Elevation North has News for You!

WHEN WE WERE IN OUR TEENS, we remember the “GOD IS DEAD” movement – with all the marches and rallies and protests! Of course, even at that time, we didn’t subscribe to that belief, because we had experienced God personally as young children. And once you experience God in your life … you have no doubt that He is alive and well! Sometimes as believers, though, we have to admit we have days that we may ask the question: “God, where ARE You?” Well, THIS week, we can definitively say that GOD IS RIGHT HERE IN OUR MIDST – doing what He does best: orchestrating His plan for our lives (and that would include His “today and tomorrow” plans for Elevation North!). It’s so very exciting when we do our part – and get alongside of where God is working at ~ because the combination of the two brings more results than we’d ever see on our own! Things begin to happen, and you can tell that you’re at the place where it’s time to turn the pages to another new chapter. New outreach, new spiritual births, new growth, new opportunities, and new God-appointments! Like little children on Christmas Eve – or Christmas morning … we can hardly wait to “open the presents” God has waiting for us! And once we open them ~ we can hardly wait to share them: with you as a church family – and with those of you beyond the “walls” of the church! Though, we must tell you – WE ARE A CHURCH WITHOUT WALLS – we aim at breaking down any and all barriers … we aim to include everyone – and exclude no one! Isn’t that what Jesus would want us to do? He was judged for going places and doing things and talking to sinners, because “people thought” He shouldn’t be associated with any of that. Yet … THAT’S WHY HE CAME! He came for us … for you … and for them!!! And here at Elevation North, it will always be our heartbeat to share Christ’s love with as many people as we can ~ no matter where that takes us, no matter what we have to do, and no matter who it is we reach out to … because everyone is important to us! And most importantly, their eternal destiny is important to us! Elisabeth Elliot once said, “It is God to whom and with whom we travel, and while He is at the End of our journey, He is also at every stopping place.” That’s just another way of explaining God’s promise to us in Matthew 28:20 . . . And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” I guess that kind of says it all, doesn’t it?!
THE GOSPELS provide such a down-to-earth look at Jesus’ life while He was here on earth, and Pastor Doug seems to bring these “episodes” to life as he explains and narrates what took place ~ and then gives us practical challenges that we can live out in our daily walk with God. Preaching from John, chapters 9 and 10, he walked us through the recorded miracles – and then into Jesus’ description of what a True Shepherd is and what He does -and how we as sheep, can know the Shepherd. We must be aware of the thief that cares nothing for the sheep, whose only plan is to steal and kill and destroy – and keep our eyes on the Good Shepherd and go through the Gate where He offers us protection and safety, even laying down His life for us. And you’ll hear more about how awesome it is to know the True Shepherd when you come to listen to the message in music and ministry with Larry and Gloria Lundstrom this Sunday, on May 10th!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- WE WELCOME Elizabeth and her daughters, as well as Alyssa, who worshipped with us these past few weeks! Alyssa will appreciate our continued prayers as she spends part of the summer on a mission trip to share Christ with other Campus Crusade for Christ students in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

- HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES go out to Lylia, A.J., Isaac, and Mitch this month! We are working on the church family birthday list, so if we are missing anyone, you’ll be added to the list shortly! We celebrate all of you!!

- PRAYER REQUESTS: for Shirley, who is having surgery this week on Thursday in Rochester, and a great recovery – for little Ethan (friends of the Seykora’s) in Perth, Australia, for recovery from a critical surgery to get the proper oxygen into his body – for our youth as they walk out their faith before their peers – for our military in active duty, for God’s protection – for an ongoing, urgent unspoken request

- OUR SPECIAL THANKS to Hazel for her incredible work on the Mother/Daughter Tea this past Saturday, and to each of you who attended, making this “first” such a special event for our moms and daughters!

- SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS to Shelly and Roger on their wedding this past Saturday; may God’s best be yours all throughout your marriage!

- THANKS TO OUR AWESOME YOUTH for helping us blitz a few neighborhoods with bulletins, inserts, and Invitation CD’s in preparation for this weekend’s Lundstrom Rally! We’ve sowed the seed, now let’s see what God will do!!!

- JR HI YOUTH will meet this Saturday, May 9th, from 5:45-7:00 p.m., with Cierra, at Pastor’s/Debbie’s home

- SR HI YOUTH will meet next Tuesday, May 12th, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Pastor D’s and Debbie’s home

- THIS THURSDAY, May 7th, is NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER – join together at Pastor’s and Debbie’s home at 7 p.m. for a focused, fervent time of prayer on behalf of our nation, its leaders, and its people! Come and make a difference and stand in the gap for America! God made this nation; He can revive us, renew us, and protect us!

- THIS SUNDAY ~ MOTHER’S DAY/RALLY at 10:00 a.m. - with LARRY & GLORIA LUNDSTROM from Sisseton, SD. They have traveled around this nation all of their lives with a life-changing message for everyone – no matter who they are or where they are in life! Plan to attend and experience this unique down-to-earth presentation filled with laughter and power as the Gospel is shared through music and ministry that will touch you where you are at! They have witnessed first-hand the battles and storms that have come against families and marriages in the form of divorce, domestic violence, and addictions. Larry and Gloria come to offer “first-aid” to families in crisis. You won’t want to miss this power-packed event – and you’ll want to invite someone who needs a breath of fresh air and a fresh start in life! A freewill offering for their ministry will be taken. Welcome to Elevation North, Larry and Gloria!

- HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to each of our mothers! You love, pray, sacrifice, share your best, and give so much to make our lives wonderful ~ and we owe you overwhelming gratitude and devotion. Thanks for being one of our best gifts from God! Enjoy your special day!

- MAY GOD BLESS each of you reading this update/blog … remember, “God is so big He can cover the whole earth with His love, and so small He can curl up inside your heart! (June Masters Bacher) Just let Him in … and make room for Him each day! His presence inside your heart will change the way you view life – AND the way you live it!