2011 – here we come!!! 2010 has been a really good year. Closing it out with a lot of great ministry really puts a bow on the end of a good year of ministry.
THANK YOU:
I want to take just a moment to thank Tarry and Poppy Koutz and their teams for the exceptional ministry during the Christmas season. Friends, unless you’ve helped to set up and take down sets of that size in that short of a time frame – you just don’t know or have a clue as to the effort. Thanks also to Tyler Morris and to all who served so hard to be such a great blessing to Forum and our community.
To those who helped serve by getting the facility ready during all the snow that’s occurred in December – thank you so much for your servant’s hearts. You facilitated worship to over 1100 people during the Christmas weekend.
Personal Spiritual Goals for 2011
We’ve really pushed striving to be like Christ the past several months. Let’s continue to encourage and challenge one another to be like Jesus.
For this Sunday, I know there are many of you within our body who have not ever gone through water baptism as an adult believer. This past year we had many adult believers who yielded themselves to Christ in immersion to pursue becoming like Christ. I’d encourage you to pray about starting 2011 off by yielding to Christ in this way.
I also want to take a moment to welcome our new elders and deacons. Our elders for 2011 are: Jim Ferneau, Ted Fletcher, Roger Higginbotham, Dan Howell, Keith Matheny, Clint Miller, Tim Myers, Paul Rowoth, and Ken Sears. Our deacons for 2011 are: David Abbott, Jim Abernathy, Jeff Bilbro, Jeff Brawley, Brandon Campbell, Steve Cowan, Darren Grayson, Carl Holem, Jeremy McBee, and Rod Petersen. You’ve been serving within the body already. I’m just thrilled that God has led you to this station of heightened service and stewardship.
We start a new series Sunday called, “Walking with God.” Luke 23 will be the place we’ll camp out this Sunday. This message truly excites me because the power of Christ via His word is transformational.
One last thing: we need a big day this Sunday to help start this year off well. During December the ministry took a huge hit on the snow Sunday. Thanks for helping to fill in the dent last week, but we’ve got a ways to go to get caught up. Let’s make January a great start in terms of giving.
Blessings to all of you – and Happy New Year. — Scott
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
e-news for week of 12/19/10
The Staff and Elders of Forum truly wish you a wonderful and blessed Christmas!
Jesus Christ came to shine God’s light into this world – a world darkened by sin and the falleness of mankind. God wants to illuminate your life with salvation and this is good news of great joy!
Looking forward to a great day of worship this Friday as we celebrate the light of Christ coming into this world at our Christmas Eve services (4, 5:30).
Sunday we’ll look at God’s Personal Best in the gift of Jesus. John 3:16 – it really doesn’t get any better than this.
A big “ask.”
In that we had a snow Sunday that impacted attendance and giving in December, the financial office communicated to me that “we are in need of great giving this Sunday to close out the year.” This is the first and last (in that it’s the last Sunday in 2010) “ask” connected to giving from me in 2010. As a ministry, we’ve done a lot of facilities improvements this year that have stretched us thin. We’ve done a lot with benevolence throughout this year. We continue to faithfully give toward missions. We put together incredible Christmas productions as a gift to our community. Bottom line, we – as a church – are very “tight” right now and I need to prayerfully ask you as a church body to give very generously this Sunday. If every family could give an extra twenty, fifty, one hundred dollars or even more it would help enormously. A similar circumstance occurred a couple of years ago – and as a church body you gave generously. Forum is a great church because of God and the people within it – thanks for being one of those kingdom people.
Looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday. — Scott
Jesus Christ came to shine God’s light into this world – a world darkened by sin and the falleness of mankind. God wants to illuminate your life with salvation and this is good news of great joy!
Looking forward to a great day of worship this Friday as we celebrate the light of Christ coming into this world at our Christmas Eve services (4, 5:30).
Sunday we’ll look at God’s Personal Best in the gift of Jesus. John 3:16 – it really doesn’t get any better than this.
A big “ask.”
In that we had a snow Sunday that impacted attendance and giving in December, the financial office communicated to me that “we are in need of great giving this Sunday to close out the year.” This is the first and last (in that it’s the last Sunday in 2010) “ask” connected to giving from me in 2010. As a ministry, we’ve done a lot of facilities improvements this year that have stretched us thin. We’ve done a lot with benevolence throughout this year. We continue to faithfully give toward missions. We put together incredible Christmas productions as a gift to our community. Bottom line, we – as a church – are very “tight” right now and I need to prayerfully ask you as a church body to give very generously this Sunday. If every family could give an extra twenty, fifty, one hundred dollars or even more it would help enormously. A similar circumstance occurred a couple of years ago – and as a church body you gave generously. Forum is a great church because of God and the people within it – thanks for being one of those kingdom people.
Looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday. — Scott
Friday, December 17, 2010
e-news for 12/12/10
Christmas and Great Cheer
God’s timing is perfect.
Connected to the birth of Jesus, the scripture tells us that, “4 when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4)
So I’m in my office Thursday morning and a message comes to me, “Randy Rippey is here and would like to see you.” Randy has been deployed to Afghanistan for the past six months and he’s home. Randy told us how everything came together for him to make it to his daughter’s Christmas program last night and what a great surprise for Makayla it was because he wasn’t supposed to make it. Randy also communicated how God is using him there as well as how life in Afghanistan continues to improve for those citizens. As you read this, won’t you pause and pray for the troops?
God’s timing and revelation applied to the birth, life, death, resurrection, and enthronement of Jesus. I believe God also has timing and purpose in your life as well. Often we don’t understand the timing, or how the pieces fit together.
Songwriter Michael Card wrote “Joseph’s Song” to encapsulate some of the simple yet profound questions that come with God’s plans within our lives:
How could it be?
This baby in my arms
Sleeping now, so peacefully
The Son of God,
The angel said
How could it be?
Lord I know
He's not my own
Not of my flesh, not of my bone
Still Father let this baby be
The son of my love
Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours
How can a man be father to the Son of God?
Lord for all my life I've been a simple carpenter
How can I raise a king, How can I raise a king?
He looks so small, His face and hands so fair
And when He cries the sun just seems to disappear
But when He laughs it shines again
How could it be?
God’s timing is perfect. He is good all the time.
So looking forward to both the Christmas program, “Christmas at the Forum” on Friday (7:30), Saturday (7:30), and Sunday (3) as well as worshiping our Savior with you this Sunday (8:15, 9:45, 11).
Invite a friend, illuminate the world! See you this weekend. Scott
God’s timing is perfect.
Connected to the birth of Jesus, the scripture tells us that, “4 when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4)
So I’m in my office Thursday morning and a message comes to me, “Randy Rippey is here and would like to see you.” Randy has been deployed to Afghanistan for the past six months and he’s home. Randy told us how everything came together for him to make it to his daughter’s Christmas program last night and what a great surprise for Makayla it was because he wasn’t supposed to make it. Randy also communicated how God is using him there as well as how life in Afghanistan continues to improve for those citizens. As you read this, won’t you pause and pray for the troops?
God’s timing and revelation applied to the birth, life, death, resurrection, and enthronement of Jesus. I believe God also has timing and purpose in your life as well. Often we don’t understand the timing, or how the pieces fit together.
Songwriter Michael Card wrote “Joseph’s Song” to encapsulate some of the simple yet profound questions that come with God’s plans within our lives:
How could it be?
This baby in my arms
Sleeping now, so peacefully
The Son of God,
The angel said
How could it be?
Lord I know
He's not my own
Not of my flesh, not of my bone
Still Father let this baby be
The son of my love
Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours
How can a man be father to the Son of God?
Lord for all my life I've been a simple carpenter
How can I raise a king, How can I raise a king?
He looks so small, His face and hands so fair
And when He cries the sun just seems to disappear
But when He laughs it shines again
How could it be?
God’s timing is perfect. He is good all the time.
So looking forward to both the Christmas program, “Christmas at the Forum” on Friday (7:30), Saturday (7:30), and Sunday (3) as well as worshiping our Savior with you this Sunday (8:15, 9:45, 11).
Invite a friend, illuminate the world! See you this weekend. Scott
Friday, December 10, 2010
e-news for week of 12/5/10
We’re having a really good season of ministry and I hope the joy of Christ is lifting up your soul. Great day of worship this past Sunday. We’ve worked on the auditorium this week for more seats - but – bottom line – we’ll be “cozy” with only 400 seats in the auditorium the next several weeks. That’s okay, right? We’ll have additional folding chairs this week as well. This is a great season to invite people to church.
Some of you might want to consider attending one of the earlier services. I’d love to see all our worship hours as full as third hour and that can happen if we all live for the glory of God. Let’s all do our personal best by inviting others. Second hour is identical with third hour. For first hour we hired Tarry Koutz this year, and my first charge to him was, “Make our first service the best traditional service in Columbia.” He’s done that. It’s a great worship experience.
We were in staff meeting a couple of weeks ago and one of the women from church came in and thanked Tyler for the great job he’s doing.
I had a casual friend who attends Rotary International with me whose son recently started attending Forum at the invitation of a friend tell me how much he appreciated his son’s excitement connected to the church.
I received great feedback from those connected to the children’s ministry about the appreciation dinner and the new check in processes that are emerging.
On top of that, it’s the season of Christ!!!!! Smile more, invite more, give more, and live. As a ministry we truly encourage you to intentionally connect people with Jesus.
Sunday we’ll continue to talk about God’s personal best. This message will arise out of Matthew 5:17, 18. Not the usual Christmas text for sure, however we’ll continue to see the greatness of our God and His perfect plan.
Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday.
Scott
Some of you might want to consider attending one of the earlier services. I’d love to see all our worship hours as full as third hour and that can happen if we all live for the glory of God. Let’s all do our personal best by inviting others. Second hour is identical with third hour. For first hour we hired Tarry Koutz this year, and my first charge to him was, “Make our first service the best traditional service in Columbia.” He’s done that. It’s a great worship experience.
We were in staff meeting a couple of weeks ago and one of the women from church came in and thanked Tyler for the great job he’s doing.
I had a casual friend who attends Rotary International with me whose son recently started attending Forum at the invitation of a friend tell me how much he appreciated his son’s excitement connected to the church.
I received great feedback from those connected to the children’s ministry about the appreciation dinner and the new check in processes that are emerging.
On top of that, it’s the season of Christ!!!!! Smile more, invite more, give more, and live. As a ministry we truly encourage you to intentionally connect people with Jesus.
Sunday we’ll continue to talk about God’s personal best. This message will arise out of Matthew 5:17, 18. Not the usual Christmas text for sure, however we’ll continue to see the greatness of our God and His perfect plan.
Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday.
Scott
Friday, December 3, 2010
e-news for 11/28/10
As we preached on prayer this past Sunday, I want to encourage you to move beyond five pound barbells and accelerate your life with God in prayer. At the end of this article, we’re attaching the prayer template that was tailored by a great prayer warrior for Forum. As a staff, we are hitting one of those elements every day, praying for kingdom advancement. Let me encourage you to do the same.
As we move into the Christmas season, we want to talk about “God’s Personal Best.” We saw in last week’s passage, (at the end of it Jesus talks about how God is the Giver of good gifts) that even we who are evil (Jesus’ words) know how to give good gifts. How much more so does our Holy and Good God know how to give us good gifts?
Speaking of good things from the Lord – in that I was preaching out at north campus Sunday – I want to thank God for the good things He did during the time we ministered there:
• 4 people gave their lives to the Lord and were baptized
• a great ministry to young adult women emerged
• one of the workers from the Hilton is making Forum her church home and coming to know the Lord
• worship leaders were developed
• our staff stretched and grew
• those who served with the set up, take down, and logistics did a phenomenal job
• as a leadership, we’ve been able to see some of our capacities
Since God is the Giver of good gifts, I’ve racked my brain to think of anything “bad” that arose from that missional effort and bottom line…I can’t. I believe that campus was borne out of prayer and I believe it is closing after a season of prayer. Is that weird? I don’t think so. I believe God has something even bigger and better in store for us as a ministry. The mission never changes – to intentionally connect people with Jesus. Our methods and seasons of strategy will change.
I have two requests for you as a congregation this week:
1. Pray. Pray for those who don’t know Jesus. Pray for us as a ministry to be highly effective. Pray for wisdom and insight as to how to best impact our region for Christ.
2. Because it’s year end, I want to encourage us all to finish the year strong in the Lord with faithful giving. God isn’t swayed by the economy nor should our faith be.
This Sunday we’ll gather around God’s word with two of the great marquee passages of the Bible connected to Jesus – specifically John 1:1-14 and Hebrews 1:1-4. Looking forward to worshiping with you Sunday - Scott
Prayer Template
1. Forum Church - to remain true to our Lord as we seek to intentionally connect people to Jesus.
2. Ministers - to continually grow in their learning, and for the care they impart to Forum Christian Church. To continually nurture our congregations commitment to corporate worship and spiritual growth.
3. New People - that they will find a spiritual home at Forum.
4. Missionaries and Timothys - for the many who proclaim and witness for the gospel by teaching, preaching, and ministering in all parts of the world.
5. Elders - for God’s wisdom and understanding as they determine policy and provide direction for the church.
6. Senior Minister - Scott Sutherland: for God’s guidance as he leads the Forum church community.
7. Financial needs - that God’s people will continue to faithfully support His work at Forum.
8. Ministers and Staff - to be good stewards of time, talent, and energy as they manage the affairs of the church and administer policies and programs.
9. Deacons - that they will exercise their abilities with integrity as unto the Lord.
10. Forum Congregation - for effective Christian witness on our campus and in the Columbia community.
11. Life Groups - to grow in the knowledge, faith, discernment and personal relationships.
12. Youth Groups - that our ministers and assistants will give the youth God’s wisdom to navigate the challenges of their young years.
13. Campus House & MU Ministries - that students’ devotion to God’s kingdom will widen and deepen through this learning experience.
14. International Students - for a smooth adjustment to a new culture.
15. Worship Team - that their leading in worship will be an acceptable offering to God.
16. Campus facilities - that people who learn, play, work, and worship in it will care for it wisely and effectively.
17. Professionals - for doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers, and others as they perform tangible acts of service for others and ultimately serve the Kingdom of God.
18. Individuals in business and government - that they will provide leadership that is just and compassionate.
19. Area Churches - that people in our city will find a spiritual home to worship and grow in their faith.
20. Family Life - that the relationship between husband and wife continue to be strong and supportive of each other and their children.
As we move into the Christmas season, we want to talk about “God’s Personal Best.” We saw in last week’s passage, (at the end of it Jesus talks about how God is the Giver of good gifts) that even we who are evil (Jesus’ words) know how to give good gifts. How much more so does our Holy and Good God know how to give us good gifts?
Speaking of good things from the Lord – in that I was preaching out at north campus Sunday – I want to thank God for the good things He did during the time we ministered there:
• 4 people gave their lives to the Lord and were baptized
• a great ministry to young adult women emerged
• one of the workers from the Hilton is making Forum her church home and coming to know the Lord
• worship leaders were developed
• our staff stretched and grew
• those who served with the set up, take down, and logistics did a phenomenal job
• as a leadership, we’ve been able to see some of our capacities
Since God is the Giver of good gifts, I’ve racked my brain to think of anything “bad” that arose from that missional effort and bottom line…I can’t. I believe that campus was borne out of prayer and I believe it is closing after a season of prayer. Is that weird? I don’t think so. I believe God has something even bigger and better in store for us as a ministry. The mission never changes – to intentionally connect people with Jesus. Our methods and seasons of strategy will change.
I have two requests for you as a congregation this week:
1. Pray. Pray for those who don’t know Jesus. Pray for us as a ministry to be highly effective. Pray for wisdom and insight as to how to best impact our region for Christ.
2. Because it’s year end, I want to encourage us all to finish the year strong in the Lord with faithful giving. God isn’t swayed by the economy nor should our faith be.
This Sunday we’ll gather around God’s word with two of the great marquee passages of the Bible connected to Jesus – specifically John 1:1-14 and Hebrews 1:1-4. Looking forward to worshiping with you Sunday - Scott
Prayer Template
1. Forum Church - to remain true to our Lord as we seek to intentionally connect people to Jesus.
2. Ministers - to continually grow in their learning, and for the care they impart to Forum Christian Church. To continually nurture our congregations commitment to corporate worship and spiritual growth.
3. New People - that they will find a spiritual home at Forum.
4. Missionaries and Timothys - for the many who proclaim and witness for the gospel by teaching, preaching, and ministering in all parts of the world.
5. Elders - for God’s wisdom and understanding as they determine policy and provide direction for the church.
6. Senior Minister - Scott Sutherland: for God’s guidance as he leads the Forum church community.
7. Financial needs - that God’s people will continue to faithfully support His work at Forum.
8. Ministers and Staff - to be good stewards of time, talent, and energy as they manage the affairs of the church and administer policies and programs.
9. Deacons - that they will exercise their abilities with integrity as unto the Lord.
10. Forum Congregation - for effective Christian witness on our campus and in the Columbia community.
11. Life Groups - to grow in the knowledge, faith, discernment and personal relationships.
12. Youth Groups - that our ministers and assistants will give the youth God’s wisdom to navigate the challenges of their young years.
13. Campus House & MU Ministries - that students’ devotion to God’s kingdom will widen and deepen through this learning experience.
14. International Students - for a smooth adjustment to a new culture.
15. Worship Team - that their leading in worship will be an acceptable offering to God.
16. Campus facilities - that people who learn, play, work, and worship in it will care for it wisely and effectively.
17. Professionals - for doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers, and others as they perform tangible acts of service for others and ultimately serve the Kingdom of God.
18. Individuals in business and government - that they will provide leadership that is just and compassionate.
19. Area Churches - that people in our city will find a spiritual home to worship and grow in their faith.
20. Family Life - that the relationship between husband and wife continue to be strong and supportive of each other and their children.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
e-news for week of 11/22/10
God answers prayers!!!! This past month we’ve seen prayers answered regarding surgeries, family situations, job opportunities, people giving their lives to the Lord, our church advancing the gospel and taking the message into the marketplace, and in many other ways.
