Elevation North has News for YOU!

RED. It’s a color more beautiful than any other! It may not be my favorite choice for all my clothing or even for decorating purposes, unless it’s for a special “red” holiday like Valentine’s Day or Christmas. But I truly believe that in my heart, I can think of no color that speaks to me like “red” does! It’s the color of ink that Jesus wrote His love letter to me with … well, actually, that ink was His blood that spilled from His brow and His body as He hung there on Calvary. That “red” stained the wooden cross and drops fell to the ground below, but the real beauty of Jesus’ blood is that it literally wrote the “check” that paid for the debt that my sins incurred. That check written in red was worth far more than the recent “Mega-Millions Lottery Check” that will be divided amongst only a few winners. Jesus’ blood that washed away my sins and gave me the promise of a forever life in heaven … is the most beautiful hue in the whole wide world! And it wrote a mega-check large enough to include everyone who chooses to receive a part of it. My part - your part is actually the whole of it – everyone gets it all! It’s power is so totally transforming that it not only washed away my sins of the past – but it will continue to wash me clean until that incredible moment when I walk into heaven and I get that first glance of Jesus’ face – and those nail-scarred hands and feet. I am sure I will fall to my knees in sheer wonder and pure gratitude. He’ll have to read my heart, because my lips will speak no words. None will be adequate, no matter how lofty they might have sounded on earth. But the “red” would have been worthless had there not been a “light” early that Sunday morning when Jesus was raised from the dead. LIGHT. There has never been as intense or electrifying a light as when Jesus’ body was resurrected from death to life. It flowed from heaven to earth. It pierced that darkness of the grave. It shouted victory over death. The Light that was Life infused breath into Jesus’ very being, and He sat up, His grave cloths falling off. One final act before He walked out into the light of day: standing, He folded neatly the cloths that had just covered His lifeless body. He placed them there in the tomb on the stone where He had laid. The folded strips of linen meant one thing: “It is finished!” It was … and with that, He turned and walked out of the tomb and back into the lives of His disciples and others. There was work to be done, and the Light needed to be shared with the world. God’s plan was that the Light in the tomb that Resurrection Sunday morning would spread beams of light all around the world … through you and through me. JESUS IN US. His blood cleanses and erases every dirty sin from us. FROM us. The Light of the world lives in us. IN us. He holds out His nail-scarred hands and speaks Peace to us. TO us. The resurrected Jesus empowers us to live as joyful overcomers in a world filled with alarm and fear. And because Jesus lives … we have every reason to CELEBRATE!!! He LIVES. HE lives. HE LIVES!!! Let’s shout to our world that CHRIST IS RISEN! He is risen, indeed! (Luke 24:6)

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES to Darrius on April 2nd and to Jimmy on April 5th; may God bless you both!

SUN, APR 08: 10:00 A.M. – RESURRECTION SUNDAY WORSHIP CELEBRATION! Join us in praises!!!
WED, APR 11: 6:30 P.M. - STUDYING THE WORD together; bring your Bibles and expect a great time!
SUN, APR 15: 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE, beginning a new series of exciting messages from God’s Word!
SUN, APR 15: 11:15 A.M. – KINGDOM CONNECTION CLASSES & Puppet Ministry!
SAT, MAY 05: 2:00 P.M. – MOTHER/DAUGHTER COUNTRY GARDEN GETAWAY – who can you invite?!

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . . Chuck, Julia, Tina, Cherry & Johnny, Lafawn’s cousin, Gerard’s family, and Justin

REMEMBER . . . “God will never let you be shaken or moved from your place near His heart.” ~ Joni Eareckson Tada

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

WHAT DOES YOUR CROSS LOOK LIKE? I love it that we have crosses in the name of our church … because it is a continual reminder of what we are here for! Long ago there was that big, rough-hewn, heavy wooden beam and cross-beam that was destined to hold the body of Jesus – that’s what we “see” whenever we think of a cross, right? Or at least, we should! What reason on earth was THAT cross for - if not for all of us to share the love of Christ as demonstrated on the Cross of Calvary? Accessing the power that comes from what happened on that Cross makes all the difference when it comes to carrying OUR crosses! And we all have them, right … at least one! Sometimes more! So, again I ask … what does your cross look like? My husband and I hear lots of stories from people – and we always try to listen with our hearts. And in doing so, we’ve seen crosses that have taken lots of different shapes in recent days. One cross holds a broken relationship, and now you feel so all alone. Will your life ever be the same? Another one holds the anxieties of fighting to save your home – and you are hoping and praying you won’t lose it all. There’s a cross that holds the pain of separation … from the young son you’ve just had to part with when God called him Home. Even with your incredible faith in God, there are moments the weight of your cross is almost crushing. And today, my husband witnessed someone carrying yet another kind of cross. Here was a young man, barely in mid-life, whose career had plummeted to non-existence when his company had a major lay-off a few years ago. Over-qualified for every job he sought after, no one would hire him. His young wife left with their small children and moved back to where her family was. Funds ran low … and then ran out. Today he stood in a convenience store, looking a bit unshaven and empty. My husband noticed – his car. It gave away tell-tale signs that he was living in it. And so my friendly husband who doesn’t know a stranger, asked him about his life – and he spilled out his sad story. His cross was heavy and it was stained with a forlorn sadness. The other day I had a voice-mail that almost made me cry – for I could hear the loneliness that painted her cross, at least for that point in time. Usually she is positive and upbeat; but even strong, amazing ladies carry crosses sometimes. I could tell she was missing her husband. Crosses, all sizes. Crosses, many reasons. But every one of them diminishes in the shadow of the Cross that stood on Golgotha so long ago. If it weren’t for that cross … every one of these crosses would destroy and bury us without a hope. But dear ones, there WAS a reason for that Cross – for where you are at today …right now! That reason was Someone giving His very life-blood so that all of your crosses would also become symbols of victory. It speaks boldly of a way to live forever, of rescued relationships, redeemed debt, unexplainable comfort, restored favor, filled hearts. And so much more! Every drop of blood that ran from His body and from that Cross, held within it the power to gift us with freedom and joy forevermore! Death turned into Life! Both the cross and the tomb – are EMPTY! So will our crosses be! No longer burdens to weigh us down, they will allow us to cry out, “Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift!” So go now and take another look at your cross!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

WELCOME BACK to Kathy’s mom, Dolly, who joined us in worship this past Sunday! May God bless you!

SUN, APR 01: 10:00 A.M. – PALM SUNDAY PRAISE & WORSHIP / Message: “The Touch of Jesus”
SUN, APR 01: 11:15 A.M. – KINGDOM CONNECTION CLASSES and Puppet Ministry!
FRI, APR 06: 7:00 P.M. – GOOD FRIDAY COMMUNION SERVICE – join us for this time of remembrance!
SAT, APR 07: 10:30 A.M. – KIDZ RESURRECION CELEBRATION - a cross, stories, candy, pizza and more! Invite friends!
SUN, APR 08: 10:00 A.M. – RESURRECTION SUNDAY WORSHIP – He is Risen!!!
SAT, MAY 05: 2:00 P.M. – MOTHER/DAUGHTER COUNTRY GARDEN GETAWAY – mark it on your calendar!

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . . Chuck, Gerard’s family, Tina, Justin, reaching out to the lost, several unspoken needs & praises!

REMEMBER . . . “I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palm of my hands.” (Isaiah 49:15-16 NRSV)

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

I HEARD YOUR CRY. And my heart melted into a million pieces for what you were feeling at the moment my phone call reached you. We have prayed for your Gerard … your 21 year old son whom we’ve never met, and have unashamedly fallen in love with the incredible person he is! We’ve never met him, never known him … yet we feel like we do! We’ve walked the final months of his battle with cancer – lifting him and all of you up in prayer, trusting God for a supernatural miracle. We could tell how much you love him. And what a band of prayer warriors, friends, and supporters he had – besides his family who adored him! While we prayed, he ran the race, he stayed the course, he kept his eye on the prize – perhaps not knowing exactly where or when he would receive it … here on earth, or there in heaven. Now – or at a ripe old age. He just knew he’d win it, though! And win it, he did, as he drew his last breath on this side … for when he inhaled the next breath, it was filled with life like he’s never known before! His young life on earth impacted his family, friends, acquaintances, surgeons, and staff – and they will forever be changed because of who Gerard was. He packed some powerful living in those short 21 years, and now God is unpacking all kinds of amazing surprises for Gerard! As much as he doted on his family, now that he has stepped into heaven, looked into the face of Jesus, and walked into his forever home … there’s no way he would want to come back! What he would really say is, “Hey, I’m hanging out here for a really long time, so I’ll be counting down the days ‘til you can come and be with me again. I’m waiting … and I’m getting ready for all of you! Don’t you dare disappoint me and not show up! I’ll give you a personal tour – and hey, if you wanna know if heaven is real … just ask me – and be ready to listen to my unbelievable stories! But you know me, you know you can believe me! I’ll see you soon! Just make sure you say “yes” to Jesus like I did!” I HEARD HER CRY. It echoed down through the ages, but I heard it tonight. And my heart bled for what she must have felt at the very moment she heard her Son cry out, “It is finished!” She had been with Him through the struggles that being both Son of God and Son of man had thrust upon Him, and through that all, He was her child. Even as a grown man, He was her child. A mother’s heart never changes with each passing birthday of her child. The love only increases. Yes, He was her child, but He belonged to God. And now He seemed to have been overtaken by the sins of the world. While those standing by saw this Man dying on a rough-hewn cross … this mother, heartbroken at the moment, knew there was more to His life. She knew there was more to come! She just had to wait a little while. So while she grieved for the momentary loss, her heart connected to the Promise that He would live again! And He DID! Three days later, life filled His body, and that was her prize … and ours! We get to LIVE! Forever! You see, when Jesus was on the cross, Gerard was on His mind! And because Gerard one day said “yes” to Jesus, he gets to live with Him forever! God must have decided He couldn’t wait any longer for Gerard to arrive … what a Resurrection Sunday it will be!!!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

A SPECIAL WELCOME to Jeremy and Christina who worshipped with us for the first time recently! God bless you!

SUN, MAR 25: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP / Message: “The Characteristics of Jesus” - invite someone!
SUN, MAR 25: 11:15 A.M. – Women of Faith Meeting/Men’s Round-Table Discussion/Youth Class/Puppet Ministry
SUN, MAR 25: 6:00 P.M. – BAPTISMAL SERVICE at Victory Church; call Pastor D if you are interested!
WED, MAR 28: 6:30 P.M. – Pre-Easter Bible Study on “Christ’s Final Words on the Cross” – join us!
SUN, APR 01: 10:00 A.M. – PALM SUNDAY PRAISE & WORSHIP / Message: “The Touch of Jesus”
FRI, APR 06: 7:00 P.M. – GOOD FRIDAY COMMUNION SERVICE
COMING: SAT, APR 07: Kidz Resurrection Celebration / SUN, APR 08: Resurrection Sunday Worship
SAT, MAY 05: 2:00 P.M. – MOTHER/DAUGHTER COUNTRY GARDEN GETAWAY – plan now to attend!

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . . Cherry & Johnny, Gerard’s family, Tina, Chuck, Justin, Lundstroms, Seykoras

REMEMBER . . . “Jesus’ final prayer was about you. His final pain was for you. His final passion was you.” (Max Lucado)

