As you may know, Element Church adopted four moms through the Life Choice Pregnancy Center here in Cheyenne. These women were counseled by Life Choice and have chosen to give life to, and keep their babies. These are four moms who were in need for Christmas and we wanted to come along side them and give them a holiday they could remember. We received MANY donations of gifts and currently have received $940 to offset some of the costs of providing these moms with their needs and gifts. Elementers, you did a FANTASTIC job. Last night some Elementers got together to wrap gifts and here is are some pictures of that. Click on the slide show to view them in a larger format.
Also, another Life Group has picked up another needy mother and family to provide Christmas for. That makes a total of 6 families that Elementers will be providing Christmas for. GO ELEMENTERS!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Sermon Series and community outreach
For those of you on the "inside" here at Element Insider you're going to get the sneak peak of our upcoming series. We'll be promoting it this Sunday at church. January 6th - 27th we are going to be doing a series called "Deal or No Deal" and talking about finances. In fact the first two sermon series of the new year are going to be topics that are literally drowning our society. Money and sex. Along with our Deal or No Deal series, we are going to be offering a FREE, one day Dave Ramsay financial seminar. Adam just got off the phone with a guy, who along with his Dave Ramsay certified brother, will be doing a full day's seminar on finances. Element Church is going to provide this seminar completely free to those in the community who may need a day like this. The seminar is highlighted on our new mailer going out, as well as our invite cards we got made. We'll also be doing an advertisement in the newspaper leading up to it. We'd like to launch a "Financial Peace University" Life Group following the event if we have enough interest, as well as someone to lead it. Below are the graphics for the invites of the upcoming series. All of our invites are done in a "rave card" size (3.5" x 3.5"). We order them from 48hourprint.com and their custom size options. VERY affordable.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Staff Christmas
Sunday night we had a blast hanging out as a staff. Curtis and Heather (youth ministry) had us over to their house and Curtis cooked a mean steak. (He cooked more than one) We were able to just relax for an evening together. We then had a white elephant gift exchange and played a game that had us all laughing nearly to tears. We also got Curtis and Heather started on watching Lost. One by one our goal of converting the planet to Lost is slowly unfolding.
Adam and I (as paid staff) wanted to be able and honor the other guys/gals who don't get compensation for their staff efforts. We gave both Grant and Curtis cash bonuses (small for what they deserve). Terri is a payed employee but she literally keeps the office going so we got her and heather a day spa treatment. Adam and I also purchased one for our wives as well to join the other ladies on a day out. (We have to watch the kids) Sabrina's birthday was on Sunday (big 30) so the day spa was part of her birthday/Christmas present. The day spa includes a one hour massage, facial, herbal wrap and lunch. Part of the deal for Terri was that she had to take a complete day off to do this and it couldn't be her normal day off. She works many extra hours for Element Church and this was just a small way we could say thank you.
The meal, the gifts, the games, the laughs were only great because of the great people I work with. To think that 6 months ago we didn't know Curtis and Heather existed, now I can't imagine doing this without them. Grant and Terri up and left pretty much all their family had known for YEARS. HUGE risk for them financially and with their family. (Morgan and Nate are amazing young men and should be proud of their parents) Adam and Amber left the only ministry they had known together. The church Adam served in was his home church where he grew up. And here we are, all together, doing our best to hang on to Christ as He leads us on this journey. My wife had to "redo" her nest and replant all her children into a new world. Started a business just to meet people and now helps direct e:kidz.
Grant, Curtis, Heather, Terri, Adam, Amber and Sabrina. You make this thing go round' Thank you so much for being a part of my team. You guys are amazing!
Adam and I (as paid staff) wanted to be able and honor the other guys/gals who don't get compensation for their staff efforts. We gave both Grant and Curtis cash bonuses (small for what they deserve). Terri is a payed employee but she literally keeps the office going so we got her and heather a day spa treatment. Adam and I also purchased one for our wives as well to join the other ladies on a day out. (We have to watch the kids) Sabrina's birthday was on Sunday (big 30) so the day spa was part of her birthday/Christmas present. The day spa includes a one hour massage, facial, herbal wrap and lunch. Part of the deal for Terri was that she had to take a complete day off to do this and it couldn't be her normal day off. She works many extra hours for Element Church and this was just a small way we could say thank you.
The meal, the gifts, the games, the laughs were only great because of the great people I work with. To think that 6 months ago we didn't know Curtis and Heather existed, now I can't imagine doing this without them. Grant and Terri up and left pretty much all their family had known for YEARS. HUGE risk for them financially and with their family. (Morgan and Nate are amazing young men and should be proud of their parents) Adam and Amber left the only ministry they had known together. The church Adam served in was his home church where he grew up. And here we are, all together, doing our best to hang on to Christ as He leads us on this journey. My wife had to "redo" her nest and replant all her children into a new world. Started a business just to meet people and now helps direct e:kidz.
Grant, Curtis, Heather, Terri, Adam, Amber and Sabrina. You make this thing go round' Thank you so much for being a part of my team. You guys are amazing!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Too old? NEVER!
We have some AMAZING people who come to Element Church and there is a group of them that I want to honor today. Many people might think that the only folks coming to Element are "young" adults or "young" families. First of all "young" has nothing to do with age and everything to do with your heart. We do have our share of young people but we have an AWESOME group of...well, age challenged folks. Like Grant for instance! LOL Just kidding bro! One of our regular attenders (I believe she helped ush recently too) turned 80 two weeks ago. I don't know peoples ages but we have several coming AND serving who are probably in their 60's (or close, lol, I'm gonna be in trouble for this). There is one wonderful lady who just recently started coming (at the beginning of "Believe"), I won't guess her age, but she's someone you may not expect at Element and she welcomed me with a smile and a hug on Sunday and left with a glint of a tear, AND another hug. I LOVE having these people by my side. God's purpose for us doesn't go away when we get older. No matter how old you are, YOU ARE USEFUL AT ELEMENT CHURCH! I pray that those of you who attend Element (or anywhere) and are getting up in your years, I pray that you will dream dreams! I pray you will pursue your passions! I pray that you will NEVER believe the lie that you are too old to be used! I had the wonderful privilege of riding out to the local dump today with just one of those folks from Element. We had an AWESOME discussion in the pickup. I don't know how old they are but I know this. If I have HALF of their passion for Jesus when I'm their age, I'll be doing VERY well. God brought them to Element and they are truly an invaluable part of our team. May I never take for granted these people that God has brought us. For all you age challenged followers of Jesus out there. THANK YOU! You are an inspiration and may God use you in MIGHTY ways for Him!
Rumination Additions for 12-16
--- Offering Sunday was $4257.50. WAY TO GO ELEMENTERS!
--- We also received $810 above that for the adopt a mom outreach we are doing. There is still more money coming in for that and if you'd like to give to that you still can. We purchased the remaining items yesterday for the moms and their families and all the money given will go toward that.
--- Thanks Elementers for stepping up and helping out these moms.
--- One of our Life Groups adopted another needy mom here in town. They provided clothes and gifts for the kids and mom as well as providing a holiday meal.
--- Another Life Group will be serving at the Comea House (homeless shelter) this Saturday evening.
--- Fusion JV and Varisty student ministry went out to Wal-mart this past week and put away shopping carts for the store and for their customers as a random act of kindness. WAY TO GO FUSION!
--- Adam has two blogs up. Bout time! You can check those out here and here.
--- My brother in law who pastors in Warrenton, MO has a great blog on serving. His name is Ryan Akers. Check it out here. It goes along with our Random Acts of Kindness idea for the month. Good job Ryan!
--- We also received $810 above that for the adopt a mom outreach we are doing. There is still more money coming in for that and if you'd like to give to that you still can. We purchased the remaining items yesterday for the moms and their families and all the money given will go toward that.
--- Thanks Elementers for stepping up and helping out these moms.
--- One of our Life Groups adopted another needy mom here in town. They provided clothes and gifts for the kids and mom as well as providing a holiday meal.
--- Another Life Group will be serving at the Comea House (homeless shelter) this Saturday evening.
--- Fusion JV and Varisty student ministry went out to Wal-mart this past week and put away shopping carts for the store and for their customers as a random act of kindness. WAY TO GO FUSION!
--- Adam has two blogs up. Bout time! You can check those out here and here.
--- My brother in law who pastors in Warrenton, MO has a great blog on serving. His name is Ryan Akers. Check it out here. It goes along with our Random Acts of Kindness idea for the month. Good job Ryan!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Rumination Additions
HOW COULD I FORGET THIS? Just had a power nap. Maybe it re-engaged my brain. (I'm exhausted today)
We had one person today who indicated the accepted Jesus Christ as Savior. We didn't even do an invitation today, yet someone marked on their card that today they became a follower of Christ. WOW!! Praise the Lord. Anyway, thought I'd add that. Probably think of more stuff later.
We had one person today who indicated the accepted Jesus Christ as Savior. We didn't even do an invitation today, yet someone marked on their card that today they became a follower of Christ. WOW!! Praise the Lord. Anyway, thought I'd add that. Probably think of more stuff later.
Sunday Rumination (12-16-07)
Another great Sunday at Element Church! We have such awesome people that come. Look forward to it every week. Well, we have our staff Christmas party tonight at 5:30 so I wanted to get some rumination in, maybe catch a quick nap, and then head out to the party. I may post some more thoughts tonight so this won't be as long as it normally is. (You're probably glad about that)
--- 214 in attendance today. Good to be over 200 again. That next growth barrier is going to be 250. I believe the breakdown was 77 in the first service and 137 in the second. We took the pipe and drape down in between the two services to make room for #2. We're going to need people to start attending the 9 AM service or we'll outgrow the 10:30. By the way, that would be a GREAT problem to have. I hope everyone knows that we post #'s whether they are "good" or "bad". We obviously want to see more and more people come, not so we can break a certain barrier, but so that more people can connect with Life in Christ! #'s are ok. God cares about who is in church, and so do we! We will, and HAVE, put 100% of our energy into church regardless of how many people come.
--- Offering will be posted tomorrow. I do know we got about $1000 of offering through the mail this week, so that's a good sign. The offering will be tallied tomorrow by the tellers. I'll post that then.
--- 10:30 sermon flowed great for me. Our first week at two services I felt like the 10:30 was a dud. Last week they literally felt exactly the same. This week, I didn't feel bad about either but I just loved the way it felt in 10:30. I felt much more connected to the word in 10:30. It's impossible for me not to compare how each service feels.
--- Adam and the band did what had to be the best version of O Come Let Us Adore Him that I've ever heard. They rocked it out man. What a blessing we have in the leaders and volunteers that serve at Element Church.
--- If you don't currently serve at Element, I encourage you to do so. I get paid for what I do, but I truly believe that if I weren't a pastor, I would love serving at church. I just love what the local church does. It is the hope of the world. For some reason, God chooses to leave HIS most important message and tasks to a group of people called "The Church". Why wouldn't we want to be a part of that? There are lots of areas to get plugged in at Element, and we'd love to help you do that.
--- I serve with the greatest staff in the world. I get to hang out with them tonight at our Christmas party and hopefully show them how grateful I am to serve with them. I know there will be a time when we start adding to the team, but I can't imagine serving with anyone better than the guys I serve with now. Grant, Adam, Curtis, Heather and Terri, you guys are incredible.
--- That's it for now. Check Adams blog later for the set list. We had a great worship set today and the band, as usual, ROCKED!
I'll post some more thoughts later. Maybe I'll do a weekend wrapup. Don't forget, if you want to get anything for the adopt a moms we're supporting please do so soon! I love being your pastor.
Following Christ,
Jeff
--- 214 in attendance today. Good to be over 200 again. That next growth barrier is going to be 250. I believe the breakdown was 77 in the first service and 137 in the second. We took the pipe and drape down in between the two services to make room for #2. We're going to need people to start attending the 9 AM service or we'll outgrow the 10:30. By the way, that would be a GREAT problem to have. I hope everyone knows that we post #'s whether they are "good" or "bad". We obviously want to see more and more people come, not so we can break a certain barrier, but so that more people can connect with Life in Christ! #'s are ok. God cares about who is in church, and so do we! We will, and HAVE, put 100% of our energy into church regardless of how many people come.
--- Offering will be posted tomorrow. I do know we got about $1000 of offering through the mail this week, so that's a good sign. The offering will be tallied tomorrow by the tellers. I'll post that then.
--- 10:30 sermon flowed great for me. Our first week at two services I felt like the 10:30 was a dud. Last week they literally felt exactly the same. This week, I didn't feel bad about either but I just loved the way it felt in 10:30. I felt much more connected to the word in 10:30. It's impossible for me not to compare how each service feels.
--- Adam and the band did what had to be the best version of O Come Let Us Adore Him that I've ever heard. They rocked it out man. What a blessing we have in the leaders and volunteers that serve at Element Church.
--- If you don't currently serve at Element, I encourage you to do so. I get paid for what I do, but I truly believe that if I weren't a pastor, I would love serving at church. I just love what the local church does. It is the hope of the world. For some reason, God chooses to leave HIS most important message and tasks to a group of people called "The Church". Why wouldn't we want to be a part of that? There are lots of areas to get plugged in at Element, and we'd love to help you do that.
--- I serve with the greatest staff in the world. I get to hang out with them tonight at our Christmas party and hopefully show them how grateful I am to serve with them. I know there will be a time when we start adding to the team, but I can't imagine serving with anyone better than the guys I serve with now. Grant, Adam, Curtis, Heather and Terri, you guys are incredible.
--- That's it for now. Check Adams blog later for the set list. We had a great worship set today and the band, as usual, ROCKED!
I'll post some more thoughts later. Maybe I'll do a weekend wrapup. Don't forget, if you want to get anything for the adopt a moms we're supporting please do so soon! I love being your pastor.
Following Christ,
Jeff
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Devotions...
Psalm 51:17 "The sacrifice You desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart."
Psalm 78 is an amazing Scripture on remembering God's provision. It says several times of the Israelites "They did not remember..." "They did not remember..." "They turned their back..." All the ways that God had provided for them.
Psalm 90:17 says "And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful."
Excerpts from Oswald Chambers devotional for Dec. 13th.:
--- Don't pray for the lost to find a way, pray that they will find God. Don't pray for those in pain to find relief, pray they will find God. This is called intercession.
--- When we pray on the ground of Redemption, God creates something He can create in no other way than through intercessory prayer.
--- Don't pray for whatever they are going through. Pray for their strength. Pray for their patience. Pray that they'll know God.
Don't we often pray for our "troubles" to end? Sometimes I think God allows us to go through troubles so we'll find Him IN them. It's when the wind and the waves rise that we most need to see Jesus and be with Him. Sometimes, it's not God's desire to make the storm stop, but for us to find Him in the storm. Perfect for my sermon this weekend.
Psalm 78 is an amazing Scripture on remembering God's provision. It says several times of the Israelites "They did not remember..." "They did not remember..." "They turned their back..." All the ways that God had provided for them.
Psalm 90:17 says "And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful."
Excerpts from Oswald Chambers devotional for Dec. 13th.:
--- Don't pray for the lost to find a way, pray that they will find God. Don't pray for those in pain to find relief, pray they will find God. This is called intercession.
--- When we pray on the ground of Redemption, God creates something He can create in no other way than through intercessory prayer.
--- Don't pray for whatever they are going through. Pray for their strength. Pray for their patience. Pray that they'll know God.
Don't we often pray for our "troubles" to end? Sometimes I think God allows us to go through troubles so we'll find Him IN them. It's when the wind and the waves rise that we most need to see Jesus and be with Him. Sometimes, it's not God's desire to make the storm stop, but for us to find Him in the storm. Perfect for my sermon this weekend.
God's Provision
God is good. MAN, is He good. We are in need of a copier here at work and have been in the process of getting one. We actually approved a lease for a nice color copier, got it installed and started using it. Soon, we realized this copier was just WAY more than what was needed for our office use at this point , and at the price (good price for the copier, bad for what we needed) we just couldn't keep it. So we returned it with no problem. (Thanks to our friends at Rocky Mountain Business Solutions who were so generous in helping us with that)
Well, if you follow this blog at all you've read about our recent budget work. If you'd like you can read about that here and here. Well, as I said, the budget is almost done. Although in reviewing it I had overlooked ANY money for a copier. Really, at this point, a lease is about the only way to go. We already had a meeting scheduled with an Elementer who works in the copy industry. I knew this would be a fairly hefty budget addition once we decided what copier to go with that they would suggest. I was prepared to re-allocate some funds in order for us to get one.
Today they came in to give us their proposal. They handed us a pamphlet of info on the copier they suggested that would work for our size of use. With the pamphlet was the lease proposal. It listed all the service it includes, toner, etc. At the bottom under the lease price per month, in red letters was "RAK". Then these words were written. "Random Acts of Kindness. One never knows when they might return." They are basically DONATING the use of this copier to us. I was blown away. I have had such a peace about this budget thing the last two days. I didn't have that when I started it, but I felt God just saying "Trust Me!". Then this happens. Even though it's just a copier, it's just another way that God says "I have it all under control."
I don't have permission to share who did this for us, but THANK YOU! And I hope we will take your act of kindness and bless someone else as well. If we'll just rest and trust in God, He takes care of all the details.
I didn't overlook a copier in the budget, God already had it taken care of.
Well, if you follow this blog at all you've read about our recent budget work. If you'd like you can read about that here and here. Well, as I said, the budget is almost done. Although in reviewing it I had overlooked ANY money for a copier. Really, at this point, a lease is about the only way to go. We already had a meeting scheduled with an Elementer who works in the copy industry. I knew this would be a fairly hefty budget addition once we decided what copier to go with that they would suggest. I was prepared to re-allocate some funds in order for us to get one.
Today they came in to give us their proposal. They handed us a pamphlet of info on the copier they suggested that would work for our size of use. With the pamphlet was the lease proposal. It listed all the service it includes, toner, etc. At the bottom under the lease price per month, in red letters was "RAK". Then these words were written. "Random Acts of Kindness. One never knows when they might return." They are basically DONATING the use of this copier to us. I was blown away. I have had such a peace about this budget thing the last two days. I didn't have that when I started it, but I felt God just saying "Trust Me!". Then this happens. Even though it's just a copier, it's just another way that God says "I have it all under control."
I don't have permission to share who did this for us, but THANK YOU! And I hope we will take your act of kindness and bless someone else as well. If we'll just rest and trust in God, He takes care of all the details.
I didn't overlook a copier in the budget, God already had it taken care of.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
UNBELIEVABLE!!
Grant blogged! Here it is. And it's good too (it always is, so that isn't unbelievable).
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