Elevation North has News for YOU!

SUMMER IS A TIME FOR GETTING TOGETHER AS FAMILIES … family reunions, trips to visit far-away families, outdoor picnics together, and just being together every time we can snatch a bit of time! Our family is no exception ~ except all of us are long-distance from each other! That’s why what I’m going to share with you is so special to us. Dad is no longer with us, and on July 21st, we will celebrate his Home-going 41 years ago! Mom asked that I write something to put in their local newspaper, and I decided I would love to share it with all of you, as well!

“Dear Dad,
If we could talk to you now, there’s so much we’d love to tell you! It’s almost unbelievable that on July 21st, we’ll have forty-one years of living without you and a lifetime of memories and experiences to share. I’m not sure just where we’d start … but our words would tumble over each other in rapid succession in our eagerness to “tell all” – so you wouldn’t miss a thing!
We’ve missed celebrating lots of birthdays with you, Dad, and we remember that you always chose homemade apple pie over birthday cake; so we’d serve you an extra large slice of warm apple pie with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Yes, the real thing, Dad; since espresso and cappuccinos and lattes were not on any menu back in 1969 when God called you Home!
We’d have you sit in your favorite chair (did you have one?!), and we’d all curl up on the floor at your feet and attempt to take turns telling you about our lives and our families. After all, you were the one who taught us that family was more important than careers and jobs and money. So you’d love hearing about how close we are, and that we are here for Mom and for each other. She’s been a real trooper, Dad. For forty-one years now, she’s carried on without you; and while it wasn’t easy raising four children alone, she says she wasn’t alone. And we can all confirm that God has been her strength and her guide and her joy all these years! She’s now 86 years old, Dad – and when you left us, you were only 48! When you left us, we were ages six to sixteen, and now some of our grandchildren are older than that! We’re sure God has kept you informed every time the family grows, and perhaps you’ve been looking down on us and smiling over each new little life – each addition to our family. Just think, here we are, the four of us kids having added thirteen grandchildren to Mom’s life – and they, in turn, have gifted her with sixteen great-grandchildren (well, sixteen, when December arrives!).
While we won’t talk about our jobs, they keep us more than busy, and we’re so glad you taught us the value of hard work and integrity. We love what we do; it’s our calling! So we do it with pride and passion. Let’s just say that like you, we’ve packed a lifetime of living into the years God has already given us! Our lives haven’t been easy, but we are so blessed. We’ve followed your and Mom’s example, and put God at the foundation of our lives and built on that. We’ve weathered lots of challenges; some that nearly took us down. But we didn’t let go … and God carried us to higher ground. And we continue to keep our eyes on the goal, surging ever forward. Oh, we’ve made our share of mistakes, but we’ve learned through each one, and we knew you’d still be proud of us; because that’s how you loved us: unconditionally!
If we shut out the noise of the craziness around us, we still hear your beautiful singing voice. How we’d love to have it on CD or DVD! But, we’ll hear it again, and for now, it lives on in each of us. Your song carries on, and your love of music has passed on from generation to generation. Can you hear our songs? We hope so! Someday we’ll sing together again! When we all come home, that’s one of our highlights. We sit around and while your son plays guitar, we all sing the songs you loved so much. Now, they are our songs, too!
Well, Dad, we could write a book (maybe someday we will!). But for now, what seems like a million images of our lives with you roll across the panoramic screen of our minds and we see you with us. Working. Playing. Sleeping. Worshipping. Enjoying family and friends. Helping. Loving life. Dreaming. Hoping. And in all that and more, you left a legacy that we treasure to this day. Our prayer is that your love and kindness and compassion lives on in us. Our hope is that we are leaving the same kind of impacting legacy for our families. For after all, a life lived to the fullest, no matter how short or long, will leave imprints on the hearts of all who know us. Add in our introductions to our family’s Friend and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, and that leaves an eternal impact! Dad, we can hardly wait to see you again; and the way time flies, it won’t be long! It could be any day now! We’ll run to you … and enjoy Heaven together ... forever! We can only imagine … how incredible that will be!”

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- God’s Word comes alive each week for us as we gather together to search out His truths through the message and in music and in worship! We always encourage everyone to be sure that what they are hearing or reading or seeing – matches up to the Word of God! Anything less is not truth! And as God anoints, we feast on His message that zeros right into the core of our hearts!
- WE WELCOME Lachelle and Becky who visited Elevation North for the very first time; how we loved having both of them worship with us as we lifted up the Name of Jesus! We pray that you received a special touch from God! And welcome back, Carianne and Isaiah and Elyse and Kaitlyn!
- HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Merv and Kathy who are celebrating on July 20th! May God continue to bless your lives and your love! Thank you again for providing freshly brewed coffee each week for our fellowship time!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, JULY 18th: 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE with opportunities to take a deeper look at how “GOD’S FINGERPRINTS ARE … ALL OVER YOU!” Pastor Doug will be sharing lots of scripture as we check out God’s fingerprints, so bring your Bible along, everyone!
- SPECIAL THANKS & FAREWELL to Justin as he heads out on military training & deployment for the next several months! Our prayers go with you, Justin, and we thank you for your time and investment in our youth over the past few months. May God continue to use you wherever He takes you. We’ll look forward to your return!
- 11:15 A.M. – SUNDAY SCHOOL – with classes that challenge in a fun, uplifting blend of teaching and interaction … for all ages! Plan to stay after worship for a great session!
- THIS FRIDAY/SATURDAY, JULY 16/17: 6 P.M. - RELAY FOR LIFE event at the Fairgrounds, with Tina keeping things moving forward all through the night and Isaac & Lizzie providing some of the featured music. Plan to come and walk the lighted pathway throughout the evening and into the night under the stars. Let’s help our community raise the needed funds to continue in the fight against cancer as we honor our loved ones.
- SUNDAY, AUGUST 1ST: We’re excited to announce that Josh & Sarah will be with us to share their many God-appointments throughout the past year in Australia and other nations around the world; don’t miss this!!!
- OCT 22/23: WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE – “Over the Top” theme - in St. Paul at the Xcel Center!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- One of the most exciting things we can do is to be about God’s work – and part of that is to be actively engaged in praying for others! This week join us in praying for James, Tina, & Sean for divine healing as they deal with health issues; for Julia & her brother, for Kiona’s mom, for Audrey, for Judy, for our nation and its leaders, for our churches and pastors around the world, and for Elevation North as we continue to seek God for a permanent place to worship ~ nothing is impossible with Him, you know! So let’s claim God’s best!!!

- THIS WEEK . . . Remember, “God has a thousand ways where I cannot see one; When all my means have reached their end, Then His have just begun.” ~ Esther Guyot

