Elevation North has News for YOU!

DO YOU SEE WHAT HE SEES? God has ANOTHER gift to give us! We’ve just celebrated the Gift of His Son, Jesus … and now He’s placing in front of us a new year. Never yet opened. Never yet used. Never yet lived. Do we know what this gift will hold? NO! A million times NO! But what a wondrous gift it is! We get to open it one second at a time … one moment at a time! And we get to spend it, fill it, use it, give it, learn from it, treasure it, invest it, and thank God for it! TIME ~ what a gift. God sees down through it and leads us through it. He sees what it will hold, for He’s planned each moment from before the very beginning of time as we know it. For Him, there never WAS a beginning. How I love knowing that while I don’t know what today – or – tomorrow will hold, God knows. He’s already been there ahead of me. When I first walk into a new day, He’s already been in that place and time, and He’ll remain there with me. And now as we walk into the New Year of 2011 … He’s already there! He’s created it, ordained it, planned it. I’m sure He’s excited about this gift He’s giving us, but He sees it much differently than we do! We tend to look at a new year as being something brand new, clean, and pure. Like a blank, empty slate. Like a fresh start. It’s kind of like looking out of our windows this winter season and seeing the billions of snowflakes that have piled up into “mountains” of snow everywhere. Everything is sparkling white and pure right after a snowfall. The earth is covered in perfect form and all imperfections are invisible. Then the falling snow stops – and life happens all over the snow. Tracks, footprints, the grit of sand and salt. It’s not so white anymore … not so perfect in its covering. The beauty of the wintery design has gotten marred and rearranged. Soon there comes another snowfall – and within minutes the snow-prints are filled in and covered up, as if they’ve never been. No longer visible. I think that’s the difference between how God sees the new year and how we see it. We see at the outset only the fresh, clean start – hoping we’ll do better this year. Hoping we’ll make less mistakes. Hoping we’ll not disappoint those we love, and most certainly, God. Hoping for less trauma and heartache and lack. Just out of the starting gate – we begin strong and sure. Then … we stumble and fall. Suddenly there are prints and splats in what used to be the perfect snowscape. Those marred spots scream failure and hurt and bewilderment. We cry out, “God, we’ve messed it up already!” He turns and looks and sees something so much different. He sees us getting back up again – because He knows He’ll help us up! He sees us getting up stronger – because He knows He’ll renew our strength and increase it. He sees us emerging more powerful and more free – because He knows He’ll give us all we will ever need, even as He is setting us free. He sees the wandering tracks and the full body-splats covered by His love and His blood … and they remain to be seen no more! That’s just the kind of God He is. And that’s just the kind of gifts He gives! But His gifts don’t stop there. He looks a bit further down the snow-covered lanes, and while we are wishing that we could be so much more than we are right now – He sees what we CAN be, what we WILL be! In all those tracks and footprints and grit, He’s been preparing us for the next plateau. He’s elevating us to the next opportunity He has in mind for us. While He could have chosen to use angels in His Kingdom work … He chose to use US! But He knows we’ve got to be equipped and prepared and ready to step into that next appointment He has planned for us. So He allows us to wade through the sometimes deep, hard snowbanks … and all the while, He’s holding our hands. And just when we feel as if we cannot plunge through one more snowdrift, here comes the Son and He rescues us – literally. His answers start raining down much like a picture-perfect, soft, peaceful snowfall. The one-of-a-kind snowflakes of God’s love begin filling in the holes in our heart left by discouragement and hurt and sadness, and soon the scars and mars are no more. No longer visible. And God looks at us and sees beautiful, powerful daughters and sons of the King ~ for that’s who we are. Not just in His eyes – THAT’S WHO WE ARE! We just need to walk into our God-given potential and destiny! As the final seconds of 2010 tick down to the birth of 2011, let these moments be a turning point, a change-point in your life. Desire to see your life and this new year as God sees it. Claim all He has for you, declare it and speak it into being. Quote from the Lord’s Prayer, “Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” – and mean it! (Matthew 6:10) For His will is for us to be reflections of Christ … and He will daily continue to love us and nurture us to our fullest potential in Christ! How exciting! And that leads us right into our new church theme for the new year: “Reconnect with Heaven ~ in 2011!” May we expect God to be at work in us and through us, with miracles and signs and wonders! Let’s expect them … see them … live them … all for the glory of God!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- WHAT BETTER PLACE TO BE the day after Christmas, than in God’s House! And what a blessed time it was as we gathered together to worship and exalt our Lord and Savior! God’s goodness always shines through our circumstances when we let it … and how He honors our faith in Him! He’s been faithful all year long at Elevation North and this last Sunday of the year was no exception! To God be the glory!
- A SPECIAL WELCOME to Wayne and Verla, our brother and sister, who worshipped with us and shared so many blessings during their visit … and to Amber, Zoyee, Timmy, Leon, Kristin, & Kenyin ~ how we loved having you in our midst and we pray that you sensed God’s blessings and presence!
- OUR SPECIAL THANKS to Mary for devotedly serving as our church treasurer this past year, to Isaac and Pam for adding their wonderful voices to our worship team, and to Isaac, as well, for faithfully taking care of sound and powerpoint and set-up and tear-down each week! We are so grateful, and we know God has been blessed because of your loving service to Him! To everyone in our church family who helps and serves and gives from their heart … thank you … you truly bless us!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 2ND: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP centering around a service of challenge and commitment for the New Year of 2011 as Pastor Doug preaches about “Seasoning Your Getting”. Sharing from Luke 1:26-38 and I Thessalonians 5:18, he will remind us that how we serve not only meets the need of God’s people, but it overflows in expressions of our thanks to God! (2 Corinthians 9:12) Don’t miss this call to action!
- 11:15 A.M. – SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES with opportunities to dig into God’s Word and learn more … to share with other believers … being renewed with the Word of God! Plan to join us after worship!
- MID-WEEK BIBLE STUDIES will resume on Wednesday, January 26th … be looking towards an uninterrupted time of gleaning treasures from the Word of God!
- RE: FUEL YOUTH sessions with devotions and activities are being planned – see Pastor Doug for more details!
- A NEW CALENDAR OF CHURCH MINISTRIES & EVENTS is underway for 2011 … you will be seeing this soon!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- THIS IS A PERFECT TIME to praise our Almighty God for His wondrous works in our lives throughout this past year … and as we look to the new year, recommit to standing in the gap in prayer for others who needs God’s touch!

- REMEMBER . . . “Every ending is a new beginning!” ~ unknown


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

THEY HAD ABSOLUTELY NO CLUE!!! It was so awesome! While we as a church had been planning Jesus’ birthday gift for the past several weeks … this family had NO CLUE that they would be the recipients this past Sunday at the close of our Christmas celebration service! We loved all the planning and the gathering of love gifts - both the monetary and also the tangible ones that each of us gift-wrapped. We loved keeping the secret – and the element of surprise! We loved every part of the process, because first of all, we knew we were doing it for Jesus, wanting to honor Him for His birthday! Secondly, we knew how much we loved this family in our church, and how exciting it was to be able to be God’s hands extended to meet some of their needs and share generously with the love of Jesus spilling from our hearts! Just a week earlier, the winter storm had kept us from gathering together on Sunday morning. So to make sure that no one forgot about the birthday gift for Jesus, throughout the week we made phone calls and sent off letters as a last-minute reminder to everyone. We needn’t have been concerned, though, because when God ordains something, He sees it through to the finish. Suddenly, everyone began to jump on board ~ and we began to get even more excited! Sizable donations were coming in … some cash … some gift cards … and we began to receive phone calls from people who were shopping and wrapping gifts for Sunday morning! Some gave from a limited income, some gave that had their own little family to buy gifts for, others that probably could have spent more on their own family instead chose to share some of that to go shopping for “Jesus’ birthday gifts”. The best part is that everyone did it joyfully out of love, and could hardly wait for Sunday morning to arrive! We believe this birthday gift for Jesus was so important to God that He even enlisted someone from out-of-state – without them knowing anything about it! One of the gifts we were planning to give to this family – got channeled to another needy family when God led us to give it away. We began to wonder, now what? We want to give to them … and we will … but just where is it coming from, Lord? And then within hours, we received a phone call from someone that supports us monthly through automatic deposit. Twice a month $100 is placed in our bank account – without fail. But this person was telling us that we were going to see an extra $100 in our account the next morning because they had received a Christmas bonus. And from their deposit, the first $100 was being transferred to our account because that’s how the bank has it set up. I immediately resisted – strongly, because this had occurred a few times before. This individual would receive a bonus, and an extra hundred dollars would show up in our account. And each time he would refuse to let us send it back. “God has blessed me,” he would say. “Just keep it and use it however you need to.” This time, I stated, “We’ll send it right back to you – that’s YOUR gift!” He resisted right back, “No, you keep it. I don’t need it; God has given me lots more.” As I began to resist again, suddenly I saw the re-play of the gift we had that God had asked us to give away. And before I could even think about it, I heard myself asking him, “since you don’t want the money back, would you like to be a part of Jesus’ birthday gift from Elevation North and we’ll use the ‘surprise $100’ to bless this family?” He immediately joined in on the opportunity to share, and in that moment I realized how incredibly God the Father had arranged all of this for His Son’s birthday! Tears streamed down my face … not unlike the tears that streamed down the face of these young grandparents as they stood at the front of the church on Sunday morning receiving the gifts that THEY HAD NO CLUE they would be getting! Their little granddaughter, who they are raising, stood with them, eyes big with wonderment and amazement. Money, gift cards, presents, and all the love our hearts could hold were lavished on them, and we were blessed beyond words! We could tell they were, too. With humble gratitude they tried to speak through their tears. And as a church family we understood the language of their hearts as we embraced them with joy and love! Giving early birthday gifts to Jesus on Sunday morning definitely outshone every celebration we will have this Christmas season … because it’s ALL about HIM! And this family was on His mind when He led us to share His gifts with them! Can it get any better than that?! Well, only if you realize that at so many times in all of our lives when we’ve struggled and wondered and despaired – often WE HAVE NO CLUE – what’s just around the corner! God is there … waiting with surprises and blessings and miracles that will cause us to CELEBRATE!!!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- WELL, YOU’VE ALREADY GOTTEN AN INSIDE PEEK at last Sunday morning through our eyes, and the entire Christmas worship celebration was both powerful and precious! Emmanuel – “God With Us” – was present in our midst and we carried the essence of His presence with us to the places and people we sang carols to in the afternoon! What a great time we had proclaiming the message of Jesus’ birth so long ago! And a special thanks to everyone for bringing such wonderful food for our Christmas lunch! You’re the BEST!!
- OUR DEEPEST GRATITUDE to each of our faithful and generous supporters of Elevation North and Pastor Doug and Debbie this year of 2010, both prayerfully and financially! Because of you, so much more was accomplished for the Kingdom of God! We love you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26TH: 9:30 A.M. – (NOTE THE TIME CHANGE AGAIN FOR THIS WEEK, due to another afternoon reservation at Clinton Falls – next Sunday we will be back to our regular worship time.) END-OF-YEAR CHALLENGE/COMMITMENT/CELEBRATION SERVICE - Pastor Doug will be preaching on “Seasoning Your Glorifying” based on scriptures from Psalm 149:1-6a and Matthew 1:18-25. Come expecting God to reveal to us how to better glorify Him in His House and in our hearts! God is so worthy of our praise and glory! Come expecting to give God your best worship – He will meet you where you are at and take you to new levels in Christ!
- FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31ST: 7-10 P.M. – NEW YEAR’S EVE GATHERING at Elevation North with lots of fun and food and fellowship planned! Come with family and friends and enjoy games, a movie, and a delicious breakfast before we bid farewell to 2010 and join in prayer for the new year!
- SATURDAY, JANUARY 1ST: HAPPY NEW YEAR to our church family ~ may God’s blessings pour forth upon all!
- NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 2ND: 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE / 11:15 A.M. – SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- JUST A REMINDER that YOU are a CHILD OF THE KING! All He has is YOURS! So this week let’s be focused on interceding in prayer for others AND then in listening to what God is telling us! Do we miss the answer sometimes because we don’t take time to hear what He wants to say to us? Let’s be in prayer for each other in the Body of Christ, for a closer walk with our Lord, for spiritual growth, for healing, for opportunities to share Christ with the lost, for a place Elevation North can call “home”, for our students on break, for our families as they travel back from Christmas visits, for renewal and strength and rest, for our nation, its leaders, and our military, and for our pastors and evangelists and missionaries who serve God so faithfully! Prayer makes ALL the difference!

