The worship team has been working on a new song that we will introduce at Fire Fall called, "Fire Fall Down." Click here for a sneak peek.
Now, let's all talk Tony into spiking out his hair like this worship leader. lol!
P.S. Hmmm, I wonder if anyone will comment on this one?
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Halelujha Night
Tonight is work night! I love work night because I always make a new friend at work night. I am not kidding you, every year since the H. Night of 2003 I have developed a new friendship by working with people on H. Night set up. Don't miss out. This will be fun and we will get a lot done at the same time.
By the way. My job this year is to run the prize table again. I will bring the cappuccino maker tonight and will be making coffee for everyone who helps. Just a little treat I like to provide for everyone who works. I do a great mocha, a spiced honey latte, and some others.
By the way. My job this year is to run the prize table again. I will bring the cappuccino maker tonight and will be making coffee for everyone who helps. Just a little treat I like to provide for everyone who works. I do a great mocha, a spiced honey latte, and some others.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Fire Fall
Why are we calling our Fall spiritual emphasis, Fire Fall? It is based on an Old Testament story found in 1 Kings 18:18-40. You can read it by clicking on the link. In the story God revealed himself by fire, showing himself to be real, willing to intervene in human situations, and a God who hears prayer. We are believing that God will make himself real to you. We believe that God will intervene in your situations. We believe that God will answer your prayers during this special week.
We are expecting a special move of God as his blessings fall upon us. Fire is symbolic of several themes in the Bible. Fire is symbolic of God's purifying process (1 Cor. 3:13; Rev. 3:18). Fire is also symbolic of God's power (1 Thess 5:19; 2 Thess 1:7). Lastly, fire is symbolic of God's presence (Gen 15:17; Ex. 3:2; 13:21; Acts 2:3).
I am hungry for more of God! I am hungry for more of his purity, more of his power to strengthen me, and more of his presence to assure me.
We are expecting a special move of God as his blessings fall upon us. Fire is symbolic of several themes in the Bible. Fire is symbolic of God's purifying process (1 Cor. 3:13; Rev. 3:18). Fire is also symbolic of God's power (1 Thess 5:19; 2 Thess 1:7). Lastly, fire is symbolic of God's presence (Gen 15:17; Ex. 3:2; 13:21; Acts 2:3).
I am hungry for more of God! I am hungry for more of his purity, more of his power to strengthen me, and more of his presence to assure me.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Weekend Rewind
How Great is Our God, was really attacked by the Devil. The DVD we ordered did not come through. The golf balls we ordered were lost sue to an e-mail malfuntion in North Carolina. A ton of regular attenders in the second service were not at church at all on Sunday (which is demoralizing). Finally, most people (except for the visitors) showed up so late that the start of the second service was a little weird.
If you take away the visitors that we were blessed to have in the second service and just count regular attenders, the first service was larger! Thank God for visitors! Thank God for good attendance in the first service.
People were blessed by the message. Here is a link to Christian Book Distributors to get a copy for yourself.
Let's begin to pray today for Fire Fall. Fire Fall, is a Fall spiritual emphasis or revival that we are having, November 2nd through 5th. Services will be Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. and Monday through Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Evening services will be fast paced and will start promptly and on time. Nursery is being provided, but children (Jungle Jam age and up) are encouraged to attend, worship, listen, and pray with their families. We offer age appropriate ministry regularly, but our kids need to see up worship, and join us in prayer. We need to all get serious about corporate prayer and passionate worship in our church. I hope Fire Fall will be a turning point in our passion for God.
If you take away the visitors that we were blessed to have in the second service and just count regular attenders, the first service was larger! Thank God for visitors! Thank God for good attendance in the first service.
People were blessed by the message. Here is a link to Christian Book Distributors to get a copy for yourself.
Let's begin to pray today for Fire Fall. Fire Fall, is a Fall spiritual emphasis or revival that we are having, November 2nd through 5th. Services will be Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. and Monday through Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Evening services will be fast paced and will start promptly and on time. Nursery is being provided, but children (Jungle Jam age and up) are encouraged to attend, worship, listen, and pray with their families. We offer age appropriate ministry regularly, but our kids need to see up worship, and join us in prayer. We need to all get serious about corporate prayer and passionate worship in our church. I hope Fire Fall will be a turning point in our passion for God.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
The Potter's House
DVD's of the message, "God Molds Our Talents" are ready! This is the message on talents that included the pottery work of Fred Wyatt. If you would like a copy they are $1. WOW!!! That is really expensive. I have eight copies and can have more very quickly.
By the way, the pots that Fred threw on the wheel are coming out of the kiln today! They will be for sale in the foyer if you wish to purchsase one. Fred wants all the proceeds from the purchases to go to missions. We are thinking that we will give the funds to Speed the Light.
By the way, the pots that Fred threw on the wheel are coming out of the kiln today! They will be for sale in the foyer if you wish to purchsase one. Fred wants all the proceeds from the purchases to go to missions. We are thinking that we will give the funds to Speed the Light.
Church History
I was thinking this morning about our congregation. We are constantly looking forward because we are so passionate about growing and reaching the lost. We often look forward progressively so passionately that we forget about our past.
To fix this I want to start a project. I want to compile an accurate history of our church. I will find all the documents that are official. I know that I have one that is the written agreement between Rev. Pettet and the seller of the property to buy our 1.25 acres for $3,500 back in 1965. I will get stuff like that and some other things that pertain to the Assemblies of God in Washington prior to our church plant in 1965-66.
Most of you don't know it, but an AG church was attempted in the 1930's and 1950's also. neither were able to sustain themselves. One pastor was ridden out of town on a rail!
Here is where your part comes in. I need personal stories. If you or a friend were saved at First AG I want your testimony. Especially the testimonies of people who predate me as the Pastor!!! Please find a way to summarize your testimony in a one page document, 12 pt. font and one inch margins. I am very serious about this! We need to make sure that the youth of our church know the history of the church and the ways in which God has moved in our church in the past. We need to review the miracles of God and believe God to renew them in our day!
Please talk about this. Let's get a buzz going on this one. I want to include it in our next photo directory that we are going to update in the next few months with the help of Patt Harr. We may even create a small book on our Church's history that would be a stand alone volume.
Habakkuk 3:2
"LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy."
Even if the rest of the Unites States of America rejects the Bible and the truth of the gospel, we can pray that in God's wrath he remembers mercy for us his people and we can and will see the miracles of God.
To fix this I want to start a project. I want to compile an accurate history of our church. I will find all the documents that are official. I know that I have one that is the written agreement between Rev. Pettet and the seller of the property to buy our 1.25 acres for $3,500 back in 1965. I will get stuff like that and some other things that pertain to the Assemblies of God in Washington prior to our church plant in 1965-66.
Most of you don't know it, but an AG church was attempted in the 1930's and 1950's also. neither were able to sustain themselves. One pastor was ridden out of town on a rail!
Here is where your part comes in. I need personal stories. If you or a friend were saved at First AG I want your testimony. Especially the testimonies of people who predate me as the Pastor!!! Please find a way to summarize your testimony in a one page document, 12 pt. font and one inch margins. I am very serious about this! We need to make sure that the youth of our church know the history of the church and the ways in which God has moved in our church in the past. We need to review the miracles of God and believe God to renew them in our day!
Please talk about this. Let's get a buzz going on this one. I want to include it in our next photo directory that we are going to update in the next few months with the help of Patt Harr. We may even create a small book on our Church's history that would be a stand alone volume.
Habakkuk 3:2
"LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy."
Even if the rest of the Unites States of America rejects the Bible and the truth of the gospel, we can pray that in God's wrath he remembers mercy for us his people and we can and will see the miracles of God.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Paryer
Please pray for our church and your Pastors:
-"How Great is Our God" outreach on October 26th
-Hallelujah Night on October 31st
-Fire Fall Spiritual Emphasis November 2-5
-A mom in the hospital with heart problems
-A teenage girl killed in a car accident, Pastor is speaking at the service
-A grandmother recovering from surgery this morning
-Two church members recovering from cancer treatment
-"How Great is Our God" outreach on October 26th
-Hallelujah Night on October 31st
-Fire Fall Spiritual Emphasis November 2-5
-A mom in the hospital with heart problems
-A teenage girl killed in a car accident, Pastor is speaking at the service
-A grandmother recovering from surgery this morning
-Two church members recovering from cancer treatment
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
An Unusual Letter
Yesterday I received a letter in the church office that was unlike any letter I have ever received in 15 years of ministry!!! It was from a political candidate that was urging me to do several things. One, promote the individual in our services by obtaining and reading an Internet letter designed to be read to congregations from the candidate. Two, to invite people to church home groups where we would promote that candidate. Three, to promote issues that the candidate feels are important to their campaign by listing them for me in a four page letter for informing my congregation.
Obviously I am not going to do any of these things. I have never done those things for any candidate. When my friends talk to me face to face I will readily tell you who I am voting for and why. I have nothing to hide. But as a pastor, and as a church, we (I) do not promote individual candidates. When Jesus runs for office we will support a candidate!
The only thing that I will tell you in my blog is this, you need to vote with Biblical values when it comes to specific issues. As a Pastor I am unashamedly pro-life. The legalization of abortion in our country is bad law. Laws are made by people, and some laws are simply in error. For instance, there are current economic laws that I believe are bad (but no candidate is talking about them). There are proposals for new laws that are also bad. In a democracy like ours we have a part in promoting just and moral laws. Laws that destroy traditional marriage (one man and one woman) are wrong proposals. Laws that give equal marriage rights to civil unions are semantically promoting traditional marriage, but in content they are allowing same sex marriage.
I am voting my conscience when it comes to many fiscal issues. I am voting based on my experience since the early 1990's when I became independent and started keeping my tax records, applying for student grants, and doing my own finances as a college student. You can love Jesus and live wholeheartedly for him and disagree with me on money issues. But more important than voting my pocketbook, I am also voting my morals. When you go to vote in two weeks I urge you to remember that "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." Proverbs 14:34.
Finally, get informed. Do your country some good, get out and vote! "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins" (James 4:17).
Obviously I am not going to do any of these things. I have never done those things for any candidate. When my friends talk to me face to face I will readily tell you who I am voting for and why. I have nothing to hide. But as a pastor, and as a church, we (I) do not promote individual candidates. When Jesus runs for office we will support a candidate!
The only thing that I will tell you in my blog is this, you need to vote with Biblical values when it comes to specific issues. As a Pastor I am unashamedly pro-life. The legalization of abortion in our country is bad law. Laws are made by people, and some laws are simply in error. For instance, there are current economic laws that I believe are bad (but no candidate is talking about them). There are proposals for new laws that are also bad. In a democracy like ours we have a part in promoting just and moral laws. Laws that destroy traditional marriage (one man and one woman) are wrong proposals. Laws that give equal marriage rights to civil unions are semantically promoting traditional marriage, but in content they are allowing same sex marriage.
I am voting my conscience when it comes to many fiscal issues. I am voting based on my experience since the early 1990's when I became independent and started keeping my tax records, applying for student grants, and doing my own finances as a college student. You can love Jesus and live wholeheartedly for him and disagree with me on money issues. But more important than voting my pocketbook, I am also voting my morals. When you go to vote in two weeks I urge you to remember that "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." Proverbs 14:34.
Finally, get informed. Do your country some good, get out and vote! "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins" (James 4:17).
Monday, October 20, 2008
Yearbookyourself
OK, this is very spiritual.
Pastor in 1956
Pastor in 1970
Pastor in 1978
Pastor in 1988
Unfortuanately, this last one is about accurate for me in 1988.Investing in a Sermon
This year I am doing things a bit differently. I am investing in sermons. Not just time and prayer like I always have, but I am investing money in sermons trusting that you will invite your friends. We have invested in the Powerful Parenting Series and we are investing in the "How Great is Our God" message for October 26th. The message, invitations, and gifts that go along with the message cost almost $200.00. Why am I willing to spend that money? Because I want the very best I can provide to be available when you invite your friends to church for something special.
Make the most of your tithe and offerings to our church! Invite a friend! Don't let this simply be an entertaining Sunday for you and your family, let's invest in a person who is un-churched or out of church.
Make the most of your tithe and offerings to our church! Invite a friend! Don't let this simply be an entertaining Sunday for you and your family, let's invest in a person who is un-churched or out of church.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Off to Youth Convention
Today I will do the early morning Schulte's snack shop run with the kids and then help out at their public school for three hours. Then I will prepare for Youth Convention. We leave at 1:00 p.m. today. I am really looking forward to attending. It is a great event for our teens, but I am looking forward to a real touch from God for me too!
Several people have asked about the musical groups that will be at convention. Worship will be provided by The Anthem. Check them out. They are very good! I would love to invite them to Washington some time. I have actually contacted them about coming in recent months. Caleb Rowden will also be there.
We will return Saturday around 5:15 or 5:30 p.m. If you would like phone call or text message about our exact arrival time home on Saturday please get me your cell #. We will contact you on our way home.
Several people have asked about the musical groups that will be at convention. Worship will be provided by The Anthem. Check them out. They are very good! I would love to invite them to Washington some time. I have actually contacted them about coming in recent months. Caleb Rowden will also be there.
We will return Saturday around 5:15 or 5:30 p.m. If you would like phone call or text message about our exact arrival time home on Saturday please get me your cell #. We will contact you on our way home.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
E-Vite
Our e-vite for How Great is Our God just went out. An e-vite is an email invitation to church! I hope that you will have opportunity to forward it on to some friends in the area who might attend on October 26th.
If you want our e-vites, please sign up for the e-mail list in the space in the right hand column of the blog.
If you want our e-vites, please sign up for the e-mail list in the space in the right hand column of the blog.
Hmmmm, What Are We Giving?
We have ordered golf balls with the globe imprinted on it to give away on October 26th to go along with the "How Great is Our God" outreach message. There are more invitation cards in the foyer that you can pick up Sunday. A e-vite will go out later today for everyone who has signed up on the First A/G E-Mail List, to the right of this screen. I think that we can invite a lot of friends to this and have as many as 160 people at church.Let me encourage the nursery workers and greeters to be at church early on October 26th so that we can particularly care for first-time visitors.
Getting Ready to Go
Leaving for convention on Friday at 1:00 p.m. We will return Saturday around 5:15 or 5:30 p.m. If you would like phone call or text message about our exact arrival time home on Saturday please get me your cell #. We/I will contact you on our way home.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
How Great is Our God
Tonight we will be showing a special message titled, "How Great is Our God." You will absolutely love this message about the greatness of our God and the intimacy of his care for you. The picture above is a photo that we are using on invitation cards that will be available tonight. It is a picture of our sun (the dot) next to the largest star that astronomers have found so far, named Canis Majoris, which will not even fit in the picture! I can't wait for you to see how this image complements the message that you will see tonight. The goal is for you to view the message and then be able to invite friends to church on October 26th for a special viewing of the message again in our morning services. Each person attending the service will receive a small gift to help them remember the message.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)