So It Has Been a Little Busy....
Why have I disappeared from our blog? Well, there is so much going on that I keep forgetting to write something. As a pastor, I am especially thrilled to know things are going on that I have little to do with! Here is the summary:
1. We passed our vision and value statement with only a little amendment!
2. We passed the new By-Laws for vote at our next meeting with only a little amendment!
3. The website is up - though not fully functional for another couple weeks!
4. I am personally amazed how a small church is able to put 10% of their budget to foreign missions. That is amazing!
5. The Clothing Drive has turned into a major ministry. There are people from the community dropping things off and picking stuff up. There was a steady stream all week!!
6. The implementation of our ministry ideas is taking shape: shepherd groups, scripture memory as a church, homeless shelter, weekly bible studies, re-maritial class, etc.
Only the Lord can juggle all of this.
Much Grace-
Darren
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
A cold winter... keep your head and heart warm!
All ladies (men too!) are invited to a great evening of learning and the opportunity to “knit together”. Rachel Baltes will teach a hat knitting class on Saturday, February 7, 4:00 pm in Fellowship Hall. Bring circular needle and a heavy skein of yarn. Two skeins if you want two colors. Circular needles are available at the Bamboo Needle on Beroun Crossing Road, or Wal-Mart. The results will be a warm hat and warm fellowship!
Fresh snow and friendships... a perfect day
Our Jr. & Sr. High students found themselves riding the crest of snowy waves at Eko Backen again this year and they had a whole lot of fun! Below are a few pictures. (Thanks to Loreal Lindstrom for making cupcakes which were tediously decorated with candied fondant inner-tubes and mini students. Loreal will be giving a rolled fondant decorating class in the very near future- watch for advertisement).
Our Jr. & Sr. High students found themselves riding the crest of snowy waves at Eko Backen again this year and they had a whole lot of fun! Below are a few pictures. (Thanks to Loreal Lindstrom for making cupcakes which were tediously decorated with candied fondant inner-tubes and mini students. Loreal will be giving a rolled fondant decorating class in the very near future- watch for advertisement).
Monday, January 26, 2009
It's movie night and we're rolling
out the red carpet
Well, not really. Our seats at the Lighthouse aren't quite as fancy as those above and our screen is a little smaller but the atmosphere is cozy and our hearts are warm. So, gather up your family, your neighbor and friends and come on out to the Spaghetti Dinner, this Friday, January 30, 6:00 pm at the Lighthouse. After the dinner we’ll show a heart-warming movie designed for the whole family. If you can only come for the dinner…. come! If you can only make
it in time for the movie… come! In other words…. COME, NO MATTER WHAT!
out the red carpet
Well, not really. Our seats at the Lighthouse aren't quite as fancy as those above and our screen is a little smaller but the atmosphere is cozy and our hearts are warm. So, gather up your family, your neighbor and friends and come on out to the Spaghetti Dinner, this Friday, January 30, 6:00 pm at the Lighthouse. After the dinner we’ll show a heart-warming movie designed for the whole family. If you can only come for the dinner…. come! If you can only make
it in time for the movie… come! In other words…. COME, NO MATTER WHAT!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Huge Sunday!
Sanctity of Human Life Sunday
This Sunday our focus will be the intrinsic value of human life. All life comes from the creator of life, God. The fundamental right to life recognizes that we are created in the image of God and are called to defend, protect and value innocent human life… Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Read Psalm 139.
Student Ministries Leader's Meeting
Sunday night 4:30 pm will be a “meeting of the minds” for all leaders working with our Jr. & Sr. High students. We will be brainstorming ideas and events and taking a look at the upcoming calendar.
Annual Business Meeting
PCEFC Annual Meeting, Sunday night, 6:00 pm at the Lighthouse. There are two things for you to pick up on the table in the foyer on Sunday before the meeting. The 2008 Annual Report and a packet of the proposed Vision, Values and Ministry statement of the church, along with the proposed updated By-Laws. Those applying for membership are: Keith & Jayne Bloom, Shirley Johnson, Mindy Otis, Greig & Sara Roubinek, Roger & Jennifer Rutgers, Mary Simonson.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
A Letter For Two Little Girls in the White House
It's a tradition that dates back to Ronald Reagan, who scribbled a note to his successor, George H.W. Bush. President Obama read a personal note left behind by George W. Bush: The envelope was marked, "To: #44, From: #43."
The letter to the incoming President from the outgoing President wasn’t the only letter written and read. I was listening to KTIS this morning as they were reading parts of a letter written by Jenna and Barbara Bush, the two daughters of former President and Barbara Bush. The letter was written for the two little girls who will now roam the White House, Sasha and Malia Obama. I decided to post part of the letter, thinking it might be fun for many to read.
Playing House in the White House
by Jenna and Barbara Bush
Sasha and Malia, we were seven when our beloved grandfather was sworn in as the 41st President of the United States. We stood proudly on the platform, our tiny hands icicles, as we lived history. We listened intently to the words spoken on Inauguration Day service, duty, honor. But being seven, we didn’t quite understand the gravity of the position our Grandfather was committing to. We watched as the bands marched by — the red, white, and blue streamers welcoming us to a new role: the family members of a President.
We also first saw the White House through the innocent, optimistic eyes of children. We stood on the North Lawn gazing with wonder at her grand portico. The White House was alive with devoted and loving people, many of whom had worked in her halls for decades. Three of the White House ushers, Buddy, Ramsey, and “Smiley”, greeted us when we stepped into her intimidating hallway. Their laughter and embraces made us feel welcome right away. Sasha and Malia, here is some advice to you from two sisters who have stood where you will stand and who have lived where you will live:
Surround yourself with loyal friends. They’ll protect and calm you and join in on some of the fun, and appreciate the history.
If you’re traveling with your parents over Halloween, don’t let it stop you from doing what you would normally do. Dress up in some imaginative, elaborate costume (if you are like us a pack of Juicy Fruit and a Vampiress) and trick-or-treat down the plane aisle.
If you ever need a hug, go find Ramsey. If you want to talk football, look for Buddy. And, if you just need a smile, look for “Smiley.”
And, a note on White House puppies–our sweet puppy Spot was nursed on the lawn of the White House. And then of course, there’s Barney, who most recently bit a reporter. Cherish your animals because sometimes you’ll need the quiet comfort that only animals can provide.
Slide down the banister of the solarium, go to T-ball games, have swimming parties, and play Sardines on the White House lawn. Have fun and enjoy your childhood in such a magical place to live and play.
When your dad throws out the first pitch for the Yankees, go to the game.
In fact, go to anything and everything you possibly can: the Kennedy Center for theater, State Dinners, Christmas parties (the White House staff party is our favorite!), museum openings, arrival ceremonies, and walks around the monuments. Just go. Four years goes by so fast, so absorb it all, enjoy it all!
For four years, we spent our childhood holidays and vacations in the historic house. We could almost feel the presence of all the great men and women who had lived here before us. When we played house, we sat behind the East sitting room’s massive curtains as the light poured in illuminating her yellow walls. Our seven-year-old imaginations soared as we played in the enormous, beautiful rooms; our dreams, our games, as romantic as her surroundings. At night, the house sang us quiet songs through the chimneys as we fell asleep.
In late December, when snow blanketed the front lawn, all of our cousins overtook the White House. Thirteen children between the ages of two and 12 ran throughout her halls, energized by the crispness in the air and the spirit of the season. Every room smelled of pine; the entire house was adorned with thistle; garlands wound around every banister. We sat on her grand staircase and spied on the holiday dancing below. Hours were spent playing hide-and-go-seek. We used a stage in the grand ballroom to produce a play about Santa and his reindeer. We watched as the National Christmas Tree was lit and admired the chef as he put the final icing on the gingerbread house.
When it was time, we left the White House. We said our goodbyes to her and to Washington. We weren’t sure if we would spend time among her historical walls again, or ever walk the National Mall, admiring the cherry blossoms that resembled puffs of cotton candy. But we did return. This time we were 18. The White House welcomed us back and there is no doubt that it is a magical place at any age.
As older girls, we were constantly inspired by the amazing people we met, politicians and great philosophers like Vaclav Havel. We dined with royalty, heads of states, authors, and activists. We even met the Queen of England and managed to see the Texas Longhorns after they won the National Championship. We traveled with our parents to foreign lands and were deeply moved by what we saw. Trips to Africa inspired and motivated us to begin working with HIV/AIDS and the rights of women and children all over the world.
Now, the White House ballrooms were filled with energy and music as we danced. The East sitting room became a peaceful place to read and study. We ran on the track in the front lawn, and squared off in sisterly bowling duels down in the basement alley.
This Christmas, with the enchanting smell of the holidays encompassing her halls, we will again be saying our good-byes to the White House. Sasha and Malia, it is your turn now to fill the White House with laughter.
And finally, although it’s an honor and full of so many extraordinary opportunities, it isn’t always easy being a member of the club you are about to join. Our dad, like yours, is a man of great integrity and love; a man who always put us first. We still see him now as we did when we were seven: as our loving daddy. Our Dad, who read to us nightly, taught us how to score tedious baseball games. He is our father, not the sketch in a paper or part of a skit on TV. Many people will think they know him, but they have no idea how he felt the day you were born, the pride he felt on your first day of school, or how much you both love being his daughters. So here is our most important piece of advice: remember who your dad really is.
It's a tradition that dates back to Ronald Reagan, who scribbled a note to his successor, George H.W. Bush. President Obama read a personal note left behind by George W. Bush: The envelope was marked, "To: #44, From: #43."
The letter to the incoming President from the outgoing President wasn’t the only letter written and read. I was listening to KTIS this morning as they were reading parts of a letter written by Jenna and Barbara Bush, the two daughters of former President and Barbara Bush. The letter was written for the two little girls who will now roam the White House, Sasha and Malia Obama. I decided to post part of the letter, thinking it might be fun for many to read.
Playing House in the White House
by Jenna and Barbara Bush
Sasha and Malia, we were seven when our beloved grandfather was sworn in as the 41st President of the United States. We stood proudly on the platform, our tiny hands icicles, as we lived history. We listened intently to the words spoken on Inauguration Day service, duty, honor. But being seven, we didn’t quite understand the gravity of the position our Grandfather was committing to. We watched as the bands marched by — the red, white, and blue streamers welcoming us to a new role: the family members of a President.
We also first saw the White House through the innocent, optimistic eyes of children. We stood on the North Lawn gazing with wonder at her grand portico. The White House was alive with devoted and loving people, many of whom had worked in her halls for decades. Three of the White House ushers, Buddy, Ramsey, and “Smiley”, greeted us when we stepped into her intimidating hallway. Their laughter and embraces made us feel welcome right away. Sasha and Malia, here is some advice to you from two sisters who have stood where you will stand and who have lived where you will live:
Surround yourself with loyal friends. They’ll protect and calm you and join in on some of the fun, and appreciate the history.
If you’re traveling with your parents over Halloween, don’t let it stop you from doing what you would normally do. Dress up in some imaginative, elaborate costume (if you are like us a pack of Juicy Fruit and a Vampiress) and trick-or-treat down the plane aisle.
If you ever need a hug, go find Ramsey. If you want to talk football, look for Buddy. And, if you just need a smile, look for “Smiley.”
And, a note on White House puppies–our sweet puppy Spot was nursed on the lawn of the White House. And then of course, there’s Barney, who most recently bit a reporter. Cherish your animals because sometimes you’ll need the quiet comfort that only animals can provide.
Slide down the banister of the solarium, go to T-ball games, have swimming parties, and play Sardines on the White House lawn. Have fun and enjoy your childhood in such a magical place to live and play.
When your dad throws out the first pitch for the Yankees, go to the game.
In fact, go to anything and everything you possibly can: the Kennedy Center for theater, State Dinners, Christmas parties (the White House staff party is our favorite!), museum openings, arrival ceremonies, and walks around the monuments. Just go. Four years goes by so fast, so absorb it all, enjoy it all!
For four years, we spent our childhood holidays and vacations in the historic house. We could almost feel the presence of all the great men and women who had lived here before us. When we played house, we sat behind the East sitting room’s massive curtains as the light poured in illuminating her yellow walls. Our seven-year-old imaginations soared as we played in the enormous, beautiful rooms; our dreams, our games, as romantic as her surroundings. At night, the house sang us quiet songs through the chimneys as we fell asleep.
In late December, when snow blanketed the front lawn, all of our cousins overtook the White House. Thirteen children between the ages of two and 12 ran throughout her halls, energized by the crispness in the air and the spirit of the season. Every room smelled of pine; the entire house was adorned with thistle; garlands wound around every banister. We sat on her grand staircase and spied on the holiday dancing below. Hours were spent playing hide-and-go-seek. We used a stage in the grand ballroom to produce a play about Santa and his reindeer. We watched as the National Christmas Tree was lit and admired the chef as he put the final icing on the gingerbread house.
When it was time, we left the White House. We said our goodbyes to her and to Washington. We weren’t sure if we would spend time among her historical walls again, or ever walk the National Mall, admiring the cherry blossoms that resembled puffs of cotton candy. But we did return. This time we were 18. The White House welcomed us back and there is no doubt that it is a magical place at any age.
As older girls, we were constantly inspired by the amazing people we met, politicians and great philosophers like Vaclav Havel. We dined with royalty, heads of states, authors, and activists. We even met the Queen of England and managed to see the Texas Longhorns after they won the National Championship. We traveled with our parents to foreign lands and were deeply moved by what we saw. Trips to Africa inspired and motivated us to begin working with HIV/AIDS and the rights of women and children all over the world.
Now, the White House ballrooms were filled with energy and music as we danced. The East sitting room became a peaceful place to read and study. We ran on the track in the front lawn, and squared off in sisterly bowling duels down in the basement alley.
This Christmas, with the enchanting smell of the holidays encompassing her halls, we will again be saying our good-byes to the White House. Sasha and Malia, it is your turn now to fill the White House with laughter.
And finally, although it’s an honor and full of so many extraordinary opportunities, it isn’t always easy being a member of the club you are about to join. Our dad, like yours, is a man of great integrity and love; a man who always put us first. We still see him now as we did when we were seven: as our loving daddy. Our Dad, who read to us nightly, taught us how to score tedious baseball games. He is our father, not the sketch in a paper or part of a skit on TV. Many people will think they know him, but they have no idea how he felt the day you were born, the pride he felt on your first day of school, or how much you both love being his daughters. So here is our most important piece of advice: remember who your dad really is.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The Newlyweds
Dean Madison and Margaret Marty were married on Saturday, January 3, 2009 and we are so happy for them. Everyone is invited to share in their joy at a reception given in their honor, Sunday, January 25, 2:00-4:00 pm at the Rock Creek City Center. Dean and Margaret are asking 'No gifts please'.
Dean Madison and Margaret Marty were married on Saturday, January 3, 2009 and we are so happy for them. Everyone is invited to share in their joy at a reception given in their honor, Sunday, January 25, 2:00-4:00 pm at the Rock Creek City Center. Dean and Margaret are asking 'No gifts please'.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Pine City Evangelical Free Church“Clothing Shelf”
NOW OPENED!
Monday-Thursday 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Monday-Thursday 9:00 am–3:00 pm
It’s cold outside and Pine City EFC has a heart to keep our community warm. We have on our clothing shelf, warm, good condition outerwear and winter clothing for all ages, children to adults. If you have a need for warm clothing or know of a family in need, please stop by and check out our "Clothing Shelf".
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Open Your Notebook
Next time you open your notebook surf on over and take a peek at the beginnings of our new look. Pastor Darren has put together our website. A big thanks to Rachel Baltes for designing and maintaining our site this past year. Check it out and keep checking back for updates at: pcefc.com
Next time you open your notebook surf on over and take a peek at the beginnings of our new look. Pastor Darren has put together our website. A big thanks to Rachel Baltes for designing and maintaining our site this past year. Check it out and keep checking back for updates at: pcefc.com
Monday, January 12, 2009
Supported by Prayer
The Gospel is the fire in our engine, but prayer is the gasoline (or for the "green" Christians - electricity). Prayer is spoken of quite often in church. Prayer groups are often formed. But still, we are normally not a praying people. We get together and "share" for 50 minutes and pray for 10. We hear countless sermons on prayer and yet are not moved.
We desire our ministry to be so dependent on God that whatever the outcome would be, we know it could only be God at work. This is why prayer is holding up our foundation. Without it, we will just be another organization that helps people.
Pastor Darren
The Gospel is the fire in our engine, but prayer is the gasoline (or for the "green" Christians - electricity). Prayer is spoken of quite often in church. Prayer groups are often formed. But still, we are normally not a praying people. We get together and "share" for 50 minutes and pray for 10. We hear countless sermons on prayer and yet are not moved.
We desire our ministry to be so dependent on God that whatever the outcome would be, we know it could only be God at work. This is why prayer is holding up our foundation. Without it, we will just be another organization that helps people.
Pastor Darren
Friday, January 9, 2009
53 Years Ago Today
53 years ago today five American missionaries were murdered on the bank of a South American river by people they loved, prayed for, sacrificed for in the name of Jesus. We honor their memory today.
If we do not die martyrs' deaths, may we live with martyrs' hearts. As one of them was famous for saying, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
53 years ago today five American missionaries were murdered on the bank of a South American river by people they loved, prayed for, sacrificed for in the name of Jesus. We honor their memory today.
If we do not die martyrs' deaths, may we live with martyrs' hearts. As one of them was famous for saying, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
Driven by the Gospel
This phrase is first because the Gospel is first (1 Cor 15). There is no purpose higher then the most important message in all of Scripture. Worship of God is important but can not happen without the Gospel. Relationships with others is important but cannot happen without the Gospel. Scripture is important, but will have no traction without the Gospel. The Gospel is the fire in the furnace that heats the rest of our church. The hotter the Gospel gets the more in tune we will be with the rest of our vision. We will be driven by the Gospel.
Pastor Darren
This phrase is first because the Gospel is first (1 Cor 15). There is no purpose higher then the most important message in all of Scripture. Worship of God is important but can not happen without the Gospel. Relationships with others is important but cannot happen without the Gospel. Scripture is important, but will have no traction without the Gospel. The Gospel is the fire in the furnace that heats the rest of our church. The hotter the Gospel gets the more in tune we will be with the rest of our vision. We will be driven by the Gospel.
Pastor Darren
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Moving Forward
As a church we are moving forward - acknowledging our past and looking forward to what is ahead. Part of that process is the formulation of a vision statement. The process this has taken feels like we are planting a new church. Over the next few days I will blog about the different parts of our vision, along with the values that we attach to it. For today, ponder our proposed vision going forward:
Driven by the gospel and supported in prayer, we exist to worship God authentically, enjoy Christ’s supremacy, cherish Scripture mightily, care for each other passionately and reach out to people tenderly with the saving message of Jesus Christ
Partnering with you-
Pastor Darren
As a church we are moving forward - acknowledging our past and looking forward to what is ahead. Part of that process is the formulation of a vision statement. The process this has taken feels like we are planting a new church. Over the next few days I will blog about the different parts of our vision, along with the values that we attach to it. For today, ponder our proposed vision going forward:
Driven by the gospel and supported in prayer, we exist to worship God authentically, enjoy Christ’s supremacy, cherish Scripture mightily, care for each other passionately and reach out to people tenderly with the saving message of Jesus Christ
Partnering with you-
Pastor Darren
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