• God answers prayers and opens doors for you to share your faith.
• God answers prayers for daily provision.
• God answers prayers for healing and protection.
• God answers prayer in response to our forgiveness of sins
• God answers prayer for world evangelism by raising up workers. Speaking of which, we got this great news from Bryce and Amanda Wurdemann this week:
We wanted to share with you exciting news from Haiti! Cholera is what is on everyone's mind here in Haiti which is still hurting from the earthquake earlier this year. It is difficult seeing Haitians suffer and people die because of this awful bacteria, but this we were reminded that even through this God is still bringing life! Two girls I was meeting with for the past couple weeks about becoming a Christian gave their lives to Jesus this past Thursday! Marie Christie in 8th grade who I had as a student last year and Hasheny in 6th grade. Enjoy the pictures of our new sisters in Christ! Happy Thanksgiving
We’ll look at Luke 11: 1-13 this Sunday if you want to read ahead. As we are growing to be like Christ, we must learn from our Lord the importance of prayer.
Can’t wait to worship God with you Sunday.
Scott
• God answers prayers and opens doors for you to share your faith.
• God answers prayers for daily provision.
• God answers prayers for healing and protection.
• God answers prayer in response to our forgiveness of sins
• God answers prayer for world evangelism by raising up workers. Speaking of which, we got this great news from Bryce and Amanda Wurdemann this week:
We wanted to share with you exciting news from Haiti! Cholera is what is on everyone's mind here in Haiti which is still hurting from the earthquake earlier this year. It is difficult seeing Haitians suffer and people die because of this awful bacteria, but this we were reminded that even through this God is still bringing life! Two girls I was meeting with for the past couple weeks about becoming a Christian gave their lives to Jesus this past Thursday! Marie Christie in 8th grade who I had as a student last year and Hasheny in 6th grade. Enjoy the pictures of our new sisters in Christ! Happy Thanksgiving
We’ll look at Luke 11: 1-13 this Sunday if you want to read ahead. As we are growing to be like Christ, we must learn from our Lord the importance of prayer.
Can’t wait to worship God with you Sunday.
Scott
Friday, November 19, 2010
E-news for week of 11/21/10
Great things continue to happen at Forum Christian Church
Great to be a part of:
• Clint Miller baptizing his son Travis into Christ Jesus
• Lindsey Mooreland being baptized into Christ
• The overwhelming affirmation of all of our elders and deacons
For those who may not have been at church Sunday, I do need you to know that the leadership made a decision to hold services out at the North Campus until the end of November. After that, Forum will come fully back together on the Forum Boulevard location under one roof. The North Campus has done well and has reached people for Jesus Christ. We’ve just not had the traction that we had hoped for. There have been incredible victories along the way and the campus is doing well. Bottom line – God led us to start that campus and God led us to stop at this time. While this saddens me, I simultaneously believe as God closes one door He opens others. Toward that end, we’ll be forming a strategic team to look toward the future that will meet and pray throughout 2011 for what’s next for us as a kingdom building ministry.
This Sunday, we’ll learn an entire book of the Bible in Philemon. I’m so very stoked about this message because God’s word transforms lives. I think this message is so very timely.
Looking forward to a great day of worship this Sunday. Can’t wait to be in God’s presence with you.
Scott
Great to be a part of:
• Clint Miller baptizing his son Travis into Christ Jesus
• Lindsey Mooreland being baptized into Christ
• The overwhelming affirmation of all of our elders and deacons
For those who may not have been at church Sunday, I do need you to know that the leadership made a decision to hold services out at the North Campus until the end of November. After that, Forum will come fully back together on the Forum Boulevard location under one roof. The North Campus has done well and has reached people for Jesus Christ. We’ve just not had the traction that we had hoped for. There have been incredible victories along the way and the campus is doing well. Bottom line – God led us to start that campus and God led us to stop at this time. While this saddens me, I simultaneously believe as God closes one door He opens others. Toward that end, we’ll be forming a strategic team to look toward the future that will meet and pray throughout 2011 for what’s next for us as a kingdom building ministry.
This Sunday, we’ll learn an entire book of the Bible in Philemon. I’m so very stoked about this message because God’s word transforms lives. I think this message is so very timely.
Looking forward to a great day of worship this Sunday. Can’t wait to be in God’s presence with you.
Scott
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
e-news for week of 11/7/10
The God of the universe invites you to walk in the steps of His son Jesus. WOW!
Those steps involved:
• Loving people
• Helping people
• Serving people
• Teaching people
• Saving people
As he walked he lived:
• Humbly
• Diligently
• Lovingly
• In God’s will
• Prayerfully
• Joyfully
• Thankfully
• As a giver
This Sunday, we’ll be in 2 Corinthians 8 as we continue to grow to live like Christ.
We rejoice with:
• The baptisms of Matthew and Sarah Epperly
• Karen, Preston, and Kristen Wolfe joining Forum as their church home.
Let’s pray for:
• Someone you know who needs Jesus in their lives
• Jackie Pittman upon the recent losses of both her father and her uncle
• Tarry Koutz as he continues to heal
Looking forward to a great day of worship this Sunday. Can’t wait to be in God’s presence with you.
Scott
Those steps involved:
• Loving people
• Helping people
• Serving people
• Teaching people
• Saving people
As he walked he lived:
• Humbly
• Diligently
• Lovingly
• In God’s will
• Prayerfully
• Joyfully
• Thankfully
• As a giver
This Sunday, we’ll be in 2 Corinthians 8 as we continue to grow to live like Christ.
We rejoice with:
• The baptisms of Matthew and Sarah Epperly
• Karen, Preston, and Kristen Wolfe joining Forum as their church home.
Let’s pray for:
• Someone you know who needs Jesus in their lives
• Jackie Pittman upon the recent losses of both her father and her uncle
• Tarry Koutz as he continues to heal
Looking forward to a great day of worship this Sunday. Can’t wait to be in God’s presence with you.
Scott
Friday, November 5, 2010
e-news for week of 10/31/10
As the sunrise marked a new day – a day filled with opportunities – the Lord greeted you and gave you opportunities to meet and greet people, opportunities to excel in the marketplace, chances and moments to pray, a time to pat your child on their back or to help them with some homework, a few minutes to grab a cup of coffee, some time for your meals, etc. Every one of these moments is a gift. God gives them for you to live for His glory. I can’t wait to worship with all of you this weekend and talk about 1 Peter 2: 21-25. It’s such a great passage with a great word from the Lord.
It was great to share in:
• The baptism of Katie Petersen.
• An excellent day of family worship. Thanks to Tyler, Tarry, Katelyn, and Jessie for helping to construct a great day. Great to have a truly intergenerational experience with both the adult and kids choirs. Thanks for blessing the church body.
• A phenomenal weekend of youth events
• Nate and Julie Koffarnus giving birth to their baby girl, Tatum.
Please be praying for:
• Jackie Pittman upon the loss of her father.
• Tarry Koutz as he is having surgery this week.
• The affirmation of elders and deacons (you can see the list in the weekly e-announcements).
Really looking forward to the Men's Fitness event this Saturday. Men of Forum - let's rise up and set a fierce level of following Jesus. We'll start the man huddle at 11:30 on Saturday morning.
Looking forward to a great day of worship this Sunday – see you then.
Scott
It was great to share in:
• The baptism of Katie Petersen.
• An excellent day of family worship. Thanks to Tyler, Tarry, Katelyn, and Jessie for helping to construct a great day. Great to have a truly intergenerational experience with both the adult and kids choirs. Thanks for blessing the church body.
• A phenomenal weekend of youth events
• Nate and Julie Koffarnus giving birth to their baby girl, Tatum.
Please be praying for:
• Jackie Pittman upon the loss of her father.
• Tarry Koutz as he is having surgery this week.
• The affirmation of elders and deacons (you can see the list in the weekly e-announcements).
Really looking forward to the Men's Fitness event this Saturday. Men of Forum - let's rise up and set a fierce level of following Jesus. We'll start the man huddle at 11:30 on Saturday morning.
Looking forward to a great day of worship this Sunday – see you then.
Scott
Friday, October 29, 2010
e-news for week of 10/24/10
Living for Jesus a life that is true, striving to please Him in all that I do.
That’s the opening line to an old hymn called, “Living for Jesus.” It encapsulates the life that God designed for you. It is your destiny to become like Jesus. Ultimately our total transformation occurs when we attain our heavenly bodies – but in the meantime – our lives – our spirits – our choices are being transformed into the image of Jesus.
This Sunday we’ll have a family worship service occurring – scan read the e-announcements to know how this plays out for you and your family for Sunday.
Great to share in:
• Kale Russum’s baptism
Please keep in prayer
• The Tamerius family
As we looked at Peter confessing Jesus as the Christ, this week – live your confession. Just as Jesus told Peter to deny self and take up your cross. This element of self denial and sacrifice is the type of living the world is crying out to see demonstrated.
This week we’ll learn from Peter how to grow in our faith. 2 Peter 1: 3-11 will be the text. Check it out ahead of time and come prepared to be built up, challenged, and connected to God. See you Sunday.
— Scott
That’s the opening line to an old hymn called, “Living for Jesus.” It encapsulates the life that God designed for you. It is your destiny to become like Jesus. Ultimately our total transformation occurs when we attain our heavenly bodies – but in the meantime – our lives – our spirits – our choices are being transformed into the image of Jesus.
This Sunday we’ll have a family worship service occurring – scan read the e-announcements to know how this plays out for you and your family for Sunday.
Great to share in:
• Kale Russum’s baptism
Please keep in prayer
• The Tamerius family
As we looked at Peter confessing Jesus as the Christ, this week – live your confession. Just as Jesus told Peter to deny self and take up your cross. This element of self denial and sacrifice is the type of living the world is crying out to see demonstrated.
This week we’ll learn from Peter how to grow in our faith. 2 Peter 1: 3-11 will be the text. Check it out ahead of time and come prepared to be built up, challenged, and connected to God. See you Sunday.
— Scott
Friday, October 22, 2010
e-news for week of 10/17/10
This weekend we start a new series called, “Live” dealing with how we live day to day in Jesus Christ. Started with our connection to God, moved into growing, we’ve now arrived at “Live.” Connect, grow, and live: Forum Christian Church.
Really excellent weekend this past weekend:
• Great to see so many people walking and running doing their personal best all around Twin Lakes on Saturday
• Thanks to the organizers – especially to Kim Petersen and Holly Higginbotham for making it happen. It took a village to pull it off – but you both really excelled. Thanks.
• On a personal note – I appreciated the time of verbal encouragement during communion last Sunday. Thanks Tyler for thinking of the body/one another element of communion.
Great to share in:
• Emily Higginbotham’s baptism
• Beth Ryberg’s baptism
• Laura Fletcher’s baptism
Just as the Samaritan took the time and initiated, you have the time this week to:
• Invite someone to church
• Pray with someone
• Do an intentional act of kindness for the glory of God
• Praise your child and build them up
You’ve got time left this week to:
• Read Matthew 16 to dial in for Sunday
• Study the life group lesson online
• Check out the online announcements and choose where to serve and get involved.
Should be a great weekend in the presence of God. Hope you are looking forward to it already.
— Scott
Really excellent weekend this past weekend:
• Great to see so many people walking and running doing their personal best all around Twin Lakes on Saturday
• Thanks to the organizers – especially to Kim Petersen and Holly Higginbotham for making it happen. It took a village to pull it off – but you both really excelled. Thanks.
• On a personal note – I appreciated the time of verbal encouragement during communion last Sunday. Thanks Tyler for thinking of the body/one another element of communion.
Great to share in:
• Emily Higginbotham’s baptism
• Beth Ryberg’s baptism
• Laura Fletcher’s baptism
Just as the Samaritan took the time and initiated, you have the time this week to:
• Invite someone to church
• Pray with someone
• Do an intentional act of kindness for the glory of God
• Praise your child and build them up
You’ve got time left this week to:
• Read Matthew 16 to dial in for Sunday
• Study the life group lesson online
• Check out the online announcements and choose where to serve and get involved.
Should be a great weekend in the presence of God. Hope you are looking forward to it already.
— Scott
Friday, October 15, 2010
e-news for week of 10/10/10
You’ve got time left this week to:
• Invite someone to church
• Pray for someone
• Do an intentional act of kindness for the glory of God
• Praise your child and build them up
You’ve got time left this week to:
• Read Luke 10: 25-37 to dial in for Sunday
• Study the life group lesson online
• Show up for the 5K on Saturday morning at 8 a.m. and help or participate
• Have the attitude of Jesus from Phil. 2:5
You’ve got time left this week to:
• Repent and turn your heart more fully to the things of God
• Flesh out your faith to family, coworkers, and friends
• Humble yourself and allow God to mold and shape you
Looking forward to a fabulous weekend of worship, intentional connection to God, and growth. Can’t wait to see you and worship with you this Sunday.
— Scott
• Invite someone to church
• Pray for someone
• Do an intentional act of kindness for the glory of God
• Praise your child and build them up
You’ve got time left this week to:
• Read Luke 10: 25-37 to dial in for Sunday
• Study the life group lesson online
• Show up for the 5K on Saturday morning at 8 a.m. and help or participate
• Have the attitude of Jesus from Phil. 2:5
You’ve got time left this week to:
• Repent and turn your heart more fully to the things of God
• Flesh out your faith to family, coworkers, and friends
• Humble yourself and allow God to mold and shape you
Looking forward to a fabulous weekend of worship, intentional connection to God, and growth. Can’t wait to see you and worship with you this Sunday.
— Scott
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
e-news for week of 10/3/10
Thanks for the encouraging words connected to our current set of sermons. This past Sunday was definitely one of challenge and intensity. Bottom line, repentance benefits you. It benefits your family. It benefits the kingdom. It produces seasons of refreshing within your life and your spirit. Have you repented today (changed your mind to the point of action and attitude change)?
As this arises, there’s an attempt within this writing that is an intense struggle. The attempt is to write without using the words, “I, me, mine” and the like. Try it. Try to go five minutes without utilizing any of those words. We tend to layer ourselves into most conversations. Given that this Sunday we’ll be in Philippians 2: 1-11 dealing with our attitudes - specifically the element of humility, this attempt is appropriate (though labor some and lengthier). Among the primary actions/attributes of Christ Jesus is humility.
Imitating Jesus means lowering self. We’ll talk about it this Sunday. Loving seeing and hearing how God and His Spirit are impacting you and transforming you.
Superstart for our upper elementary kids happens this weekend. Keep them in your prayers as they travel to St. Louis.
The 5K happens next week. Over 100 signed up to participate – that’s outstanding. Looking forward to being part of this with you.
Format change. In the near future we are making several information streaming/gathering format changes. This blog is going to stay focused on the vision and teaching elements of Forum to keep us all looking upward and forward.
The other weekly communication piece will be a scannable announcement sheet with thank you notes, event announcements, birth announcements, shower announcements, sign up announcements, community involvement opportunities, etc. Thanks to the congregant who picked up on last week’s rant and sent a solution.
Looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday.
Scott
As this arises, there’s an attempt within this writing that is an intense struggle. The attempt is to write without using the words, “I, me, mine” and the like. Try it. Try to go five minutes without utilizing any of those words. We tend to layer ourselves into most conversations. Given that this Sunday we’ll be in Philippians 2: 1-11 dealing with our attitudes - specifically the element of humility, this attempt is appropriate (though labor some and lengthier). Among the primary actions/attributes of Christ Jesus is humility.
Imitating Jesus means lowering self. We’ll talk about it this Sunday. Loving seeing and hearing how God and His Spirit are impacting you and transforming you.
Superstart for our upper elementary kids happens this weekend. Keep them in your prayers as they travel to St. Louis.
The 5K happens next week. Over 100 signed up to participate – that’s outstanding. Looking forward to being part of this with you.
Format change. In the near future we are making several information streaming/gathering format changes. This blog is going to stay focused on the vision and teaching elements of Forum to keep us all looking upward and forward.
The other weekly communication piece will be a scannable announcement sheet with thank you notes, event announcements, birth announcements, shower announcements, sign up announcements, community involvement opportunities, etc. Thanks to the congregant who picked up on last week’s rant and sent a solution.
Looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday.
Scott
Friday, October 1, 2010
e-news for week of 9/26/10
This Sunday we will continue to focus on the “Grow” element of becoming like Jesus Christ. As a ministry we strive to intentionally connect people to Jesus. Currently we have a very deliberate focus of helping you to become like him. Hence, when you connect with people they are making a connection with someone who truly represents Jesus.
As we continue to pursue a life like Jesus’, let’s continue to push and challenge one another. God won’t give up on you. Don’t you dare allow selfishness, complacency, pride, or whatever it is you are holding on to cause you to lose focus on the goal. Don’t turn to the right or the left of this path God has you on.
I want to take a moment to say, “Thank You” to our entire ministry staff. October is “Pastor Appreciation Month.” And honestly, while I personally think this is another invented, contrived, and artificially created event to boost probably a slow month’s sales in Christian bookstores nationwide (I can say that out loud in that I am one) there is merit in encouraging one another. The scriptures actually encourage double honor to those who preach and teach (see 1 Timothy 5:17). I’m so thankful for Justin, Jessie, Jody, Jared, Ted, Tyler, Tarry, and Katelyn on the ministry staff side of things. I’m ever grateful for Carolyn, Melanie, Melinda, Helen, Marlowe, and Brian on the administrative side. Please take a moment and send a note of encouragement to various staff members.
Several things to note:
1. Workday – tomorrow - 7 a.m.
2. Elementary kids have the “Questions” series starting tonight. Times are from 6 - 7:30. Meet in the gym.
3. Sign up for the 5K this Sunday. In order for the team to order correct T-shirts you need to get signed up. There are also training runs going on – you can see those times on the website.
4. There’s a regional retreat for men happening on Oct. 15-16.
As ever friends – let me remind all of this: Forum is a pretty good sized church. We could spend every minute on Sunday morning, I could use everything I ever write, we could never sing another praise song or even take communion again during a Sunday morning service JUST TO MAKE ANNOUNCEMENTS. Use the website – it’s our primary place to gather information. Those aren’t the only announcements – I just think if I make all announcements you’ll lose it but more importantly – even this visual noise has caused you to probably lose the most important message of this publication:
Be like Jesus. Do your personal best. Live by faith. Step out on faith between now and Sunday by praying for someone in your life and then inviting them to church.