- REMEMBER . . . “For unto us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” ~ Isaiah 9:6


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

HE’S HERE! The ringing of the phone awakened us at 1:58 a.m. on Saturday morning, December 11th … and instinctively I reached for the phone while still trying to wake up. I heard our youngest son saying, “Hey, I just wanted to call and tell you that you have another grandson!” Emerging from my deep zone of slumber, my mind and voice were simultaneously attempting to respond. “Grandson?! Oh, he’s here already? How awesome … congratulations, Dustin! Another precious little boy! What did you name him?” “We’re still deciding mom … we’ll call you later!” What I did learn at that point was that he came into our family at 12:42 a.m. their time, so he was only sixteen minutes old when we got the call! His daddy knew he was 6 lbs. and 11 oz. and either 19 or 19 ½ inches long, the latter being the accurate measurement! I couldn’t contain my joy and excitement and shared the great news with my hubby! Just think, grandchild #8 is here! Snuggled warmly in our bed, we chatted awhile and thanked God for the gift of this new little life in our family and for bringing him safely to us! What will they name him, we wondered? Morning came, and off to work we went, with this new grandbaby on our mind! We excitedly shared the news with co-workers. What does he look like, we wondered? How we’d LOVE to be there, we thought! On our breaks we would call back to Nebraska, sometimes missing them and having to just leave a message. By the time lunch came, we connected – and learned that this baby had a first name . . . Luke! That seemed like just the right name for this little one, but mommy and daddy were having a more difficult choice with the middle name. What will they choose, we wondered? At 10:15 p.m. that evening after we had chatted a few more times, we received a text message, simply: “Luke Michael Jones”! That was IT! The perfect name … it didn’t only sound right – it was meant to be! For after all, little Luke Michael is the third generation of three boys … and Michael is his Grampa Doug’s middle name! What a special honor for his grampa! The very next morning, an on-line photo album awaited us, and we loved viewing the delightful story in pictures of our son’s family as they welcomed little Luke into their lives and into this world. What a sweet little boy – with lots of dark hair!! Welcome, precious grandson … we are so blessed that you are here and we are awaiting that moment when we will get to see you and hold you for the first time!

HE’S HERE! The ringing announcement of the angel startled the shepherds on the hillside during their night watch that very first Christmas. But it was that same angel glowing with God’s glory that calmed the shepherds’ initial surprise with words that have echoed down through the generations ever after - until this day even. “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” And it was after this incredible announcement by just one angel, that he was joined by a huge choir of angels who filled the skies with their beautiful, clear voices! And what were they singing? They were thanking God and praising Him for this Gift of all gifts: “Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please Him.” (from Luke chapter 2, The Message Bible) You just cannot keep news like this to yourself ~ the whole world has to know! We want to see the Gift … we want to share the Gift … we want to ponder and cherish the Gift. Just like we wanted to let the whole world know about our little grandson, Luke - we need to see the Gift of Jesus in that same way. He’s the best Gift we can ever hope to share with our world. And our world right now needs Him SO much! And NOW THAT HE’S HERE … what do we do with Him? I think that answer comes straight from the words He spoke to his parents as a youngster when they found Him in the Temple. He told them, “I must be about my Father’s business!” We believe that should be the focus of our last few remaining days before Christmas Day arrives. We need to daily be about our Father’s business, seeking out people to touch and ways to bless them. We need to quiet our souls before our Lord and let Him speak to us – while we listen. Really listen. We just might hear the instructions we need to guide us to the right places and right people who need us to be their miracle just before Christmas. While He could come down here to earth and take care of it all by Himself, going here and doing this … going there and doing that, He’s chosen to LET US get in on this joy of announcing His coming! Your song might sound different than ours. Your gift-delivery destination might be different than ours. Your packaging might look different than ours. But … they will ALL contain the same news … the same message … the same GIFT! And His Name is Jesus! HE’S HERE!!!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- THIS PAST SUNDAY with its major snowstorm - found all of us homebound, but safe and warm! It was a day to worship God in our homes and to be with our families. We missed our fellowship together, but counted our private fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ a special privilege! We pray that you were blessed!
- LOVING BIRTHDAY WISHES are sent to our youngest son, Dustin, on December 21st! May your day and your entire year to come be filled with celebration, love, and God’s favor! We love you and thank God for you, son!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19TH: 9:30 A.M. – (NOTE THE TIME CHANGE FOR THIS WEEK ONLY, due to an afternoon reservation at Clinton Falls.) JOIN US for our CHRISTMAS COMMUNION SERVICE & JESUS’ BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION! Pastor Doug will be sharing a meaningful Christmas message on “Seasoning Your Gatherings” from Colossians 3:1-17. It’s never too late to purpose in your heart that because of Jesus in you – you can make your gatherings rich and meaningful … not just the status quo of getting through another occasion! AND REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR GIFTS FOR JESUS’ BIRTHDAY so we can share them with the recipients and bless their hearts & touch their lives! You will NOT want to miss this time in God’s House!
- CHRISTMAS CAROLING is being planned for today following the church service, since we had to cancel last week. Let’s join our happy voices and deliver some Christmas joy to those who are shut in around our community! We will wrap things up with some steaming hot chili and crackers, and hot chocolate & Christmas treats at our last stop! We need YOUR voice and YOUR presence as we sing the wondrous Christmas carols! Thanks to everyone who signed up to help bring food for our gathering!
- CHRISTMAS EVE: Enjoy this special evening surrounded by your family in the presence of the Lord!
- CHRISTMAS DAY: Pastor Doug and Debbie wish everyone a BLESSED celebration of the birth of Jesus … and pray that this Christmas will be extraordinary in every way for you and your loved ones! We love and appreciate each of you!
- NEXTSUNDAY, DECEMBER 26TH: END-OF-YEAR CHALLENGE/COMMITMENT/CELEBRATION SERVICE
- FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31ST: NEW YEAR’S EVE GATHERING w/games, a movie, and … even breakfast!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- EACH WEEK WE ARE REMINDED THAT HE’S HERE! He walks with us & talks with us & gifts us with blessings and miracles that astound us! We honor & glorify our Lord as we continue to lift each other up before His Throne!

- REMEMBER . . . “Christmas is the day that holds all time together.” ~ Alexander Smith