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

I DID IT! On a rare evening that I actually got to come home from work in the daylight … with lots and lots of work demanding my attention, I decisively put my things just inside the house, and I walked right back outdoors. I basked in the warmth of the late afternoon sunshine and hoped as it soaked into my pale skin that it would gift me with some golden glow, but alas, the remaining sunshine of the day could not quite pull off it’s magical bronzing quite that quickly! So I settled contentedly into one of the lawn chairs and drank in some rare moments of fun conversation with my husband – catching up on each other’s events of the day. He had surprised me with our favorite summer raspberry/lemonade soft drink, and so we sat and sipped and thought heaven had come to earth!!! Another of our summer joys is watching the ever-expanding growth of foliage and blossoms all over our yard, so when I could pull myself back out of the chair, I made my familiar tour of our natural garden area and gloried in the creative design that our God has provided for us. Each day it’s just a bit different: some plant is showing off new blossoms or a new bird has come to visit our sanctuary filled with bird-houses and decides to move in! In the midst of our craziness … we find this spot to be a haven of peace and beauty and renewal. And if all this earthly beauty is only an iota of an indication of what God has prepared for us in our forever home ~ well, we’ll love going Home, won’t we?! I DID IT! On my “normal” days, leaving the house before 6 a.m. and returning home anywhere from 7:30-11:30 p.m., I’ve decisively tried to set aside everything but what is right in front of me, and I walk right into my daily schedule with the Lord Jesus Christ by my side. I want to go nowhere without Him, so I invite Him to all the places I will be throughout those long hours. While I am human – which means I can only be one place at a time – much of the time I feel as if I am in another place, too. I am definitely focused on my responsibilities at hand, but there is a place of the heart that takes me right to where He is. I walk right through the outer court, past the milling crowds, and I want to get closer. My feet carry me closer now – to the inner court, and I see Him sitting there, as if awaiting my arrival. It’s beyond my understanding that while I realize He is right with me all the time, wherever I am at, whatever I am doing … He still longs for me to come to Him! It’s like we’re both desiring to have one come to the other. There’s something to be said for having someone seek you out and then spend time with you exclusively! The value of that … the intimacy of that! Where was I? Oh yes, in the inner court – now so close I can see the look in His eyes, the expression on His face. Without having to say a word, His eyes speak volumes. They tell me that He is so pleased that I have come; that I’ve pushed through the craziness of my day and made it this far. That look is captivating. I can look no where else. The noise around me dims, and I step even closer. I want Him to know how much I want to be here … in His presence; that there’s no place I’d rather be! But … I’d love to be alone. Is it possible that a mere human being could hope for a private audience with the King of kings? Really? His eyes beckon me to follow Him. Where is He taking me? We leave the edges of the inner court and move through an inviting archway … right into ~ just what is this indescribably wonderful place? Now He speaks and I discover I’m in the most intimate place that I can share His presence: in His private chambers! Incredible! He’s invited me to sit and converse. He says that He doesn’t want to do all the talking; He wants to hear what’s on my heart, too! And so, while the entire universe seems to stand still, it’s just Him and me. There are many moments when there is not a word spoken, but the language of the heart and the soul come through crystal clear, and there is full understanding between us. I begin to see more clearly all He wants for me and how His heart is thrilled when I pursue His plans. He says He’s most thrilled, though, when I pursue Him. Like now. Coming through the outer court into the inner court and then spending undivided time with Him in that private chamber … in His glorious presence! I bask in it … and I take on His reflection. I bask in it … and I discover joy untold. I bask in it … and I experience peace like never before. I bask in it … and I find strength beyond my own. I bask in it … and I am given wisdom equal to the task. I bask in His presence … and I am gifted with His loving favor in every facet of my life. His presence is so glorious, I never want to be away from it. I want to live in it every single moment! HELP ME DO THAT, LORD! My prayer is that we all will practice the presence of Christ and pursue Him with all that is within us! Of all the walking tours we can take, this comes the most highly recommended – and will be a place you’ll want to frequent every day!!! Here we come, Lord!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- WHAT UNIQUE BLESSINGS God favored us with last Sunday, even though so many of our families were out of town over the Fourth of July! God’s Spirit was evident in our gathering and how we loved worshipping in complete freedom! Our special thanks to Wayne and Verla who joined us and shared their music with us; it was great having you at Elevation North!
- SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES to Stacey, our daughter-in-love … we love you and thank God for you! May you be blessed all year long with God’s best; and thanks for “birthing” our church blog for us!!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, JULY 11th: 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE with opportunities to have our heart’s focus pointed toward Christ, in message, song, and fellowship! Don’t miss Pastor Doug’s message on “GOD’S FINGERPRINTS … ALL OVER YOU!” Bring your Bibles to follow along in the Scriptures!
- 11:15 A.M. – SUNDAY SCHOOL – the perfect time to dig a little deeper in the Word & to verbalize your thoughts and share with others! Every age group will come away having learned a little more about Jesus!
- THIS FRIDAY/SATURDAY, JULY 16/17: IT’S HERE!!! RELAY FOR LIFE event begins at 6 p.m. on Friday at the Fairgrounds, with leadership by Tina and music featuring Isaac & Lizzie. Plan to give some of your time to walk the path and support this worthy cause as Elevation North joins our community this weekend!
- SUNDAY, AUGUST 1ST: A morning with Josh & Sarah Seykora sharing about their ministry with YWAM in Perth, Australia and in many other nations! Invite family and friends to this exciting mission opportunity!
- AUGUST 14TH: An “ALL ABOUT GUYS” outing to the Twin’s game vs. Oakland in the Cities at 6:10 p.m.!
- MID-OCTOBER: WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE in St. Paul; plan now to attend with your sisters in Christ!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- As God’s people, we have much to be thankful for! As God’s people, we have much to ask for as we claim the promises in His Word: breakthrough, healing and health, finances, wisdom, guidance, happiness, peace and contentment. Please lift up Dustin (Pastor’s & Debbie’s son) and his band as they record in the studio this week in IA, for God’s anointing! God is so ready and willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish what He knows is best, so let’s engage in fervent prayer on behalf of our families, our church, our community, our nation, and those around the world still waiting to have Christ introduced to them! May our prayer this week be: God use US, for Your glory! And be ready for God-appointments!!

- THIS WEEK . . . Remember, “The Lord your God … will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” ~ Zephaniah 3:17, NIV

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie