Elevation North has News for YOU!

I’M NOT RUSHING, LORD! (Well, not like I used to!) I told You, Lord, that I would try my best NOT to rush through 2012 – like You asked me to!) And just so You know, it is SO much better this way! I kind of feel like I’ve gotten my life back – and that’s a really great feeling! And … if hearing from You wasn’t enough, every day at my new job in memory care is an acute reminder to enjoy today – the day that You have gifted me with. Because … I am able to! I see and hear the residents living in their yesterdays, and in those moments they experience both the joys and sorrows that years gone by have brought to them. And because I want them to understand that I care, I live their yesterdays right along with them. Having someone share their yesterdays ~ makes their todays just a little bit better! After all, the “real them” is in there somewhere – and we dare never forget the sometimes- hidden-person that’s been taken into exile to another time and another place. But, after their dinner hour, I bid them good-night, and I return to living in the present – a gift from You, God, that I shall never take for granted. You’ve made me ever more aware that living in the here-and-now is a choice for those of us who still have that capability. Being fully engaged in living in the present makes our time extremely valuable – or we can disengage and waste away the days that we’ve been given. Thank You for reminding me of what’s written in Your Word: “Teach me to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12) That word, “gain” actually means “harvest” – so we’re sowing when we are aware of how few and fleeting our days on this earth really are. Understanding the reality of how swiftly a lifetime passes by brings to us the harvest of making wise choices with our heart all the days of our lives. Lord, Your Word makes such good sense – if we’ll just take the time to search out the practical treasures You’ve put there for us! What else have You tucked in there about our days? Well, let’s see, in Exodus 20:8, You instructed us to “remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” Your warning to Joshua is great advice for us today, “not to let Your Word depart from our mouth, but to meditate on it day and night, so that we may be careful to do everything written in it.” (Joshua 1:8) You tell us, “Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim His salvation day after day.” (I Chronicles 16:23) Not just one day – or a few, or just on good days … but day after day! Doing that will make our days good – I get it, Lord! In Psalm 84:10, You remind us that “Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” Interestingly enough, David the Psalmist, a songwriter himself, wrote words that a modern-day songwriter has put to music… and I love singing that song to You, my God! Another Psalm in chapter 118, verse 24 has been put to joyous chorus: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Recognizing that it is You who makes each of our new days, should definitely cause us to find joy in living! You caution us in Proverbs 27:1 “not to boast about tomorrow, for you know not what a day may bring forth.” Not knowing, I guess, should thrust us at Your feet, trusting in faith that You will carry us through. Through, to THAT DAY, that is mentioned so many times throughout the Old and New Testament … “for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” (I Thessalonians 5:2) That’s Your ultimate warning for us to be ready – for Your coming! In the meantime, You promise to “give us today our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11); and You encourage us that “we are being renewed day by day.” (II Corinthians 4:16b) Someday … we will see You face to face ~ perhaps sooner than we think! And what a day that will be … we can only imagine!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES go out to Sean who will be celebrating on February 9th … God bless you, Sean!

SUN, FEB 05: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP / Message – “Serving versus Service!”
SUN, FEB 05: 11:30 A.M. - ANNUAL VISIONARY MEETING with lunch to follow – come and participate!
SUN, FEB 12: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP / Message – “Dynamics of Worship – part 1”/ Communion
SUN, FEB 12: 11:15 A.M. – KINGDOM CONNECTION / Sunday School Classes & Puppet Ministry!
SUN, FEB 19: SPECIAL FUNDRAISER for a little girl suffering from leukemia … see the poster at church!

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . . Nadia, Tina, Gerard, Cathy, Amy, Cherry & Johnny, our missionaries, & our church

REMEMBER . . . “We may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future!” ~ E. Stanley Jones


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

CLEAN! Wow, there is something freeing about that word, no matter what form it comes in … verb – for when you do it, and adjective - for when you stand back and describe what you’ve done! Webster describes “clean” as “free from dirt or blemish” and “trim”; and the action part of the word means “to make clean”. Now into the new year and three months into my new job and somewhat adjusted schedule, “clean” has become exciting! Don’t misunderstand now, I’ve always loved keeping things neat and clean. But when crazy work hours overtook my life, the deep cleaning got put on hold. There was no time for it! Isn’t it simply amazing when you get excited about such a thing as cleaning? But that’s how my husband and I feel right now! In a few late hours some evenings and a few day-time hours on the weekend, we have been removing everything from closets and drawers, sorting and throwing, organizing and cleaning. I guess that fits under the description – free from dirt and trim. Excess is definitely out the door – and things in obscure places that haven’t been free from dust for awhile are now shiny clean. Things stuffed away out of sight are now organized and streamlined for easier access. It truly is freeing, even though it is just on a house management level. Actually, it is a work still in progress, but we are already experiencing the sense of accomplishment that comes with each completed task! But how did this happen? Well, we could have just gone on the way it was, closed our eyes to the unseen messes behind closet doors and closed drawers. But we wanted it to be cleaner. So we had to make a choice to do something about it. In this case, it meant foregoing some hours of relaxation to get it done. But the end result will be worth it all. And we are actually having fun tackling each project! Projects are easier when you have a partner – we spur each other onward to the goal! That’s kind of how I have viewed these 21-days of fasting and prayer that we are corporately doing. Though choosing to restrict myself to water and natural juices for part of it, and to Daniel fast type foods on the other days, there is something very freeing about it. There are no encumbrances of junk food or fast foods or anything that isn’t good for me. That in itself is a cleansing and trimming of the physical body. I’ve experienced a closer, more intimate walk with God - with greater focus and purpose about things that matter to Him. My heart feels more streamlined and less messy in those hidden places as God has done some trimming and revealing of things I need to change. It’s amazing how exciting it can be to undertake something that at the outset seems rather daunting. Yet there is nothing more rewarding than knowing that God is doing a great work – in me and on me, as He deep cleans me. And I love that He is doing a great work –through me, as I spend time in more focused, specific prayer for others during this fast. Has it been easy? No, but I made a choice. And I didn’t have to engage in it alone, though I would have – had no one else partnered with me. We’ve encouraged each other and spurred each other onward to the goal. And we may never know until much later, or into Eternity, what all has been changed and transformed because of these 21 days of fasting and prayer as a church! To God be the glory!

SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES to our grandson, Tyler, who celebrated on January 24th! We love you, Tyler!
JOIN US IN WISHING Gramma Mary a blessed birthday, celebrating on January 27th!

SUN, JAN 29: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP / Message – “Missions – and God-Opportunities!”
SUN, JAN 29: 11:15 A.M. – KINGDOM CONNECTION / Sunday School Classes & Puppet Ministry!
WED, FEB 01: 6:30 P.M. – STUDYING THE WORD / Fan or Follower of Christ ~ which are you?
SUN, FEB 05: ANNUAL VISIONARY MEETING & POTLUCK LUNCH following worship – plan to join us!

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES: Justin, Gerard, Amy, Kay, Larry & Gloria, Lowell, Seykoras, Cherry & Johnny, our faithful supporters, unspoken needs, outreach, personal revival, and revival in our church, community, and nation
REMEMBER . . . “The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made.” ~ Psalm 145:13


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

I LOVE THAT STILL, SMALL VOICE! Well, sometimes it isn’t so small! When God can get me to be still, I hear His voice clearly, softly, reassuringly in my spirit. But when I am not still like He desires - He’s got to raise His voice a little. And that’s what happened at the start of this year. I don’t remember which day it was or even what I was doing at the time, but I distinctly remember hearing Him say, “Debbie, I don’t want you rushing through 2012!” Kindly, but firmly. Nothing verbal, but it could just as well have been. And yes, I heard my name! There was no mistaking “who” He was talking to. It wasn’t something Icould dismiss, and I didn’t want to! Because I knew what He meant. Through these past four years, He’s given me all I’ve needed … but He’s observed me running around from early morning to late night trying to cover all the arenas of my life. And just like a parent finally says, “Enough is enough!”, I think God decided the same thing for me. And lest I begin living another year like the last ones, God stopped me in my tracks. It’s kind of funny … my response normally would have been, “Are you kidding? How else on earth will I ever get everything accomplished?” But after four years, I think I was ready to hear that instruction. And with a little laugh, I simply said, “No Lord, I don’t want to rush through it either. You know how much I don’t want to have to rush anymore.” I knew He knew - that I would need His help to make that a new way of life, though. Don’t you love it when your children “parent” you and come up with some really great, godly advice? Too good not to follow? Well, that’s what happened to us! We started implementing some of their wise ideas, and life started feeling a bit more normal. I loved it! And I actually didn’t even feel guilty for not working every moment of the day on that overwhelming long list that is continually with me. My body is finally catching up with my soul which always rested in God, and I am finally discovering some time to stop and smell the roses! Now for the last week, I have loved learning a new way to simplify my life and de-stress as much as possible. Want to hear what it is? I heard someone speak about lists ... but my way of prioritizing was to number them from the most important down to the least important. So I would look at a long list of numbers on my long list of work … and feel the heaviness of wondering how on earth I could get that all done. It was daunting, to say the least. My new way (not my idea, but I wish I had thought of it!), is nothing more than looking at your too long list … and deciding what is the item of greatest importance. Then mark that as #1. That’s it. No other numbers. Forget everything else, and just go and do that one thing. Suddenly, you find your mind freed from any other responsibilities, and all you have to do is just that ONE thing. And when that is completed, you look at your list, and repeat the same process. Choose another #1. And that’s all. That’s all you have to do! Talk about stress melting away! Overwhelming feelings … gone! And I find myself accomplishing just as much or more than I ever have … and I have more time to enjoy life the way I know God really intended for it to be! If you’ve never tried this before … there’s no time like the present – the year is still young! What is God saying? “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10a

A SPECIAL WELCOME to Jan, Beth, Tara, Justin, Shannon, Odin, Julianna, and Alyssa who worshipped with us!

SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS to our granddaughter, Whitney, who graduates from hair salon college this week!

SUN, JAN 22: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP / Message: “Part 2 –The Astounding Power of Prayer!”
SUN, JAN 22: 11:15 A.M. – KINGDOM CONNECTION / Sunday School Classes for all ages!
SUN, JAN 22: 12:15 P.M. – RE: FUEL YOUTH EVENT w/lunch & a movie; bring money for your own lunch!
WED, JAN 25: 6:30 P.M. – STUDYING THE WORD! / Are we really a follower of Christ – or just a fan?
SUN, FEB 05: ANNUAL VISIONARY MEETING/LUNCH following worship

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES: Gerard, Larry & Gloria, several unspoken needs, our nation’s return to Godliness

REMEMBER . . . “Your need is so small compared to God’s ability to meet it!” ~ Unknown

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug & Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

“THE GREATEST SINGLE CAUSE of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle.” (Brendan Manning) That’s quite a mouthful! But without a doubt, it’s the truth! My heart races when I think of the impact we could have as God’s children in this present world spiraling out of control – if only we lived like we talked! Doesn’t your heart ever ache with the desire to be the turning point in the lives of those who don’t know Christ and who have no hope? Wouldn’t you love the Jesus in you to be the answer for them? Sometimes I just want to get some sheepdogs and herd all the lost and hurting into one place and stand on my “soapbox” and tell them what I can offer them through Jesus’ blood on Calvary! But … of course, I cannot. There is no place large enough. And I cannot use sheepdogs to do the work of the Holy Spirit – He will draw them to Himself; that’s what He said He’d do. And I know full well that my “soapbox” is wherever I am at – I just need to use it at every God-appointment that He sets up for me! I already have the message of Christ … and the hope that it brings. So my effectiveness really comes from my willingness to make sure that my lifestyle matches exactly what I am saying. It speaks loud and clear, so I dare not mess up the countless opportunities God brings my way! I believe that these twenty-one days that our church family is corporately fasting and praying through, is the foundation for the turning point, the change-point that we can be to those that God draws to us. Some of us who are fasting from food – or certain foods experience some hunger-pangs now and then; that’s a normal part of the fast. Wouldn’t it be great if when we missed too many times of sitting down with our Bible, we’d experience literal hunger-pangs for the Word of God? Just like when we miss meals. Wouldn’t it be an incredible thing if we became thirsty and parched when we missed too many times of sitting at the feet of Jesus and talking with Him? Just like when we are yearning for that ice-cold drink of water when we are so dry and so hot in the middle of the summer. If only we would think about and plan for and come running for the Word and time in God’s presence – as much as we think about our next meal or that yummy snack that we can hardly wait to taste! How very different our lives would be – much less those in the sphere of our influence! Let’s challenge ourselves to pursue the gourmet richness of God’s Word – and to drink deeply from the well that never runs dry as we place ourselves ever-so-close to Jesus! It will be the best food you’ve ever eaten, the best water you’ve ever drank … and it will provide every nutrient you need to help you walk your talk. People will
start pursuing Christ because of the Jesus they see in you! Can you think of a better way to live in this new year? For the life of me … I cannot! So join me, please! “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (The Amplified Bible) The atheist population will dwindle as they see the Light in you!


A SPECIAL WELCOME to Carlos from Spain and to Malte from Germany who worshipped with us last Sunday!

SUN, JAN 15: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP / Message: “The Astounding Power of Prayer!”
SUN, JAN 15: 11:15 A.M. – KINGDOM CONNECTION / Sunday School Classes for everyone!
WED, JAN 18: 6:30 P.M. – STUDYING THE WORD! / Are you a “fan” or a “follower” of Jesus?
SUN, FEB 05: VISIONARY MEETING/LUNCH following worship
WATCH for Women of Faith meeting!

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES: Kristina, Gerard, Larry & Gloria, Lowell & family, Josh, Sarah, & family, Justin

REMEMBER . . . “When God is about to do something great, He starts with a difficulty. When He is about to do something magnificent, He starts with an impossibility.” ~ Armin Gesswien

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

FRESH STARTS! How I love it that God gives us a new year every 365 days – for the purpose, if nothing less, than the hope that comes with new beginnings. And to tag along with that, the new year is a great time to re-evaluate our lives! What do we like about how we are living life right now? And what about our lives leaves some room for a little improvement – or a major overhaul? It’s a really healthy exercise to do for ourselves, and actually, we’d be doing ourselves a huge favor if we would step back and take a look at our lives every three months. We wait too long, and then it’s just too easy to get stuck in the ruts of life. One day blends into the next. A week evaporates into a month. And before we realize it, another year has been filed away into the history books. And with a deep sigh we feel like nothing has changed. So let’s ask ourselves as we stand on this high point of 2012 – taking one last look at 2011 … how do we like what we see? Are we satisfied and content with how we lived it? Or do the regrets outweigh the rewards of a life well-lived? You see, with each step of this past year, we surged ever forward, sometimes taking a few steps backwards, but overall, we made it to the precipice that let us catch sight of the brand new year. So here we are standing and looking out over the horizon of nearly 365 new, yet unlived days. And you know what? We get to write them – by our choices. Yes, God has ordained them. And He has gifted them to us. But they are ours to live. We get to choose the words we speak. We get to decide how to act. It is up to us how we relate to those we love. We can either bless strangers with a smile – or we can walk right on by. We can share what we have, or we can spend it all on ourselves. We can invest in the lives of others by the time that we give them. And we can impact others positively – or negatively, but sharing that time willingly and fully without reservation – or by giving it grudgingly. We have the privilege of giving our time to God, our talents, our gifts… and our money. We can choose whether doing that is an honor – or a duty out of an unwilling spirit. We can choose whether we will embrace others with the love of Christ – or whether we will judge them harshly because we think they are less than what we think they should be. Or … because we think they act differently than how we think they should act. Just think – we have the choice of loving them into the Kingdom, of helping grow them in their walk with God, of nurturing them to their fullest potential in Christ. Or … with a flick of the wrist and some critical, pointless words – we can nearly destroy what God has begun in them. Alright, by now, I’m sure you’re getting the point. So now what? Well, desired improvements in our lives will never happen without some changes being made. Right now your pastor and I are in the midst of re-evaluating and putting into place some new changes that will ultimately effect greater results in our personal lives as well as in our ministry at Elevation North. We will be critiquing ourselves frequently, under the magnifying glass of God’s Word and in the revealing Light of His Spirit. For over four years now, our life’s story has been lived to the fullest with God’s help - but three words could pretty much summarize it all: working, eating, and sleeping. Heavy on the first word, and very light on the next two! That, of course, included doing God’s work which was our greatest joy – wherever we were at! But now as we stand and look from this vantage point of the new year, we strongly sense that God is leading us to a new level of rest, renewal, and revival which will explode into results that will honor and glorify God – as well as impact our ministry in ways never before experienced. And we are so excited about that! Did you notice our new theme for this new year? “DOING IT GOD’S WAY ~ IN 2012!” Were we not doing it God’s way before? Yes, we were … we lived each day seeking His will to be done in our lives here on this earth as it is in Heaven. (Not that we couldn’t have done it better – we ARE human, after all!) But there’s something just waiting to be ignited as we cross this threshold, and we believe God is calling us to “step it up a notch”. We sense Him asking us for total abandonment to His ways – from the teensiest thing to the most important, momentous decisions. That’s going to call for some focused, committed, sacrificial choices in the days ahead. That may call for some uncomfortable places that God brings us to – in our own lives, and even in our church! We know of a young man led to pastor a new work in Wyoming who cried out to God to bring people to them. What he didn’t expect was that God brought him people - people that perhaps no other church would have taken in – because sadly lots of Christians in a typical church setting would have shunned them and cast them out. People like drug dealers and gays and lesbians. Would that make you uncomfortable? But young Adam loved them with Christ’s love and his own passion to reach them. He came alongside them and talked and prayed – sometimes in places we just don’t frequent. But Adam went in the strength of the Lord and with the covering of His blood … and do you know what? These people are being saved and changed and transformed miraculously! Sure, Adam may not look like your typical pastor. His church does not resemble a typical church in the least. But souls are being saved that we know none of our typical churches would reach. That’s cause for celebration in Heaven! What will God call us to at Elevation North in 2012? We don’t know … but let’s be ready and willing to DO IT GOD’S WAY as He leads us … day by day! We want HIS SPIRIT & HIS POWER to explode in our midst!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- GOD GIFTED US with not only His presence and anointing this past Sunday in a powerful way, but with the encouragement that having people come for the first time brings to the body of Christ!
- A SPECIAL WELCOME to Caroline, to Robert and June, and to Kyle and Candy! How we loved having you worship God with us – and your passion and participation! We pray you were blessed by God’s Spirit and will join us again soon!
- BIRTHDAY WISHES are shared with Kelly who celebrates on January 10th! May your year and your life be blessed in amazing ways, we pray!

LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 8TH: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP with Pastor Doug sharing a “State of the Church” message to set out challenges for this new year at Elevation North as we anticipate all that God has planned for us to be
and do in 2012!
- 11:15 A.M. – KINGDOM CONNECTION Sunday School classes for the entire family; bring your Bibles!
- WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10TH: MID-WEEK BIBLE STUDY – “Fan or Follower” – for adults and youth for the first half-hour, then “question/answer” time for the adults and game time for the youth for the second half-hour. Again, be sure to bring your Bibles – and invite a friend or two! There will be child-care & Bible videos for the little ones, too!
- JANUARY 11 – 31ST: 21 days of Fasting and Prayer … we will be sharing this Sunday, the 8th, about different kinds of fasting. Pray about how God would have you be involved in this precious and powerful time that will break down strongholds – personally in your life, and corporately in the church! Be drawn into deeper intimacy with our Lord!
- AT THE WELCOME CENTER: Check out the sign-up sheets to see what ministries you can serve in – and be sure to participate in the giving for our sponsored children, Daouda and Tarike, from Senegal & Ethiopia! We will soon be sharing news from them!
- SUNDAY, JANUARY 29TH: ANNUAL VISIONARY MEETING w/potluck meal following worship. Plan to come!

- PRAYER PRODUCES RESULTS! We are so thrilled about miracles for Gerard,
Cierra, & Elevation North! Let’s remain in fervent prayer for the needs listed last week! Our God is on the Throne; how we praise Him!

- REMEMBER . . . “Prayer is the key of the morning and the bolt on the door at night.” ~ Unknown


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

HERE WE STAND! Better yet … here we bow down. Here we stand …right at the edge of the threshold of a brand new year with all its fresh, clean pages and all its unknowns. And here … we bow down in wonder and gratitude for another year, another 365 days of experiencing God’s faithfulness, day after day after day. What more could we ask for? He has blessed us with the gift of His Son, Jesus, who came to earth to connect with ordinary people in divine ways. He adopted us as His children when we said “yes” to His invitation to be a part of the family of God! And, just like He said, He has never, ever left us – not even when the going got tough. He was especially close in those moments when it felt like everyone else walked away. When the knot at the end of the rope tauntingly acted as if it would let loose, He was there … and He is here. Here we stand, proof positive that God IS Emmanuel – that He IS with us! And so we bow down, in pure adoration and hearts overflowing with childlike wonder at His works done on our behalf. He has, after what seemed like an unending search, brought us to a new place to worship where we can expand our fellowship and outreach and make a greater impact for eternity. We stood in the gap … and waited and prayed. And waited some more - and claimed His best. Now on bended knee … we bow before Him, ready to do whatever He calls us to do in this place, that He might be lifted up and people changed by His Spirit. Father God, You are SO good! Each day you bring an awareness of Your presence, and then on top of that, You bring to us Your good and perfect gifts (James 1:17). Just a week ago, we were standing at the door and anticipating the arrival of our youngest son, his wife, and their three little boys, ages six, three, and one. Before they came, I had prayed that we would somehow be able to bless them and that God’s favor would rest upon our time shared together. (In my lack, I always find it appropriate to ask Jesus to help me be like Him, so that in everything I do I will look like Him and act like Him and even “smell” like Him - that is, carrying the fragrance of Christ.) Finally after they had driven all through the night, they appeared on our doorstep and we flung the door open wide! What a precious sight they were! And for the next several days, pre-Christmas and post-Christmas … we loved having them “home” with us! Just being together, whether at home – or out and about, was most important to us. When you get to see your family only a few days out of the year, your heart is filled to the brim just looking around and seeing them close by – seeing their smiles, hearing their voices, and getting hugs and kisses! I think that must be how God feels about us; He just wants us to be close by Him – expressing our love to Him! How we loved celebrating Jesus’ birth in church together on Christmas Eve, and what fun to see those little boys’ eyes dance in excitement over their wrapped packages here at Grampa’s and Gramma’s house! Plus, we even had the joy of having our son and littlest grandson here right after their birthdays! Meals together, Christmas goodies, laughter and teasing, having fun and playing with those sweet little boys, looking through old photos, talks into the wee hours of the morning, and sharing about Jesus … all that and more made this Christmas visit so very special! We bow down … with thanks to God for joyful memories of family time! Thanks for coming and blessing us, Dustin, Becky, Isaiah, Miles, and Luke! Now with the last few days and hours of 2011 slipping quickly through the hourglass of time, here we stand. We know we are facing challenges and opportunities. We understand there will be sadness as well as joys unspeakable. Without a doubt there will be circumstances that could break us – unless we allow those times to make us more than we already are. Walking into the brand new year of 2012 is like peering into the unforeseeable future, a part of us wanting to know what is to come … yet trusting God with each tick of the clock, with each step we take, and each plan we make. It’s really about living the gift of another year to the fullest … entrusting our very lives and every part of our future to the God who created us and who created time. He, after all, does all things well! And He has our best interests at heart! I’m excited that we can be a part of what God is up to in this new year! And I’m excited that we can stand strong in Him … and bow down before Him! Two stances – will you decide to position yourself in both ways as you cross over into 2012? I hope so! Brothers and sisters in Christ, “Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us (a fortress and a high tower). Selah (pause, and calmly think of that)!” Psalm 62:8, (The Amplified Bible)

IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- CHRISTMAS WOULD NOT BE CHRISTMAS without celebrating Jesus! And because Christ was the center of all of our celebrations, we were truly blessed as a church family! We worshipped together, we gave Jesus His birthday gift - sharing with a young family in need, we sang the message of His coming to earth to those who are shut-in, and we were blessed! We pray that others were, too, as well as each of you at Elevation North!
- A SPECIAL WELCOME to Scott and to Gypsy who joined us in worship for the first time on Christmas Sunday! We pray that you experienced a warm welcome and the presence of Christ in our midst!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .
- THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31ST: 8 P.M. to Midnight – NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY for the entire church family, with movies, games, and all kinds of munchies! Invite a friend or two, bring your favorites games and snacks, and plan to have a great time of fun, fellowship, and relaxing! There will be a short devotional with prayer as the clock counts down to the New Year!
- RE: FUEL YOUTH OVERNIGHTER – staying from midnight on New Year’s Eve all through the night until morning and time for church! Bring your electronic games and some extra snacks! Come and hang out with Pastor Doug!
- THIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 1ST: A HAPPY & BLESSED NEW YEAR TO ALL!
- 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP, with the conclusion of “The Mysteries of Christmas” series, focusing on the Wisemen, who came to see Baby Jesus. Bring your Bible and follow along in the book of Matthew.
- 11:15 A.M. – KINGDOM CONNECTION time to fellowship with your church family!
- NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 8TH: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP with a “State of the Church” message to set out challenges for the new year at Elevation North! We are anticipating great things from God!
- 11:15 A.M. – KINGDOM CONNECTION - Sunday School classes for the entire family! Don’t miss out!!!
- JANUARY 11 – 31: FASTING & PRAYER … what better way to seek God’s face and deepen our relationship with Him? You’ll be hearing more about this powerful time in the life of our church!
- COMING UP: WOMEN OF FAITH planning meeting with Debbie and Sonya; date to be announced!
- STARTING SOON: MID-WEEK BIBLE STUDY on Wednesday evenings at the church; details to come!
- CHURCH VISIONARY ANNUAL MEETING at the end of the month – date & time to be posted next week!

- PRAYER CAN CHANGE OUR WORLD! Starting with us, the effects of prayer can ripple through our homes, our churches, our jobs, and everywhere we are at! This week, please hold up Gerard who has cancer surgery, for Elsie’s stroke recovery, for the Lundstrom family, for Josh, Sarah, and family, for Johnny & Cherry, for Shirley, for Justin, for Cierra. Great is our God!!! Hallelujah!

- REMEMBER . . . “There is a past which is gone forever, but there is a future which is still our own.”
~ F.W. Robertson


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

TIME IS RUNNING OUT! That’s most likely the clarion call of throngs of people this Christmas season as they hurry and scurry about in what seems like a futile attempt to get everything ready for celebrations with family and friends. The clock seems to have sped up and no matter how we try, we cannot slow down those hands as they go around and around. Countdown is imminent and before we know it, ready or not, THE MOMENT arrives! Those moments of having “the house all sparkling and clean” … “the perfect gifts under the tree” … “the Christmas dinner ready” … and “the fun activities planned for making memories” … like sand in the hourglass, have run out! Even with precision planning and over-the-top organization … add in the mix of anything unexpected – and the idea that everything can get done on time goes “poof” in a split-second! We were in the Mall of America the other day to meet our oldest son and “daughter” so we could watch our grand-daughter do her practice ice-skating routine at the arena, which by the way was such a fun blessing! And she did great! How do our grandchildren grow up so fast? While entering the Mall, we were amazed by the largest Christmas trees we had ever seen! A pair of them drew everyone’s immediate attention to the central display where live music was being played on the stage between those grand Christmas beacons. Standing there gazing up at them and listening to the beautiful music, suddenly our son and his wife appeared! He had sent us to this place to meet, and because it was the central focus of everything, there was no difficulty in finding each other. Lindsay was off exploring the Mall with her team-mates and chaperone … so we embarked on our own set of adventures with our son and daughter. Walking here and walking there, we saw hundreds and hundreds of people just milling around the Mall. Very few looked as if they were out for a relaxed stroll – and many others looked a lot lost – plus seeming like they were at a loss for what gifts they should buy. And then it was, “can we afford this”? Others seemed to just settle for whatever gift they could lay their hands on … because after all, Christmas is almost here – and time is running out! I kept thinking to myself, “How many of you people know that it’s Jesus’ Birthday we are celebrating on Christmas Day?” Sometimes it takes the shock of something to bring us back to reality … to remind us of what’s really important. Like just one week ago today, we received the phone call telling us that our friend, Connie, had gone to be with Jesus. Though we knew she was battling cancer and dealing with extreme pain, we also knew she had thousands of people praying for her healing! Well, God healed her the way He chose! While we would have loved to have kept her here and to see her healed on this earth, God wanted even more to have her come and live with Him. And He gets first choice! Thrilled for her, yet we are saddened by the loss of such a special lady who touched so many lives for eternity. That first day, I just kept saying, “Wow, Connie, you’re with Jesus! What is it like, Connie?” It hardly seemed true that first day – and now a week later, it still hardly seems true. But the realization of our mere morality slaps us directly across the face, and gives us a lashing of the heart, chiding us for not always doing what is most important. One of the first things I chided myself for was not posting a short message in response to what she had just written the day before on Facebook. The hour was getting so late, I still had so much to do, and though I had prayed for Connie and held her in my heart, I made the decision to go to bed and get a little rest – I would post a message for her the next time. But, alas, time was running out for Connie, and little did I know that God was sending His angels for her the very next morning! No more chances for me to do what I could have done the evening before! Oh, I know she would understand. It’s just that I knew I had missed an opportunity to encourage her! Time had run out. Now, another choice. This past weekend because I chose to do what I knew was most important – investing in the life of our granddaughter… time ran out for something else. But, without question, we made the right choice. We came home late Saturday evening and still had several ministry items to complete before worship the next morning. We did everything and then … the church blog still awaited its creation. Time was running out. By this time, it was midnight, and to accomplish the writing, the publishing, and the sending of the blog, I would still be up another almost three hours. I knew that our family who watches the “hour” that the blog gets posted would be concerned that I was up into the wee hours of the morning. And my husband, though I was so saddened at the possibility of not getting to do the blog, simply and sternly said, “Deb, you are not doing that blog at this hour – you are going to bed!” Not having ever missed writing a weekly update for the church blog before, I wanted so much to still write. But in my heart, I just knew he was right. When you’ve done all you know how to do … you leave it in God’s hands ~ and life goes on. There would be another week, and another blog. And if not, being Home with Jesus would be all that would matter, right?! A very long time ago, because God didn’t want Time to run out on us, He sent His Son as a Baby in the manger – so that we would have the opportunity – right now, today - to choose Him so that we can live forever! Time IS running out … who can we tell about Jesus and the real reason we celebrate Christmas? Let’s answer that before it’s too late!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- BLESSINGS, BLESSINGS were ours these past few weeks! Our people were blessed and encouraged by the ministry of Wayne and Verla, and how we thank them for their gift of time and travel and talents! May God’s favor be yours, we pray! Our church has also been blessed with the anonymous gift of a new sound system (new to us!), complete with mixer and capability for four microphones! May God bless this family who has given from their hearts to enhance the ministry of Elevation North for the glory of God!
- OUR SPECIAL WELCOME to Karrie, Leah, and Isaac, who worshipped with us for the first time in these past few weeks! What a joy to have you join us in worship and fellowship! We pray you were blessed!
- THANKS to everyone who participated in the caroling ministry to our community of seniors in four different facilities this past Sunday! God gifted us with great weather, happy recipients of our singing, and a great time around the tables as we enjoyed bowls of hot chili and cups of hot chocolate – plus all those Christmas goodies!
- BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS go out to Joel, Corie, and Andrew! May each of you experience God’s love & peace!
- LOVING BIRTHDAY WISHES are sent to our youngest son, Dustin, who celebrates on December 21st! Our prayer is that your life and year to come will be showered with God’s favor above all else! We love you, son!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- DECEMBER 24TH: 6:00 P.M. - CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION SERVICE; bring the family!
- BRING YOUR GIFTS for the family we want to bless this evening; it’s our Birthday Gift to Jesus!!!
- DECEMBER 25TH: 10:00 a.m. – CHRISTMAS SUNDAY WORSHIP CELEBRATION / JESUS’ BIRTHDAY!
- DECEMBER 31ST: 8:00 P.M. – NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY for all ages w/movies, games, and snacks! Come and get to know your church family better as we spend a relaxing, fun evening together! Bring your favorite snack!
- JANUARY 1ST: 10:00 A.M. – NEW YEAR’S DAY PRAISE & WORSHIP focusing on the opportunities and visions for the new year as together we serve the Lord and continue reaching out beyond the walls of our church!

- GOD INVITES US TO ASK! So today, we are asking for God’s special touch of healing for Gerard, Elsie, Bryan, Kay, and others; we are claiming divine protection for Justin and all of those serving our country; we are seeking miracles for Johnny and Cherry; for leading for Cierra; we are praising God for great results for Verla; and together, we are trusting God for every need each one of us has! To God be the glory!

- REMEMBER . . . “Christmas is the day that holds all time together.” ~ Alexander Smith (“For unto us a child is born, to us a Son is given …” Isaiah 9:6)


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

HOMELESS. It’s Christmas-time, and whether we want to look - or not, there are homeless people all around us. Checking in really quickly to see the latest posts on Facebook from our family and friends, there was a post with a “you-tube” video clip of a homeless young man who was competing in a talent search in Korea. Our friend had a friendly warning that watching this would make you cry. But I wasn’t ready for the emotions that poured from me as I viewed it. He was being interviewed before he sang for the judges and the audience, and a simple question was posed to him: “I see on your form you didn’t fill in any information about your family,” the young female judge said. The young twenty-something contestant replied, “That’s because when I was three years old, I was left in an orphanage and was beaten. I ran away at age five.” Another lady judge asked him how he lived after that. He said, “I sold energy drinks and gum in the streets for ten years. I slept on stairs and in public toilets.” He said he had even been “sold sometimes – somewhere.” His voice trailed off. By this time, the entire audience – as well as the judges - were held captive by his story. The first judge asked him why he liked to sing. He said he wasn’t very good, but he loved singing. It made him feel like a different person, he stated. He shared that he had listened sometimes to a singer who sang with such sincerity at a night-club that it made him want to sing. As he listened to the singer, he drank it all in and just taught himself by what he heard. At this point, the young lady judge simply said, “Sing for us.” The music started and he opened his mouth before the microphone. An incredible full, rich-sounding, almost operatic voice burst forth! He closed his eyes and sang with his heart. Instantaneously, as the camera panned over the audience, people were at first just stunned. Then they began crying. The judges were wiping tears from their cheeks. Then everyone broke out in wild applause! Later in a back-stage room, the judges pondered the homeless young man’s performance. One of them said, “Regardless of his hard life, he runs passionately towards what he wants.” The closing moments of the clip show him walking off stage and he is being affirmed by some stage-hands telling him that he will be cheered on by millions of Koreans in the next round of competition, and if he tries really hard, maybe by the whole world! Then he walks down the long hall back-stage towards the exit. I don’t know the rest of the story … but how I love that God gifts so amazingly those who are looked upon as the down-and-out. He has put within so many of them a hidden treasure that often is not discovered until much later. But in many cases, that special gift has been their refuge, their comfort, their hope. And most likely, because of this young man’s beautiful voice, he will never be homeless again! What’s it like to be homeless? I am sure he will never, ever forget. Only minutes after recovering from the emotion of this gripping story, I remembered how we were homeless once. Yes, my husband and I. Once, after our three sons were grown and on their own, and we found ourselves on a long journey between churches. We had always lived in parsonages (homes owned by the churches we pastored). So because in God’s time-line for us, we had a gap between ministries … we found ourselves homeless, with no place to go. All of our belongings were on a moving truck being stored for us, and we kept only enough with us to fit into a few suitcases. That’s how we lived – for fourteen months. But God, who was WITH us in that gap of time and WITH us on that journey, provided at each turn in the road, a home for us to live in. First with friends out in the country … then with friends in town … and then with our second son and his wife and our grandchildren – until God told us “this journey was over!” We will forever be grateful to all of them! Our dream and passion to return to ministry never dimmed – and never died. We would sit in a pew in the church wherever we were at for that season, and tears would drop off our cheeks to our lap. We longed so much to be in the pulpit and at the piano again. That had been our life for such a long time. But God was preparing to take us into an expanded version of ministry that we could not have ever dreamed of. He was moving us into the marketplace. And that’s another story – for another time, which many of you already know. We are still there, in fact … but He has given us Elevation North to love and to serve and nurture. And now He is expanding that! How will this story turn out? Will we ever be homeless again? Only God knows those answers. A long time ago, Jesus experienced the same homeless feeling that the young Korean man did … and the same way we did. In Matthew 8:20, Jesus said, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” This verse was recorded in the context of the cost of following Jesus. In His ministry on earth doing what the Father asked Him to do, Jesus really had no place to call His own. Homeless, yet He brought Hope to those around Him. And somehow, in this Christmas season, for those of us who are not homeless, I think God would have us be His hands and His heart to those all around us who are less fortunate. I have a feeling we won’t have to look far!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- WHAT A JOY to lift our voices in singing those beautiful Christmas carols on Sunday morning! The message is so precious … wouldn’t we love to sing them all year long? Being in church and worshipping together makes the celebration of Christ’s birth even more special!
- WE SHARE A WARM WELCOME with Nicole, Beth, Diane, and Karla … who all came to worship with us this past Sunday for the first time! We are so glad you came, and we pray that you sensed God’s presence!
- BELATED THANKS to Hazel for her generous donation of table décor for our Thanksgiving church luncheon a few weeks ago … it was lovely and provided such a great atmosphere for our church family to enjoy!
- A VERY SPECIAL HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY to our youngest grandchild, Luke Michael, on this Sunday, December 11th! Wow … you’ve blessed us for a whole year now – and we pray that Jesus’ love & blessings will rest upon you always! And the very same day, our LOVING CONGRATULATIONS are sent to our son and his wife, DJ and Melissa, on their 12th Anniversary; we celebrate your love and God’s goodness in your lives! SPECIAL 16TH BIRTHDAY WISHES are sent to our grandson, Dylan, as we join him in celebrating this milestone birthday on December 15th; may God’s blessings and favor be yours all year long! We love all of you more than we can say!
- SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS to Cierra who graduated from the University of Minnesota in Mankato on Saturday, December 10th … we are so proud of you, and pray with you for God’s plans to be clearly shown!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11TH: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP with our special guests, Wayne & Verla, who have come all the way from Nebraska to be with us! Join all of us for this anointed time – and be blessed! Don’t miss this extra-special service; invite a friend ~ or several! It’s the perfect time of year to do so!
- 11:15 A.M. – KINGDOM CONNECTION – A time of fellowship is planned with the Bucholz family! We welcome them back and thank them for their continued faithful support! May God bless all of you!
- NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18TH: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP with a host of Christmas music and Pastor Doug’s third message in the series, “The Mysteries of Christmas,” from the book of Matthew.

- FOLLOWING WORSHIP: AFTERNOON CAROLING with CHILI & HOT CHOCOLATE; sign-up today! Let’s brighten the lives of those who are shut-in around our community – with some Christmas joy!
- DECEMBER 24TH: 6:00 P.M. – CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION SERVICE! Don’t miss this!!!
- DECEMBER 25TH: 10:00 A.M. – CHRISTMAS SUNDAY WORSHIP CELEBRATION / JESUS’ BIRTHDAY!
- 2011 CHRISTMAS PROJECT – see the poster and choose a gift or two to help bless a family in need!

- PRAYER IS ONE OF GOD’S MOST SPECIAL GIFTS TO US … use it wisely this week to bless others! Let’s remember those in need of healing, provision, joy, deliverance, protection, and God-appointments!

- REMEMBER . . . “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are – no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.” ~ Matthew 5:5

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

WHEN HAS IT EVER BEEN CONVENIENT? To serve God, that is! I was thinking this morning about our Sunday School class study called, “Fan or Follower” – as it relates to our relationship with God. It’s been a real eye-opener so far, and you kind of come to the conclusion that while many of us think of ourselves as followers, in the true sense of the word we are probably only fans more often than we would care to admit. It’s easy to be a fan of something! There really is no real effort or depth on our part – other than making a lot of noise! We think a band is cool – or a sports team is awesome. We clap and we yell, we cheer and we scream out our accolades and affirmations. The closest we get to being “followers” is following them from venue to venue – or from game to game. But, to be a true follower of someone, we need to really know them, and that requires spending lots of time with them. It requires devoted study and committing that knowledge to memory. It is proved out in following faithfully without wavering, through the thick and the thin – and through the good times and bad times. It is more than being a devoted fan – until our band or team lets us down … and we just switch to some other band who is more popular and successful, or to some other team who is having a better winning streak. There’s the “fan” status for you. We start all over again, and we don’t know the new band or team any better than we knew the previous one. We just want to be on board with something that is easy and feels good. Convenient. Who needs to be a follower, anyway, if you put it in those terms? I guess it depends how much you believe in something or someone, and how much you are willing to give and sacrifice to be close to them and really know them. I guess it depends on how much you want that project or person to understand and see the level of your commitment and devotion. That becomes the dividing factor between fan and follower. All that I’ve just said got me to thinking about “when” has it ever been convenient to follow God? Was it easy for Abel, who chose to give God his very best sacrifice? His jealous brother killed him. Was it easy for Noah who chose obedience over people’s acceptance when he built the ark as God told him to? They thought he was crazy and made it their top priority to ridicule him. Abraham, with all the faith he could muster, just about took the life of his beloved son because God had asked him to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. How convenient was that? Jacob followed God to a far-off land in search of livelihood and a wife. It took him fourteen long years to earn the right to call Rachel his own. Was that easy? Was it easy for Elijah when he put up His God against the followers of Baal at the altar? Or when he went running toward the sea to look for any sign of a rain-cloud after all those years of drought? He put his faith on the line and could have looked like a fool and a liar. What about Esther, who stood before the king without permission granted in an attempt to save her people from being wiped out. Was it easy, risking her very life to save God’s people? Look at Job … one moment, the most godly, influential man in the land – the next, a pauper scraping his sores with broken pottery amongst ashes. His family and wealth and belongings slipped away faster than the Dow and Jones on any given day. How convenient was it to serve a God that would allow that to happen, or better yet, actually give permission for it to happen? Was it easy for a young teenage girl who had kept herself pure to willingly offer her body to become the vessel for the human birth of the Son of God? She almost lost the man she was about to marry – and family and friends acted as if she had disgraced them all. How convenient was it for Joseph to learn of Mary’s pregnancy and try to wrap his human mind around such divine, supernatural news? Now he was looked upon with the same kind of disdain and disgust. Was it easy for Jesus to leave the glories of Heaven to be confined to a tiny womb and then be born in a stable? What a far cry from streets of gold was that musty manger with prickly straw as He was placed there in front of the warm breath of – animals! Son of God? Most people would never have guessed that, looking at Him now. Tiny and wrinkled and in the humblest of surroundings. Let’s call for a replay of all these people that I’ve mentioned. Ordinary people, all of them – with the exception of Jesus. He just looked ordinary as a Baby, but of course, He wasn’t. Placed in unusually tough circumstances, they all became extraordinary followers of Jesus Christ. What they endured took them way beyond the status of only being a fan of Jesus. There’s something about going through the fire, about being called to endure greater things, that raises our level of devotion to God and our longing for deeper intimacy. Easy? No! Convenient? Never! Is it worth it? Yes, a million times, yes! Look at how each of these people impacted the Kingdom of God – then AND now. And we all know that we will never, ever be the same because Jesus came as a Babe in the manger so long ago to begin His journey to the Cross, that we might live with Him forever! Easy? No! Convenient? Never! Was it worth it? He would say “yes” … “for you, a million times, yes”! From this day forward, whatever it takes … may we all choose to be followers of Christ, in the truest sense of the word. Our God deserves nothing less!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- GOD’S FAITHFULNESS shows forth every Sunday as we gather together in His presence! Our prayer is that each week as we come, this place will be a safe haven where you experience God’s love and ours … where you find hope anew and strength to go on! We love how we can minister to each other in the body of Christ!
- A SPECIAL WELCOME to Corey, who has worshipped with us these past few weeks! We are so glad to have you with us, and we pray God’s blessings upon you!
- A SPECIAL THANKS to Mary for donating the Christmas tree for the sanctuary, and to the Graff family for decorating the trees at church! We appreciate all your time and talents and generosity!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4TH: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP centering around our Lord’s birth, as we celebrate with Pastor’s second message in the series, “The Mysteries of Christmas!” Be ready to sing the beautiful Christmas songs and to dig into the scriptures in the book of Micah. Bring someone with you!
- 11:15 a.m. – KINGDOM CONNECTION - Sunday School classes for all ages, including our puppet ministry!
- 12:00 noon – RE: FUEL YOUTH EVENT/pizza, games, devotions, and a fun-filled afternoon at church!!!
- NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11TH: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP with special guests, Wayne and Verla! Don’t miss this awesome time in the House of the Lord! Clint and Kristina and family will be visiting us, as well!
- SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18TH: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP with more Christmas music and Pastor Doug’s third message on “The Mysteries of Christmas” – this time from the book of Matthew! Bring your Bibles!
- CHRISTMAS CAROLING w/ CHILI & HOT CHOCOLATE after! Following worship, we will carpool to bring Christmas joy to those who are shut-in! Please join us – this is what Christmas is really about! Be sure to sign up for what you are planning to bring … chili, soup, Christmas goodies and treats, and hot chocolate!!! Stay and fellowship!
- DECEMBER 24TH: 6:00 P.M. – CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION SERVICE; bring the entire family to begin your Christmas celebration in church celebrating the birth of Jesus!
- DECEMBER 25TH: 10:00 A.M. - CHRISTMAS SUNDAY WORSHIP CELEBRATION honoring Jesus on His birthday! Start out your day in God’s House and then share the rest of His day with your family!
- 2011 CHRISTMAS PROJECT – see the poster for gift ideas with sizes, etc. to bless this family in need!

- PRAYING BIRTHS JOY! We share our hearts with God, He listens, He answers, and we are filled with joy at His work in us and in the lives of others! Please remember those on our prayer list, trusting God for His best!

- REMEMBER . . . “In all of your Christmas celebrations … JESUS is the REASON for the SEASON!”


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

SEEP INTO EVERY SECTOR OF OUR LIVES, LORD!!! I heard that phrase last evening, and something in my heart leaped in such a way that I knew it would be the springboard for my message this week! A CBN reporter named Wendy Griffith has written a book titled, “Praying the News”. We all know how upsetting, frustrating, and even traumatizing the daily newscasts can be at times. And what do we do about it? We vent, we complain, we worry, we wring our hands, and we blame others. How often do we ever pray about the news that disturbs us so? Do we ever stop and pray about a topic that made the headlines, other than tragic weather events? You’re probably thinking … “that’s just one more thing to add to my already overly busy life; how do I stretch myself any further?” I can empathize. I really can, believe me! But what I propose today is that we don’t add this one more thing to our lives – how about we just replace what we are already doing with something better? We are already getting stressed over the news and we expend all kinds of energy to make our opinions known. So what if we just give that up and every time we hear the news and feel like blowing a cork, how about we just turn that negative energy into a focused, powerful prayer on behalf of the news situation? I have not yet read the book I mentioned, but I have a strong sense that we could effect huge changes in our nation if we responded to the news with prayer each time, rather than how most of us have responded all of our lives. Just imagine America being a nation who prayed her news, rather than being reactionary in ways that drain our hopes and our dreams. The fact is: we can STILL become a nation that prays the news. What would happen if I would start … and YOU would start … and OTHERS would start? We could be the tiny spark that ignites a nation of people who PRAYS THE NEWS – rather than fears it or hates it! Wouldn’t God just love an ever-increasing nucleus of people whose prayers turned the tide of the news stories? The author, Wendy, mentioned three things that are crucial to seeing our nation changed: humility, unity, and faith. I agree, and I am sure you do, too! Back to the first word I spoke in this message: seep! The dictionary states that seep means “ooze” or “pass gradually”. When I equate that meaning into inviting God into every sector of our lives, I think of asking Him to pour Himself into every part of how we live. When something oozes, it runs into every available spot and fills it in. That’s how much a part of our lives I think God wants to be! I don’t think He wants to just be a part of our homes or our families or our jobs … I think He wants to be a part of everything that happens 24-7. That takes some seeping, some oozing – that is, if we’ll let Him be that much a part of our lives. If we will let Him come in at that level, we’ll begin to see some amazing changes in us, personally, and we’ll start to see a noticeable ripple effect. We will look different. We’ll sound different. So will our families. Our churches. Our workplaces. Our towns. And ultimately, our nation. Yes, even our news! Why? Because we’ve been praying not only our news, but every happening in our life. For every struggle, we name it and pray it. For every blessing, we name it and thank God for it. That’s a prayer, you know! When we start taking the blinders off and seeing our world as it really is, I think that in itself should be enough to shock us into wanting to do something about it. After all, we have to live in it. And if we don’t like very much about it, then we should see ourselves as a catalyst that will help swing it back to God and to the values that really matter! News is important, you know. It can sway public and personal opinion. It can set the mood of the entire country – or even the world. It speaks loudly and carries much weight. It should always be only truth. So often it contains little truth or slanted truth, at best. Yet people believe it. It is the basis for much decision making. Wouldn’t you love to turn on the news and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it could be counted on as pure truth? Wouldn’t you love to check out the news and hear something positive and uplifting as the headline story? Long ago, God gave us such news when He sent out the heavenly news anchors from HOPE.3.16 – and they broadcast live on the hillsides of Judea to the waiting world. Get this … the first words out of the angels’ mouths were: “Do not be afraid …”. Have you ever heard that when you turned on any of the news channels? And then they went on to say, “ … for behold I bring you good news …”. How we’d love to hear THAT each night! But that wasn’t all – they went on, “ … of a great joy which will come to all the people.” Not everyone understood. But for generations they had prayed for the Messiah to come. “For unto you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!” (Luke 2:10-12) What great news they heard that night! Yet, sadly, not all of them received it. This new Christmas season, may we all hear and receive the Good News of Jesus’ birth! And then … may we become news pray-ers and news bearers as we allow God to seep into every nook and cranny of our entire being!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

- BOUNTIFULLY BLESSED! That’s what we were this past Sunday! We were blessed with a great message on gratitude; with great worship and fellowship amongst God’s people; and great food as we celebrated around the tables with each other! And above all, we were blessed with the Spirit of God as His presence filled His House and our hearts!
- A SPECIAL WELCOME to David’s family members who came to worship with us for the first time! We loved having each of you come to share with us; how you blessed us! May God bless you abundantly!
- BIRTHDAY WISHES are being sent out to Sierra on November 27th, and to Deondre on November 28th! May your celebrations and the year to come be blessed in every way!
- OUR THANKS & APPRECIATION to all of our families who provided such an abundance of delicious foods for our Thanksgiving luncheon this past Sunday! We heard so many comments of how enjoyable it was!

- LOOKING AHEAD . . .

- THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27TH: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP beginning our new series of messages called “The Mysteries of Christmas” with Pastor Doug sharing from scriptures in the Old and the New Testaments. This week we will take a look at scriptures in the book of Isaiah. Don’t miss the wonder of this incredible season – and bring someone with you to celebrate the Reason for the Season!
- 11:15 A.M. – KINGDOM CONNECTION – Sunday School Classes for all ages; including puppet ministry for the little ones and younger children!
- NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4TH: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP / AFTERNOON YOUTH EVENT!
- CHRISTMAS CAROLING out in our Community - w/Chili and Soup Luncheon to follow! Watch for date & full details!!! Be sure to sign up if you are going caroling with us; and add your name to the Chili/Soup list!!!
- DECEMBER 24TH: 6:00 P.M. - CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION SERVICE; bring your entire family to celebrate Jesus’ birth in this very special gathering!
- DECEMBER 25TH: 10:00 A.M. – CHRISTMAS SUNDAY CELEBRATION in honor of Jesus’ birthday!
- WATCH FOR A FULL LIST OF CHRISTMAS MINISTRIES in next week’s church blog, including our special 2011 Christmas Project to bless a family in need of our generosity!

- PRAYER BRINGS HOPE! And there’s nothing more that our sponsored children, Tarike and Daouda, need than the hope that answered prayer brings! Remember them each day, as well as our own church families and others from near and far that we are praying for! There is such an attack on believers as well as on those in ministries, whether here in America or abroad – we really need to pray for each other! Let’s also lift up those who give so much to protect us and preserve our freedom! Let’s be on bended knee!!!

- REMEMBER . . . “May God’s very character seep into every part of your character … until you act like Him, look like Him, and carry the very aroma of Christ!”

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie