SERVICE: Sunday, 10:15 AM | 3351 Independence Ave N, New Hope, MN | MAP | EMAIL | 952-895-1773
Evergreen Lakeville

I.T. Help Desk

Welcome to the Evergreen HelpDesk

What to expect for support at the Evergreen/Urban Refuge/The Rock online HelpDesk:

We offer a few different types of support at our HelpDesk:

  • Staff/Volunteer technical support - staff and volunteers who need to use our network system and our web sites can request a login and request support tickets through our Help Desk portal OR use the HelpDesk email listed below. These tickets will take priority over others.
  • General ECC systems support - If you are having trouble with our online forms, the web sites, getting ECC emails or using our reservation system, you can submit a ticket via the email address listed below.

Please know that we cannot provide personal technical assistance to non-staff personnel.

To submit a ticket to the Help Desk please email:  helpdesk@evergreencc.com

Include in your email:

  1. A summary description of the issue.
  2. Any solutions already attempted.
  3. A URL link if referring to a website issue.
  4. A desired "due by" date if needed.
  5. Your name and, optionally, your phone number.

If you are a member of the Evergreen staff and would like a login to the Help Desk portal, please email Paul at planhart@evergreencc.com

The benefit to using the portal is that it is a direct connection to our Help Desk and offers a simple input form for submission and allows you to look at your existing tickets and history.

Reflections of Sunday, January 29

Jonah and Jesus : Becoming Less Like Jonah and More Like Jesus - #1

Doug Patterson

Matthew 12:38-41
Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you.” He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah is here.
Jonah 1:1-3 
The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”
But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.

Matthew 3:17-4:1
And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.

Jonah 1:4-1:17
Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship.
   But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. The captain went to him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us, and we will not perish.”
Then the sailors said to each other, “Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity.” They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah.
So they asked him, “Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?”
He answered, “I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land.”

If you would like Reflections emailed to you each week, go HERE.

 

Church Finances

You can have confidence in Evergreen’s financial management

God requires that money be handled in a faithful manner (Luke 16:10, 11).  Our goal is to manage all financial gifts given to Evergreen with integrity.  Our financial system is designed to provide appropriate accountability, authority, and responsibility to trustworthy people in handling and spending the gifts entrusted to Evergreen.

The board of trustees

Final responsibility and authority for financial management at Evergreen rests with the Board of Trustees.  The Board is made up of one pastor, the Finance Director, the Operations Manager and a lay person from each of our five locations.  The Board carries out their responsibility in a number of ways:

  1. Approving the annual operating budget.
  2. Monitoring the budget and the financial health of the church on a quarterly basis.
  3. Approving all major church financial transactions.
  4. Developing financial, legal, and employment policies.
  5. Determining the employee compensation and benefits plans.

The finance director

In addition, the Board, through audits and quarterly updates, monitors the performance of the Finance Director. The Finance Director carries out the day-to-day activities of managing the money.  He cannot, by himself, approve any budget, authorize any expenditure, or spend any money.

He fulfills his responsibilities by:

ministry & budget leaders

Each ministry at Evergreen is lead by a Ministry Leader.  These people are responsible for putting together a budget and then spending that budget wisely to meet the needs of their ministry.  Ministry Leaders approve all expenditures.  If the expenditure is over $1,000 then that location’s Budget Leader must also authorize the expenditure.  As a safe guard, Ministry Leaders cannot write out Evergreen checks and those who can write out checks cannot authorize expenditures.

Ministry Leaders work with a Budget Leader in developing the budget.  The Budget Leader is a Pastor who coordinates the budget for a location and helps see that money is spent wisely.  The Budget Leader’s main responsibility is to see that the budget and spending at a location is done in a manner that supports the goals and vision for that location.  Budget Leaders can authorize expenditures but they cannot write out checks.

Over all, the financial system at Evergreen is designed to give Ministry and Budget Leaders authority and responsibility to spend money to accomplish the ministry that God has entrusted to them.  The Finance Department handles the money, writing out checks as directed by appropriate Ministry and Budget Leaders.  The Finance Director oversees all day-to-day activities related to money management, while the Board of Trustees has final authority and decision making over all financial issues and policies.

Independent Auditor Gives Church a Clean Audit Report

Evergreen’s goal is to handle all financial gifts with integrity and to spend them wisely.  On an annual basis, the financial records for all five of our church locations are audited by an independent auditor in order to verify that financial gifts are being handled with integrity, that the financial reporting is accurate, and that the financial system is sound.  The Board of Trustees hired the accounting firm of LarsonAllen LLP to perform the annual audit.  The auditor has repeatedly found the church’s financial statements to be complete and accurate.  He has also been greatly impressed with the efficiency of our administrative operations and has high praise for our staff and financial management systems.

A complete copy of the most recent auditor's report is available here: Audit Report

If you have any questions regarding the management of Evergreen’s finances, please contact Jim Bird, Finance Director at 952-564-3771.

Dry Soul?

THERE IS A WELL...

We’re all thirsty. Money, sex, and power are the “beverages for the soul” offered for our satisfaction. We drink them in, hoping for a pleasure that brings lasting joy and fulfillment. But we wake the next day only to feel parched rather than replenished. Are you searching for a spiritual experience that will quench your soul’s thirst? We invite you to join us we experience how God can be the life-giving water we all need. Experience God, not religion. 

Evergreen Community Church-New Hope is a non-denominational Christian church that meets at 10:15 AM on Sundays. We're located in New Hope, off of Highway 169 and 36th Avenue North.  Engaging programs for kids are available during the services.

SERVICE

Sundays: 10:15 a.m.
3351 Independence Ave N, New Hope, MN
Get directions

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Online Giving

General Fund

General fund monies support the ongoing operations of the church. 

Capital Campaigns

Four of our church locations are all currently seeking gifts for the purpose of paying for permanent facilities.

Bloomington - Show Me Your Glory!

Lakeville - Legacy

New Hope - Take Root, Bear Fruit

Urban Refuge - Committing Today, Building Tomorrow

KIDS AGAINST HUNGER

Three of our church locations have Kids Against Hunger ministries and accept gifts to fund their food packing programs.

Bloomington – Kids Against Hunger

Lakeville – Kids Against Hunger

Urban Refuge – Kids Against Hunger

electronic giving

What is the benefit in ELECTRONIC GIVING?

Online giving offers convenience to you, the giver and supports your desire to faithfully support the ministries of Evergreen Community Church.  You can prioritize giving in your budget.  It is easy to let our good intentions be compromised by the press of personal and household expenses.  The consistency of regular online giving also helps the church plan more effectively.  If you give electronically using a credit card, we ask that you pay your entire bill off each month as a good steward of God’s resources.

Prefer cash or check?

If you prefer to give by cash or check, collections are taken at our weekend services.  You may also mail in your gift directly to the office:  Evergreen Community Church, ATTN: Finance Department, 2300 E. 88th Street, Bloomington, MN 55425.

WAYS TO GIVE ELECTRONICALLY:

Automatically Giving through Electronic Funds Transfer or ACH

You may choose to give by authorizing the church to initiate automatic withdrawals from your checking or savings account (ACH) once or twice a month (5th and/or 20th).  To begin ACH, click here to download the authorization form.  Mail the completed form with a voided check attached to Evergreen Community Church, ATTN: Finance Department, 2300 E. 88th Street, Bloomington, MN 55425.

Online Bill Pay

Many financial institutions offer an online bill paying service free of charge that you can use to give to Evergreen.  Check your financial institution’s website for further information on this service in which the bank writes checks, not you!  It is important to indicate to your bank which fund(s); general or building (campaigns) that you wish your gift to be designated to.

credit Card/Debit Card Online Giving

Please use a credit card only if you are able to pay off your entire balance in full each month. 

Our online giving via credit or debit card is handled through GiveMN.org.  The church does incur a 2.9% processing fee on all credit/debit card transactions.  There are currently 12 giving options (called “projects by Evergreen Community Church” on GiveMN.org) – please click on the appropriate link below to make your gift. 

You can give a one-time gift or set up a recurring gift.  You will receive confirmation of your gift from the Razoo Foundation – save or print the email as a receipt of your gift for your records; your online credit card/debit card gifts will NOT appear on your church year-end giving statement.  For more information please read the Frequently Asked Questions (below) about giving online through GiveMN.  If you have any other questions, please contact Jim Bird at 952-564-3771.

Projects by EVERGREEN COMMUNITY CHURCH

FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT GIVING ONLINE Through GiveMN.org:

Is there a minimum donation amount?

Yes. Your donation must be a minimum of $10 to be processed through GiveMN.

Do I need to have an account with GiveMN to donate?

No, you are not required to become a member of GiveMN in order to give a gift to the church.

Is my gift tax-deductible?

Yes. Your gift is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law.

What information do I need for my taxes?

To claim a gift as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, you will need an official receipt of your gift. For gifts made to the church through GiveMN this receipt is issued by Network for Good. The receipt will be emailed to you once your gift is complete, or you can retrieve it from your giving profile on GiveMN.org.   Gifts made to the church through GiveMN will NOT appear on your church year-end giving statement. 

I didn't receive an email confirming my transaction. How do I know it was processed?

You may want to first check your email spam filters in case your email client thought it was spam. You may also contact the customer service team via email (support@razoo.com) or call them toll free at 1-866-437-1952.

Bible Questions & Answers

10 REASONS TO BELIEVE THE BIBLE

Many people in the world today claim to be "Christians." How many of them truly know what it means to be a "follower of Christ"? Do you know? "10 Reasons To Believe" is dedicated to not only helping Christians understand what they believe, but also helping those who do not "follow Christ" understand what Christianity is all about. This site contains the copy of a very good booklet called, "Ten Reasons to Believe the Bible." Go!

CHRISTIAN ANSWERS

This site is a great source on how to answer some tough questions like: Is the Bible truth or tabloid? How do we know the Bible is true? Is the Bible is full of mistakes? When we say that the Bible is the Word of God, does that imply that it is completely accurate, or does it contain insignificant inaccuracies in details of history and science? How can the Bible be infallible if it is written by fallible humans? Go!

MORE CHRISTIAN ANSWERS

More tough questions with great answers! Go!

IS THE BIBLE THE WORD OF GOD?

"There are many books today that claim to be the Word of God. The Koran, the Islam holy book, claims to be the Word of God. The Book of Mormon claims to be the Word of God. The Hindus believe the Bhagavad Vita is the source of eternal truth. Karl Marx, with his atheistic worldview, claimed his writing, The Communist Manifesto, was the ultimate truth.

Christians believe the Bible to be the Word of God and the eternal source of truth to live by. How do we know the Bible is the Word of God? Can we actually prove that the Bible is truly the Word of God? The answer is yes." Go!

About Baptism

baptism according to the new testament

why be baptized?

Because you want to follow Christ's example.
"At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river." Mark 1:9

Because Christ commanded it.
"Jesus said, 'Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.'" Matthew 28:19-20

Because it shows you are a believer.
"…many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized." Acts 18:8

Because obeying Christ's command shows you know him.
"We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands." 1 John 2:3

the meaning of baptism

It is a symbol of Christ's burial and resurrection.
"Christ died for our sins…he was buried…and he rose again." 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4

"For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ." Colossians 2:12

It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian.
"When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

 "By our baptism then we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that just as Christ was raised form the dead also we might live a new life!" Romans 6:4

Baptism does not make you a believer, it shows that you already are one! Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring - it's the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8,9

how are we to be baptized?

Like Jesus was--by being immersed in water.
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water." Matthew 3:16

Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water.
(example) "…then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…" Acts 8:38,39

The word "baptize" literally means "to dip under water." The Greek word "baptizo" means "to immerse of dip under water." It is the best way to picture a burial and resurrection. The founders of denominations agree:

Martin Luther… "I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies."

John Calvin… "The word 'baptize' signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church."

John Wesley… "Buried with Him, alluding to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church."

who should be baptized?

Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ.
"Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized." Acts 2:41

"But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News…and the name of Jesus Christ they were baptized, both men and women." Acts 8:12

"Simon himself believed and was baptized…" Acts 8:13

The one requirement for baptisms is belief in Christ! We do not baptize children until they are old enough to understand and choose for themselves to follow Christ.

when are we to be baptized?

As soon as you have believed! You shouldn't delay. As soon as a person has decided to believe in Christ, he can and should be baptized.

"Those who believed…were baptized…that day!" Acts 2:41

"Then Philip began with the Scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, 'Look here is water! Why shouldn't I be baptized right now?' Philip said, 'If you believe with all your heart, you may.' The official answered, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.' Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him." Acts 8:36-39 (paraphrase) 

things to know about baptism

what about being baptized twice?

We recommend you be baptized again only if you have not been baptized by immersion since you became a believer. It doesn't devalue a prior experience but simply reflects your desire to obey the teachings of the New Testament and follow Jesus’ example.

can a family be baptized together?

Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage family members to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.

will I have to say something?

At the beginning of the baptism portion of the weekend service, the pastor will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. Following that, the pastor will introduce you and give you an opportunity to tell briefly how you came to Christ. If you are not comfortable sharing, that is fine. After being briefly lowered just under the water, you will leave the water, dry off, and watch with others.

Other things to note

We are very happy that you want to follow the Lord's example in baptism. There will be others baptized with you. Many people like yourself have been baptized at Evergreen.

Baptisms are held twice a year– usually in the fall and spring. Watch the bulletin announcements for specific dates. If you are unable to make one of these times, talk to a pastor or your Small Group leader to see what else can be arranged.

Our Locations

Looking for an evergreen community church location?

We are one church family, but with many locations. Each location has a different feel and personality - much like members of a family. Choosing an Evergreen location might be as simple as checking out the map below and finding a church close to home. Or, check out a more detailed description of our locations to help you choose one that fits your life and family needs.

Location map

Evergreen-New Hope

Sundays at 10:15 AM - New Hope east of 169 and north of 394
A family oriented community church with a desire to make an eternal difference. Our goal is to help people take root in their faith, to reach out to those who don’t know Christ, and to plant seeds of kindness and good deeds in our community.

the rock

Fridays at 7:30 PM - South Minneapolis on 55th Street and Chicago Avenue
A church designed to meet the needs of singles, college students, and young couples. The Rock is striving to develop young men and women who are wholeheartedly committed to the cause of Christ and who desire to be disciples for Christ. 

the urban refuge

Sundays at 10:00 AM - South Minneapolis on 55th Street and Chicago Avenue
An urban community church that seeks to grow into a multi-racial church and is committed to raising fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ by being a people that:  Do Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly. 

Evergreen-Bloomington

Fridays at 7:15 PM, Sundays at 9:15 & 11:15 AM - Bloomington just south of the Mall of America
A family oriented community church with a desire to develop "Committed Compassionate Christians" by having the people who attend our church take root in the truth, grow in community, and sow by giving both in the church and in the local community.

Evergreen-lakeville

Fridays at 7:15 PM, Sundays at 9:15 AM* - Lakeville on the corner of County Roads 5 & 46
A family oriented community church striving to become a 3-D church, transforming people by attracting them to a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ and transforming communities by offering multiple services and planting new church locations. * These are Lakeville's summer hours. An 11:15 AM service is added after Labor Day.

New Here?

WELCOME TO EVERGREEN

Thanks so much for coming and checking us out. We’re glad you gave us a try. You probably want to know a little about us. Evergreen Community Church is a non-denominational Christian church for people investigating and seeking a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Evergreen has a unique ministry approach. We are a multi-site church: ‘One Church Family, Many Church Locations’. There are five Evergreen sites in the Twin Cities. This allows us to do many things together that we could not do alone.

our weekend services

At our weekend services you will find timeless Biblical principles presented in a non-traditional and authentic way. You will find seriously spiritual, yet friendly people in a casual atmosphere. Our worship music is a mix of contemporary and popular styles performed by talented musicians. Evergreen congregations span the entire age range—youth, singles, young and older families, empty-nesters and seniors. You can fly under the radar and remain anonymous in the crowd or meet people by socializing over refreshments after the services. You can go even farther by joining a small group. Please don’t dress up; jeans are welcomed! While we teach from the Bible, there is no need to bring a Bible.
 

Giving Opportunities

 

General Fund

General fund monies support the ongoing operations of the church. 

Capital Campaigns

Four of our church locations are all currently seeking gifts for the purpose of paying for permanent facilities.

Bloomington - Show Me Your Glory!

Lakeville - Legacy

New Hope - Take Root, Bear Fruit

Urban Refuge - Committing Today, Building Tomorrow

KIDS AGAINST HUNGER

Three of our church locations have Kids Against Hunger ministries and accept gifts to fund their food packing programs.

Bloomington – Kids Against Hunger

Lakeville – Kids Against Hunger

Urban Refuge – Kids Against Hunger

electronic giving

What is the benefit in ELECTRONIC GIVING?

Online giving offers convenience to you, the giver and supports your desire to faithfully support the ministries of Evergreen Community Church.  You can prioritize giving in your budget.  It is easy to let our good intentions be compromised by the press of personal and household expenses.  The consistency of regular online giving also helps the church plan more effectively.  If you give electronically using a credit card, we ask that you pay your entire bill off each month as a good steward of God’s resources.

Prefer cash or check?

If you prefer to give by cash or check, collections are taken at our weekend services.  You may also mail in your gift directly to the office:  Evergreen Community Church, ATTN: Finance Department, 2300 E. 88th Street, Bloomington, MN 55425.

WAYS TO GIVE ELECTRONICALLY:

Automatically Giving through Electronic Funds Transfer or ACH

You may choose to give by authorizing the church to initiate automatic withdrawals from your checking or savings account (ACH) once or twice a month (5th and/or 20th).  To begin ACH, click here to download the authorization form.  Mail the completed form with a voided check attached to Evergreen Community Church, ATTN: Finance Department, 2300 E. 88th Street, Bloomington, MN 55425.

Online Bill Pay

Many financial institutions offer an online bill paying service free of charge that you can use to give to Evergreen.  Check your financial institution’s website for further information on this service in which the bank writes checks, not you!  It is important to indicate to your bank which fund(s); general or building (campaigns) that you wish your gift to be designated to.

credit Card/Debit Card Online Giving

Please use a credit card only if you are able to pay off your entire balance in full each month. 

Our online giving via credit or debit card is handled through GiveMN.org.  The church does incur a 2.9% processing fee on all credit/debit card transactions.  There are currently 12 giving options (called “projects by Evergreen Community Church” on GiveMN.org) – please click on the appropriate link below to make your gift. 

You can give a one-time gift or set up a recurring gift.  You will receive confirmation of your gift from the Razoo Foundation – save or print the email as a receipt of your gift for your records; your online credit card/debit card gifts will NOT appear on your church year-end giving statement.  For more information please read the Frequently Asked Questions (below) about giving online through GiveMN.  If you have any other questions, please contact Jim Bird at 952-564-3771.

Projects by EVERGREEN COMMUNITY CHURCH

FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT GIVING ONLINE Through GiveMN.org:

Is there a minimum donation amount?

Yes. Your donation must be a minimum of $10 to be processed through GiveMN.

Do I need to have an account with GiveMN to donate?

No, you are not required to become a member of GiveMN in order to give a gift to the church.

Is my gift tax-deductible?

Yes. Your gift is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law.

What information do I need for my taxes?

To claim a gift as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, you will need an official receipt of your gift. For gifts made to the church through GiveMN this receipt is issued by the MInnesota Community Foundation. The receipt will be emailed to you once your gift is complete, or you can retrieve it from your giving profile on GiveMN.org.   Gifts made to the church through GiveMN will NOT appear on your church year-end giving statement. 

I didn't receive an email confirming my transaction. How do I know it was processed?

You may want to first check your email spam filters in case your email client thought it was spam. You may also contact their customer service team via eamil (support@razoo.com) or call them toll-free at 1-866-437-1952..

Assessments

 

ELDER QUALIFICATIONS TEST

This is a wonderful tool available to help you evaluate your character and spiritual maturity. This test is used by our association of churches to evaluate potential pastors. Test yourself and make copies to get input from others. It is a great tool to give yourself a sense of direction for growing spiritually. View the test.

WHAT ARE YOUR SPIRITUAL STRENGTHS?

Looking for help discovering your God given talents and abilities? Here's an online spiritual gifts assessment that will help you determine your role in the church.

Bible Resources

 

one year bible reading plan

From the "One Year Bible", get today's reading plan selected from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs. This is the reading plan printed in each week's bulletins. Go!

12 DIFFERENT BIBLE READING PLANS

View each plan on the web and/or be reminded by receiving it each day by email. Each plan is available in several languages and translations. There are no charges or strings attached. You will not be sent any advertisements or have your name added to other lists if you subscribe. You can un-subscribe from any plan any time with one click.

Choose and combine plans to meet your needs and time schedule. For example, combining the OT in two years with the NT on weekdays is only 2 chapters each day, yet allows you to read the NT every year, and the OT every two years. When you need wisdom, take a month and read the Proverbs.

To get acquainted with Jesus better, take a month and read the Gospels. During a particularly trying time, give yourself a boost by reading the Psalms in a month. To read the whole Bible in a year, you could also combine the NT on weekdays with the OT in one year. That gives you more variety than the regular plan of reading the whole Bible straight through in a year. Go!

HEARTLIGHT DEVOTIONALS & READING PLANS

Heartlight has brought together several Bible reading plans.Go!

Job Resources

 

looking for work?

There are three things that you may need right now

  1. Connections and a network for job leads
  2. Spiritual and relational support
  3. Access to Information and Tools

Evergreen Community Church welcomes the opportunity to assist you by providing information here that will aid you in your job search.

1 Thessalonians 5: 16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Jobs on LinkedIn

ECC has created a Jobs Network on LinkedIn. At this site you can network with other Evergreeners as you look for leads and job opportunities. You can get “linked in” by following Steps 1-4 below. 

  1. Go to the LinkedIn site. LinkedIn is free to join. They offer a premium version that provides more tools for finding people, whether or not they are in your network, but you should not need this functionality. All relationships on LinkedIn are mutually confirmed, and no one appears in your LinkedIn Network without knowledge and explicit consent.
  2. Set up a free LinkedIn account including your e-mail address, and create a password. Check your e-mail to confirm.
  3. Enter your profile information, and “connect” with people you know. This is a good way to manage the professional information that people (connections) will see about you. 
  4. Click on “Groups”, and search for “Evergreen Community Church Jobs Network,” and request to join the group. Once you join the group, you can see who else is in the group and you can ask other people you know to join. You can read, add to the discussions and begin to proactively connect with people who you think may be able to help you or who you want to meet. 

Hebrews 10: 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 

resources

Evergreen Community Church provides the following resources for informational purposes only. The decision to include a specific organization is not intended to be an endorsement of the organization or its services and Evergreen assumes no responsibility for any consequences arising from the use of or reliance on such information. Those interested in contacting any of the organizations listed below should conduct their own research to determine whether the organization meets their specific needs.

transition support groups

There are many job transition groups that host guest speakers and offer group discussions on topics related to job search. These groups provide an opportunity to network for job leads and the chance to gain support from other job seekers. Here are some to consider:

BURNSVILLE

The Job Connections Group Prince of Peace Christian Life - Center Rooms 200 - 202 200 E. Nicollet Blvd. Tuesday 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Networking, speakers addressing job search skills and small group discussion/support
952-898-9388 www.princeofpeaceonline.org

EDEN PRAIRIE

St. Andrew Lutheran Church - 13600 Technology Drive Eden Prairie Wednesday 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Networking 952-937-2776 http://www.standrewlu.org/ Job Transition Support Group

St. Andrew Lutheran Church Transitions Group - Monday 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Networking, Speakers & Small Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JITSG or ITSG@yahoogroups.com Wednesday 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Speakers, small group for Techies ITGroup_Minnesota@yahoo.com

Crossroads Career Network Grace Church of Eden Prairie - 9301 Eden Prairie Road Eden Prairie, 1st Thursday of the Month 7:30AM - 9:30AM Room 209
Expert Speakers and varied career search topics, facilitated and informal networking, prayer and support. Small groups available. www.ccnatgrace.com

Wooddale Job Transition Support Group Wooddale Church - 6630 Shady Oak Road Monday 7:15 AM
Networking, Accountability, Encouragement, and Prayer Support Don Rasmussen, 952-927-1668 Wooddale Church, 952-944-6300 jtsg@wooddale.org

EDINA

Christ in Career Support Christ Presbyterian Church - 6901 Normandale Road Room 316 1st & 3rd. –Saturday 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Job Support Workshop 952-920-8515

Minneapolis Job Support Workshop Christ Presbyterian Church - 6901 Normandale Road Room 107 Tuesday 6:30 PM $3.00 donation
Job Support Workshop for Managers, Professionals and Others www.mjsw.org Phone: 612-720-6532

Women Networking Group Christ Presbyterian Church - Room 20 on the lower level, Thursday 6:30 p.m.
Focuses on career/life skills development and job search with special emphasis on challenges that women face. www.MJSW.org Eleanor Ling 952.944.4054

Saint Stephen’s Job Search Support Group Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church - 4439 W. 50th Street Edina, Every Saturday 8:30 am – 9:30 am in the library
Support, encouragement, and networking for job seekers jobsupport@ststephens.com, 952-920-0595

LAKEVILLE

Career Connections Avodah Services Hosanna! Lutheran - 9660 163rd St West Lakeville, MN 1st and 3rd Tuesday 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Room 8 1 0n 1 Meetings room 2 Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 pm
Prayer focus with Networking and support Biblical Workplace values Job placement www.hosannalc.org 952-435-3332 www.avodahservices.org

MINNEAPOLIS

Employment Transitions, Westminster Presbyterian Church - 12 St. and Marquette Ave., Minneapolis Sat. 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Bates Room www.ewestminster.org

information

Evergreen Community Church provides the following resources for informational purposes only. The decision to include a specific organization is not intended to be an endorsement of the organization or its services and Evergreen assumes no responsibility for any consequences arising from the use of or reliance on such information. Those interested in contacting any of the organizations listed below should conduct their own research to determine whether the organization meets their specific needs.

Weekly e-newsletter titled "Love Your Work"
Sign up for weekly vocational insights from career expert Dan Millera at:
http://www.crosswalk.com/newsletters/

Bi Monthly e-newsletter:  How-To Articles on Career Coaching, Hot Job Markets, Resume Branding, Job Search Secrets and Career Resources.
http://www.maryelizabethbradford.com/freearticles.php

The Best Local Career Search Sites

Retreat Centers

 

ARC RETREAT CENTER

www.arcretreat.org, 1680 – 373rd Avenue NE, Stanchfield, MN 55080, 763-689-3540 l  arcretreat@hotmail.com

 ARC is located 55 north of Minneapolis (ten minutes north of Cambridge) on 90 acres in central Minnesota’s pine woods.

BUG-BEE HIVE RESORT LODGE & RETREAT CENTER

www.bugbeehiveresort.com, 29659 Queen Bee Lane, Paynesville, MN 56362, 320-243-4448, FamilyFun@BugbeeHiveResort.com

Bug-Bee Hive Resort is located just three miles south of Paynesville off of County Road 181 on the northwest shore of Lake Koronis; 90 miles northwest of Minneapolis.

CEDAR VALLEY RESORT

www.cedarvalleyresort.com, 905 Bench Street, Whalan, MN 55949, 507-467-9000 l cvresort@acegroup.cc

 Cedar Valley Resort is located in the Root River Valley and beautiful bluffs of Southeast MN near Lanesboro; approximately 3 hour drive from the Twin Cities.

EAGLE HAVEN RETREAT CENTER (KEN NEUHARTH)

W7949 140th Street, Hagar City, WI 55077, 952-484-0112 l ken_neuharth@yahoo.com

This vacation home is available all year around for group gatherings and retreats. Just a short, scenic 45 mile drive SE of the Twin Cities in the bluffs along the Mississippi River, Eagle Haven offers great views of the back channel of the river, with 14 acres and lots of privacy.  Easy access to historic Red Wing.

Amenities:

Outdoors: You can enjoy the wrap around deck with views of the water, gas grill, swimming pool, volleyball, basketball and fire pit. The home is air conditioned and heated with lots of parking. Boat launch area just minutes away.

LINDISFARNE RETREAT CENTER

www.lindisfarneretreat.org, 7727 Sod Road, Brook Park, MN 55007, 320-629-6666 l mjcummins@usa.net

Lindisfarne Retreat Center is located 7 miles NW of Pine City on 80 acres; 75 miles north of the Twin Cities.

LUTHER PARK CAMPING AND RETREAT CENTER

www.lutherpark.com, 30376 Lakes Drive, Danbury, WI 54830, 715-656-7244 l camp@lutherpark.com

Luther Park Camping and Retreat Center is located about 2 hours from the Twin Cities just outside of Danbury, WI.

THREE CROSSES RETREAT CENTER

www.threecrosses.org, 11266 335th Street, Cannon Falls, MN 55009, 651-239-6956, rtcrc@earthlink.net

Three Crosses Retreat Centeris located 40 minutes south of the Twin Cities.

WILDERNESS FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES

www.wildernessfellowship.com, 21897 Spirit Lake Road W., Frederic, WI 54837, 715-327-8564, Wilderness@centurytel.net

Wilderness Fellowship Ministries is just east of Grantsburg, WI on Hwy. 70; 90 minutes from the Twin Cities.

YOUNG’S CABIN IN CABLE, WI (JOHN & WENDY YOUNG)

763-476-1771 l wendy.young@comcast.net

Amenities:

Outdoors: Charcoal grill on big deck.  Fire pit in woods.  Part of Telemark Resort so you can use the lodge facility with pool, sauna, canoe rental, etc. (1 mile away).  The cabin is surrounded by woods and is on a cross-country skiing and mountain biking trail.

PERSONAL RETREAT CENTERS

MOUNT OLIVET CONFERENCE & RETREAT CENTER

www.mtolivetretreat.org, 7984 257th Street West, Farmington, MN 55024, 952-469-2175 l ssteinhoff@mtolivetretreat.org

The Mount Olivet Conference & Retreat Center is located just 45 minutes south of downtown Minneapolis - and 30 minutes south of the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport.

PACEM IN TERRIS RETREAT CENTER

www.paceminterris.org, P.O. Box 418, St. Francis, MN 55070, 763-444-6408

Pacem In Terris Retreat Center has 16 individual hermitages spread out in a secluded wooded area.  Pacem In Terris Retreat Center is approximately 19 miles north of Anoka on Highway 47. 

THE SPIRITUALITY CENTER

Spirituality Center, Saint Benedict’s Monastery, 104 Chapel Lane, St. Joseph, MN 56374, 320-363-7116, dmanuel@csbsju.edu

 The Spirituality Center at Saint Benedict’s Monasteryin St. Joseph is a place to seek solitude, quiet and peace. Women and men of all faith traditions and cultures are invited to our Center and hermitage for individual or group retreats.In addition to rooms in our Spirituality Center, Subiaco hermitage, a simple cabin with full amenities, is available.  The Spirituality Center is located 80 miles west of the Twin Cities in St. Joseph.

WILDERNESS FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES

www.wildernessfellowship.com, 21897 Spirit Lake Road W., Frederic, WI 54837, 715-327-8564, Wilderness@centurytel.net

Wilderness Fellowship Ministries is just east of Grantsburg, WI on Hwy. 70; 90 minutes from the Twin Cities.

Office Forms

Announcement/Flyer Request Form

Fill out this form to have an announcement placed in the bulletin and online and/or an information panel for a ministry table or handout. Must be submitted by a ministry leader or be approved by a local pastor.

request for administrative assistance - pastors only

Fill out this form to submit your request to the office; please do NOT use this form for technical support.

Identity Standards

Wondering how to use our logos, or which logo should be used on what documents? Check out our Identity Standards document for all the details to use our logos successfully. Download a ZIP file of our logos (includes all-location logos, Evergreen, Rock and Urban logo files.)

Web site suggestion/Request Form

Fill out this form to submit a suggestion, request or correction for one of our web sites.  Please keep in mind that corrections should come from the person who is involved with that particular ministry, event, announcement, etc.  Also, we will consider all suggestions but we cannot promise that your suggestions will be implemented.  Also, please do NOT use this form for technical support.

media center message info form

Fill out this form to submit information about the current week's message for the Media Center.

Flash Slide Request Form

Fill out this form to submit information about what flash slides you would like on the website for next week.  PASTORS ONLY, please.

Production Forms

 

Production Equipment Checkout

Use this form to sign out various production equipment.

 

Speaker Release Form

Used for guest speakers to give permission to duplicate their message or testimonial in recordings.

Financial Forms

Financial Forms can be filled out electronically and then printed. Appropriate signatures are still required.

Cancellations and Postponements

 

If there are cancellations or postponements due to inclement weather or other factors you will find those postings here.  If services are cancelled you will also be able to hear that information on our main greeting at 952-895-1773.

Get Emails from Evergreen!

get the news you want via email 

Here at Evergreen, The Rock and The Urban Refuge we want to only send out emails to people who want them.  We also want to only send you the information that you want.  On the sign-up page you will be able to pick the type of email news you would like to receive.

Important: you'll need to confirm!

We use a double opt-in system.  This means that when you fill this form out and click on "Subscribe" an email will be sent to the address you enter.  This email will contain a link that you will need to click on to confirm that you are the one who has requested these subscriptions.

Once you do that, you will be entered into our email system and will begin receiving the emails that you signed up for.

Unsubscribing

We don't want to send you something you don't want!  Every email we send will have a link at the bottom that you can click and unsubscribe.  You will also have the option to click a link to modify your settings and change what lists you are subscribed to.

modifying your email info

If you have already signed up and need to make changes to your subscriptions or the email information you gave us when you signed up, you can go here:

Blogs

Help in Crisis

FINANCIAL COUNSELORS

Access Christian Credit Counselors site that Evergreen-Lakeville Pastor Mark Bowen has mentioned in his series on managing finances. You can call them directly at 1-888-520-4422.

BENEVOLENCE MINISTRY

Following the biblical example of the Good Samaritan, Evergreen wants to assist people with extraordinary financial needs. The Benevolence Ministry provides financial assistance and financial counseling for Evergreen members and attendees. If you are in need of assistance and want to find out if the Benevolence Ministry can help, call the church office at 952-895-1773.

FAMILY AND PERSONAL COUNSELING

For a list of Christian family and personal counselors, contact the church office.

PRAYER CHAIN

Do you or someone you know need prayer? Contact our prayer chain leader: Lisa Manwarren, 952-471-7570

Support & Recovery

Monday nights at evergreen are filled with hope

This all-location event includes tools and people to help us get back and stay "on track" in life. We meet weekly from 7:00-8:30 PM in Evergreen-Bloomington's North Hall (Door H) at 2300 E. 88th Street, Bloomington, MN 55425. Note: this link will take you to the Evergreen-Bloomington site. Visit the Support & Recovery page for details.


 

College Age

Small Group Leader Tools

We will be adding Small Group Leader tools as they become available.

Small Group Info Submission

Use this form to send the church office information about your NEW small group.

If you have a change or update to your group info, please email the Office with the specific changes.

Small Group lesson database

Click this link to view the small group lesson\handout database.

Contact Us

new hope Location Address:

3351 Independence Ave N, New Hope, Minnesota 55427

Administrative Office Address:

2300 E. 88th Street, Bloomington, Minnesota 55425
 

General Office Contacts
General Information

info@evergreennewhope.com

952-895-1773

Pastors

Doug Patterson

dpatterson@evergreencc.com

(952) 542-8546

Mark Stiglicz

mstiglicz@evergreencc.com

(763) 971-8131

music director

Jeromy Darling

jdarling@evergreencc.com

(952) 484-1188

Small Groups

MISSING SOMETHING?

Everyone needs strong relationships. Families, neighborhoods, schools and communities used to be a reliable source for providing a healthy network of relationships. Today, these support systems are in distress. Broken families are commonplace. Neighbors tend to keep to themselves. Schools are less safe. People uproot frequently. The result is that the need for meaningful relationships has never been felt more acutely. This is where Evergreen small groups come in.

A VITAL PART OF EVERGREEN

Small groups are a vital part of the larger Evergreen community. A small group is like having your own family within the larger church. Groups are made up of 10-20 people who get together in members' homes during the week. In a small group you participate in relevant biblical discussions that will help you grow in your relationship with God. This happens as you learn together how to apply the teachings of the Bible to your daily living. You also develop close friendships as you spend time “doing life” together.

A GROUP THAT FITS YOUR LIFE

There are a variety of small groups to choose from, depending upon where you are in life. We have groups for singles, single parents, couples, newlyweds, parents and empty nest couples. We also have quite a variety of support groups designed to help meet your specific needs.

Find a group

Interested in joining a small group? Check out our small group listing. You may also call the office at 952-895-1773.

Driving Directions

3351 Independence Ave N, New Hope, MN 55427

Take Highway 169 to 36th Avenue North, go east, turn right at the first stop sign, Hillsboro, go to first stop sign, turn right onto 34th Ave. We are located one block on the left.

Map of Evergreen-New Hope

Monday Nights: Support & Recovery

Monday nights at evergreen are filled with hope

Each Monday we meet in groups to help us get and stay "on track" in life. 

Contact the leader for more information or just show up 7:00-8:30 PM on Monday Nights--September 19th through Monday, May 21, 2012 at Evergreen Community Church 2300 E. 88th Street, Bloomington, MN 55425.

Groups available this fall:

Single and parenting

Single and Parenting group sessions offer effective parenting strategies, encouragement and insights on how to find rest and hope as you parent alone.  Led by single parents.

Semina:  thebooksfam@yahoo.com  651-815-7428

Julie:   julie.varnam@gmail.com  612-998-1179

Steps to Sanity

The Steps to Sanity program is a simple Christ-centered “12 Step” program of recovery where we provide support for those seeking freedom from self-destructive lifestyles. Our weekly meetings provide a safe place to gain freedom and God’s healing alongside those recovering from similar self-destructive tendencies-- drug addiction, alcoholism, pornography, gambling, uncontrollable anger/fear, depression, and eating disorders. 

Rob: rp720@yahoo.com  612-867-0320 or Adam: lozanmax@gmail.com 651-246-6778

Caryn: cparrish105@yahoo.com  952-334-1030

Divorce Care

Whether divorced or separated, broken relationships wreck havoc on our lives.  This group uses a proven dvd curriculum and small group discussion to help in the healing process. 

Tammy: sovatammy@yahoo.com  651-329-9751

Marty: martylovesmentors@gmail.com  952.201.6065

DivorceCare4Kids

Coordinated with the DivorceCare group this is a safe environment where children of divorce(age 5-12) are introduced into the loving arms of a church family as well as to feel God’s love in a group setting enabling children to grieve and heal in a biblically based Christ-centered environment.

Dan  952-467-2430

Kelly kellyam612@yahoo.com  612-251-2031

Womens’ Depression Support Group

Come for prayer, discussion and support. The group is facilitated by an Evergreen woman that has struggled with depression.

Kim:  jjkss@msn.com  952-454-0519

GriefShare

GriefShare is a grief recovery support group where you can find help and healing for the hurt of losing a loved one.  Whether recent or not a loss affects us.  GriefShare helps to cope and grow.

Bob:  952-221-5675

 

More information

CHILDCARE  IS PROVIDED FOR ALL GROUPS

For more information about Monday Nights contact Pastor Mike Olmstead at 952-564-3781 or contact a group leader directly.

Evergreen-Bloomington 2300 E. 88th Street, Bloomington, MN 55425.

Midweek Service

ROOTS

Do you want to go deeper in your faith? Join us on select Thursday nights for Roots at 7:00 p.m. We will "Take Root" in our faith through worship, communion and Bible teaching. Roots does not take place every month. For the most current schedule, please visit the Calendar. Limited childcare is available as well.

Services

SUNDAYS AT 10:15 AM

Our New Hope location offers an intimate setting for great band music, exciting dramas and relevant messages. If you are visiting us for the first time, you will find you can feel right at home or make your visit anonymous if you so desire. We would love to meet you after the service over some refreshments. Learn more about Evergreen-New Hope.

FOR KIDS AND TEENS

We offer an extensive youth ministry including Nursery for infants, Promiseland for pre-school through 5th grade children, and “The Gap” for 6th & 7th graders. Visit the Promiseland page to learn more about our programs. Visit the Teen page to learn more about events and groups for teens. All of our youth ministry volunteers are trained and committed to the spiritual growth of your children—at any age!

Women’s Ministry

Our Mission Statement: 

Uniting the women of Evergreen and equipping them to follow Christ in every area of their lives, throughout every season of life.

Be it through a long chat, good laugh or shared concern, women have a special way of relating to each other. Evergreen’s Women’s Ministry exists to help women fulfill their potential in Christ. Various Bible studies and activities are planned for the women of Evergreen New Hope throughout the year. Events include an annual overnight retreat.

Contact Jenny Padgitt Jenny Padgitt for more information.

News feed...

Frozen Fridays

Womens Bible Study Plus

February 3 & 24, March 9 & 23, 7:00-10:00 PM, Fireside Room. Ladies -- come in out of the cold and warm your hearts! Join us for an evening of Biblical instruction, small group discussion, and just hanging out! We will be watching and discussing a DVD series entitled, "Lies Women Believe: and the Truth that Sets them Free" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. No book or workbook is required. Afterwards we will hang out, talk, play games, or scrapbook. Please join us for these heart-warming evenings! See flyers for more details.

Volunteer to Serve

WHAT WERE YOU SHAPED FOR?

Don't miss an opportunity to use the talents and skills that God has given you. There are many ministry efforts going on at Evergreen that could benefit greatly from your desire to help. And, you'll benefit, too.

Are you good with children? How about music and drama? Are you a techie or good with numbers, perhaps? Maybe you love to serve food and play "host". Or, you just love to smile and shake hands (makes for a pretty good greeter). Are you a "people person" or someone who would rather stay behind the scenes?

It doesn't matter what talent you possess, there's a spot for you where you can put your skills to work and meet some great people in the process!

SPIRITUAL GIFTS TEST

Wondering what God has gifted you to do? Take this spiritual gifts test online.

volunteer opportunities

FINANCE MINISTRY

Teams needed to count the offering. Must be trustworthy and accountable. Rotating schedule. Count during the service, but can attend the praise-and-worship and announcements portion of the service.

SOUND

Responsible for running the sound system during the Sunday morning service and listening to the music, teachings, and announcements during the service and adjusting the sound levels accordingly to give out a pleasant mix of sound to the congregation.  The vision is to create an awesome sound that is pleasing to the audience and make those in the spotlight sound great.

AUDIO-VISUAL MINISTRY

Rotating schedule to arrive early, be part of the rehearsal and run the display of song lyrics, verses, etc. during the service. You would be able to attend the service. On-the-job training with the current ministry members provided.

BUILDING MINISTRY

Use your skills in the upkeep of the building: Help with cleaning, grounds care, aesthetics, small repairs, and maintenance projects as needed.

REFRESHMENTS

Rotating schedule of people to help with the setup, serving, and cleanup of beverages and snacks before and after the Sunday service. You would be able to attend the service.

HOST

Outgoing people to serve before and after the Sunday Morning service, making new people feel “at home.” You would be on a rotating schedule and be able to attend most of the service. A sub list is available if you have a conflict or illness.

HEART MINISTRY

Serve your fellow Evergreeners in their hour of need. Typical services include providing meals, childcare, transportation, house cleaning, yard work or prayer when someone is ill or injured.

USHERS

Outgoing people need to help on a rotating schedule. Greet people at the entrances, hand out bulletins, help with offering, and staff the Information Table. A sub list is available if you have a conflict or illness.

BULLETIN FOLLOW-UP

Follow up via email and phone with people who request information from the tear-off panel on the Sunday bulletin. Make people feel welcome, answer any questions and provide information requested.

NURSERY

Opportunities for people who love kids and desire to help parents by watching children ages newborn – 3 years old during the Sunday morning service. Each nursery volunteer rotates on a team serving 1 month out of every 4 months (3 months total each year). 

PROMISELAND CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

Serve kids from 3 years old up to 5th grade.  Opportunities for small group leaders to work with a specific age. Volunteers serve for 13 weeks from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Also opportunities to lead praise and worship singing, teach large group lessons, prepare materials, and help with check-in on a rotating schedule.

THE GAP – 6th & 7th Grade

Encourage and teach Jr. High grade students during the Sunday service. Students participate in activities, service, small groups and Bible lessons.

TEEN MINISTRY

A variety of opportunities that range from speaking to a large crowd to teaching a small group, just hanging out with teens at social events, organizing monthly activities or staying in the background and helping with administrative tasks. All you need is a heart for teens.

WOMEN'S MINISTRY

Planning, administrating, and leading opportunities available. Time commitment would vary. Most women’s events take place outside of the weekend services.

MEN’S MINISTRY

Help with planning future men’s events, setting up events, and contacting other men. Also opportunities for engaging other men as peers, mentors and disciples.  Time involvement would vary.

SINGLES’ MINISTRY

Opportunities available to help with planning and implementing a variety of single’s activities.

EVENTS COORDINATOR

Help plan, organize and administrate various church events or conferences.

Single Life

ABOUT EVERGREEN SINGLES

We believe that God gives us the foundation, hope, and purpose of our lives (single or married) and being a part of a church family fosters these important aspects of our lives.

Evergreen Singles provide a safe and fun environment for single adults while they investigate and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Whether you are single, single-again, dating, engaged, or a single parent, our desire is to provide a fresh atmosphere where you will experience God through loving relationships, relevant teachings, and a myriad of great social events. We hope you will join us, not only at our events, but in our continual pursuit of a real and authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. We know this “God thing” can be intimidating (as it has been and still can be for us), but we hope to be there for you in the same way that many others have been for us.

ALL-LOCATION SINGLES EVENTS

We also host periodic all-location events throughout the year, such as conferences and larger social events. It is our hope that these events will not only build community, unity, and friendships within our singles, but we desire these events to be a comfortable environment for our regulars to invite friends, coworkers, and neighbors to join in on the fun!

If you wish to get more involved, we’d love to have you! When attending a weekend service, stop by the Information Table to find out what all-location singles events are coming up. We try to keep the latest and most detailed information at these tables for your convenience.

For information on our Singles Small Group, contact Paul Bryan at 612-240-7062 or Lois Dunham at 612-655-0209.

For information on upcoming events check the announcements. Or contact the Single's Ministry at singlesevents@evergreennewhope.com.

News feed...

Mid-Winter Singles Conference

THE FATHER WOUND

Saturday, February 25, 8:45 AM-3:30 PM, Evergreen-Bloomington, Auditorium. Many wonder what a healthy & whole relationship with the opposite sex looks like? Why has this been so difficult for so many? There is one problem in our culture that seems to rise above the rest: “The Father Wound.” Come and hear pastors Bill Barnd & Jeff Groen share words of hope & healing! Join Evergreen-Bloomington, New Hope, the Urban Refuge, & other GC Churches for this 1/2–day spiritual shot-in-the-arm for young adults & singles of all ages! Cost is $10 (+$1.49 fee) in advance (by noon, February 22) or $20 at the door. Pick up a brochure at the Info Table. Go HERE for more information and to register online.

Men’s Ministry

MEN'S MINISTRY

The Evergreen-New Hope Men’s Ministry provides an opportunity to form meaningful relationships with other men in our church. Through various scheduled events, you will have the opportunity to get to know other men, participate in physical activities, hear Biblical teaching, and learn how to be a real man in today’s world.

EVENTS:

Dad’s Workshop Conference with speaker steve nelson

Saturday, January 15, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM, Bloomington-Evergreen. In our world today the role of Fatherhood has suffered greatly. Our culture often portrays Dads as self-centered limp noodles that can fix the kitchen sink, but are impotent in their ability to lead their family. But what does God say? Doesn't he call fathers to so much more? Absolutely! Dads, join speaker Steve Nelson to get reenergized and aligned with what God truly has for us as dads. Optional lunch w/ Q&A afterwards.

For information on more upcoming events check the announcements. Or contact the Men's Ministry Leader Mike Higgins (763) 535-7766.

News feed...

Dad’s Workshops are starting!

Wednesday, February 8, 7:00-8:30 PM, Fireside Room. Maybe you believe being a godly leader of a family is more the product of personality, natural abilities or giftedness…either you have it or you don’t. Pastor Mark Bowen recently presented a tremendous teaching to the contrary: All dads can lead effectively by imitating 6 qualities of John the Baptist. We will meet the 2nd Wednesday of each month (through May) to help each other put these things into practice. Don’t worry if you missed Pastor Bowen’s teaching, we will get you caught up!

Heart Ministry

Evergreen's Heart ministry offers emotional and spiritual support in difficult circumstances. We understand that God allows us to experience tough times and that our needs are unique and many. Heart is designed to help us in our time of need. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance or support and you would like to contact the Heart ministry, then please email: heart@evergreennewhope.com

heart ministry mission

The Heart ministry is a way to assist and offer support to Evergreen Community Church attendees during a time of crisis by providing for their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.  In this way, the Heart ministry is fullfilling God's command to "carry each other's burdens."  Gal. 6:2

definition of a crisis

An emotionally significant event or circumstance that alters one's daily routine and/or life.  The most common type of crisis the Heart ministry deals with is serious illness or death in the family.

areas of support

 

Married & Family Life

FIT TO BE TIED PREMARITAL SEMINAR

Many couples never learn what makes a marriage successful before they get married. That’s why Evergreen offers the pre-marriage seminar “Fit to be Tied.” This ten-week seminar helps couples learn the basics of a happy, successful and fulfilling marriage. Topics include communication, conflict resolution, finances, physical intimacy, expectations, husband and wife roles and parenting.

The format for each meeting includes a short talk by the facilitator followed by smaller group discussions. Weekly projects are assigned for the couples to complete outside of the class. Attendance at this seminar is required for couples who desire to get married by an Evergreen pastor. For upcoming seminar dates, watch for a “Fit to be Tied” announcement in the bulletin or contact Fred & Kym Poulsom at (952) 456-2483.

SMALL GROUPS FOR COUPLES

While marriage and parenting are some of the happiest and most rewarding life experiences, they are equally intense and stressful. Evergreen wants to help your family be a success. We offer a variety of small groups that are designed to meet the needs of various demographic groups—newly married couples, families with kids, blended families and empty nesters. Couples will find support and encouragement as they get together with other couples to share the victories, joys and struggles of marriage and parenting. For a complete list and description of groups for couples and families, visit our small group page.

MARRIAGE AND PARENTING CONFERENCES

Each spring Evergreen New Hope offers a conference aimed at a particular aspect of family life. Past conferences have included the Love and Respect Marriage conference and the Proper Care of your Children parenting conference. Watch our bulletin for future opportunities to learn and grow in these vital areas.

CHURCH SOCIAL EVENTS

Many at Evergreen are eager to connect with one another just to have fun and develop new friendships. Several times a year Evergreen offers social events specifically for this purpose. These activities are a wonderful way for families that are new to Evergreen to get acquainted with others. Watch the bulletins for church picnics, potlucks, and other social events.

Teen Ministry

WEEKLY MEETINGS

Teen House Church

Saturdays, 5:30 PM. The mission of Teen House Church is to train New Hope's teens (8th through 12th graders) to be mature followers of Jesus Christ. The vehicle used to accomplish this mission is a unique, bi-weekly meeting. During this time, worship songs and Biblical teachings are ordered around The Lord's Supper. We also provide opportunities for the teens to serve the New Hope community 5-6 times per year.  Parents in general, and dads in particular, play an indispensible role in training up the teens in the way they should go, and are encouraged to attend and participate in each House Church. Contact Joseph & Katie Dunham at joseph.h.dunham@gmail.com or 612-597-0103.

TEEN CONFERENCES

Conferences give students the chance to break away from their normal daily routines and environments, have some fun while experiencing a spiritually impactful extended time.

Winter Conference

The Winter Conference is a weekend conference in mid-January, held near McGregor, MN. It’s a time for Jr. High (6th-8th grade) students to kick back and spend time together in an extended time of worship, Biblical teaching, and fellowship. Snow tubing and broom ball are among some of the winter activities the students can enjoy. It's definitely one of the highlights of the year that the Jr. High students and leaders look forward to!

Spring Conference

The Spring Conference is a weekend conference in mid-April, held near McGregor, MN. It’s a time for Sr. High (9th-12th grade) students to kick back and spend time together in an extended worship, Biblical teaching, and fellowship. It's definitely one of the highlights of the year.

High School Leadership Training (HSLT)

High School Leadership Training (HSLT) is a summer conference for 9th grade and up that is held in Lakeville. Students grow deeper in their understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ and practice the Great Commission.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Service Opportunities such as Mission to the City and participating in local community kindness projects provide an opportunity for students to get a “mission trip” type experience right here at home. These events give students a chance to work hard while building relationships with others in the youth group. We have found when it comes to serving, it is truly “better to give than receive.”

SHORT TERM MISSIONS

Short Term Missions give students and their parents a chance to live out the “Great Commission” given in Matthew 28:19 where Jesus says, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

These week long excursions usually combine a service project, for example digging a drainage system, with outreach activities such as dramas and puppet shows. Students also get a chance to experience the joy of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with those in a foreign country. This is a challenging and encouraging time that is not soon forgotten. Visit our Short Term Missions page for information on upcoming trips throughout our five locations.

Promiseland

PROMISELAND

“Most people who trust Jesus as their Savior do so before the age of 15. Driven by this reality, George Barna invites us into the greatest harvest field of all time --children. He boldly and faithfully calls on churches to seize the opportunity to impact their communities, starting with the children.”
- Jack D. Eggar, President & CEO, Awana Clubs International

Our mission is:

To build godly character in partnership with parents. We are here to support you in successfully guiding your children toward becoming fully committed followers of Christ.

OUR PROGRAMS:

Our ministry is divided into four age brackets:

3-year-olds – 1st Grade

Each age / grade level has their own private classroom and uses a curriculum geared to their specific age. They begin with a large group time consisting of worship, puppet shows and teaching time.

2nd grade – 3rd Grade

These students have their own classroom and their own large group teaching time. The curriculum is specific for this age range with each group covering the same curriculum for the specified week.

4th grade – 5th grade

4th grade – 5th graders meet in the fireside area closest to the north entrance of the church. Girls and Boys are separated into class specific rooms during the small group teachings while coming together as a large group for praise and worship as well as a large group teaching each week.

6th Grade – 7th Grade

“The Gap”! The focus will be on learning, serving, growing, and having fun! The times designed to grow and strengthen the faith of these soon-to-be teenagers.

OUR MINISTRY TEACHES EFFECTIVELY

The basic schedule for Promiseland is similar for all ages; however, the curriculum is geared to the specific ages being served. In order to keep pace with the various learning styles of children today, we vary how we communicate our lessons each week. The biblical message is so powerful and effective – the same yesterday, today, and forever. But in order to teach in a relevant way, we vary our methods of presentation.

Our goal is for children to become so fascinated with the Bible that they want to learn more. We implement a curriculum where the Bible is taught creatively through drama, video, storytelling, and music. We use games and activities, which vary from week to week. We want our children to keep coming back for more!

OUR MINISTRY IS FUN!

Our goal is to have children come back week after week because they enjoyed their visit so much. While kids keep coming back for the FUN, we can accomplish our mission by continuing to teach them spiritually. In order to make our Promiseland Ministry the best hour of a child’s week, we have to remember to add the FUN! And, on occasion we add to the weekly fun by throwing in a FUN special event for the entire family. In the past, this has included bowling and roller skating!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What's a typical Sunday like in Promiseland?

10:00 – 10:15: children arrive and interact with other students and teachers in their class. 10:20 – 10:50 large group time; children gather together for a period of praise and worship as well as a large group teaching. 10:50 – 11:15: children return to their small group areas and go through a lesson and activities with their teachers. 11:20: Parents arrive to pick up their children after the church service.

How does the check-in process work?

Check your child in before church, then bring your kids into the sanctuary and worship together. At the end of our singing time we will release you to take your children to their Promiseland class. Then come back into the sanctuary for the rest of the service. Detailed instructions are in these letter and map links.

At check-in, students are given a name tag and are invited to participate in welcoming activities at their small group tables. The activities are designed for the leaders to interact with the children, to create an enjoyable environment, and to ease any separation anxieties. The adult checking the child into the Promiseland program is given a numbered tag that is needed to release the child at the end of the service. To retrieve your child you will be asked to provide the numbered tag that you were given at check-in.

What if my child needs me during the service?

If an instance arises where your children needs you before the service has let out, the number on your child’s tag – which is the same as on your tag – will be flashed on a small electronic screen located near the stage in the service. If you see your child’s number, please excuse yourself from the service and check in with your child

Who do I contact for more information?

Feel free to contact Mark Stiglicz at (763) 971-8131 to ask questions or to find out about volunteer opportunities within this ministry.

Nursery Care

NURSERY

A SAFE, FUN ENVIRONMENT

While parents attend services, the Evergreen Nursery provides quality childcare for children under the age of three years. Our nursery is well stocked with toys and staffed with caring people, making for a warm and enjoyable atmosphere. We strive to provide a safe, nurturing place for your children so you can enjoy Evergreen's service, free from worry or interruption. There is also a private place provided for nursing mothers.

SECURITY IN THE NURSERY

For security purposes, each child wears a number on his or her nametag. Each parent receives a tag that corresponds to the number of their child. This ensures that only the parent who turns in the matching tag will be able to pick up the child. We also have a paging system so that you can be notified in the auditorium if your child needs you. There is no need to sign up ahead of time for the nursery. But if you are new, you might want to come early to talk with the nursery coordinator if you have any questions.

Children’s Ministry

YOUTH ARE IMPORTANT PEOPLE AT EVERGREEN!

We desire to partner with you in cultivating the spiritual growth of your children and teens. We want you to be successful in guiding them toward becoming fully devoted followers of Christ. We are here to support you in this endeavor. Our part in this mission is to provide the best possible care and instruction in the Word of God for your children, as well as tailored, relevant programs and services for teens.

We teach biblical truths in a targeted, relevant, and creative way in large groups. And we offer small group participation—a loving, biblical, community where life change happens best, facilitated by caring adult volunteers—living examples demonstrating the love of God and life changing principles.

Facility Maps & Pictures

Facillity map

Download a PDF of the building map. image

Weddings & Funerals

Wedding & funeral Planner

Contact Denise Hudson at 763-712-8822 to help with details.

Wedding Planner (pdf)

Funeral Planner (pdf)

Reservations

RESERVING USE OF OUR FACILITY

FOR MINISTRY USE:

Ministry leaders can reserve use of our facility for ministry events only directly through our online reservation system.  You will need to have your login name and password.  If you do not have one, you may request one by contacting Help Desk.

FOR NON-MINISTRY USE: 

Outside groups, non-members, or attenders who would like to use the building for non-ministry events can use our online form to request use of the building.

Please do not use the reservation system or online form for weddings or funerals.  Use the Wedding & Funeral Planner link instead.

Facility Use

USING OUR FACILITY

Evergreen Community Church - New Hope welcomes the opportunity to serve you by providing information here that will aid you in deciding if our facility can be of help to you or your group.

You can view our Facility Use Policy, make maintenance suggestions, view maps and pictures of the facility and make reservations (non-members and outside groups can fill out a reservation request form).

Download our Use Policy

PDF document

Your Role

IT’S NOT TOO LATE!

God is doing amazing things at Evergreen Community Church New Hope.  If you want to join in on the “Take Root Bear Fruit” capital campaign and be part of what is happening, please download a commitment card below or contact our church finance department at (952) 895-1773 or office@evergreencc.com.

Please prayerfully consider how you can be a part of what God is doing here!  Through your gifts we look forward to a greatly increased ability to fulfill our mission to “Make an Eternal Difference.”

Download a commitment card. >>

HOW TO GIVE

FAITHFUL STEPS IN SACRIFICIAL GIVING

PRAY
Pray for God’s guidance with an open mind. Ask God to place an amount on your heart to give to the Take Root, Bear Fruit campaign.

STUDY
Study Bible examples and principles of giving and stewardship.

ASK
Ask, “What does sacrificial giving mean to me?” Ask yourself what amount you desire to give and what you believe God could provide for you to give.

DECIDE
Decide to honor God in a sacrificial way. Ask yourself these questions: Am I joyous about giving this amount? Is my gift sacrificial? Am I demonstrating an expression of my faith in God with this amount? Am I convinced that I can give this amount with a motivation of worshipping God; showing my thankfulness?

REJOICE
Rejoice in the satisfaction of finding and following His will. MAKE Make your commitment joyfully.

FOLLOW
Follow through as God provides.

WAYS TO CONSIDER HOW TO MAKE AND MEET YOUR PLEDGE

Capital campaigns are successful as church members prayerfully seek and discover ways and means to give “over and above” their current level of contribution to the church. The true practice of Biblical stewardship is not limited to what we might be able to give from a bank account. The biblical pattern reveals that God is honored when we bring gifts from the height and breadth of our resources. “Money has no value whatsoever, unless it is the expression of our life, labor and love.” True giving reflects the totality of one’s life, not just one’s bank account! God has repeatedly led people to give by the following:

PRIORITY BUDGETING

REDIRECT PRESENT EXPENDITURE

GIFTS OF UNEXPECTED CASH 

GIFT FROM INCREASED INCOME 

GIFTS OF ACCUMULATED CASH 

GIFTS FROM EXTRA WORK

GIFTS OF VALUABLE REAL ESTATE & PERSONAL PROPERTY 

GIFTS OF STOCKS & BONDS

GIFTS FROM LIFE INSURANCE

GIFTS FROM A TRUST

Note: Secure legal and tax counsel prior to giving stock or property to the church. Also, check with Jim Bird (952-564-3771) prior to giving any personal property to verify that the church can accept the property.

Realizing the Dream

WHERE ARE WE NOW?

In the spring of 2008 we conducted the capital campaign, Take Root, Bear Fruit, in order to raise money for the purchase of our facility.  God truly worked a miracle through all of you.  Pledges came in totaling over $725,000, and through July of 2009, we have received just over $397,000 in gifts!

Here are some of the ways that this money is already being put to use:

Your gifts have allowed us to do the ministry that God is calling us to here in this facility.  As a result, our attendance and giving are up.  Many people are growing in their relationship with Christ, and many more are hearing the truths of the Gospel for the first time.

WHAT IS STILL NEEDED

iving to the campaign fund has been tremendous, but we are not done yet.  Even when all of the initial pledges come in, our loan still will not be paid off. As of September 2009, the current balance of our loan is $---,---.

Imagine…

IMAGINE...

REACHING OUR POTENTIAL TO REACH THE COMMUNITY

While we are excited that we have a permanent facility as our church home, we realize that this is not about the building. It is about building lives. We see this facility as a tool to do the work that God is calling us to do in this community.

Through a permanent facility Evergreen’s potential to reach the surrounding community for Christ is exponentially greater! Imagine all the possible new ways that an inviting, full-time facility can help us realize our calling to “Make an Eternal Difference” in people’s lives.

IMAGINE…

A person in our community encounters a crisis and begins to wonder if God can help. Picture that person visiting the church down the street, Evergreen-New Hope, and coming to a relationship with Christ simply because they were familiar with our place in the neighborhood.

IMAGINE…

Families struggling under the burden of crushing debt finally finding freedom—and the wonderful applicability of the Bible in everyday life—through Crown Financial Ministry classes offered to the public.

IMAGINE…

A couple with a struggling marriage that finds practical help through a community marriage conference.

IMAGINE…

A staging area for helping single mothers in the west metro. Imagine meeting the real needs of real moms by fixing their cars, watching their kids and providing them with financial counseling.

IMAGINE…

A women’s community Bible study—with on-site childcare—where their roots in God’s Word and relationships with each other can go deeper.

IMAGINE…

A National Night Out block party on our parking lot where we fortify Christ’s reputation while promoting neighborhood spirit and police-community partnership.

IMAGINE…

The sense of permanence and legitimacy afforded by our ability to provide a venue for weddings, funerals and other key events for those in special seasons of life.

A Letter from the Pastors

DEAR EVERGREEN NEW HOPE FAMILY:

Welcome to the “Take Root, Bear Fruit” campaign!

God has done great things throughout the history of Evergreen New Hope. Together we’ve reached friends and neighbors, participated in mission trips, and helped plant two additional locations in the Twin Cities (the Rock and the Urban Refuge) as well as The Rock in Berlin, Germany. Ordinary, everyday people are becoming extraordinary, devoted followers of Christ! By the power of the Holy Spirit, we’re becoming a living example of Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

We thank you now, and God will reward you forever! We know that our journey has not been without pain, but God has led us throughout our history. Before we even had our first service in New Hope, God gave us this promise from 2 Kings 19:30, “The surviving remnant of the house of Judah will again take root downward and bear fruit upward.” We are now seeing this promise fulfilled! People in this church are taking root in their faith and bearing fruit with their lives!

“Take Root, Bear Fruit,” our campaign to purchase, maintain and operate our current facility in New Hope, has strengthened our ability to reach un-churched people, serve our community, grow disciples, and build a strong foundation for future church planting. God led us to this facility in a miraculous way - His hand was clearly on it.  In this campaign, we have the opportunity to join Him in what He is doing and willingly trust Him in this next exciting adventure.

Our great desire is to fulfill God’s purpose, which requires faith and sacrifice. Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24, NASB) While Jesus was referring to His own sacrifice, He calls us to imitate Him. We must be willing to die to our own desires in order to bear much fruit for the Kingdom of God. This may mean giving generously to the campaign while at the same time doing something as simple as scooting over in your “reserved pew” to accommodate a new person!

This site contains information that will help you understand the need and how you and your family can participate. Please read each piece carefully and seize this opportunity by spending time seeking God. Talk with your family and small group about what kind of faith step you might take. Let God grow your faith! Let your children see your sacrifice! Claim His promises and experience God in a new way!

The amount that you give is not as important as faith and obedience. We will trust God together for the results.

“Take Root, Bear Fruit” is now before us. Bearing fruit will require great faith and sacrifice, but God will glorify His name by working through us. May we bear much fruit!

Your Servants,
Mark and Doug

Our Vision: Plant Seeds

PLANTING SEEDS OF HOPE IN OUR COMMUNITY

We are partnered with an organization called Love, INC (which stands for “Love In the Name of Christ”). This organization teams up various churches of different denominations to meet practical needs within the community. Resources are pooled from all churches in order to have a greater impact than any one church could have alone.  To get involved, check out our information table for more details or go to www.loveincnh.org.

We also meet our community’s needs through activities like school supply drives, neighborhood yard work, and collections for social action organizations.

Take Root, Bear Fruit

BUILDING LIVES

a tool to do the work of God

While we are excited that we now have a permanent facility as our church home, we realize that this is about more than a building. It is about building lives. We see this facility as a tool to do the work that God is calling us to do in this community. Through a permanent facility Evergreen’s potential to reach the surrounding community for Christ is exponentially greater! How exciting to see all the new ways that an inviting, full-time facility is helping us realize our calling to “Make an Eternal Difference” in people’s lives.

TAKE ROOT

seeing the promise fulfilled

The surviving remnant of the house of Judah will again take root downward and bear fruit upward. 2 Kings 19:30 (NASB)

God gave us this promise over three years ago. While we were still renting a school in Minneapolis, experiencing declining attendance and wondering what our future held, God showed our pastors that He will once again help our church to become fruitful. Today the “surviving remnant” is seeing the promise fulfilled before our eyes! The people in our church are “taking root” in their faith and “bearing fruit” with their lives.

Our congregation is now able to “take root” in this community. As a church that has had to move many times over the years (four long-term facilities and four temporary facilities), we are humbled that God is now allowing us to establish roots in this neighborhood. Owning a building gives us greater flexibility in planning and scheduling teachings, seminars and outreach events designed to help the people in the church to take root in their faith.

BEAR FRUIT

by God's grace, our church will bear fruit through...

GREATER COMMUNITY PRESENCE
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world… Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all” (Matthew 5:14-15 NLT). We don’t want to hide what God is doing in our midst! Many more people will discover a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ simply through our long-term, visible presence in the community.

GREATER STABILITY
A permanent home sends a strong message to our church family and our community: ‘We are here for good—for this generation and generations to come!’ A permanent facility allows us to provide a lasting home for new and growing Christians—and offers a stable environment for us to meet the needs of those yet to come to faith in Christ.

GREATER OPPORTUNITY
The Great Commission calls for the mobilization of human and material resources to spread the Gospel to the entire world. Our full-time facility is now a base for creative local outreach as well as developing workers for future church plants in the years to come.

Our Vision: Reach Out

EXTENDING HOPE

We exist to help reach people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. In a variety of ways, we strive to share the love of Christ with others. We encourage our members to be involved in the lives of those around them. 

Also, we occasionally send out short term mission teams to reach out with the Gospel in other areas of the world.  Check our website for future trips.

Our Vision: Take Root

SENDING OUR ROOTS DOWN DEEP

Evergreen exists to help people to grow in their relationship with Christ.  The three main strategies to help people to take root in their faith are:

Weekend Services

Our Weekend Services are designed to encourage and build up the body of Christ.  We believe that people coming to church are looking for a real experience of God’s presence.  We hope to provide that through authentic worship and practical Bible teaching, with occasional communion.

Small Groups

Small Groups are a gathering of 6-15 people who meet in homes, discuss Bible passages with life application, and build Christian relationships that are critical to our spiritual health.

Ministries

Ministries are an opportunity to use the gifts that God has given you to serve others.  The benefits of serving in an Evergreen Ministry are three-fold:

 

Our Vision

make a difference that will last for eternityMaking an Eternal Difference

Making an Eternal Difference is our vision statement. That’s what we are here to do. We want to see God work in the lives of every man, woman and child that comes through the doors of our church–to make a difference that will last for eternity!

In order to accomplish this vision, God gave us a three-part strategy to help people:

  1. Take Root in their faith
  2. Reach Out to those who don’t know Christ
  3. Plant Seeds of kindness and good deeds in our community

 

take root

sending our roots down deepTake Root

Evergreen exists to help people to grow in their relationship with Christ.  The three main strategies to help people to take root in their faith are:

1. Weekend Services

Our Weekend Services are designed to encourage and build up the body of Christ.  We believe that people coming to church are looking for a real experience of God’s presence.  We hope to provide that through authentic worship and practical Bible teaching, with occasional communion.

2. Small Groups

Small Groups are a gathering of 6-15 people who meet in homes, discuss Bible passages with life application, and build Christian relationships that are critical to our spiritual health.

3. Ministries

Volunteering to serve in a ministry is an opportunity to use the gifts that God has given you to serve others.  The benefits of serving in an Evergreen Ministry are three-fold:

  • The individual volunteer benefits from serving a higher cause.
  • Evergreen benefits from greater efficiency & effectiveness in carrying out our mission.
  • The community benefits from the services Evergreen is able to offer.

 

reach out

Extending hopeReach Out

We exist to help reach people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. In a variety of ways, we strive to share the love of Christ with others. We encourage our members to be involved in the lives of those around them. Also, we occasionally send out short term mission teams to reach out with the Gospel in other areas of the world.

 

plant seeds

planting seeds of hope in our community Plant Seeds

We are partnered with an organization called Love, INC (which stands for “Love In the Name of Christ”). This organization teams up various churches of different denominations to meet practical needs within the community. Resources are pooled from all churches in order to have a greater impact than any one church could have alone.  To get involved, check out our information table for more details or go to www.loveincnh.org.

We also meet our community’s needs through activities like school supply drives, neighborhood yard work, and collections for social action organizations.

Our Story

HOW IT BEGAN

Evergreen Community Church began as a dream in the minds of pastors Brent Knox and Mark Darling. It was the late 1980’s, and they were co-pastoring a church in south Minneapolis. They both shared the desire to meet the personal and spiritual needs of young singles and families. Since more than 70 percent of these people didn’t attend church regularly, Brent and Mark wanted to find out why. They started by looking at survey results. By doing this, they discovered what people say when asked why they didn’t go to church:

“The sermons were dull and didn’t relate to my life.”
“The people were unfriendly, and I was uncomfortable.”
“The church didn’t take good care of my children.”
“Going to church wasn’t convenient for my schedule.”
“Church services were predictable and boring – a waste of my time.”

CHURCH PEOPLE LOOKED FORWARD TO ATTENDING

Mark and Brent decided that they needed to create a church that would be different in all these areas. They wanted a church with relevant teachings, friendly people, a comfortable atmosphere, good quality childcare and convenient scheduling. They wanted a church that people would look forward to each week. As they wrestled with some ideas and sought God, they came up with the vision for Evergreen Community Church.

With a core of approximately 120 people, Evergreen officially opened its doors in June of 1988 at the Oak Grove School auditorium in Bloomington. Attendees were surprised and very pleased with the relaxed atmosphere and contemporary music played by the band. They found messages that were biblically based, but applicable to everyday life. But they were most taken in by the friendly and caring people - it didn’t feel like church anymore!

Over the years, Evergreen has continued to keep up with the changing times, meeting personal and spiritual needs even as they have grown and expanded to five locations throughout the Twin Cities.

Core Values

These values are what motivate us. While many of these core values are common to many churches, there are some that are more specific to our church. These core values are what we seek to build into our people.

Our Core Values:

Click to jump to a section below.

  1. THE GRACE OF GOD
  2. COMMITMENT TO GOD AND HIS WORD
  3. ALL NATIONS REACHED WITH THE GOSPEL
  4. THE CHURCH
  5. CHURCH LEADERSHIP
  6. ONENESS (LOVE AND UNITY)
  7. RAISING GODLY FAMILIES
  8. EVERY MEMBER A MINISTER

I. THE GRACE OF GOD

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

2 Peter 1:5-9 (NIV) For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. 


II. COMMITMENT TO GOD AND HIS WORD

Matthew 22:36-39 (NIV) “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.”

John 1:1-2 (NIV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.

1 Peter 2:2 (NASB) …like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation.

Ezra 7:10 (NIV) For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

III. ALL NATIONS REACHED WITH THE GOSPEL

1 Timothy 2:3-6 (NIV) This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (NIV) All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

Acts 13:2 (NIV) While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Acts 8:4-5 (NLT)  But the believers who had fled Jerusalem went everywhere preaching the Good News about Jesus. Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah.

IV. THE CHURCH

Acts 2:42,47 (NIV) They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…and each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.

1 Timothy 3:14-15(NLT) I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, so that if I can’t come for a while, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and support of the truth.

Acts 1:8 (NIV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Colossians 1:6-7(NLT) This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is changing lives everywhere, just as it changed yours that very first day you heard and understood the truth about God’s great kindness to sinners. Epaphras, our much loved co-worker, was the one who brought you the Good News. He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us in your place.

The Timeline of Evergreen Community Church, The Rock, The Rock-Berlin, and The Urban Refuge.

1988 Evergreen Community Church opened doors in Bloomington. 
1994 Evergreen, New Hope was planted.
1997 Evergreen, Lakeville was planted. 
1999 The Rock was planted in the Uptown area of Minneapolis.
2001 The Rock, Berlin was planted. 
2003 The Urban Refuge in South Minneapolis was planted.

All these church and location planting efforts were accomplished through the committed efforts of “ordinary” people in our church. We are compelled by God’s love to plant churches in areas where an evangelical presence is needed.


V. CHURCH LEADERSHIP

Of all our core values, our practice of church leadership is the most unique. Our desire is to base our practice on the instruction and example of New Testament church and not on church tradition. Church leadership practice has great implications to the health and well-being of a local church.

Acts 20:17,28 (NIV) From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church….”Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”

Philippians 1:1( NIV) Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons…
See also Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5; Philippians 1:1.

The Bible outlines the qualifications of an elder or pastor:

1Timothy 3:1-7,NLT It is a true saying that if someone wants to be an elder, he desires an honorable responsibility.  For an elder must be a man whose life cannot be spoken against.  He must be faithful to his wife.  He must exhibit self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation.  He must enjoy having guests in his home and must be able to teach.  He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent.  He must be gentle, peace loving, and not one who loves money.  He must manage his own family well, with children who respect and obey him.  For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?  An elder must not be a new Christian, because he might be proud of being chosen so soon, and the Devil will use that pride to make him fall.  Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not fall into the Devil’s trap and be disgraced.   

Titus 1:5. (NIV) The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.


1Timothy 3:1,NLT It is a true saying that if someone wants to be an elder, he desires an honorable responsibility.  For an elder must be a man whose life cannot be spoken against. 

VI. ONENESS (LOVE AND UNITY)

John 17:22-23 (NIV)  "I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."

Ephesians 4:3 (NIV) Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

John 13:34-35 (NIV) “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

VII. RAISING GODLY FAMILIES

Ephesians 5:21-6:4 (NIV) Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” “This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3“that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

VIII. EVERY MEMBER A MINISTER

1 Corinthians 12:7,12 (NLT) "A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church….The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up only one body. So it is with the body of Christ."

Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Statement of Faith

THE SCRIPTURE

The sole basis of our beliefs is the Bible, the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. It was uniquely, verbally, and fully inspired by the Holy Spirit and was written without error in the original manuscript. It is the supreme and final authority in faith and life in every age.

GOD

There is but one God, infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness and love, Creator of the universe, eternally existing in three persons—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—each of whom possesses all the attributes of Deity and the characteristics of personality.

MAN

God created man in His own image, and man as he was originally created, was innocent before God. But man chose to sin by disobeying God, and therefore was alienated from his Creator and came under divine condemnation. Thus all human beings are born with a corrupted nature and without spiritual life, and are totally incapable of pleasing God in and of themselves.

JESUS CHRIST

God the Father, by His own choice and out of love for sinful men and women, sent Jesus Christ into the world to reconcile sinners to Himself. Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. He was God in the flesh, both true God and true man. Jesus Christ lived a sinless life and voluntarily suffered and died as our substitute to pay the penalty for our sins, thus satisfying God’s justice and accomplishing salvation for all those who trust in Him alone. He rose from the dead in the same body, though glorified, in which He lived and died. He bodily ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father, where He, the only mediator between God and man, makes intercession for His own. He will return to earth personally, visibly, and bodily to judge all men and establish His kingdom.

SALVATION

Men and women are freed from the penalty for their sins not as a result, in whole or in part, of their own works, goodness, or religious ceremony, but by the undeserved favor of God alone. God declares righteous all who put their faith in Christ alone for their salvation.

THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit has come into the world to reveal and glorify Christ, to convict men and women of their sins, and to impart new life to all who place their faith in Christ. He indwells believers from the moment of spiritual birth, seals them until the day of redemption, and empowers them to live a life pleasing to God.

ASSURANCE

All who are born again of the Spirit can be fully assured of their eternal life from the very moment they put their faith in Christ. This assurance is not based on any kind of human merit, but upon the fact of God’s election, upon Christ’s complete payment for our sins, and upon the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, whom is the deposit guaranteeing our inheritance.

THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD

At physical death, the believer enters immediately into eternal, conscious fellowship with the Lord and awaits the resurrection of his or her body to everlasting glory, and blessing. At physical death, the unbeliever enters into eternal, conscious separation from the Lord and awaits the resurrection of his or her body to everlasting suffering, judgment, and condemnation.

BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER

Jesus Christ has instructed those who believe in Him to be baptized in water as a symbol of their new birth in Christ. Baptism is only for those who have personally believed in Christ. Our practice is to baptize by immersion. The Lord also instituted the Lord’s Supper as a remembrance of His suffering, death, and resurrection. Neither baptism nor the Lord’s Supper has any merit in helping a person obtain eternal life.

THE CHURCH

All true believers make up the church worldwide and should assemble together in local churches for worship, prayer, fellowship, and teaching, in order to become conformed to the image of Christ and to become equipped to carry out the ‘Great Commission’ that Christ gave His followers in Matthew 28:19-20.

Our Affiliation

GREAT COMMISSION CHURCHES

Evergreen Community Church is affiliated with Great Commission Churches, a US based fellowship of churches and ministries united around shared values, a common history and especially the Great Commission of Jesus Christ.

For more information, see the following website: Great Commission Churches: www.gccweb.org

Pastor Bios

DOUG PATTERSON

Doug Patterson grew up on an Iowa farm, spent some time as a computer programmer, but was called by God and became a pastor in 1992. He is the co-founder of Evergreen Community Church-New Hope that started in 1994. Doug’s pastoral role includes: Weekend preaching and teaching, leadership, counseling and discipleship of men in their walk with the Lord. As a speaker, Doug is known as a storyteller and history buff as he illustrates biblical truths and applications for everyday living.

Doug has been married to his wife, Nicki, since 1989. He is the father of five children; Joshua, Emily, Rebecca, Mikayla and Danielle. In his free time, Doug enjoys Musky fishing, bluegrass music and anything having to do with the Civil War.

Contact Doug

MARK STIGLICZ

Mark Stiglicz worked professionally as a District Manager in the automobile industry from 1990-2000, before being called as a pastor. In 1993, Mark surrendered his life to Christ as his personal Lord and Savior, through the ministry of Evergreen Community Church. He became actively involved with Evergreen’s ministries as a small group leader and coach, and he and his wife, Deb, taught “Fit To Be Tied,” (a pre-marriage course for dating and engaged couples).

In 2000, Mark was ordained as pastor at Evergreen-New Hope. As co-pastor, his primary responsibilities and passions include: Church management, administration, teaching, speaking, the children’s and teen ministries, and a coach of small group and ministry leaders.

Mark has been married to his wife, Deb, since 1994. They have three children: Anne, Jake, and Kate. Uniquely, the Stiglicz’s are the only blended-family among all the pastors. Personally, Mark enjoys taking walks with his wife, going to parks or watching movies with his kids, and is also an avid NFL football fan.

Contact Mark

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE WEEKEND SERVICES?

Our weekly services teach basic Christian principles that you can apply to your everyday life. Services are designed to encourage and challenge you in your relationship with the Lord, while also being relevant for those who have never been to church or for those who haven’t been to church for a while. Services are casual; they help build a relaxed and easy-going environment. Learn more about our services.

WHAT IS A SMALL GROUP?

Small groups are one of the most vital functions of our church. In small groups people have the chance to meet each other’s needs as they develop relationships. It’s easy to get involved in an Evergreen small group. You can visit our small group page to get specific information.

WHAT KIND OF CHURCH IS EVERGREEN?

Evergreen Community Church is a contemporary, nondenominational, evangelical Christian church. We are affiliated with Great Commission Churches and the Willow Creek Association of Churches. Our mission is to Make an Eternal Difference in all that we do. That mission fills every aspect of our programs and ministry so that you experience it in ways that are tangible, practical and meaningful. We have five locations in the Twin Cities: we are "One Church with Many Locations." Learn more about our beliefs and our story.

WHAT DOES "ONE CHURCH, MANY LOCATIONS" MEAN?

Although we meet in five different locations throughout the Twin Cities, Evergreen is one church. We chose this strategy to keep our leadership team together, maximize office efficiency and create a greater sense of unity in our mission to reach the Twin Cities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Evergreen currently meets in Lakeville, Bloomington and New Hope. There are also two locations in Minneapolis under a different name: The Rock and The Urban Refuge. The Rock meets in Uptown and is an Evergreen church designed specifically to meet the needs of students, young couples and singles. The Urban Refuge meets in South Minneapolis and is an Evergreen church designed to meet the needs of urban and multicultural families.

HOW CAN I BECOME A MEMBER?

Church membership is an important step for any growing Christian. We offer a new member seminar called “Evergreen 101” held periodically throughout the year at each location that covers the history, philosophy and strategy of Evergreen, your purpose in life, your personal walk with God as well as basic Christian principles. God wants you to be involved with the greatest and most fulfilling work on this earth, and that work is taking place in the church! This seminar will give you an opportunity to become a member in God’s church and become united with other believers as we pursue God’s will together, growing in our faith and impacting our world. “Evergreen 101” offered periodically throughout the year. Check the announcements for upcoming classes.

HOW DO I OBTAIN A RECORDING OF MESSAGES?

All teachings are recorded and available from our media library. Reviewing past messages reinforces what you’ve already heard and can help you grow in your spiritual life. You can listen while commuting, cleaning, exercising — the possibilities are endless. Click here for our online messages. If you would like to purchase a CD of a message, place your order by calling the media center at 952-564-3772.

Welcome

WEEKEND SERVICES

Evergreen-New Hope is a non-denominational Christian church that meets 10:15 a.m. on Sunday. You’ll find the perfect mix of timeless Biblical principles presented in a non-traditional, contemporary way. When you come for a weekend service, you'll find a friendly, laid-back atmosphere that you can ease into. You don’t need to dress up!
Our music is up-to-date—a refreshing mix of original and popular styles performed by talented musicians and vocalists. Some services also include dramas, film clips and original video productions that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. When you come you’ll find a church made up of many young families and singles. You can easily remain anonymous in the crowd or linger after the services and meet people over refreshments. The atmosphere is friendly and laid-back.

RELEVANT MESSAGES

Evergreen is uniquely designed to meet your needs. We take a realistic approach to the problems of life and how God can help. We’ll show you how the Bible provides tangible, well-founded solutions for today’s issues without making you feel guilty. Topics often run in a series over a span of 2-4 weeks. Some of our previous message series have included: How to Make Your Marriage Great, Parenting Survival Kit, Overcoming a Dysfunctional Past, The Internet and Other Nets That Entangle Us, and How to Make Better Decisions.

CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS

We know how important it is for your children to have a strong spiritual foundation. While you attend the service, we offer a fun and stimulating environment for your children. By providing them with a positive experience, we hope they will enjoy church and not dread it. We also teach children to understand the difference between right and wrong, with God being the key. We feel this is very important, especially in today’s unstable society. Visit our Youth page to learn more about our programs.

QUALITY CHILDCARE

Childcare is available during all services for infants and toddlers. You will be able to relax and enjoy the service knowing that your child is in good hands. We also have a paging system so you can be notified in case your child needs your assistance. Learn more about our Nursery program.

PEOPLE WHO ENJOY CHURCH

We often hear that what makes Evergreen attractive is the people – people who actually enjoy church! Don’t be surprised if someone greets you or invites you to join them for a cup of coffee and a donut after the service. We want you to know that you are welcome and accepted.

STOP BY FOR A VISIT!

We'd love to meet you and answer any questions you may have. Explore our site to learn more about our beliefs, services, programs, and small groups. Check out the other links under the About Us tab, or contact the church office at 952-895-1773.

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Service Information

Sundays, 10:15 AM
3351 Independence Ave N
New Hope, MN 55427
952-895-1773

 

one church, many locations

Evergreen-New Hope is a location of Evergreen Community Church. There are five Twin Cities locations.
Learn more about Evergreen and its locations. >

 

Church Office

Evergreen Community Church
2300 E. 88th Street, Bloomington, MN 55425