Elevation North has News for YOU!

JEHOVAH-JIREH! You might be saying WHAT does that mean? Or maybe you’ve heard that name and know all about it. At any rate, this week before Thanksgiving is a great time to understand as much as we can about this name … one of the Names of our God! Jehovah-Jireh means “THE LORD WHO PROVIDES” … and it literally means that God sees and that He will see to it – whatever it is that we need to have provided. So many times in our lives, my husband and I have literally asked for and claimed the provision of Jehovah-Jireh. And believe me when I say that over and over, God has seen exactly what we needed … and He miraculously provided it! The first time this Name is revealed in scripture is in Genesis chapter 22, where the story of Abraham traveling to the land of Moriah with his son, Isaac, is recorded. What a heart-wrenching test God puts before Abraham when He asks him to take his beloved son and sacrifice him as a burnt-offering on a mountain that He would show him when he got there. And that mountain wasn’t just a short hike away – or even several hours away … but three days away on foot. Can you imagine the agony that Abraham experienced in his heart and his emotions as he put one foot in front of the other? At that point, I would be so thankful that the journey was going to take three days rather than three hours, for the sake of having more time with my son before the time of sacrifice. Could I, would I, actually be able to follow through in obedience? I’m sure a million memories rushed before Abraham’s eyes as they walked and talked together. Even in these final steps to the place of sacrifice, new memories were being made that Abraham would forever hold close to his heart. The servants traveling with them must have hung back at a short distance, giving this dad and son the opportunity for that desired one-on-one time together. But as I read and study this portion of scripture, something tells me that in those hours of inner struggle as Abraham moved forward, step by step, one of two things had to have occurred – and perhaps, both. One, with each step his heart must have laid down another piece of his human, fatherly yearning to keep his son … until by the time he reached that mount, he had come to grips with the acknowledgement of true and full surrender. “Yes, God, if this is what You are asking me to do, though I don’t understand – I will offer my precious son up to You as a sacrifice; all I ask is for the strength to carry it out with a right heart before You. You’ll have to be there with me and help me. On my own, I’m not sure I can bring the knife down on my son.” Second, Abraham had to have gotten beyond that place in his heart, otherwise there would be no rhyme or reason why he would tell his young servants upon their arrival at “the place” to “stay here with the donkey. The boy and I are going over there to worship; then we’ll come back to you.” In his intimate soul-searching on that three-day journey, evidently God gave Him not only a peace that passes all understanding … but an assurance that if he was obedient, God would intervene and provide ALL that Abraham would need from God, whatever that may be. We may never know fully all that Abraham sensed or knew or experienced. But either he believed what he was telling his son, or he was just cushioning him from the truth of “who” the sacrifice really was. Exactly how WOULD you tell your son who you loved so much that God had asked you to offer him as a sacrifice? The son, being intelligent, saw that everything necessary for the sacrifice was there – but the sheep, and he questions his dad, “where’s the sheep for the burnt offering?” To which Abraham confidently replies, “Son, God will see to it that there’s a sheep for the burnt offering.” And yet what Abraham does next is the most stirring of all … he keeps on walking with Isaac. He continues to make all the preparations for the sacrifice – even to the point of bringing the knife into place to kill his own son. And as he begins to bring the knife down, an angel of God stops him, and as Abraham looks up, he sees the ram that God provided for the burnt offering. At that moment, Abraham names that place God-Yireh (God-Sees-to-It). And then the angel of God speaks God’s reward for total obedience: Abraham’s children would flourish beyond counting – like the stars in the sky and the sand on the beaches; Abraham’s descendants would defeat their enemies; and moreover, all nations on earth would find themselves blessed through Abraham’s descendants because he obeyed God! That’s Abraham’s story of God’s provision! Well, just one of his stories! What’s your story about Jehovah-Jireh this Thanksgiving? Be sure to tell it to all who will listen: that “God has seen to it that your needs have been provided for” ~ and then thank God over and over for His love, His provision, and most of all, for the sacrifice of HIS precious Son on that altar called Calvary.

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- THIS SUNDAY will be the last day to receive donations for our THANKSGIVING PROJECT for the homeless and hungry. We can provide a delicious hot Thanksgiving meal for $1.92, plus the gospel message, through the Union Gospel Mission in St. Paul. Let’s remember the needy & lonely while we are planning our bountiful meals . . . and through our love and giving, give them a glimpse of Jesus in action! Can you spare $2.00 to share?!
- SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES to many in our church family: Tina, Sierra, Connie, Christian, Deondre, and also, belated wishes to Harold! Belated Anniversary wishes to Joel & Laura, as well! May God bless each of you with an incredible year to come!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22ND:
- 10:00 a.m. – WORSHIP & PRAISE – with the entire service centered around “thanksgiving” – Psalm 103!
- 11:15 a.m. – THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON for everyone (no Sunday School classes this week) – plan to bring a special dish to pass for this yummy church feast, followed by Communion and a Thanksgiving devotional!
- NEXT TUESDAY – ALL JR/SR HI YOUTH will be meeting at the home of Pastor D and Debbie from 6:30-8:00 p.m. for a great time of learning, fun, and snacks! Let’s live out our faith in every day ways! Invite a friend!!!
- NEXT SUNDAY – Pastor Doug will be starting the new unique Christmas series of messages; and lots of awesome times are being planned for worship and fellowship throughout the wondrous Christmas Season! We will also resume our Sunday School classes next week!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- Prayer makes all the difference in the world! It brings peace and answers; freedom and deliverance; healing and health; joy and happiness; contentment and provision, and everything we can ever need! God loves having us come to Him and to enlist His help in every area of our lives! How we thank God for His special touch of healing in Mary; for His hand upon the Bucholz family as the date of their move approaches; for His provision for the ministry of Elevation North (we thank each of you for giving so faithfully and generously!); we lift up LaFawn as she undergoes tests; and we are bringing before God an urgent unspoken request. Let’s stand together on God’s promises that He will do His best for us – and in us; & let’s THANK Him for being Who He is!
- THIS WEEK . . . Remember, “If we learn how to give of ourselves, to forgive others, and to live with thanksgiving, we need not seek happiness. It will seek us.” (Unknown)


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

ARE YOU A SAVER OR A THROWER??? Depending what it is - when we’re cleaning and sorting and organizing, my husband and I are more opposites than not. In recent days, we have FINALLY gotten to the HUGE pile of papers and receipts and forms that needed desperately to be filed (from all year long, basically)! You know. You finally get to the point where everything else has to stop and that long-awaited project just HAS to be next on the agenda! It was actually quite interesting ~ like taking a journey through time, getting an overall look at what you’ve spent your money on – and where you’ve given it (the receipts), enjoying cards and notes just as much (or more!) the second time around, seeing the beginning/planning stages of projects for the new church (brochure, logo, community and mission outreach, and so much more!). Part of the organizing included my personal lists where many things were crossed off: accomplished, done, finished. But there were other things, also important: not crossed off, still waiting to be done. One thread ran through all those papers and receipts and notes and lists. For me, that made it more difficult to throw certain things away. The thread indicated God’s faithfulness. His divine favor. His miracles. His gifts. His leading. At times, I smiled at what I saw as I sorted. Other times my eyes glistened with tears as I reviewed hard places we’d been in and I recalled how God had brought us through. All I can say is that there is no god like our God! During our cleaning process, as I saw the discarded pile grow into a small mountain that to some degree recorded several years of our past – a part of me wanted to save it, to hang on to what it all “said”. But a bigger part of me knew that it was time to let go, to purge the old and make room for the new. I decided I would hold the meaningful pieces of the past close to my heart, and continue to learn from all God had taught me in those times of our lives. Learn, so that for today and tomorrow and every day after that, we can move into the places God wants to take us. Remembering what we’ve learned, we’ll be better equipped for each new mission God sends us on. That mission could be in our home. It could be in our workplace. It might even be in our church. Or it might send us next door to our neighbors – or to the hurting out on the streets. And often it might connect us to others who are serving the Lord here in our nation – or halfway around the world. Thinking of all God has planned for our todays and tomorrows made it much easier to set aside the “sentimental” feelings and get even more excited about what God has next on His agenda! Just what will that be? Well, we don’t know. But that’s the signature mark of our God. He doesn’t reveal all His plans at one time … He waits until the perfect time to let us in on what He has planned. He may show us just enough for the next hour. Sometimes He lets us in on plans for the day to come. Of course, we can never see the future, but He puts visions before our eyes, dreams in our hearts, and wisdom and knowledge to make it all happen! We were never meant to live in the dark. It’s like as parents, when we want to guide our children around the pitfalls that we see (and they don’t) … we’d love to have them understand what we know and see. But often it’s difficult to convince them, until they experience the challenges for themselves, and suddenly – they understand and see. That’s kind of a picture of God and us. He’d love to spare us from hurts and trials and obstacles because He knows how we can avoid them. But often we have to do it our way and only when we cannot avoid the tough stuff, then we finally “get it” – and wonder why we didn’t listen to God in the first place! Anyhow, after a bit of “saving” some of our records and keepsakes … and after tons of “throwing” old things away, we can better identify with the clear message in the first few verses of Hebrews, chapter 12. It says in part … “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith … “. In other words, God doesn’t want us “stuck in our yesterdays” of sin and failure … He wants us to move to the present and into the future He has written in our hearts. He has THE BEST planned for us; we’re His kids, after all. So, He’s just doing what’s best for us! That’s exactly what the scriptures say a few verses later. Go on, open your Bible to Hebrews 12, and read it for yourselves! Oh, and by the way … I am more “the saver” – and my hubby is more “the thrower”. So together ~ we make a great team! Just like Jesus and us: He saves us eternally, and we throw off the earthly things! What a great team we make in this life!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- EACH SUNDAY, God blesses us with the newness and freshness of His Holy Spirit, and this Sunday was no exception! He proves Himself to us over and over in so many ways; how we praise His Name!
- A WARM WELCOME to Rogelio, who worshipped with our church family for the first time; it was great having you – we hope you were blessed!
- BIRTHDAY WISHES go out to: Trinitee and Laura! Have a fantastic year filled with God’s best!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH:
- 10:00 a.m. – WORSHIP & PRAISE – we hope you will come with great anticipation of blessing our Lord!
- 11:15 a.m. – SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES – great learning and sharing opportunities with others!
- 12:00 noon – ALL JR/SR HI YOUTH will be meeting for lunch right after church (bring your own money) and then will be finishing the last part of the deliveries for the Evangelism blitz. Thanks to all who participated on Tuesday evening; what a great response – and what beautiful weather God gave us! NOTE: this will take the place of youth on Tuesday evening for this week only; next week we’ll resume our regular schedule. Why not invite some friends to come along … we’re sowing seeds and praying for a great harvest of souls for the Kingdom of God! And YOU get to be a part of it!!!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- As always, the list of needs seems to be great – but we love it that we have even more to praise God for, so be sure to tell God “thank-you” for all He does!! On bended knee, lift these church friends before the Lord, that healing and answers might be claimed and received: Mary, Noah, Julia and her brother, Kathy, Guy, Sean, James, Jimmy, and the Bucholz family; our faithful supporters, and each one in the community who receives a packet sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ! May revival start in us and spread to others around us!

- THIS WEEK . . . Remember, “God makes a promise – faith believes it, hope anticipates it, patience quietly awaits it.” (Unknown) “Let all blessed old things stay, but let the clutter of our heads and hearts be removed, that new inspirations and new affections may come in to gladden our lives.” ~ (Chester Burge Emerson)



Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

DO YOU EVER FEEL ANEMIC? No … we don’t mean physically. We mean spiritually! Just as thermometers read our body temperatures, so there are indicators for measuring our spiritual temps. And in recent days both of us are experiencing a deeper heart’s cry than ever before that God’s church (that’s us, in this present world) will become more hot-blooded and on fire for Christ than ever before – that’s right … ever before. We look around and see a rapid, rising incline of people who are just along for the ride … not even going through the motions. There is total disinterest, lack of regard and respect for things of God, empty of an appetite for God and knowing Him more, without a sense of urgency for reaching the lost. And if our hearts cry, think what God’s heart does. He longs for a people who will be fully engaged in walking in His ways. Who will run after Him and passionately pursue Him. Who will actively seek Him through His Word and diligently study to get to know Him better. Who will strive for holiness and godliness in every part of our character. Who will take Him at His Word and believe Him literally. Who will step out in faith, no matter what the risk. Who will honor Him with our best, not just with whatever. Who will worship with expectation and excitement and exaltation. Who will strive to live Kingdom lives on this earth: God’s way, not ours. You might be saying, yeah, that all sounds good; but how can anyone really get there – and live that way? Well, the first step of course, is accepting Jesus into our hearts as our personal Lord and Savior, being forgiven of our sins through His shed blood on Calvary. Secondly, living the way God longs for us to live as His children, happens only through the power of the Holy Spirit and the shed blood of Jesus. When we’re not walking as we should as God’s children and as God’s church … then there’s a blood problem. Or lack of it. In the physical realm, anemia means “an inadequate supply of hemoglobin and red blood cells”. And when there’s not an adequate supply of life-giving blood in our bodies, we become sluggish and cold and are not able to function like we should. When that happens in our spiritual lives: ditto! When the shed blood of Jesus is not flowing in us and through us, the outward result is that we are spiritually sluggish and cooled off and we do not function in the body of Christ like we should. It all comes down to a blood problem. Hemoglobin carries oxygen in our body from the lungs to our tissues. We cannot survive without it. And bottom line, the church cannot survive without the shed blood of Jesus! Too many churches and believers have gotten away from the blood of Jesus and the cross of Calvary, but without it, the church is anemic. Ineffective. Stifled. Out of breath. Out of power. Dying. It cannot survive. Dear ones, that is not a church that God can take pleasure in or work through. Let us say this: Elevation North was birthed out of pain and healing, and with a calling and a vision to make a huge difference in our world around us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Let’s not be like so many others around this nation and around the world who are taking the cross and the blood of Jesus out of the church – because it’s a different generation! We can relate to this generation and should, but we’ll never change it without the power of the cross and the shed blood of Jesus. We’ll only carry an anemic message, and they’ll only see us as anemic people and look upon us with disdain. Our heart’s cry is that they will see Jesus in us, that they will see us empowered and impassioned, and about our Father’s business, as His blood courses through our very veins. With every breath we take, may we remember the day we met Jesus – and may we be focused on introducing Him to others who do not yet know Him! With every breath we take, may we live so we represent our Lord well! Our looks, our attitude, our words, our actions, our desires. How we live should be anything but anemic – we should be spiritually strong and healthy and bold and powerful! May God not have to be ashamed of us, but may we truly look like His bride, without spot or wrinkle. We join Paul as he writes, saying, “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes? Is it not you? Indeed, your are our glory and joy.” (I Thessalonians 2:19-20)

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- WHAT A PRIVILEGE it was to worship together last Sunday and partake of Communion together, remembering what the Lord Jesus did for us on the cross and through His resurrection!
- A SPECIAL WELCOME to Matthew who came to worship with us for the first time; may God bless you!
- OUR THANKS & APPRECIATION to the Rogers family for the candy-filled piñata that they provided for the Sunday School children after class-time! What a great time the kids had!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8th:
- 10:00 a.m. – WORSHIP & PRAISE – plan to join us in God’s House for an incredible time in God’s presence!
- 11:15 a.m. – SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES – w/lessons to draw us closer to God – on all age levels!
- THIS TUEDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH, JR/SR HI YOUTH, RE: FUEL, will be picked up right after school and will be delivering packets containing the Invitation CD and our church brochure as we do the Evangelism Blitz in our neighboring community of Medford. THANKS to all of our youth for helping fill nearly 500 packets to share Christ with those who do not know Christ, and to bring encouragement to those who do! We will be praying over these packets on Sunday at church, for God’s favor to be upon us as we deliver the Good News of Jesus Christ! Youth, be sure to dress warmly and bring money for a stop for dinner at McDonalds. Anyone interested in helping us out is invited to join us. Call Pastor D!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- What a faithful God we have! He comes with surprises and favor and blessings that no one else can provide, but best of all, He comes with His salvation and love and that relationship above all others! A few days ago we received a phone call from Perth, Australia telling us the news that Seykora’s little boy had stopped breathing in the night (with a high fever). The good news is that after CPR from daddy and lots of prayers and being checked at the hospital, Noah is going to be just fine! Continue praying for Noah’s complete recovery, and for God’s peace for Josh and Sarah! Thanks to the prayer chain individuals for praying!!! Be in daily prayer for Julia, her brother, Kathy, Sean, Ron in Turkey, Bucholz’ upcoming move & the sale of their home, family relationships, spiritual growth, for our evangelism outreach, for those serving God here & around the world, for our nation, our leaders, and our military, for God’s leading and protection over us!

- THIS WEEK . . . Remember, “There are better things ahead than any we leave behind.” C.S. Lewis


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

AND WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND TODAY?! Not that it’s any of our business, of course! It’s just that after being on “Facebook” and seeing what everyone is doing, their comments let me know what is on their mind! Just by reading their short updates, I can tell if they are happy, or busy, or sick … I can find out if they are doing things at home, or if they are planning to go somewhere and take in some event. I can even tell what mood they are in by the things they reveal through their choice of words! Talk about being connected! (Can you tell I’m a newbie on Facebook?!) What an amazing format ~ where we can stay in touch – or get in touch with those we care about! Just getting started on this “journey of connection”, I can see how someone could spend hours and hours, not only checking on what is happening with others, but making your own comments, and even searching for others that you would like to re-connect with. As I was contemplating the far-reaching relational opportunities this site provides, I was pretty much overwhelmed! And thinking about this update, God dropped a thought into my heart that isn’t going away. So, I’ll pass it on! I’m thinking that the Holy Spirit must have invented “Heartbook” from the beginning of time, but somehow it has never caught on to the extent that Facebook has. And that’s sad. Because the potential it has to keep us connected to God is far greater than Facebook’s friend-connection capability will ever be! While getting on the computer and opening up a site and reading about what’s on our family’s or friend’s minds – and letting them know what’s going on with us – is really easy … “Heartbook” is even easier!! All we need to do is open our heart and move our lips. All we need to do is realize that God already knows what’s on our minds, but He wants to, and loves to hear it from us. The connection speed is instantaneous: faster than the blazing speeds of broadband. There’s no waiting for Him to open the site and see what we’ve said. He’s listening the very moment our lips form the words. More amazing, is that He already knows what we are going to say – yet He still wants us to say it. He longs for that connectivity with us. He longs for us to take that time with Him. He longs for us to know that He cares about what’s on our minds and in our hearts and He wants to make it better. Just like when we write a comment to someone and can’t wait to see what they write back; we need to get into that same excitement with our communication with God! We need to be so connected that when we talk with Him, we can hardly wait to see what He will say back to us! Just like we need to be in the right place when we click on our account so we can see who has taken time to post a message to us – so we need to be focused on listening to what God wants to reply back to us! Though it’s fun to share our news with others, it’s even more fun to see what they have to tell us! I have a feeling that’s how God wants it to be with us and Him! While we most often tell Him all about us and our needs, and SHOULD be telling Him how awesome He is and we love Him for Who He is … it’s even more important that we remain within close listening distance so that we can hear what’s on His mind and get to know what’s in His heart that He wants to share with us. One-sided conversations don’t last long. One-sided talks leave us feeling jilted and empty. One-sided dialogue makes us feel as if we really don’t matter to the other person. Relationships are cultivated and nurtured only when time is spent in communication with each other; where there is talking and there is listening! It’s in those times that we truly grow close to another. It’s in those times that we truly draw close to our God! My challenge to myself and to others … is that we spend more time on “Heartbook” than on Facebook, for it holds far greater pleasure that will last into Eternity! But … an added challenge is: let Facebook be a tool to use for encouragement and lifting others up! Then post that activity on “Heartbook” and see what God has to say! I love Jesus’ “post” to the disciples as His crucifixion was drawing near, and after He had shared so much with them that day. This is what He said to them then, and I believe these words are “posted” for us to read today, as well: “I’ve told you all this so that trusting Me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world!” (John 16:33)

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- WHAT AN INCREDIBLE TIME we had in worship this past Sunday; God’s presence was truly in our midst, and we know that He was at work doing what He does best: ministering to us by His Holy Spirit, and taking over in our lives when we’ve done all we can do! The all-church luncheon that followed provided some great food and a joyous time of fellowship with each other! Thanks to everyone at Elevation North for honoring us for Pastor’s Appreciation Month, and a special thanks to Laura for making the cake that was presented to us on Sunday!

- WELCOME BACK to Daryl … it was great having you with us again! God bless you!

- DON’T FORGET TO TURN YOUR CLOCKS BACK one hour as Daylight Savings Time ends early this Sunday morning! (November 1st)

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1st:
- 10:00 a.m. – WORSHIP & PRAISE & COMMUNION - come expecting to offer your BEST praise and thanksgiving to God; and know that whatever it is that you are in need of in your life, God will NOT disappoint you! His ways are above our ways! Pastor D will be preaching on “A Personal Call To Holiness” from Haggai, chapter 2.
- 11:15 a.m. – SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES – for all ages, with lessons that will help you to know more about the God we love and serve, and leave us wanting more of Him! Be sure to stay and participate!
- THIS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD – JR/SR HI YOUTH: RE: FUEL – Invite your friends for an interesting time of devotions/study, lots of fun, helping get the Evangelism packets ready, and of course, always … snacks! If your friends do not know Jesus, we’ll be happy to introduce them to Him!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- Miracles and answers to prayer are not just available; we are experiencing them each week in our church family! That is so exciting, but we want to make sure we are more grateful for the Giver, than for the gifts He gives us! Let’s join in continuing to pray for the ongoing needs of many individuals/families in our midst as they have shared these over the past few weeks: divine healing for Mary and for Julia and her brother; the sale of the Bucholz’ house; the ministry of Ron in the country of Turkey; for relationships to be healed; and a new praise – for the blessing of Josh and Sarah expecting another baby; may God’s hand be upon Sarah and the baby! As always, we are a needy people, and how awesome it is that we can lay all these needs at the feet of Jesus, trusting Him for what He will do! Praise the Lord!

- THIS WEEK . . . Remember, “When you draw close to God, God will draw close to you.” (James 4:8) So remember to keep connected to God on “Heartbook” every day, many times a day!


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

NOT LONG AGO WE CAME ACROSS THIS ANONYMOUS QUOTE, and we thought it was perfect for the headliner of this week’s message! “When my life is through and the angels ask me to recall the thrill of them all, then I shall tell them I remember you …”. This past week found us hitting the road following the unexpected news of our friend’s death in Michigan, and while our hearts were deeply saddened by the loss, the next few days were spent in “remembering him”. The time shared with his wife and family as memories from over the years came flooding back, was so very precious. It was a combination of tears and laughter. One of the church families there offered their Bed and Breakfast rooms to some of the family and to us, as well – at no charge. The husband and wife are both battling cancer, and yet they gave from their hearts. It’s people like this that we remember; not for what they gave, but for who they are! And then we headed south to see our second son and his wife and our two grandchildren! While we have seen them at least once or more each year because they traveled here to see us, we had not had the opportunity to be with them in their home for over three and a half years! So our hearts leaped for joy when we rounded the corner of their street and saw them standing at the door! For the next few days we were gifted with yummy home-cooked meals, going to see our grandson’s football practices, stopping in each day to see our granddaughter at work, loving the opportunity to worship with them at their awesome church, going to Uncle John’s Cider Mill for fresh-pressed apple cider and freshly made, still warm, buttermilk doughnuts (are you getting hungry?!), taking a drive to see our Elevation North friend, Clint, who has moved to his new job in Michigan, getting to tour our son’s office complex in Ann Arbor and meet some of the employees, and learning how to “publish” our weekly updates to the blog, which our daughter has been doing for us all this time! And, of course, so much more … we packed in all that we could! Thanks, Dana and Stacey, and Whitney and Dylan, for an incredible time that “we shall always remember”! And then we were able to enjoy short visits with Doug’s brother and my sister and her husband and sons on the return trip home! More gifts of remembrance that we will always cherish! Why do we recall all of this for you? Just to give you a picture of what it looks like when people share themselves in meaningful ways and impact others with the love of Jesus as lived out through their daily lives! And each of us can do that. Sometimes we are aware of what we do, because we CHOOSE to make a difference in others. Other times we do things that make a difference for others, and we are not even aware of it. Either way, it’s those times in our lives that etch lasting impressions onto the lives of others, and when God calls them home, they will remember YOU! And of course, for Pastor Doug and I, when it’s our time to be called Home to heaven, we will answer without hesitation that our lives were what they were, in large part, because of YOU! Thanks to each of you for loving us with the amazing love of Jesus … what a thrill that is to us!!! Some days we might wonder how important it is that we focus on blessing others, but Jesus in Matthew 25:40 puts it this way: “ … I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me.” That’s a marvelous incentive to touch the lives of others, when in fact, we are also blessing the King of kings and the Lord of lords! Let’s focus on being a blessing to someone this week ~ especially to the Someone who deserves our best ~ our all!

IN A NUTSHELL …
- OUR SPECIAL THANKS to Todd and his family for ministering to our congregation this past Sunday while we were gone ministering elsewhere! What a blessing you were to the Elevation North family!
- OUR APPRECIATION goes out to all those who stepped in and helped out with the preparation for the worship service in our absence … it’s heartwarming to know that our people have willing hearts to minister!
- SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS to Harold and LaFawn on the arrival of their grandchild; what a blessing & joy!
- WOMEN OF FAITH attendees report that it was an incredible and powerful time of challenge and uplift – PTL!
Plan now to begin putting a few dollars aside each week; we want every woman at Elevation North to be able to experience this awesome conference! Our goal is to take 50 women next year; be sure to chat with Tina!
- YOUTH PIZZA FUNDRAISER is being turned in on Monday; so be sure to get all of your orders in to Pastor D this Sunday, the 25th! We will take any last minute orders through Sunday, and thanks for supporting our youth!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25TH:
- 10:00 a.m. – WORSHIP & PRAISE – may our hearts overflow out of gratitude and love for our Savior!
Note: for this Sunday only, we will be meeting at the Medford Park Chalet, (north side of town).
- 11:30 a.m. – POTLUCK CHURCH LUNCHEON – great time of fellowship and fun around the tables! Bring a dish to pass and your own table service. Beverages will be provided!
- THIS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27TH – JR/SR HI YOUTH: RE: FUEL – Plan on an exciting time of fun, devotions, helping prepare packets for our Evangelism Blitz, and snacks! Bring your friends along! Let’s impact them with the love of Jesus!
- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .
- There is nothing more exciting than seeing our God at work in our midst! Often we hear about Him doing something amazing for someone else, or far away in another country! But, He is engaged with us right here at Elevation North – right now! Every week we experience God in new circumstances. This week let’s join together in praying for the Bucholz family and the sale of their house; for healing for Mary and Julia and ongoing prayers for Julia’s brother, who is getting closer to his liver transplant; for Ron who is traveling to Turkey this Sunday for ministry amongst the people there – may God give safety and receptive hearts to the Gospel; for unspoken needs; for protection and blessing for all students, for all military, for our nation’s leaders; for God to use us at Elevation North to touch our world around us and beyond; and most of all, that we might lift up the Name of Jesus and exalt our Lord God, for He is SO worthy of our praise!

- THIS WEEK . . . Remember, “Live for something … write your name in kindness, love, and mercy on the hearts of thousands you come in contact with … you will never be forgotten.” ~ Thomas Chalmers


Serving Christ Joyfully …

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North Has News for You!

(TODAY’S MESSAGE IS TAKEN FROM ONE OF DEBBIE’S “PONDERINGS FROM THE PASTOR’S WIFE” ARTICLES, WRITTEN IN 1990) . . . I ABSOLUTELY LOVE GETTING MAIL, especially letters, notes and packages from family and friends! How about you? Now when it comes to envelopes that contain a piece of paper with the words, “Amount Due” printed on it, I don’t get nearly so excited. But I must tell you about a mailing I received awhile back that definitely captured my attention. I opened this envelope from a mail order company, and upon laying out the large brochure to reveal its contents, I beheld a sight that left me enraptured. For before my very eyes, in living color, was the image of a figurine of Christ at His Transfiguration. It was breathtakingly beautiful! The brochure described it as being “individually cast in fine imported porcelain, hand-painted in colors as radiant as the artist’s own, fired to perfection … to preserve its spirit forever.” The figurine was modeled from the painting, “The Transfiguration”, the last and most glorious achievement by one of the greatest artists who ever lived, Raphael. The sculpture had indeed captured its full power, dimension, and depth. And there was that striking pose of Christ rising, with the clouds billowing at His feet, light-blue robe flowing gently around His body, arms raised heavenward, eyes turned toward the Father in anticipation of returning to reign forever and ever on His Throne. Mere words cannot describe the feeling that filled my world as I sat staring at that brochure. It was the most beautiful rendering of my Lord I have ever seen; it was Christ just as I visualize Him. The very moment I laid eyes on that advertisement, I knew I wanted it. The price made me consider carefully, and though I knew it was costly, I determined in my heart I would take on extra work to earn the needed money. I can’t remember a time I wanted anything as much as I wanted this piece of sculpture. I kept talking to myself, trying to justify the expenditure and saying, “Just think what a conversation piece it will be when people see it, and how many times it will bring opportunity to share about the Lord it portrays over and over!” I was so excited! I finally, while still considering the options, filled out the order card and sent it in. Not long afterwards, while I was sitting in church, the Lord clearly spoke to me. He said, “Debbie, you cannot have that sculpture. It is not through that piece of porcelain that I want to be glorified, but through you. I know you think it is the most beautiful piece of art you have ever seen, but I want to form you, change you, shape you, paint you, fire you – until you come to the place where people talk about My beauty and power in your life, until you are the reason people are drawn to Me. I choose to work through you as a broken vessel, rather than through an expensive piece of porcelain.” There was no doubt about it; I knew what I had to do. By now, I had already received my notice in the mail to say that my numbered porcelain sculpture of “The Transfiguration” was being held for me. And upon receipt of the first of five monthly installments, it would be shipped to me. I located that paperwork, and by penning a few words on the form, I cancelled my reservation. Those written words could be the end of another story in my life, but somehow, I know they are only the beginning. I have closed the door on the sculpture, but now I find myself daily opening the door to the art studio where God is working on my clay image – forming, shaping, cutting, painting, and firing. The final glaze is a long way off yet. There will be many firings to undergo, and while I will dislike the intense heat and hurt of the process, I will not resent it. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” II Corinthians 3:17-18 (NIV)

- IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- WE WELCOME Jason who came to worship with us on Sunday … it was great to have you with us while you were home visiting your family this weekend! May God bless you!
- WARM BIRTHDAY WISHES go to Chuck and to Lyndel whose birthdays were on October 12th! AND SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES to our son, DJ, (in E. Grand Forks) on October 14th! We love you, son!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18TH:
- 10:00 a.m. – WORSHIP & PRAISE – get excited about meeting one-on-one with God in His House!
- 11:15 a.m. – SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES – your opportunity to dig deeper into God’s instructions to us!
- How exciting it is to drink in from the Word of God each week … and to study and learn together as each of us participate and share. Let’s keep growing together – in every way here at Elevation North!
- THIS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20TH – JR/SR HI YOUTH: RE: FUEL – We will not meet this week as Pastor Doug and Debbie will be returning home from out-of-state. Take the time you would have been here with us, just to sit at the feet of Jesus and read a little more from His Word, or to pray a little more, or to call a few friends – and just be there for them! Focus on selling a few extra pizzas – or a lot more – and we’ll turn in the fundraiser totals when we return! We’ll see you next week on the 27th!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- What would we do without our Father God?! This week Pastor and Debbie learned of the unexpected passing of one of their close friends in Michigan – in fact, this couple was like “second parents” to them. Please uphold Lela and the entire family in this sad time, that God’s comfort will be their everything! Continue to pray – and even fast – for Jim’s liver transplant, for the miracle sale of Bucholz’ house, for Julia and others who are needing God’s healing touch, for comfort for Michael and Molly in the loss of their expected baby, for God’s hand to be upon our college students, for urgently needed financial provision, for God-appointments this coming week that will give each of us opportunity to share Christ and the gospel message! Remember, the God we serve hears and answers our prayers … let’s expect miracles, in the Name of Jesus!
- THIS WEEK . . . Remember, “God walks with us … He scoops us up in His arms or simply sits with us in silent strength until we cannot avoid the awesome recognition that yes, even now, He is there.” ~ (Gloria Gaither) And while He loves us just the way we are today, right now – He loves us too much to leave us that way! That’s why He invites us into His art studio for our own personal transformation beneath His brush-strokes!


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North Has News for You!

TODAY WE JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT GOD LOVES YOU SO-O-O-O MUCH!!! We know that many of you, like us, have encountered … or are presently encountering challenges that seem so huge that you’re not sure what to do or where to turn. Of course, as believers – as God’s kids! – while we may not always know just what to do next, we do know that we can turn to the Lord God Almighty for our answers and our solutions. But it’s what goes on in our hearts and minds during that waiting period that often takes our breath away, knocks the fight out of us, and blinds us from seeing God at work in the bigger picture of our circumstances. Today we just want to remind you of how very much God loves YOU … right at this moment … right in the middle of that seemingly insurmountable struggle. And WE care, too! That’s why we want to pass on this “love letter” from God’s heart to yours today. There’s enough sadness and fear, and lack and sickness, and bad, scary news going around to last our entire life-times … so what we really need to take a hold of … is God’s precious, powerful love for US!!! Let’s see if we can, in our limited human expression, paint just a portion of how wide and deep and high God’s love is – for each of us! First of all, if we ever had any question about God’s love for us, we can dismiss those doubts, because Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” So if He loved us that much when we weren’t even His children and we were breaking His laws and rejecting Him … why would we ever need to doubt His love NOW that we ARE His very own? The very word “demonstrate” means that God proved His love, showed plainly His love. That doesn’t sound like a cheap love, especially since it cost God the very life of His Son, Jesus. It seems like a lavish love. “Lavish” means extravagant … to give abundantly. In His love, He wants us to know who we are, and what is ours. James 1:17 tells us that “every good and perfect gift is from Above.” Sometimes we mistake the gifts He gives us for His love. While all of His blessings and favor are so incredible, they are only an expression of His love. His love is greater than any of His gifts, and because of His love, He longs for us to share in that intimate love relationship with Him. More than receiving His answers, His healing, His guidance, His mercy, His provision, His grace, His peace, His protection, His power … He wants us to receive His everlasting love, His unconditional love, His jealous love. He wants us to experience and live in that kind of love that carries us through a multitude of decisions and discouragement. He longs for us to realize such a love as His that continues on and on without end, that is unconditional. A love like God’s needs nothing that we can give Him or offer Him, but a love like God’s desires our love and fellowship because we are His! A love like God’s infuses our very being with His presence. A love like that makes us ever aware that He is with us, in us, around us, going before us, and guarding us from the rear. A love like God’s spills out, overflows, pursues us, runs to us, and fills us!
We love the eighth chapter of the book of Romans, where we are told “that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Where we are told, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” And where we are reminded that, “in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” So today, know that you are undeniably, irrefutably, fully loved by the God of the Universe!!! Rest and rejoice in that! Be renewed … and respond in that indescribable love!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- A SPECIAL WELCOME to Mellisa and Aiden who joined us in worship for the first time on Sunday … we loved having you in our midst and we look forward to seeing you again! May God’s blessing be yours!
- OUR SPECIAL THANKS to Jimmy, who provided us with his homegrown, natural grape juice for Communion this past Sunday! And to Laura, Isaac, Merv, Kathy, & Chris, who helped with our KIDZ BLAST in the afternoon as we packed in lots of fun adventure for our younger children and little ones! We had a GREAT time!!!
- MAY GOD BLESS each of you for your continued support of God’s work at Elevation North, including our faithful pastoral partner supporters from out-of-state! Your giving is paying huge dividends in God’s Kingdom! And we thank you from the bottom of our hearts! May God’s favor be yours, is our prayer!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11th:
- 10:00 a.m. – WORSHIP & PRAISE – come and experience God’s love ~ and ours!
- 11:15 a.m. – SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES – to help all of us grow in our knowledge of God’s Word!
- TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13th – 6:30-8:00 p.m. – JR/SR HI YOUTH: RE: FUEL … plan on an action-packed evening as we turn our appetites to God’s Word … as we put together several hundred packets for our all-out evangelism blitz coming up … as we report on our YOUTH PIZZA FUNDRAISER … and enjoy treats!
- AND SPEAKING ABOUT THE YOUTH FUNDRAISER … our youth are selling Kwik Trip pizzas to help with the costs of a youth trip event to the Cities, and they will be sharing 10% of their monies to help out with the expenses of our Sunday School curriculum! Let’s help them out!
- JUST AROUND THE CORNER! We are so excited about the Women of Faith Conference, “A GRAND NEW DAY” in St. Paul at the Xcel Energy Center on October 16-17! It promises to be a blessed weekend for all who attend; check out the link on our church blog for everything you’d like to know about the 2-day event!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- What a joy it is to serve a God who hears and answers our prayers, and who is actively involved in our daily lives! We are praying for: a liver transplant, the sale of a house, possible cancer diagnosis, family relationships, upcoming surgery, evangelism outreach, financial provision, jobs, our evangelists and our missionaries, our nation’s leaders and our military personnel, etc., etc. Remember “nothing is too hard for God!” (Jeremiah 32:17b) He is so worthy of our praise! LET’S EXALT AND GLORIFY OUR GOD!
- THIS WEEK – Remember, “We can be assured of this: God, who knows all and sees all, will set all things straight in the end. Even better, He will dry every tear.” (Richard J. Foster) And don’t forget . . . “If you experience God’s love at your lowest, you’ll know it has nothing to do with your condition – and everything to do with God’s amazing grace! (Unknown)


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North Has News for You!

DO YOU EVER GET TIRED? DO YOU EVER GET HUNGRY? Why on earth would we ask THESE questions? Of course, we ALL get tired at times … and we ALL get hungry probably more often than we care to admit! At the height of intense, fatiguing work – the thought of being able to finally fall into our comfortable bed at night becomes ever more sweet; and just walk down the street past a restaurant or a bakery, and the tantalizing aromas wafting in the air make our tummies growl and our mouths water!!! We can be SO tired … and SO hungry ~ and these are natural feelings. After all, God made our bodies to require rest and food ! We probably should listen to their basic needs more than we do – and give them adequate rest and proper foods! Just this morning, on my day off (that’s never really a day off!), my sweet husband encouraged me to stay in bed for a bit of extra sleep after he left the house. I resisted, and he insisted! The lingering thought of some rare, unexpected moments in my bed convinced me to agree with his idea … and I laid back on my pillow! When I awakened some ninety minutes later, my first thought was what a precious gift my husband had given me – and how much my body had needed that solid rest on a chilly, rainy, overcast morning! Before I jumped into my day’s long list of work, I opened my Bible because I love to hear what God has to say to me from His Word. Reading in the book of Amos, I saw what a hard stance God took against His nation, Israel, when they went off in other directions and no longer pursued Him. Talking to them, He said, “You know, don’t you, that I’m the One who emptied your pantries and cleaned out your cupboards, Who left you hungry and standing in bread lines? But you never got hungry for me. You continued to ignore me. God’s Decree.” Then He goes on to tell them that He’s the One who stopped the rains, and that though the people would stagger from village to village, crazed for water, their thirst never being quenched, He says, “but you never got thirsty for Me. You ignored Me. God’s Decree.” (chapter 4:6-8, The Message Bible) I couldn’t help but pray, “O Lord, help me to always be hungry for You … to be thirsty for You! Help me to not ignore You, but to listen and follow and pursue you without fail! Help me to want more and more and more of You so that I will always have “all I need and more” to spill out onto others the very fragrance and essence of Christ! I’m reminded of a song we used to sing that should be our song still today: “Of things I’ve had my fill, for You I hunger still; Lord, fill me up; Lord, hear my cry, for more of You!” Part of the Beatitudes in Matthew even allude to this in Matthew 5:6 – “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled.” That’s a promise with a blessing … IF we hunger and thirst after God-priorities! When things in life get out of alignment, often it’s because we are tired and badly in need of physical rest. In answer to the opening question of these “ponderings”, let’s turn to Matthew, chapter 11, where Jesus is asking some questions of His own: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Did you catch the pattern He is setting out for us? Come … get away … rest … walk … work … watch … learn … keep company … live! Add two words to each of these single words … come WITH ME …rest WITH ME … walk WITH ME … live WITH ME, etc., etc. When we actively choose to do these things daily ~ we WILL find the rest and nourishment that we need! Let’s take a lesson from the nation of Israel and not ignore God … but pursue Him! Every day!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

WE WANT TO WELCOME Liz and Aleana and Caida who blessed us with their presence this past Sunday as we worshipped together, and also to Don, who joined us for Sunday School! What an encouragement you were to us, and our heart’s desire is that each of you were blessed and touched by God’s Spirit!
LOVING BIRTHDAY WISHES to our granddaughter, Lindsay, in East Grand Forks, who will be 9 on October 3rd! We love you, Lindsay!
GOD IS AT WORK! We continue to marvel at God’s work in our midst as He is changing lives and meeting needs and drawing us closer to Him! He is so deserving of ALL the praise!

LOOKING AHEAD . . .

THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4th:
10:00 a.m. – WORSHIP & PRAISE – come just as you are - and leave, knowing you’ve been with Jesus!
11:15 a.m. – SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES – exciting lessons for all ages!
This Sunday we will celebrate Communion; remembering God’s extreme love gift to us, His very own Son, that we might live with Him forever! It’s also a time to ponder our sins and ask for forgiveness and cleansing, that we might live forgiven and free! Come and drink in from God’s Word as Pastor Doug preaches an anointed message, partake of Communion, and stay for Sunday School for another session of learning and sharing!
12:00 noon – KIDZ BLAST with Pastor Doug and Debbie for Sunday School kids that are pre-junior high age. We will be having lunch at McDonald’s – having a blast at the Serengetti Water Park – and coming back to Pastor’s and Debbie’s home for fun treats! The cost is $10, but if you need help with the expenses, let us know! We want every kid to be able to be a part of this event!
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6th – 6:30-8:00 p.m. - JR/SR HI YOUTH: RE: FUEL … ready for a spiritual boost after school? We’ve been taking advantage of nice weather for outdoor activities, and now as the weather is cooling, we will be spending more time on our devotionals and lessons – and of course, ALWAYS enjoying the snack time!!! Join us at Pastor’s and Debbie’s home for a great time!
NEXT SUNDAY: OCTOBER 11th: Invite some friends for worship and Sunday School! The youth will be kicking off a fundraiser for youth group funds, so your support and encouragement is really appreciated!
JUST A FEW WEEKS AWAY! WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE in St. Paul at the Xcel Energy Center is coming up on October 16-17 … “A GRAND NEW DAY!” For full details, check the link on our church blog! It promises to be an uplifting, life-changing event for all who attend! Be in prayer for the speakers and musicians!

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

What a great, prayer-answering God we serve! He LOVES hearing our heart’s cries, and He loves doing what He does best: giving us His guidance and peace and answers, according to His will and for His glory! For those going through the tough times, the struggles are real, whether it is physical, emotional, financial, or spiritual. Let’s remember to pray for each other’s needs as we lean on God for provision and intervention and victory in all these matters! May God use us to minister to family and friends and others in our community – and around our nation and world, wherever He gives us open doors!

THIS WEEK – Remember, “We can put our minds at ease because God’s mind is on us!” ~ Unknown

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North Has News for You!

DOES THE “CLEANING BUG” ever bite you? Well, sometimes for us with our management and caretaker positions at the apartment complexes we work at during the week – it feels like we are always cleaning somewhere … anywhere … everywhere … but at home! Today was my “day off” from my retail job and we didn’t have to be at the apartment complexes until early afternoon, so – o – o my hubby and I decided to treat ourselves to some fall housecleaning at home! What a concept!!! What we do for everyone else – we finally got to do for ourselves! It was actually fun to clean and reorganize and rearrange drawers and cabinets and shelves for part of the forenoon, until it was time to head to the apartments and then after that, an enjoyable chat with one of our church teens at a coffee place! And now, we get to “chat” with you “via our church blog” and share what’s on our hearts today! As we were cleaning, I couldn’t help but wonder if God gets as much enjoyment at “doing some fall housecleaning” in our lives as we did just cleaning in our home! I’m glad He doesn’t let the dust get too thick on our conscience … or the attitudes of our hearts too skewed and off-track … or our vision too clouded … before He gets out His dust-cloth – His de-greaser – and His glass-cleaner! I love it when things in our home are neat and in place, when things are sparkly clean and fresh, and when long lists of things awaiting our attention get shortened up a bit! And I’m sure God loves it when we respond to His cleaning methods. His purging – throwing things out that are not pleasing to Him. His pruning – carving away all the useless, fruitless parts of our lives. His refining – polishing us up so we’ll be better able to reflect His likeness in our world. I wonder if He stands back and gazes at His cleaning work, knowing that what He has accomplished has been a good thing. As He looks, He sees us through His view of eternal perspective. He sees us from before birth – to this moment in our life’s journey on earth. He sees into our future when someday when we will breathe our last breath – and He sees us in eternity where those who know Him personally will be sharing our “forever lives” with Him! That’s why He keeps those cleaning supplies handy; wanting to prepare us for what’s to come, so that we will be ready for His appearing. In Ephesians chapter 5, the apostle Paul writes about wives and husbands and likens the marriage relationship to Christ and the church. In the last verses of the chapter, he instructs the wives and husbands to love each other … “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.” So you see, there is good reason for the housecleaning in our lives. Just as we prepare our homes for guests, so Christ instructs us to prepare ourselves as His church, His bride – for that long-awaited moment when He, our Bridegroom, comes for us! There is only one way that we can ever be as radiant and as holy as He desires us to be. And that is because He gave Himself for us, gave His very life – His life’s blood for us, so that we will be able to present ourselves washed and cleansed when He appears! Not always do we jump at the necessity of cleaning house, but hopefully we will welcome the times when God comes with His cloths and cleansers. Think about how awesome your home looks right after you’ve finished cleaning it. Then think of how you look to the world around you after God has finished His cleaning process in you! It will always be worth any “scrubbing” that has to take place! So let’s run TO the cleansing and purifying ~ and not away from it!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- WE WANT TO WELCOME Lyndel and Mo, along with Natalie and Brandon, who worshipped with us this past Sunday at Elevation North! What a joy it was to have all of you, and we look forward to having you join us in God’s House again soon!
- HOW EXCITING it was to see our Sunday School classes filled to overflowing … and we thank God for added resources – including a wonderful supply of nursery and toddler toys for our little ones donated to us by Laura!
God bless you, Laura, for meeting a very specific need!
- BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES to James who celebrated his special day on Tuesday, the 22nd! AND SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES to our son, Dana, (in Michigan) on September 25th! We love you, son!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH:
- 10:00 a.m. – WORSHIP & PRAISE – come with an expectancy of God’s presence and power!
- 11:15 a.m. – SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES – learning experiences for all ages!
- You will discover a blend of preaching and teaching as this week Pastor Doug begins a series of messages on “The Day of the Lord” from the book of Haggai. Don’t miss what he has to share from God’s Word! Be an active participant in the worship and singing and prayer-time … as well as opening your arms and hearts to each other, and especially our first-time visitors and newcomers! Plan to stay after worship and take part in a class – just for you!
- TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH - JR/SR HI YOUTH: RE: FUEL … need some extra spiritual energy? Ready for some awesome fun and hanging out with other Christian teens along with Pastor D and Debbie? Weather permitting, we will head to the park for a hike, and then return to Pastor’s back-yard for some s’mores around the fire-pit! Invite several friends!
- NEXT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4TH: WORSHIP & COMMUNION, SUNDAY SCHOOL, and an after-church “kidz event” with lunch at McDonald’s, a trip to the Serengetti Water Park, and treats back at Pastor’s and Debbie’s home after – for 4 year olds through 5th graders. We will have plenty of chaperones to help out!
- COMING SOON: WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE is just around the corner on Friday/Saturday, October 16-17th at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. You’ll love the awesome ministry centered around the theme “A GRAND NEW DAY” – for two energy packed days of incredible speakers and music and drama and more! We’ve obtained a special price of $79 without the minimum number for a full group, so please call Debbie or Tina right away with your reservation and payment, so that we can all sit together in a group! Go to the Women of Faith link on our church blog for full details and schedules. Pray about joining us; it will be a life-changing experience you will never forget!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- How we love being in the middle of what God is doing! His faithfulness and His miracles are to be praised! This week we ask you to continue to pray for Jim and his upcoming liver transplant in Denver; for the perfect buyer for the Bucholz home; for God to open doors for added ministries; for answers to several unspoken requests; for pastors around the world, for our nation’s leaders and military personnel; and for God to do His cleaning in each of our hearts and lives – that we might be more effective than ever before!
- THIS WEEK – Remember, “The light of God surrounds you; The love of God enfolds you; The presence of God protects you; and God is always with you!” (Quote – unknown)


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North Has News for You!

WHAT DO YOU HAVE SLEEPING INSIDE OF YOU?! No, we don’t mean germs just waiting to burst into a full-blown cold or some virus that puts you in bed for twenty-four hours. We’re talking about a sleeping giant! Right now with all that is going on in our world, so many people are feeling helpless and insignificant. Wishing they could do something to make things better – in their own lives, as well as to help others. But … where does one start? How does one individual effect change for a nation … or just in their own community? Or even in their own lives and personal situations? Mostly it seems impossible. People have this notion that their only option is to just ride it out and hang on for dear life! And whatever happens ~ happens! But is that how we are supposed to live our lives? Is that what God planned for our lives? No … a resounding NO!!! We believe that God had – and still has an original purpose for our lives: LIVING IN GOD’S KINGDOM ON EARTH! WHAT do we mean by THAT, and HOW is that possible? Well, the Bible says in Matthew 6:33 … “But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” (NIV) What “things” were being spoken of? In the verses preceding, all the things we are so concerned about on a daily basis are mentioned: food, health, clothing – necessities. And while we are worrying about what we will have to eat or drink or wear, scripture is telling us that if we will seek GOD’S Kingdom FIRST and seek HIS righteousness – THEN ALL THESE THINGS will be provided for us, additionally. So, there’s an order here to how this works! First … and … then! The Message Bible puts it this way in the same verse: “Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” It can’t get much clearer than that! Somehow down through the generations, we’ve gotten it all backwards. We worry about making a living and paying bills and our lives become “all about things.” Whatever focus or time or energy or money that we have leftover, IF any, we might give a little of it to God. But that isn’t living in God’s Kingdom on this earth. It isn’t awakening the sleeping giant within us … which is what will happen to us and God’s Church if we get our priorities straight! And THAT is what God longs to see happen in His people so that our individual lives, and ultimately, our world CAN be effected for His glory! If any of this rings a bell with you … you just might want to join us at Elevation North for our new adult Sunday School class called ‘Kingdom Connections”! Concepts and ideas and research for the study are taken from Myles Munroe’s book, “Applying the Kingdom” (subtitle: “Rediscovering the Priority of God for Mankind”). And of course, as always, everything is fully backed by God’s Word, or it will not be taught! Come and learn with us how to awaken that giant that is sleeping quietly within you – bring it to life – and see what God will do! Let’s travel on this journey together; we can be co-learners and co-encouragers as we “reclaim God’s original purpose for our lives” (in Myles Munroe’s words)!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

A SPECIAL WELCOME to Harold, Darius, Keonne, Rick and Laurie who worshipped with us for the first time this past Sunday! How you blessed us with your presence, and we pray that you were touched and blessed by God, as well! We look forward to seeing you again soon!
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES are off to a great start … thanks to our awesome teachers, great Bible lessons that can be applied practically, and all the supplies we need – (special thanks to Laura and Hazel and Julia)! God bless each of you for sharing your love for the Lord and for others, your time, and resources!

LOOKING AHEAD . . .

THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH:
10:00 a.m. / WORSHIP & PRAISE 11:15 a.m. / SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES for all ages
Plan to come to God’s House for this uplifting time that glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ … brings truth from God’s Word to our open hearts … gives opportunity for us to give back to God ~ through our worship and praise and gifts … offers learning experiences in small groups … provides desired fellowship with others who know and love the Lord … and introduces Jesus to any who may not know Him personally! You are encouraged to bring your Bibles so that you can get the most of out God’s Word each week!

JR/SR HI YOUTH: RE: FUEL … that’s what you’ll get to do as you come and meet with your friends at the home of Pastor Doug and Debbie. You’ll get refueled through scripture lessons, snacks, and social fun! Just a reminder of our school year time change: 6:30-8:00 p.m. Don’t miss out ~ see you there! Challenge: each of you invite two friends this week!

WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE is being held this year on Friday/Saturday, October 16-17th in St. Paul at the Xcel Energy Center. The theme is “A GRAND NEW DAY” – and will be a two-day event packed full of God-anointed speakers and music and drama, and more! The tickets are $89/individual, or $79 each for a group of ten or more. Check the link on our church blog for full details, and register with Debbie or Tina as soon as possible, along with your payment. Ladies, what a perfect opportunity to be a part of a spiritual oasis that will refresh and renew your heart and soul!

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

God is definitely at work in our midst!!! Julia’s brother, Jim, sends his special thanks for all the prayers on his behalf; and miraculously, the entire cost of $450,000 for the liver transplant in Denver, CO will be covered and provided for! Keep upholding him and the upcoming procedure in your daily prayers! We join Clint and Kristina in asking God for the right buyer for their home at the full price of the value ~ He IS able! Let’s stand with our military personnel in prayer – letting them know that we haven’t forgotten them and what they’ve done and continue to do to preserve our nation’s freedom! May we lift each other up, for God’s healing: in bodies, in relationships; for provision: spiritually, physically, financially, miraculously; for opportunities: to serve God, each other, and those who come across our path!
THIS WEEK – Remember … “Have FUN this week, being God’s child! God WANTS you to have fun, to rest, to relax – in the midst of being engaged in His Kingdom purposes and His Kingdom work! Having fun at being who you are in Christ will sharpen your focus and enhance your fruitfulness & effectiveness!” (Quote by – just me!)

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie