venice church

Monday, November 23, 2009

Thanksgiving


Please pray about the part that you will have in our Christmas Outreach Offering. We are going to reach approximately 40,000 residences in our neighborhood with Christmas invitations. I know that you want to share in the blessing of touching lives with the gospel this Christmas. The offering will be received the first three Sundays of December. Just put your offering in an envelope and mark it “Christmas Offering”.

This is one of my favorite weeks of the year. It doesn’t get much better than Thanksgiving. In honor of Thanksgiving I offer up…

My Top Ten Thanksgiving Things…
10. Cranberry Sauce.
9. Family.
8. Turkey.
7. Rook (It’s a card game…just so you know.).
6. Sweet Potatoes or Candied Yams (I don’t know the difference).
5. Dressing
4. Cool Whip
3. Golf Outing the day before Thanksgiving.
2. Pumpkin Pie.
1. Football…when the Cowboys win.
(Easy…just a little holiday humor there.)

I hope that each and every one of you has a very Happy Thanksgiving. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.



Upcoming Events:
December 6th – 20th Christmas Outreach Offering
December 13th – Men’s Ministry
December 24th – Christmas Eve Service
January 31st – Annual Business Meeting

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Blessed


Thank you so much for all of the cards, emails, and phone calls that we received since my mom went home to be with the Lord. Your love and encouragement have truly uplifted and sustained me during this difficult time. Thank you for being a wonderful church family.

If you have some time on Sunday afternoon we are going to be decorating for Christmas at 2:00 PM in the Worship Center. Your help is greatly appreciated. Make sure that when you come…you bring your Christmas spirit with you! It is always a lot of fun. I hope to see you then. If you have any questions, please email me at amersh55@yahoo.com.

Men, don’t forget your Men’s Ministry Meeting/Breakfast on Saturday morning at 9:00 AM in the kitchen. I know that it is always a great time of fellowship.

Much Love,
Amy

Upcoming Events:
November 21st – Men’s Ministry
November 22nd – Christmas Decorating
December 13th – Men’s Ministry
December 24th – Christmas Eve Service
January 31st – Annual Business Meeting

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Thank You


The service for Amy’s mom, Eddie Crice, is Saturday at 11:00 AM. Please pray that God would be glorified as we remember and celebrate a life that was devoted to God and her family. Thank you so much for your outpouring of prayers and support for our family. Our loss is heaven’s gain. Amy’s mom is no longer suffering and we look forward to being reunited with her in heaven some day. We are thankful that God is our comfort and refuge during this time. His grace is sufficient for all of our needs.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4) He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5) For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.


We give thanks today to the men and women of our Armed Forces both veterans and currently serving. We thank them for their sacrifice as they fight for our flag and to protect our freedoms.

And…if you are signed up for CLASS 201 on Saturday…this is your reminder. You will meet in the Berean Room at 9:00 AM. If you have any questions please contact Brad or Denise at bjensen623@verizon.net or bradjensen7@sbcglobal.net .


Upcoming Events:
November 14th – CLASS 201: Growing to be Like Christ
November 21st – Men’s Ministry
December 24th – Christmas Eve Service
January 31st – Annual Business Meeting

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Get In a Group...


The heartbeat of Venice Church is our small groups. The Services are good, but real community, real fellowship happens in small groups. We have had our introductory lesson and now this Sunday we embark on 40 Days of Love. We are going to learn about love. We are going to learn to love. We are going to practice love. The best place to learn, grow and practice is in a small group.

This is a great time to give a group a try. It is just a six-week commitment. Try one for the next 40 days. They meet just about every evening of the week. You can find one that will serve you well. If you try one and it is not a good fit…then try another one. For a list of small groups check out the website at http://venicechurch.com/ministries.html. I would be glad to help you find one that will work for you.

The Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale is this Saturday from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM. There is going to be some good stuff for sale and the proceeds will go to our Missionary Families for Christmas. Encourage your friends and neighbors to check out the sale.


Upcoming Events:
November 7th – Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale
November 14th – CLASS 201: Growing to be Like Christ
November 21st – Men’s Ministry
December 24th – Christmas Eve Service

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

A Note From Amy...


Trunk or Treat is coming up on Saturday October 31st from 4-7 PM. If you signed up to bring a car or if you would still like to bring a car, please be in the parking lot at 3:00 PM on Saturday. There are still invitations available in the church office. You may come by and pick some up. Please call before you come. This is an outreach to our community, but it is for you and your kids too! Stop by and trick or treat before you hit your neighborhood. I hope to see there.

Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday. Set your clock back one hour when you go to bed on Saturday night.

If you are interested in serving in the Coffee Bar or if you have been serving in the Coffee Bar we will have a meeting right after the service on Sunday…do you know what I mean by right after…immediately after the service on Sunday. If you are interested in serving once a month or even every Sunday we could use your help. I will do my best to answer any and all of your questions at the meeting.

Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale is Saturday November 7th from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Please let me know if you are coming to help at the sale. We have plenty of room for more items. Clean out those closets and bring some stuff to sell. It is for a good cause. We are raising money to send to our Missionaries for Christmas.

On Sunday afternoon, November 22nd at 2:00 PM we will decorate the Worship Center and lobby for Christmas. Your help is greatly appreciated. Please let me know if you would like to help.

There is a brand new Spanish Speaking Small Group. It is led by Ruben Morales and it meets on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the EPIC room. The group is presently studying the book of Galatians. If you are interested or if you know somebody who may be please contact Ruben at rsmtwtfsm@gmail.com.

There is a lot going on at Venice Church. As you can see there are plenty of opportunities to serve. I hope you will get involved and stay involved.

Upcoming Events:
October 31st – Trunk or Treat
November 1st – 40 Days of Love Begins & Daylight Savings Time Ends
November 7th – Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale
November 14th – CLASS 201: Growing to be Like Christ
November 21st – Men’s Ministry
December 24th – Christmas Eve Service

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

A Big Week


We are going to be baptizing this Sunday morning right before the service. If you have not been baptized and you would like to be baptized, please let me know by responding to this email and I will fill you in on all the details.

Trunk or Treat is coming up on Saturday October 31st from 4-7 PM and we need your help. We need you to bring your car and decorate it and we need you to donate candy. You can sign up to decorate a car at the information center. You can drop off candy donations in the coffee bar. If you have questions please contact Jennifer at vjennifer@hotmail.com. This is a great opportunity to reach out to and minister to our community. Please participate if you can.

Men, don’t forget that your first meeting of Men’s Ministry Season 4 is this Sunday right after the service. For more information hit Brad at bradjensen7@sbcglobal.net.


Upcoming Events:
October 25th - Baptism
October 25th – Men’s Ministry
October 31st – Trunk or Treat
November 1st – 40 Days of Love & Daylight Savings Time Ends
November 7th – Ladies Parking Lot Sale
November 14th – CLASS 201: Growing to be Like Christ
November 21st – Men’s Ministry
December 24th – Christmas Eve Service

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

We Need Your Help...


The CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family that was scheduled for this Saturday has been postponed. Turns out it was not a good day for those interested. It will be rescheduled asap. CLASS 201, scheduled for November 14th, will proceed as planned.

Trunk or Treat is just two weeks away and we need your help. We need you to bring your car and decorate it and we need you to donate candy. You can sign up to decorate a car at the information center. You can drop off candy donations in the coffee bar. If you have questions please contact Jennifer at vjennifer@hotmail.com. This is a great opportunity to reach out to and minister to our community. Please participate if you can.

I will continue Who’s the Boss? on Sunday when we talk about discipline. It should be interesting.
Have a wonderful week.

Upcoming Events:
October 18th – Small Group Leader Meeting
October 25th - Baptism
October 31st – Trunk or Treat
November 1st – 40 Days of Love & Daylight Savings Time Ends
November 7th – Ladies Parking Lot Sale
November 14th – CLASS 201: Growing to be Like Christ

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

New Format

Dear Venice Family,


There is so much going on here at Venice that I cannot possibly talk about all of it in these emails each week. So, beginning with this edition I will include small snippets and announcements that will be attached and included at the bottom. So…be sure to click on the attachments or simply scroll down to see some important information.
This week there are special announcements for women and for those interested in joining a small group.

As for me, I am back in the office today after a quick run to San Diego for a pastor’s conference. We had the opportunity to meet with a couple of great pastors at their great churches. We heard from Mike Meeks at Eastlake Church and from Miles McPherson at the Rock Church. I was encouraged and I know this. God has great things in store for us here at Venice Church. We are right where God wants us doing what He wants us to do. You and I are here to do God’s work. It is a pleasure to serve with you. Let’s keep doing what God has called us to for His honor and glory.

I will see you on Sunday for Message Three in the series Who’s the Boss? This Sunday we are going to talk about…sex! That will give you something to look forward to.

Blessings,
Craig

Upcoming Events:
October 17th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
October 18th – Small Group Leader Meeting
October 25th - Baptism
October 31st – Trunk or Treat
November 1st – 40 Days of Love & Daylight Savings Time Ends
November 7th – Ladies Parking Lot Sale
November 14th – CLASS 201: Growing to be Like Christ


Genesis to Revelation Small Group News:
We have completed Song of Solomon, and there was only a small bit of blushing. Coming up on October 8, we will be introducing the prophets and Isaiah. So we are going into some heavy sledding. We'd like to invite all those who are not in a small group to join us for what is likely to be close to a year's journey through Isaiah. We'd like to remind folks that this is a discussion group that thrives on input from all who attend. We are even hopeful of finding those who might want to take on discussion leader functions from time-to-time.

We are currently meeting at 6:45 on Thursday evenings in the Berean Room between the Sunday School Classrooms and the Chapel. Please enter through the Walgrove Ave. side.


Good Morning!
Amy here…hello!!!
I am in need of your help and response. On Saturday November 7th the Women of Venice are having a Parking Lot Sale to raise money to send to our missionaries for Christmas.
To have a successful parking lot sale we need stuff to sell. I need you to let me know if you have some stuff that you would like to sell. And…to have a successful sale we must be organized. I need to know if you can help set up, sell, and/or take down.
So please respond to this email with a “yes I have stuff” and with the specific kind of stuff and if you can help. You can let me know if you have “bigger” stuff and if you need help getting that stuff to the church. Please let me know at amersh55@yahoo.com.
Venice Women’s Parking Lot Sale
Friday, November 6th: Pricing and Set Up
Saturday, November 7th: The Sale from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM (clean up to follow immediately)

Thank you for your help.

Amy

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Red Rock Rocked!


The Red Rock Trip was fantastic! Special thanks to Brad Jensen for planning and organizing our trip. A great time was had by all.

I am so pleased that we had an opportunity to recognize Morris and Millie Ballard before they moved away. I regret to inform you that Morris went home to be with the Lord last week. The family is planning a memorial reception here at Venice Church. It will be on Saturday October 10th. The time is tentatively set for 3:00 PM in the Berean Room. More details will follow.

And…God has answered our prayers and Anita Kamberg is home. She is continuing her recovery and would like to express her thanks to all of you in the Venice family who have been faithful to pray for her. Please continue to pray for her full recovery. We will look forward to having her with us in services very soon.

I look forward to seeing you and worshiping with you on Sunday. Don’t forget that this Sunday is the L.A. Triathlon. If you live south of Venice Blvd., getting to church could be a problem. Please go here for street closures and alternate routes. http://trafficinfo.lacity.org/html/2009Triathlon.html

Upcoming Events:
October 3rd – Venice United Soccer
October 4th – L.A. Triathlon – (Go to http://www.latriathlon.com/ for street closures.)
October 17th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
October 18th – Small Group Leader Meeting
October 25th - Baptism
October 31st – Trunk or Treat
November 1st – 40 Days of Love
November 7th – Ladies Parking Lot Sale
November 14th – CLASS 201: Growing to be Like Christ

Thursday, September 24, 2009

God's Plan For the Family

Amy and I arrived home safely this morning at 5:30.
Thank you for your prayers.
We had a wonderful vacation in Hawaii.
God is so good!

It is a big week and a short week (for me).
This Sunday I will begin our new series called "Who's the Boss?".
We will discuss God's plan for the family.
I look forward to seeing you then.


Upcoming Events:

September 25th – Red Rock Prayer Meeting & Orientation

September 26th – Seek N Surf

September 27th-29th – Red Rock Trip

October 3rd – Venice United Soccer

October 4th – L.A. Triathlon – (Go to http://www.latriathlon.com/ for street closures.)

October 17th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family

October 18th – Small Group Leader Meeting

October 25th - Baptism

October 31st – Trunk or Treat

November 1st – 40 Days of Love

November 7th – Ladies Parking Lot Sale

November 14th – CLASS 201: Growing to be Like Christ

Tuesday, September 08, 2009


Amy and I leave tomorrow. We will return on the 24th.
I know that you will enjoy your time together over the next couple of Sundays. We will miss you and will look forward to seeing you on the 27th.
I will begin the family series “Who’s the Boss?” that day. I am looking forward to it.


Upcoming Events:
September 13th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 20th – Guest Speaker: Jim Gane
September 27th-29th – Red Rock Trip
October 3rd – Venice United Soccer
October 4th – L.A. Triathlon – (Go to http://www.latriathlon.com/ for street closures.)
October 17th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
October 18th – Small Group Leader Meeting
October 25th - Baptism
October 31st – Trunk or Treat
November 1st – 40 Days of Love
November 7th – Ladies Parking Lot Sale
November 14th – CLASS 201: Growing to be Like Christ

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Longest Week Ever


This has to be the longest week of each and every year. No…it is not long because it is the final week of August/first week of September. It is the longest week of the year because it is the week before Amy and I go on vacation!! Longest week ever!!
So we are grinding away. Doing our thing. Getting ready for another great Sunday with you. We will wrap up our series “Crossroads”.

When we get back I will begin a new series called “Who’s the Boss?” It is a parenting series. I am praying that God will use it in our lives. It doesn’t matter if you are single, married, a single parent, a mom, a dad, an aunt, an uncle or a grandparent I believe this series will minister to you as we come to understand God’s plan for the family.

Do your best to stay cool! See you on Sunday.


This Saturday:
Seek N Surf: Santa Monica Beach – 7:00 AM Lifeguard Tower #24 (contact:seeknsurf@gmail.com for more information.)

Venice United Soccer: Marine Park – 1:00 PM. (contact mrhensonrocks@yahoo.com for more information.)

Upcoming Events:

September 13th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 20th – Guest Speaker: Jim Gane
September 27th-29th – Red Rock Trip
October 4th – L.A. Triathlon – (Go to http://www.latriathlon.com/ for street closures.)
October 17th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
October 18th – Small Group Leader Meeting
October 25th - Baptism
October 31st – Trunk or Treat
November 1st – 40 Days of Love
November 7th – CLASS 201: Growing to Be Like Christ

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Hoe Down!


I am looking forward to the Country Hoe Down Dance this Saturday evening at 6:00 PM. Thea, our resident dance instructor, will be there to teach us the two-step. There will be prizes for the best cowboy and cowgirl outfit. We will have a great time together. Tickets will be available at the door.

There is a ton of stuff going on here at Venice. I hope that you will stay involved as the summer winds down. For all of you going to Red Rock, please continue to get your money in and you will begin hearing from Brad frequently by email. I can’t wait for Red Rock. It will be a blast.

Please continue to pray for Anita Kamberg. She has been moved to a rehab facility. You can continue to get updates here: http://howisanitadoing.wordpress.com/.


Upcoming Events:
August 29th – Seek In Surf
August 29th – Country Hoe Down Dance
September 13th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 20th – Guest Speaker: Jim Gane
September 27th-29th – Red Rock Trip
October 17th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
October 18th – Small Group Leader Meeting
October 25th - Baptism
October 31st – Trunk or Treat
November 1st – 40 Days of Love
November 7th – CLASS 201: Growing to Be Like Christ

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Soccer, Super Sunday and Other Stuff


It is amazing to watch God put ministry on the hearts of our people. Over the last couple of years we have seen a prayer ministry and a surfing ministry spring up. We have a group of young adults in our church that play Ultimate Frisbee for the sole purpose of connecting with people far from God. And now…we have some soccer enthusiasts that would like to do something similar. They are calling themselves Venice United and they are going to be at Penmar Park on Saturday at 11:30 AM. So bring your lunch and your best step over and join them for some soccer. For more information contact Richie Henson at mrhensonrocks@yahoo.com.

To celebrate their hard work, our Rockstars are rewarded with a Super Sunday every four weeks. This Sunday is Super Sunday and they will be playing water games outside. Please be sure to send your child in clothes that you do not mind getting dirty and wet. We want to have a Super time without being Super soaked in our nice clothes! For more information please contact Jennifer Villaryo (310.384.5694) or Becky Henson (310.435.4377).

Make your plans to join us for the Country Hoe Down Dance on August 29th. Thea, our resident dance instructor, will be there to teach us the two-step. There will be prizes for the best cowboy and cowgirl outfit. We will have a great time together. Tickets are $5.00 and are on sale now.

Please continue to pray for Anita Kamberg. She is still in the hospital. You can get updates here: http://howisanitadoing.wordpress.com/.


Upcoming Events:
August 22nd – VeniceUnited Soccer
August 23rd – Rockstars Super Sunday
August 29th – Seek In Surf
August 29th – Country Hoe Down Dance
September 13th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 20th – Guest Speaker: Jim Gane
September 27-29 – Red Rock Trip
October 31st – Trunk or Treat
November 1st – 40 Days of Love

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Donations


The Monday night young adult small group is collecting clean, gently worn clothes and shoes for Bible Tabernacle in Venice. Clothes and shoes for men, women, and children are needed. Please bring clothes and shoes without holes, stains, and tears. Please no missing buttons or laces. Costco and Smart & Final gift cards are welcome donations as well. Collection boxes will be located right outside the worship center. Thank you for your help with this service project.

Make your plans to join us for the Country Hoe Down Dance on August 29th. Thea, our resident dance instructor, will be there to teach us the two-step. There will be prizes for the best cowboy and cowgirl outfit. We will have a great time together. Tickets are $5.00 and are on sale now.

Let me offer this for your consideration. Please make note of the dates below and please read your handout on Sunday mornings. Most of the information that you need can be found there. We are doing our best to limit the audio announcements in the Sunday service.

Please continue to pray for Anita Kamberg. She is still in the hospital. You can get updates here: http://howisanitadoing.wordpress.com/.


Upcoming Events:
August 22nd – VeniceUnited Soccer
August 23rd – Rockstars Super Sunday
August 29th – Seek In Surf
August 29th – Country Hoe Down Dance
September 13th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 20th – Guest Speaker: Jim Gane
September 27-29 – Red Rock Trip
October 31st – Trunk or Treat

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Lots Going On


I know that many of you are looking forward to the Red Rock Trip. It is time to get your money in! The cost is $200.00 per person. There is specific information coming your way very soon. And…there is still room for a few more. Sign up and get your deposit in. Don’t miss this wonderful time of fun, community, and growth.

Make your plans to join us for the Country Hoe Down Dance on August 29th. Thea, our resident dance instructor, will be there to teach us the two-step. There will be prizes for the best cowboy and cowgirl outfit. We will have a great time together. Tickets are $5.00 and are on sale now.

We continue our study in Colossians on Sunday. We will be in chapter 3 once more for part 2 of our message: Your New Life. We will finish up the series on August 16th when we talk about New Life Relationships.

Let me offer this for your consideration. Please make note of the dates below and please read your handout on Sunday mornings. Most of the information that you need can be found there. We are doing our best to limit the audio announcements in the Sunday service.

Please continue to pray for Anita Kamberg. She is still in the hospital. You can get updates here: http://howisanitadoing.wordpress.com/.


Upcoming Events:
August 22nd – VeniceUnited Soccer
August 23rd – Rockstars Super Sunday
August 29th – Seek In Surf
August 29th – Country Hoe Down Dance
September 13th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 20th – Guest Speaker: Jim Gane
September 27-29 – Red Rock Trip
October 31st – Trunk or Treat
November 1st – 40 Days of Love

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Keep Praying


Thank you for your continued prayer for Anita Kamberg. She is still in the hospital, but is making progress in her recovery. Your prayers are making a difference.

Every year the dog days of summer hit this time of year. It seems like every year that our offerings go through the “dog days” as well. I want to encourage you to be faithful to give as God is faithful to bless you. I know that these are difficult economic times. The offerings in July left a bit to be desired. Please pray with me that August will be better. We need to finish the summer well so that we may have a strong fall where people give their lives to Christ and members are added to the church.

The church picnic was a big success. We had a great time together. Let me encourage you to make plans to be at the Country Hoe Down Dance on August 29th. Thea, our resident dance instructor, will be there to teach us the two-step. There will be prizes for the best cowboy and cowgirl outfit. We will have a great time together. Tickets are $5.00 and will be on sale beginning Sunday.

I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday.

Upcoming Events:
July 31st – Just Pray @ 7:00 PM @ Venice Boardwalk
August 29th – Country Hoe Down Dance
September 13th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 20th – Guest Speaker: Jim Gane
September 27-29 – Red Rock Trip

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Venice Church Picnic


The Venice Church Picnic is this Saturday at Syd Kronenthal Park in Culver City. (To get there…go east on Venice Blvd. and make a right on Helms and then a left on Washington and then a right on McManus and go all the way to the dead end.) We have a spot reserved from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. We have two covered picnic areas, two barbecues, a playground, a basketball court, a softball diamond, and room for soccer, football, and other junk. Sorry…you may not bring your dog or your barbecue. You may want to bring your beach chair. I am looking forward to seeing you there.

Hey, it is not too late to sign up for Red Rock. There are about 9 spaces left. It is going to be a blast. Some of you have no excuse for not going! You know who you are. Stop dragging your feet. Sign up! Get your deposit in. For more information contact Brad at bjensen623@verizon.net.



Upcoming Events:
July 25th – Church Picnic @ Kronenthal Park
July 26th – Seek N Surf @ Venice Pier 7:00 PM
July 31st – Just Pray @ 7:00 PM @ Venice Boardwalk
August 29th – Country Hoe Down Dance
September 27-29 – Red Rock Trip

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Picnic!!


This Sunday is a Super Sunday in Rockstars. It is a great day for your kids to invite a friend. There will be lots of games and a really fun time with other kids. Encourage them to bring a friend to Rockstars this Sunday at 10:00 AM.

I hope that you are all planning to join us for the Church Picnic on Saturday July 25th. It will be a great time of just hanging out and enjoying some time together. This is also a great opportunity to invite a friend or neighbor. Bring somebody with you. We have space reserved at Kronenthal Park from 10:00 AM t0 3:00 PM. Bring your lunch and stay as long as you like.

Hey, it is not too late to sign up for Red Rock. There are about 9 spaces left. It is going to be a blast. Some of you have no excuse for not going! You know who you are. Stop dragging your feet. Sign up! Get your deposit in. For more information contact Brad at bjensen623@verizon.net.

Just a reminder that you can always read the Touching Base at my blog at http://venicetouchingbase.blogspot.com/.


Upcoming Events:
July 25th – Church Picnic @ Kronenthal Park
August 29th – Country Hoe Down Dance
September 27-29 – Red Rock Trip

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Perspective


I am big on perspective. I think that it pretty much means everything. As Christ followers, our ability to see things from God’s perspective is literally everything. I have noticed that if I will pay attention, God will put things in perspective and keep things in perspective for me. Sometimes that amounts to a gentle nudge or a big proverbial smack upside the head. It may be manifest in another Christ follower or comrade in ministry calling me out. It may hit home in the form of a gentle reminder that it is not about me.

Perspective even rocks my world in the gym. This week I resumed my workouts after a week off and I was not very motivated. I did alright during my lifting. I mean, I was doing an arm workout and its beach season. That is motivation. I wasn’t, however, very motivated to do my cardio work on the elliptical and I was rationalizing and making excuses about how to get out of doing my cardio work, but I drug myself up there and began to do the work, all the while grumbling on the inside when I was given a swift kick in the basketball shorts. An amputee complete with prosthetic from what appeared to be from the knee down jumps up on the elliptical next to me and goes to work. That will give you some perspective and in my case, the motivation that you need to get over yourself and stop feeling sorry for yourself. It did motivate me. I never cease to be amazed at what a sissy I can be. I didn’t meet the man. I didn’t talk to the man. I thank him for the perspective.

Hey, it is not too late to sign up for Red Rock. There are about 9 spaces left. It is going to be a blast. Some of you have no excuse for not going! You know who you are. Stop dragging your feet. Sign up! Get your deposit in. For more information contact Brad at bjensen623@verizon.net.



Upcoming Events:
July 25th – Church Picnic @ Kronenthal Park
August 29th – Country Hoe Down Dance
September 27-29 – Red Rock Trip