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

WHAT CAN WE GIVE YOU FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY, JESUS? I know … because You know everything … we cannot “surprise” you! It takes planning, though, like any other gift, to present You with Your birthday gifts. In fact, choosing and praying about what we will give to honor You is a year-long process – that culminates on Christmas Eve when we present Your gifts to You in our private, family setting. We get so excited about the little hints You drop into our hearts … and then sometimes there are the BIG nudges – and we think, “Wow, You must REALLY want THAT gift!” We’ve got it, Lord … and we’ll do our best to have it ready for You on Your birthday!” It’s truly amazing how this part of celebrating Your birth has become the most meaningful part of our family celebrations ~ whether it’s a Christmas where it’s just my husband and me … or whether we are surrounded by sons and daughters and grandchildren and our moms! We first heard about this idea of actually “giving gifts” to Jesus in an article we read several years ago back in 1998. This family decided rather than to spend so much money on themselves, they would put their efforts into choosing a gift or gifts that they could give Jesus – and then on Christmas morning, they would all eagerly converge around the Christmas tree to reveal what they were giving Him! Granted, those with wealth can do more than others – but we can all do something that Jesus will love and be touched by! One year this dad outfitted the high school sports team with new uniforms because the school did not have the funds to do so and they were badly in need of being replaced. So he did it to honor Jesus. Another family member bought shoes for a child that wouldn’t have had them otherwise. I could feel their excitement as I read about their delight in being able to celebrate Jesus’ birthday this way … and in that moment, I knew that our Christmases would forever be changed. Yes, we would still celebrate with gifts to our family ~ but our focus would be on choosing gifts that would make a real difference for someone else that would ultimately please the Lord Jesus Christ. And all year long, we seek to find gifts that we can present to Him on His special day … some of them being discovered just in time! Center-front on our Christmas tree is the same envelope with Jesus’ Name on it that we started with in 1998. Each year, we write Him a note telling Him about the gifts we are giving Him ~ and with this being our thirteenth year, that little white envelope is beginning to bulge! The notes aren’t important really, but they represent individuals, families, the homeless, the hungry, little ones whose parents are in prison, those who are lost and do not even have a copy of God’s Word, people in third-world countries who are in need of milk and food and medicine, and etc., etc. God took this passion in our hearts and expanded it to the churches that we’ve pastored through the last thirteen years – and each Christmas we’ve chosen a special project to present to Jesus for His birthday. One year it was all of us at church giving from our hearts … and we were able to present a check to our missionary friends so that a roof could be put on one of the churches in Africa. The people would faithfully come to the church and sit in the blistering heat or be drenched in pouring rain – with no roof over their heads. And we were privileged to give Jesus the roof on that church for His birthday. We were also able to send enough money for 400 Bibles in their Bemba language, because no one could afford Bibles – most often not even the pastors! And giving God’s Word to those without it, was a very precious gift to present to Jesus that year! This year in 2010, our new, small church has taken on something that God has put in our hearts to do. We are aware of a family … mom and dad and young girl … who will probably not get to celebrate Christmas without some loving people becoming God’s hands extended to them this year. And so we are placing the opportunity in your hands to be a part of blessing this family in need. When you get to church this Sunday, there will be a poster board display with post-it-notes listing items that they can desperately use. There will even be a few with some fun ideas to bring some extra joy to them! We hope you will be as generous as possible – for while this will bless them, it really is our birthday gift to Jesus this year … and we know that He will be pleased and honored! Sacrifices that cost us something are more precious in God’s sight than nonchalantly giving just anything that doesn’t affect us one way or the other. After all, what if Jesus came physically to our church as we present these gifts to Him? Wouldn’t we want them to be our most beautifully wrapped and very best gifts of all?! Wouldn’t we want to please Him more than anything else? Join us in celebrating Jesus’ birthday at Elevation North … and remember that it is always “more blessed to give than to receive!” This can be your best Christmas ever ~ because you gave to Jesus!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- OUR CHURCH FAMILY is so blessed to be celebrating this Christmas season together, and how we loved this second Sunday of Advent as our service centered around “Seasoning our Giving!” What a wonderful preface to prepare our hearts for giving to Jesus and others! And what a great time we had in the evening as we enjoyed singing Christmas carols, munching on yummy snacks, and watching “The Christmas Shoes” together!
- OUR WISHES FOR A HAPPY ANNIVERSARY go out to DJ and Melissa, our oldest son and his wife, as they celebrate 11 years of marriage on the 11th of December! AND LOVING BIRTHDAY WISHES are sent to our grandson, Dylan, as he celebrates his 15th birthday on the 15th of December! May God bless you all of you with His loving favor … we love you and thank God for you! ALSO, SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES are in order for Joel, who will be celebrating on December 18th … may this be your best year ever, with God’s blessings!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12TH: 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE – with our hearts open and ready for God’s touch as we focus on God’s Word and Pastor D’s message for this third Sunday of Advent – “Seasoning Your Gatherings” – from Colossians 3:1-17. Do you long to make your connections with one another rich and purposeful … then come and see how we can season our gatherings with the presence of Christ!
- CHRISTMAS CAROLING - Join us following worship as we connect with our community, bringing joyful Christmas sounds to those who are shut-in. We will make several stops to sing Christmas carols, and then we will come back to church to warm up with piping hot chili and crackers and Christmas treats! We want YOU with us!
- SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19TH: CHRISTMAS SUNDAY w/COMMUNION & JESUS’ BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
- SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26TH: END-OF-YEAR CHALLENGE/COMMITMENT/CELEBRATION SERVICE
- FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31ST: NEW YEAR’S EVE GATHERING w/games, a movie, and … breakfast!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE! Each week we are witness to God’s power as He demonstrates His love toward us and His work in us! It is our privilege to hold each other up in prayer, so let’s remember Tina, Hazel, Henry, Julia & her brother, Cierra, Karrie, Aletta, Kay, Roger & Cindy, Sharon, April, Elissa, Lundstrom’s, Seykora’s, and several unspoken requests. God knows all about each of these needs and He is truly more than able to answer! And how we thank Him for all He has already done … He is SO worthy of our praise!!!

- REMEMBER . . . “The fact of Jesus’ coming is the final and unanswerable proof that God cares!” ~ William Barclay



Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

PRECIOUS BABY! Long, long ago, was born to Mary and Joseph that precious Baby in a manger. Divinity wrapped in human flesh – wrapped in swaddling cloths. The few who searched for that Baby beneath the guiding star knew there was something special about this Child … but that night in Bethlehem – who knew what was tucked in the DNA of this tiny Infant? Mary and Joseph knew, perhaps not totally understanding. But … they knew! Who else could have known when they pulled back the corners of the blanket to peek at that sweet little face – that they were looking at the Savior of the world? The Healer of the sick? The Calmer of storms? The Deliverer of captives? The Giver of gifts? Who knew?

This day, a few thousand years later, our family is also thinking of the arrival of a precious baby! He or she will be our grandchild #8 … and according to the ‘guiding star’ should arrive in the next two and a half weeks in the hospital in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. I’ve penned so many of my thoughts on paper throughout the years, and while it is a bit different for each grandchild – similar words were formed in my heart for each of them as we anticipated their arrival into our family. So, precious baby, these are your Gramma Deb’s words to you!

PRECIOUS BABY! How excited we are for your arrival … for the moment of your birth … for that very first breath! In that very first cry … you’ll be telling us, “I am here!” And our lives will never be the same. You’ll fill that unique place in our family that only you can fill! But, sweet little one, so much has gone into the planning of your coming! You see, before the beginning of time, God saw you and had your very life in His mind and on His heart. He already knew that on a special day in March, 2010 … you would be formed and fashioned by His very own hand … and over the next nine months, He would breathe growth and personality and gifts into your tiny life! From that moment forward, His mark was on your soul. You were His creation, and someday, all you will have to do is say “yes” to Him ~ and you’ll get to live forever and ever! That’s where this gramma comes in! Precious baby, I’ve been praying for you since your daddy and mommy told me you were coming to our family! Today, I don’t know whether God has formed you to be a little boy or a little girl … but what I do know is that His plan is perfect ~ and we can hardly wait to meet you! You … who will be born as a baby … will be mighty for God … filled with God’s anointing and covered with His blood! You … who will be human flesh … will be wrapped in God’s Spirit and power. And those of us who have prayed for you for these nine months – will know there is something special about you! At every stage of your life, you will bring joy and wonder to those you know and to those you don’t know. God will lay out His incredible plans for your purpose in coming to our family – and to this earth. But, like Jesus, you will love your family and your home. You will love the outdoors and the beauty of His creation. You will love laughter and the sounds of music! Every gift God has already tucked into your DNA is just waiting for the right moment to burst forth and bless those around you! Dear little one, on the most important day of your life, you will come to know Jesus as your own, and your greatest joy will be pursuing Him with all your heart! You’ll love the mention of His Name – and you’ll love being right in the middle of where God is at! You will be a gift to your world, indeed! But for this point in time, enjoy being nestled safe and warm in your mommy’s womb, and listen to this first of many stories I will read you. This was the Psalmist David writing in chapter 139, and like it has become my story, God also wrote it for you before you were born: “Oh yes, You shaped me first inside, then out; You formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank You, High God – You’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration – what a creation! You know me inside and out, You know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, You watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.” And that’s just the beginning of the story of your life, precious baby! Soon, we will call you by name … but for today and always, we and God call you “beloved”!

And precious church family, may you focus on the face of Jesus this Christmas season, no longer a Babe in the manger … but a King ~ our soon and coming King!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- HOW WE LOVED CELEBRATING the first Sunday of Advent last week … especially getting our hearts in tune with “Seasoning the Season” as Pastor Doug challenged us to “season our greetings!” God stirred some things anew in our hearts, and we are excited about how we can minister to each other and those beyond our walls this Christmas season!
- WHAT A JOY it was as a church family to share $150 with the Union Gospel Mission this Thanksgiving ~ we were able to provide 75+ meals for the homeless and hungry – and they heard a gospel message of Christ’s love, as well! Thank you to everyone who gave from their heart to bless those less fortunate!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5TH: 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE – This second Sunday of Advent, Pastor Doug will be sharing the second message in the Christmas series, “Seasoning the Season … Bring out the Flavor of Christ in your Christmas Traditions!” This week, he will preach about “Season your Giving ~ Give with the Generosity of Christ” from II Corinthians 9:6-15. It’s a message you won’t want to miss!
- 11:15 A.M. – SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES – that will encourage you and deepen your faith as we dig into the Bible together and share from our own experiences, as well! Everyone is invited to stay after worship!
- 5:30 P.M. – CHRISTMAS CAROLING CHURCH PARTY with snacks and a movie, “The Christmas Shoes” ~ plan to come and enjoy the evening with friends!
- NOTE: Our Wednesday evening Bible Studies will resume again in the New Year following all of our Christmas services and celebrations. Keep reading the Word, and allow God to speak to you daily through its contents!
- SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12TH: CHRISTMAS CAROLING TO THE COMMUNITY … w/chili & crackers afterwards!
-SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19TH: CHRISTMAS SUNDAY w/COMMUNION & JESUS’ BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
-SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26TH: END-OF-YEAR CHALLENGE/COMMITMENT/CELEBRATION SERVICE
- FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31ST: NEW YEAR’S EVE GATHERING w/games, a movie, and … breakfast!
- CHECK OUT OUR SIGN-UP SHEETS - for all these special times of fellowship!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- WHO ELSE HEARS & LISTENS & ANSWERS like our God does?! What confidence we can have knowing that our God DOES just that! So many are in need of our prayers this week: Tina, Hazel, Shirley, Audry, Henry, Julia & her brother, Karrie, Aletta, Josh & Sarah’s Nepal outreach finances, and several unspoken requests. But our God specializes in doing the supernatural – so be fervent in prayer for these brothers and sisters in Christ –and believe!

- REMEMBER . . . “Gifts from the heart will imprint meaningful and lasting impressions on the recipient!”


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

MILLING AROUND. That’s the two words that come to mind as I write this on a late “Black Friday” night. Our “day” started while it was still night … with the alarm going off at 1:00 a.m. My body rebelled and I allowed it another 15 minutes of sweet rest beneath warm covers. Then the inevitable moment came … it was time to get ready for Black Friday at the department store I work at. And so I took the first step out of bed – the first of what seemed like a million steps over the next nine hours. My husband joined me in this retail madness, coming to work with me for the day as a “Family and Friends employee”. As we approached the store, we saw the parking lot filled with cars – and this was at 2:40 in the morning! People were lined up at the front doors, waiting impatiently in the cold winter air. Others stayed in their vehicles, hoping to keep warm as long as possible before racing for the front doors at the 3:00 a.m. sharp opening! Our store was filled and stacked to overflowing with every Christmas gift imaginable … and every employee on the roster was available to assist customers and replenish shelves and fixtures. We were a well-oiled machine … ready for the flood of people who burst through the doors, grabbed carts, and ran for the first-choice items on their lists. Within minutes, carts were bulging and lines were forming …long lines that wrapped around the aisles going in both directions. Though it WAS retail madness … I have to admit that it was fun! It was fun to see so many people and get to smile and chat and hopefully keep them in happy spirits throughout their wait. Thankfully, most of the people in the huge crowd were positive and upbeat. That’s a great offset to the small minority who are evermore demanding and downright nasty in the midst of the long lines that are typical of Black Friday shopping. At some point in this experience where people are often shoulder to shoulder with not only their carts full, but their arms full, as well … all I could think of was how it seemed everyone was milling around. Going first in this direction, and then in that direction. Here and there. Back and forth. Finally ending up in a long line. Even as smoothly as everything went, the lines still created a lengthy wait. Moving a few steps at a time, the moment finally came for each one to set their purchases up at the register and part with their money, getting to leave the store with their chosen treasures. What a process! Arriving home after 12:00 noon, I ran for the foot massager … a gift from our grandkids a few Christmases ago – that gets regular use!! Oh … sweet relief! I just sat in that chair for awhile, not intending to move for anything. As I reflected on the morning’s experience, I couldn’t help but smile. God had been with us and shown us His favor with the customers, and our store had been blessed with an abundance of generous gift-giving people. Of course, our great sales and discounts blessed them right back! Now … back to the “milling around” phrase. While some people seemed to just mill around … others definitely shopped with a purpose. They were on a mission. I was overwhelmed at the amount of money that flowed out of their hands – for gifts for others. Why? Just because it has become the commercial thing to do at Christmas-time? Or because it’s really their idea to be generous with those they love and care about on the special day we know as Christmas? Either way, it was pretty amazing to be in the midst of such a great crowd of people who were buying, buying, buying. Some had put lots of thoughts and planning into their long lists. Others randomly grabbed this and that - in hopes it would suffice. At one point during one of my thousands of steps … I heard a distinct question in my heart. “What would it be like if all these people came together like this to birthday shop for Jesus?” How incredible THAT would be! After all, it’s HIS birthday we are celebrating! It would be an amazing thing. Because that many gifts given to Jesus would take the shape of reaching out to those less fortunate, meeting the need of someone else, bringing joy where there’s been no cause for celebration, etc., etc. Every gift we presented to Jesus on His birthday would be opened and given to touch someone else’s life. Wow … double gift-giving! I smiled again. Lord, can we turn the tide from selfishness and greed to selflessness and generosity? Help us effect that kind of change in our present world, I pray. May we not just mill around looking for what we can buy only for ourselves and others … but may we live our lives … and … shop – purposefully. First of all, for gifts that we can present to Jesus on His birthday ~ and then for gifts that we can share with others that will impact them with the love and generosity of Christ. And some of those gifts do not come with a price tag attached, but they are priceless! Don’t forget to give yourself ~ to Jesus … and to others! That might well be the best gift you choose to give this year! “O come … let us adore Him!”

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- HOW GREAT IT WAS to celebrate and worship in gratitude and thanksgiving to the One who is the Giver of all gifts! Pastor Doug preached an awesome message on being thankful … and our praise time … and later, fellowship time … all came together to honor the Lord Jesus Christ at this special time of the year! Our evening Thanksgiving Love Feast with Communion was truly wonderful! Our special thanks to Hazel for providing the table decorations and supplies ~ what a gift of generosity!!! May God bless you, Hazel! And our thanks to each of you for bringing such delicious and bountiful food! It was an evening of thanksgiving and fellowship that we’ll long remember!
- SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES to Deondre on Sunday, November 28th! May this be your best birthday ever, filled with God’s very best gifts for YOU!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28TH: 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE – As we begin Advent, Pastor Doug will be preaching a Christmas series on “Seasoning the Season … Bring Out the Flavor of Christ in Your Christmas Traditions!” He will be using scriptures from John 1 & Colossians 4 in this first of the messages entitled, “Season Your Greetings!” Don’t miss even one of this power-packed, meaningful topics that will enrich your Christmas season!
- 11:15 A.M. – SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES – just for YOU, whatever age you are! This is just one more opportunity to learn from the Word of God and to apply it personally to your heart and life! Plan to be a part!!
- YOUTH RE: FUEL ACTIVITY this Sunday evening with Pastor D … he will be touching base with each of you to fill you in on the details! Plan to hang out together and have a great time!
- THIS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1ST: 7:00 – 8:00 P.M. – ‘LEARN THE BIBLE IN 24 HOURS” STUDY; this is YOUR time to dig deep into God’s Word with Christian friends! Join Pastor Doug & Debbie at their home!
- NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5TH: 5:30 P.M. – CHRISTMAS CAROLING CHURCH PARTY … with snacks and a movie you’ll love: “THE CHRISTMAS SHOES”. We have a great evening planned for everyone!
- SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12TH: CHRISTMAS CAROLING TO THE COMMUNITY … following worship, we will leave the church to go caroling and bring joy to those who are shut-in. Then we will return to the church for chili and crackers and Christmas treats afterward! This is one of our favorite ways to minister Christ’s love at Christmas!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- WHAT A PRIVILEGE it is to lift others in prayer before the Throne of God – and to see firsthand what God does! This week we encourage you to spend time in prayer for Hazel, Henry, Tina, Kathy’s mom, Julia’s brother, and those unspoken requests that can weigh heavy on our hearts! Pray that God will use each of us to impact others!

- REMEMBER . . . “Spice up your Christmas greetings by making sure you are conscious of God, no matter who you are talking to!” ~ Dr. David R. Mains


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

LAVISH LOVE! Wouldn’t all of us love to be lavished with love … real love?! In a fallen world where all too often we experience judgment and criticism, sarcasm and put-downs – wouldn’t it be great to receive a whole lot of love and affirmation and kindness from others? Is it too much to ask for? Is it too much to hope for? If in the past we’ve expected it, we’ve been disappointed. If we assumed the love from others would measure up, we’ve found it lacking. For after all, others are human. Just like we are. When it comes to loving like we should, we all fail from time to time. We want to love genuinely and lavishly – but we let a lot of things hold us back. All kinds of issues in our own lives that have not ever been dealt with properly keep us from loving without restraint, from loving unconditionally, and of course, from loving lavishly. There’s only one place to turn for the kind of lavish love that we all desire and long for. Yes, you know it. Only God can love us fully like we need to be loved. And what an incredible love that is!!! If you’ve experienced it personally, then you know what it’s like to be loved lavishly! That word means “extravagantly” … “abundantly” … “more than you could have wished for” … ! Being loved that way means that we’ll be loved in a way that’s far above the norm. By today’s standards, you get what someone else thinks you have coming – and nothing more. But you see, God’s love looks at us and pats us on the back. When everyone else sees something lacking, something less than perfect ~ God sees us as His creation and He sees us at our fullest potential, and if need be, He can love us to that attainment. We just need to believe how very much He loves us!!! If we cannot understand all that He has said in His Word about His love … then surely, just “seeing” that He put His life where His mouth was – and gave it all, His very last breath, in fact, His LIFE … for US; you’d think we’d get that! And getting that … should shoot some spiritual adrenaline into our very souls, allowing us to pick ourselves up by the bootstraps and say, “God, if You love me THAT much – and You believe in me THAT much, then I definitely need to follow suit and believe in every iota of potential that You put within me when You breathed life into ME! What a love Yours is! There is none like it!” When others lavish love on us, it costs them something precious, too. They put their heart and soul into planning how they will show their undying love to us. It costs them their time. It costs them their money. Or their creativity and talents. Lavish love often comes in the form of an unexpected favor or surprise. Sometimes it’s boxed and gift-wrapped. Other times it’s tucked inside an envelope. Once in awhile, it comes in the form of an e-mail. And the gift of time comes wrapped in a million different ways, but is one of the most precious and valuable gifts we can choose to lavish on another human being – be it family, friend, or acquaintance. Even a stranger! I believe that God would have us follow His example and love the world around us lavishly. Open your eyes wider than ever before to see those that may not seem to have it all together … they just very well might be the ones that need your lavish love the most! We sure didn’t have it all together before Jesus came to wash us clean and show us the incredible future He was planning for us! But He looked beyond that, and came to us anyway. And still sometimes – we don’t have it all together! Most days bring to us amazing, lavish love … either by God’s hand directly, or through people like you that He uses to accomplish His purposes. And what great joy comes by reversing the role and becoming the “giver” instead of the recipient. Just seeing the difference that lavish love can make in someone’s life is one of the most rewarding things ever! When you lavish love on someone else … they blossom! They become more fruitful. They respond to lavish love just like a flowering plant responds to sunshine and warmth and rain. They bloom all the more. And soon their increased awareness of how special they are to God and to you – causes them to be empowered to reach out to others with lavish love. And so the circle ever widens to include more and more people who are in such great need of this lavish love. Where did it start? Well, it started in the Father’s heart, it was given out by Jesus on the Cross, and it gets passed forward through the Holy Spirit. To him … to her … to them … and on and on and on! Scripture tells us, “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are.” I John 3:1 (NIV) Verse 18 goes on to say, “My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality.” (The Message Bible) So dear ones, receive God’s lavish love today … and in turn, lavish your God-given love to others around you and even to others afar off!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- WE CONSIDER IT SUCH A HIGH PRIVILEGE to gather together in God’s House and lift our hearts and voices in worship to our God! Pastor Doug preached the final message from the book of Jude, ending on a call to persevere as believers in this world today.
- OUR CHURCH FAMILY CELEBRATES LOTS OF BIRTHDAYS this month of November, and this week we join in extending special birthday wishes to: Mary on the 21st; Tina on the 23rd; Connie on the 24th; Christian on the 25th; and Sierra on the 27th! May each of you experience God’s blessings in full measure all year long!
- OUR VERY SPECIAL THANKS to Pastor Doug’s and Debbie’s friends, Steve and Cindy, from northern Minnesota, who sowed a $10 seed into this ministry several weeks ago! We felt impressed to share that seed with a different church family from time to time and allow them to “grow” that seed. Our thanks to those of you who helped with that challenge – and we want to report that the $10 increased into $80 for the ministry and outreach of Elevation North – which we would not have had without their love gift! May God bless you, Steve and Cindy!! You truly blessed us and encouraged us! A “SPECIAL THANK YOU” to our monthly supporters, as well! How grateful we are!!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST: 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE & SPECIAL THANKSGIVING SERVICE as we focus on God’s goodness and our gratitude to Him! Come and be an active participant in worship & thanksgiving!
- 11:15 A.M. – SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES – These are opportunity sessions for getting to know God’s Word better, for sharing your questions and thoughts, and for fellowship in the Word – geared to all ages!
- 5:30 P.M. – THANKSGIVING LOVE FEAST & FELLOWSHIP W/COMMUNION for our church family and friends! We are so excited about this special event – an evening you won’t want to miss!
- THIS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH: NO BIBLE STUDY this week … enjoy the evening at home as you prepare for family and friends on Thanksgiving Day!
- THIS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25TH: A BLESSED THANKSGIVING to everyone from Pastor Doug & Debbie! We are SO thankful to God for each of you; may you be blessed with an incredible day of enjoyment and rest!
- A CHRISTMAS MINISTRY/CELEBRATION LISTING for the month of December is available for you to take home so you’ll have an easy-to-view reminder! All events/dates/times will be included in our next blog update!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- OFTEN OUR NEEDS can overwhelm us when they are many and they are big … but nothing overwhelms our God! Let’s uphold Henry, Tina, Julia’s brother, Roger & Cindy, Kay and several unspoken requests! Let’s trust God for breakthrough and provision for a “home” to house Elevation North! Lift up our missionaries & evangelists in prayer daily and trust God for a harvest of souls here in America and around the world!

- REMEMBER . . . “Proclaim thankfulness to God each day … for all that you DO have!”


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie Jones

Elevation North has News for YOU!

DESPERATE. For what? Well, for one thing, I think that millions all over the world are desperate for some answers that make sense. Desperate, for what? Well, for another thing, I think that these same millions globally are searching for peace and contentment. Desperate, for what else? Well, for millions of others, there is always the issue of love – I mean real, genuine love. And just where are people supposed to find these kinds of things? From the media commentators? In the movies? From government sources? From friends and family? Or maybe, from a one-of-a-kind book? Hey, that’s exactly where to find answers that make sense … peace and contentment … genuine love … and so much more! Well, it’s really a one-of-a-kind Book – with a “capital B” – or the Bible, as we’ve come to know it. What it really is – is God’s very Word. It contains His heartbeat, His passion, His love, His message, His commands, His gifts, His miracles, His story. It’s His love letter to us. It’s our ticket to live forever … and ever … and ever! It provides an intimate connection with the God of the universe Who wants to spend time with us and hear us and answer us. He wants to lead us and guide us and show us His ways. He wants to help us make sense out of what will possibly never make sense on this earth. He tells us to trust … and He promises comfort. His words of love fill in every empty hole that’s ever pierced our hearts. His words bring to us hope when in despair we thought there was none left. Yeah, you say, all of that sounds good – but how do I find these things in a Book that I still have so much to learn from? Well, simply put, what do you know the most about? And why? Is it possibly because you’ve spent the most time in that arena of your life? Maybe you know everything there is to know (almost!) about your job. How much time do you put into learning what you need to know? Maybe you know everything (almost!) there is to know about your business. How much time do you put into acquiring knowledge about every aspect of owning your own company? Maybe you know everything (almost!) there is to know about your favorite hobby or interest. How much time have you put into making plans to pursue it or getting supplies and materials and tools for it? Alright, you say, I’m getting the picture! So then, simply put, we’ll find these answers we’re searching for, this peace and contentment, and this real love … if we spend more time in this Book, right? Yes, you’ve got it! The more time we spend in God’s Word, the more we’ll come to know and understand what He wants us to know. What He’s been trying to tell us all along – but we weren’t listening! Or we heard it briefly – but it just went in one ear and out of the other! Nothing stuck. In the daily battle my husband and I face with attempting to plan for balance in our lives (with all of our work hours), God has been impressing on my heart more and more an urgency of actually immersing ourselves in His Word and in His presence. What do you mean, immerse myself in the Word? Well, let’s figure it out literally. To immerse yourself in something means that you plunge into it and you absorb it. Think of yourself as a dry sponge. (We have to admit that we feel that way sometimes!) You plunge your dry self into the Word of God and you soak it up, absorbing what you’ve just thrust yourself into. The longer you’re immersed in the Word, the more you are saturated and filled with what’s in there. You emerge, no longer dry … but filled with some answers that you’ve never had before. You’re oozing with a greater measure of peace and contentment than you’ve felt in a long time. You feel like you’ve soaked up enough real love so that you actually have some you can spill out onto others. And the list can go on and on! Whatever it is you’ve been desperate for … can be found right inside the pages of God’s Word! It contains every promise we will ever need. We can count on it to be solid. We can stand on its principles. While God’s Word breaks down strongholds, loosens chains, and sets captives free … there is one addiction - that in the right sense of the word – would be advantageous to us. And that is the addictive longing and desperation … the deep hunger pangs and the parched thirst … for the Word of God! The passionate stirring within, where nothing, absolutely nothing – could or would – keep us from the Word of God and being in His presence! Is that easy to do? No, a million times, no! But instead of setting God aside and giving Him the leftovers of our time, let’s decide what “other things” to set aside, so that God gets first place in our lives. With that mindset and setting our hearts up for success when it comes to learning more of God, there’s no way we’ll come up short. We’ll experience so much more of our Lord than before and be surprised at “how much sticks”! We’ll have more to share with the world around us in these strategic days in the Kingdom of God! Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure everything out on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the One who will keep you on track.” (The Message Bible)

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- WHILE WE LOVE TO MEET WITH OUR GOD, we are so glad that He loves to meet with us, too! And that was so evident this past Sunday as we poured our hearts out to our Heavenly Father! Our Sunday School time was especially meaningful and precious!
- BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS & WISHES to Ernie who celebrates his birthday on November 13th, and to Laura who will be celebrating her birthday on November 17th! May both of you experience God’s special love and favor!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH: 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE, along with Pastor Doug’s message that will conclude the three part-series from the book of Jude. Small book in the Bible – but powerful and relevant for today! Come and worship & exalt our God, and continue on with our 10.10.10 spiritual challenge!
- 11:15 A.M. – SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES – These are sessions you don’t want to miss … God is meeting us here by His Spirit as we learn more from His Word and take time to share from our hearts and receive His touch!
- THIS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH: 7:00-8:00 P.M. – “LEARN THE BIBLE IN 24 HOURS” STUDY; come and meet with Pastor Doug & Debbie at their home for an exciting time in the Word! You’ll be glad you did!
- NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST: 10 A.M. WORSHIP & PRAISE / 11:15 A.M. SUNDAY SCHOOL / 5:30 P.M. – THANKSGIVING FEAST & FELLOWSHIP w/COMMUNION (check out the sign-up sheet for bringing food!)
- WATCH FOR A COMPLETE LISTING next week of our Christmas Season services and events and outreach!!!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- EITHER WE BELIEVE GOD IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS … OR WE DON’T! Believing He is who He says He is, brings to us a level of increased faith for answers and healing and provision and all that we need! Looking around us at all the people we know and love, how we need God’s divine touch! This week, please lift up Tina, Justin, Rendy’s dad & family, Henry, Ernie & Audry, Justin, Roger, and Kay. Let’s hold up our students of all ages, our military and veterans, our spiritual leaders, & our leaders in government. May God ignite all of us at Elevation North – to PRAY!

