By   Sun, Nov 01, 2009

How did your mom keep you quiet in church when you were young? My personal favorites were those funky and mysterious pencil-shading pictures, the ones where shading over the blank area magically revealed a picture of Jesus. Another favorite was connect-the-dots. Yep, there was nothing more satisfying than seeing those dots connect up to show a jagged picture of David and Goliath.

Today  I still love to play connect the dots. But now it is much trickier. The dots I try to connect are the ways that the Lord brings people and experiences together to reveal a picture of  his bride, the Church.

Dot #1: The Pirate Ship

It was the summer of 2006. We wanted to promote our Vacation Bible School at Resurrection Lutheran Brethren Church in Camrose, Alberta. So we decided to enter a float in the town parade. Armed with tons of cardboard, scraps of wood and a few black markers we began the process of transforming a flat deck trailer into an authentic pirate ship complete with lookout, cannons, sail and a plank (with Barbie dolls tied to the end of it). The night was late as we put the finishing touches on this creative, yet kind of ugly, float. I remember thinking, “Oh Lord, is this worth all of the work we’ve put into this thing?”

None of us likes to be involved in an effort that flops, especially when we have poured much time and money into it. But the hard truth is that new business ventures fail more often than they succeed. And this may be true with church ventures as well. Sometimes we pour ourselves into projects that flop. How many of us have planned outreach events where only church members showed up?

But what is the secret to persevering through hard times? The Apostle Paul shows us a different attitude to have:

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

Paul’s charge: “Remember this” – make sure that you have the right attitude going into this. Be thankful for the opportunity to serve, to give, to be involved in Kingdom work. Then entrust the results to God!

Dot #2: The Eye Patch

A few weeks before the float, we put an ad in the local paper promoting our pirate-themed VBS. As people called to register, we asked them if their kids wanted to ride on our parade float. I’ll never forget the response from one mom: “Oh, that is perfect. My son Dylan already wears an eye patch. He would love to dress up like a pirate!” After ending the call I smiled and thanked God for his ways of showing up in the unexpected. The parade was a hit and a great way for new kids to connect with our kids from Rez. Because of the float I met Dylan’s family and his Aunt Michelle and her friend Gord. After VBS we were thrilled to have Gord and Michelle start attending our church and growing in faith. Unfortunately, a year later they stopped attending.

Dot #3: The Frozen Block Party

In January of 2009 we decided to have a winter block party at a park near our church. Only in Canada do you have winter block parties! The date was chosen and we started planning for the event. One problem: we needed power and water at the park. Then I remembered that Gord lived right by the park (pictured left with Michelle). Gord was excited about being involved in this event. The forecast that day was for a balmy –14 degrees Celsius (5 degrees Fahrenheit)!
We  had a great time  serving  burgers  and  hot cocoa, playing  hockey and curling, snowshoeing and making snow sculptures. One family from the community that had come to some of our other events commented that they loved the fact that we were a church that knew how put on a good party. That next Sunday Gord was back in church with Michelle by his side and they have rarely missed since then. Involving Gord in serving his neighbors was a key to opening his heart.

Dot #4: Common Ground Sunday

Twice a year we shorten our church service in order to go out and serve in our community. After a brainstorming session for our June service event, we approached Michelle about the possibility of serving lunch in the apartment building where she lives. It is a building designed for people with special needs or disabilities. Michelle loved the idea and started inviting her neighbors in the building to lunch. People were both surprised and honored that we would come and serve them free lunch. The event was well received by the few that remembered to come out, and the door is now open for us to come back to serve again.
God uses one act of stewardship to lead to the next. Stewardship is not about hunting around for the perfect opportunity that guarantees success. For even when we think a project was a flop, God comes and redeems part of it and sows the seed for greater things. Let us not miss what the Lord is doing in us, through us and around us.

The Next Dot?

This fall Resurrection LBC celebrated its 10-year anniversary. Over these 10 years, God has grown us from a group of 33 people to a church of 150, from a church with eight kids to a church with 146 kids at our latest outdoor VBS. Rez received home mission support from 1999 to 2005. Thank you to all who sowed generously to enable this church to stand on her own!

