Elevation North Has News for You!

WHAT ARE WE MAGNIFYING? Deep disappointments come more frequently than we care to acknowledge … but what happens when they do? Do we magnify THEM or do we magnify GOD?! Sometimes it’s a good thing to do a self-evaluation and ask ourselves a few tough questions. Like: do we choose to love God because it’s easy? Do we choose to serve Him because it will never be hard? Do we say we’ll follow Him because there will never be any trials or tests? Do we live in obedience because we will never have questions or setbacks or disappointments? And once we search our hearts and truthfully answer those questions, then we can get to the point of magnifying our newest disappointment – or – MAGNIFYING OUR GOD! Which will it be? Inside, there swirls a turmoil of emotions. Lots of people can honestly say, “You know, we’ve tried; we’ve given it our all … we’re tired, exhausted, and discouraged. What more can God want from us?” Well, fear not – you’re not alone! Any of us could find scores of buddies to share our disappointments with! But what God wants from us – is our trust. He wants us to know that what He calls us to do … He will enable us to do, not by our might – but by His power. He wants us to know that no matter what things look like on the outside, there’s another side that’s viewed from Heaven and He wants us to see it, too! He wants us to hang in there and not give up. The next person we meet could be changed for Eternity – because of us. The next person we share Christ with could become this generation’s Billy Graham – because we cared about their eternal destiny. The next person we reach out to could be in our eyes “the world’s worst sinner”, but could be transformed by God to bring an effective message of hope and life for the millions who are yet lost. The next person we talk to could be the one that comes alongside us to bring some encouragement and hope our way, saying, “Brother, sister … I’ve been called to stand in the gap with you. I’m here to jump on board with you and do whatever it takes to make a difference!” Sometimes we just need to hear that from one person … and we find ourselves being lifted up by that personal love and care and commitment. Other times, it does our heart good to know that someone else is signing on to help advance the cause of Christ! Isn’t is amazing how what seems insurmountable or impossible with just one or two working at something – when a few more put their hearts and hands to the job, it gets done much quicker, and with seemingly less effort! We’re so glad that God teaches us in His Word to stay the course and not be tossed about by our disappointments ~ or we’d be all over the place every single day! We encourage you to go to the New Testament and read the Faith Chapter in Hebrews 11 and take a refresher course in how so many of our spiritual forefathers down through the ages went through their trials and tests – and BY FAITH, came through as over-comers! They finished what they started, because they kept their eyes on Jesus! We love the instruction recorded for us in Hebrews chapter 12 in the first few verses: “Do you see what this means – all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running – and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how He did it. Because He never lost sight of where He was headed – that exhilarating finish in and with God – He could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now He’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility He plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” (The Message Bible) How we love it that we can MAGNIFY OUR GOD and find hope for every disappointment – promises for every need – and answers for every question … if we study how HE did it – how He BEGAN and FINISHED the race! We can do the same ~ with His help! So, onward, dear ones! We’re running with you … to Jesus, and for Jesus!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- WHAT A PERFECTLY BEAUTIFUL LORD’S DAY to worship in the park at the pavilion and later to enjoy some wonderful home-cooked food provided by each of our families – and fun on the playground last Sunday! And …
A SPECIAL WELCOME to Destiny, Trinitee, and Zaylee, as well as Kathy’s mom, who all joined us in worship at the park! We pray you sensed God’s love and ours!
- REMEMBER GIVING UP SOME COFFEE, SOFT DRINKS, AND A FEW LUNCHES so we could give a love gift to Samara in her time of need? We passed the cash on to her, and this is what she wrote back to us this week: “Doug, Debbie, and church, Thank you so much for your thoughts, prayers, and money donation. It fills my heart to know that co-workers and people I have never met can care so much about my children and me. With that I was able to get my kids’ school items and tennis shoes. With school right around the corner, I didn’t know what I was going to do. My kids never ask for anything. Thank you for helping me fill their needs. They also send hugs and thanks to each and everyone of you. God bless you all. Samara, Brandon, and Brianna”
- ANNOUNCING – God has provided a new location and promotion with the same company for Clint and he will be leaving for Michigan this coming Sunday after church. His family may be here through Christmas and then they will be moving, too. We thank God for this blessing for them, but we will miss them tremendously! We offer our deep gratitude to you, Clint, for your strong leadership, devoted support, and constant encouragement! Thank you for allowing God to use you so mightily in our midst, and we pray for God’s blessing and favor to rest upon you, your family, and this transition and new opportunity in your lives!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 30TH, we will be back at the Clinton Falls Town Hall for worship at 10:00 a.m. – for a power-packed message from the book of Malachi for the adults and young people, an unforgettable “elevate kidz” lesson, sweet fellowship with each other, priceless time spent in the presence of our Living God raising our voices in harmony and prayer and praise! Plan to come and bring someone new with you!
- CALLING ALL KIDZ . . . Sunday afternoon will FINALLY be our CHILDREN’S SUMMER SPLASH EVENT with Pastor D and Debbie; they will be calling you with the exact time and to see how many friends are coming with you! We’ll all have a GREAT time!
- TUESDAY, SEP. 1ST - JR & SR HI YOUTH will be meeting at the home of Pastor and Debbie, then heading out to do some hiking and taking in a Bible lesson and ending up with treats! Call or text some of your friends!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- First of all, God is SO deserving of our praise for WHO He is and for ALL He is! And because He knows we are a needy people, He loves to hear us call out to Him and bring our burdens to Him. We are claiming miracles for: Melonee/dental surgery; College students/back to classes; Julia’s brother, Jim/in critical condition; Julia/doing much better – PTL!; Destiny/her step-grandmother passed away suddenly; Josh & Sarah Seykora/for financial provision for travels to their conference in Africa coming up in the next week (our church is sending a love gift to help with their expenses), and there are several unspoken requests!
- THIS WEEK – Remember this verse every day: “He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11) And while you are being guarded, MAGNIFY our God!!!

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North Has News for You!

WHAT DO WE WANT? There are hundreds of “things” that promise to make us healthy, wealthy, and wise … there are even preachers that say if we “do this” or “give this” – we will get the miracles we need for healing and for prosperity. Of course, God’s Word teaches us that faith and obedience get God’s attention, and that honoring Him with our giving - and sowing financial seeds produces a harvest. But … there is definitely more to it than that. It’s not like we can put a quarter in a gum-ball machine and out will roll our miracle. God expects more from us than a robotic payment towards our needed victories and provision. Let’s roll back the calendar to the time of the Old Testament kings, and check out King Solomon’s character for a few moments. Something about young Solomon had gotten God’s attention, and He desired to give this new king whatever he would ask for. Though not perfect in his immature and inexperienced years, and though in later years he did not remain in full obedience to God’s covenant … at this point in his life, Solomon demonstrated admirable humility and dependence on the Lord God of Israel. He did this by asking – not for long life or for personal wealth, or for the death of his enemies – but for a discerning heart to lead God’s people. And it would seem that so impressed God that he granted him not only a “wise and discerning heart” – but so much so, that no one before and no one after would possess wisdom to the degree that Solomon did. And there was more! God gave Solomon the things he did NOT ask for: riches and honor, and a long life IF he would obey God’s statutes and commands as David, his father, had. The wisdom and the riches and the honor, Solomon definitely received. The long life – he did not. He lived to be about 60 years of age, because he did not stay true to the covenant God had made with His people. So, what went wrong? I Kings 3: 4 mentions a thousand burnt offerings that Solomon offered on that altar at Gibeon, so we know he was a generous giver. He had asked God for what was most important. Yet, he allowed his character to become flawed, and ended up being stripped of his kingdom (though God delayed that punishment and tore it away from Solomon’s son), and his promise of long life. Chapter 11:4 says that, “As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been.” Verse 9 tells us that “God became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel …”. Solomon was given so much, and could have had even more, but his character flaw and lack of devotion to God in later years mattered more in God’s eyes than anything else. And when Solomon didn’t hold up his part, God had to follow through on His promise IF … and it was cancelled out, not by God, but by Solomon’s own actions. How incredible that a man as wise as Solomon was, could be lured away from the one true God and lose out on all God had for him in his lifetime! This should be a warning and a clear call for all of us as believers to hunger after and to pursue godly wisdom and divine discernment along with a desire to keep God’s covenant and commandments in full obedience. Only then will we receive all that God has for us … God always does His part – the rest is really up to us! Ephesians 1:17-19 says, “I ask – ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory – to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing Him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is He is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life He has for us as Christians, oh, the utter extravagance of His work in us who trust Him – endless energy, boundless strength!” Our prayer is that God will give all of us at Elevation North the gift of His wisdom so that we will do our part in obtaining all He has for us in our lifetimes!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- HOW REFRESHING and precious were the days that DJ and Melissa and Wade and Lindsay spent with us this past week! The time together in God’s House, in our home, eating around our table, hiking in the park, mini-golfing, relaxing in the water-park, eating ice-cream on a hot day, talking and laughing and taking photos, doing fun things that we’ll always remember … were definitely God’s gift to our hearts! Thanks to our church family for allowing us to take some extra hours with our family – you blessed us!
- A SPECIAL WELCOME to Wayne and to Kaitlyn and to Daryl who worshipped with us on Sunday; and it was great having some of our new-comers back with us again! We pray that all of you were blessed by God above!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, August 23rd - we will be meeting for worship at the Medford Park Pavilion on the north side of town at 10:00 a.m. and following will be a summer-fest picnic for everyone! Plan to bring a meat dish and a side dish (salad or dessert or chips, etc.) and your own table service (plates and silverware). Beverages and cups will be provided. Great food and fun and fellowship will be in store for all who come!
- TUESDAY, August 25th – JR & SR HI YOUTH will meet at Pastor’s & Debbie’s home at 7:00 p.m.
- SUNDAY, August 30th – CHILDREN’S SUMMER SPLASH EVENT with Pastor & Debbie in the afternoon; details to come! Invite friends and call us with how many are coming with you!
- SCHEDULES AND LISTS are available for those on the PASTORAL PRAYER TEAMS, and also for those who are a part of the PRAYER CHAIN! A CHURCH WHO PRAYS TOGETHER, STAYS TOGETHER!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- We are aware of divine miracles that have taken place this week, even in our own lives! Yes, God is still on the Throne and He is so very faithful! His mercies are new every morning! What a great reminder for the answers we are still waiting on Him for – with needs in our bodies, for finances, in relationships, for stepping out in faith for the next chapter of Elevation North as we begin Sunday School classes for our church family the Sunday after Labor Day, for trusting God for extra support for Seykoras for the YWAM conference in Africa. We are SO glad that OUR God is a God of MORE THAN ENOUGH!!! Let’s praise Him and thank Him in advance!
- THIS WEEK – Keep this quote in mind every day … “Hope means to keep living amid desperation and to keep humming in the darkness.” ~ Henri J. Nouwen (May everyone around us hear us humming a song of hope!)


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North Has News for You!

A SWEET LOVE AFFAIR! Living in an imperfect world with imperfect people ~ having a sweet love affair with Jesus is imperative. It’s what carries us through the tough times – and it’s what brings added delight to our good times! After all, it’s not just “the other people” that are imperfect … we are, too! That’s you and me! This past week was just such a week that reminded me of just how much I needed that “sweet love affair” relationship with my Jesus! Though unwanted, these tough times DO come into our lives, and I think God watches to see how we will react to them. Through the years, I’ve learned that the best response I can have is to run into the arms of Jesus and after “I’ve told Him all about my troubles” … then I begin to praise Him, and praise Him, and praise Him. After all, a few years ago I made Him a promise. It was that I would praise Him, no matter what, with every breath I have, for as long as He gives me breath. Is it easy to praise in the midst of extreme circumstances? No, not always. But I’ve learned that it’s easier than the alternative: spending my energy on anger and bitterness! I’ve learned that it’s healthier than having my emotions consumed by anger and bitterness. I’ve learned that I’m happier when I choose to live in an atmosphere of praise than in negativity. I’ve learned that when I praise my Lord, I create an open channel from Heaven to me into which God pours His peace, His strength … His answers and His miracles. And for me, that channel MUST remain open. It’s my lifeline, my survival. It’s my joy, my contentment. It’s the avenue God uses to create new opportunities, to bring new gifts into our lives. It’s the direct line that nurtures an intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father! It’s the source that reminds us that we are His, and no one else’s. It’s what brings the commandments to life, solidifying His desire that no one or nothing else shall come between Him and us. We are His, and His alone. We belong only to Him! We are His love, and He is ours … the Love of our life! What a sweet love affair! Joined with Jesus, not separated. Living with Jesus, being with Him, thinking about Him. Talking with Him, wanting to please Him, desiring to do what Jesus would do. Longing to look like Jesus – more and more with each passing day! Does this just happen? No … it comes by making a choice, by following through in obedience and commitment. Not just once. But with each passing day, and in each challenge and each trial and test. Do we pass the test? Do others see Jesus in us? Do we shine? We can – and we must, if we are to follow His ways and let others see Christ in us. We can – and we must, if Christ is to be glorified in us and in the way we live our lives. We can – and we must, if we are to have the mind of Christ. We cannot imagine what we could do for Christ, fully devoted to living like He has planned for us to live! So, each day, let’s be about our Father’s business … starting by cultivating that “sweet love affair” with the Lord Jesus Christ! You will never find a more fulfilling relationship!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- IT WAS WONDERFUL having Pastor Doug’s and Debbie’s oldest son and family here with us to worship on Sunday! Welcome, DJ and Melissa and Wade and Lindsay! They are here for a week-long visit!
- OUR SPECIAL THANKS to Pam for helping lead worship on the weeks that work schedules allow for it; your love for the Lord and for music is a blessing, Pam!
- THANKS TO OUR SONS, Pastor Doug has been blessed with the gift of attending the 91st PGA Golf Tournament at Hazeltine in Chaska this week. Someone gave him a page of quotes from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Banquet that was held there. It’s so great to know that God has His people shining their lights in every facet of life! Stewart Cink, the 2009 British Open Champion said, “A relationship with God is a process.” Zach Johnson, 2007 Masters Champion, shared this: “God says, ‘I will take you … not where you want to go, but where you need to go.” And we love what Kenny Perry, PGA Tour Professional stated, “I am not praying about winning. I am praying I will serve Him.”
- PRAISE THE LORD! One of the urgent unspoken prayer requests we have been praying about for weeks and months now, has seen a definite answer from God! The situation has totally changed around for the best, and we continue to pray for God’s power to be evident and bring victory in all things!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- STEELE COUNTY FAIR this week … let’s support our community and connect together on the Fairgrounds with church family and friends! Let’s be a light in our world!
- WE ARE SO EXCITED about starting Sunday School classes for all ages this fall, beginning the Sunday after Labor Day! We will have lesson material in time for the teachers to prepare for their students, and we anticipate God’s blessings as we grow in Him through His Word!
- THIS SUNDAY we again look forward to meeting with our church family in God’s presence … coming with our joys and our burdens of life, bringing them to lay at the feet of Jesus … coming to learn more about living in freedom … coming to encourage each other … and coming to lift up the Name of Jesus as we worship with all our hearts and all our might! Pastor Doug will be starting a new series from scripture – and you won’t want to miss it! Plus, a special time is planned for our “elevate kidz”!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- How we praise the Lord for answering so many prayers this past week that have touched our church families’ lives! Many in our midst still need prayers for ongoing strength and healing; for God’s miraculous work; for specific answers for specific challenges! And we are daily amazed at our God and the way He moves in our lives – praise be to our God!
- THIS WEEK – Remember … “Nothing great was ever done without much enduring.” (Catherine of Sienna)
And the apostle Paul coaches us with these words: “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward – to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” Philippians 3:12-14, (The Message Bible)

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North Has News for You!

MIND BOGGLING … EXCITING … all at the same time! What are we talking about? Well, nothing other than the LIVING WORD of God! It IS alive! It literally “jumps” off the pages of the Bible and enters our heart, soul, and mind. But it doesn’t just stay there for the moment; it takes up residence! And once there, it begins its life-changing work. It definitely is not lazy; doesn’t slouch around on the couch of our heart; it goes to work right away. It starts to speak. It actually makes sense ~ LOTS of sense! It seems to know what we need most at that very moment. At times it seems like a cheerleader, an applauder, an encourager. Other times, it seems like a teacher, a counselor, a tutor. Then there are times when it seems to be a Father – correcting, disciplining, shaping. That part seems to be the least pleasant; yet we like what we become when He’s through with that particular lesson! Sometimes we feel the embrace, the grace. We’ve cried out, and the answer has come wrapped in love and comfort and peace. When the storms of our souls rage and the trials and tests have just about taken their toll; the Word comes in like a flood with its rescuing power ~ and we experience divine deliverance! Much of the time, it extends friendship like no other; it’s a relationship that we can count on because while we change, the Living Word never does. In fact it tells us that “Jesus Christ is the same: yesterday, today, and forever.” We would add an exclamation point there! How’s that for a “forever friendship”? It promises us gifts for this life – and rewards for all of eternity. That’s better than any birthday or holiday celebration we’ve ever had, believe me! After reading in the book of Daniel late last night and first thing this morning, God led me to the New Testament in 2 Corinthians. Let me just take you on a little tour so you can experience what I did! First, I saw a man wholly devoted to God, the Living Word, who in the face of a signed death sentence, didn’t let that phase him, but “continued to pray just as he had always done.” Result? Thrown in the lion’s den. Result? Spared by his God who locked the lion’s mouths shut for the night! Result? The king’s proclamation “to every race, every color, every creed on earth, that Daniel’s God should be worshiped and feared in all parts of his kingdom; that He is the Living God, world without end.” Fast forward to the apostle Paul’s writings. Here’s a teensy, tiny synopsis of chapters 4-5-6. “Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you … If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That’s to prevent anyone from confusing God’s incomparable power with us … We’ve been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we’re not demoralized … we’ve been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn’t left our side; we’ve been thrown down, but we haven’t broken ,,, So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without His unfolding grace … The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever … The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what’s ahead … He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we’ll never settle for less … That’s why we live with such good cheer. You won’t see us drooping our heads or dragging our feet … It’s what we trust in but don’t yet see that keeps us going. Do you suppose a few ruts in the road or rocks in the path are going to stop us? … Cheerfully pleasing God is the main thing, and that’s what we aim to do, regardless of our conditions … That’s why we work urgently with everyone we meet to get them ready to face God … His love has the first and last word in everything we do … He included everyone in His death so that everyone could be included in His life, a resurrection life, a far better life than people ever lived on their own … Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively … God Himself put it this way, ‘I’ll live in them, move into them; I’ll be their God and they’ll be my people … So leave the corruption and compromise; leave it for good … Don’t link up with those who will pollute you. I want you all for myself. I’ll be a Father to you; you’ll be sons and daughters to me.’ The Word of the Master, God.” (from The Message Bible) We encourage you to take time to read the entire three chapters to get the entire message that Paul wrote as he was inspired by God … LIVING WORDS from God’s heart to yours!!!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- THE LORD’S SUPPER was so meaningful to each of us who partook of it this past Sunday; how wonderful to focus on what the Lord Jesus did for us through the gift of His very life and shed blood!
- OUR THANKS & APPRECIATION to Isaac for helping with our portable music system each week for our time of worship; God bless you, Isaac!
- BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS to Shirley Jones who celebrated this past Friday! And to Isaiah … (Pastor’s and Debbie’s grandson) who turned 4 on the same day! We love you both!!
- WHAT A GREAT TIME the Jr and Sr Hi Youth had at the new waterpark last evening; perfect weather and perfect opportunity to enjoy each other surrounded by God’s beautiful outdoors! Thanks to Isaac and Christian for the awesome root beer floats afterwards!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- NO YOUTH THIS TUESDAY, as Pastor Doug and Debbie will have family visiting with them all week!
- THE FOLLOWING WEEK of our Steele County Fair will provide a time for our youth to meet up on the fairgrounds and enjoy an evening together – watch for the details!
- MARK ON YOUR CALENDARS: Sunday School classes begin the Sunday after Labor Day!
- WITH A LIGHTER MINISTRY SCHEDULE this last month of summer vacation, take the extra time to celebrate “family time” and growing in the Lord with each other! Make some new memories together!
- THIS SUNDAY: Don’t miss out on great worship and preaching and fellowship with a church family who loves you and cares about you! One last additional message from Habakkuk on “THE BIGGER PICTURE!” And what will Pastor D have to share about during our “elevate kidz” time?! Come and see!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- Of all the things we do this week, nothing will be more important than lifting up these people and their needs before the Lord: Tina’s gramma in Chicago is doing better – PTL!; comfort for Star and her family in the loss of their mom; recovery for Tina following this week’s procedure; continued healing for Julia’s brother, Jim, and for Pam’s dad, Lynn; healing for Samara from paralysis; for financial needs, for spiritual needs, for major, urgent, unspoken requests, and for the ongoing ministry of Elevation North, that God might be glorified and souls reached for His Kingdom! Let’s pray fervently, and thank God in advance for His answers!
- THIS WEEK ~ Discover the joy of hearing God speak to you through His Living Word every day!!! Write “time with God” in your daily appointment book ~ and it will be the best appointment you have all day long!


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North Has News for You!

CUTTING AWAY THE DEAD TO MAKE WAY FOR THE NEW … is that really how it works? Well, if the same process that works for plants and trees and shrubs and flowers – works for our lives … then I guess it does! What a joy it has been this summer to literally see the daily growth of our summer foliage and blossoms all around our yard! We are gone all day, and when we finally come home in a bit of remaining daylight ~ we’re amazed at how everything has grown larger and more beautiful! One plant, in particular, is covered with dozens of blossoms!!! But it will only stay that way if we do not ignore the shriveled up, dried up blossoms and the brown edged leaves. When we take notice of the color that has faded and we cut and trim it all away – more buds grow and flourish in its place. If we want our plants to be the best they can be, and if we desire to see the greatest number of blossoms and the healthiest, greenest foliage – then our best choice is to cut away all that is dead and dying to make way for the new bursts of color and growth to emerge. That way, we can enjoy what God has created to its fullest potential. Reminds me of “us” sometimes. We feel the cut of the pruning shears and shy away, pull away, or resist the sharp blade. We want to hang on to what we have. We want to remain the same. We don’t want to feel the pain, even be it only temporary. We don’t look beyond where we’re at today … to see where we can be tomorrow, if we’ll just let God take the knife to us. Why? Doesn’t He know best? Doesn’t He as our Father give us good gifts? Do we think we know better than He does – or that we can do better than He can? Of course, I know, we realize these things, but we just don’t like the pain of the pruning process. Yet, what does God’s word say about the process and the end result?
John 15 . . . “I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer. He cuts off every branch of me that doesn’t bear grapes. And every branch that is grape-bearing he prunes back so it will bear even more. You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken. Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever
you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is – when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.” (verses 1-8)
So, when we say “yes” to God’s way, we become more productive and more beautiful – more capable of having plenty to share with others and thus, advancing God’s Kingdom work! We find that our old demands give way to God’s perfect will. Our worn out ways give way to new creative, vibrant life. And we begin to live more and more like He planned for us to live! Fruit bearers! Let’s be willing to undergo the pruning, so that we can emerge better in every way . . . !

FAITH LIKE A LITTLE CHILD! How we loved having our youngest “daughter” stop in for a weekend visit here with Isaiah (almost 4) and Miles (14 months)! What fun to see Miles, having graduated from crawling – to loving his new discovery of walking all over the place! And it was simply amazing to see all that Isaiah has learned and how much he has grown! We loved what his mommy told us about one of his recent “ouches”! She offered him a band-aid, which he promptly refused, saying, “No, I don’t need one. Jesus will heal it!” Great advice for us when we feel the “ouches” that come from being pruned. We can refuse the band-aids for spiritual growth ouches as we matter-of-fact declare, “No, we don’t need any. Jesus will take care of it!”

