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