Serving Christ Joyfully,

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

IMAGES. Do you ever get an image of something that comes before your eyes – and it seems so very real? Last weekend my husband and I were enjoying a few rare hours of together time out-of-town. The day was sunny and gorgeous, but our spirits were fighting a thick cloud of heaviness. It’s strange how, left undealt with, that can steal away joy and laughter. We sauntered into the Christian bookstore and began browsing through the many products filling aisle after aisle. As we neared the far wall, the beautiful art décor caught our eyes, and we stopped for a closer look. Banners, paintings, lithographs … step after step we looked at the images and read the words. Such powerful messages of encouragement, we mused. Then, I looked up at an especially large painting, and I saw the words, “Cloud of Witnesses”. What I saw made my heart skip a beat and I swallowed hard, my eyes blinking back tears. In the center of the painting, was a pastor standing behind a pulpit preaching from God’s Word. I know that in itself is nothing unusual. But the entire painting was filled with other people. My eyes scanned from left to right, and I saw Moses … he was holding the TenCommandments. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph stood near. No, I couldn’t have called each of them by name because I recognized their faces. But some familiar connection to what is recorded about their lives made me realize that here stood many of the patriarchs and heroes of the Bible. There were some of the disciples, and there stood Peter, James, and John, (I assumed). These servants of God actually filled the front of the church in the painting, surrounding the pastor as he preached. But my eyes stopped roving o’er the painting the moment I saw Him. Yes, it was Jesus, and there He stood – right beside the pastor – with His right hand on the pastor’s shoulder. That verse from God’s Word that I’ve read countless times, leaped off the painting and into my heart! Somehow the words of that verse came to life before my very eyes, and I couldn’t help but think, “O Lord, that we would ‘see’ what You see when we are doing what you’ve called us to do – be it preaching or anything else! Help us to know that we never stand alone, whether it is behind the pulpit – or behind a counter, desk, steering wheel – or anywhere else. Whether we are at the top of our game … or at the bottom of the pit trying to see out, we are surrounded by this great cloud of witnesses, and You are standing the closest! I didn’t imagine it. I didn’t make it up. It’s recorded in YOUR Word! Help us to see the reality and the power of it, Lord! “Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (who have borne testimony to the Truth), let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us. Looking away (from all that will distract) to Jesus, Who is the Leader and Source of our faith (giving the first incentive for our belief) and is also its Finisher (bringing it to maturity and perfection). He, for the joy (of obtaining the prize) that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2) I pray you will always see the image of the cloud of witnesses surrounding YOU!!!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

A BLESSED BIRTHDAY to Pam on March 22nd; and ANNIVERSARY WISHES to James & Tina on March 24th!
SPECIAL THANKS to all from “Project Jeff” who was so touched & grateful for ALL the food we delivered to him!

SUN, MAR 18: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP / Message: “Great Expectations of Jesus”
SUN, MAR 18: 11:15 A.M. – KINGDOM CONNECTION / Sunday School Classes and Puppet Ministry
WED, MAR 21: 6:30 P.M. – Pre-Easter Bible Study on “Christ’s Final Words on the Cross” – come and be a part!
SUN, MAR 25: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP / Women of Faith Meeting / 6:00 P.M. BAPTISMAL SERVICE
SAT, MAY 05: 2:00 P.M. – MOTHER/DAUGHTER GARDEN GET-AWAY … exciting details to come shortly!

PRAYER OPPORTUNTIES . . . Cherry & Johnny, Chuck, Gerard, Danny, Tina, Lundstroms, Seykoras, many unspoken
REMEMBER . . . “You are … infinitely dear to the Father, unspeakably precious to Him. You are never, not for one second, alone.” ~ Norman F. Dowty

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

WHAT CAN WE GIVE YOU, JESUS? You’ve given us so much! Since you never slumber nor sleep – do You stay awake just thinking of more delightful surprises and gifts so amazing that we’ll totally ooh and aah when we receive them? We feel as if we have nothing to offer You in comparison to what You shower upon us. And You do it day after day after day, unceasingly. Faithfully. What you give is not little or chintzy or cheap. The things You bring to us are priceless and meaningful and lasting. Sometimes they are life-changing. We stand in awe of the Giver of gifts. Yes, we stand in awe of You, Lord. Sure, we love the gifts You give us – they make life much more enjoyable, even outstanding and unforgettable. But we’ve learned the secret of loving the Giver far more than the gifts He gives. For without the Giver, the gifts are worth nothing. They are meaningless. In the first place, no one can give gifts like You can. No one else has that capability. Consider the gift of life. The air that we breathe. The gift of living forever with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit! Our journey on this earth. All of its opportunities, adventures, and joys! The hope of Heaven. The gift of precious family and life-long friends to share this journey with! Healing and health. Grace, mercy, and peace. The gift of forgiveness! Sight to behold the wonders of God’s creation – and hearing to experience it with. The ability to create experiences, and a memory with which to capture them and hold them in our hearts and minds. Birthing new generations to come. Leaving legacies behind to impact those who follow. And living life to the fullest in the years between. Discovering our talents and unleashing our dreams. Following hard after God and making Him part of our everyday lives. All of these good and perfect gifts come from the Father above (James 1:17) and receiving them makes us want to give our very best back to Him! Suddenly we realize that loving You comes as naturally as breathing! There comes a time when spending time with You becomes more important than doing our own thing – whatever that might be at the time. We find ourselves listening for Your voice – and hearing it above the noises of this world. There’s no voice sweeter. And You accept our longing for Your presence as a gift from us that You highly treasure. Does that really mean so much to You, God? Yes, it seems to touch You deeply. You know us so well, and You totally know our imperfections … yet You long to have us gift You with our undivided attention. Is that really such a huge sacrifice for us to make? It should be the greatest joy and privilege of our lives just to sit at Your feet! In these weeks just preceding Resurrection Sunday, our hearts turn evermore towards Your suffering as the Cross loomed largely in front of You. And we find ourselves forever grateful for what You did, Jesus. Our hearts thrill at the knowledge that You came forth from the Tomb, leaving it EMPTY. With those steps from the dark tomb into the light, You brought to us all that we will ever need to live the most glorious lives ever – here on earth, as well as in Heaven! So while we’re here, we want to bring You our lives as “living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to You”! (Romans 12:1) That’s what we can give!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES to Nancy, who will be celebrating on March 15th! God bless you, Nancy!
A SPECIAL WELCOME to Butch & Renee, and Katy - who worshipped with us for the first time this past Sunday!
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME begins – turn your clocks back on Saturday night for Sunday morning, the 11th!

SUN, MAR 11: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP / Message: “The Names of Jesus”
“PROJECT JEFF” – this is your last opportunity to bring in non-perishable food items to help meet the need!
WED, MAR 14: 6:30 P.M. – Pre-Easter Bible Study on “Christ’s Final Words on the Cross” – join us!
SUN, MAR 18: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP / Message: “Great Expectations of Jesus”

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . . Chuck, Tina, Gerard, Justin, Johnny & Cherry, Lundstroms, Seykoras, unspoken

REMEMBER . . . “God gives us new life – not just for today, but for tomorrow and every day after that.” ~ Unknown

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

WAITING! They’re coming! In the early hours of the morning, I am sitting here while I wait - listening to the rain coming down in drenching bursts of huge drops … then suddenly, it all stops. All is quiet. Then as suddenly as it stopped … it starts again. Noisily pouring down! But I am sitting here on purpose. Our youngest son and five of his friends are making the long trip from western Nebraska to this part of Minnesota to attend a friend’s wedding in the Cities this weekend. And when they are not there – they will be here with us! It will be like old times – when he was in high school and suddenly our house would be filled with lots of guys, the noisiness of rowdy laughter and fun, and of course, music. Always music! Years later, music still ties these guys together. The groom was a part of their band before moving to the Cities. So … we’ll pack in as much fun and laughter as we can – and make some new memories with our son and with all these young men who love the Lord and serve Him! It will be great to hear the stories of what God is up to in their lives! It’s funny (not really!) when suddenly God reveals the tactics He is using to get some new stories written, like in our own lives these past several weeks! Perhaps “unique” is a better word to describe the style God has been using on us recently. While God is tender and loving and kind, He can definitely step up the pace and turn up the volume – and even use a certain tone of voice with a certain choice of words to get our attention! That’s exactly what He’s been up to in our lives since the first of the year! He speaks. And we listen to the reverberating sound of His voice. We can’t miss it! He’s not angry-sounding. But He’s right to the point … and no matter what else is going on in our lives, we realize it’s time to halt everything and get busy with what HE wants accomplished NOW! Let me tell you, He’s been churning out the work, the planning, the projects. And He’s been turning out some planned work on us. He’s stretching our abilities, enlarging our creativity, pushing us into new arenas, and expanding our faith – blowing it way out of our normal proportions! But … it’s all good! His re-arranging changes are always good. Not always comfortable at first – but good! You see, when we finally get adjusted to where He has already stretched us to … He doesn’t want us to stay in that spot forever. He’s got more ahead for us. Much more. But we’ll never realize it or see it come to fulfillment – if we just stay where we’re at. So, He uses a variety of ways to get us to move forward. And sometimes it comes through the voice of someone that God uses to bring us up short – real quick-like! And all we can say is, “We’re sorry, Lord! Sorry for lagging behind You – not intentionally, of course … but because other things pull us here and there, we can easily miss the precise place that we’re supposed to be right then. It seems like our lives have so MANY tracks, God – just help us get on the track that YOU want us on for this moment in time!” He’s answering - and now that He’s getting us there, we can HARDLY WAIT to see what is up ahead!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