Can’t wait to worship with you Sunday. — Scott
As we continue to pursue a life like Jesus’, let’s continue to push and challenge one another. God won’t give up on you. Don’t you dare allow selfishness, complacency, pride, or whatever it is you are holding on to cause you to lose focus on the goal. Don’t turn to the right or the left of this path God has you on.
I want to take a moment to say, “Thank You” to our entire ministry staff. October is “Pastor Appreciation Month.” And honestly, while I personally think this is another invented, contrived, and artificially created event to boost probably a slow month’s sales in Christian bookstores nationwide (I can say that out loud in that I am one) there is merit in encouraging one another. The scriptures actually encourage double honor to those who preach and teach (see 1 Timothy 5:17). I’m so thankful for Justin, Jessie, Jody, Jared, Ted, Tyler, Tarry, and Katelyn on the ministry staff side of things. I’m ever grateful for Carolyn, Melanie, Melinda, Helen, Marlowe, and Brian on the administrative side. Please take a moment and send a note of encouragement to various staff members.
Several things to note:
1. Workday – tomorrow - 7 a.m.
2. Elementary kids have the “Questions” series starting tonight. Times are from 6 - 7:30. Meet in the gym.
3. Sign up for the 5K this Sunday. In order for the team to order correct T-shirts you need to get signed up. There are also training runs going on – you can see those times on the website.
4. There’s a regional retreat for men happening on Oct. 15-16.
As ever friends – let me remind all of this: Forum is a pretty good sized church. We could spend every minute on Sunday morning, I could use everything I ever write, we could never sing another praise song or even take communion again during a Sunday morning service JUST TO MAKE ANNOUNCEMENTS. Use the website – it’s our primary place to gather information. Those aren’t the only announcements – I just think if I make all announcements you’ll lose it but more importantly – even this visual noise has caused you to probably lose the most important message of this publication:
Be like Jesus. Do your personal best. Live by faith. Step out on faith between now and Sunday by praying for someone in your life and then inviting them to church.
Can’t wait to worship with you Sunday. — Scott
Friday, September 24, 2010
e-news for week of 9/19/10
Behind the scenes.
Faith often displays itself when no one is looking:
Moses out in the desert lifting up the staff turned serpent
No large audience when Peter stepped out on the sea with Jesus
No one around when David killed the lion
The quiet prayer of an elder or a deacon ministering to a shut in
A follower of Christ writing a check and trusting the Lord for continued provision
A worker in the nursery singing with an infant, injecting in them from infancy with the love of the Lord
A dad praying over his kids as they sleep
Helping someone during a time of need or crisis
We want to be like Christ.
This Sunday we start a new series called, "Grow" connected to the theme of Your Personal Best. We'll talk about growing in Faith. Hebrews 11: 1-6 will serve as our focal point. It's one of the marquee passages of the Bible helping us to understand define, and challenge us toward active faith. Also we'll touch on the words of Christ connected to faith and a mustard seed.
As I'm writing this on Thursday, one of our elders, Tim Myers, is going through open heart surgery. While this has become a "routine" procedure, the truth is that as we go through various situations in life, faith defines us as it defines Tim today. Bottom line question: Are you striving to be like Jesus?
Don't forget that starting on Sunday October 3rd the four-week miniseries, "Questions" will begin for K - 5th Grade in room 107 at South Campus.
Our Personal Best 5K will be on October 16. I want to encourage you to get registered this Sunday so that we know T-shirts, sizes, etc. There's also a series of training runs that are happening that are detailed on the website. Really looking forward to this. Currently, my personal best is about 100 yards of run followed by a long walk.
One step at a time, right? Sounds like faith in action, doesn't it? Looking forward to a great day of worship on Sunday. - Scott
Faith often displays itself when no one is looking:
Moses out in the desert lifting up the staff turned serpent
No large audience when Peter stepped out on the sea with Jesus
No one around when David killed the lion
The quiet prayer of an elder or a deacon ministering to a shut in
A follower of Christ writing a check and trusting the Lord for continued provision
A worker in the nursery singing with an infant, injecting in them from infancy with the love of the Lord
A dad praying over his kids as they sleep
Helping someone during a time of need or crisis
We want to be like Christ.
This Sunday we start a new series called, "Grow" connected to the theme of Your Personal Best. We'll talk about growing in Faith. Hebrews 11: 1-6 will serve as our focal point. It's one of the marquee passages of the Bible helping us to understand define, and challenge us toward active faith. Also we'll touch on the words of Christ connected to faith and a mustard seed.
As I'm writing this on Thursday, one of our elders, Tim Myers, is going through open heart surgery. While this has become a "routine" procedure, the truth is that as we go through various situations in life, faith defines us as it defines Tim today. Bottom line question: Are you striving to be like Jesus?
Don't forget that starting on Sunday October 3rd the four-week miniseries, "Questions" will begin for K - 5th Grade in room 107 at South Campus.
Our Personal Best 5K will be on October 16. I want to encourage you to get registered this Sunday so that we know T-shirts, sizes, etc. There's also a series of training runs that are happening that are detailed on the website. Really looking forward to this. Currently, my personal best is about 100 yards of run followed by a long walk.
One step at a time, right? Sounds like faith in action, doesn't it? Looking forward to a great day of worship on Sunday. - Scott
Friday, September 17, 2010
e-news for week of 9/12/10
What an uber cool worship experience this past Sunday, eh? In all the services the power and presence of the Lord was right there. Praise God!
Recently I had a conversation with a friend who was going through a period of spiritual darkness and discouragement. One of those spiritually dry seasons in his life. He started talking about his feelings, started talking about life circumstances, personal finances, personal struggles, discouraged about the church he’s serving in, and the like.
Lovingly, I said to my dear brother, “Wake up and snap out of it! You’re buying the lies of Satan. You’re looking for that greener grass. You’re being malcontent with all the blessings God has put in front of you. Stop copping out on other people’s short comings, other people’s discouragement, other people’s lack of faith; and like Joshua declare, ‘As for me and my house we will serve the Lord. Doesn’t matter what any other person or family or anybody else does, I am on the Lord’s side.’”
Frankly, I don’t know how God puts up with us. He gives us life, new life, salvation, provision, freedom, blessings, and the like. Catch this – we pay for our kids’ soccer teams, baseball teams, football teams, leagues, gym memberships, etc. while we have brothers and sisters in Christ around the globe languishing in hunger; all the while we whine about what we don’t have or why can’t I or we be more like….rather than thanking the Lord for the good, great and (un)common blessings that we enjoy daily. If you are reading this you are most likely reading with ELECTRICITY converted into LIGHT. Wow – talk about a blessing. (And if you are reading this off of your Blackberry, while you are driving, thank the Lord AND stop it.)
If you’ve lost sight of God, His blessings, and what He’s accomplishing, it’s sure not His fault. The CREATOR of the universe has revealed and is revealing Himself to you. If you’ve professed Christ as Lord – get over your feelings and trust God – advance His kingdom – live for His glory. Frankly, it’s not about you it’s about Him. This week make His story your story.
This week if you want to dial in ahead of time you can read 1Timothy 6: 11-16 (read the passages before and after it as well.)
The Lord has caused a great stirring in the ministry of Forum this fall. Jump on board and follow the Lord’s lead. Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday.
Scott
Recently I had a conversation with a friend who was going through a period of spiritual darkness and discouragement. One of those spiritually dry seasons in his life. He started talking about his feelings, started talking about life circumstances, personal finances, personal struggles, discouraged about the church he’s serving in, and the like.
Lovingly, I said to my dear brother, “Wake up and snap out of it! You’re buying the lies of Satan. You’re looking for that greener grass. You’re being malcontent with all the blessings God has put in front of you. Stop copping out on other people’s short comings, other people’s discouragement, other people’s lack of faith; and like Joshua declare, ‘As for me and my house we will serve the Lord. Doesn’t matter what any other person or family or anybody else does, I am on the Lord’s side.’”
Frankly, I don’t know how God puts up with us. He gives us life, new life, salvation, provision, freedom, blessings, and the like. Catch this – we pay for our kids’ soccer teams, baseball teams, football teams, leagues, gym memberships, etc. while we have brothers and sisters in Christ around the globe languishing in hunger; all the while we whine about what we don’t have or why can’t I or we be more like….rather than thanking the Lord for the good, great and (un)common blessings that we enjoy daily. If you are reading this you are most likely reading with ELECTRICITY converted into LIGHT. Wow – talk about a blessing. (And if you are reading this off of your Blackberry, while you are driving, thank the Lord AND stop it.)
If you’ve lost sight of God, His blessings, and what He’s accomplishing, it’s sure not His fault. The CREATOR of the universe has revealed and is revealing Himself to you. If you’ve professed Christ as Lord – get over your feelings and trust God – advance His kingdom – live for His glory. Frankly, it’s not about you it’s about Him. This week make His story your story.
This week if you want to dial in ahead of time you can read 1Timothy 6: 11-16 (read the passages before and after it as well.)
The Lord has caused a great stirring in the ministry of Forum this fall. Jump on board and follow the Lord’s lead. Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday.
Scott
Friday, September 10, 2010
e-news for week of 9/5/10
Quick question: Are you giving God your personal best today?
Every day is a gift from God that should be opened up and embraced with full force.
One of the great promises of the Lord is this: He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.
This Sunday we’ll explore the greatness and grandeur of God, His majesty, His splendor, His power, and His might.
In order to give to God our personal best – we have to know Him. Forum exists to intentionally connect people to Jesus Christ. The next two weeks we’ll talk about connecting to God and what the reality that He is King of kings and Lord of lords means.
When an older person within our ministry approaches me after the 8:30 service (which – BTW is the best traditional worship service in Columbia) and tells me of his personal best he’s achieving as he is training for the 5K and how his wife is doing (she’s actually doing better than him currently) it tells me that God, in numerous ways, is causing a stirring that is exciting. Even though we’re just shortly into the fall, there’s a transformation that God is accomplishing at Forum. We’re going to continue to push forward to fully follow God. Are you on board?
As a staff we want to say, “thank you” to Forum as a church body for helping this ministry to excel.
• To our deacons, who serve in so many ways, we thank you. The ways you serve are too numerous to name – but the Lord knows everything you do.
• To our life group leaders – we are praying for you this fall as you strive to grow in fellowship and the word. Columbia is counting on every one of us to help them connect to Jesus.
• To our youth and children’s workers – thanks for the exceptional ministry you are doing. Our youth ministry is off to a phenomenal start this fall and we’re praying these students continue to grow.
• This Sunday choirs begin: Adults will meet in the choir room from 4:30 – 6 p.m.; Preschool for 3 – 5 year olds will meet from 10:30 – 11 .a.m.; K – 2nd will meet from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. and 3rd – 5th will meet from 5:15 – 6 p.m. We’re looking forward to a great season of worship and praise. We completely value the ministry of our choir and I want to personally encourage you to get involved with the adult choir, even if you haven’t sung in years. Parents – I’d also encourage you to involve your kids. These songs they learn now will etch into their memories forever.
• I want to personally thank the worship crew and the north set up team for the overall great experience this past Sunday. I hope it helped all who were able to make it to see the great potential we have up north. I also want to highlight the great job Jared Wortman did preaching out north Sunday as well. It was a great event. It was also a learning experience for that room – there’s a lot we would do differently once we experienced it – but we’re thrilled so many people turned out for that worship gathering.
• We have 6 adults on a mission trip to Haiti this coming week. Please keep them in your prayers: Brandon Campbell, Stephanie Dirksmeyer, Janet Mountjoy, Jody Riley, Brenda Wilson and Deloris Wurdeman.
Looking forward to a great Sunday. Pray about someone you can invite. Pray for someone you know that needs to give their life to Jesus. Spend time on your knees before our Great and Mighty God who answers prayers. — Scott
Every day is a gift from God that should be opened up and embraced with full force.
One of the great promises of the Lord is this: He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.
This Sunday we’ll explore the greatness and grandeur of God, His majesty, His splendor, His power, and His might.
In order to give to God our personal best – we have to know Him. Forum exists to intentionally connect people to Jesus Christ. The next two weeks we’ll talk about connecting to God and what the reality that He is King of kings and Lord of lords means.
When an older person within our ministry approaches me after the 8:30 service (which – BTW is the best traditional worship service in Columbia) and tells me of his personal best he’s achieving as he is training for the 5K and how his wife is doing (she’s actually doing better than him currently) it tells me that God, in numerous ways, is causing a stirring that is exciting. Even though we’re just shortly into the fall, there’s a transformation that God is accomplishing at Forum. We’re going to continue to push forward to fully follow God. Are you on board?
As a staff we want to say, “thank you” to Forum as a church body for helping this ministry to excel.
• To our deacons, who serve in so many ways, we thank you. The ways you serve are too numerous to name – but the Lord knows everything you do.
• To our life group leaders – we are praying for you this fall as you strive to grow in fellowship and the word. Columbia is counting on every one of us to help them connect to Jesus.
• To our youth and children’s workers – thanks for the exceptional ministry you are doing. Our youth ministry is off to a phenomenal start this fall and we’re praying these students continue to grow.
• This Sunday choirs begin: Adults will meet in the choir room from 4:30 – 6 p.m.; Preschool for 3 – 5 year olds will meet from 10:30 – 11 .a.m.; K – 2nd will meet from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. and 3rd – 5th will meet from 5:15 – 6 p.m. We’re looking forward to a great season of worship and praise. We completely value the ministry of our choir and I want to personally encourage you to get involved with the adult choir, even if you haven’t sung in years. Parents – I’d also encourage you to involve your kids. These songs they learn now will etch into their memories forever.
• I want to personally thank the worship crew and the north set up team for the overall great experience this past Sunday. I hope it helped all who were able to make it to see the great potential we have up north. I also want to highlight the great job Jared Wortman did preaching out north Sunday as well. It was a great event. It was also a learning experience for that room – there’s a lot we would do differently once we experienced it – but we’re thrilled so many people turned out for that worship gathering.
• We have 6 adults on a mission trip to Haiti this coming week. Please keep them in your prayers: Brandon Campbell, Stephanie Dirksmeyer, Janet Mountjoy, Jody Riley, Brenda Wilson and Deloris Wurdeman.
Looking forward to a great Sunday. Pray about someone you can invite. Pray for someone you know that needs to give their life to Jesus. Spend time on your knees before our Great and Mighty God who answers prayers. — Scott
Friday, September 3, 2010
e-news for week of 8/29/10
Follow me as I follow Christ – Paul
I’m striving to live this axiom at the level of my personal best this week – I hope you are too.
This Sunday we are heading out north at 10:30 for an excellent morning of worship. Flyers have been sent out, door hangers have been put onto houses, and additionally I hope you are inviting people for this weekend. 10:30 OUT NORTH!!!!!
We had a great day this past Sunday. Thanks to Jody Riley and our deacons for helping the cookout and all the events go wonderfully. Thanks to Tyler Morris and Tarry for making the auditorium look excellent. Thanks to Bradley Williams for the editing and compilation of the life group material. All of these things are done because what we do in the name of the Lord matters. The kingdom of God is the most important thing on this earth. The Lord would encourage all of us to have our attitudes aligned with this reality.
Thanks to all who participated in the distribution of door hangers out on the north side of town as well. It’s exciting to me to see one of our members who is in their 80s hitting the pavement to help invite people to church.
FYI:
• Life group videos and lessons are online. If you can’t get to a life group – do the material. Two clicks at forumchristian.org and you’re in.
• Forum is sponsoring a 5K event on October 16th. Go to the website for the commercial, materials, information, etc. I personally am saying to a civic group I’m part of that I’ll sponsor the first 10 who would like to participate. Use this as an opportunity to reach out AND to step up in shape.
This Sunday we’ll be dialed in to Luke 14:25-35 as we strive to give our “Personal Best” to the Lord. Should be a great day to connect with God and dial in to His purpose for your life – see you then.
Scott
Prayer note: Please pray for the family of Lonnie and Sara Echternacht upon the passing of their son Jerry. He would have been 50 this Friday. Watch the prayer notice for funeral details.
I’m striving to live this axiom at the level of my personal best this week – I hope you are too.
This Sunday we are heading out north at 10:30 for an excellent morning of worship. Flyers have been sent out, door hangers have been put onto houses, and additionally I hope you are inviting people for this weekend. 10:30 OUT NORTH!!!!!
We had a great day this past Sunday. Thanks to Jody Riley and our deacons for helping the cookout and all the events go wonderfully. Thanks to Tyler Morris and Tarry for making the auditorium look excellent. Thanks to Bradley Williams for the editing and compilation of the life group material. All of these things are done because what we do in the name of the Lord matters. The kingdom of God is the most important thing on this earth. The Lord would encourage all of us to have our attitudes aligned with this reality.
Thanks to all who participated in the distribution of door hangers out on the north side of town as well. It’s exciting to me to see one of our members who is in their 80s hitting the pavement to help invite people to church.
FYI:
• Life group videos and lessons are online. If you can’t get to a life group – do the material. Two clicks at forumchristian.org and you’re in.
• Forum is sponsoring a 5K event on October 16th. Go to the website for the commercial, materials, information, etc. I personally am saying to a civic group I’m part of that I’ll sponsor the first 10 who would like to participate. Use this as an opportunity to reach out AND to step up in shape.
This Sunday we’ll be dialed in to Luke 14:25-35 as we strive to give our “Personal Best” to the Lord. Should be a great day to connect with God and dial in to His purpose for your life – see you then.
Scott
Prayer note: Please pray for the family of Lonnie and Sara Echternacht upon the passing of their son Jerry. He would have been 50 this Friday. Watch the prayer notice for funeral details.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
e-news for week of 8/22/10
“Your Personal Best”
When a person says, “Yes” to Jesus and yields all that they are – their whole heart, soul, mind, and strength – a life altering transformation begins. This transformation is for the best. Jesus Christ was and is the greatest human in our history. He fully lived for God. Since His time on earth, those who imitate Him, who are driven by His Spirit, who yield themselves to the Lord continue to elevate others and redeem the world!!!!
