We finish out the "Imagine" series this Sunday with "Imagine the Future." Although I cannot "see" the future - I have some deep-seated faith connected to what the Lord wants to accomplish at Forum. I believe God is equipping and raising us up for maximum impact to connect people to Him. Toward that end - the elders have made some very important decisions that have arisen out of a lot of prayer and study.
First off, they have extended a call to Mindy Sams to be our next children's director. Mindy will bring great experience, energy, creativity, and love to our children. She is also very gifted as a musician. As a church, please be praying for their logistics to come together.
Secondly, the elders also voted unanimously to begin preparing to move toward being a multisite ministry. I'll dialogue about this a lot over the next couple of months as we go into a study of the book of Acts called "Seismic Church." God's kingdom is an Earth altering movement. A movement not contained by the sticks and bricks of a facility - but a movement that reaches people. We cannot build buildings fast enough to accomplish what God wants to do for Columbia. As a ministry, we want to catch this wave, equip toward that end, and reach this town. The staff and elders are excited about the possibilities. We are counting on stepped up levels of service and commitment toward the end of reaching people.
Jeff Hemme came to me right before the Christmas Eve service to let me know that we had the largest single gathering he's ever counted at Forum in third service Sunday. Way to go - that's incredible, especially given the weather. On top of that we had great gatherings on Christmas Eve. I want to thank Melody Rodgers, the adult choir, the middle school students, all the singers and players that helped on Christmas Eve, and all the women who went the extra mile to make the auditorium and the facility beautiful. I also want to thank our deacons for all they have done to help us to have church given the weather we've experienced. Thank all of you so much. It's been a wonderful Christmas season, and I'm truly charged up about what God is going to do next.
Are you excited? I hope so. Looking forward to worshipping with you this Sunday.
Scott
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
e-news for week of 12/16/07 - 12/22/07
The mass of Christ – the day we celebrate “Immanuel” – God with us. John would say it like this, “And the word became flesh and lived among us and we have seen his glory, glory of the one and only, full of grace and truth.” This Sunday we will “imagine the mystic nativity.” I don’t know that we can wrap our heads around the reality that heaven came to earth and all that implies. A 20th century writer wrote, “once I rose above the noise and confusion, just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion, I was soaring ever higher, but I flew too high.” That’s what I hope we can do this Sunday – to get a glimpse of the higher reality – of glory and God’s splendor.
I’m truly looking forward to our adult and middle school choirs as they present “Imagine” in our 11:00 service. It’s a worship experience – and we’ll engage in worship and the word.
This Sunday night we will be Christmas caroling to some of our shut-ins and nursing homes. We’ll meet at the Family Life Center at 6:00 p.m. and after caroling we will meet back at the church for hot chocolate and cookies. Bring the family and come join us.
Monday night, Christmas Eve, will also be a special time of celebration designed for families. We’ll explore the Christmas mosaic, God’s dream for His kingdom. God designed the church to be an eclectic place. The very first word for the church is ecclesia which means, “the called out ones.” And who did God “call out?” People from every nation, every tribe, every tongue, every walk of life, every age group, people with gender issues (the Ethiopian eunuch), people of wealth, people who live in poverty, and all in between. God calls people into this kingdom. We are an eclectic group with various talents, gifts, interests, passions, skill sets, expressions of self in worship, etc. As a stained glass window is comprised of various colors, bevels, and opaqueness – the goal of one of these windows is to create a beautiful environment using all of the above as a whole. That’s what we’ll explore Monday night in an eclectic way. We will have two services, one at 5:30 and one at 7:00.
Let me say, “thank you” for responding well to our week off in terms of the offerings. We are still running behind as we approach the end of the year – but your response this past Sunday helped. In next week’s installment – I’m going to paint a pretty big vision for Forum and where we are heading. I’m thrilled by what God is doing here. Forum is a beautiful church and you are beautiful people. It’s a joy and blessing to be a part of a great movement of God. Looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday.
Scott
I’m truly looking forward to our adult and middle school choirs as they present “Imagine” in our 11:00 service. It’s a worship experience – and we’ll engage in worship and the word.
This Sunday night we will be Christmas caroling to some of our shut-ins and nursing homes. We’ll meet at the Family Life Center at 6:00 p.m. and after caroling we will meet back at the church for hot chocolate and cookies. Bring the family and come join us.
Monday night, Christmas Eve, will also be a special time of celebration designed for families. We’ll explore the Christmas mosaic, God’s dream for His kingdom. God designed the church to be an eclectic place. The very first word for the church is ecclesia which means, “the called out ones.” And who did God “call out?” People from every nation, every tribe, every tongue, every walk of life, every age group, people with gender issues (the Ethiopian eunuch), people of wealth, people who live in poverty, and all in between. God calls people into this kingdom. We are an eclectic group with various talents, gifts, interests, passions, skill sets, expressions of self in worship, etc. As a stained glass window is comprised of various colors, bevels, and opaqueness – the goal of one of these windows is to create a beautiful environment using all of the above as a whole. That’s what we’ll explore Monday night in an eclectic way. We will have two services, one at 5:30 and one at 7:00.
Let me say, “thank you” for responding well to our week off in terms of the offerings. We are still running behind as we approach the end of the year – but your response this past Sunday helped. In next week’s installment – I’m going to paint a pretty big vision for Forum and where we are heading. I’m thrilled by what God is doing here. Forum is a beautiful church and you are beautiful people. It’s a joy and blessing to be a part of a great movement of God. Looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday.
Scott
Friday, December 14, 2007
e-news for week of 12/9/07 - 12/15/07
I feel like I haven't shaved all week. I'm not sure the earth's orbit is aright. The lunar cycle seems out of synch. Every day this week has felt like Friday. I've felt a deep sense of "missing" all week long. I really missed worshiping with the Forum body this past weekend. I missed being greeted by the Duncans, or Tracy Buster, the Mantles, the Patens, Erma Palmer, and the whole crew. I missed worshiping with all of your smiling and intent faces. I missed seeing all the kids in the hallways. I missed Bill or David or Barry or Joe or Melody or Reid or the Myers and their teams leading us in worship. I know why the writer of Hebrews said for us to stay in the habit of meeting together - it's in our best interest on so many levels.
I'm going to reiterate what I said last week concerning this week’s sermon: I don’t know that I’ve ever been more excited about a message about Christmas than the one we’ll go through together on Sunday. We’re starting the “Imagine” series with “Imagine the adoration of the kings.” God has revealed Himself to people. His purposes, His plan, and His glory all surround and engulf us on a cosmic level. Wow! Trust me when I say, you will get a Christmas picture that you’ve never thought of or encountered ever before this Sunday morning. Invite a friend. Invite a skeptic. Invite an atheist.
Here’s some of the upcoming events that will help you connect with God during this Christmas season:
Dec. 16th – “The Christmas Present” presented by the Forum Children’s Choir and the Bridge Band at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Cookie fellowship to follow in the Family Life Center.
Dec. 20th – VIPs meet to put together packages and deliver to shut-ins. Lunch out. Meet at 9:00 a.m. in Room 116.
Dec. 23rd – “Imagine: a Christmas Worship Experience” – The Bridge and Adult Choirs at 11:00 a.m. service in the auditorium.
Dec. 23rd – Christmas Caroling to some of our shut-ins and nursing homes. Meet at the Family Life Center at 6:00 p.m. We’ll have hot chocolate and cookies ready when you return.
Dec. 24th – Christmas Eve Services at 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
I would encourage all to give this Sunday as though it counts for 2
Sundays. The men’s group I attend suggested that we pass the plate twice. We're taking that under advisement. Seriously, this year has been filled with a lot of snow and ice (this last Sunday was the third one of 2007 which was deeply affected by weather) and as a ministry we'd like to finish the year fiscally strong. Please help toward this end as the Lord leads you.
This season let me encourage you to be a blessing to someone by inviting them to church during this season. I look forward to worshiping the Lord in a deep and profound way with you this Sunday.
Scott
I'm going to reiterate what I said last week concerning this week’s sermon: I don’t know that I’ve ever been more excited about a message about Christmas than the one we’ll go through together on Sunday. We’re starting the “Imagine” series with “Imagine the adoration of the kings.” God has revealed Himself to people. His purposes, His plan, and His glory all surround and engulf us on a cosmic level. Wow! Trust me when I say, you will get a Christmas picture that you’ve never thought of or encountered ever before this Sunday morning. Invite a friend. Invite a skeptic. Invite an atheist.