God has blessed this church with an incredible piece of property. It is located on the corner of two busy streets in the heart of a new development in Camrose. We have church plans ready and have raised two-thirds of the $300,000 needed to begin construction. We are praying that God will raise up some cheerful – even hilarious – givers to partner with us in connecting the next dot for our church.

Pastor Dean Rostad serves Resurrection Lutheran Brethren Church in Camrose, Alberta, Canada (www.rezchurch.ca)

If you are interested in partnering with Resurrection LBC, you can contact them at info@rezchurch.ca or (780) 672-0909.

By   Mon, Nov 02, 2009

A year or so ago, Dr. Eugene Boe invited me into his inner sanctum – a home study consisting of a theological library of thousands of books, a computer workspace, and a large table with comfortable chairs suitable for spirited discussion. Dr. Boe is Professor of Systematic Theology at Lutheran Brethren Seminary, and I was seeking his input on some loose ends on the final editing of the Commentary on the Statement of Faith of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren.

When we’d covered most of my questions on that project, I ventured one more question on an entirely different topic. It was a question I thought he might answer “yes” or “no,” or perhaps in a couple of minutes give a slightly more detailed answer. Instead, I received much, much more.

My question: “Does the Church of the Lutheran Brethren have a theology of stewardship?”

Growing up in a Lutheran Brethren congregation, I heard the word “stewardship” from a very young age, but not often, and never outside of church. On occasion in a sermon, our pastor or a guest speaker would use that word in association with “tithing” or “faith promises” or “planned giving.” So it seemed to me that stewardship was about money and church and duty – and not very much fun. Over time I learned that stewardship is a biblical concept encompassing much more than just money. I learned that we give to the Lord because he gave us his Son. But stewardship still didn’t seem like very much fun. Maybe it’s fun, I thought, for those people who have a lot to give away.

Hearing my question, Dr. Boe pondered for a moment. Then he dashed off to the library side of the inner sanctum, bringing back first one book, then another, as various authors came to mind. Scripture passages were suggested. Many questions were tossed on the table regarding the application of biblical stewardship to all aspects of our lives.

An hour or more passed easily on a subject that had become fascinating in all of its possibilities. Clearly, we were only scratching the surface. When I finally took my leave, I was feeling guilty for imposing on too much of Dr. Boe’s time. But as I began to apologize, he interrupted me and said with some enthusiasm, “I want to thank you, Brent. I really enjoyed that!”

Joy? Stewardship? That was a new word association.

What is stewardship? A big question! A steward is one who had been entrusted with property or finances and is charged with managing them in the best interests of the owner. But we want a biblical understanding. Biblically, if we are children of God through faith in Christ, then we are all stewards for him of the good gifts that he has entrusted to us – and we have been given so much! All of life and all of life’s resources are from God, and entrusted to us for the purpose of his glory.

Our use of money is merely one application of stewardship. All that we are, all that we own, it’s a gift. Redeemed by Christ, we are his. He has shown us unmerited favor. Now we seek to make wise decisions: How much of the gift do we use for ourselves and how much do we use to bless others in Christ’s name?

We apply that question also to our time, our talents, our treasures (including non-monetary resources). Some examples: What are weekends for? If retirement is a gift of time, how can we best use it to glorify God? If we have been given a special mechanical or technical aptitude, who else could benefit from it? How could our homes or summer homes or vehicles or boats be used in God’s employ? What is wealth for? How does God define “financial security?”

True stewardship involves seeing ourselves and others through God’s eyes, and walking in the path of Jesus Christ:

If we lived our lives in such a way that we knew we were being used by God to bring his blessing to others, how would we feel? Joyful? Yes!

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant…(Philippians 2:4-7a).

Joy. Stewardship. Maybe, if we really understand things correctly, these two words are supposed to go together.

Brent Juliot teaches math and economics at Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Fergus Falls, Minnesota (www.ffhillcrest.org)

By Tim Mathiesen   Sat, Oct 31, 2009

In the early days under a new structural paradigm, every event is a “first.” The Church of the Lutheran Brethren, meeting in convention last June, adopted major constitutional revisions stemming from the Lead On initiative. While the CLB Statement of Faith is the same, many aspects of the denominational structure were re-made. Of the six ministry department boards, only the Board of Lutheran Brethren Seminary remains. The new Council of Directors has replaced the Synodical Council and has also taken on the responsibilities of the previous ministry boards.

An important “first” under this new structure took place September 16-18, as the Council of Directors came together in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. It was a time of prayer and discussion, as we looked to God for guidance in the first steps of implementing the new provisions of the amended constitution. We also took time getting to know each other and learning to work as a council.

The most anticipated item on the table was the appointment of the U.S. Regional Pastors. Other items included the election of Lutheran Brethren Seminary Board members and appointment of the ministry directors. The Council of Directors appointed Matthew Rogness as Director of International Mission, Brad Martinson as Director of Finance and Personnel, and Tim Mathiesen as Director of Communications and Prayer. The Council met as a whole for general business sessions and divided into committees for more detailed reports and discussion.

Please pray for the Lord’s guidance as we move forward as the Council of Directors, a new format with new challenges. As the CLB theme for this year suggests, God is with us always – a wonderful reminder that we take these next steps together. Please also pray for our local churches and their leaders as they get to know their Regional Pastors. It’s a new idea, but an idea that we as the Church of the Lutheran Brethren believe is important to provide encouragement and support to our churches and their pastors.

Download a copy of the minutes from the Council of Directors meeting

Tim Mathiesen serves as Director of Communications and Prayer for the Church of the Lutheran Brethren (clba.org)

Meet the Regional Pastors
*The Church of the Lutheran Brethren of Canada is currently in the process of appointing its Regional Pastor

Pacific Region

Rev. Stanley "Stan" Olsen
Pastor Olsen is currently serving as the Director for Clergy and Congregational Relations for the CLB. Prior to this post, he was the Director of Operations for Lutheran Brethren Home Missions and North American Mission, a post he filled for nine years. He served congregations in Washington, Wisconsin and New York. He is married to Cheryl. They have five adult children.

Western Region
Rev. Gary Witkop
Pastor Witkop is pastor of Community in Christ LB Church in Arvada, Colorado, a congregation he has served fourteen years. After graduating from Lutheran Brethren Seminary in 1983, he served CLB congregations in Kelso, Washington for five years and in Watertown, South Dakota for seven years. He is married to Debra and they have three adult children.

Central Region
Rev. Joel Nordtvedt
Dr. Nordtvedt is currently the Executive Director of North American Mission, a combined position for church planting and youth ministry. Pastor Nordtvedt is the past president of the Lutheran Brethren Seminary. After opening a new mission initiative among the Hakka people in Taiwan for two decades, he was an associate pastor in Washington. He is married to MaryBeth. They have three adult children.

Eastern Region
Rev. Richard "Rick" Bridston
Pastor Bridston is currently serving Bethany LB Church, Staten Island, New York. He has pastored congregations of various sizes in Oregon, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and New York. He was the master instructor in the Alpha Way program at Lutheran Center for Christian Learning and taught Lutheran Brethren Seminary courses. He is married to Marcia. They have four adult children.

By Cheryl Olsen   Fri, Oct 30, 2009

Mary walked to the well in the early morning sunlight, thinking of the dinner that she and her sister had hosted the night before. Her hair still carried the scent of perfume! She smiled, remembering Jesus’ words of commendation as she gave him the most precious gift she had in her possession. She had poured it over his feet, but lacking a towel, had wiped the excess with the softness of her hair.

No regrets. Not she. She remembered sitting at his feet as he taught in their home. Jesus had defended her eagerness to learn, when her sister Martha grumbled about her lack of service in the kitchen. Now, at this most recent dinner party, given in honor of Jesus – the one who had raised their brother Lazarus from the dead – Martha had simply served, without complaint. How they both had grown!

