a-week regularity gave way to a twice a month format with the hopes of helping the overall schedule of the church and to help stem the busy schedules of some of our people. Our monthly gatherings now consist of one monthly member gathering (either a fellowship, a work project, or a trip to somewhere) and one full group fellowship time. This has created space for OneLife’rs to have more family time at home, more organic fellowship/discipleship time with each other and others outside of OneLife and even outside the church.

What did we do this last quarter?

September was flag football season at Samens Field. We stumbled our way through an impressive game and then robbed ourselves of any calorie burning by consuming the delights of a rather successful community chili.

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October brought our retreat. A few friends from Duluth came down to join us. Friday night we divided the couples into groups of 3-4 couples and they were free to meet in homes or at restaurants with the goal of eating together and talking through the first session of the series (which we had to watch before coming together). Then Saturday got us up to drive to Bayport, MN for the remaining sessions at the Bayport Nature Center. Our event ended around 5pm where we took a group photo and sent everyone home. Some people even went to dinner afterward to continue the conversation.

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November took us to the Pederstuen’s house for an evening of Win Lose or Draw and snacks. It was clear that we needed to unwind together. The night was full of conversation and laughter. We got to see just how fast people could draw things on the dry erase board, and how difficult it was too. The kids were there too and, I think… I think, they had a good time. November also brought a workday for the members. We all joined Gnosko at the campground to split wood, move leaves, and plant grass seed. It may have been only 40 degrees but working kept us warm.

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December had our members decorating the sanctuary at church for Christmas. Multiple feet of pine garland and lots of red bows later, we were once again transformed for the holidays. Cookies and cocoa were had by most. The kids even had little projects to work on. It was crazy to watch the kid’s line up to vacuum the floor afterward. In the immortal words of my parents, “How come you don’t want to do that at home?” The night ended with Jason Haugley taking children on his lap to pull on his beard… an experience new to most of the kids.

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Finally, December brings a Christmas potluck to our full group fellowship this coming Friday. Ideas stir as we contemplate our activities for the evening. I assure you it will be in the Spirit of Christmas one way or another.

In our near future

We’re looking ahead to the New Year with plans to host cross-fellowships again… some that include possibly sledding with fried chicken and pizza, a turkey-related ice event, and a city trip scavenger hunt of some sort. More details to surface.

Until then, Merry Christmas, y’all! We love you!

Rewind OneLife

JUNE: Mid-June drew us away from life in Menomonie for a couple of days to Duluth. OneLife group members (kids and all) took to the highway to help JFBDuluth host a coffee and ice cream vending booth at the Park Point Rummage Sale event. They share our heart in connecting with the community. It was a very nice time shaking hands with people and working shoulder to shoulder with our northern family.

THE NO-CANOEING CANOE TRIP: We had the novel idea of canoeing the “Green” Cedar River. With all the best intentions we gathered enough canoes and planned the route. The moment the Sunday service ended, dark clouds moved in with an overwhelming amount of lightening. Lightning-strikes and metal boats on water do not make for safe events. So, at the last minute, the group decided to cruise to Bayport for ice cream and chill at a park when the storm passed.

JULY: First of all, I have to expose a grave ignorance on my part. Back in July, when Duluth Community Group joined OneLife to host our 4th Annual Biking for Tacos event, it wasn’t until we were almost completely done with the entire event that I connected why Laura was wearing that huge colorful sombrero. See, the event was called Biking for “TACOS”! Really, I thought she was just overly concerned about sunburn or something… Sheesh! I am slow.

Biking for Tacos this year put us in conversations with people from the community again; even some long-ago acquaintances. It was a great way to share a little fun with Menomonie. Duluth crew, it was really nice to hang with you guys for a couple of days.

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NEIGHBORHOODS: Over the summer, various OneLife members hosted gatherings in their neighborhoods to connect with neighbors and co-workers. These gatherings included various activities like homemade ice cream and hot dogs, evening breakfast, and a movie in the woods. This year these events seemed decently attended and connections were made, and at very little cost or work.

Fast Forward

As we head into the fall, we will be meeting twice a month to fellowship together. We have a few ideas in mind like our annual flag football and chili day, among other things. We are really looking forward to what’s in store.

Keep your eyes on the church calendar for more information about when we are meeting and what we are doing.

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.

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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