Saturday, May 15, 2010

Elevation North has News for YOU!

THE CALL. Have you heard it? There’s a new up and coming song out by Matt Kennon, singer and songwriter, with just that title: “The Call”. It has hit the top 40 on the charts, and it talks about being spared from abortion and suicide – by a phone call from someone who cared. In real life, Matt was spared from abortion, and he’s taken his real-life message to the music world where it’s touching hearts by the scores. That’s because it resonates with people right where they are at. Just this week I heard the song and saw the video of it, and it made me think of “another call”. Here’s the story of this call, also entitled simply, “THE CALL”.

It came unannounced … to a little girl and a young boy; So crystal clear it was … it could not be mistaken!
They sensed the call … God’s Spirit came like fire; Much too young to understand all that lie ahead … the call could not be shaken!
The little girl … she loved to write and play and sing; Shy and quiet, she often
held back … but inside, God was shaping and stretching and growing!
The young boy … he loved to talk and compete and debate; Expressive, living on the edge, he held nothing back … but inside, God was shaping and carving and filling!
The little girl blossomed and grew … the words in her heart spilled from pen to paper; Her fingers flew over ivory keys in musical poetry … and the call continued to flourish and deepen!
The young boy discovered gifts anew … the words in his heart spilled from his lips; His voice rose and fell, drawing people to God – and the call continued to expand and broaden!
The years matured them to college age … and God brought them and His gifts in them together. Together, they embraced the call, the summons ~ to share the message of Christ!
United in love for life … they passionately pursued the call; Whether morning or noon or night – and many times, even crawling out of bed in the middle of the night!
Long days, short nights … interrupted plans and change of plans; Sickness and death and the struggles of life, beckoned their compassionate and vigilant fight!
The call … it drew them, stirred them, and compelled them; It was bigger than them and larger than life, it would define their very lives, their family, and all
of their ministry!
Pastoring … a career, a job? No, no ~ it was definitely a supernatural call; In the early years of their call someone once told them, “Wherever you two go, miracles will follow!”
And miracles, there have been … Healing and deliverance, blessings and provisions; Open doors and opportunities to new life in Christ; Fatigue ebbed away in the wake of the call!
Changed lives are the symbols … that stand tall in the harbor of life; They, with outstretched arms, plead for others to come, and taste of the good life, this Kingdom life!
The call has been tested and tried … the enemy trying to destroy it time and time again; But each time the onslaught has been overcome in Jesus’ Name, and the call lives on … God’s call!
The call. God’s call … to share with the world. High call, privileged, rewarding call. Excitement builds at all the days to come. Pursuing God’s call! For the sake of Eternity! Into Eternity! THE CALL.

What’s YOUR call? Oh, in case you haven’t already guessed … that little boy and that little girl, are your Pastor and his wife! And how we LOVE the call that God has given us to serve you and teach you and nurture you! “That is why we always pray for you. We ask our God to make you worthy of the life He has called you to live. May He fulfill by His power all your desire for goodness and complete your work of faith.” II Thessalonians 1:11 (Good News Translation)

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- GOD’S WAYS NEVER CEASE TO AMAZE US as He meets with us each week with a fresh touch of His love and His Spirit! Coming to God’s House is always inviting and exciting, and He never disappoints us!
- A SPECIAL WELCOME to Maddie, who worshipped with us this past Sunday for the first time, and even helped sing and lead our praise time!
- HUGE THANKS & APPRECIATION to Isaac for the incredible job he is doing with Power Point for worship! Your talent is helping us focus on the heart of worship! AND … BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS to Isaac, who celebrates his birthday on Monday, May 17th! Have an incredible year!
- LOVING BIRTHDAY WISHES, also on May 17th, to Gloria Lundstrom, and LaDawn Lundstrom! God bless you, dear friends and partners in the gospel of Christ!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, MAY 16TH:
- 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE, continuing with part two of the series on “A Heart That Seeks To Follow Hard After God.” Do you want to learn more about pursuing God passionately? Come and drink in!
- 11:15 A.M. – SUNDAY SCHOOL – with prepared teachers and awesome lessons from God’s Word for each age group! Don’t miss out!
- YOUTH: RE: FUEL session/activity TODAY following church, with Pastor Doug in Justin’s absence. Bring money for lunch, we’ll hang out during lunch hour, then head to Adventure Greens for some miniature golf, and complete the event with a short devotional time! Invite your friends for some fun in the sun!
- NOTE: Due to the afternoon youth activity, the “Come and Sing Your Heart Out” event is being moved to Sunday, June 6th. Following worship and Sunday School, there will be a potluck meal – with meat and beverages being furnished – just bring a dish to pass! Then stay and sing, sing, sing ~ any and all of your favorite songs!
- SUNDAY, JUNE 13th: SPECIAL CHILDREN’S SERVICE … for you kids, all about you kids!!! It’s YOUR day!!! We are ALL kids at heart, aren’t we?!
- RELAY FOR LIFE … July 16/17 … let’s get all of Elevation North involved; chat with Sean about the details!
- WOMEN OF FAITH … Mid-October … put aside a few dollars each week, and you’ll be all set to go! Our goal is 50 … that’s FIFTY … women to go and experience the weekend of a lifetime!!! See Tina or Deb for more info!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- THE BEST TIME TO PRAY ~ is anytime, all the time, right now! We continue to lift up several in our church family for healing; for the Rogers family as they move across town; for Justin at Guards this weekend; for opportunities to bless and support the Seykoras and the Lundstroms as they serve so faithfully reaching the lost and building up the believers; for our nation to return to God; and for the provision of a suitable facility for Elevation North as we continue to grow and expand for the glory of God! Let’s thank Him in advance!

- THIS WEEK . . . Remember, “Praise God for all that is past. Trust Him for all that is to come.”


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

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