Over the next months, Forum is going to dial into this transformative power of Christ via a series of sermons and lessons called, “Your Personal Best.” It starts this Sunday. Let me encourage you to invite friends. Give a phone call to someone who you think could use a good spiritual jump start. Maybe you’ve personally lapsed into a spiritual rut. The entire leadership is praying for you to have a breakthrough to a new level spiritually.
How can this happen, you ask? Be here Sunday, and let’s start the journey together. Joshua 24:15 will be part of the backdrop.
I want to take a moment to highlight the great kick off our youth ministry had this past Sunday night. Over 100 students had a great time of worship, study, some goofiness for our junior high students, and fellowship. Our high school minister, Justin Keith and his team, transformed the auditorium and customized it for our high school students. Our junior high room is new for them and is also serving them exceptionally. Great job. And to maybe the one or two junior high or high school students who might read this – great job bringing friends. I’d encourage you to do that all semester.
This Saturday is our neighborhood canvassing on the north end of town. Thanks to the 8-10 of you who already picked up those hangers. For those who are intending to help this weekend, simply meet at 10:00 a.m. at The Hilton Garden Conference Center and we’ll go over the how’s and where’s to circulate these.
Sunday is a tailgate party after 3rd service. Brats, dogs, hamburgers, and drinks are provided – bring a side or two and some folding chairs. It’s so fun to see our church grounds swarming with people. Looking forward to it for sure.
Looking forward to a stellar worship and encounter with God this Sunday. See you then – Scott
Worship at North Campus Sunday, September 5 @ 10:30 a.m.
When a person says, “Yes” to Jesus and yields all that they are – their whole heart, soul, mind, and strength – a life altering transformation begins. This transformation is for the best. Jesus Christ was and is the greatest human in our history. He fully lived for God. Since His time on earth, those who imitate Him, who are driven by His Spirit, who yield themselves to the Lord continue to elevate others and redeem the world!!!!
Over the next months, Forum is going to dial into this transformative power of Christ via a series of sermons and lessons called, “Your Personal Best.” It starts this Sunday. Let me encourage you to invite friends. Give a phone call to someone who you think could use a good spiritual jump start. Maybe you’ve personally lapsed into a spiritual rut. The entire leadership is praying for you to have a breakthrough to a new level spiritually.
How can this happen, you ask? Be here Sunday, and let’s start the journey together. Joshua 24:15 will be part of the backdrop.
I want to take a moment to highlight the great kick off our youth ministry had this past Sunday night. Over 100 students had a great time of worship, study, some goofiness for our junior high students, and fellowship. Our high school minister, Justin Keith and his team, transformed the auditorium and customized it for our high school students. Our junior high room is new for them and is also serving them exceptionally. Great job. And to maybe the one or two junior high or high school students who might read this – great job bringing friends. I’d encourage you to do that all semester.
This Saturday is our neighborhood canvassing on the north end of town. Thanks to the 8-10 of you who already picked up those hangers. For those who are intending to help this weekend, simply meet at 10:00 a.m. at The Hilton Garden Conference Center and we’ll go over the how’s and where’s to circulate these.
Sunday is a tailgate party after 3rd service. Brats, dogs, hamburgers, and drinks are provided – bring a side or two and some folding chairs. It’s so fun to see our church grounds swarming with people. Looking forward to it for sure.
Looking forward to a stellar worship and encounter with God this Sunday. See you then – Scott
Worship at North Campus Sunday, September 5 @ 10:30 a.m.
Friday, August 20, 2010
e-news for week of 8/15/10
Ever walked into a room and the radio is blaring, the TV is turned on with the volume up way too loud, the kids are screaming, and somebody is running a blender? In the middle of all this, your spouse yells to you something that you just can’t understand?
In that environment, clarity is hard to achieve. As the lead minister of Forum, the staff and I often run into this exact type of dilemma each week. Because the church is a good sized church with so many ministry elements, how many should we highlight? Do we put the message on the back shelf? Do we take some of our worship time out of the service? If we make announcements – which ones? What’s the criteria? Do we have entire services devoted to everything that could be announced? This weekly update could easily turn into the same.
I write all that to say, it’s prime time in terms of so many elements of the ministry of Forum that are locked and loaded and ready to kick off. I don’t want the primary goal – for all of us to become like Jesus – to get lost in the visual and verbal background due to all the good things we are unleashing at Forum this fall.
Here’s the cliff notes version:
• August 21 – We’ll help staff Habitat for Humanity. Info and sign up online.
• August 22 – 1. The children from Show Me Youth Home will be with us in all three services. 2. We start signing up for Life Groups. 3. Pick up information for neighborhood canvassing. 4. Ignition and Pulse kick off for our Jr/Sr High. 5. Elder & Deacon nomination forms can be picked up at the Information Center.
• August 28 – Neighborhood targeting/canvassing. We’ll distribute 1,000 door hangers primarily in the north end of town. (see bulletin for details).
• August 29 – Kick off for the new sermon series “Your personal best.”
Tailgate party immediately after church on the grounds.
• September 5 we’re encouraging everyone to head to the North Campus at 10:30 for a Catalyst event designed to draw us together again as a body but also we are sending out thousands of invites in that area of town coupled with the neighborhood canvassing striving to connect people to Jesus.
I don’t want to over saturate you with details, but the goal of all of these efforts is to intentionally connect people to Jesus. You have some great opportunities to invite people to church over the next weeks. This is a great time to invite someone to your life group or – if you are not involved in a life group – join one, or even better yet – start one. We’ve got great video curriculum that will help you.
I do want to congratulate David Nivens upon being selected as Rotarian of the Year. Thanks for serving in the community in such an impacting way, David.
This Sunday we finish up the Paradox series. We’ll be in Luke 14 if you want to read ahead. Should be a great day of worship at both campuses this Sunday. Looking forward to worship with you. — Scott
In that environment, clarity is hard to achieve. As the lead minister of Forum, the staff and I often run into this exact type of dilemma each week. Because the church is a good sized church with so many ministry elements, how many should we highlight? Do we put the message on the back shelf? Do we take some of our worship time out of the service? If we make announcements – which ones? What’s the criteria? Do we have entire services devoted to everything that could be announced? This weekly update could easily turn into the same.
I write all that to say, it’s prime time in terms of so many elements of the ministry of Forum that are locked and loaded and ready to kick off. I don’t want the primary goal – for all of us to become like Jesus – to get lost in the visual and verbal background due to all the good things we are unleashing at Forum this fall.
Here’s the cliff notes version:
• August 21 – We’ll help staff Habitat for Humanity. Info and sign up online.
• August 22 – 1. The children from Show Me Youth Home will be with us in all three services. 2. We start signing up for Life Groups. 3. Pick up information for neighborhood canvassing. 4. Ignition and Pulse kick off for our Jr/Sr High. 5. Elder & Deacon nomination forms can be picked up at the Information Center.
• August 28 – Neighborhood targeting/canvassing. We’ll distribute 1,000 door hangers primarily in the north end of town. (see bulletin for details).
• August 29 – Kick off for the new sermon series “Your personal best.”
Tailgate party immediately after church on the grounds.
• September 5 we’re encouraging everyone to head to the North Campus at 10:30 for a Catalyst event designed to draw us together again as a body but also we are sending out thousands of invites in that area of town coupled with the neighborhood canvassing striving to connect people to Jesus.
I don’t want to over saturate you with details, but the goal of all of these efforts is to intentionally connect people to Jesus. You have some great opportunities to invite people to church over the next weeks. This is a great time to invite someone to your life group or – if you are not involved in a life group – join one, or even better yet – start one. We’ve got great video curriculum that will help you.
I do want to congratulate David Nivens upon being selected as Rotarian of the Year. Thanks for serving in the community in such an impacting way, David.
This Sunday we finish up the Paradox series. We’ll be in Luke 14 if you want to read ahead. Should be a great day of worship at both campuses this Sunday. Looking forward to worship with you. — Scott
Friday, August 13, 2010
e-news for week of 8/8/10
Thanks for:
• the great feedback about the one day VBS. Make sure you thank Jessie@forumchristian.org and katelyn@forumchristian.org for all they do.
• the compliments connected to the new layout for the children’s areas. The new flow truly helps families. The computer check-ins that will be forthcoming will help the process go that much smoother. From a security standpoint this is also a much better layout.
• the encouragement about the Paradox series. As a church, we focus on Jesus Christ. We lift him up. We put His teaching in front of all of us. This Sunday we’ll look at Matthew 13 if you want to read ahead.
• Brice Wurdeman being with us sharing with our adult classes the great work that his family is involved with in Haiti.
• The great response for the young people from the Show-Me Christian Children’s Home. We view them as one of our ministry partners. As a church it is a privilege to help and serve this ministry with its great impact.
Some upcoming ministry events that I want to mention to you. You’ll be getting a full newsletter that gives greater details:
• Family “Movie Night” at 6 p.m. in the gym, August 20.
• Neighborhood canvassing on August 28. See the newsletter for the details.
• Tailgate party on August 29 at South Campus.
• Large worship gathering at North Campus 10:30 September 5.
• Life group sign ups and kick off early September.
• Junior High and Senior High youth ministries kick off on August 22.
• Choirs for adults and children kick off as well in September.
• We are hosting a 5K event (read the newsletter when it comes out) that will coincide with the overarching theme for 10-11, “Your personal best.”
Looking forward to another great day of worshiping the Lord together Sunday. — Scott
• the great feedback about the one day VBS. Make sure you thank Jessie@forumchristian.org and katelyn@forumchristian.org for all they do.
• the compliments connected to the new layout for the children’s areas. The new flow truly helps families. The computer check-ins that will be forthcoming will help the process go that much smoother. From a security standpoint this is also a much better layout.
• the encouragement about the Paradox series. As a church, we focus on Jesus Christ. We lift him up. We put His teaching in front of all of us. This Sunday we’ll look at Matthew 13 if you want to read ahead.
• Brice Wurdeman being with us sharing with our adult classes the great work that his family is involved with in Haiti.
• The great response for the young people from the Show-Me Christian Children’s Home. We view them as one of our ministry partners. As a church it is a privilege to help and serve this ministry with its great impact.
Some upcoming ministry events that I want to mention to you. You’ll be getting a full newsletter that gives greater details:
• Family “Movie Night” at 6 p.m. in the gym, August 20.
• Neighborhood canvassing on August 28. See the newsletter for the details.
• Tailgate party on August 29 at South Campus.
• Large worship gathering at North Campus 10:30 September 5.
• Life group sign ups and kick off early September.
• Junior High and Senior High youth ministries kick off on August 22.
• Choirs for adults and children kick off as well in September.
• We are hosting a 5K event (read the newsletter when it comes out) that will coincide with the overarching theme for 10-11, “Your personal best.”
Looking forward to another great day of worshiping the Lord together Sunday. — Scott
Friday, August 6, 2010
e-news for week of 8/1/10
Let me encourage you, your family, and friends to come to Forum South Campus this Saturday, August 7 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for a family Vacation Bible School. This promises to be a great day of fun, adventure, and learning as we strive for “Our personal Best.” We will be diving into God’s Word to find out what it means to do our personal best at growing in Him. The day is full of family friendly activities including a barbecue lunch and water games, plus much more! Nursery is provided for children 2 and under.
The past weeks, the Lord has been adding to our church. We welcome these people as they have recently accepted Christ and were baptized: Melissa Bucker, Janell Lesieur, Jared Myers, Khristen Bryant, Katrina Burns, Zeb Charlton, Taylor Baker, and Zack Fletcher; and these people: Larry, Susie, Jamie and Kody Henneke, John, Stephanie, Lauren and Gage Schimke, Jim Lawson, and Taylor and Beth Clouse who made Forum their church home.
Our first staff meeting every month, we reflect and strive to identify how we see God working at Forum, how the Lord is working in lives, raising people up, and how He desires us to elevate in our ministry.
We see God working in your lives in phenomenal ways. We want to encourage you and try to lift you up as you strive to lead your family and people around you to the Lord. Over and over we thanked the Lord for our deacons, for those that have served, for those who are stepping up to teach our children, for Marlowe Schlegel and all the coordination he’s done, and for the people that God has led here.
Our lengthy list reminded me of the importance of centering on the Lord.
Over the next several weeks, we will be getting our new computer sign-in system for children up and running as well as better flow for our families to get your children into their areas. We’ll all be on a learning curve together, but know that the end goal is to create a phenomenal and even safer environment for your family.
This Sunday we’ll continue in the Paradox series looking at the paradoxical nature of the seed of the gospel and the parable of the sower. It’s the same seed, what happens to it is part of the enigma. Should be a great encounter with God this Sunday. — Scott
The past weeks, the Lord has been adding to our church. We welcome these people as they have recently accepted Christ and were baptized: Melissa Bucker, Janell Lesieur, Jared Myers, Khristen Bryant, Katrina Burns, Zeb Charlton, Taylor Baker, and Zack Fletcher; and these people: Larry, Susie, Jamie and Kody Henneke, John, Stephanie, Lauren and Gage Schimke, Jim Lawson, and Taylor and Beth Clouse who made Forum their church home.
Our first staff meeting every month, we reflect and strive to identify how we see God working at Forum, how the Lord is working in lives, raising people up, and how He desires us to elevate in our ministry.
We see God working in your lives in phenomenal ways. We want to encourage you and try to lift you up as you strive to lead your family and people around you to the Lord. Over and over we thanked the Lord for our deacons, for those that have served, for those who are stepping up to teach our children, for Marlowe Schlegel and all the coordination he’s done, and for the people that God has led here.
Our lengthy list reminded me of the importance of centering on the Lord.
Over the next several weeks, we will be getting our new computer sign-in system for children up and running as well as better flow for our families to get your children into their areas. We’ll all be on a learning curve together, but know that the end goal is to create a phenomenal and even safer environment for your family.
This Sunday we’ll continue in the Paradox series looking at the paradoxical nature of the seed of the gospel and the parable of the sower. It’s the same seed, what happens to it is part of the enigma. Should be a great encounter with God this Sunday. — Scott
Friday, July 30, 2010
e-news for week of 7/26/10
Any hole digging going on this week? The week’s not over – let me engage you right now and encourage you to utilize what God has given you. Let me encourage you as well to be ready to meet the Lord.
Our teens are at a conference this week. It’s great to see so many teens worshiping the Lord at Christ in Youth.
As a minister it’s thrilling to be part of a church that prioritizes our children and youth. We truly pray for your family to be strong in the Lord and we strive to help create environments where your children and family can grow in Christ Jesus. We are dialing in toward our fall ramp up and surge for ministry.
I want to take a moment to say how much I’ve loved having Bradley interning with us this summer. He brings a level of love, passion, and energy into every environment he’s in. It’s been a joy to have him. Thanks, as well, for all the great encouragement to him directly and through me as well.
I’m looking forward to being in God’s word with you this Sunday. This series has really been pushing and prodding all of us toward the actions of Christ. This Sunday will be another great challenge to push us all beyond our current margins.
Come have a great time with your family at Forum’s Family Vacation Bible School Day taking place Saturday, August 7 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. We will be diving into God’s Word to find out what it means to do our personal best at growing in Him. The day is full of family friendly activities including a barbecue lunch and water games, plus much more! If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please e-mail Katelyn@ForumChristian.org. Nursery is provided for children 2 and under.
See you Sunday. – Scott
Our teens are at a conference this week. It’s great to see so many teens worshiping the Lord at Christ in Youth.
As a minister it’s thrilling to be part of a church that prioritizes our children and youth. We truly pray for your family to be strong in the Lord and we strive to help create environments where your children and family can grow in Christ Jesus. We are dialing in toward our fall ramp up and surge for ministry.
I want to take a moment to say how much I’ve loved having Bradley interning with us this summer. He brings a level of love, passion, and energy into every environment he’s in. It’s been a joy to have him. Thanks, as well, for all the great encouragement to him directly and through me as well.
I’m looking forward to being in God’s word with you this Sunday. This series has really been pushing and prodding all of us toward the actions of Christ. This Sunday will be another great challenge to push us all beyond our current margins.
Come have a great time with your family at Forum’s Family Vacation Bible School Day taking place Saturday, August 7 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. We will be diving into God’s Word to find out what it means to do our personal best at growing in Him. The day is full of family friendly activities including a barbecue lunch and water games, plus much more! If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please e-mail Katelyn@ForumChristian.org. Nursery is provided for children 2 and under.
See you Sunday. – Scott
Friday, July 23, 2010
e-news for week of 7/18/10
Imagine a church that as people come onto the campus they get a sense of acceptance, of purpose, of love. A place where it’s easy to navigate around the facility but on top of that – everywhere one turns someone is there to offer help if help is needed. From those connections, people then in turn get connected to a small group and share life and God’s Word on a very personal level. This is the very type of environment God is creating at Forum.
Over the next month, as a church we need to fully come together, step up, and dive into areas of ministry and connection.
We are in need of volunteers to expand ministry.
Hospitality. We want to expand our levels of hospitality as people are finding their way throughout the facility.
Check in systems. Our children will begin being checked in to their areas of study on Sunday mornings in new ways. We will need people to help with this process especially during the 9:30-9:50 and the 10:40-11 windows. Contact Katelyn@forumchristian.org.
Mindset. As followers of Jesus, God would shape and mold us to the point of us having the mind of Christ. One facet of the life of Jesus that stands out is his ability to initiate. As we talked last week – God met the two sons both where they were. We need to imitate. Our connection to those coming into our church shouldn’t exclusively be the 48 seconds that the worship leader prompts us to “now go shake somebody’s hand we don’t know.” At Forum, we initiate this without prompting. We imitate Christ and initiate.
Transitional town. One of the dilemmas in a transitory town like Columbia is the thought that “newbies” are short timers and thus keep them at arms length. Until they are more “established” I won’t get too close. With Columbia being this type of a town, it poses incredible opportunities. Back in 2005 here at Forum God started working on the lives of Aaron and Dana Bogan to the point of they were baptized and, as a family with three kids, reoriented life and headed off for Cincinnati Christian University to study ministry. They are preparing for the mission field at this time. I’m so thankful we didn’t treat them as “newcomers”, but rather embraced and nurtured them. The fields are white. Let’s rise up as God’s workers.
Don’t forget that our V.B.S. this year will be on Saturday, August 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. here at our south campus. “Your Personal Best” will be the focus. A barbecue lunch will be provided. This is a family day so bring the whole family in clothes that can get wet and enjoy the day. A nursery will be available.
This Sunday we’ll continue in our Paradox series looking at Matthew 25 if you want to read ahead. I look forward to worshiping with you all this Sunday. — Scott
Over the next month, as a church we need to fully come together, step up, and dive into areas of ministry and connection.
We are in need of volunteers to expand ministry.
Hospitality. We want to expand our levels of hospitality as people are finding their way throughout the facility.
Check in systems. Our children will begin being checked in to their areas of study on Sunday mornings in new ways. We will need people to help with this process especially during the 9:30-9:50 and the 10:40-11 windows. Contact Katelyn@forumchristian.org.
Mindset. As followers of Jesus, God would shape and mold us to the point of us having the mind of Christ. One facet of the life of Jesus that stands out is his ability to initiate. As we talked last week – God met the two sons both where they were. We need to imitate. Our connection to those coming into our church shouldn’t exclusively be the 48 seconds that the worship leader prompts us to “now go shake somebody’s hand we don’t know.” At Forum, we initiate this without prompting. We imitate Christ and initiate.
Transitional town. One of the dilemmas in a transitory town like Columbia is the thought that “newbies” are short timers and thus keep them at arms length. Until they are more “established” I won’t get too close. With Columbia being this type of a town, it poses incredible opportunities. Back in 2005 here at Forum God started working on the lives of Aaron and Dana Bogan to the point of they were baptized and, as a family with three kids, reoriented life and headed off for Cincinnati Christian University to study ministry. They are preparing for the mission field at this time. I’m so thankful we didn’t treat them as “newcomers”, but rather embraced and nurtured them. The fields are white. Let’s rise up as God’s workers.
Don’t forget that our V.B.S. this year will be on Saturday, August 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. here at our south campus. “Your Personal Best” will be the focus. A barbecue lunch will be provided. This is a family day so bring the whole family in clothes that can get wet and enjoy the day. A nursery will be available.
This Sunday we’ll continue in our Paradox series looking at Matthew 25 if you want to read ahead. I look forward to worshiping with you all this Sunday. — Scott
Friday, July 16, 2010
e-news for week of 7/11/10
As a church leadership, we are so thankful for all who have so generously served for the remodeling of the facility. We are already getting great feedback connected to the better traffic flow within the facility. We’re getting close to bringing our new check in system into play that will help us better flow as well.
I expressed this to the staff a couple of weeks ago how much the leadership appreciates them, our deacons, and our Life Groups that have all served so hard helping to keep costs down connected to the remodeling. For all of those of you who have served, once again, “Thank You.” This has been the “dirt digging” element of harvest. It’s the tilling of the ground. It’s dry and there is no immediate yield. On top of that, it can dry you out on a personal level. Hope in the Lord and know that your service matters. Thanks for the time you gave in the middle of the busy and mobile summer season.
On an entirely different note, it came to my attention that a group claiming to be Christians from Topeka, Kansas will be protesting against Congregation Beth Shalom during their time of worship Saturday morning at 10:30. Would you please pray for that congregation, their safety, etc.? While we differ from a theological viewpoint connected to the Messiah (I’m sure Jesus is Messiah), our role is to love God and love people. Please pray for these people. I’m doing something personally about this, but I’m not going to include that in this email. If you’d like to know what I’m doing either check out my FB profile page or email me at scott@forumchristian.org and I’ll email it to you personally.
Thanks for the great feedback from the sermon Sunday. This paradox series is truly going to challenge and stretch you in great ways. These teachings of Jesus have been working on me profoundly. I love Jesus Christ. We’ll be back in Luke 15 this week connected to “The Prodigal.” It’s going to truly build you up and help you connect to God. Can’t wait to worship with you Sunday – Scott
HOLD THE DATE:
Family Vacation Bible School Day, "Your Personal Best" on Saturday, August 7 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. A barbecue lunch will be provided. Be sure to wear clothes you can get wet in. See Katelyn or Jessie for more information and for how you can get involved.
Scott
I expressed this to the staff a couple of weeks ago how much the leadership appreciates them, our deacons, and our Life Groups that have all served so hard helping to keep costs down connected to the remodeling. For all of those of you who have served, once again, “Thank You.” This has been the “dirt digging” element of harvest. It’s the tilling of the ground. It’s dry and there is no immediate yield. On top of that, it can dry you out on a personal level. Hope in the Lord and know that your service matters. Thanks for the time you gave in the middle of the busy and mobile summer season.
On an entirely different note, it came to my attention that a group claiming to be Christians from Topeka, Kansas will be protesting against Congregation Beth Shalom during their time of worship Saturday morning at 10:30. Would you please pray for that congregation, their safety, etc.? While we differ from a theological viewpoint connected to the Messiah (I’m sure Jesus is Messiah), our role is to love God and love people. Please pray for these people. I’m doing something personally about this, but I’m not going to include that in this email. If you’d like to know what I’m doing either check out my FB profile page or email me at scott@forumchristian.org and I’ll email it to you personally.
Thanks for the great feedback from the sermon Sunday. This paradox series is truly going to challenge and stretch you in great ways. These teachings of Jesus have been working on me profoundly. I love Jesus Christ. We’ll be back in Luke 15 this week connected to “The Prodigal.” It’s going to truly build you up and help you connect to God. Can’t wait to worship with you Sunday – Scott
HOLD THE DATE:
Family Vacation Bible School Day, "Your Personal Best" on Saturday, August 7 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. A barbecue lunch will be provided. Be sure to wear clothes you can get wet in. See Katelyn or Jessie for more information and for how you can get involved.
Scott
Friday, July 9, 2010
e-news for week of 7/4/10
paradox
■ noun
1 a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that may in fact be true.
▶ an apparently sound statement or proposition which leads to a logically unacceptable conclusion.
We start a new sermon series this Sunday called “Paradox.” Just in case you don’t know this, let me remind you: Jesus Christ is our Savior. He’s the King of kings and the Lord of lords. In conjunction with that reality, He’s also the greatest teacher that ever hit our planet. We’ll be studying through the paradoxical nature of the kingdom of God through the parables.
Thanks to so many of you for the great feedback connected to the “I Do” series out of Ephesians. The best thing each one of us can do is implement. God’s church (that’s every believer) really doesn’t suffer from a lack of information but a lack of implementation. Sure, there may be some parts of the Bible you don’t know even exist, but “Love God – love one another” pretty much explains itself. (Can I get an “Amen?”)
We had friends from Michigan in town this past weekend. Mike, Carin, and their son Ben came to town because Ben will be in law school at MU this fall. It’s always great to get feedback about Forum from an outside perspective. What Mike and Carin affirmed that we are doing great was very encouraging, since it was some of the very areas where we have given great attention to detail. Some of their feedback connected to improvements came in areas, that as a staff and as lead minister, we are aware that we can do better. Most of all, they affirmed the warmth and the Spirit of God that is very much evident at Forum. They also communicated the excellence and the attention to details connected to worship, to the great impression our building and grounds make, and the overall atmosphere. While that’s just the surface of our dialogue, hopefully that gives you the picture.
Mark your calendars:
Family Vacation Bible School Day, "Your Personal Best" on Saturday, August 7 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. A barbecue lunch will be provided. Be sure to wear clothes you can get wet in. See Katelyn or Jessie for more information and for how you can get involved.
If you want to read ahead, we’ll camp out in Luke 15 this week. I’m so very much looking forward to worshiping God with you all this weekend. — Scott
[1]Soanes, C., & Stevenson, A. (2004). Concise Oxford English dictionary (11th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
■ noun
1 a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that may in fact be true.
▶ an apparently sound statement or proposition which leads to a logically unacceptable conclusion.
We start a new sermon series this Sunday called “Paradox.” Just in case you don’t know this, let me remind you: Jesus Christ is our Savior. He’s the King of kings and the Lord of lords. In conjunction with that reality, He’s also the greatest teacher that ever hit our planet. We’ll be studying through the paradoxical nature of the kingdom of God through the parables.
Thanks to so many of you for the great feedback connected to the “I Do” series out of Ephesians. The best thing each one of us can do is implement. God’s church (that’s every believer) really doesn’t suffer from a lack of information but a lack of implementation. Sure, there may be some parts of the Bible you don’t know even exist, but “Love God – love one another” pretty much explains itself. (Can I get an “Amen?”)
We had friends from Michigan in town this past weekend. Mike, Carin, and their son Ben came to town because Ben will be in law school at MU this fall. It’s always great to get feedback about Forum from an outside perspective. What Mike and Carin affirmed that we are doing great was very encouraging, since it was some of the very areas where we have given great attention to detail. Some of their feedback connected to improvements came in areas, that as a staff and as lead minister, we are aware that we can do better. Most of all, they affirmed the warmth and the Spirit of God that is very much evident at Forum. They also communicated the excellence and the attention to details connected to worship, to the great impression our building and grounds make, and the overall atmosphere. While that’s just the surface of our dialogue, hopefully that gives you the picture.
Mark your calendars:
Family Vacation Bible School Day, "Your Personal Best" on Saturday, August 7 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. A barbecue lunch will be provided. Be sure to wear clothes you can get wet in. See Katelyn or Jessie for more information and for how you can get involved.
If you want to read ahead, we’ll camp out in Luke 15 this week. I’m so very much looking forward to worshiping God with you all this weekend. — Scott
[1]Soanes, C., & Stevenson, A. (2004). Concise Oxford English dictionary (11th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Friday, July 2, 2010
e-news for week of 6/27/10
I love it when Independence Day falls on a Sunday. “Why?” you may ask. At the core of our nation stands this first statement we commonly call “The Preamble”:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
Endowed by their Creator… May we never forget that at the breakout moment of our nation, we affirmed our Divine Creator. This Creator did put the truth of His love and self-evident truth in front of all of us.
America stands as a free nation. You are free to pursue happiness. You live a free life. You have liberty.
You are an American whose heritage and honor run deep. We are the world’s bastion of freedom. We are a city on a hill. The lamp of American freedom shines hope into this world.
And while we love America and the freedom we enjoy, if we are only free for 70-80 years if the Lord allows us to live that long, then that type freedom is short lived.
While the freedom America stands for is a personal freedom, the freedom that Forum will proclaim this Sunday is a forever and ever freedom. Freedom from sin. Freedom from the grave. Freedom in Christ. Frankly, I’d rather live as a slave for 70-80 years and know Christ and His freedom than to be free my whole life and die as a slave to sin.
This Sunday we’ll talk about our citizenship and freedom in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2 will be the primary text if you want to read ahead.
Looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday.
Scott
PS – I want to take just a moment to compliment our summer intern, Bradley Williams, on a great message this past Sunday during first service and north campus. As a ministry, we are raising up and equipping ministers for kingdom purposes. It’s exciting to see it in every area of ministry.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
Endowed by their Creator… May we never forget that at the breakout moment of our nation, we affirmed our Divine Creator. This Creator did put the truth of His love and self-evident truth in front of all of us.
America stands as a free nation. You are free to pursue happiness. You live a free life. You have liberty.
You are an American whose heritage and honor run deep. We are the world’s bastion of freedom. We are a city on a hill. The lamp of American freedom shines hope into this world.
And while we love America and the freedom we enjoy, if we are only free for 70-80 years if the Lord allows us to live that long, then that type freedom is short lived.
While the freedom America stands for is a personal freedom, the freedom that Forum will proclaim this Sunday is a forever and ever freedom. Freedom from sin. Freedom from the grave. Freedom in Christ. Frankly, I’d rather live as a slave for 70-80 years and know Christ and His freedom than to be free my whole life and die as a slave to sin.
This Sunday we’ll talk about our citizenship and freedom in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2 will be the primary text if you want to read ahead.
Looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday.
Scott
PS – I want to take just a moment to compliment our summer intern, Bradley Williams, on a great message this past Sunday during first service and north campus. As a ministry, we are raising up and equipping ministers for kingdom purposes. It’s exciting to see it in every area of ministry.
Friday, June 25, 2010
e-news for week of 6/20/10
You REALLY need to read all of this!!!
We just came out of our weekly staff meeting and I’m really excited about the upcoming back to school season. Now, you may be thinking, “I can’t believe he is already thinking about that.” We have in store for Forum some excellent vision, goals, challenges, and growth opportunities.
Let me give you a sneak peek and encourage you to save some dates:
• Tailgate party after 3rd service on August 29th.
• September 5, 2nd and 3rd services south campus are going to head out to the north campus for a combined worship service there. Prior to that, we are going to set up some intentional neighborhood canvassing to invite people on the north end of town to this newly opened campus. We’ve set a faith goal of averaging 100 at the north campus so we’ll faithfully work toward that goal.
• Our sermon series is designed to connect you to God, to grow you, and to help you live like Christ. The overarching theme for 2010-11 will be, “Your personal best.”
• We’re producing a DVD Life Group curriculum that will be a fresh approach
• We’ve upgraded the south campus facility to better serve our children’s department and a new layout with improved check-in processes, flow, and security will also fully be in place. (Thank you for your flexibility and patience during the remodel. We are very close to the finished product.)
God calls on us to live for His glory. For every Christ follower that statement would go unchallenged. As a church, we strive to intentionally connect people to Jesus. As we are closing out the “I Do” series, I want to thank so many of you for the notes of encouragement that have come during this series. Life in the family of God and within your home is so important to the Lord. It is the primary place we live out His glory within our lives. This is where legacy, integrity, honor, valor, and love are fleshed out. We’ve got a great word from the Lord for you this Sunday at both campuses. — Scott
We just came out of our weekly staff meeting and I’m really excited about the upcoming back to school season. Now, you may be thinking, “I can’t believe he is already thinking about that.” We have in store for Forum some excellent vision, goals, challenges, and growth opportunities.
Let me give you a sneak peek and encourage you to save some dates:
• Tailgate party after 3rd service on August 29th.
• September 5, 2nd and 3rd services south campus are going to head out to the north campus for a combined worship service there. Prior to that, we are going to set up some intentional neighborhood canvassing to invite people on the north end of town to this newly opened campus. We’ve set a faith goal of averaging 100 at the north campus so we’ll faithfully work toward that goal.
• Our sermon series is designed to connect you to God, to grow you, and to help you live like Christ. The overarching theme for 2010-11 will be, “Your personal best.”
• We’re producing a DVD Life Group curriculum that will be a fresh approach
• We’ve upgraded the south campus facility to better serve our children’s department and a new layout with improved check-in processes, flow, and security will also fully be in place. (Thank you for your flexibility and patience during the remodel. We are very close to the finished product.)
God calls on us to live for His glory. For every Christ follower that statement would go unchallenged. As a church, we strive to intentionally connect people to Jesus. As we are closing out the “I Do” series, I want to thank so many of you for the notes of encouragement that have come during this series. Life in the family of God and within your home is so important to the Lord. It is the primary place we live out His glory within our lives. This is where legacy, integrity, honor, valor, and love are fleshed out. We’ve got a great word from the Lord for you this Sunday at both campuses. — Scott
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
e-news for week of 6/13/10
While I’m not a Facebook stalker, it was very cool to see a bunch of posts from you all this past Sunday talking about the great worship, the movement of the Lord, etc. I truly believe God is among us and using us for His glory.
We’re wrapping up the physical part of the remodeling over the next couple of weeks. Having walked through the remade areas, I think they are truly going to serve our children and youth in great ways.
This Sunday is Father’s Day and I’m really charged up about the message and the parent/child dedication service that will happen. It’s such a joy to pray over newborns and their families. The message is designed around Christ, the bride, and our role as dads/husbands. Frankly, it is an extreme blessing to be both a husband and a father. God has blessed me with a world class wife (I married so far over my pay grade that it isn’t funny) and kids who love the Lord and seek to serve him. Within our church, we are surrounded by families with similar qualities. That’s the hand of God’s blessing upon our church and ministry.
On a personal level – this week has been one with a lot of twists and turns. It’s just kind of been one of those weeks that makes you go, “Why?” But in the middle of all the “Why’s?” and “Oh no’s” you or I might have – the reality that God sits on His throne working all together for good assures me and I hope it assures you too. While it’s been awhile since the “VIII” series, I’m dialed in right there right now. It’s also great to know that Forum has a great staff and great elders to know that I can turn to them for prayer and support. Just so that I’m very clear on this point – so can you. That’s part of the point of this “I Do” series. God designed us for family – families in our homes and the family of God. As the bride of Christ we do submit to those who are placed by the Lord in positions above us for the sake of serving and leading us. Just as Christ served the church, husbands/fathers serve their families, elders serve/lead/guard/protect/nourish/cherish the church. That’s the role.
Looking forward to a great day of worship with you this Sunday. Let’s come into the presence of our heavenly Father together this Sunday and lift His name high. See you then, Scott
We’re wrapping up the physical part of the remodeling over the next couple of weeks. Having walked through the remade areas, I think they are truly going to serve our children and youth in great ways.
This Sunday is Father’s Day and I’m really charged up about the message and the parent/child dedication service that will happen. It’s such a joy to pray over newborns and their families. The message is designed around Christ, the bride, and our role as dads/husbands. Frankly, it is an extreme blessing to be both a husband and a father. God has blessed me with a world class wife (I married so far over my pay grade that it isn’t funny) and kids who love the Lord and seek to serve him. Within our church, we are surrounded by families with similar qualities. That’s the hand of God’s blessing upon our church and ministry.
On a personal level – this week has been one with a lot of twists and turns. It’s just kind of been one of those weeks that makes you go, “Why?” But in the middle of all the “Why’s?” and “Oh no’s” you or I might have – the reality that God sits on His throne working all together for good assures me and I hope it assures you too. While it’s been awhile since the “VIII” series, I’m dialed in right there right now. It’s also great to know that Forum has a great staff and great elders to know that I can turn to them for prayer and support. Just so that I’m very clear on this point – so can you. That’s part of the point of this “I Do” series. God designed us for family – families in our homes and the family of God. As the bride of Christ we do submit to those who are placed by the Lord in positions above us for the sake of serving and leading us. Just as Christ served the church, husbands/fathers serve their families, elders serve/lead/guard/protect/nourish/cherish the church. That’s the role.
Looking forward to a great day of worship with you this Sunday. Let’s come into the presence of our heavenly Father together this Sunday and lift His name high. See you then, Scott
Friday, June 11, 2010
e-news for week of 6/6/10
Big picture for this week: Jesus said, “I Do” to you and we are his bride. Let me encourage you to allow the words said about you in Ephesians 5: 21-33 to take hold of you and define you. You are the church, the radiant bride of Christ. Christ laid down his life to present you without spot or wrinkle. The kingdom of God now defines you. Christ is your Lord. Friends, it truly doesn’t get any better than that reality.
We’re on the final leg of the building changes. We continue to have great progress on the facility remodeling. This next week, we’ll be in need of many people to paint. All materials are provided, you need simply to show up. Please contact the office if you are willing to help. Just email me at scott@forumchristian.org .
This Sunday around noon our teens will be hosting their annual spaghetti dinner. All donations received will help to fund their summer mission trip. This year they are going to Omaha, NE. Students will serve a broad group of people through partnerships with social organizations, Latino churches, and a homeless ministry. These partnerships take groups into all neighborhoods and cultures located in Omaha and the surrounding cities. Even if you cannot stay or attend, you can make a donation and get to-go plates. Let me encourage you to support our youth with this effort.
Rarely have I talked about finances within our ministry for many, many reasons. Over the years, I’ve heard it said that Jesus talked about money more than he did the kingdom of God, baptism, and heaven and hell. Quite frankly I don’t agree with that statement at all. Jesus wasn’t talking about money, he was talking about people’s hearts. In preaching, the Lord would have us speak out about our hearts and our relationship to Jesus. Can money get in the way of that? Oh yeah. But at Forum, I see people whose hearts are striving to serve and follow the Lord. In that your hearts are already yielded to God, I do need to mention that – as a ministry we have hit a very tight patch as we’ve stepped out on faith to better utilize our facility with this building remodeling. While we raised about 1/3 of the money for it last year, that leaves us 2/3 of the cost to cover. So I need to ask all to consider stepping up in giving. If all of us would consider giving additionally to the ministry that will take care of this in the short run.
Looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday. — Scott
We’re on the final leg of the building changes. We continue to have great progress on the facility remodeling. This next week, we’ll be in need of many people to paint. All materials are provided, you need simply to show up. Please contact the office if you are willing to help. Just email me at scott@forumchristian.org .
This Sunday around noon our teens will be hosting their annual spaghetti dinner. All donations received will help to fund their summer mission trip. This year they are going to Omaha, NE. Students will serve a broad group of people through partnerships with social organizations, Latino churches, and a homeless ministry. These partnerships take groups into all neighborhoods and cultures located in Omaha and the surrounding cities. Even if you cannot stay or attend, you can make a donation and get to-go plates. Let me encourage you to support our youth with this effort.
Rarely have I talked about finances within our ministry for many, many reasons. Over the years, I’ve heard it said that Jesus talked about money more than he did the kingdom of God, baptism, and heaven and hell. Quite frankly I don’t agree with that statement at all. Jesus wasn’t talking about money, he was talking about people’s hearts. In preaching, the Lord would have us speak out about our hearts and our relationship to Jesus. Can money get in the way of that? Oh yeah. But at Forum, I see people whose hearts are striving to serve and follow the Lord. In that your hearts are already yielded to God, I do need to mention that – as a ministry we have hit a very tight patch as we’ve stepped out on faith to better utilize our facility with this building remodeling. While we raised about 1/3 of the money for it last year, that leaves us 2/3 of the cost to cover. So I need to ask all to consider stepping up in giving. If all of us would consider giving additionally to the ministry that will take care of this in the short run.
Looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday. — Scott
Friday, June 4, 2010
e-news for week of 5/30/10
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. – Jesus, as found in Matthew 11:12.
This quote from Christ stirs my spirit and inspires me for a lot of reasons. On a personal level, action biased faith inspires me. When people serve in our community in the name of Christ, when we interact with people who don’t know Christ as their Lord and savior, when we come to a facility and paint, when we give, when we change the diaper of someone else’s child so they can hear a sermon, when we visit someone who has just lost a loved one, when a physician prays with her/his patient, when we act in the name of Jesus, the kingdom of God advances forcefully.
One of the reasons Forum is remodeling, mauling, and overhauling the facility is we want to provide a great environment for children and youth. We’re several weeks into this project and it is going very smoothly. Once again, let me encourage you to give generously to the ministry proportionally to your income. Trust God with your finances. As a staff and leaders, we are hoping and praying for a breakthrough type of fall. Be praying about people to invite to church, your life group, and some of the church ministry events both during the summer and the fall. With the arrival of some IBMers, I’d encourage you to keep your eyes open for new people moving in. Prime time opportunity to invite people to church.
This Sunday adult room changes:
Chris Collier’s class will meet in Room 212 (Family Life Center).
Lance Tamerius & David Hockman’s class will meet in the upper main hallway, last classroom on the left.
Ted Mountjoy’s class will meet in the upper hallway, first classroom on the left.
Dan Howell’s class will meet in Room 215 (Family Life Center).
Jim & Lana Ferneau’s class will meet in the upper main hallway, first classroom on the right.
Lindall Perry’s class will meet in the upper hallway, last classroom on the right.
Preschoolers (2 - 5 yrs.) will meet in rooms 100 & 104/106.
This summer, not only is our church going through some great changes, but so is our staff.
This past weekend, Justin Keith, our high school youth minister, got married.
June 1 Katelyn and Tyler Morris gave birth to Liam Ray Morris who weighed in at 8 lb 9 oz.
Frankly, it’s been a year of fascinating change and transition that God orchestrates to advance His kingdom. If I were to list all the changes, your mind would start spinning, I know mine does when I list it out, but at the center of all the change is our faithful God and His ever advancing kingdom!!!!
We start a new sermon series this week called, “I Do.” Sermon text for this Sunday will come out of Ephesians 5 if you want to read ahead. This would be a great time to invite friends and family to church. From God’s word, we’ll look at the great insight the Lord has for our households.
Looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday. — Scott
This quote from Christ stirs my spirit and inspires me for a lot of reasons. On a personal level, action biased faith inspires me. When people serve in our community in the name of Christ, when we interact with people who don’t know Christ as their Lord and savior, when we come to a facility and paint, when we give, when we change the diaper of someone else’s child so they can hear a sermon, when we visit someone who has just lost a loved one, when a physician prays with her/his patient, when we act in the name of Jesus, the kingdom of God advances forcefully.
One of the reasons Forum is remodeling, mauling, and overhauling the facility is we want to provide a great environment for children and youth. We’re several weeks into this project and it is going very smoothly. Once again, let me encourage you to give generously to the ministry proportionally to your income. Trust God with your finances. As a staff and leaders, we are hoping and praying for a breakthrough type of fall. Be praying about people to invite to church, your life group, and some of the church ministry events both during the summer and the fall. With the arrival of some IBMers, I’d encourage you to keep your eyes open for new people moving in. Prime time opportunity to invite people to church.
This Sunday adult room changes:
Chris Collier’s class will meet in Room 212 (Family Life Center).
Lance Tamerius & David Hockman’s class will meet in the upper main hallway, last classroom on the left.
Ted Mountjoy’s class will meet in the upper hallway, first classroom on the left.
Dan Howell’s class will meet in Room 215 (Family Life Center).
Jim & Lana Ferneau’s class will meet in the upper main hallway, first classroom on the right.
Lindall Perry’s class will meet in the upper hallway, last classroom on the right.
Preschoolers (2 - 5 yrs.) will meet in rooms 100 & 104/106.
This summer, not only is our church going through some great changes, but so is our staff.
This past weekend, Justin Keith, our high school youth minister, got married.
June 1 Katelyn and Tyler Morris gave birth to Liam Ray Morris who weighed in at 8 lb 9 oz.
Frankly, it’s been a year of fascinating change and transition that God orchestrates to advance His kingdom. If I were to list all the changes, your mind would start spinning, I know mine does when I list it out, but at the center of all the change is our faithful God and His ever advancing kingdom!!!!
We start a new sermon series this week called, “I Do.” Sermon text for this Sunday will come out of Ephesians 5 if you want to read ahead. This would be a great time to invite friends and family to church. From God’s word, we’ll look at the great insight the Lord has for our households.
Looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday. — Scott
Friday, May 28, 2010
e-news for week of 5/23/10
Because we have a daughter graduating from Rockbridge High School, we went to a senior recognition ceremony the other night. It was thrilling to see so many students from Forum Christian Church honored. It was an excellent tribute to the great families of Forum. That’s not what I want to focus on though. Amid all the academic achievements, the artistic awards, senior superlatives, etc. there was only one standing ovation given to a student during the night. This young man received an appointment to West Point and is dedicating his life to serving our country. I love it that we live in a community that still has parades to remember those who gave their lives in service. I love it that as a community we stand up and support young people who are choosing that career path. This Sunday we’ll pause in honor of those who have served our country.
Construction continues to bring about change on the Forum Campus. Rooms that are impacted are all preschool classes (2 yrs. – pre-K) now meeting downstairs in room 100 and the C.I.A. class (now meeting in rooms 207/209). Thanks go out to the Life groups that have helped so far in the cleaning process to make sure the facility is up and running for Sunday.
This weekend we’ll also have a family worship Sunday. During third service, all children ages 3 yrs. and up will worship with their families. If you want your children to worship with you during second service, just simply bring them with you. The text for this weekend is 2 Samuel 23 and we’ll look at David’s mighty men. Big picture: David’s mighty men were willing to do anything in the service of David…and he was just a man. What levels of courage, valor, sacrifice, and faith are you displaying for the King of kings and the Lord of lords?
There is still time to sign up to volunteer for the Show-Me Games. Here is the address to the registration form. https://www.smsg.org/volunteer/volunteer.php
Looking forward to this Sunday. — Scott
Construction continues to bring about change on the Forum Campus. Rooms that are impacted are all preschool classes (2 yrs. – pre-K) now meeting downstairs in room 100 and the C.I.A. class (now meeting in rooms 207/209). Thanks go out to the Life groups that have helped so far in the cleaning process to make sure the facility is up and running for Sunday.
This weekend we’ll also have a family worship Sunday. During third service, all children ages 3 yrs. and up will worship with their families. If you want your children to worship with you during second service, just simply bring them with you. The text for this weekend is 2 Samuel 23 and we’ll look at David’s mighty men. Big picture: David’s mighty men were willing to do anything in the service of David…and he was just a man. What levels of courage, valor, sacrifice, and faith are you displaying for the King of kings and the Lord of lords?
There is still time to sign up to volunteer for the Show-Me Games. Here is the address to the registration form. https://www.smsg.org/volunteer/volunteer.php
Looking forward to this Sunday. — Scott
Thursday, May 20, 2010
e-news for week of 5/16/10
Our God is the God of excellence and glory. His heaven is beyond human depiction. Our role is to reflect heaven and Christ’s image on this earth. Toward that end, on our physical campus construction and remodeling are underway and it’s great to see it in action. There’s a great crew working this project and the headway they are making is solid. We appreciate those who helped move furniture Sunday. It pushed your lunch way back, but your service truly helped to fast track this work. Thank you. We thank the Lord that He’s put Forum in a position to be able to do this. We truly want to excel in every area of ministry to the glory of God.
Weekly room alert: CIA class will meet in room 207/209. 3-5 year olds will meet in room 104/106.
What a great day of worship we had this past Sunday! Since we live in a town with multiple colleges, we have the opportunity to see a lot of students enter into our ministry and ultimately move forward down the path that God has them on. Over the past years, we’ve been extremely blessed to have both Stephen Walton and Becca Habeggar as vital people within our ministry. Both have been part of our rotation of worship leaders. Both love the Lord wholeheartedly and with intensity. Both will be moving forward with “what’s next” in their lives. Becca led at south campus this past Sunday and closed out leading at Synergy in the youth ministry area last night. Stephen will be leading at south this Sunday. Stephen and his wife Alisa will be pursuing getting onto the mission field to serve in Ireland. Please join me in both thanking them and praying for them as they move forward with God’s plan for their lives.
And speaking of graduations, we’ll be honoring our 2010 high school graduates this year. This has been a phenomenal group of students. This year also marks Justin Keith’s (our senior high youth minister) five year anniversary at Forum so this is the first graduating class for him of students that started their high school careers with him as one of their primary people helping them to become disciples of Christ. As I said, this is a great class full of world changers. It will be exciting to see how God will use this group of young adults.
On Memorial weekend, we’ll have another family worship day where we would encourage you to worship as a family. Classes will occur during the second hour, but if you attend the second service, we’d encourage you to have your children with you. We are structuring periodic family worship days so you can be together in worship as families. We had great feedback from the families last fall connected to this, and we’re striving to enhance it this time.
This Sunday we continue in our “Profiles in Courage” series looking at the life of Daniel. If you want to read ahead in preparation – the whole book is 12 chapters and is filled with phenomenal imagery, prophecy, and courage. It’s a great read. One I highly recommend. Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday. — Scott
Weekly room alert: CIA class will meet in room 207/209. 3-5 year olds will meet in room 104/106.
What a great day of worship we had this past Sunday! Since we live in a town with multiple colleges, we have the opportunity to see a lot of students enter into our ministry and ultimately move forward down the path that God has them on. Over the past years, we’ve been extremely blessed to have both Stephen Walton and Becca Habeggar as vital people within our ministry. Both have been part of our rotation of worship leaders. Both love the Lord wholeheartedly and with intensity. Both will be moving forward with “what’s next” in their lives. Becca led at south campus this past Sunday and closed out leading at Synergy in the youth ministry area last night. Stephen will be leading at south this Sunday. Stephen and his wife Alisa will be pursuing getting onto the mission field to serve in Ireland. Please join me in both thanking them and praying for them as they move forward with God’s plan for their lives.
And speaking of graduations, we’ll be honoring our 2010 high school graduates this year. This has been a phenomenal group of students. This year also marks Justin Keith’s (our senior high youth minister) five year anniversary at Forum so this is the first graduating class for him of students that started their high school careers with him as one of their primary people helping them to become disciples of Christ. As I said, this is a great class full of world changers. It will be exciting to see how God will use this group of young adults.
On Memorial weekend, we’ll have another family worship day where we would encourage you to worship as a family. Classes will occur during the second hour, but if you attend the second service, we’d encourage you to have your children with you. We are structuring periodic family worship days so you can be together in worship as families. We had great feedback from the families last fall connected to this, and we’re striving to enhance it this time.
This Sunday we continue in our “Profiles in Courage” series looking at the life of Daniel. If you want to read ahead in preparation – the whole book is 12 chapters and is filled with phenomenal imagery, prophecy, and courage. It’s a great read. One I highly recommend. Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday. — Scott
Friday, May 14, 2010
e-news for week of 5/9/10
I don’t know what you are doing right now, but stop it! (I’ll get back to this thought in a moment.)
As we move into the dog days of summer (I can’t believe I just wrote that – it’s like 47 degrees outside), I want to encourage everyone toward faithfulness.
Summer recruitment:
• Servants in the nursery, preschool, and children’s areas are needed. With vacations, youth sports, etc. that occur during the summer, Jessie and Katelyn’s worker pool always get thinned out. We need you to step up in either the children’s areas or the preschool areas. Contact Jessie (jessie@forumchristian.org) or Katelyn (katelyn@forumchristian.org) to make a difference.
• Did you know that over 80% of all people who give their life to the Lord do so before they are 12 years old? That’s why it is so important that we create a great environment for your kids to know Jesus.
In our giving, I need to encourage everyone to stay strong as well. Summer can sometimes create a drop off in giving. In that we are fully staffed and have additional expenses connected to the remodeling, let me encourage you to continue to give cheerfully, faithfully, and generously.
We begin the remodeling project this Sunday. Classes that will relocate Sunday, May 23 are:
• Temporarily the Christians In Action (CIA) class will meet in room 207/209.
• The preschool classes will meet downstairs in rooms 100 and 104/106.
We’ll need people this Sunday to help stick around after services to help move some of the furniture so the construction crew can just get after it on Monday. This is going to create a much more secure environment for our kids as well as creating a better traffic flow.
On a personal note, I want to thank Jared Wortman and Justin Keith for preaching and leading out on Mother’s Day. It was thrilling to know that 19 couples and their children were prayed over as you each are seeking to raise your child(ren) knowing the Lord. Our daughter, Natasha, completed her undergraduate work and walked at the 117th commencement at Johnson Bible College down in Knoxville. We were able to have brunch with our two girls and Melody’s mom there in TN and we stopped in Louisville and had dinner with my mom, my brother and his family all on Mother’s Day. To my recollection, this is the first Mother’s Day I’ve had with my mom in over 25 years.
Had great events happening this week. Kyra King was baptized into Christ on Tuesday and Myya Maxwell was baptized into Christ on Wednesday. I don’t know what you are doing right now, but stop it. Stop right there and take a moment and rejoice!
We’ll be in 2 Samuel 12 this week looking at the life of Nathan if you want to read ahead. Really looking forward to worshiping the Lord with you this Sunday. — Scott
As we move into the dog days of summer (I can’t believe I just wrote that – it’s like 47 degrees outside), I want to encourage everyone toward faithfulness.
Summer recruitment:
• Servants in the nursery, preschool, and children’s areas are needed. With vacations, youth sports, etc. that occur during the summer, Jessie and Katelyn’s worker pool always get thinned out. We need you to step up in either the children’s areas or the preschool areas. Contact Jessie (jessie@forumchristian.org) or Katelyn (katelyn@forumchristian.org) to make a difference.
• Did you know that over 80% of all people who give their life to the Lord do so before they are 12 years old? That’s why it is so important that we create a great environment for your kids to know Jesus.
In our giving, I need to encourage everyone to stay strong as well. Summer can sometimes create a drop off in giving. In that we are fully staffed and have additional expenses connected to the remodeling, let me encourage you to continue to give cheerfully, faithfully, and generously.
We begin the remodeling project this Sunday. Classes that will relocate Sunday, May 23 are:
• Temporarily the Christians In Action (CIA) class will meet in room 207/209.
• The preschool classes will meet downstairs in rooms 100 and 104/106.
We’ll need people this Sunday to help stick around after services to help move some of the furniture so the construction crew can just get after it on Monday. This is going to create a much more secure environment for our kids as well as creating a better traffic flow.
On a personal note, I want to thank Jared Wortman and Justin Keith for preaching and leading out on Mother’s Day. It was thrilling to know that 19 couples and their children were prayed over as you each are seeking to raise your child(ren) knowing the Lord. Our daughter, Natasha, completed her undergraduate work and walked at the 117th commencement at Johnson Bible College down in Knoxville. We were able to have brunch with our two girls and Melody’s mom there in TN and we stopped in Louisville and had dinner with my mom, my brother and his family all on Mother’s Day. To my recollection, this is the first Mother’s Day I’ve had with my mom in over 25 years.
Had great events happening this week. Kyra King was baptized into Christ on Tuesday and Myya Maxwell was baptized into Christ on Wednesday. I don’t know what you are doing right now, but stop it. Stop right there and take a moment and rejoice!
We’ll be in 2 Samuel 12 this week looking at the life of Nathan if you want to read ahead. Really looking forward to worshiping the Lord with you this Sunday. — Scott
Thursday, May 6, 2010
e-news for week of 5/2/10
A Phenomenal month - as a ministry, April was a great month. As a staff, we sit down and make sure we are seeing God at work. These were some of the highlights from April:
· We baptized a lot of people. Christian Campus House baptized a lot of people. Chinese Christian ministry baptized a lot of people. Kingdom advancement as people are becoming disciples.
· Good Friday and Easter were phenomenal events.
· The Men’s Fitness event was outstanding and inspiring.
· All areas of our youth ministry are excelling.
· God’s word is refreshing and transforming lives. This week multiple conversations have come to us communicating how God has changed people’s hearts in terms of forgiveness, peace, better home lives, and purposeful commitment.
A Great May
This Sunday we’ll celebrate Mothers Day and pray over 19 children and their families during a time of commitment and dedication. This is a time when we lift up commitment for our families to the Lord saying, “We will raise our children to know the Lord.”
We’ll celebrate graduations with a bunch of families.
We’ll lift up both the heroes of God and heroes of our country during Memorial weekend.
We’ll start construction on the building remodeling.
A transitional summer
With the building remodeling, we’ll all have to be flexible and we’ll be calling on life groups to help with room painting, transitions, etc.
Also, summer life groups will occur. I’m personally looking forward to the group that will focus on weight loss and accountability toward fitness. Last year was transformational for me personally and I look forward to even greater levels of personal (un)growth.
A fall to remember
We’ll kick off the fall with some new elements that have been alluded to in our newsletter. We’re still ironing out some of the details, but the last weekend in August and Labor Day weekend are shaping up to be some really neat ministry events.
We’ve got some excellent ministry unfolding and I’m so glad you are on board. As a staff, we are praying for a break through kind of a fall. Let me encourage you to do the same.
Sunday we’ll be studying James and John’s mother and her “big ask” of Jesus. As parents, we do ask “big things of the Lord” and that’s great. Looking forward to all of us growing in the knowledge of the Lord as we study Matthew 20:20-28. - Scott
· We baptized a lot of people. Christian Campus House baptized a lot of people. Chinese Christian ministry baptized a lot of people. Kingdom advancement as people are becoming disciples.
· Good Friday and Easter were phenomenal events.
· The Men’s Fitness event was outstanding and inspiring.
· All areas of our youth ministry are excelling.
· God’s word is refreshing and transforming lives. This week multiple conversations have come to us communicating how God has changed people’s hearts in terms of forgiveness, peace, better home lives, and purposeful commitment.
A Great May
This Sunday we’ll celebrate Mothers Day and pray over 19 children and their families during a time of commitment and dedication. This is a time when we lift up commitment for our families to the Lord saying, “We will raise our children to know the Lord.”
We’ll celebrate graduations with a bunch of families.
We’ll lift up both the heroes of God and heroes of our country during Memorial weekend.
We’ll start construction on the building remodeling.
A transitional summer
With the building remodeling, we’ll all have to be flexible and we’ll be calling on life groups to help with room painting, transitions, etc.
Also, summer life groups will occur. I’m personally looking forward to the group that will focus on weight loss and accountability toward fitness. Last year was transformational for me personally and I look forward to even greater levels of personal (un)growth.
A fall to remember
We’ll kick off the fall with some new elements that have been alluded to in our newsletter. We’re still ironing out some of the details, but the last weekend in August and Labor Day weekend are shaping up to be some really neat ministry events.
We’ve got some excellent ministry unfolding and I’m so glad you are on board. As a staff, we are praying for a break through kind of a fall. Let me encourage you to do the same.
Sunday we’ll be studying James and John’s mother and her “big ask” of Jesus. As parents, we do ask “big things of the Lord” and that’s great. Looking forward to all of us growing in the knowledge of the Lord as we study Matthew 20:20-28. - Scott
Thursday, April 29, 2010
e-news for week of 4/25/10
As a church, God’s mission for us is to intentionally connect people to Jesus. Once again, it’s great to see Tom Brooks, Alex Underwood, and Jared Broughton baptized into Christ this past Sunday. We also welcome Craig Pepmiller and Brent and JoAnn Carpenter to the Forum church family. It was great to experience people coming forward for prayer and seeing a desire to release and experience forgiveness.
This past weekend typifies the ongoing ministry and what God is creating here:
· Our Men of Impact gathered for a men’s fitness event at the church. David Hockman, Russ Schauwecker, and Lance Tamerius spoke. Jeremy Maxwell challenged us toward accountable relationships. Bright Red Day (Joe Brown, Tyler Morris, Stephen Walton, and Matt Taylor) led worship. Most of all, God’s presence was there. The focus for all the men of Forum is for you to rise up as ministers. God has us on mission and we need to rise up and lead out.
· Our children’s ministry had an event last Friday for fathers and sons. One of the goals of our children’s ministry is to help parents and their children grow together in the Lord and to equip you as a parent as the primary minister within your family.
· On Saturday our children’s ministry had a day of service. Katelyn and crew took a bunch of 4th and 5th graders to serve at one of the local service organizations.
· Worship on Sunday was stellar.
· Some of our life group leaders called in about a specific prayer need.
· There is a prayer team (open to all) that meets in my office Sunday nights. There was a level of outpouring and intercession for lost people, for the impact of both south and north campuses as well as other churches in our community, praying for forgiveness within lives, within marriages, and within families.
As I say, these types of things are typical and ongoing in the life cycle in the ministry of Forum.
God is doing a great work at Forum and in your lives. As a church, you are living for Jesus. There will be an information piece coming out next week connected to summer, the remodeling of some of our facility, and some of the fall dates to start planning for.
We will have a young man, Jared Amundson, who will be working with us this summer in a working internship. He is a student at Central Christian in Moberly. We could use a place for Jared to live for the summer. If you would be willing, even for a month, please let me know. Just email the office and we’ll start working that.
Recently Andy Lillard, one of our members, came to me and let me know they are relocating to Springfield, MO. Andy, Donna, and Madison, we love you and our prayers are with you as you start this next chapter in your lives.
1 Kings 18 is where we’ll camp out this Sunday. You are where you are to live for the glory of God. Like Joseph, bloom where you are planted. Hold on to God’s dreams for your life. Trust Him, release forgiveness, show up every day with your very best in play. This Sunday should be another great encounter with the Lord as we strive to grow in courage. Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday. – Scott
This past weekend typifies the ongoing ministry and what God is creating here:
· Our Men of Impact gathered for a men’s fitness event at the church. David Hockman, Russ Schauwecker, and Lance Tamerius spoke. Jeremy Maxwell challenged us toward accountable relationships. Bright Red Day (Joe Brown, Tyler Morris, Stephen Walton, and Matt Taylor) led worship. Most of all, God’s presence was there. The focus for all the men of Forum is for you to rise up as ministers. God has us on mission and we need to rise up and lead out.
· Our children’s ministry had an event last Friday for fathers and sons. One of the goals of our children’s ministry is to help parents and their children grow together in the Lord and to equip you as a parent as the primary minister within your family.
· On Saturday our children’s ministry had a day of service. Katelyn and crew took a bunch of 4th and 5th graders to serve at one of the local service organizations.
· Worship on Sunday was stellar.
· Some of our life group leaders called in about a specific prayer need.
· There is a prayer team (open to all) that meets in my office Sunday nights. There was a level of outpouring and intercession for lost people, for the impact of both south and north campuses as well as other churches in our community, praying for forgiveness within lives, within marriages, and within families.
As I say, these types of things are typical and ongoing in the life cycle in the ministry of Forum.
God is doing a great work at Forum and in your lives. As a church, you are living for Jesus. There will be an information piece coming out next week connected to summer, the remodeling of some of our facility, and some of the fall dates to start planning for.
We will have a young man, Jared Amundson, who will be working with us this summer in a working internship. He is a student at Central Christian in Moberly. We could use a place for Jared to live for the summer. If you would be willing, even for a month, please let me know. Just email the office and we’ll start working that.
Recently Andy Lillard, one of our members, came to me and let me know they are relocating to Springfield, MO. Andy, Donna, and Madison, we love you and our prayers are with you as you start this next chapter in your lives.
1 Kings 18 is where we’ll camp out this Sunday. You are where you are to live for the glory of God. Like Joseph, bloom where you are planted. Hold on to God’s dreams for your life. Trust Him, release forgiveness, show up every day with your very best in play. This Sunday should be another great encounter with the Lord as we strive to grow in courage. Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday. – Scott
Friday, April 23, 2010
e-news for week of 4/18/10
First off, I want to thank everyone who has been stepping up connected to our church finances. As a ministry, we've been running behind pace of where we were last year and with us moving back toward full staffing...well....let me just say thank you for your generous and God honoring giving. As leaders, we run very lean operationally so that we can give locally and globally as we do.
Recently I posted this question on my facebook status:
Scott Sutherland is speaking on the depth of forgiveness in the life of Joseph toward his brothers. Question: why does it seem some people can release forgiveness and others hold onto offenses tightly?
Gauging from the outpouring of responses and email I know this is a deep subject. This will be just the tip of the iceberg. We have a tough time with forgiveness and it’s a complex subject. Throughout the course of my life I’ve been told phrases such as:
• That person said something about my father in this setting, and I’ll never forgive them.
• This person hurt my sister in this way, and I’m never going to let that go.
• When my dad died, this sibling of mine did this and wanted this and I just can’t get past it.
This subject is so multi-pronged that there is no way that one sermon is going to pour out enough love and grace to help everyone both experience the forgiveness and grace of God or to encourage them to release the forgiveness they need to.
This Sunday, we will have a decision time/altar call at the end of all three services. This is something you need to pray about. Pray about people who need the forgiveness of God in their lives. Pray about forgiveness you need to release. Pray about a family member who doesn’t know the Lord. Pray for your spouse and anything that may be standing between you.
This Sunday, we’ll have staff and people to meet you down front to help you take whatever your next step is.
We’ll be in Genesis 41-50 centering mostly on chapters 41 and 45.
This Friday night for elementary dads and sons we've got a fun night of pirates and treasures. Come to South Campus at 6 and enjoy some guy time with K - 5th grade kids and dads, grandpas, etc.
Saturday is our men’s fitness event. I want to encourage every man within our ministry to be a part of this excellent event. It happens from 6:30-9:30 p.m. I’m really looking forward to being in the man cave with a group of men who are pursuing God.
See you Sunday. — Scott
Recently I posted this question on my facebook status:
Scott Sutherland is speaking on the depth of forgiveness in the life of Joseph toward his brothers. Question: why does it seem some people can release forgiveness and others hold onto offenses tightly?
Gauging from the outpouring of responses and email I know this is a deep subject. This will be just the tip of the iceberg. We have a tough time with forgiveness and it’s a complex subject. Throughout the course of my life I’ve been told phrases such as:
• That person said something about my father in this setting, and I’ll never forgive them.
• This person hurt my sister in this way, and I’m never going to let that go.
• When my dad died, this sibling of mine did this and wanted this and I just can’t get past it.
This subject is so multi-pronged that there is no way that one sermon is going to pour out enough love and grace to help everyone both experience the forgiveness and grace of God or to encourage them to release the forgiveness they need to.
This Sunday, we will have a decision time/altar call at the end of all three services. This is something you need to pray about. Pray about people who need the forgiveness of God in their lives. Pray about forgiveness you need to release. Pray about a family member who doesn’t know the Lord. Pray for your spouse and anything that may be standing between you.
This Sunday, we’ll have staff and people to meet you down front to help you take whatever your next step is.
We’ll be in Genesis 41-50 centering mostly on chapters 41 and 45.
This Friday night for elementary dads and sons we've got a fun night of pirates and treasures. Come to South Campus at 6 and enjoy some guy time with K - 5th grade kids and dads, grandpas, etc.
Saturday is our men’s fitness event. I want to encourage every man within our ministry to be a part of this excellent event. It happens from 6:30-9:30 p.m. I’m really looking forward to being in the man cave with a group of men who are pursuing God.
See you Sunday. — Scott
Thursday, April 15, 2010
enews for week of 4/11/10
Homework from last Sunday
Follow Jesus.
Great Input
First, thanks to all for the affirmation connected to the decision to hire both Tarry Koutz and Tyler Morris. Both of these men are exceptional and wonderful servants within the kingdom of God. It will be exciting to see how this ministry unfolds. Thank you to those who are stepping up fiscally. One of the retired women of our church grabbed me early in the morning and expressed thanks for the vision and faith of the elders in this and she said, “I’m going to write one lump check to help…is that okay?” Oh yeah, it’s more than okay…it’s commendable. Another of our young men got with me right before 3rd service and just expressed great joy over the way the Lord brought this all together. Psalm 133:1 reminds us, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.”
New Sermon Series
Next, we start a new series this Sunday called “Profiles in Courage.” In 1955 John F. Kennedy wrote a biographical book that won a Pulitzer on acts of courage that people serving within the United States Senate did in the service of their country. While the acts and lives in this book made a profound impact on my life as a young reader, our sermon series will highlight some of the great lives of the Bible and help us to all imitate their acts of faith. Over the next weeks we’ll look at some of God’s heroes, see their courage, faith, and integrity in action and hopefully grow in our faith. Genesis 36, 37, 39, 40 will be the backdrop this Sunday if you want to jump start your reading. Chapter 39 will be the primary text. We imitate Christ and draw on the faith of those who walked uprightly with the Lord.
Men’s Fitness
For the men of the church, I want to take a minute and communicate the vision that we would have for you. The goal of our men’s ministry is to help every man within our church to understand that you are called into ministry and you are a minister. If you are a husband, a dad, or if you are the sole person in your family - you are the primary spiritual leader within your home. If you teach a Bible study class, you are a minister. If you go to a workplace, you are a minister. You are called to be like Christ. To help sharpen and equip you, we are having a men’s fitness seminar on April 24 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. It’s time for God’s men to mobilize and engage in ministry. God’s kingdom and its growth is depending on you. You are key to God’s plan to save the whole world. Reread that last line.
Can’t wait to fill up the auditorium this Sunday with praise and worship to the Lord. Get here early, meet some new people, ready yourself in prayer, and let’s engage. See you then. — Scott
Follow Jesus.
Great Input
First, thanks to all for the affirmation connected to the decision to hire both Tarry Koutz and Tyler Morris. Both of these men are exceptional and wonderful servants within the kingdom of God. It will be exciting to see how this ministry unfolds. Thank you to those who are stepping up fiscally. One of the retired women of our church grabbed me early in the morning and expressed thanks for the vision and faith of the elders in this and she said, “I’m going to write one lump check to help…is that okay?” Oh yeah, it’s more than okay…it’s commendable. Another of our young men got with me right before 3rd service and just expressed great joy over the way the Lord brought this all together. Psalm 133:1 reminds us, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.”
New Sermon Series
Next, we start a new series this Sunday called “Profiles in Courage.” In 1955 John F. Kennedy wrote a biographical book that won a Pulitzer on acts of courage that people serving within the United States Senate did in the service of their country. While the acts and lives in this book made a profound impact on my life as a young reader, our sermon series will highlight some of the great lives of the Bible and help us to all imitate their acts of faith. Over the next weeks we’ll look at some of God’s heroes, see their courage, faith, and integrity in action and hopefully grow in our faith. Genesis 36, 37, 39, 40 will be the backdrop this Sunday if you want to jump start your reading. Chapter 39 will be the primary text. We imitate Christ and draw on the faith of those who walked uprightly with the Lord.
Men’s Fitness
For the men of the church, I want to take a minute and communicate the vision that we would have for you. The goal of our men’s ministry is to help every man within our church to understand that you are called into ministry and you are a minister. If you are a husband, a dad, or if you are the sole person in your family - you are the primary spiritual leader within your home. If you teach a Bible study class, you are a minister. If you go to a workplace, you are a minister. You are called to be like Christ. To help sharpen and equip you, we are having a men’s fitness seminar on April 24 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. It’s time for God’s men to mobilize and engage in ministry. God’s kingdom and its growth is depending on you. You are key to God’s plan to save the whole world. Reread that last line.
Can’t wait to fill up the auditorium this Sunday with praise and worship to the Lord. Get here early, meet some new people, ready yourself in prayer, and let’s engage. See you then. — Scott
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
e-news for week of 4/4/10
Excellent, great, phenomenal, and a challenge.
Those are the adjectives that describe what I’m about to write.
Excellent:
• The services on Good Friday and Easter were excellent and glorifying to God. Thanks to Tarry Koutz, the choir, and all those who participated in the drama on Good Friday – you all helped us to experience Christ in a God glorifying way.
• The Easter Services lifted up Christ and affirmed His resurrection in a powerful way. It was great to see Jeff Hemme baptize his son Noah and Chris Wilson baptize Gene Underwood in third service. Joe Brown did a fantastic job leading 2nd and 3rd services. I heard Jared Wortman and Tyler Morris were outstanding out at the north campus. In all things, God was glorified.
Great News:
• The leadership of Forum has after a period of seeking the Lord, as well as searching the country, made a decision connected to the worship ministry. Specifically, it is my privilege and honor to communicate to you that both Tyler Morris and Tarry Koutz are coming onto the Forum staff full-time. In that their dossier would be quite lengthy between them, I’ll give you a brief overview in this article and as you come to know them more – you’ll just be thrilled – I know I am.
• Dr. Tarry Koutz served as the worship minister for Forum for years and years. He has also been a professor at Central Christian College of the Bible (Moberly, MO) for decades. Tarry has been married to his wife Poppy for 39 years. His son-in-law Tim Crockett, daughter Julie, and 2 grandchildren - Emery and Carson (with one en route) actively attend and serve at Forum. As I say, we’re all thrilled. Tarry will lead our first service, coordinate and lead our productions (they have been off the charts), and oversee and coordinate the children’s choirs, and we are praying about the development of a Fine Arts Academy down the road.
• Tyler Morris is the husband of Katelyn Morris – our children’s minister. Tyler is a phenomenal musician and servant hearted individual. Before coming to Forum, he was the worship leader for a new church. We hired Katelyn in the area of Children’s Ministry and he hesitatingly moved out of that area to follow God’s lead for their family here. When the north campus opened, Tyler began serving exemplarily and once again was able to lead out north a lot as well as coordinate the set up of everything musical out there (that’s one of the reasons south campus hasn’t gotten to know him real well – he’s always out north). Tyler will lead/coordinate 2nd, 3rd, and north campus services, coach our teen bands, set our serving schedules, and lead the creative development of our services. Tyler and Katelyn are a phenomenal couple and we’re so glad God led them here.
Phenomenal ministry:
• Our deacons serve and serve and serve. The grounds and the campus looked perfect for Easter. A bunch of people repainted the entire gym, halls, stairwells, etc. this month and it looks so crisp. Thanks for all of your service and leadership.
A challenge:
• In that we operate very “lean and mean” as a ministry, we don’t dialogue much about money. To me, people who love the Lord love to give and give cheerfully. In that we are adding staff, we have been running tight and then some at our current giving levels. I’m going to encourage each family to consider giving an additional five or ten dollars each week or if the Lord prompts you to do more I sure don’t want to limit you.
We’ll also have light construction to make over a lot of our classroom areas in the very near future as well. With these opportunities come additional financial needs. Let me encourage all of us to rise to the challenge.
Pizza With The Pastors is this Sunday night at 5 in room 104/106. Come meet with some of the ministers and learn more about Forum and have a time to ask any questions you might have as well. Childcare is provided.
Men’s F.I.T.ness Seminar is Saturday, April 24 from 7 – 9:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the south campus. Come at 6:30 for snacks. Worship begins at 7. Come for an evening centered around intentionally connecting men to Christ through teaching, worship, and fellowship.
This Sunday we’ll finish out our “Gameface” series studying out of John 21. Bottom line: so the resurrection/Easter happened, what’s next? What do we do? It will be a great encounter with Jesus. Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday - Scott
Those are the adjectives that describe what I’m about to write.
Excellent:
• The services on Good Friday and Easter were excellent and glorifying to God. Thanks to Tarry Koutz, the choir, and all those who participated in the drama on Good Friday – you all helped us to experience Christ in a God glorifying way.
• The Easter Services lifted up Christ and affirmed His resurrection in a powerful way. It was great to see Jeff Hemme baptize his son Noah and Chris Wilson baptize Gene Underwood in third service. Joe Brown did a fantastic job leading 2nd and 3rd services. I heard Jared Wortman and Tyler Morris were outstanding out at the north campus. In all things, God was glorified.
Great News:
• The leadership of Forum has after a period of seeking the Lord, as well as searching the country, made a decision connected to the worship ministry. Specifically, it is my privilege and honor to communicate to you that both Tyler Morris and Tarry Koutz are coming onto the Forum staff full-time. In that their dossier would be quite lengthy between them, I’ll give you a brief overview in this article and as you come to know them more – you’ll just be thrilled – I know I am.
• Dr. Tarry Koutz served as the worship minister for Forum for years and years. He has also been a professor at Central Christian College of the Bible (Moberly, MO) for decades. Tarry has been married to his wife Poppy for 39 years. His son-in-law Tim Crockett, daughter Julie, and 2 grandchildren - Emery and Carson (with one en route) actively attend and serve at Forum. As I say, we’re all thrilled. Tarry will lead our first service, coordinate and lead our productions (they have been off the charts), and oversee and coordinate the children’s choirs, and we are praying about the development of a Fine Arts Academy down the road.
• Tyler Morris is the husband of Katelyn Morris – our children’s minister. Tyler is a phenomenal musician and servant hearted individual. Before coming to Forum, he was the worship leader for a new church. We hired Katelyn in the area of Children’s Ministry and he hesitatingly moved out of that area to follow God’s lead for their family here. When the north campus opened, Tyler began serving exemplarily and once again was able to lead out north a lot as well as coordinate the set up of everything musical out there (that’s one of the reasons south campus hasn’t gotten to know him real well – he’s always out north). Tyler will lead/coordinate 2nd, 3rd, and north campus services, coach our teen bands, set our serving schedules, and lead the creative development of our services. Tyler and Katelyn are a phenomenal couple and we’re so glad God led them here.
Phenomenal ministry:
• Our deacons serve and serve and serve. The grounds and the campus looked perfect for Easter. A bunch of people repainted the entire gym, halls, stairwells, etc. this month and it looks so crisp. Thanks for all of your service and leadership.
A challenge:
• In that we operate very “lean and mean” as a ministry, we don’t dialogue much about money. To me, people who love the Lord love to give and give cheerfully. In that we are adding staff, we have been running tight and then some at our current giving levels. I’m going to encourage each family to consider giving an additional five or ten dollars each week or if the Lord prompts you to do more I sure don’t want to limit you.
We’ll also have light construction to make over a lot of our classroom areas in the very near future as well. With these opportunities come additional financial needs. Let me encourage all of us to rise to the challenge.
Pizza With The Pastors is this Sunday night at 5 in room 104/106. Come meet with some of the ministers and learn more about Forum and have a time to ask any questions you might have as well. Childcare is provided.
Men’s F.I.T.ness Seminar is Saturday, April 24 from 7 – 9:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the south campus. Come at 6:30 for snacks. Worship begins at 7. Come for an evening centered around intentionally connecting men to Christ through teaching, worship, and fellowship.
This Sunday we’ll finish out our “Gameface” series studying out of John 21. Bottom line: so the resurrection/Easter happened, what’s next? What do we do? It will be a great encounter with Jesus. Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday - Scott
Friday, April 2, 2010
enews for week of 3/28/10
This Friday night, let me encourage you to invite friends, family, and neighbors to come and embrace the cross of Jesus as we celebrate Good Friday. Last week, when typing this enews, I made a typo that I liked. I omitted one “o” in Good Friday thus making it God Friday. While it was corrected – the more I thought about it – the more appropriate it became. The time for the experience is 7:30 p.m.
A KOMU reporter asked me on Monday, “How do you keep the Easter story fresh…I mean, it’s the same story every year?”
While that question is true, there is nothing fresher every day for the follower of Jesus than the reality that He is Alive! We worship, interact with, follow, love, and adore a living God!
We follow a risen savior who uniquely holds the name that is above all names:
• Buddha, Mohammed, David, Mao, Stalin, Marx, Elvis, Napoleon, Abraham Lincoln, Gandhi, John Kennedy, and others may have all had elements of distinction but none claim resurrection
• All of the above might encourage you to follow their teaching, purchase their music, admire their power, or buy into their ideology. Jesus doesn’t call you to any of that. He’s alive and He actively calls you to Him. He’s alive. You can transact business with Him every day.
• The resurrection demonstrates beyond all doubt that there is life after death and that Jesus holds the key to the afterlife.
We celebrate Jesus.
This weekend, let’s embrace the cross and let’s celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ together. If you want to read ahead, we’ll be in John 20 this weekend as we look at another question of Jesus – specifically, “Who is it you are looking for?” Should be a great day of worship – see you then. — Scott
Just a reminder that all Sunday night activities here at South Campus are cancelled for Easter.
A KOMU reporter asked me on Monday, “How do you keep the Easter story fresh…I mean, it’s the same story every year?”
While that question is true, there is nothing fresher every day for the follower of Jesus than the reality that He is Alive! We worship, interact with, follow, love, and adore a living God!
We follow a risen savior who uniquely holds the name that is above all names:
• Buddha, Mohammed, David, Mao, Stalin, Marx, Elvis, Napoleon, Abraham Lincoln, Gandhi, John Kennedy, and others may have all had elements of distinction but none claim resurrection
• All of the above might encourage you to follow their teaching, purchase their music, admire their power, or buy into their ideology. Jesus doesn’t call you to any of that. He’s alive and He actively calls you to Him. He’s alive. You can transact business with Him every day.
• The resurrection demonstrates beyond all doubt that there is life after death and that Jesus holds the key to the afterlife.
We celebrate Jesus.
This weekend, let’s embrace the cross and let’s celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ together. If you want to read ahead, we’ll be in John 20 this weekend as we look at another question of Jesus – specifically, “Who is it you are looking for?” Should be a great day of worship – see you then. — Scott
Just a reminder that all Sunday night activities here at South Campus are cancelled for Easter.
Friday, March 26, 2010
e-news for week of 3/21/10
This Sunday is called “Palm Sunday” because it coincides with Jesus entering into Jerusalem with a king’s welcome. “Hail”, “Hosanna”, “Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord”, were all shouts that greeted him. Human nature can turn on a dime and on expectations.
There’s an old expression, “When expectations don’t match reality, disappointment sets in.” Look at all the disappointment from the point of human expectations during the week of the Passion:
• This guy is a blasphemer.
• This king doesn’t measure up.
• We expected more.
• God is failing.
Do you think there was anything that Jesus experienced that week that he didn’t see and anticipate? Did his outcome go unmet? Is it possible that our human, fleshly eyes and expectations miss God’s design and activity on a consistent basis?
There’s a lot to be excited about right now at Forum. I hope you are dialed in to the activity of God. Let me give you a glimpse. Travis Tipton started coming to church a while back (within the last couple of years). God gets a hold of him and starts molding and shaping him. He prayerfully decides to go into ministry and he and his wife Lisa start studying at Central Christian College of the Bible. This past Sunday, Travis baptized his friend Ryan after third service. When Ryan came up out of the water, I cannot describe the level of joy and victory he expressed. May I be overly simplistic – if every Christian makes one disciple each year – the whole world is won in less than 5 years. Bottom line – let God get a hold of you.
Over the next several weeks, we’ll be announcing some great things connected to Forum as a ministry connected to staff, the facility, and some things we are doing that are new approaches for Forum. Right now, during this season of the year, let’s all keep our eyes focused on the cross and contemplate Christ.
We’ll be in Isaiah 53 this Sunday. It’s such a beautiful passage. I’d encourage you to read it daily between now and Good Friday. Read also Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19 daily. Meditate and dwell on this epic event.
I want to express my thanks to all the deacons and Forum family who spent several hours here last Saturday painting in the Family Life Center. The results are amazing! Thanks so much for your servant hearts.
Next Friday, April 2 is Good Friday. Our adult choir will be presenting “Experience the Cross.” This will be in the auditorium at South Campus at 7:30 p.m. Let’s take time to remember the extreme sacrifice that Christ made for each of us.
I really look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday - Scott
There’s an old expression, “When expectations don’t match reality, disappointment sets in.” Look at all the disappointment from the point of human expectations during the week of the Passion:
• This guy is a blasphemer.
• This king doesn’t measure up.
• We expected more.
• God is failing.
Do you think there was anything that Jesus experienced that week that he didn’t see and anticipate? Did his outcome go unmet? Is it possible that our human, fleshly eyes and expectations miss God’s design and activity on a consistent basis?
There’s a lot to be excited about right now at Forum. I hope you are dialed in to the activity of God. Let me give you a glimpse. Travis Tipton started coming to church a while back (within the last couple of years). God gets a hold of him and starts molding and shaping him. He prayerfully decides to go into ministry and he and his wife Lisa start studying at Central Christian College of the Bible. This past Sunday, Travis baptized his friend Ryan after third service. When Ryan came up out of the water, I cannot describe the level of joy and victory he expressed. May I be overly simplistic – if every Christian makes one disciple each year – the whole world is won in less than 5 years. Bottom line – let God get a hold of you.
Over the next several weeks, we’ll be announcing some great things connected to Forum as a ministry connected to staff, the facility, and some things we are doing that are new approaches for Forum. Right now, during this season of the year, let’s all keep our eyes focused on the cross and contemplate Christ.
We’ll be in Isaiah 53 this Sunday. It’s such a beautiful passage. I’d encourage you to read it daily between now and Good Friday. Read also Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19 daily. Meditate and dwell on this epic event.
I want to express my thanks to all the deacons and Forum family who spent several hours here last Saturday painting in the Family Life Center. The results are amazing! Thanks so much for your servant hearts.
Next Friday, April 2 is Good Friday. Our adult choir will be presenting “Experience the Cross.” This will be in the auditorium at South Campus at 7:30 p.m. Let’s take time to remember the extreme sacrifice that Christ made for each of us.
I really look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday - Scott
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
e-news for week of 3/14/10
We had a crowd back in the baptistery area this past Sunday during third service. Frankly, I’d love Forum to be the first church to ever wear out a baptistery. People coming, saying “Yes – Jesus is Lord” and imitating Christ. Jesse Bunse, Sarah Schaffner, and Kate Buster were all baptized during third service.
So many facets to the event of baptism that I love.
I love the simplicity – I mean – come on – death, burial, and resurrection wrapped up in a single event.
I love the scriptures that reveal the event: washing with water through the word, the clothed with Christ, the raised to walk a new life, the signifying the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit, and I could write on. What a great event.
I love the humility we display in that this is literally a “lowering” event. The baptistery isn’t a place we strut into. We walk into it with the humility of knowing we’ve sinned and fallen short. We walk into it knowing our need for a savior.
I love the savior, Jesus Christ, who is at the center of this event. This event tells the story – the story of his death, burial, and resurrection that we are now part of and share in.
I love the level of joy that wells up within those who yield to Christ in this way. I’ve seen couples embrace and nearly weep as they were baptized together. I’ve seen teens with hands raised in triumph. I’ve seen children bouncing up and down. I’ve seen middle school students look like they’ve just had 8 5-hour energy drinks.
Let me encourage you – if you have not ever been immersed – to yield yourself over to Christ in this event. Just as Christ was given as a gift for your benefit, Christ gave us baptism for your benefit.
Work day will happen this Saturday at 7 a.m. Any amount of time you can give will be of great service. Dress in a manner that is appropriate for painting.
Speaking of service – thanks for the feedback from both campuses this past Sunday. It was great to hear Jody Riley did a great job out north. I’m proud of every one of our staff members for their willingness to serve and step up. Let me encourage you to build our staff up in word and deed. This is a great staff and will only continue to build and grow.
Last – this Sunday night during our youth group times we will be having a commercial shot. We need every elementary and middle school parent to sign an image release form. If you do not want your young person in a commercial for Forum – please tell the elementary leader – Katelyn Morris or the middle school leader – Jody Riley so the filming crew keeps them out of frame. We’re excited about the people of Columbia this may impact. I’ll talk more about this in an upcoming e-news.
If you want to read ahead for this week – we’ll be in Luke 22 as Jesus continues to put on his gameface and head toward the cross. Looking forward to worshiping with you this upcoming Sunday. — Scott
So many facets to the event of baptism that I love.
I love the simplicity – I mean – come on – death, burial, and resurrection wrapped up in a single event.
I love the scriptures that reveal the event: washing with water through the word, the clothed with Christ, the raised to walk a new life, the signifying the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit, and I could write on. What a great event.
I love the humility we display in that this is literally a “lowering” event. The baptistery isn’t a place we strut into. We walk into it with the humility of knowing we’ve sinned and fallen short. We walk into it knowing our need for a savior.
I love the savior, Jesus Christ, who is at the center of this event. This event tells the story – the story of his death, burial, and resurrection that we are now part of and share in.
I love the level of joy that wells up within those who yield to Christ in this way. I’ve seen couples embrace and nearly weep as they were baptized together. I’ve seen teens with hands raised in triumph. I’ve seen children bouncing up and down. I’ve seen middle school students look like they’ve just had 8 5-hour energy drinks.
Let me encourage you – if you have not ever been immersed – to yield yourself over to Christ in this event. Just as Christ was given as a gift for your benefit, Christ gave us baptism for your benefit.
Work day will happen this Saturday at 7 a.m. Any amount of time you can give will be of great service. Dress in a manner that is appropriate for painting.
Speaking of service – thanks for the feedback from both campuses this past Sunday. It was great to hear Jody Riley did a great job out north. I’m proud of every one of our staff members for their willingness to serve and step up. Let me encourage you to build our staff up in word and deed. This is a great staff and will only continue to build and grow.
Last – this Sunday night during our youth group times we will be having a commercial shot. We need every elementary and middle school parent to sign an image release form. If you do not want your young person in a commercial for Forum – please tell the elementary leader – Katelyn Morris or the middle school leader – Jody Riley so the filming crew keeps them out of frame. We’re excited about the people of Columbia this may impact. I’ll talk more about this in an upcoming e-news.
If you want to read ahead for this week – we’ll be in Luke 22 as Jesus continues to put on his gameface and head toward the cross. Looking forward to worshiping with you this upcoming Sunday. — Scott
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