Thought Provoking Quote

"The mark of a great church is not its seating capacity, but its sending capacity."

-Mike Stachura

Thought for the Day -- October 23rd

Until you have given up your self to Him you will not have a real self...

–C.S. Lewis

Harvest Carnival is coming...

Just wanted to remind everyone that our annual Harvest Carnival is coming up on October 27th. This is always one, if not the, biggest outreach events that we do. There will be at least 150 people (kids, parents, grandparents, etc) in our building that night who have either never been there or maybe just the last time we had this event. There are several things that you can do to take part:

1. PRAY
2. Donate stuff (see the list in the foyer of what's needed)
3. Donate your time - there are tons of games, tables, stations, food booths that need to be manned to make this a success
4. Invite people with kids to come - it's a great no strings attached way for people to come inside the walls of a church building
5. Did I mention that this event needs to be covered in prayer?
6. if you know nothing else to do, just show up and be available to meet needs.
7. Help with clean up -- this unsung job is vital to a successful event. And to make sure that the leaders get home at a decent hour.

Hope to see everyone there.

Thought for the Day -- October 16th

going a little different route with the thought today. I found the following at a blog called Subversive Influence . What inactions have we committed that have hindered God's glory?

I Have Never Done Anything
I have never done anything deserving much blame.I have not lied or cheated; I have been faithful to my spouse.I have given alms to the poor, and food to the hungry.I have won the respect of all upright citizens.
I have never done anything deserving much praise.I have made no sacrifices; I have always been comfortable.I have used only surplus wealth to help the needy.I have not stood up against injustice.
I envy the sinner who repents.

Can I repent my dullness?

Thought for the Day -- October 15th

To be converted to faith in Jesus Christ is to return to the worship of the true God, and to dethrone all rivals to his authority.

--Graham Kendrick

Thought for the Day -- October 4th

Self-respect is the root of discipline: The sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no to oneself.

–Abraham Joshua Heschel

Thought for the Day -- October 2nd

Today, even amongst Christians, there can be found much of that spirit that wants to give as little as possible to the Lord, and yet to get as much as possible from Him. The prevailing thought today is of being used, as though that were the one thing that mattered. That my little rubber band should be stretched to the very limit seems all important. But this is not the Lord's mind. The Lord wants us to be used, yes; but what He is after is that we pour all we have, ourselves, to Him, and if that be all, that is enough.

--Watchman Nee

Thought for the Day -- September 29th

Knowing that we are fulfilling God's purpose is the only thing that really gives rest to the restless human heart.

--Chuck Colson

Thought for the day -- September 22nd

“Oh, for a mighty onslaught upon the powers of darkness! Once more, we are to take this sword (God’s Word) with a purpose. We are to use it that we may be able to stand and to withstand. If you want to stand, draw the sword, and smite your doubts…”

–C.H. Spurgeon

John Piper - Test Yourself: Football or Christ?

Is there anything you desire more than Jesus?

Thought for the Day == September 18th

It is increasingly obvious that people are prepared to tolerate Christianity up until the point that it begins to define its terms.

-- C.J. Mahaney, in his sermon "Cross-Centered Worship

30 Days to Live - Larry's Story

What would be your message if you had just 30 days????

Thought for the Day -- September 15th

God longs so much for us to worship Him, that he is actually looking (seeking) for worshippers. Therefore, He delights in honest worship from our spiritual being. If our worship is a response to God's love for us, then this will connect us 'in the Spirit' with God and shall both be satisfied.


--Neil S. Hamilton

Starting Point

More Info on Starting Point. Check out this video.

Starting Point

Check out his new Ministry we have at California Road Church

What is Starting Point?

• Starting Point: A conversational environment where people can explore faith and experience community
  An ideal setting for people with questions
• about faith as well as those who want to
• learn about the Bible and Christianity
  A non-threatening small group where your opinions and beliefs will be value

Who is it for?

People who are reconnecting with God after being away from church for a while

People who are not sure about God or the Bible and want a safe place to discuss spiritual issues

People who have recently started a relationship with God

When, Where, How?

We are hoping to start a group this fall and will meet in a home either on Sunday nights or on weeknights.

There will be a nominal fee for materials.

For more information, please attend an orientation meeting Sunday, September 16 at 6:00 p.m. at Matt and Susie Maloney’s home.

Thought for the Day -- September 12th

A holy life has a voice. It speaks when the tongue is silent, and is either a constant attraction or a perpetual reproof.

--Hinton

Thought for the Day -- September 11th

Im learning that we serve not to convert but because we have been converted. We serve because Christ has changed us and made us servants to people who are hurting and lost.

-- Bob Roberts

Thought for the Day -- September 8th

I tell people that the 'quality' of their worship most often depends upon what they put into it. If you simply 'observe' then that's what you'll be -- an observer. If instead you 'enter in' to the same spirit and attitude of the person you're observing and if you begin to praise God for the worship -- then you'll be worshiping too


-- Tony Wade

Thought for the day -- August 24th

Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ. It remains an abstract idea, a myth which has a place for the Fatherhood of God, but omits Christ as the living Son. … There is trust in God, but no following of Christ.

-- Bonhoffer

Discipleship Groups Available

Here is a list of the groups that are available for sign ups this semester. Be sure to stop by the table Sunday in the foyer and/ or get in contact with the group leader.

Men's Prayer Group
This is an ongoing group that meets on Thursday mornings at 8:00 at the church. The group usually concludes their time together with a trip to a local coffee shop for fellowship
Cleveland Bible Study
This group for teachers, staff, and parents of Cleveland Elementary school will meet from 7:00-7:30 Wednesday mornings at the school and is led by Sue Matteson.
Prayer for the Nation
This group is open to all who would like to come and share in a time of prayer focused on our nation at leaders. It meets Tuesdays at 7PM at the church.
Men's Accountability
The focus of this group(s) is to provide an environment for men to share accountability and brotherhood at the highest level. Led by Chuck Millslage.
Teachings of Christ
This group will be hosted by Stan and Kelly Myers in their home and will meet Saturday evenings.
Sunday Evening Women's Bible Study
This group meets at the church from 6:30-8:00 PM and is led by Laura Matteson
Quilting
This group will be hosted by Florence Hostetler in her home and led by Carol Moutray. The group will work corporately on a project and meets Wednesdays from 1-3PM.
Wednesday Women's Bible Study I
This group led by Melinda Sell will meet at the church and study a book on the life of David. Meetings will be 6:45-8:15PM.
Weight Management
This group is gathering input on a meeting time/ day. The group is led by Kim Foy and will focus on personal health through learning and shared accountability.
Wednesday Women's Study II
This group will be hosted in the Walterhouse's home one Wednesday evening from 7-8PM. The group will focus on New Testament scripture and is led by Teresa Middleton.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact the church office.

Thought for the day -- August 22nd

Habits are to the soul what the veins and arteries are to the blood, the courses in which it moves.

--Horace Bushnell

Thought for the day -- August 21st

We are commanded to stop (literally)... rest, relax, let go, and make time for Him. The scene is one of stillness and quietness, listening and waiting before Him. Such foreign business in these busy times! Nevertheless, knowing God deeply and intimately requires such discipline. Silence is indispensable if we hope to add depth to our spiritual life.


--Chuck Swindoll

Thought for the Day -- August 20th

A holy life has a voice. It speaks when the tongue is silent, and is either a constant attraction or a perpetual reproof.

--Hinton

Thought for the Day -- August 19th

During my personal time of worship, I can use whatever music I enjoy. But during corporate worship, I must never allow the style or my dislike of it to prevent me from worshiping. If I can't put aside my preferences during worship, then I am not worshiping God - I am worshiping myself. I only wish that all of our congregation felt the same way.

--Rick Averill

Discipleship Group signups are tommorrow

Tomorrow is the day to start signing up for Discipleship Groups for the Fall Semester. If you are even interested, sign up or talk to the group leader listed, Paul Neel, or Pastor Bud. Sheets and information are available in the foyer.
Come and get started on the next stretch of your spiritual journey; the best part is you don't have to do it alone!!

Thouught For the Day -- August 18th

Worship is the correct response to the presence of God

--Doug Hanley

Thought for the day -- August 17th

The Bible parable says that while men slept, the enemy sowed tares among the wheat. A boy who rises at 4:30 to deliver papers is considered a go-getter, but to urge our young people to rise at 5:30 to pray is considered fanaticism. We must once again wear the harness of discipline. There is no other way.

--Leonard Ravenhill

Back to School Prayers

As my kids returned to classes yesterday I found myself sending extra prayers. The more I thought about it there are so many more things to pray about for the school year than just my kids. Here are the ones that have come to my mind to pray. Feel free to add any you may have as well. If I have more come to me I'll update the post.

• I pray that any child, staff/ faculty member, bus driver, commissary worker or anyone else in a school building that does not know you today would be enlightened to the gospel.
• I pray for safety from harm of any kind in the schools
• I pray for safety on the roads as everyone heads to and from
• I pray that students and adults who are following Christ would be encouraged and shine brightly
• I pray that teachers and office staffs would have wisdom in dealing with each situation that may come their way
• I thank you for blessing us and entrusting us with our kids
• I pray that you shield the hearts and minds of those who would be deceived or destroyed from the evil one
• Help me to trust You with my child's safety and well being
• Help each student build bonds of friendship that will allow them to reach out to those who need You as well as those who will help build them up
• Help me as a parent be responsive to the needs that the teachers may have
• Help me as a parent respond appropriately to the needs of my children
• Make our family an instrument to impact the schools my children attend for the Kingdom
• Thy will be done...

Thought for the day -- August 16th

Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshipping what's right with God

-- Mark Batterson

15 FREE Books...

I found a link to these ebooks. Some excellent titles and authors. They are free for the downloading. You can beat that price...

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Thought for the day -- August 15th

If Christ does not reign over the mundane events in our lives, He does not reign at all.

--Paul Tripp

Thought for the Day -- August 13th

Take the words of Jesus and let them become the Supreme Court of the Gospel to you.

–John G. Lake

Thought fo rthe day -- August 12th

Worship is the highest act of which man is capable. It not only stretches him beyond all the limits of his finite self to affirm the divine depth of mystery and holiness in the living and eternal God, but it opens him at the deepest level of his being to an act which unites him most realistically with his fellow man.

-- Samuel H. Miller

Thought for the day -- August 11

He who is faithful in little will be faithful in much.

--Jesus Christ

Thought for the day -- August 9th

Let this be thy whole endeavor, this thy prayer, this thy desire,--that thou mayest be stripped of all selfishness, and with entire simplicity follow Jesus only.

--Thomas à Kempis

Task Force Update

The following was included in a prayer chain email from yesterday... please continue to pray that God will meet the spiritual and physical needs of these men this week.

I’m grateful to report that the men working in Mississippi (Hurricane Katrina relief effort) are doing well in spite of the heat. At this point, they’re working on aluminum finish work on a house that had a tree fall on it, and then the roof blew off. They rebuilt the house, but still needed to have this part done on it. I’ll do my best to keep you informed

Thought for the day - August 8th

At the back of it there lies the central citadel of obstinacy: I will not give up my right to myself--the thing God intends you to give up if ever you are going to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

--Oswald Chambers

Mississippi Task Force

Please keep the 4 men below in your prayers this week as they serve at Hope City in Mississippi. They are working on construction of homes that were destroyed by Katrina. I will add any updates this week if we receive them.

Task Force members:
Mark Osborn
Brice Sell
Walt Sell
Pastor Bud

Thought for the day -- August 7th

I surrendered unto Him all there was of me; everything! Then for the first time I realized what it meant to have real power.

--Kathryn Kuhlman

Thought for the day -- July 29th

The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in God which made David dance.

-- C.S. Lewis

Prairie Camp has begun!!!

Prairie Camp started last night. The camp eveangelist is Joel DeSelm who will be bringing a series on the life of Jacob.
It runs through next weekend. Come on out and take part. There is a Family Life series and Bible study in the AM, as well as a kids program. There are evening services, with kids programs, as well. Whatever your schedule we hope that you will be able to take in some or even all of the events. The general schedule is below, see the link for full info.
Don't forget our church fellowship on Sunday at 4 PM. Bring a dish to share and join us at the Camp Pavilion.

Evening Schedule:
Saturday/ Sunday: 6 PM
Monday - Friday: 7 PM

Prairie Camp link

Pronoun - The Right They

What they are you listening to?

Thought for the day -- July 28th

Understanding is the reward of obedience. Obedience is the key to every door.

–George MacDonald

Thought for the Day -- July 25th

If you have not chosen the Kingdom of God first, it will in the end make no difference what you have chosen instead.

--William Law

Thought for the day -- July 24th

The strength of a man's virtue should not be measured by his special exertions, but by his habitual acts.

--Blaise Pascal

GC - Ron Hockley

I am still personally mulling/ processing the teaching that we heard at Conference. I have notes from a couple more sessions that, as promised, I will be posting. What follows are the notes from the morning devotional given by Ron Hockley. Ron pastors the Trinity Project (a Missionary church in Portland).

Matthew 14:13
- Jesus retreated when he heard the bad news about John the Baptist (his cousin)
- the people followed him
* the danger of giving all of ourselves to the "needy" around us
* example of a giant Slurpee and everyone gets a sip until it's gone
- Jesus had compassion and ministered even during his personal time of sorrow
- you cannot do ministry without encountering need -- there are broken people everywhere
John 6:5
- "where will we get food for all of these?"
- there is never enough to meet all of the needs around us
The Disciples' Solutions
1. Its not my problem
- send them away to buy their own food
2. We can't afford it
- "it would take 8 months wages..."
3. What I have Isn't enough
- we only have 5 loaves and 2 fish to go around
Jesus' Solution -- You feed them
- Jesus calls us to accomplish things beyond our own capabilities
- giving what we have to Jesus = multiplied blessings
- do we measure our resources by what we have or in terms of what God can give?
- what is the provision that you need?
*** the key lies in giving what you have to Jesus and having Him multiply it

Discipleship Groups Forming

If you are planning to host/ lead a discipleship group for the Fall semester now is the time to make the plans. Get with Pastor Bud, Paul Neel, or Cris this week! We need to gather some basic information about your group so the catalog can be created at people can get signed up. We have some great groups potentially forming and are anticipating more.

Remember that all groups will have a core value of promoting spiritual growth in the live of the participants. However, the format and themes surrounding this goal are only limited by our imaginations. It could be inductive Bible study, weight loss/ management, Parcheesi, self help, crafts, sports, topical studies, service projects, and the list could go on.

If you feel that God is calling you to host a group or have an idea for one. even of you have never done anything like this before, don't hesitate to give us a call and talk about it.

Thought for the day -- July 23rd

One can believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ and feel no personal loyalty to Him at all - indeed, pay no attention whatever to His commandments and His will for one's life.

--Catherine Marshall

GC - "How to build a team" by Tom Mullins

• we spend far too little time working in our strengths. they are strengths for a reason.
• Jesus was the greatest coach of all time! we need to follow his examples
• the church is not about OUR comfort.
• the message of Christ and the Word are sacred; not the methods we use to present them
• good fishermen know all about the fish that they're after
• creating a Coach/ Team environment gives a common goal and people will follow

--- The Power of Celebration ---

Celebration ACKNOWLEDGES accomplished goals

Celebration VALIDATES the effort needed to achieve victory

Celebration MOTIVATES the team

Celebration BUILDS & SUSTAINS team attitudes

Celebration ATTRACTS potential new team members

** we need to find things to celebrate; even if they seem small. we should never create an environment where the only times we meet are about negative things.

GC -- Changes for the future

One of the changes that the denomination is seeing as necessary is to take our missions organization and create a separate entity for it. WP (abbreviated on purpose) needs to be unconnected from the denomination so that work may continue. In many places of the world it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain visas and work permits that allow people into the country. This will only increase over time and this "firewall" will help WP continue their work. When more of this is made known do not be dismayed or think that they are turning away from their mission.
Along this line all churches and individuals that have websites, blogs, personal pages, etc. on the web are being asked to show discernment in what they might write or post anywhere on the Internet. A church who might list that they are actively supporting "so and so" in "such and such" country may in fact place that missionary in danger. Please check any pages you are responsible for. If you desire to have something on your page a suggestion is to simply state that you or your organization support ministry in "fill in the blank" country without including names or personal info.
If you would go to the WP page at this time you would find that there is nothing there. In the future there will likely only be a bulletin board type page with contact information for the organization.
All of this has been a powerful reminder to me that we need to be in constant prayer fro those who are ministry around the globe. Most of us have no idea the level of potential persecution and personal danger that many of these folks would be subject to if discovered.

Thought for the day -- July 19th

Preaching is to much avail, but practice is far more effective. A godly life is the strongest argument you can offer the skeptic.

--Hosea Ballou

Welcome to G-Rap

3DYC is coming. This is a tour of the new venue in Grand Rapids; aka G-RAP

GC Takeaway -- Denominational Reorganization

One of the things that was discussed at GC was how the denomination should be organized. Are we 12 districts with a leadership hub or are we one denomination with the President at the head? The following is an excerpt of what the General Board has assigned this cpmmission to work on:

At least three “competing” or “conflicting” models are currently a working paradigm for various parts of the Missionary Church. Some see the Missionary Church as a gathering of a cooperative group of semi-independent churches working together for global impact and church planting. A second group functionally sees the Missionary Church working historically as an affiliation of semi-autonomous Districts. Those Districts, in that paradigm, have a broad measure of independence (credentialing, doctrinal issues, etc.) A third group views the denomination as an historical central authority body where the decision-making rests at the top levels (i.e. Nazarene model).
The commission is to "help the Missionary Church identify who we are, how we can most effectively operate, and how we can best position ourselves for effective ministry through healthy synergy and corporate alignment.”

While no decisions were made at this conference there was a forum on these issues as well as opportunities for those in attendance to give their thoughts, feelings, input on the issues at hand.
The commission involved desires to hear from as many in the denomination as will give their input. With that in mind they have set up The Commission Blog as a means of education and a place to give input on the issues regarding the structure of our denomination. Stop by, check it out, and give your input.

Thoughts for the day -- July 18th

A Wednesday two for one....

A holy life has a voice. It speaks when the tongue is silent, and is either a constant attraction or a perpetual reproof.

--Hinton

Preaching is to much avail, but practice is far more effective. A godly life is the strongest argument you can offer the skeptic.

--Hosea Ballou

GC -- "Marked for Life" by Gary Aupperle

As promised I will be sharing notes from the Conference sessions. I needed a few days to recover mentally and skim these with that perspective. What follows are my notes from the final devotional session where Pastor Aupperle challenged us prior to corporate communion.

• Galatians 6:11-18


• we will all be marked by something in life; what will it be in mine?

- Deut.21:23

• - I Cor. 1:18
• we should be tattooed by the cross
• Barna's 12 most significant religious findings of 2006 included:

*15% of evangelicals see God as the top priority in life

* 35% say God expects us to be holy

#1: I will EMBRACE the cross

• the cross + nothing = salvation. nothing else is needed !
• Judaizers: cross + the law needed
• Gal. 1:6,7; 3:3; 6:11-15
• this view helps avoid any persecution because of the cross
• picking up your cross and carrying it is a one way journey - you don't get to come back

#2 I will ENDURE the cross

• Gal. 6:16,17
• 2 Cor 11:23-28
• no distraction from the goal
• Luke 9:51; 14:27
• I cannot say YES to the cross and continue to hang on to the things of this life

#3 I will EXALT only in the cross

• Gal. 6:14-15
• it's not about the externals
• Phil. 2:14-16
• nothing in this world holds attraction for me
• Acts 20:22-24

WHAT WILL YOU BE MARKED BY?????

Thought for the day -- July 16th

The Christian ideal has not been found tried and found wanting, it has been found difficult and left untried.

-- GK Chesterton

GC - We're Home

I apologize for the lack of posts for the last 48 hours. We got in late Thursday evening and Friday was a whirlwind into into the early AM Saturday. There will be a series of posts to follow on varying topics but this is the summary.
Thursday was our "mostly free" day and we took advantage to take in some sights in the region after the morning sessions. We saw Haystack Rock and Multnomah Falls as the highlights (photos to follow). In between we saw incredible views of mountains, volcanoes, immense evergreen forests, the Pacific Ocean, and the Columbia River Gorge to name a few.
Friday morning included a final devotional challenge and corporate communion led by Pastor Gary Aupperle from our Bluffton church -- we look at tattoos a new way after this session. Don;t worry, Pastor Matt didn't get one :) We also had our final business meeting of the conference (look for a coming post on the business that transpired at this conference.
After the meetings we checked out of the hotel and headed to the airport. Upon arrival a logistical error caused Pastor Bud to spend about 20 minutes in a service line because it appeared that the flight we needed to San Francisco did not exist! Fortunately we did and we were on our way. The bad part was that the airline change the original flight time to 25 minutes later than originally scheduled so it made our layover/ change terminals and pass security again to change airlines time about 20 minutes. Somehow we made it (God is good!). In fact that flight was about a half hour late taking off after we boarded due to an issue with the water line. We landed in Chicago at about midnight to find that the short switchover had cause our bags to be left behind -- they have been delivered as of this writing. A special thanks to Dave and Wendy Ellis who drove up with Cris to pick us up and drive us HOME!

A little math revealed that we traveled 5250 miles and saw some incredible sights in person and from the planes.
Most of all we were honored to represent the body of California Road at this year's General Conference. We take very seriously the need to represent the body in matters pertaining to our denomination.
General Conference will be held at Bethel College in 2009 (July 14-17). The worship, devotional, and business sessions are open and I would encourage our people to attend as they can to take part. We are blessed to be a part of a denomination that is seeking after the heart of God. See you all at church tomorrow.

GC Photos #3

Today's agenda only includes one business meeting; but it is an important one. The elections went smoothly. There is good but tough theological debate occurring. Continue to pray for unity of the denomination. I will post more on these issues when I have better time. I will also be adding notes from a great morning devotional by Ron Hockley and a seminar on building a team by Tom Mullins. For now, here are a few photos. They include Pastor Matt relaxing by the pool and in a "Moses" moment by the river as well as the incredible rose bushes that are here.

The slower schedule today is allowing us some time for sight seeing. I hope to have some great pictures later tonight or tomorrow AM. Have a blessed day everyone!!

Thought for the day -- July 11th

If you can climb a mountain alone. it is just a little hill; you need a team to succeed.

-- Tom Mullins

GC Photos #2

This morning's photos include an incredible look at Mt Hood from the balcony beside our conference room, a look across into Washington at Mt St Helens, Tim hard at work, Bud looking down the river near the hotel pool, and another look at the bridge to Washington (which as a side note is also a draw bridge. I wish I would have gotten a photo of the mural made of wood that was on the wall of the Mongolian restaurant we ate at last night.

Please be praying as today Denominatioal officers are elected and possible changes to the Costitution are discussed and possibly voted upon.

GC -- Day one

A good day in Portland. Two business sessions, seminar time, and corporate worship were on the agenda. The best part for me was the morning devotions led by Tom Mullins. Below are the main points from the message. I will be passing even more detailed notes to our Discipleship Committee. Keep praying for our denomination, it is important that our leadership feel and know that they are being led by God in all they do.

Defining a Godly L.E.A.D.E.R.
Dr. Tom Mullins

Lead by Integrity
Excellence
Attitude
Developer of teams
Endurance
Ready to serve

I will be having "take away moments" from this message for some time. Nothing like being motivated by an old football coach.

GC -- Photos #1

It appears I have overcome the issue keeping me from uploading photos. Here are a few, more to come for sure. The top and bottom ones were taken form the walkway outside the hotel at approx. 5 AM Pacific this morning; it was incredible! The others are from the plane. One of Mt. Hood as we approached that the other two looking down on Yosemite National Park.

It has heated up today, but still is great.

As I write 1 business session is in the books and another in about a half hour. We are feeling our way through issues that may seem on the surface to be no brainer type things but will carry implications for the future of the denomination as it seeks to find the Lord's direction for the future. Please keep praying.

I hope to post notes from the awesome morning devotions lead by Tom Mullins today as well.

General Conference (GC) -- The trip In

Pastor Bud, Matt and I took off yesterday morning from OHare on our excellent journey. We saw Chicago and San Diego on our way to Portland. It was an excellent day for flying and we were treated to views of mountains, mesas, deserts, Los Angeles, and at least 2 National Parks. God's creation is truly amazing!!
We arrived in Portland over the Columbia River with Mount Hood in the background. Our hotel room has a great view of the river just yards away and we can see the mountains and into Washington state as well. Unfortunately we arrived about 8 hours ahead of our luggage. For clean shirts and socks we are truly greatful.
Last night we enjoyed a local BBQ joint named Boomers (great stuff) and we enjoyed a walk this morning before breakfast. The first sessions start in about 40 minutes. Keep checking back in on the blog as we will be posting more info and some photos as well.
Please be praying for the business of the Missionary Church.

Thought for the day -- July 7th

Sometimes we don't need another chance to express how we feel or to ask someone to understand our situation. Sometimes we just need a firm kick in the pants. An unsmiling expectation that if we mean all these wonderful things we talk about and sing about, then lets see something to prove it.

--Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Thought for the day -- July 6th

No man has the mind of Christ, except him who makes it his business to obey him.

—George MacDonald

Thought for the day -- July 5th

Let no one imagine that he will lose anything of human dignity by this voluntary sell-out of his all to his God. He does not by this degrade himself as a man; rather he finds his right place of high honor as one made in the image of his Creator. His deep disgrace lay in his moral derangement, his unnatural usurpation of the place of God. His honor will be proved by restoring again that stolen throne. In exalting God over all, he finds his own highest honor upheld.

--A.W Tozer

Thoughts for the day -- Independence Day Part 2

As I have been reviewing the freedom/ patriotism quotes for the past few days it has come to me how important it is to remember those who are still in need of a spiritual Independence Day. Without this, even the best of life circumstances and all the freedom in the world means nothing toward eternity. Here are a few thoughts on salvation that struck me:

The salvation of a single soul is more important than the production or preservation of all the epics and tragedies in the world.
-- CS Lewis
The knowledge of sin is the beginning of salvation
-- Latin Proverb
Reply implicitly upon the old, old gospel. You need no other nets when you fish for men; those your Master has given you are strong enough to hold the little ones. Spread these nets and no others, and you need not fear the fulfillment of His word, ‘I will make you fishers of men.
--Charles Spurgeon
Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff, including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see.

Thoughts for the day -- Independance Day Part 1

As promised, here a several more quotes surrounding patriotism, etc. Hope these provoke thought in your own life...

Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.
-- Adlai Stevenson

Does the government fear us? Or do we fear the government? When the people fear the government, tyranny has found victory. The federal government is our servant, not our master! --Thomas Jefferson

Each must for himself alone decide what is right and what is wrong, and which course is patriotic and which isn't. You cannot shirk this and be a man. To decide against your convictions is to be an unqualified and inexcusable traitor, both to yourself and to your country, let man label you as they may.

-- Mark Twain

If our country is worth dying for in time of war let us resolve that it is truly worth living for in time of peace.

-- Hamilton Fish

In the future days, which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms The first is freedom of speech and expression--everywhere in the world. The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way--everywhere in the world. The third is freedom from want--which, translated into world terms, means economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants--everywhere in the world. The fourth is freedom from fear--which, translated into world terms, means a world-wide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor--anywhere in the world.

-- Franklin D. Roosevelt

Loyalty to the country always. Loyalty to the government when it deserves it.

-- Mark Twain

My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!

-- Thomas Jefferson

These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated.

-- Thomas Paine

We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.

-- William Faulkner

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.

-- Erma Bombeck

You're not supposed to be so blind with patriotism that you can't face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who says it.

-- Malcolm X

Coming Events @ CRMC

The following are events happening in the next 2 weeks. Who said summer is a slow time?

July 3rd: 7PM Prayer for the Nation

July 9th-13th: General Conference in Portland, OR (Pastor Bud, Pastor Matt, and Paul)

July 10th: 6PM Softball @ Cedar Road

7PM Prayer for the Nation

July 13th: 6:30 PM Family Night @ CRMC

-- Also, remember that there are no services on the 4th --

The measure of a man

The Measure of Man

Not “How did he die”? But “How did he live?”
Not “What did he gain?” But “What did he give?”
Not “What was his station?” But “Had he a heart?”And “How did he play his God-given part?”
Not “What was his shrine? Nor “What was his creed?”But “Had he befriended those really in need?”
Not “What did the piece in the newspaper say?”But “How many were sorry when he passed away?”
Was he ever ready with a word or good cheer,To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
These are the units to measure the worthOf a man as a man, regardless of birth.

Author Unknown


How will you be measured?

Thoughts for the day -- July 3rd

In honor of Independence Day I will be focusing the quotes around liberty/ freedom. I couldn't pick just one or two favorites so there will be several for each day. We have much to be thankful for. I am amazed at how many of these take spiritual application as well.

Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.
~Dwight D. Eisenhower

He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from opposition; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach himself.
~Thomas Paine

It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you.
~Dick Cheney

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.
~Thomas Paine

Order without liberty and liberty without order are equally destructive.
~Theodore Roosevelt

Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it.
~George Bernard Shaw

Thought for the day -- July 2nd

The Bible parable says that while men slept, the enemy sowed tares among the wheat. A boy who rises at 4:30 to deliver papers is considered a go-getter, but to urge our young people to rise at 5:30 to pray is considered fanaticism. We must once again wear the harness of discipline. There is no other way.

--Leonard Ravenhill

Thought for the day -- June 30th

Today, even amongst Christians, there can be found much of that spirit that wants to give as little as possible to the Lord, and yet to get as much as possible from Him. The prevailing thought today is of being used, as though that were the one thing that mattered. That my little rubber band should be stretched to the very limit seems all important. But this is not the Lord's mind. The Lord wants us to be used, yes; but what He is after is that we pour all we have, ourselves, to Him, and if that be all, that is enough.

--Watchman Nee

Youth Summer Schedules

The youth are into their summer schedules; looks like a ton of great times. You can get the info from the youth blog at these links:

JR HIGH

SR HIGH

Thought for the day -- June 29th

Many Christians have what we might call a "cultural holiness". They adapt to the character and behavior pattern of Christians around them. As the Christian culture around them is more or less holy, so these Christians are more or less holy. But God has not called us to be like those around us. He has called us to be like himself. Holiness is nothing less than conformity to the character of God.

--Jerry Bridges

Thought for the day -- June 28th

Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ.

--Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Thought for the day -- June 25th

The ultimate criterion of a person's Christian spirit is not theory but practice; not how he thinks of teachings, dogmas, interpretations, but how he acts in ordinary life.

-- Hans Kung

Thought for the day -- June 24th

A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.

-- C.S. Lewis

Family Camp 2007 --- July 27th-August 5th

It's time to make your plans to take part in Family Camp 2007. Many CRMC families participate in this great week of ministry, challenge, and worship each year. You can stay on the grounds or come and go as your schedule allows. There are daily activities for the family, kids, and youth. Lives are changed and the Kingdom is advanced every year! Check out the links below for more details...

PRAIRIE CAMP

FAMILY CAMP: brochure, schedule

TEEN CAMP

CHALLENGE COURSE

3DYC Quiz

Time to start making your plans Jr/ Sr High students.

Volunteer Spotlight -- Ushers

You've seen them; the guys that pass those offering plates every Sunday. The facts about them are this:

1. They do way more than just pass the plate.

2. We couldn't do an effective worship service without them.

This band of servants is led by Steve Rieffel. He makes sure that each week there are enough ushers in place. Yes, they help take the offering. But did you know that at least one of them is "on duty" the entire service. Making sure late comers have bulletins and find seats, answering the phone, assisting with miscellaneous problems so that the flow and mood of worship goes uninterrupted, taking the attendance count, directing people to various places around the church (nursery, restroom, preschool room, etc.), along with meeting just about any need that may come up. I'd like to pass along a giant THANK YOU and a thumbs up to all who help in this way. We have great volunteers at CRMC, these guys are part of that team that honors the Lord by serving others each week.

Thought for the day -- June 22nd

Salvation is free, but discipleship costs everything we have.

--- Billy Graham

Thought for the day -- June 21st

In every Christian's heart there is a cross and a throne, and the Christian is on the throne till he puts himself on the cross; if he refuses the cross, he remains on the throne. We want to be saved, but we insist that Christ do all the dying. No cross for us, no dethronement, no dying.

--- A.W. Tozer

Thought for the day -- June 20th

The price of discipleship... is to be willing to give up everything if occasion should demand it, and, in the meanwhile, to live as men "looking for their Lord", with loins girt and lamps burning, ready for action when the word is given. Discipleship, is, or may be, a very costly thing. It may cost is all we have.

--- J.H.R. Moorman

Thought for the day -- June 19th

Meditation has no point and no reality unless it is firmly rooted in life.

-- Thomas Merton

This week at CRMC...

Scrapbooking: Friday (22nd) 6-11 PM in the fellowship hall. This monthly event has been a hit. Come on out and spend some time in fellowship and work on those projects you have had in mind. Bring your own supplies or buy some there. I've been told that they'll even let the guys join in if they want to.

SOFTBALL: Friday, 6 PM at Cedar Rd. Missionary Church. Come and cheer on out team. They have a perfect record in tact. Not in a good way. But they're having a good time doing it!

Matt Rieffel's Open House: Saturday (23rd) 2-5 PM at CRMC. Come on out to congratulate Matt on making it through high school. I hear they may have ice cream! You know you want some.

Nichole Lindhorn's Open House: Sunday (24th) 2-5 PM at CRMC. Same deal; lotsa congrats to the Grad and goodies to munch.

Thought for the day -- June 18th

For the Christian, heaven is not a goal; it is a destination. The goal is that Christ be formed in you.

-- Richard Foster

Chris Tomlin - Give Us Clean Hands

Thought for the day -- June 17th

A man's children and his garden both reflect the amount of weeding done during the growing season.

~ Anonymous

Thought for the Day -- June 16th

My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, "You're tearing up the grass." "We're not raising grass," my dad would reply, "we're raising boys."

--Harmon Killebrew

Thought for the day -- June 15th

"The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian."

--AW. Tozer

We have it so easy...

Rick Dugan had this post at his blog. It amazes me and yet it doesn't that word about these things doesn't get around. Think about it for a minute, this would be the equivalent of the Sunday School class that meets in the gym just "disappearing". We need to be in prayer for our brothers and sisters in Iraq and other places unfriendly to the gospel around the globe. Here's and excerpt from the email Rick got... take note of the fact that they still have an attitude of praise.

Being at church was wonderful as usual. I so love these people and the worship was wonderful as usual all of the children were delightful. Then it came to the point in the service where people tell me what has happened. The news today was not good, I listened to the stories of murder, beating and kidnapping. The final toll of kidnaps this week of people connected with of members of the church is 27. None have been returned. In the past week alone the attacks on Christians has seriously escalated. This was mentioned the other day at a meeting, they talked and talked and did nothing. There is so much talking here and such little action. At the moment most of the Christians have moved from Dora and are now living in Churches in Kerada. They do not even have enough food. We are the only Christian group working here and have given away every penny we have and have no more left. People always tell me they can and only want to support projects. There is no understanding of the extent of the crisis we are in. There is Chaos all around. We are in war, there is slaughter, massacre and death all around. Normality no longer exists, there are no projects, no plans just the attempt to live each day.
This is the reality of the crisis we are in. Yet as I talked to our people this morning there was a profound trust and belief in G-d our Father our protector, the One we Love. When you have lost every thing you realise all you have left is Jesus. That is all we have and it is everything

Thought for the day --- June 14th

Jesus reminds us that unless a seed first dies, it cannot produce life. He tells us that unless we lose our own lives, we will never live. It should be of no surprise to us when the church awakens an apostolic ethos, she will be committed to giving herself away that others may live.


--- Erwin McManus

Thought for the Day -- June 9th

What we practice, not (save at rare intervals) what we preach, is usually our great contribution to the conversion of others.

--- C.S. Lewis

Job 19:25 -- Truth in the face of Devastation

Job 19:25 (New International Version)
I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth

I got to thinking about this verse. How powerful a statement it is that it was spoken in the Old Testament; by Job no less. The man who by human standards would have had the most reasons to tell God to go jump in the creek. Yet he never complained about the trials and destruction that surrounded him. He desired to know if there was anything he had done that had caused a breach in his relationship with God. I have to believe that it was having truth like this firmly rooted in his life that allowed him to focus on God.
Two things I want to take away from this:
1- DO we have Truth rooted firmly in our lives? How well do we know the truth? How much effort have we put into making those truths relevant to our current situations. Too many have a set of beliefs for their brain and for show and another for practical purposes. This is why the truth was revealed to us! So that we could live a victorious life.
2- Do you truly grasp the depth of that verse? The Redeemer is ALIVE! All that he said is true and can be trusted to come true. Not just select pieces and parts. Not only is he alive and well but he will rule over the earth. That is the God we serve. Following Jesus is not for wimps. The fact is that in light of the gift that has been given, anything that we might call "sacrifice" looks insignificant and meaningless. It's true that in this life we will go through some pretty awful things that we most likely will never be able to understand. (Fill in your own blank here with selected trial) Yet we serve a God who is powerful enough to do miracles in our lives but loving and practical enough to know which things we should go through in order to be more useful to him. It's time to live in practical terms as the three Hebrews did in Daniel chapter 3 (known to a whole generation of kids as Rack, Shack, and Benny). Faced with the biggest trial imaginable; this was their response:

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

There are times after reading certain passages of Scripture we can feel like we did when we left the theatre after seeing a movie like Rocky for the first time. Ready to live victoriously and take on the world!!!!!