Elevation North has News for You!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Elevation North has News for You!

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

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

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

- THIS WEEK ~

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

- LOOKING AHEAD ~

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

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

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Elevation North has News for You!

“HE (GOD) LOVES EACH ONE OF US, AS IF THERE WERE ONLY ONE OF US!” Those words were spoken by Augustine who must have believed them if he said them … and we agree with him whole-heartedly! And of course, the Bible backs that statement up over and over ~ more on that in a bit. That’s quite some love, though, when you think about it! That kind of love gives us confidence that can keep our faith from wavering. And we shouldn’t have to be down – or looking down - when we know we are loved that way! Like someone else has stated: “May you never miss a sunset or a rainbow because you are looking down.” Where ARE you looking? Well, we hope you are looking UP! With that kind of an upward stance in your vision, you will grasp something very important . . . and that is that “God watches us!” The reference to the sparrow in Matthew 10:31 proves that while such a little bird is not worth much to most people – “God cares what happens to it even more than you do.” And the scripture goes on to say, “He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail – even numbering the hairs on your head!” (The Message Bible) We’d say that means that God is watching us pretty closely and values us greatly! This morning I heard the refrains of an old song, and as I listened to the words sung so beautifully and powerfully by a young lady … confidence washed over me anew, just knowing that HE WATCHES ME! Any earthly Father watching their child will step in at just the right moment … to encourage, help, protect, rescue, guide, console, comfort … and to just be there! Why would we think our Heavenly Father would do any less … when He sees what’s happening in our lives as He’s watching us?! So … take heart, dear friends … get your vision adjusted and KEEP looking up! And if you’ve been looking down ~ then now is the perfect time to START looking up! What a difference it will make in what you SEE! And to wrap up Augustine’s words with proof of their truth, nothing says it like John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” And the Message Bible says it this way: “This is how much God loved the world: He gave His Son, His one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in Him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.” Did you catch the words “whosoever” and “anyone” in each of the versions? They mean “if there were only one of us”! So, there it is: God loves you, as if you were the only one! Undivided, focused love you can count on. Love that watches you! That’s how God loves YOU!
AND THAT KIND OF LOVE is the love we celebrated on Resurrection Sunday in a beautiful indoor garden setting with an EMPTY, rugged cross before us. Pastor Doug walked us alongside a few of the many people who Jesus appeared to after His resurrection, sharing their responses when they realized “He’s alive!” We were challenged to see which response we would fit into – and more than that, to ACT on the Good News! What is our response today?
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- SPECIAL THANKS to everyone who participated and made our Holy Week services so very special; culminating with the Resurrection Celebration on Sunday morning! It was great to have Connie & Kayla & Stephen with us, as well as Kevin & Kristen & family who stopped on their way to the Cities!
- COMING SOON will be an opportunity to reach out to our community with our new church brochures and “Invitation CD’s” – sharing the gospel of Christ!
- PLEASE PRAY for the family of Bill Simmons who went Home to be with the Lord on the day before Easter, following his massive stroke less than a week earlier. While he celebrated Easter in Heaven, we know his family will miss him dearly.
- BE IN FERVENT PRAYER for our nation, our military, our community, our church, our families, and especially the many who have lost jobs or have had wages and hours cut. Remember that God is Jehovah-Jireh, our Provider! Pray about how we can bless others in need!
- LOOKING AHEAD ~
- ALL YOUTH OUTING to a Fun Center in Mankato on Saturday, April 18th; call for details
- JR HI YOUTH will meet on Saturday, April 25th, from 5:45-7:00 p.m. with Cierra Bucholz
- COUPLES “MOVIE NIGHT”/FIREPROOF at the home of Clint & Kristina Bucholz on April 25th
- MAY 2 – MOTHER/DAUGHTER TEA at 2:00 p.m. at Senior Place; invitations to hand out to family and friends are available from Hazel at church
- MAY 7 – NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER SERVICE – a focused time of prayer for our nation
- MAY 10 – MOTHER’S DAY/RALLY with Larry and Gloria Lundstrom; who can you invite that is in need of life-changing encouragement and blessing, plus an introduction to Jesus as Savior?! You won’t want to miss this service – and neither will your family and friends!!!
- PLAN TO JOIN US SUNDAY for worship and praise and fellowship! Come with your sadness, your worries, and your burdens. Leave them at the feet of Jesus! You will leave changed and renewed by the power of Christ!


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .
Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for You!

WHAT’S ALL IN A “WORD” ANYWAY? Well, according to Webster’s Dictionary, it means any or all of the following: a group of letters or sounds which represents a concept; talk or conversation; promise; tidings. For us recently, a “word” has meant “hearing from God”, so in that case, we would capitalize “Word”! Here we are just days from celebrating Resurrection Sunday (or Easter as it is more commonly known), and most people have an idea what that means, or do they really? What does “Resurrection” mean? Again, the dictionary tells us simply of one meaning: having been brought to life again. If it wasn’t for God resurrecting His Son, Jesus, after three days in the Tomb, there wouldn’t be any reason for us to be talking about life – at least, not life after our time on this earth! But since God DID resurrect Jesus, and we DO have hope for a forever life in Heaven through Christ, we need to be focused on LIFE in every facet of our lives! While we may be thinking how awesome it will be to live forever in the very presence of our Lord when we get to Heaven … what do we think about living here on earth? We’d like to get you thinking about resurrection in personal ways. Just what is it that YOU need resurrected in your life? Your dreams, your health, your finances, your relationships, your hopes? So many people live their lives in survival mode – just getting by – just going through the motions. We have a feeling that this kind of life isn’t what Jesus suffered on the Cross for. What He did on Calvary, He did so that we could THRIVE! What has died in our lives, He longs to resurrect again for us! And if you’ve never accepted that Life that Christ provided for you through His death and resurrection, then right now is the time to stop everything and ask Him to forgive you of your sins and everything you’ve messed up on your own … so that you will not only have Heaven to look forward to … but so that you will be able to REALLY LIVE with the things that are important to you – brought back to life again … resurrected! You see, just “surviving” means just remaining alive. But “thriving” means flourishing!!! Which way would you rather live your life? This Easter, may you be resurrected in every way so that you may live the life God has given you to the absolute FULLEST!
PALM SUNDAY found us focused on Christ’s footsteps prior to – and then - His triumphal entrance into Jerusalem as we followed Pastor Doug’s message from scripture. The palm branches that were handed out symbolized goodness, renown, and life in Bible times; and the people were to take the palm fronds and rejoice before the Lord their God for seven days (Leviticus 23:40). So, on Palm Sunday, there was honor and celebration of Jesus … but by Thursday, the crowd turned against Him. Jesus knew what was coming … nothing surprised Him. You see, it was easy to go with the crowd on Sunday and cheer for our Lord … but it seemed just as easy for many to go with the crowd on Thursday and yell loudly, “Crucify Him!” How is it with us? Do we find it easy to worship on Sunday … but just as easy to join the crowd during the week and crucify Him with our sins? Our challenge to you (and to ourselves) is that we would stand up for Christ EVERY day of the week, not just on Sundays – and that we would carry out Christ’s vision for saving a lost world – rescuing people from the clutches of hell! It’s OUR choice! Where do we want others to spend Eternity? With us in Heaven FOREVER … or separated from God and us FOREVER? The answer should be easy! Our prayer is that each of us will do whatever it takes to make an eternal difference in as many lives as possible!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- THIS WEEK’S LEADERSHIP MEETING paved the way for getting the new church brochure to the printers this week, directed mission funds to three worthy ministries, set plans into motion for the Pastoral Prayer Team to be activated by May 1st, invited prayer for someone to head up the Prayer Chain, and much more! Everything accomplished is always because of God’s hand upon us as He leads us!
- AN INFORMAL GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE will be held at the home of Pastor Doug and Debbie at 7 p.m. ~ everyone is invited to “come and remember” what Jesus did for US, and to express our gratitude for His sacrificial gift of His very life! Bring a few simple snacks to share following the service as we take time out to fellowship together.
- CAN YOU HELP PROVIDE some candy for the EASTER EGG HUNT that will take place right after the worship service on Sunday? Plan to fill the plastic eggs and have them ready for the fun adventure for the children. You can bring them to Pastor’s house anytime before Sunday; just give us a call! Our thanks to Kristina Bucholz for planning this children’s event!
- PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYER for Heidi, who is in need of a home, healing, and provision! And continue to lift up in prayer the ongoing needs shared last week, as well as for urgent unspoken requests!
- LET’S NOT ASK FOR LITTLE THINGS … LET’S ASK GOD FOR BIG THINGS so that His work here on earth in these last days might be accomplished for His glory! Partnership support is still needed for Pastor Doug and Debbie … and we are still praying for THE MIRACLE for a facility to house our church in – one that will provide places for ministries for every age! GOD CAN DO IT!
- LOOKING AHEAD:
RESURRECTION SUNDAY CELEBRATION – 10:00 a.m. this Sunday; we invite YOU to join us … and plan to bring someone with you for this special service! REJOICE … CHRIST IS RISEN!
JR HI OUTING this Friday evening following the service; call for details!
ALL YOUTH OUTING to a Fun Center in Mankato on Saturday, April 18th; details to come!
COUPLES “MOVIE NIGHT”/FIREPROOF at the home of Clint and Kristina Bucholz on April 25th
MAY 2 – MOTHER/DAUGHTER TEA at 2:00 p.m. at Senior Place
MAY 7 – NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER SERVICE
MAY 10 – MOTHER’S DAY/RALLY with Larry and Gloria Lundstrom; begin inviting friends!!!
- YOU ARE LOVED … by God … and by us! Join us Sunday as we worship our Risen Lord! And we declare resurrection in each of us, as well!