Mary mused about her gift. Perhaps it had been given impulsively, yet with all the love of her heart, to someone who loved her unconditionally. Some of the fragrance of what she had given still lingered for her to enjoy.

A couple of millennia later, another event has just taken place; not just a dinner, but a weekend event. The guests at the SWEET Retreat included two women in their twenties who are “sitting at Jesus’ feet” – by learning through the teachers at Lutheran Brethren Seminary. They are passionate about God’s Word, and a future of serving him. They, together with a number of wives of other seminarians, spent two days and a night being nourished by the Word and encouraged by fellowship with each other.

Laughing with each other during get-acquainted times, worshiping our Lord under Michele Foss’s leadership, and praying together in small groups led by Kristen Erickson, the fragrance of friendship was created between first-year students and those who will graduate this year, between newlyweds and mothers. This wonderful weekend of bonding at the beginning of the school year has begun to be a tradition for seminary women who look forward to a time away each fall.

Ruth Vallevik, Director of Women’s Ministries of the CLB, shared these messages at the SWEET Retreat:

1. Who Needs an Anchor – And What is this Hope that Anchors our Souls?
2. Reality Check: Storms Ahead
3. Lessons of the Sea

Some of the lessons these women learned can teach us as well. “We have this hope as an anchor for our souls,” the early Christians read in Hebrews 6:19. One well-known catacomb had over sixty anchors etched into its walls! The symbol of an anchor is as relevant to us today as to those early Christians. This hope of salvation through Jesus Christ’s work is his promise of grace and forgiveness. “The anchor is not left dangling for us to grab on and hang on with all our might. He attaches this anchor to us by grace as we believe in him.” Ruth emphasized, “What security!” We need to recognize that we’re still at sea, with dangers, temptations, the old nature within, the world, flesh, devil, spiritual conflict, loss, persecution, remorse, doubt, and more. “But he holds us fast. He will stabilize us and give us his peace and endurance.”

Similar words of encouragement and training have been given to scores of women through the lips of various speakers since the “S.W.E.E.T.” Retreat was first stirred to life in 2003 by a small group of Women’s Ministries leaders. Their concern was for wives of seminarians. Many of the women worked long hours at jobs to help support the family, while maintaining a large share of the household tasks and raising of their children, so that their husbands could prepare for God’s calling on their lives. But who was equipping the wives? Where was their encouragement? What training were they receiving? SWEET was born as the “Seminary Wives Equipping, Encouraging, and Training” Retreat.

Other women gave financially, after hearing about the dream at the national women’s convention. Still others spread the dream to their home congregations, and ignited the flame of support for the first national Women’s Ministry Team special project. Over the years, wives of Seminary teachers, pastors’ wives, and recent graduates have all contributed time and experience to plan the event. Retired pastor’s wives have even made items to give to these future pastor’s wives.

This weekend, knowing that Ruth Vallevik had offered a flower arranging class to the women during their free time on Saturday, I couldn’t help but think about the fragrance of fresh flowers. In a sense, the fragrance of many flowers has combined to make the SWEET Retreats possible these past years: the dreamers who planned the first one, those who continue giving to make it happen, the memorial gifts, the proceeds from craft fairs, potluck fundraisers, and a host of other individuals who have given financially; the prayers of those who have interceded for seminarians and wives, for speakers, for musicians, for the families they leave; and most importantly, the seminary women themselves, whose fragrance may enhance our own lives one day. All of these fragrant gifts, offered to God, can’t help but bless us too, as we bless those around us.

As Mary neared the other women at the well, she lowered her water pitcher from her shoulder. It brushed against the fabric covering her hair, releasing another burst of scent into the misty air. A woman nearby inquired, “What is that wonderful smell at the well today? Who can tell me why it reminds me of perfume?”

Cheryl Olsen is the Information Coordinator for Women’s Ministries of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren (www.wmclb.com)

By   Sun, Nov 01, 2009

This summer ten youth and young adults participated in a short-term mission experience called “Mission Impact 2009.” This is the second year that the CLB North American Mission department and several Eastern District churches teamed up for this effort.

The participants began with a two-day “Impact Course” led by Liz Christenson and Gian Paul Gonzalez which was designed to help these short-term missionaries to better understand their identity in Christ and their calling for missions. After training, the mission teams were sent to Grace Community in Wesley Chapel, Florida, Pilgrim Lutheran Brethren Church in Mentor, Ohio, and 59th Street Lutheran Brethren Church in Brooklyn, New York.

Each team helped with various outreach projects, Vacation Bible School programs, sports camps, open courts for teens, and intentional acts of grace. As a result of these activities, scores of children and dozens of new families heard the message of God’s love for them in Jesus Christ.

Pastor Jeff Olsen of Grace Community reports some highlights:
We hosted an event for thirty teens inside a nearby juvenile detention center. The event lasted one hour and included some recreation time with two college basketball players as well as a chance to hear an invitation to receive the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. All of the teens were very receptive, and at least a dozen of them prayed to receive Christ or renew their walk with Him. In addition, they were all given free Bibles that they were allowed to keep in their rooms.

Grace Community has seen fruit in the form of several teens who responded to God’s invitation at an open court outreach and in four new families who visited the church following a weeklong sports camp outreach.

Pastor Roger Viksnes from 59th Street Church adds:
One of the things I am the most excited and encouraged about as a result of the Impact group is the young people from our church seeing their peers serving the Lord gladly and joining with them. That has carried over even after the Impact group left.

Once again this year Mission Impact made a significant contribution in the lives of the youth missionaries, the churches they served, and the many individuals and families who were touched with God’s love.

Edited from a variety of sources by Joel Nordtvedt, Executive Director of North American Mission

By   Fri, Oct 30, 2009

Camp Evaluation Quote Highlights:

Now I understand that I need to completely surrender all of my life and not only the parts I want to. - 11^th Grade Girl

I absolutely love this camp. I look forward to it all year. I love meeting God here. It is easy to find him. - 11^th Grade Girl

I learned that we aren't supposed to act loving to our enemies, we are to actually love them. - 9^th Grade Girl

Everything was great! Well, except I kept tripping when I walked - I don't know. - 4^th Grade Girl

I'll be out of the country in 2010, but I'll be back in 2011! - 4^th Grade Girl

The only thing I'd change about camp is that you would look at the weather channel so you can put the Rabbit Hunt on a day it doesn't rain. - 8^th Grade Guy

I have learned that our lives can only be reversed by God through Jesus. I learned that because the staff gave up three months of their lives to teach kids and teenagers about God. - 8^th Grade Guy

During the Christ Hike, I realized that I wasn't saved, so I asked God to save me and allowed him to turn my life upside down. - 7^th Grad Girl

I found out that God wants us to love our enemies the same way as you love other peeps. - 6^th Grade Girl

Read an inspiring article by a counselor >

www.ipoint.org

By   Fri, Oct 30, 2009

My first summer as a counselor at Inspiration Point has come to an end, and I'm back into the swing of school. Everyone is getting bombarded with the question, "How was your summer?" Most people respond simply: "Good! How was yours?" The reply is also one word, "Good!" Now someone is approaching me with that question. How do I go about answering? I can't just say "good," and move on. "Good" is a word I use to describe how my ham sandwich tastes. Do they really want to know how my summer was or are they looking for the thirty second response? I stop and attempt to gather my thoughts. What is the best way to sum up my summer?

So how was it? I was stretched and challenged more than ever before. God revealed himself over and over in countless ways. Let me answer the question by telling about what God taught me.

This summer, I caught a glimpse of what the love of God looks like. I've heard it hundreds of times from the love chapter. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs..." (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). At camp, we were encouraged to love the campers "where they're at." Up until this past summer, I thought most people were easy to love. I've had no problem talking, dealing, hanging out, and spending time with people. However, looking back now, I see that I really chose not to love some people by simply avoiding them.

This summer, avoiding difficult people was not an option, and I didn't want it to be. I learned that love meant not giving up on the kids when I got frustrated. Love is selfless in every circumstance. This includes taking a genuine interest in what my campers' are excited about, whether it's their stumbling explanation of how they won their dodgeball game at free time or a discussion of the score of the wiffle ball game during cabin activity. Whatever it takes, love finds a common ground with others. Love cares enough to sit with them and listen to what's important to them. Love insists on accepting people as they are by not magnifying their flaws, but by instead viewing them as God does. Love is not easy. It's only easy to love those for whom we have mutual feelings.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:46-47, "If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?"

Who is God? God is the One True God. He is an unshakable and unchangeable God. He is faithful and just - all of the time. God is good. God is love. God is perfect - all of the time. God is not these things because we say he is; God is who he says he is. We don't define God, God defines himself. God's faithfulness and love are not relative to my emotions. We tend to categorize God's attributes by how we feel. God is a God of absolutes. Take comfort in knowing he is who he says he is. Be still and know he is God.

What I learned this summer might just sound like a typical Bible Camp response, but my challenge to you is this: When you look back at the summer of 2009, ask yourself, "What has God been teaching me?"

Were there chances to love others and view them as God views you? Were there opportunities to throw out selfish motives and adopt a servant's heart? Let us change our attitude. When life gets tough and worries weigh us down, let us not try to merely get through, but let us enjoy the process of learning God's simple lessons.

So if I'm already drained in the beginning of the day, Lord, help me to look to you for energy and fill me with inspiration to pass on to others. If I'm weary, give me strength. Where I am selfish, make me selfless. When I feel like I can't give any more, help me to give all I have, and then some.

What if I lived a life worthy of the calling I received? What if I gave all that I had?

So when someone asks me how my summer was, it's difficult to put into words. I spent all summer with kids who were fired up about their faith! I watched God wrap his splendor around broken campers and perfectly weave his beauty in every detail. I spent my summer discovering who God is. Does it get any better?

I still don't know exactly how to answer the question, but I do know this. My God is good, all of the time. I know my God cannot be shaken. I serve the author of salvation.

I love my God!

Chris Kjolhaug is a sophomore at Jamestown College in Jamestown, North Dakota

By   Fri, Oct 30, 2009

Eastern Region Pastors’ School was held August 17-21 at Tuscarora in Mt. Bethel, PA.  Over 40 pastors, wives, and children attended. Roger Viksnes, Jeff Olsen, Bob Lawson, and Ryan Nilsen led seminars, and Kevin Foss, Alyssa McIvor, Thor Foss, Rick Bridston, and Chris Priestaf led our worship. The week was also a great time for fellowship, recreation, and time to connect with colleagues to share with and support one another.  The week is available for all Eastern Region pastors and families.  Registration for the August 16-20, 2010 Pastor’s School is now open.

By   Fri, Oct 30, 2009

The Wall
By Alan Johnson

I divide myself into two parts
My outward self and inner heart
Then erect a wall between the two
To hide the latter from other’s view

The wall is built of self control
Constantly it must be patrolled
For fear the side I most despise
Be found and viewed by others’ eyes

Now, others looking do not see
The lurking darkness remains in me
The wall separates heart and deed
But keeps from sight my deepest need

This growing darkness bears a weight
That I am powerless to escape
The more I search behind the wall
The more I see how far we fell

Then appears the One I can’t resist
And to Him the wall does not exist
With a loving and gentle stare
He sees the burden I cannot bear

At last, Hope comes into sight
He covers my darkness with His light
He reaches down offering to take
All my sins, and bear their weight

Now I stand in joy and peace
For from the weight I’ve been released
And though my darkness still remains
His light too, remains unchanged

Alan Johnson is a junior at Central Washington University with an interest in Philosophy

By   Thu, Oct 29, 2009

Among the charter members who thirty years ago founded Liberty Lutheran Brethren Church in Fargo, North Dakota, there was an individual with a passion that Christians be well read. Jeanette Akrehavn started a library providing books for children, Christian novels and a resource section that helped teachers and children learn more of God’s Word.
The library, now in its third location, is filled with quality Christian literature. Recently videos, DVDs and even computer software have been added to help teachers and students be better prepared for their ministry.
Last fall, Jeanette determined that she needed to pass on the reins of entry of books and keeping the library in order to other members of the congregation. Many people felt this was the time for the congregation to express gratitude for her generosity and for her diligence in making the library such a significant resource for our congregation.
On Sunday, September 13, 2009, Liberty’s library was dedicated to the glory of God in honor of and gratitude to Jeanette Akrehavn. From this day forward it will be called the Akrehavn Library. All of Liberty are grateful for Jeanette’s contributions and praise God for her faithfulness.

By   Sun, Nov 01, 2009

Since its founding in 2001, Rock Church – now called Generation Church – has rented meeting facilities from Chandler-Gilbert Community College. But by 2008, with an economic crunch in full swing and our church populated mostly by young adults who have little money to spare, we were no longer able to afford college rental fees. Since November 2008 we’ve been meeting in homes, except for all-church gatherings that are still held at the college. Our big concern was that we still owed the college $15,000 in past-due rent. With no way to generate the funds we needed, all we could do was call on God for help.

Thankfully, God has given us favor with the college. From day one we cultivated a climate of respect for the school’s facilities and staff. We have also made sure we leave no trace of our weekend presence. And for special college events we have offered our stage and our sound and lighting equipment, including the 45-50 man-hours to set it all up, plus our trained staff to operate the equipment for their functions. In addition, I have spent hundreds of hours facilitating Bible studies for the Christian club on campus and training its leaders. We have never asked the college for anything in return. We simply wanted to reflect the character and goodness of God. Would our nine-year effort to be a positive Christian witness now be spoiled by our delinquent rent payments? We fervently prayed it would not.

In January I met with the facilities manager to go over our rent status. She informed me that she had kept track of the number of times we had shared our equipment with the college. She said the college would “comp” us $9,262.09 in past-due rent. She also urged me not to worry about the remaining $6000 we still owed, as the college would continue to “comp” us for any help we gave them in the future. I was ecstatic! God was answering our prayers, but in a way I hadn’t expected.

Then in June I met again with the facilities manager. To my amazement, we were credited for the entire remaining portion of what we owed – $6,091.07. In half a year’s time $15,353.18 in debt had been wiped from the books! When I thanked her for this obvious kindness, she replied that the college was truly grateful for our help. I could barely contain myself as I walked out of her office, overwhelmed by the kindness of this person who owed us nothing but who had gone out of her way to make sure we were generously compensated for the use of our equipment. Without a doubt, this was a work of God.

I am continually amazed by God! Who else takes a trouble and turns it into a surprise gift? Who takes a disaster and makes a blessing out of it? Today I stand in witness: No problem – including past-due rent – is a match for God’s grace and power!

Pastor Forrest Erickson serves Generation Church in Chandler, Arizona (www.azgeneration.com)

Pastor Erickson

By   Sun, Nov 01, 2009

As pastor of St. Peter’s Lutheran Brethren Church in North Tonawanda, New York, I am interested in new ways to communicate the Good News with people inside and outside of our congregation. Bob Bailey, a member of our church, has been working on a new communication tool, a web-based service called a Video-e-Newsletter.

It’s a unique way of delivering a video via e-mail in the form of a newsletter that also remains on the web for other people to see. With this new technology, I can deliver a themed video that includes an article and links to other websites and online blogs. The congregation enjoys receiving them even if I sometimes feel a little goofy speaking in them. The one page website the Video-e-Newsletter produces is ranked in all the major search engines. As a result, I’ve had e-mail inquiries from people across the country who discovered the video while surfing the internet for inspiration and spiritual knowledge.

