Elevation North Has News for You!

DEATH IS SOMETHING PEOPLE PREFER TO NOT TALK ABOUT … but they are definitely talking about it this week. MICHAEL JACKSON – king of pop music - dead at age 50. FARRAH FAWCETT – her battle with cancer over at age 62. ED THOMPSON - football coach at Parkersburg, Iowa – senselessly shot and killed at age 58. And before any of this news, MIKE PETTIGREW – friend of ours from our Michigan pastorate – killed this past Saturday night in a tragic car accident at age 56. Rather short life-times for each of them, and yet they left a lasting legacy in their own way. Two of these people, we know are in the presence of the Lord at this very moment. The other two, we know not where their hearts were at, and it is not up to us to judge them. God will do that. But for our friend, Mike, and the coach, Ed … we have to wonder what it was like to be here on earth one moment, and in the next split-second, they were standing in the presence of their God, their eyes drinking in the sights of Heaven! Like the song says, “we can only imagine!” When deaths like this occur, eternity is brought into view for us, and we begin to review our own lives, asking some tough questions of ourselves. In our grief and loss, we find ourselves being very reflective – wondering if the legacy we leave behind will be what we want it to be. We only get one life to live on earth ~ the only part of it that will remain forever, is what we have done for Christ. Everything else, in time, will fade away! The music notoriety and awards, the television series and movies, the football games won, the hours at work … all of that will pass away. What will remain and live on into eternity … are the lives that were touched and impacted and shaped because of a life in the sports world that was lived for Christ … and the lives that were touched and impacted and shaped because of a husband, dad, and grandpa who loved the Lord and his family. If any of these people mentioned could be given even just one more week, or month, or year on this earth – I have a feeling their focus and time would be invested in the people closest to them – and the things that mattered the most to them! And the thing is, we will all face death someday … and like these people, neither do we know “when”. That’s why it’s crucial that we come to the place of saying “yes” to God with our lives, getting to know Him better than ever before, and giving more focus and time to Him than to anything else! God should be our greatest passion, our deepest longing, our most exuberant joy, and our absolute everything ~ our all in all! Then the legacy we leave behind will be the one that God had planned for us all along, and it will impact every person He wanted us to touch! “Lord, please instill in us a soul that ‘followeth hard after Thee’, one that clings passionately to You.” (Psalm 68:3, KJV)


IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- SPECIAL THANKS to everyone who helped and participated in the church float and Straight River Days Parade in Medford last Friday evening; especially to our youth who did such a fantastic job passing out the candy and the invitations to our upcoming patriotic service; to our parents who helped out in many ways; to Brendan for making the signs; and to Tina for making the invitation cards! What a great time we had – and the crowd was so responsive!
- THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 28th … HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Pastor Doug from your church family!
- THIS SUNDAY, special guest speaker, Ron Flack will be with us to share about his ministry, local and global, as he reaches out to those from nations abroad who do not yet know Christ as their personal Savior! Don’t miss this opportunity to hear about what God is doing – and to be a prayer partner for Ron’s ministry!
- TUESDAY, JUNE 30th … Youth, check in with us for schedules for this week!
- SATURDAY, JULY 4TH … Youth Bake Sale at Wal-Mart from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. What can you bake and bring that will help our youth with not only expenses for their group events, but with monies for them to share with missions that they choose to support! Bake LOTS – and come and help – it should be fun!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- A SUMMER EVENT for Fathers/Sons is being planned to take in a Twins Game; details to come!
- SUNDAY, JULY 5th: “I LOVE AMERICA” worship/celebration/picnic at the Park Pavilion in Medford, 10 a.m.
- MONDAY, JULY 6th: RELAY FOR LIFE contributions are due ~ who can you ask for donations?!
- TUESDAY, JULY 7th: JR/SR HI OUTING to VALLEY FAIR; invite some friends and get your tickets soon!
- FRIDAY/SATURDAY, JULY 17-18: RELAY FOR LIFE event at Steele County Fairgrounds

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- For healing for Justin, for Merv, for Chuck, for Ally, for a 22 year old with cancer; for comfort for Paula and family in the loss of Mike (Pastor’s and Debbie’s friends in MI); for blessings on family time for the Seykora’s as they are home in the U.S. for a short time before departing back to their mission work with YWAM in Perth, Australia – and for their needs for a computer, car repairs or replacement, and funds for outreach and conference in South Africa; and for other urgent unspoken requests. Praise God, He is ABLE!!!

- THIS WEEK … FIND SOMEONE you can share a kindness with … or whose day you can brighten … someone you can bless with a smile, a hug, a note, an affirmation … someone who can use a little help … someone who will be so grateful that you cared to make a difference in their life! And most of all, follow hard after Christ this week!!! Bless Him with your BEST!!!

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North Has News for You!

IT’S A NEW DAY! No matter what yesterday held ~ today is a new day! But if yesterday wasn’t so great, what can make today any different? One of our sons recently shared the story of an acquaintance who was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer a few years ago. The man did not indicate that he was a believer, but after surviving what was to have been his death sentence, he is still cancer-free some three years later. He told our son, “Every morning when I awaken, I realize I am alive, and because of that, I just KNOW it’s going to be a great day!” Of course, we all know that liver cancer does not just disappear on its own - there had to be a God-intervention through a divine miracle, and hopefully this man recognizes that. But his new outlook on life can be a great example for us as believers! It’s so easy to get in a rut, to get bogged down with the heaviness of work and the challenges we face. The ongoing battle with the enemy of our souls feels like a horrendous onslaught at times. There are mornings it would be tempting to turn over in bed and curl up under the covers, hoping “it” would all just go away, but the demands of today scream, “get up now!” So each morning we have a choice! And it IS a choice: we can give in to our feelings that it’s going to be a rough day, a hard day, a bad day … or we can determine in our hearts with God’s help and speak the truth into being: “Good-morning, God! It’s a new day that you’ve given me! I am alive – and it’s going to be a GREAT day!” There should be an excitement within us at the privilege of living another day for God – with God … there should be an expectancy of what He has planned for us this day – what do we get to do for Him and for others … there should be a positive (not stressful) urgency within us that drives us to share Christ with everyone we encounter … and there should be great delight in being gifted with yet another twenty-four hours to lavish our love and praise on our Father in Heaven! Too often we hold on too tight to the things that just weigh us down ~ and God invites us just to let go of them. He wants us to be free to enjoy the new days that He gives us ~ for we only get so many! Our days are numbered, His Word says, and He has promised to give us a wonderful future. That sounds like He wants us to enjoy our days, not dread them, wouldn’t you say? So let’s maximize how we live each new day that God gives us ~ by the choices that we make, especially those first few moments of the morning when our eyes open and the first words of the day come out of our mouth! May our choices and words be acceptable and pleasing to our Lord! Martin Luther once said, I have held many things in my hands and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.” The words of the Apostle Paul have been recorded to remind us every day how to live: “Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious – the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into His most excellent harmonies.” Philippians 4:8-9, The Message Bible

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- WHAT A WONDERFUL CELEBRATION it was as we walked down memory lane for our First Anniversary at Elevation North last Sunday, being challenged from God’s Word, and we especially thank everyone for providing such awesome food for our meal following the service!
- BELATED, SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES to Felicia from June 14th ~ may God bless you with a great year!!!
- THIS FRIDAY, June 19th at 6:30 p.m. – Straight River Days Parade in Medford; come early and participate in our church float, helping us pass out candy and an invitation to our “I Love America” patriotic Sunday service to be held on July 5th at the Medford Park Pavilion! We will be wearing our Relay for Life t-shirts from last year, as the new ones are not ready yet. And THANKS to all the youth and parents who helped with the float after our indoor water park fun on a rainy evening! Oh yes, Pastor Doug wanted the youth to know that the best part of the water fun was that his hair kept getting in his eyes!! (NOT!!!)
- SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS & God’s Best to Merv and Kathy on their June 21st Wedding Anniversary!

LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- JUST AROUND THE CORNER – A Fun Father/Son outing to be finalized and announced this coming week!
- TUESDAY, June 30th, Sr Hi Youth will meet at a park; location to be announced!
- SATURDAY, July 4th – Youth Bake Sale at Wal-Mart from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- SUNDAY, July 5th – “I LOVE AMERICA” worship celebration/picnic at the Park Pavilion in Medford, 10 a.m.
- MONDAY, July 6th – RELAY FOR LIFE contributions are due.
- TUESDAY, JULY 7th – Jr Hi/Sr Hi Youth Outing to Valley Fair; we are getting discounted tickets!
- FRIDAY/SATURDAY, July 17-18 – RELAY FOR LIFE event at Steele County Fairgrounds.

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- For Shirley, following a colonoscopy this week; for God’s special touch in Chuck’s body; for Ron Flack’s ongoing ministry to individuals in our town from other countries who do not know the Lord as their personal Savior; for Josh, Sarah, and Noah Seykora who are home with family briefly from ministry in Australia – they have pressing financial needs for a computer for ministry work, for car repairs or replacement, and for funds for a South Africa Outreach & Conference coming up in September (the needs are great, but our God’s provision is even greater!) How can we be a part of the answer to their needs?! And remember to pray for God’s complete healing touch for Josh!
- For our dads as we celebrate them on Father’s Day and every day … how we thank God for each of you dads, for your love for God and for your families, for your godly example and everyday provision, for creating awesome memories and giving us the best gift of all – your time with us! We honor you this day, and hope that you will be especially blessed as we gather together on Sunday to worship, with Pastor Doug’s message being centered on “Encouragement for Fathers!” We truly look forward to seeing you on Sunday as we honor not only our dads, but our Father in Heaven!

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North Has News for You!

WHAT’S IN A NAME?! That’s a great question – and one that was asked by one of our partnership supporters some weeks ago! Well, what he asked was, “How did you come up with the name “Elevation North” and what meaning does it have?” Our answer was: “We had been introduced to a church out east by the name of Elevation Church back in late 2007, and loved the encouragement we received from some of the messages on their website, as forwarded to us by our friends. It was always just what we needed at the time – and we could sense that God was using their ministry in a powerful way. Then, about a year and a half later, when after the birthing of our new church – and it was needing a new name … what came to our mind so clearly was “Elevation North” ~ and as we penciled the two words on a tiny lime green sticky note … the two t’s in the words became crosses. It was evident to us that we desired to have Christ lifted up ~ elevated ~ exalted, as He so deserves. By us who are called by His Name, and for those who do not yet know His Name. If He is elevated … they may see Him! The ‘North’ part comes for two reasons: one, our desire to be located on the north side of town where we want to cultivate a strong evangelical message, and two, our heart’s longing is directed Heavenward, northward, upward, as we anticipate the joys of our “forever” Home! The crosses that make the t’s stand out in the name, will forever be a point of remembrance of Christ’s powerful work at Calvary. We want to be reminded daily of the fact that “one drop of Jesus’ blood” is all we need! It’s all we need when we walk into a new day facing the unknown; it’s all we need when we walk into a known sickness or disease or circumstance that normally would take us down and take us out; it’s all we need when we have no clue how we’ll get everything done that needs to be accomplished; it’s all we need when we stare into an empty checkbook or an even emptier future; it’s all we need when we feel the breath of the enemy hot on the back of our neck as he closes in; it’s all we need when we know we are not enough – and we know we need to relinquish everything over to God! While we may not experience all of the above at the same time, probably all of us have felt some of these emotions at one time or another. And when we realize that through the shed blood of Jesus Christ we are empowered – we will finally realize fulfillment in our walk with God. Our spiritual walk will no longer be anemic or disadvantaged … we will be “on fire” for God, knowing that our main purpose and joy is to ELEVATE the Lord Jesus Christ, and look towards Heaven, taking as many people with us as we can! SO, having said all that . . . we say, “Happy 1st Birthday, Elevation North!” And the great part of it is ~ we’ve only just begun!!! Lord, just where will you take us, and what will you have us do? Lead on, Lord; lead on!!!


IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, June 14th: FIRST ANNIVERSARY CHURCH CELEBRATION/WORSHIP/POTLUCK MEAL ~ join us and bring someone with you! Call us at 451-9763 and let us know what you are bringing so we can be totally prepared for everyone!
- TUESDAY, June 16th: 4:00 p.m. – Jr Hi/Sr Hi Youth are to meet at the new River Springs Water Park; bring money for admission, and afterwards, brats and hotdogs will be furnished at Pastor’s & Debbie’s. At 7:30 p.m., we will work on the church float for the Straight River Days Parade in Medford. Help from all youth and their parents is welcomed!
- FRIDAY, June 19th: 6:00 p.m. – Straight River Days Parade in Medford; come and cheer on our church float as we pass out candy and an invitation to our “I Love America” patriotic Sunday service to be held on July 5th at the Medford Park Pavilion!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .
- WATCH FOR DETAILS about a Father’s Day event that is being planned for our dads/sons!
- TUESDAY, June 23rd: Sr Hi Youth will meet at a park; location to be announced.
- TUESDAY, June 30th, Sr Hi Youth – activity to be announced.
- SATURDAY, July 4th: Youth Bake Sale at Wal-Mart from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- SUNDAY, July 5th: “I LOVE AMERICA” worship celebration/picnic at the Park Pavilion in Medford, 10 a.m.
- MONDAY, July 6th: RELAY FOR LIFE; contributions are due.
- TUESDAY, JULY 7th: Jr Hi/Sr Hi Outing to Valley Fair; ticket costs to be announced.
- FRIDAY/SATURDAY, July 17-18: RELAY FOR LIFE event at Steele County Fairgrounds.
- SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS goes to Brendan Bucholz for his winning art-work being chosen for the 5th grade class t-shirts at Medford School, as well as for the upcoming 2009-10 elementary school t-shirt! We are proud of you, Brendan!
- CONTINUE TO BE IN FERVENT PRAYER for many unspoken urgent requests; and for those who are sick and facing surgery. And remember Alyssa Edel, serving with Campus Crusade for Christ in NC through the first part of August. Our God is more than able to orchestrate His special work in these lives and circumstances!
- THIS SUNDAY, plan to be in God’s House for a journey through this past year, “Remembering when . . . “as we look to yesterday, learn from today, and live for tomorrow!” Pastor Doug will be relating all of this to the church body with biblical principles, using several scripture selections. Join us for worship and praise, learning, and celebration and prayer – as we remember, and as we LOOK TO THE FUTURE God has planned for Elevation North! We will be stepping into “year two” ~ continuing to love and nurture people to their fullest potential in Christ!