Here’s some of the upcoming events that will help you connect with God during this Christmas season:
Dec. 16th – “The Christmas Present” presented by the Forum Children’s Choir and the Bridge Band at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Cookie fellowship to follow in the Family Life Center.
Dec. 20th – VIPs meet to put together packages and deliver to shut-ins. Lunch out. Meet at 9:00 a.m. in Room 116.
Dec. 23rd – “Imagine: a Christmas Worship Experience” – The Bridge and Adult Choirs at 11:00 a.m. service in the auditorium.
Dec. 23rd – Christmas Caroling to some of our shut-ins and nursing homes. Meet at the Family Life Center at 6:00 p.m. We’ll have hot chocolate and cookies ready when you return.
Dec. 24th – Christmas Eve Services at 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
I would encourage all to give this Sunday as though it counts for 2
Sundays. The men’s group I attend suggested that we pass the plate twice. We're taking that under advisement. Seriously, this year has been filled with a lot of snow and ice (this last Sunday was the third one of 2007 which was deeply affected by weather) and as a ministry we'd like to finish the year fiscally strong. Please help toward this end as the Lord leads you.
This season let me encourage you to be a blessing to someone by inviting them to church during this season. I look forward to worshiping the Lord in a deep and profound way with you this Sunday.
Scott
Friday, December 7, 2007
e-news for week of 12/2/07 - 12/8/07
I don’t know that I’ve ever been more excited about a message that I am preaching on than the one we’ll go through together on Sunday. We’re starting the “Imagine” series with “Imagine the adoration of the kings.” God has revealed Himself to people. His purposes, His plan, and His glory all surround and engulf us on a cosmic level. Wow! Trust me when I say, you will get a Christmas picture that you’ve never thought of or encountered ever before this Sunday morning. Invite a friend. Invite a skeptic. Invite an atheist.
I’m also charged about the worship choir launching us into the Christmas season with their performance of “Imagine” on Sunday night at 6. It is designed to be a worship experience and I’d encourage you to make that part of your Christmas experience.
I love the way God interacts with us on such personal levels. A couple of weeks ago I encouraged you to pen your psalm to the Lord, I wanted to share a couple with you that will bless your life:
My Psalm
God, how I praise all the things that you have done, are doing, or will do in my life. The thought of your awesome power is not comprehendible, so many things that I take for granted, when I stop and truly comprehend their existence, make it even more difficult for me to talk to you.
How simple is it that the maker and master of the universe would want me to talk to him, tell him my thoughts, tell him my wants, when he knows my heart better than I ever will. To get out of the struggles and complexity of the worlds desires and feel your presence around me is my motivation and my joy. Yet the few times I show faith and belief in you oh father, my mind goes back to this world I live in.
MY PSALM
My heart praises you, O Lord. You are Great, almighty, Your glory shines.
Oh God, in my time of sorrow, I lift my eyes to You, You comfort me, You fill me with peace. Lord, keep me from resentment, help me to show love to those I’m connected to, and those that I have opportunity to know. Help me God to be a light so that you are glorified.
Cast my fears away. Help me to be bold for you and keep me pure in heart, as You are pure. I will always seek after you, you are my God, you are everything.
Someday we will meet face to face and what a glorious day that will be for Your love is amazing.
Both of these Psalms were written by some of our warrior poets within the Forum body. Let me encourage all of us to grow in our connection and interaction with God in up close and personal ways.
Here’s some of the upcoming events that will help you connect with God during this Christmas season:
Dec. 9th – “Imagine: a Christmas Worship Experience” – The Bridge and Adult Choirs at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Dec. 16th – “The Christmas Present” presented by the Forum Children’s Choir and the Bridge Band at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Dec. 20th – VIPs meet to put together packages and deliver to shut-ins. Lunch out. Meet at 9:00 a.m. in Room 116.
Dec. 23rd – Christmas Caroling to some of our shut-ins and nursing homes. Meet at the Family Life Center at 6:00 p.m. We’ll have hot chocolate and cookies ready when you return.
Dec. 24th – Christmas Eve Services at 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday – it’ll be stellar!
I’m also charged about the worship choir launching us into the Christmas season with their performance of “Imagine” on Sunday night at 6. It is designed to be a worship experience and I’d encourage you to make that part of your Christmas experience.
I love the way God interacts with us on such personal levels. A couple of weeks ago I encouraged you to pen your psalm to the Lord, I wanted to share a couple with you that will bless your life:
My Psalm
God, how I praise all the things that you have done, are doing, or will do in my life. The thought of your awesome power is not comprehendible, so many things that I take for granted, when I stop and truly comprehend their existence, make it even more difficult for me to talk to you.
How simple is it that the maker and master of the universe would want me to talk to him, tell him my thoughts, tell him my wants, when he knows my heart better than I ever will. To get out of the struggles and complexity of the worlds desires and feel your presence around me is my motivation and my joy. Yet the few times I show faith and belief in you oh father, my mind goes back to this world I live in.
MY PSALM
My heart praises you, O Lord. You are Great, almighty, Your glory shines.
Oh God, in my time of sorrow, I lift my eyes to You, You comfort me, You fill me with peace. Lord, keep me from resentment, help me to show love to those I’m connected to, and those that I have opportunity to know. Help me God to be a light so that you are glorified.
Cast my fears away. Help me to be bold for you and keep me pure in heart, as You are pure. I will always seek after you, you are my God, you are everything.
Someday we will meet face to face and what a glorious day that will be for Your love is amazing.
Both of these Psalms were written by some of our warrior poets within the Forum body. Let me encourage all of us to grow in our connection and interaction with God in up close and personal ways.
Here’s some of the upcoming events that will help you connect with God during this Christmas season:
Dec. 9th – “Imagine: a Christmas Worship Experience” – The Bridge and Adult Choirs at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Dec. 16th – “The Christmas Present” presented by the Forum Children’s Choir and the Bridge Band at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Dec. 20th – VIPs meet to put together packages and deliver to shut-ins. Lunch out. Meet at 9:00 a.m. in Room 116.
Dec. 23rd – Christmas Caroling to some of our shut-ins and nursing homes. Meet at the Family Life Center at 6:00 p.m. We’ll have hot chocolate and cookies ready when you return.
Dec. 24th – Christmas Eve Services at 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday – it’ll be stellar!
Friday, November 30, 2007
e-news for week of 11/25/07 - 12/1/07
On Sunday after the third service, several people came up for prayer. Some almost felt like they missed the “prayer window” after the service. Nothing could be further from the truth. I want you to know that as a staff we are ALWAYS available to pray with you – to seek God together – and to lift you up. God time is never closed or shut down. That’s why God called all of us here. We are here to connect people with Him.
This Sunday we’ll zero in on the life of Samuel as we close out the “Heroes” series. This guy had a couple of character traits that all of us need. I’ve got growing to do in one of the areas of character development.
It’s also beginning to look a lot like Christmas all over the Forum campus. It looks great. Forum is going to be a Christmas kind of place. We’ll start a new series called “Imagine” that synchs up with what our adult worship praise group is doing on the 9th.
Connected to Christmas – I know that Forum has historically taken up a Christmas benevolence offering each year. In an effort to unify our budget – the elders decided to fund the benevolence ministry throughout the year through our regular giving. Thus, every week of this year, you’ve been giving to benevolence. If you want to give additionally toward benevolence, offering envelopes are available at the Sign Up Center. I would also encourage people to give toward the general fund of the church in both Christmas and year end kind of ways – I don’t do this often (rarely would be the operating word) but the reality is that over the past couple of years we’ve made nearly $90,000 in improvements to the campus. The decision to unify the budget and move away from special offerings all the time is the right decision for a church our size, but it also requires communication (which I’m doing right now).
Also, if there are families within the Forum body that you would like the church to consider helping – just email Carolyn (my super fantastic office administrator) at carolyn@forumblvd.org and we’ll see that gets to the leadership.
Here are some upcoming ministry options for you to get connected to:
Dec. 2nd – Pick up a name of a Show-Me Home child and buy stocking stuffers for their Christmas stockings. Names and instructions will be at the table in the foyer.
Dec. 6th – VIPs planning session for packages to shut-ins. Lunch out. Meet at 11:00 a.m. in Room 116.
Dec. 9th – “Imagine: a Christmas Worship Experience” – The Bridge and Adult Choirs at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Dec. 16th – “The Christmas Present” presented by the Forum Children’s Choir and the Bridge Band at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Dec. 20th – VIPs meet to put together packages and deliver to shut-ins. Lunch out. Meet at 9:00 a.m. in Room 116.
Dec. 23rd – Christmas Caroling to some of our shut-ins and nursing homes. Meet at the Family Life Center at 6:00 p.m. We’ll have hot chocolate and cookies ready when you return.
Dec. 24th – Christmas Eve Services at 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
I’m really looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday. Forum is one of the great places where God shows up all the time.
This Sunday we’ll zero in on the life of Samuel as we close out the “Heroes” series. This guy had a couple of character traits that all of us need. I’ve got growing to do in one of the areas of character development.
It’s also beginning to look a lot like Christmas all over the Forum campus. It looks great. Forum is going to be a Christmas kind of place. We’ll start a new series called “Imagine” that synchs up with what our adult worship praise group is doing on the 9th.
Connected to Christmas – I know that Forum has historically taken up a Christmas benevolence offering each year. In an effort to unify our budget – the elders decided to fund the benevolence ministry throughout the year through our regular giving. Thus, every week of this year, you’ve been giving to benevolence. If you want to give additionally toward benevolence, offering envelopes are available at the Sign Up Center. I would also encourage people to give toward the general fund of the church in both Christmas and year end kind of ways – I don’t do this often (rarely would be the operating word) but the reality is that over the past couple of years we’ve made nearly $90,000 in improvements to the campus. The decision to unify the budget and move away from special offerings all the time is the right decision for a church our size, but it also requires communication (which I’m doing right now).
Also, if there are families within the Forum body that you would like the church to consider helping – just email Carolyn (my super fantastic office administrator) at carolyn@forumblvd.org and we’ll see that gets to the leadership.
Here are some upcoming ministry options for you to get connected to:
Dec. 2nd – Pick up a name of a Show-Me Home child and buy stocking stuffers for their Christmas stockings. Names and instructions will be at the table in the foyer.
Dec. 6th – VIPs planning session for packages to shut-ins. Lunch out. Meet at 11:00 a.m. in Room 116.
Dec. 9th – “Imagine: a Christmas Worship Experience” – The Bridge and Adult Choirs at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Dec. 16th – “The Christmas Present” presented by the Forum Children’s Choir and the Bridge Band at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Dec. 20th – VIPs meet to put together packages and deliver to shut-ins. Lunch out. Meet at 9:00 a.m. in Room 116.
Dec. 23rd – Christmas Caroling to some of our shut-ins and nursing homes. Meet at the Family Life Center at 6:00 p.m. We’ll have hot chocolate and cookies ready when you return.
Dec. 24th – Christmas Eve Services at 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
I’m really looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday. Forum is one of the great places where God shows up all the time.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
e-news for week of 11/18/07 - 11/24/07
Wow!
It’s a three-letter word that says a lot.
I can’t say enough great things about our preschool choir and the job they did sharing a great message of encouragement and thanksgiving this past Sunday both in the morning (“Here we go…”) and in the evening. Just in case you didn’t know – the recipe for the thank you meal is one cup of friendship (stir, stir), two cups of family (stir, stir), three cups of good food (stir, stir), and a pinch of me. Thanks to Cara McMillan and her team for doing a great job with that crew.
Wow!
As I walked into the visitor/new member luncheon I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people who were there. Ted Mountjoy, our discipleship minister, observed that God is sending us a lot of people. This calls for great intentionality on the part of us as a church because we are to be great stewards for the Lord. Our primary stewardship is people. Property is important – but it’s not eternal. Finances are important – but they are not eternal. Our souls are eternal and every person’s soul is of great value to the Lord. The staff and our church leaders are committed to excellence in helping people to become fully devoted disciples. If you are among those that God has led/is leading here – let me communicate to you with complete clarity, all that I talked about with you on Sunday represents what Forum is about. God is blessing this church body and I pray you are getting a sense of that.
Wow!
With this being the season of thanksgiving, in staff study Jody Riley, our junior high minister, led us in a time reflecting on all the people that serve God in behind the scenes capacities at Forum and in the community. As we easily filled up an entire whiteboard in thanksgiving to God for all of you, it was a great reminder of one of the reasons Forum is such a cool church.
This Sunday we continue in the “Heroes” series focused in on the life of one of the most written about people (as well as one of the prolific writers of the Psalms) in the Bible. David is his name. You know a lot about his life – but there’s going to be a life application item that I’m going to encourage you to do. I’d love to use your responses over the next weeks on the web log. David is like most of us – multifaceted and very complex. At the core of his being was a heart pursuant of God. Don’t you want that to be said about you? What a great life epitaph. Can’t wait to talk about it with you this Sunday.
Don’t forget these upcoming events…
Nov. 25th - Taiwan trip report in room 116 at 11:00 a.m. Come hear how God worked through those on this trip.
Nov. 29th - "Girlfriends Unlimited" Missions Dinner and Auction in the Family Life Center. Dinner at 6:00 and auction from 7:00 - 9:00. All proceeds go to missions.
Dec. 6th – VIPs planning session for packages to shut-ins. Lunch out. Meet at 11:00 a.m. in Room 116.
Dec. 9th – “Imagine a Christmas Worship Experience” – The Bridge and Adult Choirs at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Dec. 16th – “The Christmas Present” presented by the Forum Children’s Choir and the Bridge Band at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Dec. 20th – VIPs meet to put together packages and deliver to shut-ins. Lunch out. Meet at 9:00 a.m. in Room 116.
Dec. 24th – Christmas Eve Services at 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Scott
It’s a three-letter word that says a lot.
I can’t say enough great things about our preschool choir and the job they did sharing a great message of encouragement and thanksgiving this past Sunday both in the morning (“Here we go…”) and in the evening. Just in case you didn’t know – the recipe for the thank you meal is one cup of friendship (stir, stir), two cups of family (stir, stir), three cups of good food (stir, stir), and a pinch of me. Thanks to Cara McMillan and her team for doing a great job with that crew.
Wow!
As I walked into the visitor/new member luncheon I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people who were there. Ted Mountjoy, our discipleship minister, observed that God is sending us a lot of people. This calls for great intentionality on the part of us as a church because we are to be great stewards for the Lord. Our primary stewardship is people. Property is important – but it’s not eternal. Finances are important – but they are not eternal. Our souls are eternal and every person’s soul is of great value to the Lord. The staff and our church leaders are committed to excellence in helping people to become fully devoted disciples. If you are among those that God has led/is leading here – let me communicate to you with complete clarity, all that I talked about with you on Sunday represents what Forum is about. God is blessing this church body and I pray you are getting a sense of that.
Wow!
With this being the season of thanksgiving, in staff study Jody Riley, our junior high minister, led us in a time reflecting on all the people that serve God in behind the scenes capacities at Forum and in the community. As we easily filled up an entire whiteboard in thanksgiving to God for all of you, it was a great reminder of one of the reasons Forum is such a cool church.
This Sunday we continue in the “Heroes” series focused in on the life of one of the most written about people (as well as one of the prolific writers of the Psalms) in the Bible. David is his name. You know a lot about his life – but there’s going to be a life application item that I’m going to encourage you to do. I’d love to use your responses over the next weeks on the web log. David is like most of us – multifaceted and very complex. At the core of his being was a heart pursuant of God. Don’t you want that to be said about you? What a great life epitaph. Can’t wait to talk about it with you this Sunday.
Don’t forget these upcoming events…
Nov. 25th - Taiwan trip report in room 116 at 11:00 a.m. Come hear how God worked through those on this trip.
Nov. 29th - "Girlfriends Unlimited" Missions Dinner and Auction in the Family Life Center. Dinner at 6:00 and auction from 7:00 - 9:00. All proceeds go to missions.
Dec. 6th – VIPs planning session for packages to shut-ins. Lunch out. Meet at 11:00 a.m. in Room 116.
Dec. 9th – “Imagine a Christmas Worship Experience” – The Bridge and Adult Choirs at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Dec. 16th – “The Christmas Present” presented by the Forum Children’s Choir and the Bridge Band at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Dec. 20th – VIPs meet to put together packages and deliver to shut-ins. Lunch out. Meet at 9:00 a.m. in Room 116.
Dec. 24th – Christmas Eve Services at 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Scott
Friday, November 16, 2007
e-news for week of 11/11/07 - 11/17/07
What do you do when it seems that life (and in a round about way, God) throws you a major league curve ball? Do your knees buckle? Do you stand in there? Or do you roll with the pitch?
I assure you of this: God will interject into your life in a way that causes you to choose to live by faith (the life of a hero), or you'll just continue to do the same old thing. This Sunday we continue in our “Heroes” series focused on Noah. Some of the background issues that we won’t study include the flood. Some of you will ask, “Was it real? Did that happen?” I believe it did. Is the boat on top of Mount Ararat? I don’t know if it’s still there or whether time and weather have taken it’s toll, but I do believe the account. The Bible talks about “gopher wood,” is that real – or is that some made up tree? It could refer to a process for the wood – just like you’d be hard-pressed to find a “ply” tree (yes, I’m really good at stupid puns.)
All that’s important background to the event, but frankly, God would have us to develop character. Let’s explore this man Noah’s character and strive to align with the godly elements of this hero’s life. If Noah had continued to just do the same old thing – you and I wouldn’t be here today. We wouldn’t be able to drive through a fast food lane and pick up a burger. Do past choices and people acting in faith affect the present? Beyond that, Noah stepped into the realm of the unknown – specifically – a 120-year construction project.
It’s going to be another great day to worship God at Forum. I can’t wait to have a fresh encounter and connect with Him.
Sunday there’s a visitor/new member luncheon that’ll happen right after 3rd service down off of the gym. If you want – invite a friend to church Sunday (that’s what this whole “intentionally connecting people to Jesus” is all about) and stick around and have lunch with them at this luncheon.
Also, don’t forget these upcoming events…
Nov. 18th – “The Thank You Meal” presented by the preschool choir at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Cookie fellowship to follow in the Family Life Center.
Nov. 25th - Taiwan trip report in room 116 at 11:00 a.m. Come hear how God worked through those on this trip.
Nov. 29th - "Girlfriends Unlimited" Missions Dinner and Auction in the Family Life Center. Dinner at 6:00 and auction from 7:00 - 9:00. All proceeds go to missions.
Dec. 6th – VIPs planning session for packages to shut-ins. Lunch out. Meet at 11:00 a.m. in Room 116.
Dec. 9th – “Imagine a Christmas Worship Experience” – The Bridge and Adult Choirs at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Dec. 16th – “The Christmas Present” presented by the Forum Children’s Choir and the Bridge Band at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Dec. 20th – VIPs meet to put together packages and deliver to shut-ins. Lunch out. Meet at 9:00 a.m. in Room 116.
Dec. 24th – Christmas Eve Services at 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
It’s a week when we celebrate and thank God for all He has done. Let’s connect up Sunday and praise Him for the great things He’s done. See you Sunday. Scott
I assure you of this: God will interject into your life in a way that causes you to choose to live by faith (the life of a hero), or you'll just continue to do the same old thing. This Sunday we continue in our “Heroes” series focused on Noah. Some of the background issues that we won’t study include the flood. Some of you will ask, “Was it real? Did that happen?” I believe it did. Is the boat on top of Mount Ararat? I don’t know if it’s still there or whether time and weather have taken it’s toll, but I do believe the account. The Bible talks about “gopher wood,” is that real – or is that some made up tree? It could refer to a process for the wood – just like you’d be hard-pressed to find a “ply” tree (yes, I’m really good at stupid puns.)
All that’s important background to the event, but frankly, God would have us to develop character. Let’s explore this man Noah’s character and strive to align with the godly elements of this hero’s life. If Noah had continued to just do the same old thing – you and I wouldn’t be here today. We wouldn’t be able to drive through a fast food lane and pick up a burger. Do past choices and people acting in faith affect the present? Beyond that, Noah stepped into the realm of the unknown – specifically – a 120-year construction project.
It’s going to be another great day to worship God at Forum. I can’t wait to have a fresh encounter and connect with Him.
Sunday there’s a visitor/new member luncheon that’ll happen right after 3rd service down off of the gym. If you want – invite a friend to church Sunday (that’s what this whole “intentionally connecting people to Jesus” is all about) and stick around and have lunch with them at this luncheon.
Also, don’t forget these upcoming events…
Nov. 18th – “The Thank You Meal” presented by the preschool choir at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Cookie fellowship to follow in the Family Life Center.
Nov. 25th - Taiwan trip report in room 116 at 11:00 a.m. Come hear how God worked through those on this trip.
Nov. 29th - "Girlfriends Unlimited" Missions Dinner and Auction in the Family Life Center. Dinner at 6:00 and auction from 7:00 - 9:00. All proceeds go to missions.
Dec. 6th – VIPs planning session for packages to shut-ins. Lunch out. Meet at 11:00 a.m. in Room 116.
Dec. 9th – “Imagine a Christmas Worship Experience” – The Bridge and Adult Choirs at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Dec. 16th – “The Christmas Present” presented by the Forum Children’s Choir and the Bridge Band at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Dec. 20th – VIPs meet to put together packages and deliver to shut-ins. Lunch out. Meet at 9:00 a.m. in Room 116.
Dec. 24th – Christmas Eve Services at 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
It’s a week when we celebrate and thank God for all He has done. Let’s connect up Sunday and praise Him for the great things He’s done. See you Sunday. Scott
Friday, November 9, 2007
e-news for week of 11/04/07 - 11/10/07
What a great week of ministry! First, I want to welcome Neville Miller, Lisa Tipton, and Daniel and Amber Bettis to Forum. God is going to use all of you to connect other people to Jesus just as you are connected to him. On top of that we’ve had a lot of training and equipping going on. Several of us just got back from a ministry practicum in Naperville, IL as well as having the youth ministry team attend a Youth Specialties conference for the purpose ministering to students in a great way. There was also a team of us headed to Naperville, IL to digest some really excellent ways of impacting a community for Christ.
I also want to welcome Charles Shoaf and Jerry Spratt as new elders onto the team as well as David Buster as a returning elder. Also, Jim Abernathy, Jeff Bilbro, Jamey Cline, Steve Cowan, Tim Crockett, Ted Fletcher, Jeff Hemme, Jeremy McBee, Sam Marsh, Tom Mitchell, Tim Myers, Gene Race, Danny Sattler, and Steve Yount were all affirmed as deacons for 2008.
As I’ve prayed through God’s dreams for Columbia – I know without a shadow of a doubt that we have an adventure and a God-sized challenge in front of us. I’m looking forward to sharing the emerging vision that I believe God has placed in front of us to achieve.
The past several months – for me on both a personal and professional level (frankly – those lines are blurred into oblivion when you are in ministry – am I ever truly “off the clock?” And bottom line, where God is concerned – that applies to you as well – we are all ministers) this year has been an exploration and a seeking of what God would have Forum to do corporately as a church in order to intentionally connect people to Jesus. Over the next couple of months you’ll be hearing about the opportunities God is leading us toward.
This Sunday we are going to explore silent heroes. People that go about day to day life without a lot of fanfare or recognition, but because of faithfulness, integrity and relationship to God – they shine out like stars on a crisp Missouri November night. I would daresay that most of the primary heroes in your life are people that most of us haven’t heard of or don’t know. A single mom who worked hard to support her family and get you through school. A dad who wasn’t much on talkin’, but who was upright, strong, and good. A teacher who challenged you at a pivot point in your life and helped you to turn to a better path. A scout leader… A Sunday school teacher…and the list goes on and on. I was personally inspired as I worked on this message – can’t wait to share it Sunday. Look forward to worshiping our incredible and awesome God with you.
Scott
Don’t forget these upcoming events…
Nov. 18th – Visitors and New Members Lunch in the Family Life Center after third service.
Nov. 18th – “The Thank You Meal” presented by the preschool choir at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Cookie fellowship to follow in the Family Life Center.
Nov. 25th - Taiwan trip report in room 116 at 11:00 a.m. Come hear how God worked through those on this trip.
Nov. 29th - "Girlfriends Unlimited" Missions Dinner and Auction in the Family Life Center. Dinner at 6:00 and auction from 7:00 - 9:00. All proceeds go to missions.
Dec. 9th – “Imagine a Christmas Worship Experience” – The Bridge and Adult Choirs at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Dec. 16th – “The Christmas Present” presented by the Forum Children’s Choir and the Bridge Band at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Dec. 24th – Christmas Eve Services at 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
I also want to welcome Charles Shoaf and Jerry Spratt as new elders onto the team as well as David Buster as a returning elder. Also, Jim Abernathy, Jeff Bilbro, Jamey Cline, Steve Cowan, Tim Crockett, Ted Fletcher, Jeff Hemme, Jeremy McBee, Sam Marsh, Tom Mitchell, Tim Myers, Gene Race, Danny Sattler, and Steve Yount were all affirmed as deacons for 2008.
As I’ve prayed through God’s dreams for Columbia – I know without a shadow of a doubt that we have an adventure and a God-sized challenge in front of us. I’m looking forward to sharing the emerging vision that I believe God has placed in front of us to achieve.
The past several months – for me on both a personal and professional level (frankly – those lines are blurred into oblivion when you are in ministry – am I ever truly “off the clock?” And bottom line, where God is concerned – that applies to you as well – we are all ministers) this year has been an exploration and a seeking of what God would have Forum to do corporately as a church in order to intentionally connect people to Jesus. Over the next couple of months you’ll be hearing about the opportunities God is leading us toward.
This Sunday we are going to explore silent heroes. People that go about day to day life without a lot of fanfare or recognition, but because of faithfulness, integrity and relationship to God – they shine out like stars on a crisp Missouri November night. I would daresay that most of the primary heroes in your life are people that most of us haven’t heard of or don’t know. A single mom who worked hard to support her family and get you through school. A dad who wasn’t much on talkin’, but who was upright, strong, and good. A teacher who challenged you at a pivot point in your life and helped you to turn to a better path. A scout leader… A Sunday school teacher…and the list goes on and on. I was personally inspired as I worked on this message – can’t wait to share it Sunday. Look forward to worshiping our incredible and awesome God with you.
Scott
Don’t forget these upcoming events…
Nov. 18th – Visitors and New Members Lunch in the Family Life Center after third service.
Nov. 18th – “The Thank You Meal” presented by the preschool choir at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Cookie fellowship to follow in the Family Life Center.
Nov. 25th - Taiwan trip report in room 116 at 11:00 a.m. Come hear how God worked through those on this trip.
Nov. 29th - "Girlfriends Unlimited" Missions Dinner and Auction in the Family Life Center. Dinner at 6:00 and auction from 7:00 - 9:00. All proceeds go to missions.
Dec. 9th – “Imagine a Christmas Worship Experience” – The Bridge and Adult Choirs at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Dec. 16th – “The Christmas Present” presented by the Forum Children’s Choir and the Bridge Band at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Dec. 24th – Christmas Eve Services at 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
e-news for week of 10/28/07 - 11/06/07
There’s a whole lot on my heart right now for us as a body. We’re enjoying a season of health, unity, and growth and it’s great to be experiencing that. I want to thank Justin Keith for speaking this past Sunday while a bunch of us went to our mentor church, Eastview, in Bloomington, IL. Although I haven’t heard the sermon yet, so many people shared what a great job Justin did. As I’m typing this, I’m simultaneously working on (praying through) sermon series for 2008 and, as ever, I get excited. There’s a rush when I dream through the possibilities when we allow God to work in us as a church when we let His Holy Spirit unleashed within our lives. I get excited when I think about life change that occurs because of God’s work in a person’s life. I get excited when I see so many of you striving to intentionally connect people to Jesus. I was at the fall festival last night – and so many of you introduced me to friends you purposefully invited to come to Forum for that event. I want to truly thank Jessie and Pam for putting that excellent event together.
Looking Forward…
Sun. Nov. 4th Elder Affirmation – after each service
Sun. Nov. 18th - Visitor/New Member Luncheon –after 3rd service in the Family Life Center
Sun. Nov. 18th – Pre-school Program, The Thank You Meal – 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium
Sun. Dec. 9th – Adult Choir Program, Imagine-A Worship Experience – 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium
Sun. Dec. 16th – Elementary & Bridge Choirs, The Christmas Present, 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium
Mon. Dec. 24th – Christmas Eve Services – 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium
This Sunday, as we’re in the Heroes series, we’ll look at the life of Abraham. This is going to be one of those sermons that is going to come at you from a completely different direction. I’ll try not to make you feel like you’ve been hit by a Mack truck, but know that there will be a lot of challenge going on. I can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday – see you then.
Don't forget to set your clocks BACK one hour on Saturday night!
Scott
Looking Forward…
Sun. Nov. 4th Elder Affirmation – after each service
Sun. Nov. 18th - Visitor/New Member Luncheon –after 3rd service in the Family Life Center
Sun. Nov. 18th – Pre-school Program, The Thank You Meal – 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium
Sun. Dec. 9th – Adult Choir Program, Imagine-A Worship Experience – 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium
Sun. Dec. 16th – Elementary & Bridge Choirs, The Christmas Present, 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium
Mon. Dec. 24th – Christmas Eve Services – 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium
This Sunday, as we’re in the Heroes series, we’ll look at the life of Abraham. This is going to be one of those sermons that is going to come at you from a completely different direction. I’ll try not to make you feel like you’ve been hit by a Mack truck, but know that there will be a lot of challenge going on. I can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday – see you then.
Don't forget to set your clocks BACK one hour on Saturday night!
Scott
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
e-news for week of 10/21/07 - 10/27/07
I love the Lord. When all is peeled away from my life – that is the simple reality at my core. The biggest reason for this is that while I was still so messed up – God sent his son to die for me. Wow. I remembered this truth Sunday when David Buster in 2nd and 3rd services said, “Jesus is my hero. I’m not ashamed to worship him.” Simple reality at the core of who David is. Jeremy Maxwell, around the communion table during first service, talked about Jesus as the ultimate hero –noble cause, sacrifice, and passion are all embodied in Jesus. He’s our savior and no matter how much in life gets out of whack or sideways – that truth can and should fill up your life.
How do we know something so simple and profound and get it all twisted up? Ever flown a kite (a pretty simple endeavor) and dealt with snarl? Ever been fishing and get the line all gnarly and try and untwist it? As we look at the lives of spiritual heroes – you’re going to see a consistent pattern. Simple obedience to God’s purpose and the kite soars. Human ideologies and getting outside of simple obedience = life snarl. We’ll continue to explore the life of Moses this weekend.
The level of passion and praise some of our teens brought to worship this past Sunday was stellar. It’s a great thing to have a group of students who want to use God’s talents to help us all to encounter God. I really appreciate the Melodies (Melody Rodgers and Melody Sutherland) for all the energy and love of God they bring into that aspect of ministry. I had conversations with a bunch of established members of Forum but also a bunch of 20somethings and the level of excitement about what God is doing within Forum is quite amazing. God is good.
It was also thrilling to have Lori Smith baptize her daughters Brook and Hope as we started 2nd service. Brook and Hope, God is thrilled you’ve made this commitment and listened to both His word and His Spirit. I would encourage all of us to rekindle that same type of simple obedience. “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." –Jesus.
It’s also great to be able to welcome Joe and Dietlinde Stitzer and their children, Grayden and Ellie to Forum.
As ever – God continues to lead us and provide for us. As I mentioned in last weeks update, Pam Tamerius is stepping forward as our interim children’s director. Pam wrote this to parents and teachers last week:
The leadership of FCC has asked if I will step in during the interim and minister to the teachers by maintaining the exceptional program that Rachael and Jessie already have in place. My purpose during this time is to serve the teachers and our children by preparing for the Sunday morning classes and keeping them running smoothly, but not necessarily to be innovative with any new programs. I want to thank Jessie Spellman for her input, organization, encouragement, and generosity. She has made the transition a smooth one for us all.
I have a background in education and have been in ministry with my husband Lance for 20 years. However, I come to you as a parent with a passion to provide the children of our church a solid spiritual training that leads them closer to their Heavenly Father.
We will labor together as parents, teachers, and staff until God calls the right person to FCC with the vision and creativity that will move us beyond this short time. I ask for your prayers in discerning God's will and direction. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Because of Him,
Pam Tamerius
We’re so glad Pam is on board to help insure excellent ministry for our children.
On the horizon:
Wed. Oct. 31st – Fall Festival – for 5th grade and under - from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center
Sun. Nov. 4th – Elder Affirmation – after each service
Sun. Nov. 18th – Visitor/New Member Luncheon – after 3rd service in the Family Life Center
How do we know something so simple and profound and get it all twisted up? Ever flown a kite (a pretty simple endeavor) and dealt with snarl? Ever been fishing and get the line all gnarly and try and untwist it? As we look at the lives of spiritual heroes – you’re going to see a consistent pattern. Simple obedience to God’s purpose and the kite soars. Human ideologies and getting outside of simple obedience = life snarl. We’ll continue to explore the life of Moses this weekend.
The level of passion and praise some of our teens brought to worship this past Sunday was stellar. It’s a great thing to have a group of students who want to use God’s talents to help us all to encounter God. I really appreciate the Melodies (Melody Rodgers and Melody Sutherland) for all the energy and love of God they bring into that aspect of ministry. I had conversations with a bunch of established members of Forum but also a bunch of 20somethings and the level of excitement about what God is doing within Forum is quite amazing. God is good.
It was also thrilling to have Lori Smith baptize her daughters Brook and Hope as we started 2nd service. Brook and Hope, God is thrilled you’ve made this commitment and listened to both His word and His Spirit. I would encourage all of us to rekindle that same type of simple obedience. “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." –Jesus.
It’s also great to be able to welcome Joe and Dietlinde Stitzer and their children, Grayden and Ellie to Forum.
As ever – God continues to lead us and provide for us. As I mentioned in last weeks update, Pam Tamerius is stepping forward as our interim children’s director. Pam wrote this to parents and teachers last week:
The leadership of FCC has asked if I will step in during the interim and minister to the teachers by maintaining the exceptional program that Rachael and Jessie already have in place. My purpose during this time is to serve the teachers and our children by preparing for the Sunday morning classes and keeping them running smoothly, but not necessarily to be innovative with any new programs. I want to thank Jessie Spellman for her input, organization, encouragement, and generosity. She has made the transition a smooth one for us all.
I have a background in education and have been in ministry with my husband Lance for 20 years. However, I come to you as a parent with a passion to provide the children of our church a solid spiritual training that leads them closer to their Heavenly Father.
We will labor together as parents, teachers, and staff until God calls the right person to FCC with the vision and creativity that will move us beyond this short time. I ask for your prayers in discerning God's will and direction. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Because of Him,
Pam Tamerius
We’re so glad Pam is on board to help insure excellent ministry for our children.
On the horizon:
Wed. Oct. 31st – Fall Festival – for 5th grade and under - from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center
Sun. Nov. 4th – Elder Affirmation – after each service
Sun. Nov. 18th – Visitor/New Member Luncheon – after 3rd service in the Family Life Center
Thursday, October 18, 2007
e-news for week of 10/14/07 - 10/10/07
“I’m never disappointed in a movement of God.”
Sometimes I don’t think people know how to take me or what my expectations are. This past Sunday, we had people being prayed for – people making decisions, both where they stood and down front. I had one person communicate that this was the most life changing series of sermons she had ever encountered. Here’s the deal: God works on all of us in different ways. Sometimes I think that many people want to have cookie cutter experiences and everyone respond to God in the exact same way but the reality is – that’s not how God works on us. Look at the book of Acts and you will see all kinds of experiences of people encountering God through preaching and the scriptures, and life change occurs. Bill (that would be Fussner) and I talked Sunday afternoon about what had happened Sunday morning. Bill used one of his famous Billisms, “I’m wrecked.”(meaning that we prayed for so many people face to face and some of those encounters were very personal and emotional.) We then conversed about what God did that morning – we refreshed prayer for a lot of people – we thanked the Lord for allowing us to be a part of what He’s doing at Forum. Gang, let me make myself plain and clear: my expectations are for God to work among us, to change our lives, and for His purpose to become our purpose. If God calls one person, one hundred people, one thousand people, or one hundred thousand, God’s plan for us is accomplished.
I want to take a moment and highlight our staff. October is “pastor appreciation month” (for the record – as though anyone is keeping it – I think it’s a month where holiday sales lag so card companies and stores invented it for greater revenue – but hey – no one ever accused me of being too sentimental. I mean when is there a “doctor appreciation month, lawyer appreciation month, dentist appreciation month, professor appreciation month, taxicab driver appreciation month, custodial workers appreciation month, etc.” – I mean, hey, we must be really special. Just curious – is there an elder appreciation month – talk about at times thankless service, deacon appreciation month, those who work in the preschool areas, the children areas, the youth sponsors, etc.? Okay – you’re right – I’m on a rant – but it’s a rant wrapped in truth) Bottom line reality – we’ve got a great staff that God has blessed us with. I want to thank Bill, Jared, Jessie, Jody, Justin, Lance Tamerius (campus minister at Campus House), Steve Hagemeyer (another campus houser) and Ted for the teaching and leading they do. I want to thank from the whole ministry staff all the incredible work that Carolyn, Helen, Marlowe (he’s our “DO” guy – director of operations – bottom line – he “DOes.”), Melanie, and Melinda do in making the operations and a lot of the mechanics of ministry happen. I also want to welcome Pam Tamerius on as our interim children’s director. I’ll share more about Pam and what all is occurring in this realm over the next couple of weeks.
Along those lines, you have a great opportunity to serve the children here at church by helping out with the annual Fall Festival. It will be Wednesday, October 31st here in the Family Life Center from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. There will be bounce houses, games, food and (of course) plenty of candy. If you could help, please give Jessie Spellman or Pam Tamerius a call. They need lots of help to make this a fun night for the children.
As ever – we are going through some “new and improved” elements within our ministry. We strive to do it better, cheaper, faster when it comes to connecting people to Jesus. Here’s some quick highlights:
· This weekly update is now on blogspot. They’ll be archived to reference previous ones. It gives it a much quicker load as well as a cleaner look.
· We’re adding lessons to the blogspot for life groups or individuals to use either prior to or post sermon to keep the conversation connected to where God has Forum flowing.
· In the area of evangelism – we’ve started dropping umbrellas at the homes of many of our first time visitors that we are now getting names on via the new sheets.
· As you’ve noticed and appreciated – we are using more worship leaders and have taken an eclectic approach to worship. This is intentional and it is purposeful. The word “eclectic” traces common roots from the Greek word “ecclesia” which simply means “the called out ones” or more commonly “the church.” We are truly the eclectic ones. For me – as I stated in the very first sermon I preached here – God’s vision is to have a church on earth that resembles heaven –every tribe, every tongue, every nation. Columbia contains the world. Forum can and should resemble God’s planet – do you know that weekly we have a multinational assembly? We are the eclectic ones – God’s mosaic. Bottom line – this will play into our long-term vision to connect Columbia, MO to Jesus.
This week please remember our Taiwan mission trip team. Max Sell, Bill and Carol Paten, Diana Guidry, and Rachel Paneck are finding out first hand about two of the missions that we support on a monthly basis. Pray for a great trip and be ready for many wonderful stories of God at work in Taiwan.
This week we start a new series called “Heroes.” Let me see how you do with this one. Fill in the blank – “Save the cheerleader, save the ___________.” (Yeah, I didn’t know it either – it’s not like I actually watch TV) Heroes (so I’m told) is a relatively new television show where people are discovering they are heroes with powers that will help to save the world. Christ followers, this should not come as new revelation for you. We are to be about God’s business – saving the people of this planet. We’ll camp out in Hebrews 11 for the next several weeks and explore the great heroes of faith. First chair believers we can imitate. I can’t wait to have this conversation. See you Sunday.
Sometimes I don’t think people know how to take me or what my expectations are. This past Sunday, we had people being prayed for – people making decisions, both where they stood and down front. I had one person communicate that this was the most life changing series of sermons she had ever encountered. Here’s the deal: God works on all of us in different ways. Sometimes I think that many people want to have cookie cutter experiences and everyone respond to God in the exact same way but the reality is – that’s not how God works on us. Look at the book of Acts and you will see all kinds of experiences of people encountering God through preaching and the scriptures, and life change occurs. Bill (that would be Fussner) and I talked Sunday afternoon about what had happened Sunday morning. Bill used one of his famous Billisms, “I’m wrecked.”(meaning that we prayed for so many people face to face and some of those encounters were very personal and emotional.) We then conversed about what God did that morning – we refreshed prayer for a lot of people – we thanked the Lord for allowing us to be a part of what He’s doing at Forum. Gang, let me make myself plain and clear: my expectations are for God to work among us, to change our lives, and for His purpose to become our purpose. If God calls one person, one hundred people, one thousand people, or one hundred thousand, God’s plan for us is accomplished.
I want to take a moment and highlight our staff. October is “pastor appreciation month” (for the record – as though anyone is keeping it – I think it’s a month where holiday sales lag so card companies and stores invented it for greater revenue – but hey – no one ever accused me of being too sentimental. I mean when is there a “doctor appreciation month, lawyer appreciation month, dentist appreciation month, professor appreciation month, taxicab driver appreciation month, custodial workers appreciation month, etc.” – I mean, hey, we must be really special. Just curious – is there an elder appreciation month – talk about at times thankless service, deacon appreciation month, those who work in the preschool areas, the children areas, the youth sponsors, etc.? Okay – you’re right – I’m on a rant – but it’s a rant wrapped in truth) Bottom line reality – we’ve got a great staff that God has blessed us with. I want to thank Bill, Jared, Jessie, Jody, Justin, Lance Tamerius (campus minister at Campus House), Steve Hagemeyer (another campus houser) and Ted for the teaching and leading they do. I want to thank from the whole ministry staff all the incredible work that Carolyn, Helen, Marlowe (he’s our “DO” guy – director of operations – bottom line – he “DOes.”), Melanie, and Melinda do in making the operations and a lot of the mechanics of ministry happen. I also want to welcome Pam Tamerius on as our interim children’s director. I’ll share more about Pam and what all is occurring in this realm over the next couple of weeks.
Along those lines, you have a great opportunity to serve the children here at church by helping out with the annual Fall Festival. It will be Wednesday, October 31st here in the Family Life Center from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. There will be bounce houses, games, food and (of course) plenty of candy. If you could help, please give Jessie Spellman or Pam Tamerius a call. They need lots of help to make this a fun night for the children.
As ever – we are going through some “new and improved” elements within our ministry. We strive to do it better, cheaper, faster when it comes to connecting people to Jesus. Here’s some quick highlights:
· This weekly update is now on blogspot. They’ll be archived to reference previous ones. It gives it a much quicker load as well as a cleaner look.
· We’re adding lessons to the blogspot for life groups or individuals to use either prior to or post sermon to keep the conversation connected to where God has Forum flowing.
· In the area of evangelism – we’ve started dropping umbrellas at the homes of many of our first time visitors that we are now getting names on via the new sheets.
· As you’ve noticed and appreciated – we are using more worship leaders and have taken an eclectic approach to worship. This is intentional and it is purposeful. The word “eclectic” traces common roots from the Greek word “ecclesia” which simply means “the called out ones” or more commonly “the church.” We are truly the eclectic ones. For me – as I stated in the very first sermon I preached here – God’s vision is to have a church on earth that resembles heaven –every tribe, every tongue, every nation. Columbia contains the world. Forum can and should resemble God’s planet – do you know that weekly we have a multinational assembly? We are the eclectic ones – God’s mosaic. Bottom line – this will play into our long-term vision to connect Columbia, MO to Jesus.
This week please remember our Taiwan mission trip team. Max Sell, Bill and Carol Paten, Diana Guidry, and Rachel Paneck are finding out first hand about two of the missions that we support on a monthly basis. Pray for a great trip and be ready for many wonderful stories of God at work in Taiwan.
This week we start a new series called “Heroes.” Let me see how you do with this one. Fill in the blank – “Save the cheerleader, save the ___________.” (Yeah, I didn’t know it either – it’s not like I actually watch TV) Heroes (so I’m told) is a relatively new television show where people are discovering they are heroes with powers that will help to save the world. Christ followers, this should not come as new revelation for you. We are to be about God’s business – saving the people of this planet. We’ll camp out in Hebrews 11 for the next several weeks and explore the great heroes of faith. First chair believers we can imitate. I can’t wait to have this conversation. See you Sunday.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
e-news for week of 10/07-10/13
I’ve learned something about myself that is not particularly flattering: specifically – I have an ongoing case of amnesia and that I rarely look back. If you were to reread these week to week e-mails, you would soon realize I’m all the time looking ahead. This week, for a moment, I want to reexamine this past Sunday. During second service, when we came out of the 2-3 minutes of dialogue and prayer time I was overwhelmed with emotions as (I wish you had the vantage point that I had) I went back up to speak in that there were several couples and families on their knees in prayer together. Lord God Almighty – thank You! Thank You for driving us to our knees. Thank You for moving in families, marriages, households, and individuals.
It was also great to witness Kyle Teter giving his life to the Lord and being baptized into Christ. We rejoice with his parents Mike and Kammie, and brothers Ryan and John.
It was also great to have a picture perfect day at an incredible location for a picnic. Thanks to Jim and Melanie Abernathy, Bill Goins, Max Sell, Jeff and Denise Stotler, Dan and Carolyn Howell, Marlowe Schlegel, Bill Fussner, Tony Bradshaw (and whoever else I’m leaving out) for helping to make this an excellent connection event.
This Sunday we finish the “Me and My House” series. I’m giving you the head’s up now – this Sunday will take on a very different feel than other services in that we’ll give our offerings toward the front end of the service, have worship connection with God, dive into hearing from Him, examine our lives and make some decisions, have a concentrated time of prayer and then – on a personal level enter into the connection with Christ in communion. I want to encourage you to be praying on a personal level about the roadblocks that are keeping you from experiencing God in that first chair type of way. God wants Forum to experience revival – from week 3 in the series: revival occurs when a church moves “en mass” toward the first chair. Let’s experience that together this Sunday.
Here are some upcoming ministry opportunities:
Oct. 12th – High School will be tailgating before the Rock Bridge/Hickman game
Oct. 19th & 20th – Jr. High Retreat “Looking for Action Heroes”
Oct. 27th – VIP Fall Foliage Trip
Oct. 31st – Fall Festival for 5th grade and under
I’m excited about what God is doing in your lives. Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday.
It was also great to witness Kyle Teter giving his life to the Lord and being baptized into Christ. We rejoice with his parents Mike and Kammie, and brothers Ryan and John.
It was also great to have a picture perfect day at an incredible location for a picnic. Thanks to Jim and Melanie Abernathy, Bill Goins, Max Sell, Jeff and Denise Stotler, Dan and Carolyn Howell, Marlowe Schlegel, Bill Fussner, Tony Bradshaw (and whoever else I’m leaving out) for helping to make this an excellent connection event.
This Sunday we finish the “Me and My House” series. I’m giving you the head’s up now – this Sunday will take on a very different feel than other services in that we’ll give our offerings toward the front end of the service, have worship connection with God, dive into hearing from Him, examine our lives and make some decisions, have a concentrated time of prayer and then – on a personal level enter into the connection with Christ in communion. I want to encourage you to be praying on a personal level about the roadblocks that are keeping you from experiencing God in that first chair type of way. God wants Forum to experience revival – from week 3 in the series: revival occurs when a church moves “en mass” toward the first chair. Let’s experience that together this Sunday.
Here are some upcoming ministry opportunities:
Oct. 12th – High School will be tailgating before the Rock Bridge/Hickman game
Oct. 19th & 20th – Jr. High Retreat “Looking for Action Heroes”
Oct. 27th – VIP Fall Foliage Trip
Oct. 31st – Fall Festival for 5th grade and under
I’m excited about what God is doing in your lives. Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday.
Friday, October 5, 2007
e-news for week of 9/30-10/6
As I'm typing this - the Cubs are losing to Arizona for the second straight night. If, by some beyond imagination possibility, they were to win the World Series, my encouragement to all of you as church members is to tell every person you know about Jesus fast because he's coming back - real soon. You're thinking - "Is he serious or kidding? Does Scott have some millennial viewpoint that we've never heard of? I mean - I've heard of millennial, premillenials, postmillennials, pan-millennial, pro-millennial, etc... but cub-millennial?" As a point in fact - I don't have any viewpoint that connects the return of Christ to the Cubs - but I do have a viewpoint of intentionally connecting people to Jesus - so regardless of what you or your neighbor might perceive as the signs of the times doesn't matter. What matters is: are you intentionally connecting people to Jesus? Your children? Your coworkers? etc. Are you praying for them?
During the watches of the night this week - God laid on my heart so many of you that I prayed for by name, as couples, as teens in our schools, as school teachers, as new parents, as life group leaders. Are you engaging in meaningful dialogue with people? Are you going out of your way to interact with strangers? You have way more power than you know. It sickens me the way the American church has dumbed down the power of the Holy Spirit within the life of the believers. It sickens me to know that I diminish God's power in my life. This whole series called, "Me and My house" has been engineered, prayed over, orchestrated, and designed to intentionally move you to a new level of connection with Jesus.
I'm down in Atlanta this week at a conference called Catalyst. Frankly, it's astronomical. In the two days that I've been here - I'm absorbing a lot as well as encountering some great ministries within the town.
Friends - this is going to be the truest and most heartfelt thing you will ever read me write: God gave me life to have eternal significance. The same holds true for you. God led me to Forum to impact Columbia. Of these realities I'm sure. He doesn't want us as a church or me as a minister to be clock punchers - just going through the motions of church. He designed His church for growth and maximum impact.
On the upside - He's doing great things at Forum. I think about our two-year journey together (and I've recounted it a lot this week to a boatload of people) and there's an awe factor when it's all unpacked. On one hand - they've been two of my favorite years of life and ministry. On the other hand - they've been two of the toughest years of ministry as well. If I were Dickens I would call it, "A Tale of two Forums." Me - I love challenges and being taken to new levels. That said, we've got some uphill challenges to tackle: periodically third service is full. A couple of weeks ago - our children's nurseries and preschool areas were teeming (I hesitate to even put that statement into print in that some parents wig out - no need to wig out - safety is a high value in all of our children's areas.) And as a church, we will periodically hit 750 in attendance (for the record - this is one of the few times I've EVER talked about numbers of any sort in the two years.) Bottom line: God is bigger than these challenges. Bottom line:
I am committed to intentionally connect people to Jesus. Bottom line: as for the Sutherland family - we are going to serve the Lord. We are kingdom people. Bottom line: the challenges are going to have to be faced head on with prayer, discernment, sacrifice (yes, some of you - for the sake of intentionally connecting people to Jesus will have to choose first or second service), and shortly down the road sacrificial giving will need to occur. Friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, what are you willing to do for this kingdom work?
This Sunday would be a great week to invite a friend - God's put a message on my heart this week that will help to transform anyone.
Romans 12:1,2 will give you a preview. Memorize it between now and
Sunday - I'll do the same. Use the NIV and we'll all try to quote it together. Come prepared for an encounter with Christ that I doubt seriously that you will ever forget. I can't wait to be in God's presence with you this Sunday.
During the watches of the night this week - God laid on my heart so many of you that I prayed for by name, as couples, as teens in our schools, as school teachers, as new parents, as life group leaders. Are you engaging in meaningful dialogue with people? Are you going out of your way to interact with strangers? You have way more power than you know. It sickens me the way the American church has dumbed down the power of the Holy Spirit within the life of the believers. It sickens me to know that I diminish God's power in my life. This whole series called, "Me and My house" has been engineered, prayed over, orchestrated, and designed to intentionally move you to a new level of connection with Jesus.
I'm down in Atlanta this week at a conference called Catalyst. Frankly, it's astronomical. In the two days that I've been here - I'm absorbing a lot as well as encountering some great ministries within the town.
Friends - this is going to be the truest and most heartfelt thing you will ever read me write: God gave me life to have eternal significance. The same holds true for you. God led me to Forum to impact Columbia. Of these realities I'm sure. He doesn't want us as a church or me as a minister to be clock punchers - just going through the motions of church. He designed His church for growth and maximum impact.
On the upside - He's doing great things at Forum. I think about our two-year journey together (and I've recounted it a lot this week to a boatload of people) and there's an awe factor when it's all unpacked. On one hand - they've been two of my favorite years of life and ministry. On the other hand - they've been two of the toughest years of ministry as well. If I were Dickens I would call it, "A Tale of two Forums." Me - I love challenges and being taken to new levels. That said, we've got some uphill challenges to tackle: periodically third service is full. A couple of weeks ago - our children's nurseries and preschool areas were teeming (I hesitate to even put that statement into print in that some parents wig out - no need to wig out - safety is a high value in all of our children's areas.) And as a church, we will periodically hit 750 in attendance (for the record - this is one of the few times I've EVER talked about numbers of any sort in the two years.) Bottom line: God is bigger than these challenges. Bottom line:
I am committed to intentionally connect people to Jesus. Bottom line: as for the Sutherland family - we are going to serve the Lord. We are kingdom people. Bottom line: the challenges are going to have to be faced head on with prayer, discernment, sacrifice (yes, some of you - for the sake of intentionally connecting people to Jesus will have to choose first or second service), and shortly down the road sacrificial giving will need to occur. Friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, what are you willing to do for this kingdom work?
This Sunday would be a great week to invite a friend - God's put a message on my heart this week that will help to transform anyone.
Romans 12:1,2 will give you a preview. Memorize it between now and
Sunday - I'll do the same. Use the NIV and we'll all try to quote it together. Come prepared for an encounter with Christ that I doubt seriously that you will ever forget. I can't wait to be in God's presence with you this Sunday.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
e-news for week of 9/23-9/29
Occasionally I'll give you a backstage pass look into what God is doing in our church or in our personal lives (which is actually the same - think about it).
A week ago on Sunday night, Stephanie Mitchell and her daughters, Claire and Natalie, had attended the adult and children's choir practices. They were returning home when they were struck from behind. Their car ignited and every second counted. God gave Stephanie the presence of mind to get the girls out quickly from the vehicle. Claire was being burned and someone who had come upon the wreck helped to roll Claire and put out the fire. As a church, we've been praying for the Mitchells since this occurred. The family believes firmly that God delivered them. Me too.
This week has been a flurry of God working in lives - third service the connecting place was full of people we prayed for. After third service we hosted one of our visitor/new member luncheons. Every chair in the room was used - another room was used for the children. All in all - some 65 people participated in that.
Our youth ministry team took students to encounter the apologetical teaching of Lee Strobel Wednesday night. Students were able to hear rationale and evidences for faith.
I also thank God for sending Jared Wortman to us in that he's helped to improve our connecting to people. (Wish I had the space to explain.)
Many of you have expressed directly how you are praying about your walk with the Lord. Many of you are praying about striving to live more in the first chair, some of you are praying about being baptized (immersed would be the best word choice), while others have stepped up in terms of striving to intentionally connect people to Jesus.
This Sunday a new class will start in room 212 at the 11 a.m. hour. I'll be teaching this class with one of our elders. It deals with basic Christian doctrines.
Next Sunday is our church picnic . We will be meeting at Twin Lakes Park around 4:00 p.m. and having the meal around 5:00. Meat, drinks, and table ware will be provided. Please bring a couple of dishes to share and any lawn games you would like to play. Some lawn chairs or blankets would be a good idea as well. Look forward to seeing you there. Rain will cancel the event.
This weekend our intention is to connect you to Jesus - in worship, in the word, taking communion, trusting God by giving cheerfully, and in Bible study. Sunday's message is called "A self diagnosis." Read Joshua 24 and Judges 1 and 2 for a more detailed background.
This past weekend at the luncheon, one of the visitors told of responding to God - how her life was all out of control on so many levels but God has taken over her life the past several months and revolutionized it. She is forever changed. Praise God! I hope, at some point, to have her and her husband tell us what God has done and is doing in their lives. Friends, I hope this Sunday will mark some of those same types of pivot points within your life. Every time we get together in our big groups or our Life groups - I expect God to take us and change us into the image of Christ. He's a great God who never sleeps or slumbers - isn't He awesome? Can't wait til Sunday - see you then.
A week ago on Sunday night, Stephanie Mitchell and her daughters, Claire and Natalie, had attended the adult and children's choir practices. They were returning home when they were struck from behind. Their car ignited and every second counted. God gave Stephanie the presence of mind to get the girls out quickly from the vehicle. Claire was being burned and someone who had come upon the wreck helped to roll Claire and put out the fire. As a church, we've been praying for the Mitchells since this occurred. The family believes firmly that God delivered them. Me too.
This week has been a flurry of God working in lives - third service the connecting place was full of people we prayed for. After third service we hosted one of our visitor/new member luncheons. Every chair in the room was used - another room was used for the children. All in all - some 65 people participated in that.
Our youth ministry team took students to encounter the apologetical teaching of Lee Strobel Wednesday night. Students were able to hear rationale and evidences for faith.
I also thank God for sending Jared Wortman to us in that he's helped to improve our connecting to people. (Wish I had the space to explain.)
Many of you have expressed directly how you are praying about your walk with the Lord. Many of you are praying about striving to live more in the first chair, some of you are praying about being baptized (immersed would be the best word choice), while others have stepped up in terms of striving to intentionally connect people to Jesus.
This Sunday a new class will start in room 212 at the 11 a.m. hour. I'll be teaching this class with one of our elders. It deals with basic Christian doctrines.
Next Sunday is our church picnic . We will be meeting at Twin Lakes Park around 4:00 p.m. and having the meal around 5:00. Meat, drinks, and table ware will be provided. Please bring a couple of dishes to share and any lawn games you would like to play. Some lawn chairs or blankets would be a good idea as well. Look forward to seeing you there. Rain will cancel the event.
This weekend our intention is to connect you to Jesus - in worship, in the word, taking communion, trusting God by giving cheerfully, and in Bible study. Sunday's message is called "A self diagnosis." Read Joshua 24 and Judges 1 and 2 for a more detailed background.
This past weekend at the luncheon, one of the visitors told of responding to God - how her life was all out of control on so many levels but God has taken over her life the past several months and revolutionized it. She is forever changed. Praise God! I hope, at some point, to have her and her husband tell us what God has done and is doing in their lives. Friends, I hope this Sunday will mark some of those same types of pivot points within your life. Every time we get together in our big groups or our Life groups - I expect God to take us and change us into the image of Christ. He's a great God who never sleeps or slumbers - isn't He awesome? Can't wait til Sunday - see you then.
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