The best way to explain what the Video-e-Newsletter looks like is to view one already online. We made one when we took our church youth to Tuscarora Inn & Conference Center for winter weekend – a time of fun, bonding, praise, and worship. To see it, type “Saint Peter’s Lutheran Brethren Church Video-e-Newsletter” into Google without the quotes and click on the link (or click here).

The technology behind this new service is proprietary. Putting together the content is easy. All you need is a camcorder or a webcam. Once you record a video, you can send it to the production department at Video-e-Newsletter.com and they will edit the video. You can include photographs with your raw footage that will be included in the finished product.

Along with the raw video footage, you can send links and text copy you want delivered to your congregation, such as announcements and upcoming events. The production department can customize your one page Video-e-Newsletter with logos or graphics you provide to them. Each time a Video-e-Newsletter is delivered to your email list it becomes a mini one-page website. If you produced one a month, by the end of the year you would have twelve mini websites all ranked in Google and delivering your message consistently. Getting the message out for Jesus is a high priority these days. Bringing people the hope of the gospel is the bottom line.

St. Peter’s is using this Video-e-Newsletter for fundraising, delivering information to the congregation via e-mail, and sharing the good news of Christ. We plan to do more throughout the year. The response has been great. If you have an interest in using this tool for your church, please send an email to info@video-e-newsletter.com or visit the firm’s website at http://www.video-e-newsletter.com.

Click here for an example of St. Peter's Church e-newsletter

Pastor Bob  Lawson serves St. Peter’s Lutheran Brethren Church in North Tonawanda, New York (bobandkareninntonawanda.blogspot.com)

By Randy Mortenson   Sat, Oct 31, 2009

What do The Lion King, Abraham, Psalm 8, and you (yes, you!) have in common?

There’s a scene in the Disney animated movie The Lion King where Mufasa, the lion king, shows his young son Simba the innumerable stars spread across the African night sky. Those stars represent his ancestors, Mufasa says. Always with them; always watching over them. Mufasa, voiced by basso profondo James Earl Jones, then intones these ominous words to Simba: “Remember who you are.” You are the son not only of a king, but of countless kings before you.

That scene is kind of New Agey with a Buddhist twist, where ancestors are remembered and honored in a way that borders on – or crosses into – worship. But it reminds me of the occasion in Genesis 15:5, when God takes Abraham outside and says, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars – if indeed you can count them… So shall your offspring be.”

In the fictional cartoon we have a lion prince looking back and feeling the weight of history on his shoulders. In the Bible we have an old, childless man receiving the covenant promise from Almighty God that he will not only have a son, but will have as many descendants as there are stars in the heavens. One is pointed to his royal ancestry; the other to his future, miraculous progeny.

And that’s where you come in. Through faith in Christ, you are one of those promised descendants of Abraham! When you look at the night sky, you can imagine all your ancestors leading back to Abraham 4,000 years ago, and your brothers and sisters in Christ today, and those still yet to come, until Christ returns as King.

You’ve probably figured out the connection from the opening question. It’s a dot-to-dot-to-dot-to-dot – of stars. Psalm 8 is also about stars, the literal ones decorating the night, and about our majestic Lord who put them there. The same Lord who put you, and me, and Abraham, and everyone saved through his covenant in place. His place. Secured by the Prince of Peace.

So, you may be thinking, as the theme of this issue is stewardship, what does all this starry-ancestor-progeny-covenant talk have to do with that? Simply this. Tonight, if the sky is clear, go outside and consider the stars. Then consider Whose handiwork they are. And then, imagine your King speaking softly into your ear: “My child, remember Whose you are.”

You are a child and heir of the Creator of the universe. You belong to him. You are a member of God’s royal family. Remember that, and you’ll see that your time, and your talents, and your money, and your property, and your possessions, and even your earthly family are not really yours at all. Abraham was richly blessed so that he could be a blessing to others. So, dear child of the King of kings, are you.

Randy Mortenson serves Ebenezer Lutheran Brethren Church in Mayville, North Dakota

(You may have noticed that the Magazine used RE:Apply as the name for this column, but the name was changed to RE:Think after it was sent to the printer and that is the name that will be used in the future)