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Elevation North has News for You!

THIS IS NO TIME TO BE PASSIVE! None on us have ever lived in days like these before! While each new week seems to present its own set of seemingly insurmountable challenges . . . it also presents opportunities unlike any we’ve ever experienced! Opportunities to rise above the storms – opportunities to enlist daily in God’s army as we fight spiritual warfare through His power – opportunities to flourish in God’s economy rather than being swept into the spiraling despair we see all around us – opportunities to live in God’s divine plan for us, written in His heart before time ever began! We LOVE living life God’s way – the alternative cannot even begin to match up! We LOVE expecting the Divine – every day of our lives! We LOVE knowing that we can count on the military strategies recorded in God’s Word – to fight off and defeat the enemy of our souls! All of the above equates to inviting God into our day to be Lord of our day … to choose to listen for His voice and then to do it His way ~ not ours. It means that when the going gets tough and we wonder if we can take one more step, we lean even harder on God for strength. It means that when we wonder if we can actually find the ability to trust Him for THIS circumstance, we will remind ourselves that God has never failed us yet ~ and He’s not about to start now! It means that we can make love and laughter an important part of our lives in the midst of life’s struggles! It means that we can stand up tall against the things that would seek to take us down, and we can stand faithfully in the gap for others who desperately need someone to come alongside of them! It means fasting from wrong thinking and feasting on God’s Word, infusing its very wisdom and power into our minds. It means activating our walk with God and taking it to the next level ~ not being satisfied with the status quo. It means that we will allow God to be God ~ Who loves working OUTSIDE of the box that we’ve fashioned for Him to stay in. We will break loose from every boundary line we’ve painted for ourselves to stay within … and we’ll venture out into the unknown where God is busily doing the unexpected, the unordinary, the unexplainable … AND WE WILL EAGERLY SIGN UP TO WORK ALONGSIDE THE GOD OF SURPRISES! We invite you to join us on this exciting day-to-day journey!

TRUE WORSHIP as found in Revelation chapter 4 was highlighted for us this past Sunday, as Pastor Doug described the worship of the living creatures who are an exalted order of angelic beings (verse 8). Their worship is not only frequent; it is “day and night without ceasing”. The angels give God glory and honor and thanks. The elders fall down and worship and lay their crowns before the Throne and say, “You are worthy!” Did you notice all the action verbs defining their worship? Fall down, worship, lay their crowns, and say. What a great pattern for us to follow as we offer our worship to God! Bowing and showing reverence, worshipping with not only our words but our very lives, offering our everything: all we are and all we have, and speaking words of God’s holiness and worthiness to Him. Of course, He knows our hearts – but He loves to hear our words! Let’s be active and faithful worshippers, with a longing to express ignited worship with every breath we have!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- A SPECIAL WELCOME to Tammy and Chandra who joined us in worship this past Sunday!
- JOSH & SARAH SEYKORA request prayer for his outreach trip to Papua New Guinea from April 4-16; for this incredible opportunity to bring Biblical teaching to a gathering of government officials as they desire transformation in their province! May God give wisdom, anointing, and protection – not only to Josh and the team, but to Sarah and Noah as they remain home in Perth.
- WE RECEIVED a phone message from Larry and Gloria Lundstrom requesting prayer for Bill, who traveled with them in earlier years. On Sunday evening he had a massive stroke, is half-paralyzed and still in a coma in Birmingham. The outlook is grim, but with God ALL things are possible! Please help us lift up Bill and his family and join them in trusting God for a miraculous recovery!
- ONE OF OUR FAMILIES is planning to adopt a baby in the near future; be in prayer for the young mother of the unborn baby and for this family as they take this exciting, important step in their lives!
- SPECIAL GUEST INVITATIONS for the upcoming Mother/Daughter Tea will be available for you to hand out to family and friends; see Hazel on Sunday!
- SR HI YOUTH will meet on Tuesday evening at Pastor’s house from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. The topic will be “Hey, you got a call from God!” Invite some friends for food, fun, and fellowship!
- JR HI YOUTH will meet a week from Saturday on April 11th from 5:45-7:00 p.m. with Cierra Bucholz!
- LOOKING AHEAD and looking forward to these special events … pray about who you can invite:
- RESURRECTION/EASTER SUNDAY WORSHIP, April 12, 10:00 a.m.
MOTHER/DAUGHTER TEA, Saturday, May 2, at 2:00 p.m.
MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION/WORSHIP, May 10th, at 10:00 a.m. w/Larry & Gloria Lundstrom! You won’t want to miss this special rally!
- AS OUR WEEK draws to a close, let’s continue to lift up our nation, our leaders, our military personnel, our church families, and those in our community. We are not an island ~ but we are connected to those around us. At Elevation North, we desire to make a difference in people’s lives! Just like Esther in Bible times, perhaps God has placed us here “for just such a time as this!” Come expecting something special from God on this Palm Sunday, and come prepared to offer God a measure of fresh faith! See you there!


Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Elevation North has News for You!

A LONG TIME AGO, poet John Greenleaf Whittier said this: “GOD IS, AND ALL IS WELL.” How we love that quote ~ because no matter what your day and/or week has been like … the fact remains that “GOD IS” … and because He IS … “ALL IS WELL!” Perhaps everything is perfectly great at your house, or you may have received news or know of someone who has received phone calls like we have this week. There is the feverish mission to sandbag cities along the Red River in North Dakota/Minnesota to fend off the rising flood waters; our son is calling us daily with updates because they live in one of those cities. Another of our sons e-mails with news that a classmate has been given only 30-60 days to live because of her recently diagnosed cancer and present prognosis. You could make your own call or write your own e-mail with news of something you are going through – or of someone that you know. The story-line might be just a bit different, but it would definitely be all fact, no fiction. And when we hear news like what we’ve just shared, we are gripped with concern and compassion, and want to do all we can. Sometimes we can offer hands-on help … other times we are too far away. But always, we can pray! And always, we can remind others of the unchanging fact that “GOD IS, AND ALL IS WELL.” He IS, even when we wonder! He IS, even when we doubt! He IS, even when we question! So take comfort in what Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” That, dear friends, means that while everything around us may change … GOD won’t! He will remain the same, and so will His promises!!!
WHAT A GOLD-MINE of encouragement is tucked in God’s Word, and how we love “digging” for treasure together as Pastor Doug invites us to open up the pages of God’s Word each week! It is, after all, our daily nourishment! The Sunday message walked us through the temptation of Jesus in the desert by the devil – one of the keys being that Jesus kept quoting Scripture saying, “It is written … “. Jesus knew the Word! So should we! But as we all know, being attacked by Satan drains us and can weaken us. We can take heart that just as the angels came and attended Jesus after the devil left him ~ they can come and minister to us, too! This coming Sunday, Pastor Doug will be centering his message on the angels mentioned in the book of Revelation and the role they will be given in the last days. Bring your Bible and notepad! We want to learn more and more from God’s Word so that we can be prepared not only for the tomorrows – but for today! We never know what God-appointment will be awaiting us when we walk out of our house in the morning!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- THE FRIENDSHIP LUNCHEON on Sunday was wonderful ~ and we welcome Pam and Chuck who joined us for worship and lunch! A special thanks to everyone who provided such delicious food!
- GREAT THINGS are coming out of our leadership meetings: be watching for upcoming dates for evangelism outreach blitzes with an Invitation CD and our church brochure. We want to reach people for Christ and offer them the hope and peace that they long for! Plus, we have an entire calendar year of fun fellowship events planned for families, couples, and singles!
- KIDS ... Memorize Psalm 23:5-6 and when you say it for Pastor or Debbie you get to choose a prize! The BEST prize, though, is hiding God’s Word in your heart!
- YOUTH: we challenge you to invite not just one friend – but TWO or THREE . . .
Jr Hi / This Saturday, March 28th, from 5:45-7:00 p.m. at Pastor’s house with leader, Cierra Bucholz
Sr Hi / Next Tuesday, March 31st, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Pastor’s house with Pastor D and Debbie
- WE PRAISE GOD for His touch upon those in need; many answers to prayer have been shared! Let’s continue to lift up those in our church family – and beyond!
- IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY to be thinking of who to invite for . . .
MOTHER/DAUGHTER TEA, Saturday May 2, at 2:00 p.m.
MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION/WORSHIP, May 12th, at 10:00 a.m. w/Larry & Gloria Lundstrom!
- CONTINUE TO PRAY for Partnership Support to come in for Pastor Doug and Debbie so they will be able to devote more time to the ministry of Elevation North! God is able, and we trust Him fully!
- LET’S “EACH ONE ~ REACH ONE” this week . . . and all come together for worship on Sunday as we eagerly anticipate meeting in God’s presence and experience His divine anointing and love! What better place could we be, than in God’s House?! We’ll look forward to seeing you there! And remember, “GOD IS, AND ALL IS WELL!” We have SO much to thank Him for!

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Elevation North has News for You!

HERE WE ARE! The time has come … since our first Sunday worship on June 8, 2008 … to announce to the world around us that Elevation North exists … first of all, to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ! You will discover when you come and worship with us, this is a place where you are loved and nurtured to your fullest potential in Christ! We believe that God has birthed this new ministry for anyone and everyone
- who is longing to know Christ more fully and to pursue Him passionately
- who is longing for Christ’s unconditional love and to experience that same kind of Christ-like love from others in the family of Christ
- who desires to follow hard after God and make themselves available for reaching out to others with the love and message of the Lord Jesus Christ
So … if you would like to be a part of a family like this … WE WELCOME YOU … in Jesus’ Name!
WHAT AN EXCITING TIME for our church family as we continue to focus on God’s Word as Pastor Doug preaches the pre-Easter series of messages, and Sunday was no exception! Uniquely, he preached about the angels bringing the news of Jesus’ birth and peace to the world – and their statement, “Do not be afraid!” Why, you say, would you preach a “Christmas message” for Easter? Well, the challenge was given that in the midst of today’s fears - there will never be peace in this world – unless WE have peace with God … unless WE have peace with others, including other believers … and unless WE have peace with ourselves! This coming Sunday, Pastor Doug will be preaching from Matthew chapter 4 about the angels’ ministry to Jesus following His temptation in the wilderness. Come and see how this can apply to us today in our own wilderness journeys!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- A SPECIAL WELCOME to Karrie & Ryan who worshipped with us on Sunday!
- OUR HEARTFELT THANKS to the Larry Lundstrom Ministries for the generous donation to Elevation North; how you encouraged and blessed us!
- SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS to Mitch and Paige on winning 1st place in their bowling division in Duluth this past weekend; they won scholarship money for college!
- BE IN PRAYER for God’s healing touch for: A.J., Shirley, Julia, Kathy, Tina ~ and we praise God for Tina’s mom’s biopsy results – no cancer!
- YOUTH: invite friends and don’t miss out on great times of fun and learning . . .
Sr Hi / Tuesday, 6:30-8:00 p.m. weekly
Jr Hi / Saturday, the 28th, 5:45-7:00 p.m. (2nd and 4th Saturdays)
- KIDS: Memorize Psalm 23:3-4 and say it for Pastor and choose a prize!
- ANNOUNCING our new church blog – where you can go anytime 24/7 to check on our church news and MUCH MORE at http://www.elevationnorth.blogspot.com/
- LOOK FOR OUR CHURCH AD in this weekend’s church listing! You can go online, too!
- PARTNERSHIP SUPPORT LETTERS have gone out to help raise prayer and financial support for Pastor Doug and Debbie towards full-time ministry with Elevation North, and work is underway for a church brochure!
- LOOKING AHEAD:
MOTHER/DAUGHTER TEA, Saturday, May 2 at 2:00 p.m.
MOTHER’S DAY WORSHIP with Larry and Gloria Lundstrom! Plan to invite someone!
THIS SUNDAY … our Church Friendship Luncheon following worship … so bring some friends and extra food for them to enjoy with us! Call us for more details! We look forward to seeing YOU this Sunday … come expecting the extraordinary from God as we soak in His presence and find that He is everything we need for today and beyond!
Let’s offer Him our best as we worship and give Him more than our ordinary!!!

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Elevation North has news for You!

LIFE HAPPENS AND COMES AT US FROM ALL DIRECTIONS … and sometimes it doesn’t feel very good, does it? I just heard a well-known speaker talk about some rough times she’s been through, and she said that in her dark hours, God spoke to her and said, “I didn’t come to get you through this – I came to live in you through this!” Wow! There’s quite a difference in the two, isn’t there? You see, God plans His best for us, so just getting us by … just getting us through something … isn’t good enough for God! He knows that with His help and His power, we can not only get through the tough times … but we can do it in a way that SHOWS that He is living in us during all those dark hours! And then, who will be glorified? Yes, you’ve got it! None other than the Lord Jesus Christ! We won’t look like we’re ready to keel over and cave in and give up – like we’ve lost it all … we’ll look like Someone is giving us unusual strength and fortitude as we go through what-ever it is that we’re going through. And we’ll do it not with sadness, anger, and bitterness … but with peace and joy! And that will make a statement to the world around us that we wouldn’t have been able to make otherwise. We actually will look more like Jesus this way! And they might just want to know WHO this Jesus is! After all, isn’t that our passion: sharing Christ and His love with as many people as we can?
HOW WE LOVE TURNING THE PAGES OF GOD’S WORD each Sunday as Pastor Doug leads us through the scripture references for the pre-Easter message! It’s amazing how God speaks to us as personally and directly now in 2009 as when the Words first came from His lips! Pastor challenged us to desire the holiness of God; it is only the fire of God that can cleanse us. It enables us to be sent – to be used! Total commitment to God means that we’ll do whatever He wants! Our prayer is that God will give each of us at Elevation North THE FIRE!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR FRIENDSHIP CHURCH LUNCHEON next Sunday, March 22, following worship. Please sign up on the list to bring homemade soups or chili, veggies and/or fruit trays, desserts, and the homemade bread will be provided. Plan on bringing enough food for your family and the family we are encouraging you to invite to church next Sunday!
- OUR SPECIAL THANKS to Nelson’s Carpet and Decorating for donating carpet strips for the kids to use during Children’s Chat Time!
- A BIRTHDAY/ANNIVERSARY FORM is ready for you to fill in your family’s info; and we thank Tina Rogers for preparing it for us!
- WATCH FOR THE NEW CHURCH AD COMING NEXT WEEK that will let our community know that Elevation North is here! Included with that will be our church blog which will become our new weekly point of contact … and will actually be available 24/7 for anyone that wants to check in for our latest news, uplifting music, special links to provide encouragement in your walk with God, a link to e-mail us with your prayer requests and praises, a recommended book of the month, and of course, info about our church!
- SR HI YOUTH meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 ~ and what a great time we had as we dug into our “uncommon Bible lesson”! Great participation, kids!
- JR HI YOUTH meet this Saturday at Pastor and Debbie’s home from 5:45-7:00 p.m. with Cierra Bucholz leading the group; this first session will be a get-acquainted time!
- WOMEN . . . be praying about who you can invite to our first Mother/Daughter Tea on May 2nd! It promises to be a great time!
- LET’S CONTINUE TO UPHOLD Shirley Jones as she continues with further testing at Mayo Clinic in Rochester; for Tina’s mom and awaited results of her biopsy; for God’s touch on several others in our church family. How we need our Lord; and we are so grateful that He is fully able!
- JOSH AND SARAH AND NOAH have just returned home to Perth from their time in Africa! They continue to ask for our prayers as they minister there, and also for Noah, who had gotten a fever as they were about to travel home. We pray they will be strengthened and renewed for the days ahead!
ARE YOU NEEDING A SPECIAL TOUCH FROM GOD, as well? Come and join us in worship and praise this Sunday morning … we know that God will not disappoint you! Being in His presence is the best injection we can get! It renews our minds and we find strength we didn’t know we had! Let’s make a joyful noise to the Lord and let the praises roll!

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .