Elevation North has News for YOU!

REMEMBER AS A KID . . . lying on the ground on your back and looking up at the sky? You tried to search the clouds out for shapes of animals or objects or people – trying to make sense out of the jumbled frothy white shapes that resembled dollops of whipped cream about to adorn a piece of yummy chocolate cake! When you spotted something that looked familiar to you, you cried out, “Look, over there! See, that cloud looks just like a teddy bear – or a kitten – or a giraffe!” It’s kind of neat when we can make sense of things, at least once in awhile! But so often in our lives, we experience the jumbled experiences that seem to just tumble into our lives unannounced, and try as we might, we cannot seem to make any sense of them at all! And as our circumstances go on and on without change even after we’ve prayed and prayed, we begin to feel as if God isn’t listening, or doesn’t know what we’re going through … and sometimes we get to the point where we wonder if He even cares. Today I heard a story that brought tears to my eyes and a burning new hope within me for what lies ahead! There was this young teen named Daniel, who was an active part of his church and youth group. He loved the Lord and loved serving Him however he could. One year, he encountered a fierce case of sleeplessness at night. No matter how hard he tried to sleep, he could not. The days turned into weeks, then into months. He prayed – his parents prayed. They would pray that God would just let him get even a few hours of sleep at night. He was going to school, but finally had to quit because of the total lack of sleep. The teen continued to cry out to God, all the while still being faithful to go to church and to be involved with the youth. One night as he was pleading with God, he just broke. He told God that it seemed like He didn’t even care about him anymore – after all, he was just a teen. Maybe God was too busy for him, or had bigger things to take care of. Finally, about three in the morning, in desperation Daniel cried out, “God, I just need to know that you still love me – even if You won’t help me get any sleep!” Nothing. A day or two later, his mom asked him to pick up the mail and there was an envelope addressed to him. In this day of e-mails and texting, he couldn’t figure out who would send him a letter because he never, ever got any mail. His mom encouraged him to open it, and to his amazement it was from a girl in his church that he barely knew that lived just across the street and down a little ways. When he began to read the message, he was even more amazed! She told him that he’d probably think this was really weird – and not understand. But she had been awakened suddenly in the middle of the night and he was on her mind. She got up for a few minutes and then went back to bed to go to sleep – and she couldn’t. She began to be very concerned for him, and when sleep wouldn’t come to her, she knew she had to jot down on a piece of paper what God was telling her to say. She said, “God wants me to tell you that He loves you, and that He woke me up to have me give you this message. But it’s so late, I don’t want to awaken your parents with a phone call at this time of the night, so I’ll just drop this note in the mail tomorrow.” Daniel ran across the street and asked her which night this happened and what time she awoke. When she told him, he realized it was at the very same moment he was crying out to God in desperation. Sleep still didn’t come – for more days and more weeks. At least he knew now what he was longing to hear – that God loved him. He continued to be faithful in his walk with the Lord, and soon it was time to go to summer church camp. His dad dropped him off, and the week began. To make a long story short, there had been some things going on with some of the kids in the youth group, and the speaker felt led to take one evening just to invite the kids to share what was happening. Silence. No one spoke, waiting for the speaker to give up and move on. But he persisted. Finally, Daniel began to share about how he had felt forsaken by God and how, though his prayers for sleep had not been answered yet … his longing to know that God still loved him had been miraculously answered. Immediately another young teen spoke up and shared that because of circumstances in his life, he had decided to end it all. But thinking that he didn’t want to leave this life without at least talking to one person, he tried to think who he could call. It was four in the morning. Who would be up at that hour? No one – oh, yes, there would be this kid who can’t sleep. He’d be up, he thought. So he called Daniel and heard his voice immediately. When asked what was going on, knowing that at that hour of the night, it couldn’t be good – the other kid broke down and spilled out his plan to end his life. Daniel pleaded with him not to do that but to meet him for breakfast and they would talk. They did just that, and the kid who was contemplating suicide told the group that if Daniel had not been up that night, he would have carried out his plans. He said, “I’m alive today because Daniel couldn’t sleep that night.” One by one, several more young people spoke up to share similarly gripping stories of how their lives had been saved because of Daniel’s sleepless nights. It seemed that Satan had attacked this youth group, attempting to take many of them out. God saw fit to use this young teen, rather than the pastor or the youth leader. He put the sleeplessness on Daniel, who did not then understand at all why God would not answer. After this night at summer camp, now he understood – now it all made sense. He had been sleepless for a greater purpose than his own rest. He had been chosen by God to stand in the gap for these other young people. And so important was this assignment from God, that his thorn in the flesh had actually saved lives from destruction! Next time you and I wonder why we’re going through what we’re going through, let’s remember Daniel from 2010 and Job from the Old Testament … and trust God that He knows what He’s doing … and in due time, He will let us in on the plan! Wow!!! I love what God does through our pain, if we’ll just hang on tight and not let go!!!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- WHAT A PRIVILEGE it is to gather together each week in God’s House to express to Him our adoration and praise! No matter what kind of a week we’ve encountered, God shows up in our midst and ministers right back to us, just what we need! And this past Sunday was no exception … He was with us in full measure as Pastor Doug began the series on “The Fingerprints of God!”
- SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY WISHES go out to Matthias and Liz who celebrated their anniversary on July 20th; may God continue to bless your lives together!
- HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES are sent out to Justin who is celebrating his birthday on July 27th; God bless you, Justin – and we miss you already!
- RELAY FOR LIFE again made a huge difference as 4200+ luminaries lit the pathway honoring those whose lives have been touched by cancer. Thanks to each of our church family who participated in the raising of funds and the program, as well as the walk. Special acknowledgement goes to Tina and the Rogers family, and to Isaac and Lizzie for all their extra work and involvement!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, JULY 25TH: 10:00 A.M, - WORSHIP & PRAISE continuing on with message 2 in the series, “GOD’S FINGERPRINTS ARE … ALL OVER YOU!” Pastor Doug will be focusing on the creative aspects of God’s fingerprints this week, so plan to come and bring a friend or two with you!
- 11:15 A.M. – SUNDAY SCHOOL – with classes for everyone that will bring God’s Word just a little closer to your hearts as we all participate in this enjoyable learning experience!
- SUNDAY, AUGUST 1ST: Josh & Sarah and Noah & Caleb will be joining us for worship & praise, and they will be sharing the morning message about being an active participant where God is at work not only in Australia but in many other countries they’ve traveled to this past year. And during the Sunday School hour, they will be sharing a powerful global mission presentation that will challenge our hearts to birth new commitments to reach out more than ever before! Don’t miss this!
- AUG 14TH: “ALL ABOUT GUYS” outing to the Twin’s game vs. Oakland in the Cities at 6:10 p.m. – who can you invite?!
- AUG 15TH: CHURCH LEADERSHIP/PLANNING MTG for all adults; watch for more details to come!
- OCT 22/23: WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE – with an “Over the Top” theme at the Xcel Center; plan now to attend!!!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- If we really knew what God had in mind for us and for Elevation North, we wouldn’t be able to contain our excitement and joy! So let’s be active in pursuing His perfect will not only for our own lives – but for the ministry God has given us as a church! There’s no time to waste; God’s Word says NOW is the time! Let’s be on our knees for those who need God’s healing touch, for Tina and Sean who are on a mission trip, for several unspoken requests, for Justin as he begins his new military assignment, and let’s continue to fervently pray for and claim God’s new place for Elevation North! He is SO able!!!

- THIS WEEK . . . Remember, “Our disappointments are often God’s appointments … adversity is the touchstone of character.” ~ Bill Bright


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

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

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

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

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

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

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

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

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

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

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

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

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

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

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

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

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

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

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

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

As I sit here and pray about this message, the waving flower blossoms and the leaves on the trees banter back and forth as if vying for my attention as they move in the lilting breeze. It’s the Fourth of July weekend … a time for being free and feeling free. But of course, that freedom was never free; it has cost our nation thousands and thousands of young lives. So why do we allow ourselves to get so caught up in stressful living when we live in the land of the free?! That’s the sixty-four million dollar question, isn’t it? That’s why I’m doing a re-write of something I wrote two decades ago. In the midst of my ever-so-full life with a zillion things on my ever-so-long list, I feel the need to simplify! Come … travel with me for a few moments … let’s do some soul-searching. See if you discover anything similar to what I have discovered. We all live in such a fast paced, hectic world nowadays that it is so easy to be caught up on the “merry-go-round” of life, wondering how we’ll ever get off, because it never stops. Have you ever noticed just how often you despair that seemingly the urgent most always takes precedence over the important? Just why is it that way? How is it that time – and life – pass us by all too quickly – and years later we’re still wondering how it is that so many precious opportunities have slipped past … because we’re still on the “merry-go-round” instead of getting off to walk around and discover what other “joy-rides” and experiences are awaiting us! The longer I live, the more I realize how quickly time evaporates … all too often into nothingness … and life is too precious to allow that to happen! So often I’ve said that God has given me one life to live, and how I desire that in my lifetime God will fulfill within me and through me all that He intends for me to be. So, I drink life to the fullest, and I am blessed to feel that I have ‘lived so much’ in the years I’ve already been given. But, alas, in my quest to live life to the fullest, I find myself from time to time getting sucked into the hurricane winds circling the “merry-go-round” ,,, and I have to struggle with all my might to jump off – and walk back to where I belong in God’s plan. That’s where I really want to be ~ there is no place in all the earth so exciting and rewarding as being right where God wants me. Do you ever feel, like me, that there are times the pressures and stress seek to weigh you down and crush you? Much of the time we feel like we are fighting the fast-moving current that drags us further behind in our attempt to “catch up” … and it’s those times that would seek to steal away the incredible moments in store for us with our Lord, our spouse, our children and grandchildren, even our church family … BUT ONLY IF WE CHOOSE TO LET THAT HAPPEN! You see, for so long I felt that I just somehow, with God’s help, had to bear all those pressures, deal with all that stress, win the battle and finally accomplish everything on my list of “things to be done”. (Confession time: sometimes I still feel that way – twenty-two years later!) Well, I tell you … it would take “Super Woman” to do all that I have on my list – in the time-frame I allow for that list to be done in. No wonder the stress comes and there’s that feeling of facing a mountain of insurmountable heights! Shame on me!!! How could I have been so foolish?! I’m sorry, Lord, for getting caught up on the “merry-go-round” of life, for stress will not allow me to be effective for You – it will only destroy me and all that I hold dear. I will choose to look at people and at things through Your eyes, Lord. Oh, I know I will still live a life filled to overflowing (little did I know “how” overflowing back then!!!) – but I will learn to say “no” more often (when You tell me to!) – and I will make more time for quiet times of the soul, spent alone with You. (Those times are truly my salvation and my joy!) It is in those times of soul-searching that I find my renewal and refreshing of spirit, my strength in body, and my peace of mind. With those gifts from God present in my life, I find freedom to choose all of God’s best for me, and the chains that Satan would try to bind me with, will drop powerless at my feet! Well, have you seen yourself in me? If you’ve felt some of those same battles raging in your soul from time to time, now is the time to make the necessary changes in strategy as you plan your daily life and your daily walk with the Lord – and then fly your victory flags! Independence Day was never meant to be celebrated only on the Fourth of July … God ordained every day of our lives to be freedom day! So let’s begin living in the freedom that is ours through the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, not squandering it away on things that will enslave us! Take a deep breath … and together let’s live free!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- WHAT A PRECIOUS TIME we enjoyed last Sunday as we centered worship around the Lord Jesus Christ and lifted up His Name! God’s Word is never stale, it is always fresh AND refreshing … so we at Elevation North come to drink in deeply! And His Word always revives and rejuvenates us, whether it’s spoken – or sung! Plus, we enjoyed a fun celebration with the church family for Pastor Doug’s 60th birthday!
- A SPECIAL WELCOME to Kenyon, Krissy, and Nataliia who worshipped with us for the first time! What a joy it was to have you in our midst ~ we hope you’ll join us again soon! May God’s blessings be yours!
- BELATED BIRTHDAY WISHES to Larry Lundstrom and to Wayne Jones, both wonderful encouragers/supporters of Elevation North! AND A JOYOUS BIRTHDAY to LaFawn, who will celebrate her birthday on July 8th … may God’s favor rest on ALL of you!
- WE WANT TO THANK Isaac for helping man the Relay for Life table at the Farmer’s Market this weekend, as well as all of you who provided home-made, hand-made, and hand-grown items! Your generosity is appreciated!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, JULY 4TH: 10:00 A.M. - WORSHIP & PRAISE will focus on a patriotic message from Deuteronomy 28: “Why God Is Not Blessing America”. Come and learn a bit more about how we can do our part to turn that around so God’s blessings can flow freely upon our land once again!
- 11:15 A.M. – SUNDAY SCHOOL – This is the perfect place to learn and share your heart with other believers as we seek out what God has for us! Let’s not settle for anything less!
- JULY 6th: YOUTH / RE: FUEL OUTING to Valley Fair Amusement Park … have a fun time and remember who you are representing as you cross paths with all the other youth at the park! Check w/Justin for final details!
- JULY 16/17 – RELAY FOR LIFE EVENT at the fairgrounds; don’t miss participating in this incredible all-night walk that celebrates cancer survivors and honors those who lost their battle. Your time and involvement makes a huge difference! Let Tina know how you can help!
- THIS SUMMER – A Sunday with the Seykoras from Perth, Australia; be watching for the details!!!
- AUG 14 – FATHER/SON OUTING to the Cities to take in a Twin’s game against Oakland at 6:10 p.m.!
- MID-OCTOBER – WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE; you’ll LOVE the “Over The Top” theme! Don’t miss out!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- We never lack for things to praise God for or to ask Him for! But He loves us to come to Him! This week join us in praising God for the miracle of sparing a little life; in praying for comfort for Shirley in the loss of her 95 year old Aunt Olivia; and for Wayne & Verla in the loss of her brother, Leslie; for healing for James as he is having tests done in TN for congestive heart failure; for Julia and her brother; for those who’ve suffered devastation from storms. God is ready and waiting to do the impossible … let’s ask and claim and receive the answers in Jesus’ Name!

- THIS WEEK … Remember, “Challenges are like summer storms. Everything is more beautiful when they have passed.” ~ Unknown

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

DIVINE INTERVENTION! That’s the story of our lives, honey! In just days, you will be celebrating your 60th birthday! How incredible is that? Where, oh where, have the years gone? I stand at the window and stare outdoors at the cloud-filled sky. The clouds are nearly tumbling over themselves in a race to get to … I don’t know where. And there’s a mix of dark, foreboding storm clouds that seem to be out of place against the backdrop of clear, pure blue dotted with other clouds that are frothy white and billowy bright. Instantly I’m reminded of our lives and these many years that we’ve shared as I’ve celebrated forty birthdays with you now – well, I will, on June 28th! While we’ve lived our married lives as “one” … I’ve also been blessed to have been given “the view” of what God has done in you and through you. I’d love to invite everyone to talk a walk with me down your memory lane! So, here goes! When I met you at Trinity Bible College, you were only nineteen, and you were the life of the party. Everyone loved being around you. I was the more serious, and a bit more shy. Yet something, Someone, drew us together, and after you graduated from TBC, we walked hand in hand down the aisle of my home church on our wedding day - just a few weeks before your 21st birthday, Little did we know what journeys we would encounter along the way! What a lot of living you’ve done in these 60 years. From day one, I realized that there would be no grass growing under your feet! You’ve always been passionate about whatever you threw yourself into … be it family, fun, work, ministry, or anything else that you decided you wanted to be a part of. There have been the utmost joys and the utter struggles. There have been the soul-wrenching attacks of the enemy … time and time again … huge, devastating. I’m not talking the normal, run-of-the-mill darts the enemy throws at God’s children. These attacks came with enough arsenal to carry out the orders to “take you out”. A few times, the enemy almost succeeded. The pain of hurt and disillusionment was just about more than any human being should have to bear. Yet, as I stood in the wings and waited on God and cried out to Him on your behalf, I never doubted that God would bring you through to victory. I knew the call that God had placed on your life as a young boy was meant for an entire lifetime, and God would not allow the weapons formed against you to prosper! That’s in His Word, specifically, Isaiah 54:17, and it’s now become one of our “life verses”, hasn’t it? You amaze me with your grasp of God’s Word, and while I always pray for God’s mighty anointing on you as you preach ~ when it comes, I sit in amazement at the power of God as it flows through you as one of His vessels. I love how you can interact with all ages … from the oldest to the youngest! People still love to be around you, and I think that’s because they can tell that you genuinely care about them. At some of your darkest moments, and out-of-the-blue, God has sent people from past years with a message to remind you that you have indeed, made a difference in their lives. I’ll never forget the day that you said you’d never return to ministry again; it was too painful. Within hours our phone rang, and our youngest son, still living in the town we had previously pastored in, said, “Mom, tell Dad that I saw Jason today at work. He said to tell Dad that if it hadn’t been for that day in his office when he was suicidal, and Dad took all the time he needed to talk, and he prayed with him … he’d be dead.” It had been years since we had seen Jason! Divine intervention for him back then. But now, Divine intervention for you! God has the coolest ways of reminding us, touching us, healing us! Wow, I could write a book ~ actually, I guess I will! There’s so much more to share. I’ve just gotten started!! More important to you than all the accolades I could give you honey, is your walk with God, and your love for your sons and their families. I know you are so proud of them for how God has blessed and gifted them and is now using them! What a legacy you are living out each day. Today I celebrate you … my husband, the love of my life, my pastor, my best friend! Each day when we’re apart, I can hardly wait to “run to you”! While I wish I could give you the “perfect gift” for your 60th birthday, Doug, I give you this little “vignette” of memories and an overflowing heart of hope for all the great things that God still has planned for your future! I’m so thrilled that I get to be on this journey with you … I’m ready for your next 60!!! Happy Birthday, darling!

(Really, it’s alright that you peeked in on this note to my hubby; I wanted you to have a more intimate view of who he really is!)

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- THIS PAST SUNDAY was rather unique with so many of our families gone with vacation time and graduations, etc., etc. Yet, God was there in our midst and the close-knit worship was outstanding! Pastor Doug’s message for the fathers was challenging and thought-provoking as He shared from God’s Word about the Father/Son relationship that God and Jesus have … as well as the relationship we can have with our Heavenly Father, and how that makes our earthly relationship with our dads even better!
- P.S. from last week: How we loved having the Kraus family visit us at Elevation North, as well as Mary’s sister! Thank you for your encouragement! And Zach and Justin, it was great to have you be a part of the children’s event in the afternoon! May God bless you all!
- HEARTFELT THANKS to our faithful supporters … we couldn’t do it without you! Because of your passion for God’s Kingdom work through Elevation North, we continue to move forward and touch people’s lives! May God multiply your giving back into your lives many times over!
- A HAPPY, BLESSED 60th BIRTHDAY to Pastor Doug on Monday, June 28th! We love you, Pastor D!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 27th: WORSHIP & PRAISE, with Pastor Doug beginning a new series of messages titled, “GOD’S FINGERPRINTS … ALL OVER YOU!” He will be using a variety of scriptures for each themed message! Who can you invite to share this series with you? Let’s grow Elevation North for God’s glory!
- 11:15 A.M. – SUNDAY SCHOOL – if you are thirsty, come and drink in! If you are tired, come and find rest! If you are seeking a deeper walk, dive into the Word! All the answers are there, and all ages will learn & grow!
- YOUTH: RE: FUEL / check with Justin for the date/details of the upcoming Valley Fair outing! Invite some of your friends for a fun day with faith-filled teens!
- JULY 3rd – We hope many will give of their time & talents to bring some homemade goodies / homegrown fruits & vegetables / plants / hand-made items for the Relay for Life table at the Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning. We want to support those who are battling cancer & remember those who have lost that fight.
- JULY 16/17 – RELAY FOR LIFE EVENT – at the Fairgrounds! Come and walk the lighted pathway!
- THIS SUMMER – A Sunday, date to be determined, w/Josh & Sarah Seykora, sharing their ministry with us!
- AUG 14 – FATHER/SON OUTING/TWIN’S GAME in the Cities … mark it on your calendar!
- MID-OCTOBER – WOMEN OF FAITH … “Over the Top!” theme; it will be all you hoped for and more!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- When we’re at the bottom of our rope and we don’t know where to turn, know that God is right there, coming to the rescue! He’s fully able to provide every answer, every miracle, every divine intervention needed! Be in prayer especially, for an unspoken request for a young lady, for God’s intervention! Remember Shirley, in the loss of her Aunt Olivia. Let’s hold each other up before the Lord in all things! He is worthy to be praised!!!

- THIS WEEK … Remember, “The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.” ~ William James

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A CATALYST? If you’re not sure, then maybe you just need to have its meaning clarified. Simply defined, a catalyst is someone being the stimulus to bring about a result. Or it can be something that becomes the motivating factor in propelling the result forward more quickly. When I think about people and things in life that are catalysts, there definitely are several that come to mind immediately. For you see, one of the defining characteristics of a catalyst is that they touch people’s lives and effect change – for the better or the worse. So, they make an impact on us, sometimes in life-changing ways. Today I think of the opportunity for dads everywhere to be catalysts that will effect great results in their families and their homes, and ultimately for our nation! With Father’s Day on our minds and our dads in our hearts … we must admit that either the celebration of this day brings feelings of love and honor and respect for the one we call “dad” … or for varied negative scenarios of a less-than-wonderful relationship, we shrink away from it. I believe that one of the most powerful ways that dads can be catalysts in the lives of their children … is to let them know that they have time for them – that they are available. After all, isn’t that what God, the Father, is telling us when He invites us to “come to Him”? He’s saying, “I’m inviting you to come and sit with Me, spend time with Me, talk with Me, feel free to ask of Me, eat with Me, rest in Me, become one with Me.” Don’t all of us love it when we feel like someone we look up to has time for us? That we have a place in their lives? That we’re more important to our dad than the scores of other screaming demands that are vying for his time? While gifts are fun and can be an expression of our love for our children, perhaps had more dads followed the lead of one dad – there would be more young adults with a sense of belonging, who hold up morals and values, who live with integrity, who exhibit confidence and wisdom … all because of “the gift”. What was the gift? The dad was a wealthy businessman who had his head on straight, and when faced with the choice of what he should or could give his son that Christmas, he opted for something out of the ordinary. He took a small piece of paper and lovingly penned these words: “Son, this Christmas I give to you the gift of my time. Every day for the next 365 days, I give you one hour of my time. Unreservedly. Undivided. Totally focused. Just you and me, son. It will be our time together. It’s my gift to you. Love, Dad”. As you can imagine, that gift became the most precious, priceless gift that the son had ever received from his dad! The dad had become a catalyst in his son’s life; those hours became powerfully influential and powerfully bonding, In years to come, that son would say that he would have traded ALL of his expensive gifts over the years for that one gift – that gift of time. It was a gift that money could not buy. The son became, in large part, who he is now – because of that time shared with his father. I could write many stories about the catalyst that my dad was in my life … as well as my husband’s dad, who became “dad” to me after my dad died when I was sixteen. And I have! But today I flash back to when our sons were small. I remember hearing their daddy tell them, “You know that Daddy is over at the church a lot, but Daddy wants you to know that you can come to see me anytime at my office. Even if my door is closed and I have someone with me, all you have to do is knock and I will open the door so you can come in and see me.” Total availability. That’s what being a catalyst is all about. That gift of availability from my husband to our sons was foundational in them becoming dads who love to spend time with their children and who also invite that openness in the relationship that they share. Catalysts give birth to powerful results. Catalysts give wings to dreams. And as Elevation North celebrates our second anniversary of ministry … our challenge to our church family is that each of us raise the standard and become catalysts for the cause of Christ in our community, catalysts in our homes, in our marriages, in our families, at work, and beyond. If we can give the gift of time to our children, and God tells us that He has time for us, then should we not be actively giving back to Him the best of our time? After all, Elevation North was birthed out of a desire to be used of God to effect change and bring about results in unique, out-of-the-box ways! The results will be PROFOUND! ETERNAL!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- CHILDREN’S SUNDAY last week was a hit with everyone, but especially the little ones ~ with hearing about the power of Jesus from the story in the Bible how God delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace (Daniel 3), singing lots of their favorite songs, gathering up a deluge of candy that “rained” down at their feet, having lunch at McDonald’s, and swimming & playing in the water at The Serengeti Park! How we love our “kidz” at Elevation North … and how priceless they are to Jesus!!!
- HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Merv & Kathy on June 21st; may God bless you on your special day!
- SPECIAL THANKS to Laura and to Kathy for helping us with the little ones; what a great turn-out! And welcome back, Isaiah and Nelson! We loved having you be a part of our fun celebration!
- UPDATE! We praise God for everyone who had a part in Elevation North being able to contribute $224 each to the ministries of the Lundstroms & the Seykoras! That’s what teamwork and a passion for the lost can do!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 20TH: HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all the dads we know and love!
- 10:00 A.M. - SPECIAL FATHER’S DAY SERVICE that will prove to be a huge blessing to all the dads! Don’t miss this extraordinary time of worship and praise that exalts our Father in Heaven and lifts the spirits of everyone in attendance! There will be a gift for each of the dads to take home!
- 11:15 A.M. – SUNDAY SCHOOL – with teachers who love sharing the Word of God and digging deeper for the interesting and challenging facts that God wants us to know! All ages will enjoy a great time in class!!
- JUL 16/17 – RELAY FOR LIFE … there are SO many ways you can be involved in this awesome event that honors those who have lost their fight with cancer, and continues fighting for the survival of those presently on this journey! Chat with Sean or Tina, and if you can help in leadership roles, let Tina know asap!
- THIS SUMMER – A Sunday with Josh & Sarah Seykora sharing their YWAM ministry with us!
- AUG 14 – FATHER/SON OUTING/TWIN’S GAME in the Cities … make plans to attend now!
- MID-OCTOBER – WOMEN OF FAITH … begin putting aside some funds each week! See Tina or Debbie!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- When you sit in the presence of God, whether in the still and dark of the night – or in the bright sun of the day – it’s a place so wondrous you don’t want to leave it! In those places, please join us in praying for some of our families who are leaving on vacation, for wisdom for Dan in making upcoming decisions, for healing and recovery for Stephen, for anointing on Seykoras as they minister in other countries, for provision and blessing to rest upon our church family as we individually and corporately reach out to those around us and beyond with the gospel of Christ, for a place for Elevation North to call “home” that will further the cause of Christ in our community, and for all of the dads in our lives and around the world that God will continue to bless and use them for His glory!

- THIS WEEK … Remember, “The love of the Father is like a sudden rain shower that will pour forth when you least expect it, catching you up into wonder and praise.” ~ Richard J. Foster

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

DO WE DO WHAT WE DO … because we know how to do it? OR DO WE DO WHAT WE DO … because we can? WHAT IF WE DID WHAT WE DO … because we know WHO we do it for! Would that make a difference? Hearing someone pose those questions today, struck a chord within me that hasn’t stopped playing in my spirit. I pray that is the case for my husband and I – that we do what we do – because we know WHO we do it for … and we pray that is the case for all of you who are reading this. But perhaps it’s a valid question that the Spirit of God is asking each of us to answer for ourselves, because in the craziness of this world where everyone seems to be pulled in every direction but towards God, we may not always be focused on doing what we do … for God! Maybe we do what we do – because it’s our job. Or - because we think we have nothing better to do. Perhaps we do what we do – because we don’t feel like we have a choice. More people than not, do what they do – because they’re enslaved to their debts and obligations. Most everyone has been there at one time or another. And that’s a tough place to be in. No one likes feeling stuck. No one likes feeling like there is no way out. But once again, we do have a choice, whether we think we do or not! You see, it all comes down to the tremendous power of our minds and the attitude of our hearts … of course, in the context of the relationship we have with our Lord! You might be saying, “why does everything always come back to that … to where we are with God?” Well, because that’s just the plain and simple truth. That’s just the way it is! You, like us at times, might be facing something or going through something that you think is more than you can handle. You might feel like you’re being swept under the torrential floods of despair, and you’re pleading for someone to throw you a lifeline before you go under for the final time. But you know what? Some of the very things that we think are going to be the “death” of us … are not meant to be unto death. Some of the very things we think are going to destroy us … are not meant to be unto failure. Often these very things that we fight against and struggle with, are for the glory of God! WHAT? No, please don’t accuse me of being delirious. I just know that we see things with an earthly view, while God sees them with an eternal perspective. And most often, we at first do not grasp the outcome that He already knows is in the works! We seem to have to go through this whole dramatic scenario, just like our children do. “God, why do I have to do this? Why me? Why not someone else? I can’t do this! Besides, I don’t WANT to do this!! It’s too hard, God. I don’t know how much longer I can do this. I think I’m going to die!” Sound familiar? Sounds a little too much like little kids. Have we not learned even a little through all of our trials and tests that are supposed to strengthen us and refine us? Well, hopefully we have! Yet, we need to be reminded sometimes how our lives look to God as we’re doing what we’re doing! He longs for us to know Him … r-e-a-l-l-y know Him! Sometimes in the midst of living, “we miss God”. It’s like Jesus’ conversation with the Pharisees in the Temple while He was teaching. They kept objecting to the fact that He was who He said He was. They said, “All we have is your word on this. We need more than this to go on.” Jesus reminded them that “they made decisions based on what they could see and touch … while He didn’t make judgments out of the narrowness of His experience but in the largeness of the One who sent Him, the Father.” After some more back and forth conversation, Jesus made some profound statements that should resound with us today. This is what He told them: “You’re tied down to the mundane; I’m in touch with what is beyond your horizons. You live in terms of what you see and touch. I’m living on other terms. I told you that you were missing God in all this. You’re at a dead end. If you won’t believe I am who I say I am, you’re at the dead end of sins. You’re missing God in your lives.” Right away, the Pharisees again questioned who he was – and Jesus tried to explain in another way: “When you raise up the Son of Man, then you will know who I am – that I’m not making this up, but speaking only what the Father taught Me. The One who sent me stays with Me. He doesn’t abandon Me. He sees how much joy I take in pleasing Him.” The Bible says, “When He put it in these terms, many people decided to believe.” (John 8:23-30, The Message Bible) We challenge you today to recognize that – because you know WHO Jesus is - you will also do what you’re doing … for HIM! And that will give you great joy in pleasing Him!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- WHAT A PRIVILEGE IT IS to be a part of the family of God! From getting to drink in His presence, to sit under His anointing, to take in from His Word, to pour out our adoration in praise and song, to fellowship in conversation and sharing great food, then singing those anthems of faith until our voices nearly gave out … this past Sunday was a blessed Lord’s Day! To God be the glory!
- SPECIAL THANKS to Rogelio for filling in on sound & Power Point, to Laura for the new children’s packets for worship time, to the Rogers family for sharing garden produce and for the window coverings, and to everyone who donated items and help and time to the “all church garage sale” to gather monies for a love gift for the ministries of the Seykoras and the Lundstroms! We will still accept donations if you missed out and wanted to share in the work God has called them to! We will give you final totals when the gifts are passed on!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 13th:
- 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE with the service being centered around our kids for Children’s Sunday! Actually, kids of ALL ages will be blessed, because we’re God’s children – no matter HOW old we are! It promises to be a fun morning in God’s House … so invite some friends and bring them with you! The kids are to bring money for lunch at McDonald’s, and then we will be going swimming, either to the indoor Serengetti Water Park at Holiday Inn – or the new outdoor River Springs Water Park ~ depending on the weather!
- SATURDAY, JUNE 19TH: Join Chaya at her open house celebrating her graduation from 11 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at 2030 Willowridge Place NE! Congratulations, Chaya, and God’s blessings to you!
- NEXT SUNDAY, JUNE 20th: SPECIAL FATHER’S DAY SERVICE honoring our dads! Don’t miss it!
- MORE DATES: JULY 16/17 – RELAY FOR LIFE … AUG 14 – FATHER/SON OUTING/TWIN’S GAME … MID-OCTOBER – WOMEN OF FAITH in St. Paul ~ and much more to come!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- IS GOD TUGGING AT YOUR HEART to spend more time in prayer? We encourage you to carve some focused time out of your day where it’s – just you and Jesus! Pour your heart out to Him and claim the promises He has given us in His Word: for healing and health, for provision and deliverance, for peace and joy, and a list to long to print! Remember to lift up your church family, Seykoras as they travel back home to family and supporters – and for a miracle for baby Caleb to be added to his daddy’s visa in time for their departure, our nation and its leaders, our youth as they go into their summer break from school, those who are fighting for freedom around the world, and for child-like faith to believe for a place that Elevation North can call “home”! Our God is able to do the supernatural!!!

- THIS WEEK … Remember, “When God is about to do something great, He starts with a difficulty. When He is about to do something truly magnificent, He starts with an impossibility.” ~ Armin Gesswein


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

BLESSINGS! They come in all sizes, shapes, and flavors. They invoke an awesome array of emotions. They create another level of gratitude and expectation. They are unexpected and they are expected. They come from people and places we know. And they come from unknown sources as well as from heavenly places. They are often seen as divine favor and received from God’s hand into our lives. They are timeless and unlimited. They are ours for the asking. They come for provision. And they come in great abundance to be shared. The possibilities are endless! A baby’s smile. Chocolate. A love note from your spouse. Hearing your kids say, “I love you!” Fresh raspberries. Stunning sunsets. Cool moonlit nightscapes. Hugs from your grandkids. Your parents’ prayers. A true, blue friendship. A juicy pineapple. Birds chirping their melodies in concert. Cash tucked in an envelope in your mailbox – when you didn’t know where to turn. Answered prayers. Chocolate almond ice cream in a sugar cone. Siblings that are there for you ~ no matter what. Arranging plants in a summer planter. The amazing colors and perfumed scents of blooming roses. A foot massage. A glass of chilled juice. A few moments to close your eyes and breathe easy. The sound of rippling water. The dancing shapes of white across the bluest skies you’ve ever seen. Photos that play precious memories over and over. A phone call of encouragement ~ how could they have known? The sound and smell of fresh rain. The gentle waving of our country’s flag in the day-time breezes. A fresh-baked apple cream pie. The aroma of home-baked bread just coming out of the oven. Having a job to go to, no matter how hard the work or how long the hours. Receiving new strength for each day. The promise of God’s mercies that are new every morning. The sacrifice of young lives ~ what a high price for our freedom. The kindness of a complete stranger. The gift of health and healing, so you can praise God with every breath He gives you. The ability to praise God in the tough times when everything is not so perfect. Someone paying for your meal when you least expect it. Being able to share with someone else when they least expect it. Listening to songs that lift you up above your circumstances. Singing out of a joyous, overflowing heart. Taking time to live in the moment and celebrate life itself, knowing that the next moment may never come. Making someone else feel truly special. Offering that genuine compliment. A sizzling burger on the grill. The neighbors filling a plate with grilled chicken and pasta salad for you to take home and eat while you set your patio flowers out. Experiencing the sights and culture of another country because of a friend’s generosity. Being able to send your friend in Japan an e-card for her birthday. Finding a few moments to curl up with a great book. Penning the cry of your heart onto paper, longing for it to make a difference for someone else. Having clothes that get dirty so we can wash and dry them. Knowing that others somewhere far away would love to “have to do laundry”. Getting to shop for ingredients and trying out a new recipe. Realizing that some people have to scrounge in garbage cans for their very sustenance. Being stirred to action through an anointed message. Being privileged to sit under my husband’s ministry for all of our married lives! Living in a land where we are still free to worship as we please. Being offered the gift of God’s Son, Jesus – our invitation to live forever in Heaven. Knowing we won’t have to pay for our own sins – how could we? Being able to respond to God’s call to put Him first. Getting to know our God better by opening the pages of His Word every day. Having the intimate privilege of being on a first-Name basis with our Creator and spending time with Him. Living in the presence of Christ. Sharing our very heart with the King of all kings. Being able to share His heart with others. And … counting our blessings, we top off this “blessing list” with hearts still rejoicing over our recent vacation days that allowed us to tuck in the celebrations of our grand-daughter’s and nephew’s graduations … catching up with special friends and awesome family … and priceless moments with Dana and Stacey and Whitney and Dylan in their home. We were so blessed with the love they lavished on us, the serious moments, the fun times, the silly times, the relaxing hours and restful nights, sitting around the table together enjoying yummy meals, finishing up a project, cheering for the winner of American Idol, celebrating Whitney walking across the stage, and praying together! We brought home with us as many memories and hugs as possible to hold us over until … next time … when there will be new blessings to share and experience! We love you more than we can say!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- WE WANT TO ADD our thanks to Pam and Liz for leading the worship while we were away; what a blessing to know that God was using you! It was wonderful being back at Elevation North this past Sunday … getting to be with our church family again … worshipping in Word, song, communion, and fellowship! To God be the glory, great things He is doing!!!
- THIS WEEK special wishes are in order for: Aleana on her June 7th birthday, Dana & Stacey on their 19th anniversary on June 7th (we love you both!), and Pastor Doug and Debbie will be celebrating their 39th anniversary on June 5th!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- ALL CHURCH GARAGE SALE -THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 4 – 4-9 p.m. & SATURDAY, JUNE 5 – 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. We ask for everyone’s involvement, donating items, setting up, and helping with the sale! Proceeds will be shared with the Seykora’s and the Lundstrom’s for their ministry outreaches. Let’s pray for a BLESSED sale!!!
- THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 6th:
- 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE with a powerful message by Pastor Doug straight from the Word of God; jubilant singing and warm fellowship … with God in our midst!
- 11:15 A.M. – SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES – for everyone who is hungry to know God better!
- 12:00 NOON – POTLUCK LUNCH followed by our SING-YOUR-HEART-OUT event! Plan to bring a dish to pass, and invite some friends to come and spend the morning/afternoon with us at Elevation North! The meat and beverages and table service will be furnished. So just bring your appetites and your voices!
- NEXT SUNDAY, JUNE 13TH: CHILDREN’S SUNDAY … with worship, lunch, and swimming! JULY 16/17 is Relay for Life … AUG 14 is our Father/Son Outing with a Twin’s game at 6:10 p.m. … MID-OCTOBER is Women of Faith! We want YOU to be a part of these incredible opportunities in the life of our church! And more events are being planned! We will grow together and allow God to expand our territory, for His glory!

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- DID YOU KNOW that God is interested in every part of our lives? He wants to be an active part of our living here on this earth! Join us in praying for each other, for healing and provision, for victories and divine favor, for opportunities and blessings … yes, BLESSINGS, that we might bless our Heavenly Father even more, as well as those around us!

- THIS WEEK … Remember, “Some blessings – like rainbows after rain, or a friend’s listening ear – are extraordinary gifts waiting to be discovered in an ordinary day.” (unknown)


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for You!

LEST WE FORGET! This Memorial Day weekend, Americans will take to the roads to head out somewhere, anywhere … for a weekend away from work … just to get away from it all Uppermost in our minds is the desire to just “forget it all” in our quest to find relaxation and a bit of peacefulness. We want to leave behind the stress, the deadlines, the pressure. And we don’t want any of that invading our minds during “our time away”!!! But there ARE things we need to remember … and there ARE times we need to be focused on remembering. In can be “too easy” to forget. Looking up the word “forget” on the internet, there are some poignant explanations of what that word really means. It helps us understand what all surrounds that state of mind … like: to lose remembrance of ... to treat with inattention or disregard … to disregard intentionally … to give up hope or expectation of … to cease remembering or noticing … to fail to become mindful at the proper time. Some of our elderly sadly lose their ability to remember, and certain levels of memory loss have stolen what they would have wanted to remember forever. But many others, who have no memory loss, choose to forget – whether it be happenings in their lives, people in their lives, or specific things - that should never be forgotten. And that’s so sad! There are a few things that come to mind, generally, that people in our nation have become all too comfortable with forgetting. One is the recognition that our Vietnam vets returned to America carrying a deep pain of having been forgotten while they were thousands of miles away half way around the world – fighting what became an unwinnable war … forgotten. Putting their lives in extreme danger from a type of enemy they had never before encountered, in a terrain they had never before fought in, they laid their lives on the line every single day … for the sake of freedom for others. Yet they came back to this “land of the free” … and no one much seemed to notice, or care. I cannot imagine what a disheartening, sinking feeling that had to be. To think that they had been willing to give their very life (and thousands had) … and to be forgotten, had to be the ultimate disappointment. It had to feel like the ultimate act of disrespect by their own countrymen. How is it that we can “treat with inattention and disregard” the sacrifices of our soldiers and veterans, regardless of what war they engaged in? We MUST remember, and we MUST honor! It should be not only a choice we make, it should be considered by us a great privilege … to remember! Then, there’s the elderly population of this great nation of ours, who in big part, made it what it was (not, perhaps what it has become!). You get what I’m saying, right? They are the ones who paved the way for opportunities unlimited, they are the ones who forged the trails through the yet untamed places of our land, bringing development and invention and accomplishment, ever expanding the horizons of “what could be”! They are the ones who persevered and never gave up. They didn’t shrug their shoulders and say, “Oh, just forget it!” They found a way; they made a way! But sadly enough, so many of them have been forgotten – set aside – left alone in their aging years. Now, not as full of vitality and life as they once were, people assume they have no more to offer. Wrong assumption! Given some respect and honor, given some attention and remembrance … they still have much to give. Their remaining memories, their still intact gifts and talents, will continue to enrich the lives of everyone who makes the choice to invest some time in their lives. We need to pay attention, to regard, to remember, to notice, to be mindful of those we love who are aging! We MUST never forget all the love we’ve been given, all the care, all the shaping … at the hands of our parents and others who were instrumental in teaching us about this life we’re now living. I know that every time I think of our nation’s freedom, I remember our servicemen … in particular, my dad, our son, and our nephews who have served in danger’s way. I remember … I will never forget! I know that every time I go back home to North Dakota, I cannot leave without stopping to sit at the headstone of my dad’s grave, and my husband’s dad’s grave. I remember, with gratitude and love. I will never forget! I purposely take notice of my grandparents’ graves, and others … and I remember fondly. I will never forget! This Memorial weekend, we challenge you to stop everything long enough to take notice of who and what is important in your life … lest you forget!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- OUR SPECIAL THANKS to Justin who shared the impacting message last Sunday in our absence, to Isaac who spearheaded the set-up and took care of Power Point and sound, and to those who willingly shared their personal, powerful testimonies about answered prayer! You are all appreciated and loved; we would have loved to have been there, but we are loving our week away to attend our nephew’s graduation in IL and our grand-daughter’s graduation in MI!
- WE WELCOME Tony and Anna who worshipped with our Elevation North church family for the first time this past Sunday! We hope you were blessed & that you will join us again soon!
- WE WANT TO WISH Mitch (in Michigan) a belated birthday from this past Monday on the 24th, and special wishes to Clint & Kristina (in Michigan) on their upcoming anniversary this week!
- OUR PRAYERS & SYMPATHY are with Hazel on the passing of her brother, Lawrence, this week. May God be with her and the entire family, bringing comfort and peace to their hearts.

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, MAY 30th:
- 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE & COMMUNION, with Pastor Doug preaching a message for Memorial Day that will stir your hearts and take you into God’s Word to seek out what God teaches us to memorialize.
- 11:15 A.M. – SUNDAY SCHOOL – with compelling classes that will continue on into the summer even though school is coming to a close for our students! Come and be learners of the Word!!
- 6:00-7:30 P.M. – NO RE: FUEL YOUTH for this Memorial Day weekend; enjoy the time with your family!
- NEXT SUNDAY, JUNE 6th: WORSHIP/SUNDAY SCHOOL/POTLUCK LUNCH/SING-YOUR-HEART-OUT EVENT! Everyone is invited & encouraged to bring some friends! Meat/beverages/table service will be provided; bring a favorite dish to pass for everyone to enjoy!
- SUNDAY, JUNE 13th, CHILDREN’S SUNDAY … MID-JUNE, FATHER-SON TWINS GAME … MID-JULY, RELAY FOR LIFE … MID-OCTOBER, WOMEN OF FAITH! How will YOU be involved??

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- OUR GOD CARES SO MUCH ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS to us every day of our lives! And we want to care for each other through prayer support! Let’s hold up Hazel and family in the loss of her brother, Tina with more testing, Julia and her brother, those in the path of dangerous summer weather, those we support in missions and evangelism, our church family, a “home” for Elevation North, and a return to God by our nation! God hears!

- THIS WEEK … Remember, “We must peruse the past, pursue the present, and proclaim the future!” ~ Debbie Jones


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

WHO HAS YOUR HEART? That’s a good question! In fact, it’s a great question that each of us need to answer for ourselves! Someone once said that the best way to discover who someone really is, what they are really about … in other words, who has their heart ~ is to look in their checkbook! A revealing thread will run through the ledger or online statement – that shows where our heart is really at. The entries will reveal if our lives are all about “us” … or if God has our heart, and “giving our first-fruits” and “tithing to our church” and “giving to missions” and “sharing with worthwhile organizations and charities” shows up all throughout the monthly statement. The entries will reveal the amount of devotion we have to whoever or whatever has our heart … and whether we give all we can, even sacrificially, or whether we make a last-second, without-much-thought, decision to give God whatever little bit might be left over. Another “revealer gauge” of who has our heart … is how we spend our time. There are the work hours away from home, the work hours at home, and all kinds of involvements outside of the home. But if we had a ledger or on-line banking for the hours of each day and it showed how we spent them – where, and for how long – what would that reveal about us? Would it show that God has our heart? That our family has our heart? Or would it show that those two most-important arenas of our lives suffer because of striving to meet our needs, and in many cases, our wants. Oh, I know … there is nothing wrong with “wanting” some things; after all Jesus talked about giving us the desires of our hearts. But there was a catch to being given those desires. Hear what He said, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart”. (Psalm 37:4, NIV) And just what does it mean to “delight” ourselves in the Lord? It means to “please highly, to enjoy”. And how do we ever please anyone “highly” … without spending time with them? Without being in their presence? Without putting them first? Without finding joy in them? Any relationship we have where the other person is highly pleased by us and who knows that we enjoy being with them, will grow and flourish. And out of that mutual enjoyment, the other person will seek to shower us with things and in ways that please us! There’s the desires of our heart – right there! Do you see, though, that it doesn’t happen without us first making that decision to take action to “delight” ourselves in the Lord? “Delight” as used here, is a verb, an action word! We have to DO something to receive something! But the investment is well worth the dividends we will reap! Now, back to the “giving” thing. For a moment, at least. I’ve heard it said that “we work so we can live – but if we give, then we can live.” Sometimes we kind of have it backwards. But we can still learn from the principles that God put in His Word for us to live by. He wanted us to get it right, so that we can receive the blessings He just has waiting to give out to us. But first, we have to do what He tells us to do. It’s like a little child – as we’re training them and teaching them. They put up a fuss and demand a cookie or an ice cream cone before lunch. We tell them, “If you eat your meat and veggies first, then I will give you the treat you want!” But what happens if the child refuses to comply? Well, if we’re the parent we should be, they will not receive the sweets. God’s Word has something to say about this principle … let’s see what it is: “Honor God with everything you own; give Him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over.” (Proverbs 3:9-10, The Message Bible) We will receive blessings … but not until we DO what He instructs us to do first. When we DO what He knows is best for us, then He will GIVE to us blessings beyond our wildest expectations! You see, He’s the Father … we’re the child. He loves to treat us, but He will not reward us for not obeying, for not desiring to please Him. And who of us doesn’t desire blessings? Who of us doesn’t desire to see our dreams come true? What we need to know most importantly, though; is that the greatest, most precious, priceless blessing of all … will be the intimacy we share in with our Heavenly Father when we desire to give Him our best, when we desire to please Him, when we desire to put Him first, above all else. Anything else we receive, will just be an added bonus! The richest treat will be knowing our Father better ~ more intimately than we’ve ever known Him in our life! So … once again, WHO HAS YOUR HEART? We hope that your answer is: GOD!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- TIME IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD is never wasted time! As we began our worship time, God impressed on our hearts so heavily the need to start with prayer for those in our midst who wanted to share special needs. As Pastor Doug prayed for each one, several of us laid hands on them and joined in praying over them, claiming victory in the Name of Jesus! We know God is at work in their situations, doing what He does best!
- WELCOME BACK to Tanner, who has not been able to worship with us for awhile; it was great having you back with us! God bless you!
- SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES to our youngest grandson, Miles, who celebrates his 2nd birthday on Sunday. the 23rd! Grampa and Gramma love you SO much! And special birthday wishes to Melony, whose birthday is on May 26th! May God bless both of you with an extra fun day, and blessings all year long!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, MAY 23RD:
- 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE, with a special message in store about “sharing Christ”! You’ll have to come and hear it! You’ll definitely be blessed, so don’t miss it!!
- 11:15 A.M. – SUNDAY SCHOOL – with classes for all ages – with timely, interesting, enjoyable lessons taught by teachers who love the Lord and are excited about sharing what they’ve prepared! See Jimmy for some free study tapes that will enhance your study of God’s Word!
- 6:00-7:30 P.M. - YOUTH: RE: FUEL session/activity with Justin … check in with him for the details and plans, and don’t miss this awesome time together! Get on your cell and invite some friends, because we want to continue growing your group and making it the best it can be!
- NEXT SUNDAY, JUNE 6th: WORSHIP/SUNDAY SCHOOL, followed by a POTLUCK DINNER and SING YOUR HEART OUT EVENT! Meat/beverages/table service will be furnished; bring a dish to pass!
- SUNDAY, JUNE 13th: CHILDREN’S SUNDAY … with message, songs, and fun all focused on the kids! Of course, any and all ages will enjoy this service, so plan to be there and worship with us!
- PLAN TO BE INVOLVED: RELAY FOR LIFE/Mid-July … WOMEN OF FAITH/Mid-October

- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .

- GOD LOVES FOR US TO ASK, EXPECT, AND THANK HIM when we come with needs! We should never forget to praise the Giver for WHO He is, and not just for WHAT He does or gives! Let’s lift up Tina, Julia & her brother, Hazel’s brother & sister-in-law, LaFawn’s brother, miracles for relationships and for housing, and for several unspoken requests. Let’s trust God for the answers as we seek His perfect will!

- THIS WEEK . . . Remember, “God puts each fresh morning, each new chance of life, into our hands as a gift to see what we will do with it.” ~ Unknown


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie