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 . . .
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
Serving Christ Joyfully . . .
Pastor Doug and Debbie