LOVING BIRTHDAY WISHES to our daughter-in-love, Becky, (March 4th), and to our grandson, Wade, (March 7th!)
SPECIAL THANKS to Hazel for the perfect dessert & finishing touches on the Couples Dinner-Out last Sunday!

SUN, MAR 04: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP / MESSAGE: “The Claims of Christ”
SUN, MAR 04: 11:15 A.M. – KINGDOM CONNECTION / Sunday School Classes & Puppet Ministry!
SUN, MAR 04: RE: FUEL YOUTH EVENT following church; bring your money for lunch and invite some friends!!
WED, MAR 07: 6:30 P.M. – Pre-Easter Bible Study on “Christ’s Final Words on the Cross”
SUN, MAR 11: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP / MESSAGE: “The Names of Jesus”
WATCH FOR MINISTRY EVENTS for the month of March – schedules are being finalized!

PRAYER OPPORTUNTIES . . . Chuck, David, Kelly, Tina, Gerard, Justin, Lundstroms, Seykoras, unspoken requests

REMEMBER . . . “I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

PRIVILEGES. They usually come with connections to royalty or status – bestowed on descendants of esteemed lineage. Or they can come in any surroundings – because they’ve been earned. Privileges are special advantages, special favors, special treatment. In royal families, privileges come with the position and are passed down to every member of the blood-line – deserved or undeserved. You receive them because of “who” you are. Those of us who do not come from royalty, know that it is our commitment to excellence, loyalty, and hard work that sometimes puts us in line for privileges. Perhaps we are shown privileges in our jobs or careers, or in our relationships with family or friends. At times, we are given privileges because we have shown that we can be counted on. Other times, it’s our gifts and talents that connect us to privileges. So, basically, those of us who are non-royalty people receive privileges only because we have done something to earn them. But, then again, who says we are not royalty? Who says we do not come from a special blood-line? I’ve done the research for you … and you will be thrilled to know … that you ARE royalty! Well, that’s if God is your Father … and Jesus is your Savior and your Brother! That makes us children of the King! And not just any king – but the King of all kings! Sometimes I wonder if I or anyone else really grasps the totality of what it truly means to be called a child of God. And not just “called” – but to “be” – literally BE - a child of the King! Let’s see how God’s Word explains it in the Gospel of John chapter 1, starting with verse 12: But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name – Who owe their birth neither to bloods nor to the will of the flesh (that of physical impulse) nor to the will of man (that of a natural father), but to God. (They are born of God!) And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacle (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we (actually) saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth.” (through verse 14, the Amplified Bible) Then verse 16 goes on to say, “For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received (all had a share and we were all supplied with) one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift (heaped) upon gift.” Later, we are told in Galatians 3:29 that if we belong to Christ, we are heirs according to the promise. Are you starting to feel like royalty? Romans chapter 8, verses 16-17 tell us this: “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.” There’s proof – that we get to share everything that our Father has … everything from the suffering to the glory! And the glory? That’s our inheritance - sharing in His glory now – and into Eternity! So let’s start taking advantage of those royal privileges that are ours in Christ!!! No holding back!

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

WE WELCOME Mary’s family members, as well as Robin, who all came to worship with us this past Sunday!

SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES to Johnny (19th), Mike, (24th), and Cherry, (25th). May God bless you each new day!

SUN, FEB 26: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP – MESSAGE – “Commitment After the Call!”
SUN, FEB 26: 11:15 A.M. – KINGDOM CONNECTION / Sunday School Classes & Puppet Ministry!
WED, FEB 29: 6:30 P.M. – Pre-Easter Bible Study on “Christ’s Final Words on the Cross”
SUN, MAR 04: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP – MESSAGE – “The Claims of Christ!”
COMING UP IN MARCH: WOMEN OF FAITH KICK-OFF MEETING; watch for date, time, & details!

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . . Chuck, Hazel, Tina and her mom, Justin, Gerard, Larry & Gloria, Josh & Sarah & family, our church ministries, our church families out-of-town, our nation, and for several urgent, unspoken requests.

REMEMBER . . . “When we are in a situation where Jesus is all we have, we soon discover He is all we really need.” ~ Gigi Graham Tchividjian

Serving Christ Joyfully . . .

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

THREADS OF HOPE. Sometimes I just want to lace up the lives of hurting people with threads of hope … I want to stitch up their cuts and tie up their brokenness. I want to bind up their wounds and pull together the shredded ribbons of their discarded dreams into one big beautiful bow. Tonight I listened to the words of a young man who sounded as if he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. It was easy to sympathize and feel compassion … for he was only verbalizing what most of the teens in this world feel. He could be their mouthpiece. We would expect to shoulder these responsibilities on our adult shoulders, but not expect one yet so young to be weighted down with such major cares. Whatever has happened to living carefree in a simpler lifestyle? Has it really become obsolete? A thing of the past? Does life have to be so complicated? When did time come to be something that we never seem to have enough of? When did money come to be in such short supply, though all everyone seems to do is work? When did sleep become a luxury? And when did hope seem to run out? Simply put … because at some point we started to believe the lies of the world. We need this. We want that. We deserve it. So we got it. Then began the ensnaring trap of the enemy, weaving around us a choking web of debt and work and fatigue. The all-too-easy credit game enlarged the web until it held captive those who were deceived by it. With the credit lines came the media blitzes that advertised everything from A to Z that would make us bold and beautiful and rich and powerful. Oh yes, and happy, they said. The web became a noose that nearly sucked the life out of many a victim. One generation struggled to break free from the stronghold of debt once they saw the revealing truth … but before they managed to return to the simpler way of living debt-free – the hold had trickled down to the next generation. And while many of them realized their weaknesses with spending everything they earned, they didn’t know what to do about it. Some saw their parents’ lives unravel at the seams. That left them wishing for a better life, but fraying thin at their own seams. Spiraling out of control, there is only one way to fix it all. There is no time like the present for jumping off the bandwagon of jaded living … and getting on board with God’s plan for usto live happy and free. Making sacrifices now will enable us in the future to live like we’ve always hoped to. Simply, responsibly, happily … and debt-free! And yes, it is possible. Hundreds, even thousands have accomplished this worth-while feat in God-honoring ways. There IS hope! And there IS help! And you know what the best part of living free of debt and stress as God’s people is? We will have the time and resources to do even greater things for God’s Kingdom!!! I really believe that God’s wants US as His children to be the lenders … not the borrowers! After all, our Father in Heaven has the riches of this world at His disposal, so why should we be enslaved by the indebtedness of this old world?? Young and old alike … there IS hope for yoursituation – don’t EVER give up!!! Start your new way of living TODAY … and your tomorrows will be threaded with HOPE!

A SPECIAL WELCOME to Amanda who has joined us in worship for the first time these past few weeks!
BELATED BIRTHDAY WISHES to Rogelio who celebrated on February 13th!

SUN, FEB 19: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP – MESSAGE – “Commitment After the Call!”
SUN, FEB 19: 11:15 A.M. – KINGDOM CONNECTION / Sunday School Classes & Puppet Ministry!
SUN, FEB 19: SPECIAL FUNDRAISER for little Kira Taylor who has leukemia; Pancake Breakfast until 1:00 p.m.
WED, FEB 22: 6:30 P.M. – ASH WEDNESDAY beginning a 7-week study of “Christ’s Final Words on the Cross”
SAT, FEB 25: 5:00 P.M. – COUPLES DINNER OUT @ Porterhouse Steakhouse; meet at church to car-pool
SUN, FEB 26: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP – MESSAGE – “Choices of Maturity!”

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . . Hazel, Justin, Kira, Gerard, Lundstroms, Seykora’s, and a passion to reach the lost
REMEMBER . . . “To hope means hoping when things are hopeless, or it is no virtue at all.” ~ G. R. Chesterton

Joyfully Serving Christ,

Pastor Doug and Debbie

Elevation North has News for YOU!

WANNA HEAR A REAL-LIFE STORY that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day? It was a not-so-sunny and rather-overcast-chilly winter’s day in late January. The doorbell rang at the front entrance of the memory-care unit where I work. Because it is a secure facility, someone always needs to open the door for the person entering. So when the bell rang, I headed towards the glass doors. This man was back to see his wife. He had told me just the day before that he and his wife would be celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary “tomorrow"! I joined in on his excitement and exclaimed how incredible that was! As we were chatting and he was making his way towards his wife’s room with his walker, something caught my eye. Tucked in the front of his jacket and closed in carefully by the zipper … was this beautiful long-stem red rose just nestled all warm and protected in there – as if he was holding it close to his heart. And that way, both of his hands were free to push his walker. It was so sweet, and I noted that no rose in any other wrapping had ever looked more lovely than the way he was carrying that one! Another gal that was working across the room also noticed this man’s entrance and commented on how awesome it was of him to bring a fresh rose for his wife. As he made a few more steps towards the room, she yelled out, “Do you need a vase?” (I hadn’t even realized we had a vase available anywhere around there!) But without skipping a beat, he replied, “No … I’m bringing her another one tomorrow!” My heart melted! What a picture of love! This man’s wife has little capability for basic functions and even less memory retention – often unaware of who she is and where she is. Yet her husband comes faithfully every day to see her and spend time with her. And these days, he was like a young school boy bringing flowers to his best girl! And he wasn’t satisfied to just bring her one rose on one day – and call that good enough. His love looked past the fact that she probably wouldn’t even remember that he had been there … and he had already made plans to “bring her another one tomorrow!” I am sure that God must have smiled at him on this particular afternoon, for surely that kind of love resembles His love for us. In our earthly condition, there are times we have so little to offer … yet He comes through the doors bearing gifts that speak volumes of His love for us. He speaks tenderly to us, He hands us tokens of His love, and He comes back time and time again. He never gives up on us ~ He loves us just the way we are. Unlike that sweet husband, God has the capability to make us into something more than we already are. And the husband just longs for a return to moments of yesterdays with his precious wife, when she was more than she is now. Yet, he loves her still – just the way she is. That’s so like God. There’s that unconditional love. There’s looking through eyes like His. Hear this Valentine’s Day benediction straight from God’s Word, dear ones: “Be strengthened (perfected, completed, made what you ought to be); be encouraged and consoled and comforted; be of the same (agreeable) mind one with another; live in peace, and (then) the God of love (Who is the Source of affection, goodwill, love, and benevolence toward men) and the Author and Promoter of Peace will be with you.” (II Corinthians 13:11) He REALLY loves us!!!


LOVING BIRTHDAY WISHES to our daughter-in-love, Melissa; and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Jimmy & Nancy … all on February 14th!
SUN, FEB 12: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP / MESSAGE – “The Love Bug!” Bring your Bibles along!
SUN, FEB 12: 11:15 A.M. – KINGDOM CONNECTION / Sunday School Classes & Puppet Ministry!
TUE, FEB 14: HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY to our church family ~ with love from Pastor Doug and Debbie!
WED, FEB 15: 6:30 P.M. – STUDYING THE WORD / What can we learn about being a Christ-follower?
SUN, FEB 19: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP / MESSAGE – “Commitment After the Call!”
SUN, FEB 19: SPECIAL FUNDRAISER for little Kira Taylor who has leukemia; see the poster at church!

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . . Nadia, Kira, Kay, Gerard, Kathy, Tina, unspoken requests, our nation’s leaders
REMEMBER . . . “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love.” Psalm 103:11

Serving Christ Joyfully,

Pastor Doug and Debbie

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