- REMEMBER . . . “When we ask for God’s mighty presence like the early church did, we will also see tremendous results that can be explained only as coming from the hand of God.” ~ Bruce Wilkinson



Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS?? In a room full of people, we would hear lots of different answers. But there’s one answer that ALL of us should have when we are asked that question. I heard a quote this week that I think all of us should take to heart: “When you make God’s business YOUR business … He will make your business HIS business!” (Pastor Jentezen Franklin) Think about that for awhile. Do we really make God’s business ours, or do we push it afar off thinking that certainly HE can take care of His own business. Think a bit further. Sometimes in our own business, we wonder where God is at! Does He see what’s going on down here? Does He see we’re having troubles making our business successful and profitable? Well, this pastor went on to say, “When we get in the field – we find the Master! The treasure is in the field!” How profound! We’ve just got to look in the right place! When we do that, we realize that in pursuing the Master’s business first – ours gets God’s full attention and assistance – even God’s supernatural blessing! So, I guess we all need to “get into the field!” What field? Well, the harvest field (the one where souls are ripe and ready to be harvested for Jesus Christ!). What better harvest could we have than that?! This carries right into the continuation of nuggets of truth gleaned a few weekends ago at the Women of Faith conference. That opportunity definitely qualifies as a harvest field … in a crowd that huge, there are many who have never asked Jesus into their heart to be their Lord and Savior. But these women have come hungry and hurting and ready for something – or - Someone who can bring answers and change into their struggling souls. Even as believers, often we come hungry and hurting and ready for our God to bring about the needed touch in our souls that we long for. They walk into the field and discover the Treasure they never knew was there before … Jesus and eternal life! We walk into the field and help rescue them by sharing the Treasure with them. While there, we discover greater depths of the Treasure than we ourselves ever knew before! What a place to be! Last week I referred to one of our conference speakers, Andy Andrews. He likened our life experiences to a football game when he said, “We get to be in the second half!” He stated that “we change after we’ve been in the locker room. We need to come out for the second half – where the best is still to be fulfilled! The purpose, the hope, the influence, the success - is still to come!” We can hear the pep talks, the words of approval and affirmation. But if we decide to remain in the locker room and never come out, we’ll miss out on all that the second half holds. We’ll miss out on being about God’s business. It was interesting that as many people as Andy encounters in his walk of life, this was his take on living a life based on emotions: “Of all the people who have offended me, no one has disappointed me like I have disappointed myself.” He went on to share that we cannot be the kind of people we want to be if we hold a grudge against ourselves. So we must change what goes into our mind, because it stays there. Our lives are too important to allow our mindsets and emotions to steal the amazing plays and touchdowns that God has planned for us in the second half of our circumstances and our relationships, you see. Patsy Clairmont reminded us that God’s ways are not ours – and change does not always come dressed like we think it should be. Change can be disruptive, abrupt, and even scary. But how we need to be reconnected to trusting God with all that is within us, holding on tight and never giving up! When the answers come and we see the outcome, that’s when we can say, “See, this is why we never give up!” And then it was Marilyn Meberg who challenged us to go after MORE … more of what’s good. She told us that we cannot always live in the adrenaline rush of more cravings. We think “more” will satisfy. And then when we get more, that still isn’t the total satisfaction that we longed for. There’s a deeper itch in our soul, she said. Profoundly she stated, “Life as it is on this earth will never satisfy all of our ‘more’ needs!” But Jesus understands our cravings. And I might add, that’s exactly why He’s out in the field waiting for us to show up as we’re searching for “more” of what we think we need – while all along it’s really been HIM! Jesus offers us Living Water that will satisfy our every craving. And His gift of eternal life in John 3:16, is His plan to end our itch and our cravings. Marilyn wrapped it up by inviting us to “see” Jesus as He sits at the well of our hearts and offers us that Living Water and forgiveness of our sins! What will YOU do with that invitation, dear friend? It’s got your name on it, you know! If you need an “over the top” solution … here it is: HIS NAME IS JESUS! Run to the field, He is out there just waiting for you! He will be the best treasure you’ve ever discovered ~ and the best business partner you’ve ever had!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- OUTSTANDING ~ that’s what each Sunday morning is at Elevation North – because Jesus is in our midst! We are always blessed beyond words because He arrives ahead of us, stays throughout the entire service, and then graciously offers to go home with us into our new week! Yes, His presence is THAT real! We loved hearing God’s Word preached from the book of Jude as Pastor Doug passionately shared the message!
- SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES go out to Harold who celebrates on November 9th; may you be especially blessed that day and throughout the coming year!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH: 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE, continuing with part two of Pastor Doug’s messages from the book of Jude! What treasures are found in the Scriptures!! Remember to surge forward with our special 10.10.10 challenge – being in God’s Word, spending time in prayer, and choosing to do something for God’s Kingdom work at Elevation North!
- 11:15 A.M. – SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES – where you can participate in informal discussion, share your heart, ask questions, and leave feeling like you’ve gleaned more of the riches in God’s Word!
- THIS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH: 7:00-8:00 P.M. – ‘LEARN THE BIBLE IN 24 HOURS” STUDY at the home of Pastor Doug and Debbie. We are so excited that our group is growing as we go deeper in the Word!
- SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST: 5:30 P.M. – SPECIAL THANKSGIVING FEAST & FELLOWSHIP for all!
- CHRISTMAS SEASON SERVICES/EVENTS/OUTREACH – Each Sunday all month long, we have special things planned for worship … additional fellowship opportunities for the church family … and community outreach! Check last week’s blog update for details!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- NO ONE CAN HEAR & ANSWER LIKE OUR GOD DOES!!! Each week God simply amazes us at how present He is in every situation – we see evidence of His personal work in so many lives! This coming week, you can join us in praying for: Chuck, Julia, Tina, Justin, Rendy’s dad & family, Roger, Kay, & Norma’s family. Let’s lift up our nation’s leaders, our military, our students, our pastors, missionaries, and evangelists! Let’s claim revival and a harvest of souls as we declare breakthrough at Elevation North for the glory of God! Be sure to THANK GOD for His goodness!

- REMEMBER . . . “If we learn how to give of ourselves, to forgive others, and to live with thanksgiving, we need not seek happiness. It will find us.” ~ unknown


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

OVER THE TOP! What a theme! And who wouldn’t love to have THOSE words describe our lifestyle!!! Over the top … that’s exactly what our Elevation North women and friends experienced this past weekend at the Women of Faith Conference in St. Paul! It was amazing, totally amazing! Every late hour, every missed minute of sleep to get things accomplished so I could go last Friday and Saturday was so worth it! Though as believers we drink in each day from being in the presence of Christ and spending time in His Word and in prayer … there is something special about getting together once a year with nearly 20,000 women in one place! We all come as we are, excited to be there and thrilled to be with each other, yet carrying some things besides our luggage that we desire to lay down and leave at the feet of Jesus. And … like any other day, these two days are the perfect time to do so! These speakers and musicians and dramatists that have come, are well-known. They are gifted and God’s given them a huge stage to share their message with thousands upon thousands. But as you sit there and listen to what God has given them to say to us, we can surely relate – because they’ve gone through major trials and heartbreak and struggles during the past twelve months, just like we have. The stories they tell could be ours. Sometimes we think they ARE telling our story! Sometimes we laugh until tears come to our eyes. In the next moment, tears are running down our cheeks because we are so touched by the Spirit of God. We couldn’t hold those tears in if we tried with all our might. It’s a precious, wonderful release of lots of emotions and stress, and God does a work of art in our hearts throughout those 48 hours that brings us out of that event a changed person. We find the same freedoms that our speakers have found in the past twelve months. We are reminded of the joys we’ve experienced throughout this past year - as they share their joys because of the goodness of God revealed time and time again! Patsy Clairmont, once suffering from agoraphobia that kept her captive in her own home, now stands before thousands of women multiple times a year. She shared of the struggles their family went through with their son as he battled the H1N1 virus. With his very life in danger, God sent just the right doctor to discern the specific treatment needed, through a series of changes that Patsy initially fought against. Their son’s life was spared because of God’s intervention! Patsy said that “God expects us to be an active participant in His answers and miracles for us.” She went on to say that “God has designed us with a will that is stronger than any emotions we can have!” And I loved her statement that “forgiveness is life’s reset button!” Andy Andrews, orphaned and homeless at 19, now speaks to top corporations all over the world. He challenged us to have perspective about our lives and to notice the little things that make a difference in people’s lives. What we do causes an effect on others, which in turn has an effect on others yet – on and on, which is called “the butterfly effect”. In another message, Andy emphasized the difference between a mistake and a choice. “I’m sorry,” covers a mistake. Choice requires forgiveness: “Will you forgive me?” Every choice we make, every action we take, makes a difference! Because everything we do makes a difference … everything we do matters! What especially mattered to me this past weekend, was seeing the faces of the women I was attending with. Seeing them find freedom in the expression of their worship to God, seeing them moved and challenged by the Spirit of God, seeing them find joy and release in nurturing new friendships … all of that just made my heart soar! What is so incredible is that in the midst of thousands of women – when it would be so easy to just get lost in the crowd – God shows Himself to be so very personal to each of us! Whatever it is we are experiencing, He knows all about it. Wherever we are at in our emotions, He knows how we are feeling. However we feel we are lacking – or if we’re just about at the breaking point, He’s there to meet our need and rescue us! Sandi Patti lifted her voice in amazing praise and reminded us that when we feel like we’re on the edge – even the edge of disaster … remember, it could be the edge of the divine! Our hearts were filled to overflowing, and we just kept taking in! Now, back home, we can continue to pour out more and more out of the abundance that God blessed us with! There’s way too much to share in this one “chat” … so there will be more to come!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- GOD STIRRED WITHIN US something powerful this past Sunday as His Spirit hovered in our midst! It was great to hear the passion and excitement in the voices of the women who attended Women of Faith as they shared their testimonies from the weekend conference! And what a powerful conclusion to the “The Fingerprints of God” sermon series as preached by Pastor Doug … our hearts were challenged and moved to truly be God’s fingerprints in this world!
- WELCOME BACK to Julia ~ who has not been able to be with us for some time. God has strengthened and touched her and brought her back to us as a testimony of God’s love and power! We’ve missed you, Julia!!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31ST: 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE, beginning a new series of messages by Pastor Doug that you will not want to miss! And we urge everyone to stay committed to the ”10.10.10” Spiritual Challenge that Pastor Doug set out before us – for ten weeks! We already see God’s hand upon our church and our people as we draw closer to Him! Let’s continue faithfully and see what God will do!
- 11:15 A.M. – SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES for all ages – to help us go deeper in our knowledge of God & His Word!
- THIS WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 3RD: 7:00-8:00 P.M. – ‘LEARN THE BIBLE IN 24 HOURS” STUDY at Pastor Doug’s and Debbie’s home. They invite you to join the growing group as we open our Bibles, drink in the teaching, and share our hearts in some awesome discussions!
- SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST: 5:30 P.M. – THANKSGIVING FEAST & FELLOWSHIP for everyone!
- SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5TH: CHRISTMAS CAROLING CHURCH PARTY w/snacks and a Christmas movie!
- SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12TH: CAROLING TO THE COMMUNITY w/Chili & crackers & Christmas treats!
- SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19TH: 10 A.M. – SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SERVICE is being planned!
- SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26TH: 10 A.M. – END-OF-YEAR CHALLENGE/CELEBRATION SERVICE!
- FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31ST: NEW YEAR’S EVE GATHERING w/games, a movie, and breakfast!

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- WHAT AN INCREDIBLE GOD WE HAVE! He answers us over and over, and He is so worthy of our praise and adoration! This week let’s join in prayer for Tina, Chuck, LaFawn, Julia’s brother, Roger, Kay, and Norma – as well as special unspoken requests. We encourage you to pray for each other, that we might grow deeper in our walk with the Lord; to pray for the people of our nation as we go to the election polls to vote this Tuesday – that we will vote for those who follow after God and righteousness; to pray for our church as we seek to reach out and be all that God intends! And how we pray for God’s special blessings & favor upon our monthly supporters!!

- 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!

SOUNDS OF LAUGHTER echo through the autumn breezes on this sunny afternoon. It may very well be one of the last few balmy days that we’ll be gifted with until the chill of the cold winter temps moves in and takes over. As I am home on a rare afternoon off from work, I throw open the blinds and let the sunshine stream in and allow my eyes and ears to drink in the stimulating, yet enjoyable sights and sounds of the season! The laughter … prods me to pose the question: “Why don’t we do more of it?” Possibly it’s because through the recent years there is less and less to laugh about. We find ourselves on the brink of stress and tears much more often than we used to – yes, even believers will have to admit to that. But that’s really sad, because that isn’t at all how God meant for us to live! He is, after all, the Creator of laughter, and the Giver of the moments and circumstances that cause us to laugh and smile! Don’t you long to find laughter again? There’s something to be said for all it brings to our lives … it’s proof of good times and the outward expression of humorous antics or words … it’s a physical release for stress and sadness … it’s a medicine that’s packaged inside of us, with no bar code to scan for the cost, and it definitely is not generic! It’s unique and priceless and healing! Talking about smiles ~ I absolutely love how God ministers to me through music, time and time again! This morning, two songs rang out and right into my soul … and I found myself smiling. Sometimes I even break out into laughter – because my spirits are so lifted and I’m so reminded of what I perhaps already knew – but just needed to hear again, or in a different way! The first song was so worshipful and I was drawn into worship as I heard the lyrics … “The best of life for me is at Your feet!” Yes, Lord, those moments are definitely the best of all, but I yearn for those times to increase in length and in frequency. I long for more and more of the “best” – which comes when I spend time at Your feet, I know. And out of those times will come the foundation for changes within and without - that will bring a new stream of laughter into my life. The same is true for you! The next song grabbed me and held me at attention … and I ran for pen and paper. Some of the words I scribbled down were, “When all these things come into our lives, the Master is saying, ‘GET UP’! The Holy Ghost is saying, ‘enough is enough’! You’ve been down long enough ~ GET UP!” I felt the message resonate in my spirit, and I hope you will, too! When I heard those two words, GET UP, I knew it would be a part of what I would be sharing with you today. Jesus said those words many times throughout the course of meeting people’s needs and doing miracles as recorded in the New Testament. In Matthew 9, Jesus takes Jairus’ dead daughter by the hand and she GETS UP! In Acts 9, Jesus turns toward the dead woman, and says, “Tabitha, GET UP!” She opened her eyes and sat up! Could there be a personal message in those two words for each of us? I believe there is. I believe wholeheartedly, that in the midst of sickness and suffering, instead of just accepting it, our Lord is telling us to GET UP, for He is the Healer! I believe that in the midst of financial struggles, instead of pulling back and giving up, God is telling us to GET UP, for He is the Provider! I believe that in the midst of sadness and loneliness, instead of assuming no one cares, our God is telling us to GET UP, for He is the Comforter! I believe that in the hour of confusion and indecision, instead of working ourselves into a frenzy, God is telling us to GET UP, for He is our GPS (God Positioning System)! You get the idea?! Just last week, my husband and I found ourselves finally getting to redeem our incredible gift from our children and grandchildren … for a hot air balloon ride! There was a process to GETTING UP in the air, but once there … what a spectacular experience!!! The view was a panoramic 360 degree feast for the eyes from 700 feet in the air spanning fifty miles in every direction. It was incredible … the sights and sounds made us smile and laugh AND thank our Creator for the amazing beauties of this earth! High above, or skimming low just above tree branches and lower yet over lakes with our reflection in the water, everywhere we turned there was something to “ooh and aah” over! The Artist’s palette of autumn colored trees, the vivid greens to dull tans of grasses, the blues and whites of the sky we were floating through, the translucent deep blues of the calm waters below, the sounds of happy voices and laughter on the ground wafting through the air straight to our listening ears, the scurrying of wildlife into the cover of the brush, and so much more ~ brought to us a sense of BEING UP ABOVE the craziness of this world … and all was at peace! We could feel God speaking to our spirits to GET UP in every arena of our lives, for He is the Orchestrator of all of life and He definitely wants us to hear His music of hope for every new day that dawns! People, let’s GET UP above the junk of life and experience the best our God has to offer … at His feet … and up above our circumstances!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- HOW WE LOVE TO WORSHIP OUR GOD as we express in our own ways what is in our hearts! It’s hard to explain being in the presence of the Living God, but there is nothing that compares! Though still a small church family, God’s presence is with us just as real as it is in any mega-church, because we’ve invited Him to be with us!
- A SPECIAL WELCOME to Ernie. Audrey, and Sharon who worshipped with us for the first time this past Sunday; our prayer is that you experienced God’s Spirit and our love! We hope to see you again soon!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24th: 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE, with the completion of the series on the “Ten Fingerprints of God” – this one from Psalm 100:2 and other scriptures on “Serving with Gladness … and Leaving His Fingerprints on Your World”. Don’t miss this powerful conclusion! And continue forward with the “10.10.10” Spiritual Challenge that Pastor Doug gave to us on October 10th; we’re believing for God’s mighty work in our midst!

- 11:15 A.M. – SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES for everyone from young to the young at heart … come & study with us!
- THIS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27th: 7:00-8:00 P.M. – ‘LEARN THE BIBLE IN 24 HOURS” STUDY at the home of Pastor Doug and Debbie. We’re learning lots and having great discussions, so plan to come and join in!
- SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST: 5:30 P.M. – THANKSGIVING FEAST & FELLOWSHIP for the entire family!
- SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5TH: 5 P.M. - CHRISTMAS CAROLING CHURCH PARTY w/snacks & a Christmas movie!
- SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12TH: 4 P.M. – CAROLING TO THE COMMUNITY w/Chili & crackers & Christmas treats!
- SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19TH: 10 A.M. – SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SERVICE is being planned!
- SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26TH: 10 A.M. – END-OF-YEAR CHALLENGE/CELEBRATION SERVICE!
- FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31ST: NEW YEAR’S EVE GATHERING w/games, a movie, and breakfast!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- WHAT GRATITUDE IS DUE OUR GOD! We pray in faith believing, and He answers in miraculous ways – over and over! How we thank God for His wondrous works! Continue to lift up Julia, Tina, LaFawn, Cherry, Jimmy, Roger, Kay; remember our students locally and away at college; pray for our military, our nation’s leaders, and for wisdom in voting for godly people; for our missionaries and evangelists; for the lost and unreached; for unspoken requests; and for God’s provision in all things for Elevation North!!!

- REMEMBER . . . “You are valuable just because you exist. Not because of what you do or what you have done, but simply because you are.” ~ Max Lucado


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

“LORD, STIR US TO BELIEVE THE IMPOSSIBLE!” That’s what I challenged our congregation on Sunday morning to pray for. Little do we know sometimes how difficult it is to believe that way ~ especially when we cannot see beyond our fingertips, so to speak! We feel like we’re in the dark. Nothing seems to be clear. We grope for something tangible and grasp at straws. Neither is the solution. There is only one way out … and that is to keep our eyes aligned with the Light. My heart goes out to the 33 Chilean miners who spent 69 days practically entombed a half mile under the earth in darkness. I simply cannot imagine the mental anguish they endured, the fears they felt and faced. There was the unknown … would they ever see daylight up above ever again? Would they ever have the opportunity to lay eyes on their loved ones yet again? I have a sense that being in what must have seemed like hell on earth had to pull at the very core of their being. They perhaps had never faced such odds, staring death in the face – well, what they could imagine it looked like in the darkness. I’ve not had the time to watch much of the television coverage of their ordeal and their rescue, only a few minutes at the point of near completion of the intense operation. But that’s all it took to sear their emotions upon my heart, and now it will spill over to this message. Sixty-nine days! Did you know that equals millions of thoughts!!! And being human, most of our thoughts are negative until we get control of them and turn them around. I wonder at what point these miners realized that their very survival depended upon the thoughts they would allow to fill their minds. I wonder how many knew Christ personally at the time of their entrapment – and how many came to know who He is while deep down in the earth! I wonder if there was at least one who knew Christ at the outset of this chilling occurrence. If there was, perhaps he was the strong one who became their link to hope. Perhaps he was their encourager, their inspiration, their stability in the swing of their emotions. Perhaps he stirred them to believe the impossible! Life had to take on a completely different perspective from a half mile down. What was important up on top, perhaps seemed of little or no significance trapped under the earth. Perhaps if truth be known, they saw more clearly in the dense darkness than they did in the skewed light above where too many voices shout out deception and lies and half-truths. Perhaps the knowledge that they could be facing their death at any moment, forced them to think about where they would be spending eternity. That question at least had to run through their minds at least once, if not over and over – until they could come up with an honest answer. Did the one – or more than one – who knew Christ find a ready-made mission field, ripe and ready to harvest? Did heaven rejoice because one or more saw the Light on one of those 69 days in darkness? Perhaps we’ll never know all the answers to the questions we have … we can only imagine what it must have been like. We can only imagine how these 33 lives have been impacted because of their ordeal. For some, nightmares might be a common occurrence. For others, peace will be theirs’ for the first time in their lives. No matter what we think or how we sum this all up … there is really no other option than to believe that these 33 were gifted with an incredible miracle of survival when all odds were against them! And if I had been one of those miners who was rescued, I would have realized long before my first glimpse of daylight … that THERE IS NO ONE ELSE LIKE YOU, GOD!!! No one! It was YOU who gave sanity … YOU who gave strength … YOU who gave peace … and YOU who gave hope! And it was YOU who put Your hand of favor upon that outstanding rescue operation from day one until the last miner was pulled to safety! All 33 lives could have been lost, yet God chose otherwise. I wonder what unique plans He has for these miners. I guess time will tell. And I have a feeling that throngs will be listening. My prayer is that God’s divine protection will be threaded through the stories that are told – and that multiplied scores who hear will be rescued from another very real darkness that seeks to blind the people of this day. Perhaps these 69 days were allowed so that these lives and others will be saved from utter darkness and destruction, having seen the Light! God specializes in the impossible, you know! His scripts are unforgettable, and they demand a conclusive review from each of us! What will yours be? Only you can write it!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- WHAT FREEDOM WE HAVE as we come together to worship the one and only True God! What joy we experience as we praise our Father for who He is! What peace we receive as we lay it all down at the feet of Jesus! All of this was a part of our Sunday morning at Elevation North … and for the richness of our time shared together, we honor and glorify our Lord!
- SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES to Chuck, who celebrated his birthday on Tuesday, October 12th! May you always know the fullness of God’s love for you, as well as His blessings and favor!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17TH: 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE, learning more about the 9th fingerprint of God: “He Prunes My Branches” – from John chapter 15. This is a powerful message and portion of scripture that will challenge and change you as you get a glimpse of it from God’s perspective! NEXT SUNDAY’S message will be on the 10th fingerprint of God: “Serve With Gladness … Leave His Fingerprints” – from Psalm 100:2. Plan to join us as we conclude this life-changing series of messages! Think of someone you could invite who would be blessed and encouraged by participating and being ministered to!
- THIS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20TH: 7:00-8:00 P.M. – “LEARN THE BIBLE IN 24 HOURS” STUDY at Pastor Doug’s and Debbie’s home! We are having a great time in the Word, and want to invite YOU to come along with us on this enjoyable and informative study of God’s Word. This week we will be studying Genesis 1-3, “The Beginning of the Beginnings”! If you are new to the study, notebooks and pens are provided; just bring your Bible!
- FELLOWSHIP/FAMILY/FUN SCHEDULE is being planned for the remainder of this year and will be available in printed form very soon! We want YOU to be blessed as we grow together as a church, in Christ, and with each other!
- OCTOBER 22/23: IT IS FINALLY HERE!!! Eleven women will be attending the WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, being refreshed and renewed by God’s Spirit as He speaks through the messages and music and more! Be in prayer for our women, that God will fill them up as they experience this “Over the Top” theme! Any questions as you prepare to go? Check with Tina or Debbie!
- OCTOBER 22: GUYS, remember your STEAK-FRY w/Pastor Doug on Friday evening here at the house at 6:30 P.M. Plan on enjoying a great time together with your Pastor!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- THERE IS NO ONE ELSE LIKE OUR GOD! He proves Himself over and over! Allow Him to prove Himself to you this week, as we lift up those who are in need of healing … in need of direction and discernment … in need of provision … in need of peace! God has come through miraculously for so many, and now we need to be praying for Roger and Kay for healing of cancer, for unspoken requests, for our need for a church building to call home, for our students, for those in spiritual leadership, and for those who govern our states and nation! Lets thank God in advance for what He will do!

- REMEMBER . . . “Are you preparing for where God can use YOU this week?” Get ready, get set, & GO!


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

REMEMBER THE GAMES OF CHILDHOOD? Who knew that we could use them at some of our most intense times and put them to work spiritually? Well, I found out that we can … and it was one of the richest experiences I’ve ever had! Wanna hear about it? During one of my very long, intense days – fighting off sinus symptoms or allergies – both of which I hardly every have – I had fleeting moments of wondering if I was going to make it. When those rare times occur, I usually find myself quoting the scripture, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me,” from Philippians 4:13. This time, it was like I need to pull out all stops. And suddenly the childhood alphabet game came to me – and the idea was instantly there: begin with “A” and praise God for Who He is for each letter of the alphabet all the way through “Z”! There was no hesitation; no thoughts that this would seem silly. It seemed like the most logical thing in the world to do ~ honor God while drawing strength from the knowledge of Who He is! And so I began. A . . . Amazing, Awesome, Adonai, All. B . . . Bread of Life, Blessing-giver, Beautiful One. C . . . Christ, Creator, Comforter, Care-giver, Cross-bearer. Interruptions would come. The moment I could focus again on what I was doing, it came right back to me. D . . . Divine, Deity, Designer, Defender. E . . . Excellent, Eternal, Everlasting. F . . . Father, Friend, Favor-Arranger, Forever. Oh yes, I’m being paged – let me go and take care of that! Now, where was I: E, F, now G . . . God, Glorious, Giver of Life, Great. H . . . Heavenly Father, Healer, Holy Spirit, Helper. I . . . Inviting, Intimate, Idea-Giver, I AM. Wow, I could go on and on! The Names and attributes of my God are endless, and so descriptive! As I praise Him for each of these characteristics that remind me Who He is … I am aware that there is a warmth that is embracing me. A strength that is filling me. A joy that is infusing my spirit. I find that while I am praising my Lord, I am exhibiting greater productivity than normal. I can’t wait to go on. Alright, now I am to J . . . Jesus, Jehovah, Joy-giver, Justice. K . . . Keeper, King of Kings. L . . . Lover of my soul, Lord of Lords, Life-giver. The thoughts just keep coming! My heart is uplifted and my weakened body feels as if it is being carried. Lord, I know You’re right here beside me, with me, the Lifter of my head. And so I continue: M . . . Marvelous, Majestic, Master, Messiah, Miracle-giver. N . . . Name above all names, Newness of life, Never-failing. O . . . Overcoming One, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Omnipotent, Only-begotten Son. Who else can say they have an “army of one” like this One? Any misgivings I have about anything should just melt away in the knowledge of Who my God is! I love this next letter: P . . . Personal, Precious, Provider, Priceless, Powerful, Prince of Peace, Promise-giver, Praise-worthy. Q . . . Quoter of Scripture, Quick to come to my rescue, Question-answerer, Quiet-place. R . . . Redeemer, Resurrection, Righteousness, Rock. Ruler. The hours of the clock are running around rapidly. That’s what happens when your mind is set on Christ. Everything seems to go smoother. And God is showing me wonderful favor today – in so many ways! This is so much more than a childhood game! Here I am already at S . . . Savior, Shed blood of Jesus, Sustainer, Solace, Supreme Sacrifice, Shepherd. T . . . Triumphant, Trail-blazer, Teacher. Tear-Dryer. U . . . Understanding One, Undergirder, Unifier, Ultimate Gift, Universe-Creator. This alphabet is drawing to an end – but I will have only scratched the surface when it comes to exalting my God for WHO He is and ALL He is! Here we are at V . . . Victorious, Vigil-Keeper, Vine-dresser, Vision-Giver. W . . . the Word, Wisdom, Wonderful, Warrior, Wind and Wave-Calmer. X . . . Xcellent, Xtravagant, Xtreme, Xalted, (just add an “e” in front of the “x” and it will make sense!) Y . . . Yoke-Lightener, and YOU, Jesus! I can hardly believe that I’ve come to Z ~ but what can I say for Z, Lord? It was like a Voice boomed silently inside of me: “I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.” A smile crossed my face. Oh yes, Lord, You always have the answer! In this case, Z equals Omega, the End! He is from eternity to eternity. From the beginning to the end. Long before my day came to an end, I realized afresh just how fully God was in every moment of my every hour. Childhood game? No, rather a spiritual weapon that won the war over fatigue and sickness, replacing them with unspeakable joy and power and favor! To God be the glory … great is His Name! The next time you’re facing overwhelming odds, remember the “Alphabet Names of Jesus”, and praise Him all the way through it! Your day will become extraordinary! Jesus … Jesus … JESUS!!!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- THERE’S NOTHING LIKE HAVING GOD MEET WITH YOU in the morning hours of HIS day! His Spirit was evident in the music, the message, and the testimonies of those who shared their heart with the family of God this past Sunday!
- OUR SPECIAL THANKS to Jimmy for providing the fresh squeezed grape juice from his homegrown grapes for Communion. What an added blessing to a powerful time in the presence of our Lord!
- LOVING BIRTHDAY WISHES to our son, D.J., who is celebrating on October 14th! Thanks for the blessing you are to us, D.J., and may God’s loving favor be evident in your life all year long! We love you, son!
- SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES go out to Lyndel on October 12th! May this be your best year ever!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10TH: 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE, focusing on the 8th fingerprint of God: “He Calms My Storms”. Don’t miss this message as preached by Pastor Doug, coming from personal experience and the Word of God! NEXT SUNDAY: Message – “He Prunes My Branches” from John chapter 15.
- THIS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13TH: 7:00-8:00 P.M. – ‘LEARN THE BIBLE IN 24 HOURS” STUDY at the home of Pastor Doug and Debbie! This is an exciting study for anyone desiring to learn more of God’s Word! Bring your Bibles … the notebooks and pens are provided!
- THIS SATURDAY: RE: FUEL YOUTH ACTIVITY – laser tag at the recreation center in Mankato! See Pastor D for times and costs!
- FELLOWSHIP/FAMILY/FUN SCHEDULE for the remainder of the year will be available at the end of this month … exciting things are being planned … and we want YOU to be a part of them!
- OCTOBER 22/23: WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE … and the ladies who are registered for this event, “Over the Top” will be receiving full details on Sunday, October 17th!
- OCTOBER 22: ALL ABOUT GUYS STEAK-FRY w/Pastor Doug; plan on a night of great food & fellowship!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING THAT GOD CANNOT DO! We see His hand at work in divine ways over and over! Just this week, we have witnessed two more miracles; how we praise God for His wondrous healing power! Continue to lift up Jimmy, LaFawn, Tina, Mary’s dad, Julia, Roger, Kay, and others! Let’s stand in the gap and never give up when it comes to trusting God for others, and even for our church building! God’s timing is perfect!

- REMEMBER . . . “…being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6, (NIV) Yes, He will! (Thanks for the reminder, Randy!)

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie