I just made up these invite cards for the youth...

The teens wanted something to help invite their friends to youth group.
I hope they like it...I guess I'll find out tonight!

Some EXCITING things coming up on the calendar...

NOW, Dr. Kindell, Kid's Fair, New Women's Group and Missions Cultural Dinner...SO EXCITED!

Oh, and I don't think I've mentioned yet on my blog: the African Children's Choir is coming to our church November 6th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did some obsessing over the bulletin...hope it looks ok...

(Remember, you can click on the image to make it easier to read)

God is bigger than your confusion (sermon notes)

(Tarascos is a popular place to visit after church for alot of our church members)

Continuing a new sermon series: God is Bigger
God is bigger than your disappointment
Psalm 77
God is bigger than your fear
Psalm 46
God is bigger than your hurt
Psalm 55

My pastor, Brent Sorlien, gave me some advice: when experiencing emotions, go to the Psalms. The Psalms are the favorite of many (for 3,000 years) simply because they express emotions. They give permission to be human.
Today's emphasis: God is bigger than your confusion
Psalm 71

The experienced saint in this psalm looks up and finds a "north star" - 4 things he can count on, 4 things that will help chart the course...
1. In confusion...remember what is true!
What do you know to be true about God?
2. In confusion...speak what is true!
Who can you tell what God has done for you?
3. In confusion...remember God's faithfulness to you!
How has God been faithful over the years?
4. In confusion...remember your hope!
How sure is your hope?

According to Vine's Expository Dictionary, "DECLARE" is a word that emphasizes three different things...A person who has witnessed something and tells others about it...A person reports about a matter of life-and-death importance...A person explains something to someone who lacks knowledge of it...

John 9:24-25
Psalm 139:13-16
Titus 2:11-14

One of my rabbit trails while passionately preaching this morning: Most of my piers separate the generations. I'm still fighting to keep them together (whether or not I win this battle I pledge to not give up). I had the privilege of sitting at my grandparents feet while they were in their 90s. Today's young and old almost seem segregated. I desperately want to do something about this. If you're younger, seek out the wisdom of the older. If you're older, seek out the younger. Moses taught Joshua, Elijah impacted Elisha, Naomi taught Ruth about God, Elizabeth mentored Mary, Barnabas believed in Mark, Paul poured into Timothy and Titus...The young have alot to learn from the old AND the old can learn from the young! If you are still here, God isn't finished with you yet! He has something important for you to do! Everyone is a minister! Everyone needs a ministry!

Today's TEAM mtg. was again well attended and full of great discussion, planning, and blessing! I have been encouraged almost daily by our members willingness to jump in and volunteer! (1st Sunday of every month, 3pm...unless circumstances again make it the 2nd Sunday...study your bulletin)

I think we have a new tradition

Yesterday's outside service and potluck picnic was a Success!

We'll have to make it a regular part of the church calendar!

We also had the privilege of dedicating Sawyer William Badley to Jesus in yesterday's outdoor service.

Here's a few thoughts from yesterday's sermon:

Continuing sermon series: GOD IS BIGGER...than your hurt!

Psalm 55

How can I handle my hurt? 2 things to do:

1. Bring your hurt to God

2. Forgive the person that hurt you

The main reason we get so hurt is because we expect other people to meet needs only God can meet!

We can cooperate with God for our healing through...Prayer, Worship, Relationships, and Ministry!

Why should we forgive?

1. We've been forgiven by God

2. Resentment makes us miserable

3. We're going to need forgiveness in the future

Forgiveness does not mean...

...that what they did to hurt you was ok.

...that the relationship goes back to how it was.

...that they won't pay any consequences for what they did.

Even after forgiveness and healing, you're going to have scars.

You have a choice: every time you look at the scar you can either remember the hurt or remember your Healer...

Jeanne Robertson "Don't send a man to the grocery store!"

The Vallos emailed this to me...
SO FUNNY
I could see myself making that mistake...

Concerts in the Park

The city of Grants Pass sponsors summer concerts at Riverside Park on Tuesday Evenings.

This week they promoted local Christian artists for an inspirational night.
(What do you think of Bo's hat? I have put so many funny picts of Bo on my blog!)

How Not To Get Caught / youth group

I am so thankful for our team of volunteers leading our youth ministry!

Melisma Ramos took over the leadership several months ago. I so APPRECIATE her willingness to simply try. I want our church to be a place of FREEDOM where members can volunteer in different ministries, finding how God has shaped them for ministry. Everyone is a minister! Everyone needs a ministry. Because she is called to "helps" and because of her work schedule, I am once again at the healm for the youth ministry team...

I am not overwhelmed by the many hats I wear as lead pastor, because I believe in TEAM ministry. Most every task I do at New Beginnings...I am surrounded by a TEAM of volunteers...THANK YOU JESUS!

The last few Wednesday Evenings, I have been teaching the youth group:

HOW NOT TO GET CAUGHT...

Part 1: when temptation wins

Part 2: sexual temptation

Part 3: how not to give-in to fit-in

Part 4: saying NO to temptation

Remember, Wednesday Evenings at 6:30pm there are Family Groups for all ages...

Pastor Lorin is leading Adult Bible Study in the Fellowship Hall (Kirkwood Hall), Mrs. Shelli is leading Kids Club in their new big space (the Lerma Center), and Youth Group has their own space in a newly painted room behind the sanctuary (BUT, we are working on a plan to turn the "old house" on the back of our property into a Youth Center)

Maybe the Lord is putting it on your heart to begin a new family group?

Or you are welcome to join us in one of the 3 existing groups!

(by the way, we aren't picky on age groups...there's alot of us "old people" in youth group)

Oh and, you may be wondering about the Homebuilders ministry... If there is a couple that would like to try to lead it, I have plenty of material to help? Or, I may be planning to do a Homebuilders workshop once in awhile...

postcard mailer crazy

It's a good thing I've been getting so many volunteers in the office...
This is the 3rd week in a row I've sent out a postcard mailer...
Just wanted to be sure people remember our special outside service and potluck picnic...
And especially, REMEMBER the potluck part...Christians can't survive without FOOD!

"Waiting on the Lord"

I took this picture this morning during our 9am Prayer and Communion. This is the most important thing that happens at our church... (every Sunday)
Jesus said His House was to be a "house of prayer." It's the MAIN THING!
I think the biggest problem with "the church" today is Christian's being too busy to "wait on the Lord." It seems that the best way to empty the sanctuary is to call a prayer mtg.
(Imsorry if that sounded cynical...I want to speak faith and blessing)

Last night was our first N.O.W. (Night of Worship). It was so good simply, prayerfully seeking the Lord in song... (last Saturday of every month, 6:30pm)
I pray many more will make the time to attend these special times of "waiting on the Lord." Because that is when we will truly begin seeing New Beginnings Christian Center make a difference in Rogue River! When God's people pray anything's possible!

God is Bigger than your fear (sermon notes)

Psalm 46

My pastor, Brent Sorlien said...The way I respond in a crisis reveals what I really believe about God!
Is God more than just your "fire insurance." (just enough to avoid hell)

3 questions inspired of Psalm 46...
1. How big is God?
2. Who is in charge of this crazy world?
3. What can I do in crisis?

"There are no athiests in foxholes," wrote william T. Cummings in 1942. "While crouched in a trench with bullets zinging overhead, even the most reluctant heart begins to bargain with God - just in case He might exist...
God if you only get me out of this alive, I'll...
But foxhole faith rarely lasts. The crisis passes and thoughts of God recede into the background. To the 'foxhole Christian' God is there mostly for emergencies."
He wants more than that from us!

Psalm 139:7-10 & 24:1-2 & 34:4 & 23:4
5x in Psalm 46 the word: "earth" appears (2,6,8,9,10)

We live in a world where God has the last word!
Alpha/Omega...Genesis/Revelation
"Be still and Know that I am God; I will be exalted..."
Corrie Ten Boom: Don't wrestle, Just nestle...
No more hurrying, worrying, scurring...Child-like faith...
Don't press the panic button...

Pastor Andrew Murray:
1. I am here by God's appointment; in that fact I will rest.
2. He will keep me here in His love and give me grace to behave as His child.
3. He will teach me the lessons He intends me to learn.
4. In His good time He can bring me out again.

3 important things about shadows:
1. Shadows are always bigger than reality.
2. Shadows cannot hurt you.
3. There is no shadow without a light somewhere.
When we know Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior, death is only a shadow...

Sawyer's 1st Birthday

The Badleys really know how to throw a barn party!

I tried 3x to get a video to download of Zach dressed up like a crazy cowboy and singing a crazy song but me and the computer aren't getting along...

I asked "Cody" to sing a special at church...

I'm so enjoying the wonderful help and blessing Zach and Tabitha are to our worship team!

Another postcard so soon?

I believe the Holy Spirit prompted me to send another postcard this week communicating openly regarding our recent struggles. Choosing Faith instead of Fear!

God is Bigger than your disappointment (sermon notes)

Have to start my sermons with something funny:
A small town prosecuting attorney called his first witness to the stand in a trial--a grandmotherly, elderly woman. He approached her and asked, "Mrs. Jones, do you know me?" She responded, "Why, yes, I do know you Mr. Williams. I've known you since you were a young boy. And frankly, you've been a big disappointment to me. You lie, you cheat on your wife, you manipulate people and talk about them behind their backs. You think you're a rising big shot when you haven't the brains to realise you never will amount to anything more than a two-bit paper pusher. Yes, I know you."
The lawyer was stunned. Not knowing what else to do he pointed across the room and asked, "Mrs. Williams, do you know the defence attorney?"
She again replied, "Why, yes I do. I've known Mr. Bradley since he was a youngster, too. I used to baby-sit him for his parents. And he, too, has been a real disappointment to me. He's lazy, bigoted, he has a drinking problem. The man can't build a normal relationship with anyone and his law practice is one of the shoddiest in the entire state. Yes, I know him."
At this point, the judge rapped the courtroom to silence and called both counsellors to the bench. In a very quiet voice, he said with menace, "If either of you asks her if she knows me, you'll be in jail for contempt within 5 minutes!"

Life is filled with disappointment
Today I’m beginning a sermon series entitled: God is Bigger
We’ll start with…God is Bigger than your disappointment!

Turn to Psalm 77,
People disappoint us. Our parents, children, boss, pastor, friends disappoint us.
We disappoint ourselves.
When you are experiencing emotions, go to the Psalms. The Psalms are the favorite of many Christians simply because they express emotions.
They give permission to be human. They are poems that tell about life as it really is.

Psalm 77:1-9 (Can you hear the disappointment?)

My Pastor, Brent Sorlien, teaches: Disappointment lives in the gap.
The gap between our expectations and reality.
We all face it; life isn't perfect for any of us.

6 terrorizing questions in verses 7-9.
Sometimes the best thing to say is "I don't know."
If I could figure out everything about God, what would that say about God?

It is OK to ask questions. God never condemns us for asking questions! But, be open to the answer! Wait around long enough for him to speak the answer to you.

Sometimes, bad things happen to "good" people. Good things happen to "bad" people.
Disappointment doesn’t need to be a poison in my life.
Let God turn the lemon to lemonade...ashes to beauty...

1. My Disappointment can bring trust in God!

Psalm 77:10-15

“Selah”...pause, rest. Catch your breath, take a break.
Sometimes the best thing we can do is take a nap; take a walk around the block, get a cup of coffee and just sit still – whatever works for you. Deep breath. Selah.

Think. Remember. Meditate. (Underline!)

Joshua 1:6-9

“Faith means believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse." Phillip Yancey
Book: Disappointment with God

Trust is:
· An action
Trust is something you DO. It is not just sitting there, you actively trust God.

· A process
Trust isn’t automatic, isn’t once and for all – it’s a process, a journey! Each day, each step!

· Not easy
To see a purpose beyond my pain.

2. My Disappointment can bring growth!

James 1:2-4

We tend to think...if only God would show up and fix this...weild miraculous power...But...
Despite many signs and interventions, God's Old Testament followers routinely blew Him off in favor of idolatry and debauchery.
In addition, Christ Himself was abandoned by those He healed or knew Him best.
God, like any lover, wants to be loved for who He is, and not for what He can do for us.

Trouble + Trust = a Testimony!
When we add trust to our trials, we can come out on the other side with a testimony of how God helped us – and we can continue the circle of encouragement!

3. My Disappointment can bring hope!

Psalm 77:16-20

Disappointment should remind me that there is more to life than this life!
He wants us to live our lives on our tip-toes – looking forward to the future that he has for us.

Did you receive your postcard?

At the TEAM mtg. last Sunday (1st Sunday of every month, 3pm) Crystal Brooks said she sticks the postcard mailer on her fridge for a constant reminder of what's happening at her church!

THAT BLESSED MY SOCKS OFF!

Culture of Encouragement (sermon notes)

I have to start my sermons with something funny:
Two men crashed in their private plane on a South Pacific Island . Both survived. One of the men brushed himself off and then proceeded to run all over the island to see if they had any chance of survival. When he returned, he rushed up to the other man and screamed, 'This island is uninhabited, there is no food, there is no water. We are going to die!' The other man leaned back against the fuselage of the wrecked plane, folded his arms and responded, 'No we're not. I make over $250,000 a week.' The first man grabbed his friend and shook him. 'Listen, we are on an uninhabited island. There is no food, no water . We are going to die!' The other man, unruffled, again responded. 'No, I make over $250,000 a week.' Mystified, the first man, taken aback with such an answer again repeated, 'For the last time, I'm telling you we ARE doomed. There is NO one else on this island. There is NO food. There is NO water. We are, I repeat, we are going to die a slow death.' Still unfazed, the first man looked the other in the eyes and said, 'Do not make me say this again. I make over $250,000 per week. I am a Christian: I tithe. MY PASTOR WILL FIND US!'

Today we conclude my new vision sermon series…I’ve been asking the church to dream again!
What is God calling you to do at NBCC?
Everybody is a minister, Everybody needs a ministry
I hope you’ll show up to today’s team mtg. and find a way to contribute…
I pray we are truly creating a NEW culture of Mission, Love, Passion, Team, Celebration, Kindness, Family and finally let’s focus on creating a culture of Encouragement…

You may have noticed that our world is full of discouragement…
If you get any dose of what the tv evening news has to offer, it’s a wonder we’re not all jumping off a bridge…
Because of all the stress, pressure, pain, trouble surrounding us, I think it even more important that the church be a culture of encouragement…
People get “gooed” enough in their daily lives, there needs to be a place they can come to find hope, peace…to be built up not torn down…
If church isn’t that place, than what is?

Romans 15:1-6
Let me read verses 4&5 from the NIV:
Romans 15:4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.Romans 15:5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus,

This is the first time I’ve noticed the word comfort and encouragement used interchangeably in scripture…
That better be point #1
How can we be a culture of encouragement?
1. Comfort one another

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (you may want to turn there)Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
If that doesn’t crank your tractor
your feelers broke

How can we be a culture of encouragement?
Comfort one another…
And the greatest way to comfort one another is found back at Romans 15 verse 4…that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope…
There it is!
The only way to truly build a culture of encouragement is with the Word of God.
Scripture breathes encouragement!

Remember what Romans 10:17 says
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God
Encouragement is speaking faith into someone
Encouragement is choosing faith instead of fear
What is faith?
This is what one unknown author wrote…
Faith isn't anything you can see;it isn't anything you can touch.But you can feel it in your heart.Faith is what keeps you tryingwhen others would have given up.It keeps you believing inthe goodness of othersand helps you find it.Faith is trusting in a powergreater than yourselfand knowing that whatever happens,this power will carry you through anything.It is believing in yourself and having courage to stand up for what you believe in.Faith is peace in the midst of a storm,determination in the midst of adversity,and safety in the midst of trouble.For nothing can touch a soulthat is protected by faith.

Again, how can we be a culture of encouragement?
Comfort one another
and
2. Speak Faith over one another

Every word off your tongue is either faith or fear…
I challenge you this week to measure your words!
stop and think
Did I just speak faith or fear?
We don’t need anymore talking heads telling us how terrible everything is…
I don’t know about you, but I want to come to the end of my life knowing I’ve made some kind of difference…
Even when you have to make the hard decisions…
Even if you can’t please anybody and that’s ok cause you’re a God pleaser anyway…
Even when faith is truly the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things definitely not seen…
Even when the checkbook’s empty, the cupboards are bare, work is hard to find…
I hear Jesus comforting words in John 14:1…Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart…

A man fell into a pit and couldn't get himself out.A subjective person came along and said, "I feel for you down there."An objective person walked by and said, "It's logical that someone would fall down there."A Pharisee said, "Only bad people fall into pits."A mathematician calculated how he fell into the pit.A news reporter wanted the exclusive story on the pit.An IRS agent asked if he was paying taxes on the pit.A self-pitying person said, "You haven't seen anything until you've seen my pit."A Christian Scientist observed, "The pit is just in your mind."A psychologist noted, "Your mother and father are to blame for your being in the pit."A self-esteem therapist said, "Believe in yourself and you can get out of the pit."An optimist said, "Things could be worse."A pessimist said, "Things will get worse."Jesus, seeing the man, took him by the hand and lifted him out of the pit.
Faith is being His hand extended…
Reaching to others in their pits and lifting them out with encouraging words…

How can we be a culture of encouragement?
Comfort one another
Speak faith over one another
AND
I think in order to truly pull this off we need to…
3. Get a little radical with one another…

Stick with me here
Let’s go back to where we started at Romans 15
verse 6 says…that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…
To have this kind of unity…
To have this kind of culture that truly glorifies Jesus…
We have to get a little radical about our encouragement!
If we hear one of our members picking, gossiping, whining or complaining…distributing a bad attitude… we call them on it!

We get a little radical, a little bold enough to say…hey, this is a church of encouragement, this is a place of edification, of faith hope and love…
What are you doing with your words right now?
Attitude check!
Some people, even in the church think it’s ok to dump garbage everywhere…
But we can’t allow it if we are truly creating a culture of encouragement…
I’m not talking about being fake or putting on masks or not being able to be real with one another when we’re dealing with the stuff of life…
But we must be aware of the tight rope we’re walking between encouraging and discouraging…
Our words, our actions have power for life or death!
Prov. 18:21

(sing) So be careful little eyes what you see…
ears what you hear…
mouth what you speak…
feet where you go…
hands what you do…
For the Father up above is looking down in love so be careful little…

Can New Beginnings Christian Center truly be a NEW culture of Mission, Love, Passion, TEAM, Celebration, Kindness, Family, Unity and Encouragement?
I’m daring to believe in the VISION!

Hear it again and for the first time…
No Matter Where you’ve been
No Matter what you’ve done
You can begin again
Come to Jesus

AG Kids Camp is coming very soon!

Registration forms will be available in the bulletin the next few weeks...or talk to Mrs. Shelli...or stop by the church office...

Rusty West Concert

My cousin is touring.

Visit http://www.rustywest.com/

Don't miss this great concert: Thursday 7pm, August 13th!

this week's bulletin

My amazing wife just got a new job at Providence Hospital as an On Call ER receptionist.

So, I will be doing more of the church "office managering" myself...

Hey, if you ever have some free time come give me a hand at the church?!

This is the first week I had to do some of the bulletin myself...I hope it still looks good!?

I'm really EXCITED about these two up-coming special events...there's nothing better than a night of worship or an outside service and picnic!

Church of the Valley Park Service

We witnessed another miracle today as many churches closed their doors on a Sunday morning to practice unity, gathering across denominational lines at Riverside park. SO MANY CHRISTIANS! It gets bigger every year...PRAISE THE LORD!

Happy Independence Day

MaMa made 4th of July pancakes...

We went to the fireworks show in Medford and had to be rescued by a towtruck cause your silly pastor locked his keys in the van...