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North Has News for You!

OUR GOD IS BIG ENOUGH!!! In ministry … and in the marketplace … we talk to people everyday who share needs that are way beyond “human fixing”. As human beings, none of us have the perfect answers – or even if we did, often we do not have the capability to make things happen that will solve the problems. But then … there’s Heaven’s solution! Meaning, where we are lacking, our God in Heaven is fully able to meet our every need, our every heart’s cry, our deepest longings. How do we know? Well, first of all, by God’s Word … as we see His hand at work in supernatural ways all throughout scripture – recorded for us to increase our faith! Secondly, by first-hand experience; some of which I shared last week about miraculous provision for the recent family trip and how God lavished love gifts on me every place I went (and that’s only one experience out of countless throughout my entire life!). Thirdly, by the testimonies of others who share God’s amazing works in their lives. Like Josh and Sarah Seykora, serving in Perth, Australia (with YWAM Perth) . . . let me try and briefly summarize these exciting and powerful miracles! From Papua, New Guinea where Josh recently ministered and where some teams still remain: they have reached nearly 3000 of the 6000 residents of the Kerema area, and as requested, the team is helping do HIV/AIDS education seminars/marriage seminars/youth gatherings/ongoing discipleship seminars. The churches are heavily involved and the pastors and leaders are setting a beautiful example by regularly coming together to clean the city – coming out of what they are learning from the seminars about godly stewardship of God’s creation and all that God puts us in charge of. From Cape Town, South Africa, a young student named Nick shares about how God spoke to him that He will heal. In Nick’s words: “I met a drunk man who was in pain and I found out that his right leg was shorter than his left leg. God told me to pray for him, so I got him to sit down and I stretched out his legs and I began to proclaim healing through the power of Jesus, and his leg grew out and all his hip pain and back pain was gone and his feet were even.” Another guy who saw this happen, asked for prayer for his back – and he was healed. This guy led Nick back to his shack where his “mum” was – blind and suffering with arthritis. She, too, received sight and her arthritis was gone! From Uganda, Africa, young women from the YWAM Birth Attendant School, encountered a woman in labor on an island of Lake Victoria. She had been in labor almost an entire day, and they were eager to get her to the mainland to the hospital. Quoting from the report: “While on the open water in a v-shaped bottom boat, the woman began to push and give birth to her son. One of the students got down low to help deliver the baby. By the light of their cell phone she saw the baby’s head and the umbilical cord that was wrapped around his neck. After cutting the umbilical cord, she was able to deliver the baby only to find that it was not breathing – the little baby boy was in fact, dead. With much fervent and focused prayer and CPR, the baby miraculously began to breathe! The mother, after, decided to name her baby boy ‘Moses’ (Lake Victoria is the head of the Nile River), and wanted very much to go home, so they turned the boat around for the island. The next morning the students went to visit the mother and Moses, arriving to the joyous noise of the cry of the healthy baby boy. Praise the Lord!” Yes, we know … many people do not believe in supernatural miracles … but why would anyone not want ALL that God has for them?! And for those who may think that these are all “made-up stories” ~ Pastor Doug and I have a personal story of his dad’s supernatural miracle from many years ago when Doug was a young boy still at home. His dad’s testimony about one leg being shorter than the other and being healed after he was prayed for – is a carbon copy of this miracle in South Africa, only it happened in North Dakota decades ago! And my husband and many others witnessed this miracle first-hand! Why do we share all of this? Well, we want YOU to know that the same God of the Old Testament and New Testament, is still doing supernatural miracles in 2009 … and if you ask and believe … the miracle you need is in God’s hand at this moment, just waiting for you! God, of course, being God, will do it in His way, in His time … because He knows what miracles we need – and when. But just because we feel limited at times, let’s NOT limit Him! Claim Heaven’s solutions TODAY!!!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS to Kayla Joachim and to Chandra Webster who graduate from Owatonna High School this Sunday; may God’s awesome blessings be yours as He leads you into your future! (Jeremiah 29:11)
- LOVING SYMPATHIES to Hazel Chapin on the loss of her sister in Wyoming; Hazel, we are praying for you!
- OUR PRAYERS go with the Rogers family as they travel to see family in Tennessee; be blessed and refreshed!
- PLEASE HOLD UP Alyssa Edel, who is ministering in Myrtle Beach, NC with Campus Crusade for Christ, that God will bring to her many opportunities to share Christ, and that she will be able to find a job while there, as well!
- CONTINUE TO LIFT UP the several unspoken prayer requests that are urgent in nature; and remember, OUR GOD IS BIG ENOUGH! Let’s trust – and claim the answers!

- LOOKING AHEAD:

- Tuesday, June 9th: YOUTH EVENT at Pastor Doug’s & Debbie’s – from 6:45-8:00 p.m. Don’t miss it!!!
- Sunday, June 14th: Celebrating Elevation North’s FIRST ANNIVERSARY, including a potluck meal!
- Friday, June 19th: Elevation North Float in Straight Rivers Days Parade ~ with candy and a message!
- Couples Event in June: hosted by Pastor Doug & Debbie ~ date and details to be announced soon!
- July 4th: Bake Sale at Wal-Mart; fundraiser for our youth groups!
- July/Patriotic Worship Service: watch for upcoming details!
- July 17-18: RELAY FOR LIFE – we need YOU on our Elevation North team (Disciples); see Tina Rogers for complete details on how you can help; packets will be handed out this Sunday! She is the new Steele County Co-Chairman for Relay for Life; we are proud of you, Tina!
- HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Jacob Babbitt on June 9th! We celebrate YOU and wish you a blessed day!
- HAPPY 38TH ANNIVERSARY on June 5th ~ to my sweet husband, Doug, who I thank God for ~ every day!!!
- THIS PAST SUNDAY, we celebrated Pentecost Sunday, and Pastor Doug reminded us that without the Holy Spirit, we are like a Volkswagon engine in a huge Caterpillar machine! It’s the Holy Spirit who empowers us, so Lord, pour out Your Spirit on us! THIS SUNDAY, come prepared to participate in a powerful service, filled with opportunities for focused worship and prayer, energized preaching from the Word, as well as fun fellowship with the family of God! We will look forward to seeing YOU in God’s House as we come together and offer Him our best!



Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Elevation North Has News for You!

LAVISH! I absolutely LOVE that word! Especially since I (Debbie) have personally experienced it this past week while on vacation to be with our family and friends in Nebraska, North Dakota, and Minnesota! Of course, the time always goes by WAY too fast!!! I know you know what I’m talking about! Cancelled were the deadlines, the shifts of work, the projects, the long hours … and in their place, I was lavished with treasures of looking around and seeing the precious faces of grandchildren, children, my Mom, siblings, and friends: those I love so much! I was gifted with smiles and hugs and all kinds of tender moments from their hearts to mine! God first lavished His love on me with the miracle provision for the trip from our young son and his wife – so that I could come for our youngest grandchild’s first birthday (that was the longing of my heart!). Then, my husband’s mom was cleared by the doctor following recent surgery to make the trip with me – yet another miracle! Fun moments, playing with our little grandsons indoors and outdoors, relaxing moments, capturing special memories in photos, celebrating, laughing, crying during long talks into the middle of the night about Jesus and how wondrous He is as He works in us and on us and through us, generous ministry support being sent home with me towards our work with Elevation North, being blessed with glorious sunshine (when none was forecast for several days!), enjoying time on the road with my mom-in-love, hearing my 85 year old mom touch Heaven with her prayers on my behalf, seeing the look of pure surprise on our youngest granddaughter’s face when she turned and saw me standing right next to her ~ (priceless, indeed!), seeing how teenage grandsons are being transformed into young men, and daily calls back and forth with my sweet, incredible husband who stayed home to hold down the fort and work all those jobs! And there was SO much more, I couldn’t begin to fit it all in this limited space! But amazingly, my heart expands large enough to hold it all … and still has room to hold more! Deuteronomy 28:2 says, “All these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee.” The Message Bible describes it this way: “All these blessings will come down on you and spread out beyond you.” But the verse does go on to say, “because you have responded to the Voice of God, your God.” The entire first part of the chapter is devoted to telling us what God expects of us, (listening and obeying) and then the blessings that will be lavished on us are included in a long list! I heartily recommend that you turn to that chapter and read it to see how and where God wants to bless you! And not just bless you ~ but LAVISHLY bless you!!! So, I have literally been overtaken this week with precious blessings far beyond measure! And just know that while I was gone, I was praying for God’s best for YOU, too!

WHILE I DID NOT get to sit in the worship service with all of you at Elevation North on Sunday, I was so blessed to be able to worship with our youngest son and his family at their church in Scottsbluff, NE ~ and loved seeing how God is using Dustin as he plays guitar with the worship team there! Back home, Pastor D was continuing to preach from the Word in John chapter 1 ~ challenging and encouraging our church family to experience the power of the Word of God … cultivating a deeper hunger and desire for time in the Word … loving that “one-on-one” time with God! Updating the church blog long-distance this week, I do not have all the details for this upcoming Sunday’s message ~ but we encourage you to come and meet with God and His people in the House of the Lord … you won’t be disappointed!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- WITH THE ARRIVAL OF SUMMER - be watching for changes in the youth schedules! We will still plan events and time together each month for the purpose of experiencing great times with God and with each other – but we also want you to have more free time and more family time this summer!

UPCOMING MINISTRIES FOR JUNE . . .

-COUPLES EVENT hosted by Pastor Doug and Debbie
-EVANGELISM OUTREACH BLITZ with our new church brochures and Invitation CD’s
-NEW OPPORTUNITIES to bless others
-CHURCH LEADERSHIP planning session/prayer focus

- WHILE ON THE CHURCH BLOG, be sure to take advantage of clicking on the ministry links for extra resources of hope and encouragement and learning!

- NEXT WEEK we will be listing our church graduates … be sure to congratulate them and uphold them in prayer as they begin their future!

- DAILY PRAY for our nation, our leaders, our pastors, our military … that God will hear our prayers and bring us back to the place He longs for us to be! Let’s be activated in our personal desire to see God working in our midst – and of course, it begins with US!

- UNSPOKEN PRAYER REQUESTS that are urgent should draw us to our knees, seeking God for the needed miracles and victories that are so desperately needed! Pray with us: God’s Word tells us that where two or three are gathered in His Name, He is there in the midst of us!

- PLAN TO JOIN US IN GOD’S HOUSE ON SUNDAY . . . let’s make our time of worship – a worship service that God wants to come to! Even more important than inviting others to church – is inviting God’s presence to be with us … that we might honor Him and include Him in every part of our worship! Our desire is that you will FEEL Him here and KNOW that He is here with us, and that HE will be the center of our focus and praise! Come thirsty so you can drink in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ … and come hungry so you can feast on the Word! Come ready to have God’s love lavished on YOU! See you on Sunday!!!


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Elevation North Has News for You!

SOMETIMES WE GET STUCK ON THIS EARTH! What in the world do we mean by that? Well, it’s true – we actually get stuck on this earth … stuck in all the muck of what we see around us ~ instead of doing whatever it takes to get the windshield wipers out and clear off our vision so that we can see what God sees and ultimately, what He wants US to see! There’s another realm out there beside this physical realm that “we get stuck in” … a very real realm called the “spiritual realm”. Some people tend to shy away from that, mostly because they do not really understand it, but that does not diminish the fact that the spiritual realm is here – all around us. You know, there’s that force – that battle between good and evil, between God and Satan. While we may not be able to “see” what’s going on in that realm over us, the best part of all this is that we can live in the spiritual realm having access to God’s divine power for us! That includes everything that He has planned for us this day – no matter what is going on – on this earth. Everything, meaning: victories and miracles, protection and peace, intervention and deliverance, favor and blessings, health and provision ~ even abundance in every area of our lives! Oops … there’s that word that some believers have taken an aversion to … abundance! But out of the spiritual realm, abundance flows. Is it to flow to those who reject God – or is the abundance God promises for those who love Him, trust Him and obey Him? Well, checking out God’s Word, we have an answer for that, and this is what we hear Jesus saying in John 10:10 ~ “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (NIV) The King James version uses these words ~ “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” And the Message Bible puts it this way ~ “I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” We think most of us would choose that kind of a life over just being stuck on this earth! Actually, God placed us on this earth for His Kingdom purposes – and one part of that purpose is to make a spiritual difference in the world around us. And we can only make an impact when others see us living in God’s favor and in the victory He gives. What kind of a Jesus do people see – if the only Jesus they know, is the Jesus they see being lived out through us? Did you know that God didn’t put us on this earth to be stuck here for the lifespan He has planned for us – however long that may be? He put us here, because He has big, awesome, incredible plans for us … and big, awesome, incredible plans to use us for His purposes and His glory! We want to challenge you today to sign up for a life that can make a difference … for a life that promises abundance … for a life of “more” and “better” than we ever dreamed could be possible! So let’s get UNSTUCK, and get connected to living life in the spiritual realm where God does His perfect and powerful work – in us … and through us!!!
HOW CAN WE DESCRIBE THE “WORD”? The “Word” – meaning God – as written about in John chapter 1. That was the question Pastor Doug set out to define more clearly this past Sunday in his message. What words can we even use? Normal words as used by us can bless or curse; they can lift up or destroy. But in Jesus’ day, there were about 10,000 Hebrew words in that language – and nearly 200,000 words in the Greek language. “Word” to the Greeks meant even the unspoken word, or reason. “Word” to the Jews meant: God. So, the writer, John, attempts to explain this to both by saying “with God”! The message he wanted the reader to understand is that life is not only God’s gift … God is the life! The Life, in turn, gives light – for the world. From the Word comes Life and from Life comes Light. And as children of God, we are not the Light ~ we are a witness to the Light! This coming Sunday, Pastor D will continue preaching from John 1 beginning with verse 6 … be sure to come and continue to learn and be challenged as we seek to live out and give out in practical ways what we take in on Sunday!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- SPECIAL THANKS to the Hendricksons and their granddaughters for providing coffee and freshly baked cookies for all of us following the worship service!

- HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES go out to Melony and Tammy; and to Kevin and Tammy on their Anniversary … we wish all of you God’s best! And “Happy Birthday” to Gloria Lundstrom and their daughter, LaDawn, who share the same day on May 17th! It was fun to sing to them in church last Sunday!

- BY THE WAY, you can click on the Lundstrom’s ministry web-site on our church blog for a report of their Mother’s Day rally with us at Elevation North, along with some photos, or you can type in: www.larrylundstromministries.org/pages.asp?pageid=68419.

- CALLING ALL YOUTH! We will be doing a service project helping an elderly couple move from one apartment to another in Southway Manor (2260 Hartle Avenue) on Saturday morning, the 23rd, at 9:30 a.m. Plan to come with your dads (we’ll need their help, too!) and we should be finished by noon or so. The youth will be receiving a donation from the couple for their work!

- JR HI YOUTH: Check with Cierra for the youth schedule for this Saturday, the 23rd!

- SR HI YOUTH: Plan to have lunch with Pastor D on Sunday after church, and bring money for your meal!

- ADDITIONAL UNSPOKEN REQUESTS have come to our attention, equally urgent, along with previous unspoken requests that need continuing prayer for God’s miracle work! Let’s be in focused prayer, claiming and expecting answers from God!

- WE REJOICE with Josh and Sarah Seykora over the news that God is working supernaturally through their ministry outreach in Perth, Australia! Sharing Jesus with many different nationalities who come to Perth, God is giving them favor and many are responsive to the message of the Gospel. One man suddenly looked up as if he was seeing something, and when asked about it, he said, “I see Jesus!” (literally!) Can you imagine his response
to the salvation message presented to him?! Keep them in your prayers as they continue to bring Christ “to the nations”!

- ON THE ROAD . . . Debbie and Pastor’s mom. Shirley, will be heading west on a family trip while Pastor Doug holds down the fort here! Gramma Deb wants to be with their youngest grandchild, Miles, for his first birthday celebration on Saturday, May 23rd! Just cannot miss that 1st birthday!!! And they will also be stopping in to see other family ~ so pray for safe travels and that they will be a blessing to all! Thank you! And don’t forget to pray
for Pastor Doug while he is “batching it”!!!

- MEMORIAL DAY IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER … and while many people think of it as just a weekend to get away … it is so much more than that! May we remember our loved ones – family and friends – who have gone on before, and countless men and women who have given their lives for us on faraway battlefields that we might live free! May we never forget! May gratitude fill your hearts for special memories – and for the gift of freedom!
And most importantly, plan to come to church on Sunday to share in this Memorial Day service of remembrance … and to hear the good news of the greatest freedom we can ever find, through the Lord Jesus Christ! Let’s make it an unforgettable time of worship and honor! See you there! And remember … YOU ARE LOVED!


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Elevation North has News for You!

SIMPLY SPEAKING, most everyone these days would LOVE to have life be simpler – less complicated – less hectic – less stressful! But where do we find the possibility of a life like that? And where do we find advice and instructions on “how-to” live life like this? We find ourselves going in circles, chasing deadlines, and trying to escape stress. Was this really how Jesus meant for us to live our lives? According to His Word, apparently not. The last few verses of Matthew chapter 11, tell us what Jesus says as He talks to the crowd in one of the villages He was preaching at: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (The Message Bible) We have to confess that right now our lives continue to spin rapidly on this crazy merry-go-round schedule we’re on … but it’s the days that we purpose to “go to Jesus” and live in His presence, that we find rest. It’s when we walk with Him and take Him to work with us, that we experience the greatest sense of order in our lives, the most focus, and the deepest peace. The craziness of life still spins out of control all around us, but we discover that God is simplifying our lives by teaching us to just concentrate on one thing at a time, (Him, first of all!) … to just take one step at a time, (in faith!) … and to breathe easy as we learn to live free from the ropes of life that we get all tangled up in (claiming that peace!). It’s discovering that we don’t have to carry our circumstances around on our shoulders and bear our burdens all by ourselves; we can lay them down at the feet of Jesus. In II Corinthians 12: 9a, we find the encouraging words we need to hear: “My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.” So if ever you feel like giving up – and you feel like all you do is battle with struggles, read on through the remainder of verse 9 and verse 10 . . . (Paul responding to God’s promise) – “Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size – abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.” (The Message Bible) Did you catch that bit of advice … just let Christ take over?! For us, that makes all the difference in the world, and it sure helps simplify our lives!!! The merry-go-round slows down a few notches, we stop to smell a few roses, and we’re learning a little more each day how to keep company with Jesus and live more freely and lightly!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, LARRY & GLORIA, for coming to encourage us at Elevation North with your anointed ministry this past Sunday, on Mother’s Day! The awesome music and powerful gospel message shared in your “signature personal way” really touched our hearts! We were challenged and uplifted and moved as God’s Spirit wrote on our hearts. And how thrilling it was to see precious lives changed by the power of Christ as they stepped forward to accept Him as their personal Savior and Lord! They will never be the same, and they will never be alone! Larry and Gloria also shared special nuggets of wisdom for our mothers, saying that “Moms are not only ‘life-givers’ – but they are ‘life-receivers’, too!” How true it is that the same moms who give life to us, also become ‘receivers of life’ when they give their hearts to Christ! Please pray for those who are beginning their new walk with the Lord, and that we would nurture them in their new-found faith! Pray also for Larry and Gloria as they begin their next tour of rallies, having arrived home from the South after a long winter! May God’s grace be “more than enough” in all their travels and in each service as they present Christ to the lost!! We look forward to having you back at Elevation North, Larry and Gloria! And thank you for your precious friendship all these years!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
WE LOVED having LaDawn Lundstrom and Dante and Myanna worship with us on Sunday; thank you for coming!

AN INCREDIBLE TIME OF PRAYER marked our National Day of Prayer service this past week, and laid the foundation for monthly all-church prayer gatherings! You won’t want to miss the next one!

CONTINUE TO PRAY for Shirley’s recovery following her surgery in Rochester; for an unexpected challenge in the adoption process being undertaken by one of our families; for urgent unspoken requests!

SR HI YOUTH will meet next Tuesday, May 19th, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Pastor D’s and Debbie’s home; come expecting a blessing ~ a blast ~ and a bonus! Bring some friends with you to join in!

SPECIAL THANKS to our church family for giving sacrificially to the Larry Lundstrom Ministries; we were able to give them a check for $1010.00 so that they can continue ministering the love of Christ all over America!

PASTOR DOUG will be preaching a message this Sunday from John chapter 1 – focusing on the WORD! Just WHAT is the Word, and WHO is the Word, and HOW does this Word change us? Be sure to come and learn more as you listen and open the Word of God ~ bring your Bible!
BE LOOKING FOR NEWS about upcoming service projects, evangelism outreaches, fellowship opportunities, and exciting ways to share our faith through acts of kindness! More details will be coming soon! We want YOU to be a part of all that is going on at Elevation North!
AND WE WANT YOU TO JOIN US IN WORSHIP this Sunday morning as we celebrate our Living Lord in praise, in song, in the Word, and in our fellowship. Our desire is that He will be the focus and center of all we say and all we do! Did you know that YOU are at the center of His heart? We love what Eugenia Price has to say about this: “God is every moment totally aware of each one of us. Totally aware in intense concentration and love … No one passes through any area of life, happy or tragic, without the attention of God.” Carry these words with you ~ and believe them!

Elevation North has News for You!

WHEN WE WERE IN OUR TEENS, we remember the “GOD IS DEAD” movement – with all the marches and rallies and protests! Of course, even at that time, we didn’t subscribe to that belief, because we had experienced God personally as young children. And once you experience God in your life … you have no doubt that He is alive and well! Sometimes as believers, though, we have to admit we have days that we may ask the question: “God, where ARE You?” Well, THIS week, we can definitively say that GOD IS RIGHT HERE IN OUR MIDST – doing what He does best: orchestrating His plan for our lives (and that would include His “today and tomorrow” plans for Elevation North!). It’s so very exciting when we do our part – and get alongside of where God is working at ~ because the combination of the two brings more results than we’d ever see on our own! Things begin to happen, and you can tell that you’re at the place where it’s time to turn the pages to another new chapter. New outreach, new spiritual births, new growth, new opportunities, and new God-appointments! Like little children on Christmas Eve – or Christmas morning … we can hardly wait to “open the presents” God has waiting for us! And once we open them ~ we can hardly wait to share them: with you as a church family – and with those of you beyond the “walls” of the church! Though, we must tell you – WE ARE A CHURCH WITHOUT WALLS – we aim at breaking down any and all barriers … we aim to include everyone – and exclude no one! Isn’t that what Jesus would want us to do? He was judged for going places and doing things and talking to sinners, because “people thought” He shouldn’t be associated with any of that. Yet … THAT’S WHY HE CAME! He came for us … for you … and for them!!! And here at Elevation North, it will always be our heartbeat to share Christ’s love with as many people as we can ~ no matter where that takes us, no matter what we have to do, and no matter who it is we reach out to … because everyone is important to us! And most importantly, their eternal destiny is important to us! Elisabeth Elliot once said, “It is God to whom and with whom we travel, and while He is at the End of our journey, He is also at every stopping place.” That’s just another way of explaining God’s promise to us in Matthew 28:20 . . . And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” I guess that kind of says it all, doesn’t it?!
THE GOSPELS provide such a down-to-earth look at Jesus’ life while He was here on earth, and Pastor Doug seems to bring these “episodes” to life as he explains and narrates what took place ~ and then gives us practical challenges that we can live out in our daily walk with God. Preaching from John, chapters 9 and 10, he walked us through the recorded miracles – and then into Jesus’ description of what a True Shepherd is and what He does -and how we as sheep, can know the Shepherd. We must be aware of the thief that cares nothing for the sheep, whose only plan is to steal and kill and destroy – and keep our eyes on the Good Shepherd and go through the Gate where He offers us protection and safety, even laying down His life for us. And you’ll hear more about how awesome it is to know the True Shepherd when you come to listen to the message in music and ministry with Larry and Gloria Lundstrom this Sunday, on May 10th!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- WE WELCOME Elizabeth and her daughters, as well as Alyssa, who worshipped with us these past few weeks! Alyssa will appreciate our continued prayers as she spends part of the summer on a mission trip to share Christ with other Campus Crusade for Christ students in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

- HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES go out to Lylia, A.J., Isaac, and Mitch this month! We are working on the church family birthday list, so if we are missing anyone, you’ll be added to the list shortly! We celebrate all of you!!

- PRAYER REQUESTS: for Shirley, who is having surgery this week on Thursday in Rochester, and a great recovery – for little Ethan (friends of the Seykora’s) in Perth, Australia, for recovery from a critical surgery to get the proper oxygen into his body – for our youth as they walk out their faith before their peers – for our military in active duty, for God’s protection – for an ongoing, urgent unspoken request

- OUR SPECIAL THANKS to Hazel for her incredible work on the Mother/Daughter Tea this past Saturday, and to each of you who attended, making this “first” such a special event for our moms and daughters!

- SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS to Shelly and Roger on their wedding this past Saturday; may God’s best be yours all throughout your marriage!

- THANKS TO OUR AWESOME YOUTH for helping us blitz a few neighborhoods with bulletins, inserts, and Invitation CD’s in preparation for this weekend’s Lundstrom Rally! We’ve sowed the seed, now let’s see what God will do!!!

- JR HI YOUTH will meet this Saturday, May 9th, from 5:45-7:00 p.m., with Cierra, at Pastor’s/Debbie’s home

- SR HI YOUTH will meet next Tuesday, May 12th, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Pastor D’s and Debbie’s home

- THIS THURSDAY, May 7th, is NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER – join together at Pastor’s and Debbie’s home at 7 p.m. for a focused, fervent time of prayer on behalf of our nation, its leaders, and its people! Come and make a difference and stand in the gap for America! God made this nation; He can revive us, renew us, and protect us!

- THIS SUNDAY ~ MOTHER’S DAY/RALLY at 10:00 a.m. - with LARRY & GLORIA LUNDSTROM from Sisseton, SD. They have traveled around this nation all of their lives with a life-changing message for everyone – no matter who they are or where they are in life! Plan to attend and experience this unique down-to-earth presentation filled with laughter and power as the Gospel is shared through music and ministry that will touch you where you are at! They have witnessed first-hand the battles and storms that have come against families and marriages in the form of divorce, domestic violence, and addictions. Larry and Gloria come to offer “first-aid” to families in crisis. You won’t want to miss this power-packed event – and you’ll want to invite someone who needs a breath of fresh air and a fresh start in life! A freewill offering for their ministry will be taken. Welcome to Elevation North, Larry and Gloria!

- HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to each of our mothers! You love, pray, sacrifice, share your best, and give so much to make our lives wonderful ~ and we owe you overwhelming gratitude and devotion. Thanks for being one of our best gifts from God! Enjoy your special day!

- MAY GOD BLESS each of you reading this update/blog … remember, “God is so big He can cover the whole earth with His love, and so small He can curl up inside your heart! (June Masters Bacher) Just let Him in … and make room for Him each day! His presence inside your heart will change the way you view life – AND the way you live it!

Elevation North has News for You!

FIFTY PLUS YEARS AGO a woman faced not only a life-threatening medical diagnosis – but after six surgeries, she was told by the doctors that there was no more they could do for her. Scores of pastors and other believers prayed for her – even in occasional all-night vigils. Throughout what seemed to be a long process, God healed her, and thirty years later she made this statement: “Every added day of living is an adventure in serving the Lord.” Today – THIS DAY – we would like to paraphrase that quote and say that: “Every day of living is an adventure in serving the Lord.” WOW! Even if we’ve not had to struggle with a terminal illness and then been healed of it … it seems that each day presents enough of its own problems and challenges to become an adventure in serving the Lord! Some days it takes EVERYTHING within us to claim those promises in the Word. Sometimes it takes every last ounce of focus and listening power to hear God’s still small voice speaking to us. Some moments are defining moments when the battle is so fierce or the decision is so difficult, that we wonder if we’re going to make it. Sometimes we doubt even ourselves and feel like a failure. How many of you can relate? Have YOU ever felt this way? Perhaps this man’s story will ignite something fresh and new within you and help you move forward in that adventure! This man’s name is Jerry Savelle – and he said that when he accepted Christ as his personal Savior, he told God, “Lord, do You know what You’re getting when You get me? I’m a failure!” And in his heart, he heard God’s response: “Don’t worry, son. I’m a Master at making champions out of failures!” We LOVE that … whatever we’ve been in the past, wherever we’ve been in the past, however we’ve felt about ourselves - or whichever way we’ve seen ourselves in the past … doesn’t really matter to God. He specializes in the present, erases the past, and advances us into the future He has planned for us! And in that whole process … He is carving away at the failure image we have of ourselves … and amazingly – A CHAMPION emerges! And just what is a champion? Well, we believe a champion is someone who realizes it’s not how many times they’ve been down – or knocked down … it’s how many times they’ve gotten UP! Like we heard another pastor say recently: “With God, we’re not down. We’re either up – or getting up!” So this coming week, remind yourself in those moments when you feel discouraged and down, when you have God with you, you’re just getting up one more time, and soon you’re ALL the way back up! And SEE YOURSELF as the champion God created you to be! Remember that you were created in the image of God to reflect His nature – and there is NO failure in Him! (Genesis, chapter 1) THIS PAST SUNDAY’S MESSAGE zeroed in on Jesus’ conversation with Peter in the second part of John chapter 21, where He asks Peter if he loves Him. He doesn’t just ask the question once, or about only one level of love. He digs to the core of Peter’s heart. Yet, the amazing thing about Jesus is that not once did He mention Peter’s denial of Him in the Garden before His crucifixion. But Peter knew that Jesus knew. And Jesus just went on to reinstate Peter when He instructed him to “Feed My Sheep” – period – no options. And then Jesus tells Peter to “follow Him.” What a picture of total forgiveness and opportunity to be used of God once again! Oh, for the heart of Jesus! And oh, that we would have His heart and “feed His sheep.” How awesome that God doesn’t just want us to become His children – and that’s the end of it! He instructs us to feed each other, as well! So, lets’ look for God-appointed opportunities to do that!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- WHAT A GREAT TIME the youth had while taking posters around town to advertise for the upcoming Lundstrom rally this week … who knows what dividends their time invested will pay off in Eternity?!
- HIGHEST RECOMMENDATIONS to view “Fireproof” come out of the Couples Movie Night … every married couple should watch this together! It will prove to be relationship-changing if taken to heart and put intoaction! Special thanks to the Bucholz’ for hosting the evening!

- CONTINUE TO PRAY for the Seykora’s – now back from ministering in Papua, New Guinea – and planning to come back to the States for a short visit soon – and then returning for ongoing ministry in Perth, Australia as God has led them to commit their time there. May they be anointed and refreshed for each day!

- URGENT UNSPOKEN PRAYER REQUEST ~ be in fervent prayer for a desperately needed MIRACLE!!!

- THIS WEEK ~
- YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND our very first MOTHER/DAUGHTER TEA this Saturday, May 2nd, from 2:00-3:30 p.m. at Senior Place, 500 Dunnell Drive. Come for a special time planned by Hazel ~ with refreshments of food, music … and the message by Debbie Jones. You will be encouraged and blessed as you share this occasion with other moms and daughters! Call right away if you have any extra guests coming! DON’T MISS IT!!

- LOOKING AHEAD ~
- MAY 5, Tuesday – SR HI YOUTH at the home of Pastor D and Debbie from 6:30-8:00 p.m./Invite a friend!
- MAY 7, Thursday – NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER SERVICE – your opportunity to pray for our nation!
- MAY 10, Sunday – MOTHER’S DAY/RALLY with Larry and Gloria Lundstrom of Sisseton, SD, who have criss-crossed the U.S. and Canada for over 40 years. Together, they share a heart for families in crisis/ They have personally encountered and have seen the condition of the traditional family as terminal and fading fast with divorce, domestic violence and addictions. All of these are tearing homes apart. Larry and Gloria come to offer spiritual “first-aid” to families in crisis. Their unique down-to-earth presentation of the Gospel through music and heart rendering ministry touches lives. PLAN NOW to attend this life-impacting rally. BRING A FRIEND WITH YOU ~ that their life might be touched as well! A freewill offering for their ministry will be taken.

- THIS SUNDAY, John chapter 10 will be the text for Pastor D’s message on the Good Shepherd and His flock and what meaning is in this scripture for us today – about God’s care for us as His people – and about what Satan tries to steal and withhold from us. You will want to join us at 10:00 a.m. for a great time of focused praise and worship and fellowship in the presence of the Lord! We look forward to seeing YOU on Sunday!

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Elevation North has News for You!

HAPPINESS IS INFECTIOUS! AND HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE! Our minds are amazing tools that God gave us to use to make our lives as wonderful as possible! I just watched a four-minute video on You-Tube that someone sent me, and how it made me smile! I love watching people, and at first what I saw was just a normal scene at the Central Station in Antwerp, Belgium with the busy crowd of people milling through the huge open area lined by impressive tall columns. Most seemed in a rush, their minds occupied with where they were headed next. Hurried. Bogged down with schedules. Deadlines. So like how most people live their lives these days. A loud voice was booming over the speakers in Austrian dialect – so I didn’t understand what was being said … perhaps announcements for the station arrivals and departures …or just commercials. But all of a sudden, this fresh, happy voice emerged loudly and clearly from the same speakers singing the theme song from “The Sound of Music” – and the entire crowd began to look up and around, not knowing what to think. Some seemed startled. Some seem surprised, but pleasantly surprised! A few just turned briefly, barely acknowledging anything was different and walked on. A young dad and his little girl – just a few notes into the music – leaped into the middle of Central Station and with a whirl, began dancing happily to the song! Within seconds, many others joined in, and soon smiles began to crease the serious demeanor on the faces of the bystanders. Within the first minute or two, more and more of the bystanders became dancers, and two escalators filled with people coming down began dancing as they rode it to the floor! For those four minutes, the vast majority of that crowd left their cares behind and became as one big happy group sharing in the happiness those musical strains brought to them that day. One moment they were strangers. The next, they were totally united in expressing the joy they felt at that song. From little children to young businessmen in suits – to couples holding hands to an elderly, white- haired woman … they were dancing and smiling and happy! At least for those moments in time! That reminds me of our walk with God in the midst of our world today. Most days we feel like we are in Central Station – hurrying from one destination to anther – always on a schedule, always with deadlines to meet. But when God speaks loudly and clearly in the midst of all the other noise, what do we do? Do we just keep going, barely acknowledging Him? Or do we stop everything and start dancing to the music His voice brings into our lives? Do we choose to experience the happiness He brings our way – or do we think what’s on our agenda is more important? It’s our choice. Happiness is a choice. We can choose to be a bystander ~ or we can choose to be a dancer. And while the few remaining bystanders seemed to be enjoying the glee of the dancers … THEY could have been experiencing the happiness of the dancers instead of just watching it! Just like us … what will OUR choice be this week?! Our challenge and prayer for you is that you will become one of the dancers in the Central Station of your life … and be alive to “The Sound of God’s Voice!”
HOW WE LOVE HEARING FROM GOD’S WORD each week … and this Sunday was no exception as we zeroed in on every word that Pastor Doug preached from John chapter 21, which is like a postscript – a P.S. to Jesus’ resurrection. He had already appeared to His disciples and had done many miraculous things in their presence – but there must have been more He wanted to tell them – more He wanted to do. Pastor D narrated what the conversation must have been like between Jesus and the disciples on the sea when they caught the miraculous huge catch of fish (after they had fished all night and not hauled in even one fish!). It seems He appeared to them to re-establish their call to become fishers of men – not just fishermen. And so it is for us as believers today … we need to throw out the net and get the fish. In other words, we have to go where the lost are and rescue them. The day is over for just inviting people to church … we need to go and get them and introduce them to Jesus! He will do the rest: all the life-changing that is needed is His specialty! So, here at Elevation North … let’s go fishing for men – and women – and children!!!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- THE WOW-ZONE proved to offer a great variety of fun for our youth last Saturday, and will be a favorite spot to return to! It’s great that our kids can have a blast with Christian friends!
- ALYSSA EDEL, Cierra’s roommate at college, asks for your prayers for her upcoming summer mission trip to North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where she and other college students with Campus Crusade for Life, will be sharing their faith as vacationers and college students flood that area. She is raising funds for the needed $3,340 and would be most grateful for any support you can share with her. Please make checks payable to “Campus Crusade for Christ” and we will pass on your tax-deductible gift to her!
- OUR SPECIAL THANKS to Stacey Jones for all her work in designing this church blog and for posting the weekly updates for us! Your time and skill is a great blessing to not only our church family, but also to all of our on-line audience that keeps in touch with us!
- A BELATED HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY to Noah Todd … what a special day for a special little guy!

- THIS WEEK ~

y- JR HI YOUTH has a change in time for this week only: Saturday, the 25th. From 4-5 p.m. w/Cierra Bucholz!
Bring someone new with you and plan on a GREAT time together!!!
- COUPLES/MOVIE NIGHT watching “FIREPROOF” at the home of Clint & Kristina Bucholz this Saturday, the 25th, at 6:30 p.m. Call 451-5256 for directions to their home, and bring another couple with you to view this incredible movie about marriage relationships! It will prove to be an unforgettable evening!

- LOOKING AHEAD ~

- TUESDAY, APRIL 28 – SR HI YOUTH will meet from 6:45-8:00 p.m. to display posters around town for the upcoming Lundstrom Rally ~ plus more! Be sure to be reading up on your assigned scripture about “God’s Call”!
- SATURDAY, MAY 2 – MOTHER/DAUGHTER TEA from 2:00-3:30 p.m. at Senior Place, with Debbie Jones sharing the message. Sunday, the 26th, is the deadline to sign up, and extra invitations are available from Hazel at church for handing out to family, friends, and acquaintances! You won’t want to miss this special event!
- MAY 7 – NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER SERVICE – a time to lift up our nation and its leaders in prayer!
- MAY 10 – MOTHER’S DAY/RALLY with Larry and Gloria Lundstrom ~ you will NOT want to miss this special time of worship and celebration and great music! Plus, this is the perfect time to invite someone who is searching for answers in their life – they will have an opportunity to invite Christ into their life and be forever changed!

- THIS SUNDAY, come prepared for a powerful “Part 2” message from John 21 with Jesus’ conversation about “feeding His sheep”! And come prepared to bless – and be blessed! If you are wanting to find a church where you can serve God and use your gifts and talents … we have LOTS of opportunities for YOU! See you there!

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .