Elevation North has News for You!

WHAT’S ALL IN A “WORD” ANYWAY? Well, according to Webster’s Dictionary, it means any or all of the following: a group of letters or sounds which represents a concept; talk or conversation; promise; tidings. For us recently, a “word” has meant “hearing from God”, so in that case, we would capitalize “Word”! Here we are just days from celebrating Resurrection Sunday (or Easter as it is more commonly known), and most people have an idea what that means, or do they really? What does “Resurrection” mean? Again, the dictionary tells us simply of one meaning: having been brought to life again. If it wasn’t for God resurrecting His Son, Jesus, after three days in the Tomb, there wouldn’t be any reason for us to be talking about life – at least, not life after our time on this earth! But since God DID resurrect Jesus, and we DO have hope for a forever life in Heaven through Christ, we need to be focused on LIFE in every facet of our lives! While we may be thinking how awesome it will be to live forever in the very presence of our Lord when we get to Heaven … what do we think about living here on earth? We’d like to get you thinking about resurrection in personal ways. Just what is it that YOU need resurrected in your life? Your dreams, your health, your finances, your relationships, your hopes? So many people live their lives in survival mode – just getting by – just going through the motions. We have a feeling that this kind of life isn’t what Jesus suffered on the Cross for. What He did on Calvary, He did so that we could THRIVE! What has died in our lives, He longs to resurrect again for us! And if you’ve never accepted that Life that Christ provided for you through His death and resurrection, then right now is the time to stop everything and ask Him to forgive you of your sins and everything you’ve messed up on your own … so that you will not only have Heaven to look forward to … but so that you will be able to REALLY LIVE with the things that are important to you – brought back to life again … resurrected! You see, just “surviving” means just remaining alive. But “thriving” means flourishing!!! Which way would you rather live your life? This Easter, may you be resurrected in every way so that you may live the life God has given you to the absolute FULLEST!
PALM SUNDAY found us focused on Christ’s footsteps prior to – and then - His triumphal entrance into Jerusalem as we followed Pastor Doug’s message from scripture. The palm branches that were handed out symbolized goodness, renown, and life in Bible times; and the people were to take the palm fronds and rejoice before the Lord their God for seven days (Leviticus 23:40). So, on Palm Sunday, there was honor and celebration of Jesus … but by Thursday, the crowd turned against Him. Jesus knew what was coming … nothing surprised Him. You see, it was easy to go with the crowd on Sunday and cheer for our Lord … but it seemed just as easy for many to go with the crowd on Thursday and yell loudly, “Crucify Him!” How is it with us? Do we find it easy to worship on Sunday … but just as easy to join the crowd during the week and crucify Him with our sins? Our challenge to you (and to ourselves) is that we would stand up for Christ EVERY day of the week, not just on Sundays – and that we would carry out Christ’s vision for saving a lost world – rescuing people from the clutches of hell! It’s OUR choice! Where do we want others to spend Eternity? With us in Heaven FOREVER … or separated from God and us FOREVER? The answer should be easy! Our prayer is that each of us will do whatever it takes to make an eternal difference in as many lives as possible!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- THIS WEEK’S LEADERSHIP MEETING paved the way for getting the new church brochure to the printers this week, directed mission funds to three worthy ministries, set plans into motion for the Pastoral Prayer Team to be activated by May 1st, invited prayer for someone to head up the Prayer Chain, and much more! Everything accomplished is always because of God’s hand upon us as He leads us!
- AN INFORMAL GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE will be held at the home of Pastor Doug and Debbie at 7 p.m. ~ everyone is invited to “come and remember” what Jesus did for US, and to express our gratitude for His sacrificial gift of His very life! Bring a few simple snacks to share following the service as we take time out to fellowship together.
- CAN YOU HELP PROVIDE some candy for the EASTER EGG HUNT that will take place right after the worship service on Sunday? Plan to fill the plastic eggs and have them ready for the fun adventure for the children. You can bring them to Pastor’s house anytime before Sunday; just give us a call! Our thanks to Kristina Bucholz for planning this children’s event!
- PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYER for Heidi, who is in need of a home, healing, and provision! And continue to lift up in prayer the ongoing needs shared last week, as well as for urgent unspoken requests!
- LET’S NOT ASK FOR LITTLE THINGS … LET’S ASK GOD FOR BIG THINGS so that His work here on earth in these last days might be accomplished for His glory! Partnership support is still needed for Pastor Doug and Debbie … and we are still praying for THE MIRACLE for a facility to house our church in – one that will provide places for ministries for every age! GOD CAN DO IT!
- LOOKING AHEAD:
RESURRECTION SUNDAY CELEBRATION – 10:00 a.m. this Sunday; we invite YOU to join us … and plan to bring someone with you for this special service! REJOICE … CHRIST IS RISEN!
JR HI OUTING this Friday evening following the service; call for details!
ALL YOUTH OUTING to a Fun Center in Mankato on Saturday, April 18th; details to come!
COUPLES “MOVIE NIGHT”/FIREPROOF at the home of Clint and Kristina Bucholz on April 25th
MAY 2 – MOTHER/DAUGHTER TEA at 2:00 p.m. at Senior Place
MAY 7 – NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER SERVICE
MAY 10 – MOTHER’S DAY/RALLY with Larry and Gloria Lundstrom; begin inviting friends!!!
- YOU ARE LOVED … by God … and by us! Join us Sunday as we worship our Risen Lord! And we declare resurrection in each of us, as well!

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .