WHAT’S IN A NAME?! That’s a great question – and one that was asked by one of our partnership supporters some weeks ago! Well, what he asked was, “How did you come up with the name “Elevation North” and what meaning does it have?” Our answer was: “We had been introduced to a church out east by the name of Elevation Church back in late 2007, and loved the encouragement we received from some of the messages on their website, as forwarded to us by our friends. It was always just what we needed at the time – and we could sense that God was using their ministry in a powerful way. Then, about a year and a half later, when after the birthing of our new church – and it was needing a new name … what came to our mind so clearly was “Elevation North” ~ and as we penciled the two words on a tiny lime green sticky note … the two t’s in the words became crosses. It was evident to us that we desired to have Christ lifted up ~ elevated ~ exalted, as He so deserves. By us who are called by His Name, and for those who do not yet know His Name. If He is elevated … they may see Him! The ‘North’ part comes for two reasons: one, our desire to be located on the north side of town where we want to cultivate a strong evangelical message, and two, our heart’s longing is directed Heavenward, northward, upward, as we anticipate the joys of our “forever” Home! The crosses that make the t’s stand out in the name, will forever be a point of remembrance of Christ’s powerful work at Calvary. We want to be reminded daily of the fact that “one drop of Jesus’ blood” is all we need! It’s all we need when we walk into a new day facing the unknown; it’s all we need when we walk into a known sickness or disease or circumstance that normally would take us down and take us out; it’s all we need when we have no clue how we’ll get everything done that needs to be accomplished; it’s all we need when we stare into an empty checkbook or an even emptier future; it’s all we need when we feel the breath of the enemy hot on the back of our neck as he closes in; it’s all we need when we know we are not enough – and we know we need to relinquish everything over to God! While we may not experience all of the above at the same time, probably all of us have felt some of these emotions at one time or another. And when we realize that through the shed blood of Jesus Christ we are empowered – we will finally realize fulfillment in our walk with God. Our spiritual walk will no longer be anemic or disadvantaged … we will be “on fire” for God, knowing that our main purpose and joy is to ELEVATE the Lord Jesus Christ, and look towards Heaven, taking as many people with us as we can! SO, having said all that . . . we say, “Happy 1st Birthday, Elevation North!” And the great part of it is ~ we’ve only just begun!!! Lord, just where will you take us, and what will you have us do? Lead on, Lord; lead on!!!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- THIS SUNDAY, June 14th: FIRST ANNIVERSARY CHURCH CELEBRATION/WORSHIP/POTLUCK MEAL ~ join us and bring someone with you! Call us at 451-9763 and let us know what you are bringing so we can be totally prepared for everyone!
- TUESDAY, June 16th: 4:00 p.m. – Jr Hi/Sr Hi Youth are to meet at the new River Springs Water Park; bring money for admission, and afterwards, brats and hotdogs will be furnished at Pastor’s & Debbie’s. At 7:30 p.m., we will work on the church float for the Straight River Days Parade in Medford. Help from all youth and their parents is welcomed!
- FRIDAY, June 19th: 6:00 p.m. – Straight River Days Parade in Medford; come and cheer on our church float as we pass out candy and an invitation to our “I Love America” patriotic Sunday service to be held on July 5th at the Medford Park Pavilion!
- LOOKING AHEAD . . .
- WATCH FOR DETAILS about a Father’s Day event that is being planned for our dads/sons!
- TUESDAY, June 23rd: Sr Hi Youth will meet at a park; location to be announced.
- TUESDAY, June 30th, Sr Hi Youth – activity to be announced.
- SATURDAY, July 4th: Youth Bake Sale at Wal-Mart from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- SUNDAY, July 5th: “I LOVE AMERICA” worship celebration/picnic at the Park Pavilion in Medford, 10 a.m.
- MONDAY, July 6th: RELAY FOR LIFE; contributions are due.
- TUESDAY, JULY 7th: Jr Hi/Sr Hi Outing to Valley Fair; ticket costs to be announced.
- FRIDAY/SATURDAY, July 17-18: RELAY FOR LIFE event at Steele County Fairgrounds.
- SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS goes to Brendan Bucholz for his winning art-work being chosen for the 5th grade class t-shirts at Medford School, as well as for the upcoming 2009-10 elementary school t-shirt! We are proud of you, Brendan!
- CONTINUE TO BE IN FERVENT PRAYER for many unspoken urgent requests; and for those who are sick and facing surgery. And remember Alyssa Edel, serving with Campus Crusade for Christ in NC through the first part of August. Our God is more than able to orchestrate His special work in these lives and circumstances!
- THIS SUNDAY, plan to be in God’s House for a journey through this past year, “Remembering when . . . “as we look to yesterday, learn from today, and live for tomorrow!” Pastor Doug will be relating all of this to the church body with biblical principles, using several scripture selections. Join us for worship and praise, learning, and celebration and prayer – as we remember, and as we LOOK TO THE FUTURE God has planned for Elevation North! We will be stepping into “year two” ~ continuing to love and nurture people to their fullest potential in Christ!
Serving Christ Joyfully . . .
Pastor Doug and Debbie