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- OUR SPECIAL THANKS to Becky for sharing her gift of music with us on Sunday as she sang and played a song that she has written recently. What a blessing to us!
- WE WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE several who provide and share in ongoing ways to help the ministry of Elevation North flourish and grow: Wayne and Verla – who have borrowed us their keyboard for our worship / Clint and Kristina – who pay for the weekly rent of our worship facility / Stacey – who updates our church blog each week after it is written and sent to her / Shirley – who crochets the beautiful doilies that are given to our visitors … and of course, each of you who share and pray and give and work and help in so many ways! May God bless each of you!
- WE WELCOME Cherrie, LaFawn’s mother, who worshipped with us for the first time on Sunday; it was great having you in our midst!
- THE MISSION DOLLAR CHALLENGE has multiplied from $1 to $37 and now to $121 … what will it grow to THIS week before we pass it on to the recipient?! How exciting to see God grow a seed that is planted in the fertile soil of mission outreach! God has NO limits on what He will do with a seed that is sown in obedience and in faith!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- TUESDAY, AUGUST 4TH: SR HI YOUTH at the home of Pastor Doug and Debbie; surprise event & study!!!
- SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES will begin the Sunday following Labor Day for children and youth and adults. Our staff and materials are slated to be off to a great start and we’re excited about growing together in God’s Word!
- WATCH FOR DETAILS about a pre-Junior High outing for the younger children! They’ll LOVE it!!!
- BEGINNING SOON – Pastoral Prayer Teams and Prayer Chain
- THIS SUNDAY: Worship and Praise with Communion, and part 3 of the series of messages on “THE BIGGER PICTURE” as Pastor Doug preaches from the book of Habbakuk. And the “elevate kidz” time promises to be a fun learning experience for the younger ones!
- SUNDAY EVENING: Bluegrass Christian Concert at Central Park at 6 p.m. with the Link Family. A freewill offering will be taken. Plan to attend and bring someone with you to share in this uplifting event!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- For Tina’s healing following a procedure this week; for Julia’s brother recovering from surgery and a near-death experience; for Pam’s dad, Lynn, hospitalized in Rochester; for Tina’s grandmother in Chicago with sickness the doctors haven’t been able to diagnose; for Samara, who has face paralysis, and needs God’s miracle healing; for many without jobs or loss of hours; for our nation’s leaders – in politics, in churches, in the military; for an URGENT unspoken request; and most of all, for souls to be reached for Christ! We have a HUGE job to do on our knees in prayer ~ and a GREAT opportunity to see God at work right where we are at!!!
- THIS WEEK – Remember God is still on the Throne! “There are better things ahead than any we leave behind!” (C.S. Lewis) “May you grow to be as beautiful as God meant you to be when He first thought of you!”
(unknown) “Welcome the pruning; it’s God’s beauty treatment for your heart, soul, and body!” (Debbie Jones)


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North Has News for You!

JUST WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO SHATTER YOUR DREAM?!? We opened up our local newspaper yesterday morning only to see a half-page photo and article with huge headlines that we thought would be ours someday: “Congregation looks to buy empty museum.” Initially our heart sank, and then God began to speak. His peace washed over us in ebbing swells of comfort and consolation and continuing promises. After experiencing those first, fresh emotions of disappointment … within moments, God’s Spirit gently took over and reminded us that the dream He gave us for “Elevation North” was, after all, not about a building. It was about being given a clear call to begin a new Kingdom work in this community, about following God in obedience, about trusting God for everything … for we had nothing! HE would birth it … HE would grow it … HE would provide the property and facility to house Elevation North … HE would work miracles through us by His power with signs and wonders. To be honest with you, as we were working on pursuing this building over a year ago, we KNEW that obtaining this property WOULD take a miracle so large that everyone seeing and hearing of it would be talking of it with amazement. A perfect opportunity to point people to the Giver of the gift, so we thought. Prime location with access just off the interstate. Incredible space for several phases of growth with perfect areas for many unique ministries – not just for the people of the church, but for outreach to the community and beyond. Space just waiting to be utilized by God’s people, and expanding that use for a wide encore of community events. An incredible lighthouse bringing God’s Light to those still in the dark. So what changes about our God-given dream IF Elevation North ends up not being housed in that building? Anything? According to God’s plan for us, NOTHING other than the location would be changed! God will still do everything He has planned to do – no holds barred! All His plans, all our dreams, the entire vision and provision, the full capacity for outreach … will still be there ~ it will all still take place! These are the times when our faith is put to the test – and just how will we come out of the test?! Rather than it seeming like our world is crashing down around us, we take the stance that God is going to prove Himself once again in all His glory. This “news of yesterday” is but one page of a trillion chapters still to come, like someone has said recently. That reminds us that this “possible change of future location” is but a tiny thing ~ compared to our life in Eternity. And we must remember that God is still a good, gracious God – in spite of what happens! So, hang on to your seats and see what God is going to do … WITH and FOR and THROUGH Elevation North! Our God is faithful; and HE is the same ~ yesterday, today, and forever, His Word says!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- WELCOME back to Jimmy, who was with us again this Sunday to worship with us! And we were delighted to have Duane and Bonnie visit us; thank you for your friendship and for your encouragement, as always! And our prayers were with those families on vacation, for blessings of safety and refreshing!

- OUR HEARTFELT GRATITUDE to Tina who led our Relay for Life “Disciples Team” to a rousing achievement for the cause of fighting cancer! The local event held last Friday/Saturday brought in donations totaling $99,028, of which 1,348 came from our team efforts, plus donations for the silent auction. There were 4,095 luminaries displayed on the walkways, and in the dark of the night, those glowing lights in the paper bags with names of those who have passed on, as well as those who have survived cancer – made the memory of these people so meaningful and precious, even though we knew only a few of the names represented there. Everyone becomes one big, united family sharing the loss of loved ones, the gratitude for those who have lived through their battle with cancer, and walking with the hope for a cure. Pastor Doug was privileged to offer the prayer at the opening ceremony on Friday evening! Tina will be the new chairperson for the Steele County Chapter this next year – so all of us will be even more involved in the coming months!
- WHILE AT THE RELAY FOR LIFE event, we crossed paths with Roger and Marilyn, who are back in town for awhile, and we learned of Roger’s recent heart attack. Join us in praying for his complete healing with full strength, for their time here – that their house will sell, and for their outreach ministry in Florida, which they enjoy so much! God bless you, Roger and Marilyn ~ it was great to see you both!
- THE MISSION DOLLAR CHALLENGE is growing by leaps and bounds! It has increased from $1 to $37 … and as we have been challenged to give up a soft drink or iced coffee, etc. in the next few weeks and add that money to the envelope … we are excited to see how much more we can grow this one dollar into and be a blessing to meet some mission need somewhere. We will be announcing the specific mission this Sunday in church!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- WE WANT YOU!!! Where can YOU be involved in the ministry of Elevation North? There are lots of opportunities to serve God in our midst . . . and to enjoy fellowship with each other . . .
Helping set up for worship on Sunday / All-out Evangelism Blitz / All-church prayer meeting /
Planning meeting for Fall/Winter/Spring ministry schedule, including Sunday School classes /
Couples Event / Twins Game for dads and sons / Youth Activities and Studies / Worship Team
- THIS SUNDAY, Pastor Doug will take us deeper for a clearer look at “THE BIGGER PICTURE” as he preaches further from the book of Habakkuk. Life lessons to remember: We are to stand guard and watch for God-appointments in the midst of the evil around us. We are to write down God’s revelations, read it, and then run with it, to deliver the message God has given – to those we’ve been sent to! Come and see what part of “The Bigger Picture” we will discover more about this week! Come with open hearts!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- All of us need a special touch from God in our own personal way, so let’s hold each other up, that we might reach out and claim all that God has for us! Let’s also remember Julia’s brother, who had surgery earlier this week after coming out of ICU, and is now home from the hospital! Praise the Lord! Please pray, also, for Samara, one of Pastor Doug’s and Debbie’s co-workers, who is battling for her life at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, after taking chemo for the cancer these past months. Other unspoken requests remain urgent. Be fervent and constant in your prayers for our nation and our world, as well as our own community; that the Lord Jesus Christ might be lifted up and honored above all else. Our evangelist and missionary friends covet your prayers as they minister daily to the lost; may God renew and strengthen them! What a privilege it is to pray!
- THIS WEEK – “Taken separately, the experiences of life can work harm and not good. Taken together, they make a pattern of blessing and strength the like of which the world does not know.” ~ V. Raymond Edman

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North Has News for You!

EVER BEEN TOLD “NO” at any time in your life? We dare say that from the time we were tiny toddlers we heard that word more than any other – especially when we were starting to walk and get into things we shouldn’t have! There definitely is a need for that little word – and often “no” is for our own good, as we’ve learned through the many chapters of our lives. But … as we grow older, if that word is not used for our good, it becomes a form of rejection and hurt and doubt. Many adults walk around with a lack of confidence because they fear they will hear “no” all over again. They give up on things before they ever start for fear of the pain of rejection yet one more time. We shared this quote with our congregation on Sunday: “Nobody’s ‘no’ can compete with God’s ‘yes’!” (Pastor Jentezen Franklin) This needs to become our mindset as believers, and when we fully believe it and act on it, we can overcome any hurtful “no” that will come into our lives! Just page through God’s Word. The books and chapters and verses contain thousands, yes, literally, thousands of promises! We interpret each of those promises to be a resounding “YES!” from God to us! And often these promises come with instructions for what to do so that we CAN have the promises. Step-by-step directions. And if we follow them step-by-step, there is no way that we can fail to receive God’s good gifts and His promises! Where do we get that kind of guarantee in this world? Oh yes, we do hear it all the time. The world promises us all kinds of awesome things: the best of everything, and we can have it now; we don’t have to wait – we deserve it. The good life and all kinds of wealth are held out in front of our face, for a price. But even when the price is paid, often the promise of what the world is offering does NOT come through. Instead, we chalk it up as one more disappointment; being ripped off yet another time. Promised success seems to forever evade us. But just who is it we are listening to? And just whose step-by-step instructions are we following? Whose guarantee are we signing up for? Let me share a few of God’s “yes” promises … I am paraphrasing – but please check out the scripture reference for the complete verse!

“Yes, God, your God, is with you every step you take.” Joshua 1:9b

“Yes, nothing, you see, is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37

“Yes, the angel of the Lord encamps around those that fear Him and delivers them.”

Psalm 34:7

“Yes, you who go off with heavy hearts will come home laughing with armloads of blessing.” Psalm 126:6b

“Yes, if you make yourselves at home with Me and My words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon.” John 15:7

“Yes, ask in My name, according to My will, and the Father will most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks. John 16:24

“Yes, when you wait upon the Lord, I will renew your strength you shall mount up with wings as eagles; you shall run, and not be weary; and you shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31

“Yes, come to Me. Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.”Matthew 11:28

“Yes, don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” Isaiah 41:10
(Taken from the New International Version and The Message Bible)

How’s THAT for God’s 100% guarantee? His promises are sure; so when you need a “yes” instead of a “no” ~ go to His Word!!! You’ll find affirmation there, for sure!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- WE WELCOME Diane, Dani, and Faith who worshipped with us for the first time on Sunday; and WELCOME BACK to LaFawn who was with us again this past Sunday, as well as Carianne and the children! It was great having all of you at Elevation North!
- OUR SPECIAL THANKS to Kristina Bucholz who was able to get discounted tickets for the youth outing at Valley Fair last week! What a blessing!
- OUR HEARTFELT THANKS goes on and on to our partnership supporters who continue to give and bless us and free up some of our work hours so that we can give more focus to God’s work at Elevation North and to be engaged in what God is doing in our midst! You bless us immensely and are truly partners with us!
- A NEW MISSIONS CHALLENGE . . . We received an anonymous mission note and gift of one dollar, asking us to give it to the mission of our choice. We were so touched as we read the note, and that dollar seemed to speak volumes to us. God seemed to impress upon us to grow that dollar into more dollars. So in the next few weeks, we are challenging each other to give up a cold pop, or an iced coffee, or a fruit smoothie – something we would have spent a few dollars on – and add those dollars to the original mission dollar! We’ll see what God grows the dollar into, and then we’ll see where God leads us to give the increased amount! Help us out!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- FRIDAY/SATURDAY, JULY 17-18: RELAY FOR LIFE WALK at the Steele County Fairgrounds. The opening ceremony will begin at 6 p.m., and Pastor Doug will be offering the opening prayer. Please come earlier, if you can, as Tina will appreciate all the help we can give! Plan to bring a dish or dishes of food to share for our evening meal … plan to walk the walk in honor of those who had cancer – and those who are cancer survivors … and be a blessing to all you meet throughout the evening hours! The event goes all night long – until morning.
- OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS: Twins Game for dads and sons / All-out Evangelism Blitz / Couples Event/ Planning for Fall/Winter/Spring ministry schedule / Prayer Meeting / Weekly Youth / and more!
- THIS SUNDAY, Pastor Doug will continue to preach the sermon series on “THE BIGGER PICTURE” from the book of Habakkuk, still in chapter 1. Your heart will be stirred to action as we hear God speaking from scripture; especially when we realize that one person + God = a majority! Let’s be part of that equation!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- Let us be focused on lifting up those in our midst who are in need of a physical touch from God, including Julia’s brother who is in ICU in a coma with hepatitis C, which he has had for years. Remember to pray for the many unspoken requests, and for other urgent requests that have been spoken and shared recently. May we be found faithful to pray daily for our nation, our president, our leaders, our military, our pastors, our families … that God might ignite us into action and use us in these days of great opportunity! What can we do for God – today, tomorrow, and the day after that?!
- THIS WEEK – Let’s choose to become the people, the church, that God wants us to be ~ on fire for HIM!!!

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North Has News for You!

SPLIT-SECOND TIMING. There are so many times in our lives when one second – or even a fraction of a second makes all the difference in the world! These moments are what you call defining moments in time – and you never, ever seem to forget them! I believe one of the reasons God gives us memory recall, is so that we can praise Him over and over for the countless ways He has blessed us, helped us, even protected us in all our days past. Lately, one of those split-second defining moments from years ago has crossed my mind, and when I recall what happened, gratitude to God pours from my lips all over again! The memory is so vivid, it seems like just yesterday. It’s one of those things you cannot explain – no matter how you try – you just know that you know that you know – that it happened! Let me attempt to put it into words. I was leaving our small town in Michigan to drive back home to the small village where we pastored, and had our three sons with me in the car. A major highway runs north and south through the state, and it ran right through the middle of St. Johns. DJ and Dana, in their early teens, were with me. And so was Dustin, our little guy, who kept attempting to escape out of his infant car seat – like a little Houdini. He was buckled in safe in the back seat – at least for the moment, until he was successful yet again, to my frustration and amazement! How DID he do that?! I pulled out of a parking lot and stopped at the entrance to the highway, looked north and south – and then north again … all was clear. So I began to pull onto the northbound lane of traffic, and as I did and glanced south again – barreling down on me, I mean RIGHT ON ME, was a huge semi-truck. To this day, I have no idea where it came from, because it was not in view just a second or two earlier. My instincts kicked in and I know I slammed on the brake … but I knew that wouldn’t make much difference at all – as I knew the car was already headed into the lane that the truck was traveling full-speed ahead in. All I could say was, “Jesus!” And I waited for the impending crash that I knew was certain to happen in the next split-second or so. All I could think of was the precious cargo I was carrying – and how our car was no match for that huge truck at the speed it was going. It’s amazing what all can be said in a cry sent heavenward in one word: the Name of Jesus. That’s all I had time to say: “Jesus!” That’s all I COULD get past my lips: “Jesus!” Instinctively, I knew it was the best thing to say, especially if it were to be my very last word: “Jesus!” Somehow … I will never know how … short of the miracle I know that it was … the crash never came. The truck barreled by. There was no crash. It was as if he didn’t see us. He didn’t slow down. He didn’t honk his horn. But as the four of us sat in that car with my foot frozen on that brake, all of us were speechless. I didn’t move for what seemed like minutes. I don’t know who spoke first … me or one of the boys. But I sat there wondering how I would explain what we had just experienced, for in those split-seconds as the truck moved past us, it literally felt like the truck moved “through” us … like God made our vehicle “matter-less” – or whatever phenomenon it took for metal to pass through metal with no impact. The sense of it happening was real, however brief it was; and to this day, I know what I know what I know! Ask our sons about it someday. That split-second miracle spared all of our lives. God chose to give us more life for His special purposes; and everyday we give our lives back to Him, so that more and more of the reasons He spared us for, can be lived out! Perhaps you, too, have had split-second close calls that have become defining moments in your life … if so, stop right now to thank God for His presence and protection and blessing! He is SO deserving of our praise! May our lips never run out of words to thank Him with, even if at times, all we can speak is His Name! “JESUS!”

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- OUR SPECIAL THANKS to everyone who attended and helped out with our “I LOVE AMERICA” service at the Medford Park Pavilion last Sunday! What a perfect morning to sing of our country’s freedom and to pay tribute to our military and to our God for the freedoms that we enjoy! Thank you, Tina, for grilling the meat … and to everyone who brought such a great variety of delicious food to enjoy together! WE WELCOME Judy and Jimmy who worshipped with us for the first time!
- THE VALLEY FAIR Youth Outing on Tuesday (ALL day!) was a big hit; and again, God provided wonderful temps and sunshine for the fun in the park!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, JULY 12tH – Pastor Doug will be preaching about “THE BIGGER PICTURE” based on scriptures from the book of Habakkuk. Come and see what this ‘bigger picture’ is all about and how it relates to God’s plan for our lives! Plan to come and worship with us, and invite a family to come with you!
- TUESDAY, JULY 14TH – SR HI YOUTH at Pastor D’s and Debbie’s home at 7:00 p.m. Plan to come!!!
- TWINS GAME OUTING for dads and sons; date to be announced; you can still sign up at the Welcome Table!
- OPPORTUNITY FOR MID-SUMMER ALL-OUT EVANGELISM BLITZ – date/time to be announced soon!
- JULY 17-18: RELAY FOR LIFE WALK at the Steele County Fairgrounds; ask Tina how you can be involved and help our “Disciples” Team out this year!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- Be continual and fervent in your prayers for Justin; and Tina’s procedure has been postponed until August. Let’s keep the Bucholz and Pettigrew families in our prayers as they lean on God for needed comfort at this time. Unspoken needs are known to God and He loves to hear our prayers, even though needs are unknown to us! May we remember our missionaries and evangelists as they continue to preach the Word of God to hungry hearts; and let’s remember to uphold our military forces here and abroad, for safety and protection. We pray for God to impart to us boldness and confidence at Elevation North as we seek to be faithful to minister God’s Word to those within and without the church, for Christ’s sake! What a privilege we have to move forward the cause of Christ!
- THIS WEEK – We love these words from Max Lucado, reminding us that God is with us in the normal seconds of our lives, as well as the defining split-seconds that change our lives. This is what he says: “Do you believe that God is near? He wants you to. He wants you to know that He is in the midst of your world. Wherever you are as you read these words, He is present … In your office, your bedroom, your den. He’s near. And He is more than near. He is active.” Did you catch that? He is active! That’s why His presence makes all the difference in the world! Invite Him to be close. To stay close. Actively close!



Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North Has News for You!

EVER THINK OF TRAVELING TO A FAR-OFF GALAXY SOMEDAY? Well, unless you have lots of time on your hands, or intend to live a v-e-r-y long life … you might want to think again!!! It seems that scientists are talking about the discovery of a new galaxy that is very far away. You want to ask HOW far away? We just heard someone speak about it and were so fascinated that we did some further research on the speed of light and just how long they reported that it would take to get there! What we learned was astounding, to say the least! It’s a scientific fact that the speed of light travels at 300.000 kilometers per second. That is a million times faster than the speed of sound travels. Just how fast is it? Well, what all this means is that the speed of light travels fast enough that it could circle the earth SEVEN TIMES EVERY SECOND!!! And if THAT isn’t mind-boggling enough, than THIS fact is: traveling at the speed of light, it would take THIRTEEN BILLION YEARS to get to this galaxy that they are just now discovering!!! Hearing all these facts about a galaxy that our God has created – and grasping at the facts as I attempted to comprehend them, tears began streaming down my face. IS OUR GOD NOT HUGE?! Somehow in light of these facts, any of the “huge” challenges or circumstances or complications in our lives – diminish greatly in the biblical fact that the same God who created this universe and all that goes along with it, is the God who can take care of any needs we might have today, tomorrow, or any day thereafter!!! That a God THIS huge would create us, choose us, love us, care for us, send His Son to die for us – is almost beyond our finite understanding. What we should grasp is that we never have to wonder if God is up to taking care of us and bringing the answers and solutions that we personally need! Our greatest need does not drain Him or strain Him … it is His pleasure to do His best for us! If He was here on earth in physical form this day in July, 2009, He would come and stand beside us and hold our face in His hands like a loving parent does. Then He would make us look Him straight in the eyes, and He would tell us not to worry, not to wonder, not to fear ~ because He is taking care of it all. Would that not calm us? Reassure us? Encourage us? He would tell us to stand on His Word, to claim His promises, and to step forward in faith! So, while we may not ever travel to a far off galaxy before our split-second trip to Heaven … we can be assured every day of a HUGE God who loves us and wants us to know Him intimately!
WE LOVE AND HONOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL! We want them to know how deeply grateful we are as we celebrate America this July 4th weekend, for their sacrificial service on behalf of the freedoms we enjoy in this great nation of ours! We do not take for granted the way they have shared their lives, even to the point of death, so that we could live brave and free. We do not take for granted that our flag still waves majestically in the breezes, speaking of life and liberty, in a nation under God. We seek to honor the men and women, young and old, who make up our military forces. They are so deserving of our highest regard, our deepest respect, and our unending gratitude for all they have done and for all they have given in the quest to preserve our nation’s freedoms. Today and every day, Elevation North honors the military people in every branch of service to our country! We humbly thank you and ask God’s blessings of love and strength and protection to be yours as you serve!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS are with the Clint Bucholz family in the recent loss of his dad in Wyoming; may God’s comfort fill your hearts and lives now and in all the days to come!
- OUR SPECIAL THANKS to Ron Flack who ministered to our congregation in the absence of Pastor D while he was in Michigan for the funeral of a close friend. Please continue to uphold Ron’s outreach ministry to those who need God’s light shed abroad in their hearts! And continue to pray for comfort for Mike’s family in Michigan; around 700 people were at the funeral as Pastor D celebrated Mike’s life in the service and then presented the message of Christ and the hope of seeing Mike again someday!
- ATTENTION! The Youth Bake Sale that was scheduled at Wal-Mart for this Saturday on July 4th has been changed due to several conflicts with our church families’ schedules; we are working on a different date with the possibility of doing a Cash-Wise food-stand. We will keep you posted, so enjoy the 4th with your family and celebrate our freedom!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- TWIN’S GAME OUTING for dads and sons; check out the sign-up sheet at the Welcome Table!
- SUNDAY, JULY 5TH: “I LOVE AMERICA” worship/celebration at the Park Pavilion in Medford at 10 a.m. Don’t miss this special service as we honor our nation, our military and our freedoms!
- SUNDAY, JULY 5th: RELAY FOR LIFE contributions are due; see Tina and turn in your collected donations! We thank you for your participation, and remember there is more to come as we approach the “Walk” coming up on Friday/Saturday, JULY 17-18 at the Steele County Fairgrounds! Ask Tina how you can help our group at this event!
- TUESDAY, JULY 7th: JR/SR HI OUTING TO Valley Fair; invite your friends and call for the cost of tickets! It promises to be a great day – ALL day from the opening of the park to the moment it closes down!
- MID-SUMMER ALL-OUT EVANGELISM BLITZ – sharing God’s love through our personal invitation, church brochures, and Invitation CD’s! Plan to be a part of this exciting event that is coming SOON!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- Continue to pray for healing for Justin, Merv, and Chuck; for Ally, for the 22 year old with cancer, for Tina’s medical procedure this Thursday; for comfort for the Bucholz family and the Pettigrew family; for abundant provision for the Seykora’s needs and for safe travels as they return to Perth, Australia; for several unspoken needs, and for God’s hand of blessing upon Elevation North as we seek to minister the gospel of Christ and reach out beyond the walls of our church! God is Jehovah-Jireh, our Provider; praise His Name!
- THIS WEEK – Remember how HUGE your God is! Billy Graham once said, “We do not understand the intricate pattern of the stars in their courses, but we know that He who created them does, and that just as surely as He guides them, He is charting a safe course for us.” That reminder should give us hope and assurance for each new day! And we want you to know that you matter to us … we look forward to seeing you at the park pavilion on Sunday!

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

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