e-news for week of 12/25/11

New Vistas.

Hiking in the mountains can really give you spectacular glimpses of God’s creation. I love new vistas on the way up. There will be parts of the hike where there’s a clearing and you are able to see for miles. At each new vista, you can make a choice – the choice to say, “Wow – that’s a great view – I don’t think it can get much better than this. I’m tired and I don’t want to expend the energy or the effort to keep climbing” or the choice to say, “Here we go. We’re moving higher.” Pushing yourself forward, forgetting what’s behind you, pressing forward and going for it is a great choice and here’s why:

The view from the top of the climb is unparalleled.

2012 Begins

January 1, 2012 falls on Sunday. What better way to start the year off right: connecting with God in His word, having communion with Him, and spending time in worship. Our mission is to intentionally connect people with Jesus.

Over 1000 of us ended the year in worship last weekend. That’s a great way to end a year. Last year was truly an incredible year of ministry. Our mission is to intentionally connect people to Jesus. That has happened a lot this past year.

As a ministry, 2012 needs to purposefully center on intentionally connecting people to Jesus.

I was at one of the packed MU football games with one of my friends. It was one of those 70,000+ attendance days at Faurot. The weather was perfect. The Tigers were winning (MIZ…). I don’t know that it could have been a more picture perfect day. As I sat there enjoying a great friend at a great game with great weather, a very odd realization came over my spirit. I meet with local pastors and from best guesses among us there are roughly 40,000 people connected to churches in Columbia (with about 25,000 attending those churches – sound like a lot right?). I realized and said to my friend, “If there were a church the size of everybody at Faurot field WITH all the other churches in town keeping the exact same numbers there would still be roughly 40,000 people (when you factor in student population) in order to fully reach Columbia.”

And as I looked at that sea of people, I was quickly reminded of the need for disciples of Jesus to fully be His disciples. This new vista made me uncomfortable.

Friends, I love what God is doing at Forum. But when it comes to reaching lost people, we can’t be content. I’m not going to rest until every person in Columbia has been connected to Jesus Christ.

This Sunday we start a brand new series called, “Not a fan.” Jesus calls you to a new place of following and commitment. We can’t sit on the sidelines with people all around us not knowing Jesus Christ as Lord. It’s game time and it’s time for all of us to fully engage. Looking forward to Sunday. – Scott

e-news for week of 12/18/11

He will be born:

With utmost expectancy
The couple awaits
The cresting moment of their son’s birth
Months of questioning, fears, and frustration
Culminate with unexpected travel
“Go and register – and pay your taxes”

The laborious travel
A ninety mile trek
Must have jarred her
With every step

Oh the mysteries of God
Who can fully discern?
When viewed with sight, His ways seem unpredictable
When viewed with faith, His ways prove providential
Oh the mysteries of God,
Who can fully discern?

Humble and unique – a birth unlike any other
Visited not by parents or relatives but by invited shepherds
A stone carved manger used for a crib
Divinity becomes humanity and places full trust in this mom and dad

Oh the mysteries of God
Who can fully discern?
When viewed with sight, His ways seem unpredictable
When viewed with faith, His ways prove providential
Oh the mysteries of God,
Who can fully discern?

2011 has been a phenomenal year of ministry! Let’s close it out in a stellar way worshiping our Lord as a church family over Christmas weekend!

Service times for the weekend are:

Saturday 4, 5:30, and 7 (three identical family services)
Sunday 10:30 (a stand-alone casual Christmas Day family service)

Invite family and friends to this weekend. It’s one of the highest seeker attended weekends in the year. Just as the wise men sought out Christ, people continue to seek. Be like the star shining in the universe pointing to Jesus (see Philippians 2: 14).

I want to take a moment to thank Tarry Koutz and every choir member, drama person, handbell ringer, sound technician, light operator, table decorator, vacuumer, and everyone else who made “Christmas at the Forum” a great happening.

Looking forward to great encounters with the Lord Saturday and Sunday. See you then - Scott

e-news for week of 12-11-11

On behalf of the Forum staff, let me wish everyone a “Merry Christmas!”

I’ve got some personal wishes for Christmas this year (and every year):

Now, among the staff I’m sure there are a couple of wishes that miraculously Albert Pujols will return to the Cardinals.

I’m sure there’s some hopes, dreams, and love going out for the Royals as well.

There’s probably even some secret hopes connected to the Cubs.

But the heart felt Christmas wishes would include:

That every person in Columbia, Missouri come to know Jesus as Lord.
That the Lord would be the center of MU.
That the mission efforts of the church would help everyone to know Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives.
Peace and joy within every home.
The will of God to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

This weekend is full of events to help people connect to Jesus.

Saturday at 3 and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. “Christmas at the Forum” is happening. Invite friends, family, and neighbors.

After the Sunday afternoon performance we could use a lot of help to tear down the sets. If you’ve got a power drill, bring it charged and help us disassemble the stage. Even if you don’t attend the performance – show up at 4:30 and throw in a helping hand.

This Sunday morning we’ll dial into the story of the Magi out of Matthew 2. Invite, invite, invite – ‘tis the season to share the love of Jesus. Looking forward to a stellar weekend! - Scott

e-news for week of 12/4/11

Hope entered into the world in Jesus. Light overtook darkness. Good news of great joy comes to mankind.

This is a season of light. Let me encourage you to be the light of the world. Extend an invitation to someone to come to one of the Christmas productions and also invite them to church.

I also want to encourage you to finish the year out as strong givers. You may be receiving year end bonuses or something of that nature. As a ministry, we’ve had a very blessed year financially and my encouragement to all of us is, “Let’s conclude 2011 strongly by giving to the kingdom.”

Thanks also for those of you who shared your personal testimonies. The Lord has worked in your lives in powerful ways. Thanks for being so very open about something so very deep and personal in your life – namely your need for God and how salvation was revealed to you. It’s time for us all to share that good news.

Looking forward to a stellar encounter Sunday as we worship the Lord together.
- Scott

e-news for week of 11/27/11

As a staff, we gather one hour a week for development. As a leader, constant growth and learning is a central component to who we are as a staff. Currently we are in a spiritual growth module. This week’s chapter was on spiritual guidance and how we must look to one another within the church body for insight, wisdom, encouragement, and support vs. just being rugged individuals who are driven toward exclusive self fulfillment. When talking about barriers to this concept, Jody Riley (our Jr. High Minister) asked a most profound question (no one has ever fully accused Jody of being consistently profound). The question was, “Is there ever a point when we move from thinking about church as a collection of individuals to realizing we are ‘a people.’?” We are the family of God. Our Father is working among us, in us, and through us.

I do think of “The Sutherlands” as a family. As we sat around our family table with all of us gathered together last week for Thanksgiving, we listed things from the past year we are thankful for. At the top of my list was the Lord’s protection of Natasha and the Uriah family in India during the terrorist attack. The list also included the great things the Lord is doing at Forum.

As a church family, last month the leadership of Forum gathered as staff, elders, and deacons. We talked about how God continues to work and move at Forum. The list is so long. I’ll share the list in the January 2012 Connection Newsletter. But here’s some insight:

• the number of people who have confessed “Jesus is Lord” and been baptized in His name.
• the great level of giving that has allowed us to continue to impact Columbia and the world.
• The multitude of service projects that have occurred this year.
• The phenomenal weekend with our missionaries.
• The growth that we’ve seen (as we continue to bring more permanent chairs in to the auditorium) in the Sunday morning gatherings.

Let me encourage all of us to finish out the year strong with our giving so that, as a ministry, we’ll be able to head into 2012 in a strong way.

This Sunday we enter into a season to reflect on the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only, full of grace and truth.

Personal question: Is the Living Word residing in you?

We’ll talk about this Sunday. Come prepared by living for Jesus every day. May your worship this Sunday be an outflow of a week lived for Jesus. Looking forward to a great encounter - Scott

e-news for week of 11/20/11

I’m one who tends to save words. Having prayer journals dating back all the way to 1982 helps me to look back over the years and see how God has moved. And move He does. Over and over again, the Lord provides, orchestrates, and leads.

Those prayers and words uttered to the Lord, help to shape the way I see the world.

Do you realize how important words are in shaping the way you see the world?
Do you realize how your words can elevate and uplift?
Your words can encourage or they can crush.
They can uplift or they can discourage.
Words shape the way people perceive the world.

Listen for a moment to the word of the Lord:

In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God…and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen His glory, glory of the One and Only full of grace and truth (John 1: 1, 14)

God’s definitive word of love for this world is Jesus. This living Word is full of grace and truth.

Words shape reality. How we interact with one another shapes the world of those around us. God’s definitive word to us, Christ Jesus, says we are loved, that God has grace, and He pursues us with passion.

This Thanksgiving, let your words overflow with joy and hope. God is good all the time. Build up your children. Build up your spouse. Encourage your co-workers. Put a smile on to your face to simply brighten the day of those around you.

This Sunday we’ll study 1 Kings 17:7-24 together and see the overflowing and provisional nature of our good God as He cares for one of His prophets and a widow. It’s a life lesson in extreme faith. Looking forward to worshiping with you Sunday. – Scott

e-news for week of 11/13/11

I love roses. I grow roses. Nothing delights my heart more than to cut roses and place them on a table for my wife or bring them to our wonderful support staff in my office.

While I love roses, tending them and growing them, I rarely stop and smell them.

Right now, as a church, let’s stop and smell the great fragrance and pleasing aroma of our Missions Homecoming weekend.

It was so great to hear of all the different works that are going on all over the world. I want to thank Seth Thomas, Kevin Dooley, and Randy Dolan for the outstanding preaching of God’s word that occurred. As a church, we had so many opportunities to learn about the movement of God all over the world.

We boast in the Lord for what He is doing. We thank the Lord for servants He has raised up in His name. Several of those we support told me how they’ve never experienced the kind of love and outpouring that we put in front of them. To our missions team we say, “Thanks for the God glorifying weekend.”

It’s also of God’s hand to be a church body who has helped to send out missionaries, people in ministry and youth ministry, kingdom workers, and young men and women who are living for the Lord.

This weekend we will continue to raise up as Game Changers talking about “Game Changing Giving and Living.” Malachi 3 and 2 Corinthians 9: 6-15 will be our texts. Jesus will be our focal point (ALWAYS!!!).

Great serving our Awesome Lord with you. – Scott

e-news for week of 11/6/11

U2 did a song of their version of how the U.S. should have responded to Hurricane Katrina natural disaster called, “The Saints Are Coming.” In the video U.S. troops are redeployed back to the U.S. with wave upon wave of planes and helicopters responding to the needs in New Orleans.

This weekend, “The Saints are coming…. home.” We have the privilege of welcoming to Forum this weekend some of the frontline soldiers in the army of God. Men and women who have been deployed by the Lord to places around the globe not for temporary humanitarian aid, but for the eternal purpose of taking the message of Jesus Christ to people who have not heard. I think it’s very fitting that it falls over Veteran’s Day week.

It’s going to be a stellar weekend!

Check out the weekend schedule online at www.forumchristian.org . If you don’t normally attend a morning Bible study hour – make it a priority to go to one of those classes. Or, you might want to be in two or even three of the worship services this weekend to hear the three different speakers. Stick around as well for the lunch afterwards (bring some side items).

God is always good and it’s truly a great season of ministry at Forum right now. I’ve got so many great things to share, but want us all to focus on these living heroes who will be with us this weekend.

On a different note: Jared and Katrina Wortman had their baby girl Clara Catherine this week. We’ll post contact information in next week’s announcements for any who would want to send best wishes.

Going to be a great weekend. Be a part of as much of it as you can.

See you Sunday - Scott

e-news for week of 10/30/11

October was pastor appreciation month and on behalf of Melody and our family, let me say, “Thank you” to so many of you who sent various forms of love, encouragement, and gratitude. On behalf of our staff, let me as well say, “Thank you” for the kindnesses, the words of encouragement, and the building up that many of you do.

We’re striving to become spiritual game changers, believers who are mature, unified, and fully geared up to advance the kingdom of God.

To follow up from last Sunday, please do a self-diagnostic test:

1. How am I doing to insure the unity within the church, within my marriage, and within my household?
2. Am I striving to wear the name of Jesus Christ as his radiant church with honor?
3. Do you see yourself as esteemed by Christ – radiant and white?
4. Husbands, are you loving your wives this week like Christ loves the church?
5. Wives, are you respecting your husbands?

In Ephesians 6 God calls us to get ready and to be ready – all the time. God calls on us to prepare for battle. This weekend will be a significant eye opener to some.

Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday. - Scott

PS – Next weekend (11-13) will be our “Missions Homecoming.” These are living heroes of our faith. There’s a full schedule of opportunities over the weekend to get connected to. Make plans to be part of it all.

Scott's Weekly E-news for 10-23-11

“I do.”

There are hundreds of millions of back-stories that lead up to those words spoken at an altar.

“He kept showing up every day.”
“It was a blind date gone awry.”
“We were high school sweethearts.”
“We met in college.”
“She was dating my roommate.”
“It was an arranged marriage.” (I have some international friends)

Some back-stories aren’t as romantic or picturesque. Others are simpler. Others are profound. Some are absurdly funny. Some are divinely mysterious.

“What God has joined together let no one separate.”

This weekend, God invites you to encounter His word and design for your household. He invites us to see the beauty of His bride, the church. We’ll be in Ephesians 5 if you want to ready your hearts ahead of time.

This is a great time to reach out to married couples you know or anyone you know who is thinking about marriage. It’s the oldest of all human covenants. God invented it. He’s the author and authority. It’s so very important.

Looking forward to a great encounter both in worship and in His word with you this Sunday.

Scott

e-news for week of 10-16-11

The next two weekends would be great opportunities to invite friends and family to church (Every weekend is good - these will simply “pop” for the unchurched/dechurched).

This weekend we’ll be in Ephesians 5 talking about living as children of light. Next weekend we’ll dial into God’s design for our marriages (and the church).

As a church, we’ve had a season of God’s blessing and work within our ministry. There’s been some refining, there’s been growth, there’s been people confessing “Jesus is Lord,” repenting, and baptisms.

As we’ve focused on the unity within the body, we continue to grow together “as one.”

But make no mistake. Satan is real and one of the chief elements that he uses is division within the body and among people. He wants to divide you as husbands and wives. He wants to divide your family. He wants believers to divide with one another over doctrinal confusion (among other tactics as well). He wants you to divide with a brother or sister over various matters.

But we are the church of the victorious. We know that “Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.” We know the power of the resurrection. We have the Holy Spirit of God deposited into our lives. We stand united upon Christ, One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one hope, one God and Father over all who is in all and through all.

Will be a great day of worship this Sunday – bring a friend. Scott

e-news for week of 10/9/11 second edition

This past Sunday was one of those, “Man oh man, I hope you didn’t miss it” Sundays. Five people were baptized into Christ. The energy in the facility is just so very high. It’s because God is working in your life and in this body.

We asked the question, “Are you intentionally investing?” This refers God’s gifts within your life. Are you using those gifts to speak, show, unify, build up, serve, organize, synergize, empathize, (running out of ‘izes’ here) lead, follow, give, heal, pray, etc. in the name of Jesus Christ?

In second service, there was this unique moment of revelation and insight for me. One of the texts we referenced during the sermon was Hebrews 6. Among the elementary teachings listed is “the laying on of hands.” This was an area I devoted study toward working on my Masters degree. When initiates were baptized into Christ – there was a laying on of hands where a blessing or a word of the Lord was shared. While we kind of do that (we usually quote excerpts from Acts 2 or Romans 6), Sunday as Diane and Grant Baxter baptized their son Luke – they both spoke blessings over their son. Because we had just heard that passage, there was a “light went on” moment for me. As we baptize at Forum, I hope we’ll strive to be more intentional about the “setting apart” element that the laying on of hands and speaking a word from the Lord over the one coming for baptism. Words that both challenge and elevate. While baptism is a washing, a burial, a clothing, a resurrection, an identification with his death – the Holy Spirit is also being deposited by the Lord into our lives. The Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit are coming into the life of the one being baptized. Speaking words from the Word and from the Spirit of truth over the person is truly a blessing. I’ll never forget the words spoken over me upon my baptism. I’ve often referred back to those words for deep inspiration. As Jesus was baptized, his Father spoke over him, “This is my beloved Son in whom I’m well pleased.” That blessing is one I’m sure he valued as he walked this earth.

This Sunday, we’ll continue to elevate and draw near to Christ as we look at Ephesians 4. Read chapters 4-5 and ready your heart and spirit. We’re striving to be like Jesus.

We’ve had many people yielding to Christ in baptism and also identifying with Forum as the church they call home. Here are the names of those who have chosen to do this over the past several weeks:

Richard and Leslie Davis, Brian and Andrea Kirkman, Jackie Mickey, Mark Phillips, Wesley Brooks, Tony, Cari, and Katie Redlinger, Austin Spratt, and Luke Baxter.

Can’t wait to worship together Sunday. -Scott

e-news for week of 10/9/11-early edition

To all the great worshipers at Forum. Help me to bless our staff. October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Take a moment and pen a note to several (or all) of these phenomenal men and women of God and lift them up in prayer as well:

Katelyn Morris: katelyn@forumchristian.org
Jessica Spellman: jessie@forumchristian.org
Bradley Williams: bradley@forumchristian.org
Jody Riley: jody@forumchristian.org
Justin Keith: justin@forumchristian.org
Tyler Morris: tyler@forumchristian.org
Tarry Koutz: tarry@forumchristian.org
Dillan Mitchell (he’s an unpaid intern): dillanmitchell2086@yahoo.com

We also have a great support team in Melanie Abernathy, Melinda Roe, and Carolyn Howell.

It’s great to serve the Lord with such a great group of people who love and adore the Lord.

e-news for 10/2/11

We had a “Connect” event at our house last night. I started off the evening asking these new worshippers at Forum what they thought we valued as a church:

• It’s a friendly place. You care about lost people.
• You value the Bible. You’re not preaching opinions you just let it speak.
• Forum values children and youth.

It was a very great night because people are seeing what makes us tick.

God continues to work in our church body drawing people into relationship with Him. People continue to deepen in their relationship with the Lord.

Thanks for the great response to the FC United series. Unity within The Church is truly a game-changer. When God’s people stand together as one, Christ is glorified. When we stay focused on One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one hope, one God and Father over all who is in all, the kingdom of God advances. The Word reminds us:

Psalm 133: 1 How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity!

This Sunday we move into another facet of our Game changers theme with “Game changing goals.”

Have you set life goals? Maybe you created your “bucket list” and you are marking those items off. Have you pursued your goals? Your dreams?

Here’s a quick question: do you think that God has a goal for your life?

The church has encouraged people to live a “purpose driven life” and encouraged people to find their purpose(s), but the concept of God having goals and maybe even metrics for our lives might be something you’ve not considered.

We’ll look at it Sunday. We’ll be in Ephesians 4 if you want to read ahead. Looking forward to a great encounter as we worship together. See you then - Scott

e-news for week of 9/25/11

Last Sunday I worshiped with a congregation I’ve never attended before. In several ways I was very, very jealous. The facility was large enough to house this megachurch in Atlanta under one roof. The service started at 10 a.m. Worship lasted 1.5 hours. The preaching/teaching lasted 1.5 hours. Afterwards, the pragmatist in me asked the family I was with why they want to go into a larger space, why not just go to multiple services? The answer I got was surprising. “Our leadership values us being able to be together in one accord in worship more than simply money and buildings.” I know some people will read what I just wrote and think I’m wanting to upend our entire ministry approach. I’m not. It’s simply beautiful that the body of Christ has so many different approaches, thoughts, means of doing ministry, values, and methods – yet all are still the “one body” of Christ – the visible and invisible manifestation of Christ on this earth. I’m glad the Lord has them reaching people in Atlanta.

I’m also thrilled the Lord is using Forum to intentionally connect people to Jesus here in Columbia.

It’s great to be back. Thanks to Bradley for doing a great job last week connected to “one team” centering on the body of Christ.

Each year I take a week, go up into the mountains and seek God’s lead and next steps for us as a church. I started laying out sermons for June 2012-13.I’m unplugged from email, phones, electronics, etc. God really deals with me on a lot of levels in these times. Coming out of it last week, I’m stirred and exhilarated by where God has us as a ministry and what He’s doing. This was a season of rejoicing in the Lord for me.

Here’s the big picture as to what the Lord put in front of me:

• We continue to reach and teach people in the Lord. The Lord has brought a lot of people into the kingdom this year and Forum is a part of that.
• We continue to strive for excellence and passionately seek the Lord
• The song that Tyler and Katelyn wrote from Ephesians 4 really lodged in my heart and resonated all week long: “One Lord, one faith….” It reminded me of the unity within staff and leadership. Unity that says, “Teach and reach people. Intentionally connect people to Jesus.”
• The Lord has positioned us to be an impact church within our community (too much to go into within a weekly e-news)
• The Lord has brought together an impact type of staff here at Forum as well. Help me in building them up in Christ via encouragement.

This week we’ll center on “One Hope.”

This Sunday is a great Sunday to bring a friend. Be intentional in your efforts and help to get them here this Sunday. They are counting on you and they don’t even know it. Can’t wait to worship the Lord with you Sunday - Scott

e-news for week of 9/11/11

One!

FC United.

One Lord. One faith. One baptism. One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

One faith?

What does that look like? Is that achievable? What would it take and what would it look like if the church world could pull it together? What would happen if the church world was distilled down to the pattern and praxis of Christ and His apostles?

The church at Ephesus, how it started, and how people came into alignment in matters of faith and faithful practice give us great insight as to some of the “hows” this can happen.

Some great things going on right now in the ministry of Forum:

• We had 250 people (60 middle school, 50 high schoolers, 45 in children’s theater, Financial Peace University, Celebrate Recovery, and several life groups) as some of our Sunday night offerings were happening.
• One of our college age young adults who is in life group for the first time sought me out to thank us for the great material they studied together and shared about their interaction.
• People are being baptized into the name of Jesus.
• We’re gearing up for our Missions Homecoming in November.
• We’re praying through what God would call on us to do as we continue to grow as a church.

Be that game changer this week in someone else’s life. God’s Spirit lives in you. You can make an eternal difference to the people around you.

- Scott

e-news for week of 9/4/11

One of the most eye opening principles is this: Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working.” John 5: 17

God is always at work.

The Creator of the universe is always at work:

• He’s working in the lives of people around you to reveal Himself to them
• He’s orchestrating providentially for the good of those who love Him
• He’s protecting, sheltering, providing, healing, securing, calling saints home

God is always at work.

We then join Him in His work.

Too many people want glory, credit, honor, the pat on the head for being the good little Christian when the world needs to see Him and His glory and goodness – not our human desires that, frankly, are kind of vain.

This week we start a new series called FC UNITED. In order for Forum to be a Game Changer in Columbia, we have to be united. That unity can only happen by all of us totally committing to God. The Creator of the Universe, of your body, of this world revealed Himself to us through Jesus Christ and through His word.

We’ve had a lot of the activity of our Sovereign Lord going on at Forum lately:

• This past Sunday a new class began for international students. Last Sunday afternoon the teacher baptized one of those who attended (Praise God!)
• Wednesday night a bunch of people (mostly children and families) chose to involve themselves with “The Reach Project” and serve senior saints at Lenoir.
• This Sunday Financial Peace University launches
• This Sunday our Children’s theater program launches
• A bunch of Life Groups kick back off for the fall this week

Keep your eyes, hearts, minds, bodies, and souls focused in on the Lord. Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday. Bring a friend – it’s a great time to intentionally connect someone to Jesus. - Scott

e-news for week of 8/28/11

Last Sunday I asked a question of all of us. Specifically, “Do you believe God’s word?” In all of our services we said “Yes,” “Amen,” and nodded heads like Barry Bonds bobble head dolls.

So here’s the Scripture that we will zero in on this week:

Ephesians 3: 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Do you believe?
Do you read this and then throw your personal spin and biases on it?
Do you limit God?
Do you take the “Yeah….but….” kind of anti eyes of faith rationalistic approach to life?

We’re providing 4 worship times for you to choose from this week:

Thursday – Sept. 1 at 6:30
And Sunday at 8:30, 9:45, and 11 a.m.

In order to be a game changer, you’ve got to be praying.
You’ve got to believe and live by faith.
You’ve got to live for His glory.

Hope you’re dialed in this week. We’re praying for you to full live for Him. See you Thursday or Sunday. – Scott

e-news for week of 8/21/11 - part 2

What if the entire church in the entire world was “on” for just one week? One month? Maybe even several years? What if 2-3 billion people on the planet were totally engaged, totally committed, and completely immersed in the mission to intentionally help others find Jesus? We’re going to look at that this Sunday.

Thanks for the great input and encouragement about pretty much everything that’s occurring at Forum right now. Our middle and high school ministries kicked off last Sunday night with phenomenal attendance.

It’s also a great joy to report that Paxton Spencer is doing really well after his surgery this week. We’ve been posting information to the Forum Facebook page as Freddy and Jessica post updates. Continue to pray for him as he recovers.

We’ll be producing life group lessons and videos for you to track with the sermons starting after Labor Day. We’re striving to intentionally grow Forum into the type of church God lays out in the book of Ephesians. Even if you don’t attend a life group, you can track with the life group series and do the Bible study.

We’re offering a Thursday night worship service on Sept. 1 for those of you who may be heading out of town for Labor Day but would still like to worship at Forum.

We’ll be in Acts 18 and 19 this week if you’d like to read ahead and ready yourself for Sunday. I’m praying for you and our church to be game changers. – Scott

e-news for week of 8/21/11 - part 1

Great job to everyone regarding the cookout, the teen ministry kick off, and just the great spirit of worship and unity that’s happening at Forum. It’s always great to see the church gathered, focused, and striving to be intentional.

Kudos to the deacons of Forum! They are phenomenal and great servants within our church body. They always go above and beyond. They love the Lord and love seeing people getting connected. One of our deacons counted well over 400 people who stayed for the cookout. Great to see so many children bouncing all over the bounce house, trying to ring the bell, as well as people just enjoying one another and getting to know each other. We had many who are new to Forum stay. Truly – the feedback and input we are getting from so many people right now is highly encouraging. God is really doing something special here.

This email is going to be a two-part this week. This one that’s going out early is also a call to prayer. Paxton Spencer, two-year-old son of Freddy and Jessica Spencer, is going to have another surgery tomorrow August 23, at Cardinal Glennon in St. Louis. Please be praying for a successful outcome. - Scott

e-news for week of 8/14/11

Game Changers: The theme

When I first heard the phrase, “Game Changer,” I liked it. It implies something that completely alters the outcome of a game.

It conjured up images of Michael Jordan or Larry Bird in the fourth quarter. Thoughts of walk off home runs (things that us Cub fans only dream about). A great closer walking to the plate in the ninth inning and just dominating. I think of Messi playing against Real Madrid. Game changers.

It also creates thoughts of people within a community who truly make impacts: A faithful school board member who helps keep a school system centered; A teacher who cares so much about students that the students learn and grow in a dynamic way; A firefighter or police officer who does such a great job that fires don’t even break out or crimes decrease due to the mindset difference the department is helping the community to adopt.

But then there are Game Changers within the church: The Sunday school teacher who faithfully teaches 5th graders for 20 or 30 years; An elder who has a “nose for the ball” when it comes to the working of the Holy Spirit; A faithful servant who facilitates others being able to worship via communion prep; A student who starts a Bible study at their school; Someone who gives so sacrificially (like Barnabas in Acts) that it helps the church grow. All of these things help to “change the game.”

What would it look like if Forum truly became a Game Changing Church? How would that elevate our great community of Columbia? God knows and desires that.

We’ll be in Ephesians 3 this week talking about how God changed the way Paul was playing the game and how he (Paul) became a Game Changer. Read ahead. Ready your heart. Let God’s Holy Spirit work on you this week.

Game Changers in Action:

This past Tuesday, John Pierce invited several of us to the Aktion Club installation of officers. Aktion Club is a civic organization of people with disabilities that Kiwanis clubs facilitate. It was great to see three of our worshipers John Pierce, Kathleen Hunker, and Rebecca Gingrich as officers and honorees in this civic club. Though they have disabilities, these people get out and serve our community. Rather than allowing some of their disabilities to keep them from service, these people choose to be Game Changers, people who make a difference. Forum hosts Aktion Club on Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m.

After Third Service we’ll have a tail gate party on the grounds. Bring some side dishes but the grilling and the drinks will be provided.

We could use some help Saturday at 6:30 to get some things set up, and then Sunday afterwards with cleaning up.

Most importantly – invite some friends. You can be that Game Changer in their life.

Looking forward to a great Sunday of worship. – Scott

e-news for week of 8/7/11

Was there ever a group of people you really wanted to be a part of and, for whatever reason, you just didn’t make their cut? Maybe a college didn’t accept you. Maybe a clique wouldn’t allow you in the circle. Maybe a club, a societal group, an academic organization, a sports team did not allow you to join in.

The scripture this Sunday is really going to push us all.

As we finish out the Before/After series this Sunday, God’s word will remind us and challenge us regarding the reality of Excluded/Included from Ephesians 2: 11-22.

One important event and one announcement:

THE EVENT:

August 21 we’ll have our church tailgate party at the facility. There’s great stuff for kids, a concert that will be put on by our teens, great food, and a great time. This happens right after third service. Bring lawn chairs and a couple of side dishes. The main course and drinks will be provided.

BRING FRIENDS. This is a great Sunday to include people and invite them to church. We start a brand new sermon series called, “Game Changers.” School and schedules are settling down. There will be brats and more to offer them. Plus – those you invite will be surrounded by the great folks of Forum.

The announcement:

This past week our church amended our bylaws. The changes passed with a 101 to 2 affirmation.

Looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday. I can’t wait - Scott

e-news for week of 7/31/11

So many people are “fixers.” Something goes wrong and they “fix it.” A system doesn’t work. “Fix it.” A person puts a problem in front of a “fixer” and they quickly go into problem-solution mode trying to “fix it.”

So here’s a problem for you to think about: Sin and your personal shortcoming in relation to God.

So, how are you going to fix that?

Lots of different “systems” out there to “fix it.”

1. There’s the “work” system: if I do more good than bad then I’ve fixed it. Search your heart (more importantly search the scriptures) and ask, “Does that really fix it?”
2. There’s the “give” system: if I give bunches of money to various good organizations and causes then I’ve paid my debt. Once again, does that really fix it?
3. There’s the “fate” system: everything, including my destiny, is already predetermined, therefore there’s literally nothing any of us can do about our condition, so therefore I’ll just live and die and hope for the best. Frankly the “fate” or “determinism” system doesn’t fix a thing.

Then there’s God’s system. It’s a system you don’t deserve. You can’t earn it, merit it, buy it, or anything of that nature. His “system” is based on love, forgiveness, and grace. We’ll be in Ephesians 2: 1-10 this week living under the goodness of God’s grace.

Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday. — Scott

Several pieces of congregational business:

1. We had an annual review done by the accounting firm Howe and Associates and, as ever, our financial books and practices are in great order.
2. There will be a special membership meeting after third service at roughly 12:20 to vote on by-law changes. If you cannot attend this meeting, we’d encourage you to vote through the absentee process.
3. Our annual fall outpouring of back to school items for Show-Me Christian Youth home will begin this Sunday. Pick up information connected to a young person this Sunday in the lobby.
4. Jared and Katrina were very thankful and appreciative of the outpouring of love and support as they take this next step in their lives. We pray for great things for them as they continue to serve the Lord.

e-news for week of 7/24/11

A Church on Mission

It’s thrilling to be part of the kingdom of God. God welcomes us into His church, “Just as I am” as the old hymn says. We enter into this kingdom and God calls us to grow “in Christ.”

• 3 people baptized into Christ: Jonathan Kessler, Cheyenne Welch, Stefan Paic
• The Reach Project happened Wednesday night. There were hundreds of hygiene bags put together to send to Haiti by individuals and families in a very overcrowded and packed room. Great job. Thanks to Janette Keller and Julie Crockett for organizing this.
• Women studying the Bible through the summer
• Worship Team practicing
• Nearly 60 high school students at the residential lake where Tim and Kim Myers live
• Mission group leaving Thursday for Joplin
• Group of servants going to help work on facilities at a new church camp

Friends, we don’t ever want to exclusively measure ministry by activity (I’ve seen ministries that have tons of activities that don’t look like the bride of Christ in attitude or action – but lots of activities). All that was just mentioned resembles the activity of Christ. Helping the poor. Spending time in the word of God. Having fellowship in the name of God. Serving others. Preaching and teaching the word of God. All these align with the purpose of Christ.

This Sunday we continue looking at our “Before and After” “in Christ.” We’ll be in Ephesians 1 once again talking about having our “Eyes wide shut/open.” We look forward to worshipping with all of you Sunday.

Scott

REMINDER: We’re hosting a going away party/shower for Jared and Katrina Wortman immediately after third service in the gym. Meat and drinks provided. Please bring a side and/or dessert as well as a shower gift to bless this wonderful couple.

e-news for week of 7/17/11

We just came back from funeral services for Darline Walls – mother of Dan Howell, grandmother to Jessie Spellman (our preschool director) and great grandmother to Jessie’s children: Isaiah, Huston, Lillie, and Avery. Dan is one of our elders here at Forum and his wife Carolyn has served in the administrative office. This is a family who loves and serves the Lord. Dan honored the Lord and his mother singing at the funeral, “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow.” Please extend to this family your love and compassion as they mourn Darline’s passing from this earth. I wish we had thousands of families with the same love of the Lord as that of the Howell/Spellman families. We know with full confidence that she went to be with the Lord.

Our high school students are at a Christ in Youth Conference this week as well. Congratulations to Stefan who was baptized on Wednesday night. We’re praying big prayers for all of our high school students at CIY this week.

This week we start a brand new series called, “Before and After.”

Quick questions:

What were you like before you knew Jesus?
How has your life changed?
Do you know what God says about the power at work in you right now?
Are you striving to become more like Jesus?

Let me encourage you to read all 6 chapters of the book of Ephesians prior to Sunday. Can’t wait to worship with you Sunday. - Scott


PS – Please plan to stay for the shower/going away for Jared and Katrina Wortman on July 31. Should be a great time of fellowship.

e-news for week 7/10/11

So we (Melody, Natasha, Justin, and I) were at the North American Christian Convention last week (all of us should make plans to go to Orlando next year). On one of the mornings I park the car, come up the street, and boom – protesters. And not just your average protestors, these are professional protestors. Yes, the ever-popular Westboro Baptist Church was at it again. So, why were they protesting the NACC and the independent Christian Churches? Because we teach “God loves everybody.”

You see, that doesn’t reconcile with “God hates Fa_____” or the other people of the world that God hates.

People have asked me why this group puts out this type of spew.

Part of it stems from the theological bent they embrace. They embrace a theology that essentially says: God elects people to be saved – you don’t have any choice in the matter – it’s exclusively God’s choice. God loves those “chosen ones” and the rest of the planet is pretty much just out of luck/grace/favor. The role of the chosen ones is to pretty much live to God’s glory so that the damned can see what they are missing(which, by logics sake, means I’m missing out on travelling around the country with protest signs. Wow, I guess I don’t know what I’m missing).

Are people of this bent (determinists) Christians? We all have faulty thinking/theology to one degree or another. God is bigger than our ability to fully figure Him out. But this is true of God: He is love. By faith (believing, repenting, confession that “Jesus is Lord”, immersion) through God’s grace, even those of us who are less than perfect with our theology will be saved. However, this is a brand of theology that I’d like to keep locked up in the attic. Unfortunately pure determinism (in less violent forms) continues to invade the church.

Why does this matter? If this type of determinism is accurate, then those commands of Christ communicating to us His disciples to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel…” are nothing other than a waste of effort, sweat, and leg work because those who hear the word have no choice anyway.

You might ask, “Why are you writing us about this?”

1. Our theology matters. Bad theology yields bad practice (and bad protests).
2. God is a loving, gracious God who sent His son to save sinners. The protestors were protesting because we believe God loves everyone. I hope we are found guilty of that message, don’t you?
3. And speaking of this loving message, as we conclude the sermon series we’ll see God’s loving mercy.

Couple of quick announcements:

We’re opening up another study option for Jr./Sr. High students at 9:30. It will happen in room 100 (“The Cave” which is the current Jr. High room).

Baby Shower/Going away party for Jared and Katrina Wortman will happen on July 31 right after third service. The church will provide the meat and the drinks. If you’d bring a side dish or dessert and a gift for Baby Girl Wortman that would be great (I’m sure they’d also accept gifts of cash).

This Sunday we conclude our series, “The Journey.” For all of you who repented from the sin of grumbling and complaining – good. This week we’ll be in Numbers 21 and John 3 if you want to read ahead and prepare your hearts.

Can’t wait to worship with you this week. – Scott

e-news for week of 7/3/11

We rejoice at the baptisms of Preston Johnson this past Friday and Erika Stewart on Sunday. God continues to work at Forum in a great way. Isn’t it great to be a part of the kingdom of God? To know that eternal decisions are being made for Jesus Christ!?! To know that we are part of something greater than ourselves and we leave a spiritual legacy?!?

As I write, I’m at the North American Christian Convention. It’s a yearly gathering of people from independent Christian churches (like Forum) that is filled with great preaching, great worship, and phenomenal connections. There are no “denominational” type of decisions being made, and no voting or anything of that nature occurs. Stopping by one of the missions booths we support, they gave me great encouragement connected to Forum and what they have noticed as they’ve worshiped with us several times over the past years. This missionary said, “There’s life. There’s vibrancy. The church really seems to be doing great.” I couldn’t agree more.

On a side note – the North American Christian Convention will happen next year in Orlando, July 10-13. The convention will happen in a Marriott resort and they’ve negotiated room rates of $115 a night (which is unbelievably cheap for Orlando). The family registration is also a great price for the value. I’m encouraging many families to consider going. If we have enough families attend, we’ll try to put together some Forum morning Bible studies for the families that are there. More details to come.

I have a bittersweet announcement to make. Jared Wortman, our associate minister, has decided to pursue further education. For those who have sat in on Jared in the classroom, you’ve benefitted deeply from his preparation and depth of study. Jared would not tell anyone else this, but I will. Jared applied at three top shelf schools — namely Emory, Princeton, and Duke. He was accepted at all three. He’s choosing to go to Duke. Also, he and Katrina are pregnant (no pressure due to life change going on here for sure). On Sunday, July 31 we’re going to have a combination going-away dinner and shower for them (they are having a baby girl). This will happen in the fellowship hall immediately after third service. The church will provide the meat and drinks. If all the rest of us would bring sides and desserts, that would be great. Let’s do it this way: If your last name ends in A-K, bring a vegetable; if your last name ends in L-Z, bring a dessert. That should give us a good balance. Jared has served with the utmost distinction and dedication, so let’s send him to Durham with a great celebration.

This weekend we’ll continue look at the providence of God connected to appointing leaders within His kingdom and how we help them to lead. In a nutshell, the scriptures are replete with God anointing and appointing leaders. Numbers 16 and 17 still speak today in a very powerful way. Read ahead of time and come with an open heart ready to engage. Can’t wait to worship with you Sunday – Scott.

e-news for week of 6/26/11

As Tyler Morris introduced me to a new worshiper at Forum who moved here from Springfield, this new person started talking to me about Moses’ journey and the journey all of us are on. He started talking about how he thinks the Lord is growing His church and how great it is that Forum is focused on His word in such a relevant way.

I hope and pray you can continually sense things new and afresh at Forum. God is working and continues to advance His kingdom agenda here. I know that’s hard to do. It’s hard to keep a childlike sense of wonder and awe. You don’t have to lose the bewildered awe, splendor, and joy in the Lord. Keep your eyes focused on our great big God who is doing great things.

As a church body who is shaped by scripture, God calls us to mourn with those who mourn. (Romans 12:15)

Early Monday morning, Carol Conley went to be with the Lord. She loved the Lord very much and it showed to those who knew her well. She spent great amounts of time in God’s word. She devoted much time to memorizing God’s word and putting it deep within her heart. Among her closest friends are Sealann Bradford and Melinda Roe. Please keep her friends and family in your prayers.

As we continue our journey with Moses and God’s people this week we will explore the dangers of forgetting God's constant provision and leading in our lives. God puts His precepts in front of us – and often – we forget.

As a nation, we’ll also be celebrating our freedom. Just as Israel often forgot God, His provision, His goodness, and His law – it’s easy for us to lose sight of the freedom and wonders of this land. It’s easy to treat our freedom with license and abuse it. May we be a people on purpose and dialed in to the things of God.

Looking forward to worshiping with you Sunday. – Scott

e-news for week of 6/19/11

Here’s an observation I wanted to share connected to VBS:

The curriculum Katelyn wrote this year was better than any prepackaged VBS program I've seen. Every Bible lesson had the kids fully engaged and learning. Little touches like Justin the Journeyman, Sidekick and the keychain giveaways each night kept the kids excited and involved. And the musical worship was amazing...to see so many little ones (and adults) raising up the Bible and singing, "The Word of the Lord stands forever" was beyond moving. God asks us to do everything with excellence, and Forum's great youth ministry staff and wonderful servant-hearted volunteers pulled off a God-glorifying week of VBS that was FULL of excellence. – Roger Higginbotham

We also welcome into our fellowship Morgan Petersen. She was baptized last Thursday immediately after VBS by her father, Rod Petersen.

This past Sunday, visiting with us was a family from Joplin, MO. As the husband shared some of the devastation and described the way the church both in Joplin, and also across the state has responded, he was visibility encouraged. He went on to thank me as a pastor that we would send so many people to Joplin to serve. It’s easy to tell him that I don’t have anything to do with it – that this is a body of Christ moved by the compassion and love of God, and that Forum Christian Church is a church body that is intentional about being the hands and feet of Jesus.

As our high school students are serving in Joplin, we continue to get text updates as well as posted pictures. You can go to the Forum Christian Church Facebook page and see the updates.

On Tuesday, Bill and Carol Paten, as well as Ed and Marty Paten and their families laid to rest Mike Paten. Please keep this family in prayer as they grieve the loss on this earth. In this instance, earth’s loss is heaven’s gain and he is with the Lord.

Today is Wednesday, and one of our little guys needs continued prayers. Paxton Spencer is having a heart cath at Cardinal Glennon at the time of this writing. Please keep him, his parents Freddy and Jessica, and sister Emma in prayer.

This Sunday we’ll be in Exodus 11 and 12 and look at an event that redefined the world for the Israelites. This event, called “Passover,” and the ultimate fulfillment of it changed the whole world. This is a message of extreme hope and deliverance. Looking forward to another great encounter worshiping with you Sunday. – Scott

e-news for week of 6/15/11

What a phenomenal start to our VBS week, “The Journey.” It’s such a great blessing to work with hundreds of kids worshiping and praising God. We all need to take a moment and say, “Thanks” to Katelyn Morris and her team for the great job and planning that has gone into this week. It’s been fun to see a great group of Forum ladies huddled up in the VBS command center leading up to this week of ministry. It’s thrilling to see the great news of Jesus and his saving grace and power get planted, watered, and nurtured in our children.

If you haven’t come by this week (even if you don’t have children in the age group) stop by and see it in action. It’ll be a highlight of your week.

I also want to invite you to the ordination of DJ Pittman Thursday night at 7 p.m. DJ is a recent graduate of Central Christian College of the Bible. He has started as the youth minister at Branches of Christ Christian Church in Acworth, GA. He’s also getting married this weekend to a wonderful young woman, Diana Grayson whom he met here at Forum in youth group settings. Both Diana’s father, Darren Grayson, and grandfather, Carl Holem serve as deacons here. It’s great to see all of these things unfolding to the glory of God. The ordination will happen by the tomb in the parking lot if weather permits. We’ll move inside to room 205 (high school room) if weather is adverse.

Moses said, “I am a man of faltering lips.”

After Sunday, I can relate. Thanks for the kind and uplifting words and I hope my voice didn’t pain you too much Sunday. This weekend, we’ll continue in “The Journey” looking at “The Strong Hand of God” from Exodus 7-10. This sermon series is designed for you and your children to have spiritual talking points together in that it complements our VBS curriculum. As a church we strive to intentionally connect people to Jesus.

Every word in that statement was poured over and as a ministry team – we press ourselves to be highly intentional about helping families grow together spiritually. We are also very intentional about children and teens growing and deepening in their faith.

Looking forward to another great worship as a church family this Sunday.

Scott

e-news for week of 6/5/2011

God desires great things within the ministry of Forum. A vital part of this is our ministry to children and youth. As a church we strive to spiritually invest in our kids. Next week we will kick off “The Journey,” an interactive learning experience for our kids that happens Sunday through Thursday nights from 6:15 – 8:30. Parents, make it a priority for your kids.

I recently read an article by Jon Weece in the Christian Standard. Jon grew up at Forum and now is the preaching minister at Southland Christian Church in Lexington, KY. He wrote these words:

In the second grade our Sunday school teacher, Miss Helen, challenged our class to memorize Hebrews 11, and we did. She bought each of us a big bag of M&M’s! In the fourth grade I went to church camp and my dorm dad, a preacher named Glen Mitchell, challenged our cabin to memorize 1 Corinthians 13, and we did. He bought each of us a Coke! In middle school, our youth minister, Mark Sutherlin, challenged us to memorize the Sermon on the Mount, and we did. He took us to a water park!

In the article Jon goes on to talk about the importance that his family, his church, church camp, and his youth minister had all played in his love for memorizing God’s word.

As a church, we continue to invest in our kids, to train them up knowing the Lord, and to equip “Parents as Preachers.”

This Sunday morning we continue in “The Journey.” We will be studying out of Exodus 3 and 4 if you want to read ahead. Looking forward to another stellar day of worship and being in His word together. In keeping with the article – try memorizing Exodus 3:4.


*If you’d like to read the full article, go to FB and “like” “Christian Standard” and then you’ll see the article posted on the home page. We also make Christian Standard available in our lobbies. - Scott

e-news for week of 5/29/11

Thanks for all the great feedback connected to the past 9 months and the focus we’ve had as a ministry. God deserves our “Personal Best.” This should occur in our lives around the clock as we give our best to God in our homes, in our work, in our speech, in our finances, in our constant interactions with people. Our God is awesome and holy and we must give to Him our very best.

Here’s an excerpted message someone sent this week connected to our focus:

I have a friend that lives far away and I've kinda lost contact with (can you believe she's not on facebook???....gasp) and she's been on my mind so much lately....even dreaming about her constantly. I finally broke down and sent her an email, not even sure if it was her current/valid email. Anyway, I did just what you said....told her that I wasn't sure why, but she'd been on my heart a lot lately and I felt like I needed to be praying for her. She responded within 10 minutes and said that it'd brought tears to her eyes and that we "needed to talk". So, I'm praying that God will give me the right words when I talk to her about whatever it is.

Let me encourage you to start inviting families and friends to Vacation Bible School the week of June 12-16. As ever, it’s thrilling to be a part of a congregation that loves the Lord.

I also want to thank those who gave over and above toward the efforts in Joplin. Thanks to those who went way above and beyond in terms of taking supplies and helping. That community is in need of so much help. This will not be a quick fix. Currently you can go to the Heart of Missouri United way page and get information connected to service options. One person said this about what Dan Mitchell and the ministry, “The Bridge” is doing: “Joplin is blessed to have such a great person in place to help sort things out.” This is one of the ministries we will work with/through.

This Sunday we start “The Journey.” This sermon series will help all of us to dial in to God at work. Every one of us is part of the meta-narrative of redemption. From the moment humanity fell, God has actively pursued His creation in a redemptive way. We’ll focus in on Exodus 1 and 2 this Sunday if you want to read ahead. – Scott

e-news for week of 5/22/11

It was a really wonderful day this past Sunday at Forum. The baptisms of Kathleen Hunker, and Makenzie and Tate Fletcher were excellent. Justin Keith did a great job of preaching the attitude of God connected to sinners coming home. The spaghetti luncheon was the best attended that I’ve been to. Thanks for being a wonderful congregation.

Little did anyone know that such a wonderful day could turn so very deadly in another part of Missouri.

It was a really devastating and dark day physically speaking in Joplin, MO. When events like this occur on our fallen planet, this is when the body of Christ can shine the brightest.

Toward that end we have set ourselves up as a collection station. Items listed on the web can come to the garage where we will store it until Saturday. Simply park by the garage – enter into it by the marked side door and deposit your items there. Items that are greatly needed are: Food, formula, diapers, and wipes.

Creative Granite and Quartz volunteered trucks to transport items to Joplin.

We’re partnering with Christ’s Church of Oronogo and “The Bridge” (for those of you who attended “old Forum” ala Westside – this is the ministry Dan Mitchell established and runs) as places to distribute items.

There has already been close to $15,000 in plywood donated that will be transported via semi.

KOMU is hosting a telethon tomorrow night that will run from 5-9 on the internet with 2 hours of live air time being devoted to raising money for Joplin.

Our youth ministry decided to change their mission trip to go to Joplin. While this change is occurring essentially one month out, the ties within our congregation to Joplin run very deep so Justin Keith is changing the mission destination as well as coordinating with local arrangements there. His sister works(ed) at the hospital that was hit so hard.

Come prepared to give over and above tithes and offerings. We’ll have a collection station in the lobby for you to give. 100% goes directly to Joplin relief. We know many of you have given in other places such as the United Way or via text messaging. We’re not doing this so we can say, “Forum gave this much…” but rather we’re trying to make it easy for you to give toward these efforts.

Body of Christ, let’s rise up to help meet needs within our state. – Scott

e-news for week of 5-15-11

What a great worship encounter on Sunday! Thanks for all the great feedback connected to the experiential and interactive dance on Sunday. God is creative. It’s the very first thing we learn about Him in the book. As a ministry, we truly want to honor God through the creative arts. We reflect His nature when we create expressions of worship for His glory.

One older member of our church kind of cornered my wife (she’s a third generation ministry family) Sunday and asked, “How old would your great grandfather be?” Melody said she didn’t know. This woman said something to the effect of, “To think how far church has come since then – because back when he was preaching – dancing was considered a sin but now we are doing it in church….I think it’s just great!”

Whew!

When God puts in front of us pictures of heaven, we see people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. You get a sense of over the top praise and worship. You get a glimpse of love, perfection, holiness, light, and enthrallment. As all the different age groups climbed onto the stage Sunday to worship and dance before the Lord, we get a glimpse.

This Sunday we’ll revisit a very familiar teaching of Christ from Luke 15 – namely “The Prodigal Son.” This is a text that we studied many times over the years. Why? Because it brings out so many of the incredible realities of God while exposing our hearts as well. As a ministry, we exist to connect people with Jesus. We want to help people who are “out there” find their way back home.

Looking forward to another great worship experience with the Lord and you this Sunday. - Scott

e-news for the week of 5.12.2011

There is a time for everything…. a time to dance…(Ecc. 3:4)

While that is only an excerpt from the passage we’ll look at Sunday, God is doing a lot here at Forum to dance about:

• Jeremy Mullins, Amanda Evans, Hayley Conklin, and several others were baptized into Christ.
• The Easter offering is approaching $30,000 and we’ll be executing that spending plan and keep you up to date.
• The youth ministry and children’s areas are geared up for a great summer.
• One of our elders at our monthly meeting communicated to the whole team about how many words of encouragement he’s received out in the community connected to the ministry of Forum. Let’s continue to shine out.

We are also ramping and amping up for VBS. The dates are June 12-16 from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. In order for this to happen with excellence – Katelyn still needs some volunteers to help out with this great ministry. Let’s dive into it. It makes a huge difference in the lives of kids.

Over the next few weeks, we’re going to be sending out a survey connected to the possibility of adding an additional worship service at either a different time/day/etc. and we are in need of any insight that you can share. We’ll do this both online and on paper. We are also going to be putting out a publication that is going to lay out some thoughts as to where we are right now, as well as where the Lord is leading us.

Looking forward to Sunday - Scott

e-news for week of 5/1/11

Wasn’t the dance both God honoring and uplifting this past Sunday? Let me encourage you – even in this moment – to ask God what He would have you to do.

There’s one of our staff meetings that happens the first Tuesday of every month. As a staff, we begin the meeting talking about how God is working within the ministry of Forum. Here lately that meeting has become nearly a mini revival. We see God working in so many of your lives (He’s working in everyone’s life, but simultaneously there are times when it stands out).

We see:
• Hearts turning to God for the first time
• Families coming together
• People stepping up in service within the church
• People stepping up in service within the community
• Children, youth, and teens making God honoring decisions
• Dads stepping up as the spiritual pacesetter within their households
• Elders striving to connect with people while simultaneously striving to lead our church to connect people with Jesus
• Attitudes of change and flexibility that are helping to facilitate growth
• Deacons who are serving in great ways
• Moms who are pouring themselves into their families and children
• Life groups connecting with each other around the word of God and having intense times of prayer for one another
• Individuals sharing their faith and leading other people to Jesus
• Worship pouring out of our hearts each time we gather on Sunday
• God’s word being taught and preached in every segment of our church body

This Sunday we continue “dancing” as we center in on the celebration of life out of Psalm 139. This is a great text of encouragement and challenge. I’d encourage you to invite any parent of preschoolers and elementary age children who you’ve wanted to draw close to the Lord. There will be a great section of the message aimed for them.

Looking forward to Sunday - Scott

e-news for week of 4/24/11

He’s still risen.

We celebrated Easter 5 days ago – Jesus is still on the throne.

He’s always King of kings and Lord of lords.

Quick facts (in that many have asked):

• Somewhere around 1400 were at Forum over Easter weekend (950 on Easter, 460 on Good Friday).
• Callie Brinkman was baptized into Christ.
• Total giving this past Sunday was $44,000 with $25,000 given toward the Easter offering to date.
• On Thursday evening another person was baptized into Christ. This individual is from a religious background historically hostile to Christianity. This is the first person from this specific belief system I’ve ever seen baptized. Praise be to God!

I want to take a moment to give honor to both Tyler Morris and Tarry Koutz as well as all the musicians, choir members, worship team members, and all who led us in worship over the weekend.

We wrap up our Personal Best theme this month talking about “Dancing.” Romans 8: 1-17 will be the kick off text. Zero in to verse 5 in terms of being led by the Spirit. It’s going to be a very fun month. You sure don’t want to miss this Sunday – we’ve got some great elements that are going to bless you, to challenge you, and to help you connect to Jesus.

Looking forward to Sunday. – Scott

e-news for week of 4/17/11

“I simply argue that the cross be raised again at the center of the marketplace as well as on the steeple of the church. I am recovering the claim that Jesus was not crucified in a cathedral between two candles, but on a cross between two thieves; on the town garbage heap; at a crossroad so cosmopolitan that they had to write his title in Hebrew and Latin and in Greek; at the kind of place where cynics talk smut and thieves curse, and soldiers gamble. Because that is where he died. And that is what he died about. And that is where churchmen ought to be, and what churchmen should be about.” — George MacLeod

With utmost intention, each week we center our lives, our worship, our church body, our families, and our businesses on Jesus Christ. This weekend we will focus on the awe inspiring death of Christ followed by his stunning resurrection. Please invite people to encounter this slain savior and resurrected Lord on Friday and Sunday.

To my knowledge, Forum witnessed its first ever “stage dive” this past Sunday! Very cool. Thanks to our preschool choir for blessing us and singing praise to God. This Sunday our adult choir will be helping to lead us in praise. We won’t promise another stage dive, but you just never know.

It’s interesting that the week after we preached the section of scripture on 666 contrasted to those who are marked by the seal of God that attendance in worship at Forum was 777. Don’t take it as “a sign” but it is interesting.

Looking forward to a Spirit filled weekend with you. - Scott

e-news for week of 4/10/11

As creation reminds us of renewal and spring, the scriptures remind us of resurrection and new birth. Let’s continue to imitate Jesus. Stay centered on His throne. One congregant wrote to me about being centered on the throne and about casting our crowns before the Lord in humble adoration. His words reminded me how that should occur every day.

Are you being tenacious in your faith, like Polycarp?
Are you giving to God your best (vs. your leftovers)?
Is your life centered on the throne of God?
Are you personally being intentional about your connection with God?

This Sunday we focus on how our perception and understanding of who Jesus is impacts our daily life. Do you see Him as the victorious rider on the white horse, as the humble servant mounted on a colt, or somewhere in between? If you want to ready yourself for Sunday read Revelation 17-19 and John 12:12-19.

Let me encourage you to invite friends, family, and acquaintances with you to church on either Good Friday or on Easter Sunday. You’ll be receiving e-invites to use in multiple ways.

A moment of thanks and praise: as you drive onto the Forum campus this Sunday notice how wonderful the building and grounds are looking. Our deacons and those who serve in this area do such an exceptional ministry. Thanks for reflecting God’s majestic nature through His creation and your service. — Scott

e-news for the week of 4-3-2011

First – from the leadership of the church, we want to thank the Hockman/Tamerius class as well as the high school and junior high school classes for changing worship hours to help with space during third service. Note that third service will “feel” different because around 100 people won’t be in that service. Second service will also “feel” different because around 100 people will now be in that service.

Intentionally striving to connect people with God. Thanks for your willingness to try to help.

Next:

Nike says, “Just do it.”

Does your head/pride/intellect ever run contrary to the truth, promises, and even obedience toward God?

Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. (Romans 4:3)

Note he didn’t believe “in” God. He believed God. He took Him at His word. He had a relationship with the Lord so that when the Lord spoke – he believed Him. Abraham didn’t construct a rationale of “why nots” or “why he shouldn’t.” He did not say, “I don’t believe IN that.” NO. He believed Him. He took God at His word. He simply did whatever God asked him. At times, what God asked of him was near lunacy ( e.g. – sacrifice your son). Yet, he believed Him.

How about your worship of God?

Do the circumstances of life impede your ability to see God? Do you let people get in the way?

I’ve seen people worship God in the depths as their entire world is collapsing in and around them. I’ve also seen people get snagged in their worship over hang nails. Issues of pride, selfishness, petty issues, and self gratification (I’m not getting anything out of this rather than offering self to God) can get in the way of worshiping God. Yet, God is on His throne.

This Sunday we are going to “Worship in the midst” as we study Revelation 13:11 – 14:20. This text includes the number of the beast: 666, the Grapes of Wrath, and a lot of intensity. What do the saints do when the forces of evil erupt?

Let’s all strive to become more childlike and simply believe God. Let’s all simply strive to worship God regardless of the circumstance. Let’s just do it.

This week you’ll receive a mailing connected to our Easter offering. Most of all, pray about the work of God that is going on at Forum and around the world. Realize that giving helps to further His work.

Pray about someone you can invite to attend church with you this Sunday and especially at Easter.

Scott

e-news for week of 3.27.2011

What an exciting time to be a part of the family here at Forum. If the number of baptisms and people who are growing in their faith is any indication of the work God is doing, then we are truly witnessing God at work.

In step with that, I want to briefly highlight some of the incredible people God is using here at Forum to accomplish His work:

- The Elders have shown a deep passion and energy for caring and leading in ways that faithfully represent Christ’s heart and love for people.
- Our Deacons continue to serve in ways that are so characteristic of Christ’s attitude of service, and they are a great example for all of us to follow.
- The wide range of people who volunteer often go unnoticed by many, but we see so many of them working tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of so many people.
- Staff members are going above and beyond to take Forum to a new level of excellence and Christ focused ministry.
- Our various Life Groups, Men’s and Women’s Groups, and bible studies continue to help people grow in ways that facilitate Christ like followers.

Here is the bottom line: I see Jesus being praised, preached, worshipped, followed, and faithfully represented. I see it on Sunday mornings as well as throughout the week. What a powerful reflection of the things going on at Forum, and what a testimony to what God can do when His people are aligned with His will.

As Easter approaches, I begin to think of what Christ gave, and I can’t help but wonder, “Is my life reflective of that kind of sacrifice?” As many Christians are observing Lent, and as there are many who are giving up something during this season – there are also those who don’t “give-up” something, but “start-up” something. Instead of abstaining from chocolate, they read through all the Gospel accounts before Easter. Instead of not eating meat, they pray for an extra 30 minutes a day. You get the idea…either way it’s to prepare for resurrection Sunday. How will you prepare for the resurrection celebration of Jesus?

I look forward to worshipping with you all on Sunday – Bradley

e-news for week of 3/20/11

God sits on His throne.

Every moment that goes by our sovereign Lord is seated on His throne. This past week for me has been a perpetual reminder of this reality.

But just because He is “seated on His throne” that does not mean that He isn’t active in the universe.

God is calling every one of us “up.” He actively pursues us through Jesus Christ and through His Spirit. He wants us to connect with Him.

We continue to see this unfold in front of us as these people have said, “Yes” to Jesus Christ and His Lordship: Adam DeSmit, Kirsten Sattler, Kaitlyn Cooney, Chris & Pam Guiling, Esther Belzer, Ethan & Erin Wiedmier, and Cassie & Haiely Hunter in repentance, confession, and immersion. We also rejoice with Scott & Sara Toler who have joined Forum as their church home.

I also want to express thanks to the Johnson Bible College tour choir for helping us as we exalted Jesus Christ together. This past Sunday was one of those very powerful gatherings, and I’m thankful for the choir helping us connect to God. Thanks to Tyler and Tarry for coordinating this and all who housed people to make this happen.

Daily, as we see global events that are unnerving, perilous, and downright spooky, let us not take our eyes off of Jesus on the throne.

This weekend we’ll be in Revelation 8 and 9 if you want to read ahead.

On a personal note: Thank you all for the outpouring of concern and encouragement connected to our daughter Natasha. She arrived back in the States Thursday afternoon. - Scott

e-news for week of 3/6/11

Forum Christian Church: intentionally connecting people to Jesus.

God has us dialed in to this mission. We intentionally strive to connect with people, to promote spiritual growth in people’s lives, and to help people live for Jesus. Connecting…growing…living…

And the bottom line is: we are doing this.

In the March 2 blog I mentioned this reality. If every month of 2011 looked like February we would:

 Baptize 144 people
 Come in $160,000 above projected budgeted expenses
 Have set up an additional 1200 (composite number of 20-30 a week) chairs to accommodate 3rd service seating
 Walk an additional 12 miles a year (at least as a staff, elders, and deacons) because we are parking up on the north 40 to help ease parking
 Involve 120 teenagers in disciple making ministries

In your lives, God is doing some amazing things.

With growth comes opportunities and challenges to foster continued growth. Here’s the deal – just like many times I’ve wanted to lose weight without altering lifestyle – many people within the kingdom would say, “Let’s grow the church, just don’t expect me to change (alter, help, etc.)” I’m thankful that the overwhelming majority of the church body realizes that when God begins growing a church body numerically, there are sacrifices that need to occur.

Toward that end, our leadership is putting in front of us a $50,000 Easter offering goal beyond our normal tithes and offerings. All will be receiving an envelope toward this end. You can also earmark your check toward this offering.

This offering will go toward these mission critical elements:

The first 10% will go to missions, and will be dispersed in the following manner: Stephen and Alisa Walton (40%), Brice and Amanda Wurdeman (40%), and Caleb and Jackie Sellers (20 %). These missionaries are all having important transitions going on right now and we want to help with a special boost.
The remaining 90% will be used to deal with needs within the facility (chairs, signage, equipment needs, etc.)

I realize that when we talk about facilities that those of us who have been within a ministry for a while can get store blind and also a little bit comfortable with things. But here’s the deal…I was in a fast food joint recently (no names), but as I was drinking my very cheap latte, I was a happy McCamper. I rarely go into these types of joints. But as I looked around and saw how much upgrading of facilities have occurred I thought, “they sell cheap burgers….they sell cheap burgers.”

As a church, we are committed to intentionally connecting people to Jesus. Toward that end we’ll keep our facilities in alignment with community standards. The reality is, we should even excel those who “sell cheap burgers” in that this is the greatest call and mission on earth.

See you Sunday. — Scott

e-news for week of 2/27/11

If every month of 2011 was like February 2011, we would:

 Baptize 144 people
 Come in $160,000 above projected budgeted expenses
 Have set up an additional 1200 (composite number of 20-30 a week) chairs to accommodate 3rd service seating
 Walk an additional 12 miles a year (at least as a staff, elders, and deacons) because we are parking up on the north 40 to help ease parking
 Involve 120 teenagers in disciple making ministries

Let’s keep pursuing God and His design for our lives with a passion.

Okay, I’ll admit it – I’m still sore from the push ups in the sermon last Sunday…

We start a new series this Sunday called, “I.D.: Intense Disciples.” This series will focus on the book of Revelation. A minister was asked this question, “If you only had one book of the Bible that you could have with you, what would it be?” His answer of “Revelation” surprised me. His explanation as to why still inspires me:

In essence he said, “The gospels reveal Christ as Savior and Lord. In them we see His teaching, His dying image, and testimony about the resurrection. The book of Revelation, however, paints a picture of Jesus as He is right now. Triumphant, victorious, King of kings, Lord of lords. Too often we dwell on the past rather than experience the present. Revelation is a book of encouragement to the saints that keeps us all centered on the triumphant Christ. The world may spiral out of control, but God is always on His throne.”

I’d never thought about it that way before. Frankly, reading that is energizing. We think about the cross of Christ often – His sacrificial death. We do it around the communion table weekly – as well we should. In a phenomenal way however, Revelation reminds us – no matter what the circumstances – that Jesus Christ is triumphant and WE ARE HIS!

KABOOM – that is revolutionary, life altering, eternity impacting truth that should affect our daily attitudes. We’ll be in Revelation 1: 9-20 starting this Sunday.

[Stop reading if you are tired of reading – you’ve read the most important part – which is where we are in the word of God]

COUPLE OF BIGGER PICTURE ITEMS:

God wants us to intentionally connect people to Jesus. Toward that end, we’ve got some small asks and some medium sized asks for you as a body:

1. We’re praying through some realignment of Sunday morning ministries to help with space, growth, and flow. We need to ask for everyone to be praying for the best wisdom and discernment as to how to effectively achieve this as well as flexibility and the Forum “can do” spirit. (That’s the small ask)
2. We’re putting in front of us as a church body an over and above our tithes Easter Offering goal of $50,000. Our next connection piece will be coming out soon explaining all the details. This offering is designed to help facilitate growth (that’s the medium ask that will be in front of you). Easter is April 24th so we’re giving about a month and a half time for prayer, thought, and reflection for you and your family. As I say, greater details will be coming out soon.

Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday.

Scott

e-news for week of 2/20/11

By Justin Keith, High School Minister

I've asked plenty of students who attended last weekend's DiscipleNow! conference, that was held at Forum just for High School students, what their favorite part was and I've received plenty of answers. Some said worship, others said the community of believers, most said all of it and that put a smile on my face! But I didn't know what to answer when the question was put upon me. I really did like all of it even though I plan on making some changes for next year, but what was my absolute favorite part?

I guess I could sum it all up in a situation that occurred on our very first night together. It was Friday and we had just taken our seats after a stirring worship session led by Tyler Morris. I sat down in front of a computer monitor to run the powerpoint that Matt Proctor had given me to accompany his sermon. About 15 minutes in I decided that I must send a text to Dave Buster, who was running sound. It wasn't because he was doing a poor job, but the text demanded that the large, red-glowing clock that hangs in the back of the auditorium (in case Scott gets windy) be unplugged immediately! I told Dave, "I don't want him thinking he needs to wrap it up anytime soon!"

Matt led our students four times with passion, conviction, and a deep love of God. Having a guy like that as a guest speaker sure makes me look really good for scheduling him! But more than that, all of us who were their working with the students could breathe a sigh of relief knowing that we would get to see God move in exciting ways in the lives of these students.

Like all of our events at Forum, we want to intentionally connect our students to Jesus and our DNow weekend accomplished just that! This weekend Scott's going to finish off our "Run" series out of Hebrews 12. This series has really pushed all of us toward the image of Christ. I looked at this week's scripture and it talks about getting stronger, about knowing we are heading to God who is our Judge. This scripture reminds us that our "God is a consuming fire." I'm really looking forward to this weekend. God is doing some great things at Forum.

e-news for week of 2/13/11

God continues to move at Forum. He’s pushing us all forward toward being like Jesus. Thanks for the personal encouragement along the way. This series has truly pushed me hard. As a ministry, we exist to intentionally connect people with Jesus. We are purposeful about the process of connecting, growing, and living. As a staff, we are seeing this displayed within your lives all over the place.

It’s been a joy to share in the baptisms of Emily Davis, Mallory Prewitt, Mike Frossard and his son and daughter, Dean and Margo, Brianna McCollum, and this afternoon (Wednesday) Kristen, Heather, and Jaydn Battenfield will be also be baptized.

We continue to pack us in third service. I thank Tyler Morris and others for going into classrooms and picking up more chairs as well as trying to make the room more ergonomic. We’ve got a vision team as well as our elders who are going to lay out some short term solutions. We need prayers to seek God as to what’s best for the continued mission to connect people to Jesus. This I do know with certainty: the remodel we did last year has helped significantly. Thanks for your dedication. One person told me the parking lots were “like Walmart.” I thought to myself, “Good, because we’re doing something way more important than selling merchandise cheaply.”

We normally don’t announce who’s speaking on any given Sunday for a lot of reasons, however this weekend we’re blessed to be hosting Matt Proctor as he leads our teens through a Disciple Now weekend. Matt is the president of Ozark Christian College and (while it pains me as an alum of another undergraduate college) he is the best preaching president of all the Christian Church colleges. He’ll be preaching in all three services. It’s going to be another great Sunday. — Scott

e-news for week of 2/13/11

God continues to move at Forum. He’s pushing us all forward toward being like Jesus. Thanks for the personal encouragement along the way. This series has truly pushed me hard. As a ministry, we exist to intentionally connect people with Jesus. We are purposeful about the process of connecting, growing, and living. As a staff, we are seeing this displayed within your lives all over the place.

It’s been a joy to share in the baptisms of Emily Davis, Mallory Prewitt, Mike Frossard and his son and daughter, Dean and Margo, Brianna McCollum, and this afternoon (Wednesday) Kristen, Heather, and Jaydn Battenfield will be also be baptized.

We continue to pack us in third service. I thank Tyler Morris and others for going into classrooms and picking up more chairs as well as trying to make the room more ergonomic. We’ve got a vision team as well as our elders who are going to lay out some short term solutions. We need prayers to seek God as to what’s best for the continued mission to connect people to Jesus. This I do know with certainty: the remodel we did last year has helped significantly. Thanks for your dedication. One person told me the parking lots were “like Walmart.” I thought to myself, “Good, because we’re doing something way more important than selling merchandise cheaply.”

We normally don’t announce who’s speaking on any given Sunday for a lot of reasons, however this weekend we’re blessed to be hosting Matt Proctor as he leads our teens through a Disciple Now weekend. Matt is the president of Ozark Christian College and (while it pains me as an alum of another undergraduate college) he is the best preaching president of all the Christian Church colleges. He’ll be preaching in all three services. It’s going to be another great Sunday. — Scott

e-news for week of 2/6/11

While I’m not one to look back much – we had a really great Sunday in so many ways:
• Largest winter attendance at Forum I’ve personally ever experienced. (that’s with 20 inches of snow and ice all over the place – what’s wrong with you people :>)?)
• The staff truly appreciates your support as we implement the check in processes for your children. Every Sunday we want to teach your kids about Jesus Christ in the best and safest environment we can. As we continue to improve the check in processes, please give Katelyn and Jessie positive encouragement. Also, if you see or think of something that will help that process, please help them – they do a great job but always welcome help and insight.
• We got invited to a bunch of Life Group Super bowl parties. While I personally had no cheese or towels in the fray, it’s great to know there’s a great sense of community at Forum that arises in our Life Groups.

This Sunday we keep “running” in Hebrews 12 if you want to read ahead. God’s encouragement to each of us is to lose that which holds us back and keep our eyes on Jesus. How are you doing this week? Eyes locked? Head up? Walking and running with Christ with purpose?

Continue to excel – can’t wait to worship with you this weekend.

Scott

e-news for week of 1/30/11

SNOWZILLA STRIKES

Columbia is a town filled with a lot of runners. I’ve always had an admiration for runners. Since this snowstorm hit, I’ve not seen anyone running out in my neighborhood. I know treadmills are in use but some of life’s challenges slow us down, don’t they? This Sunday we’ll be in Hebrews 12 as we start a new series called, “Running.” This section of scripture will truly challenge you to kick it into a higher gear as you run this race of life.

Hope everyone is weathering this storm well. My teenage sons had a wonderful blessing – they had done about ½ of our driveway – broke for lunch – went back out and someone had finished the driveway for us. “Thank You” to our drive by helper.

We’ll all dig out by Sunday to worship God with one another.

In December, when things were pretty cold and intense I prayed at Northwest Rotary, “Lord, thanks for this day – may the whiteness of the snow remind us of Your goodness, purity, and holiness.” Frankly, we’ve had a lot of these types of reminders this winter. Please see God’s work and sovereignty in all things.

Thanks to all within our church body and those in our community who work in the essential service sectors. Thanks to all of you firemen, police, medical workers, power plant workers, road crews, utility workers, snow plow workers, wrecker crews, and others I’m not meaning to overlook. What you do matters so very much.

This week we welcome Arthur and Paula Rawlings as new members at Forum. Morgan Bichsel was also baptized recently. Please keep her in prayer as she begins her new life in Christ.

Please include in your prayers: Caleb and Jackie Sellers and their family. Caleb and Jackie are missionaries who are coming back to the states to raise funding for their permanent station as Bible translators.

Can’t wait to get together with all of you this Sunday at Forum to worship God. — Scott

e-news for week of 1/30/11

Personal question: How’s your walk with Jesus?

As we continue to explore our walk with Christ, let me encourage you to continue to break new ground personally while also following the steps of historic saints. This week we’ll dial into Colossians 3: 15-17.

Really great things going on in the life of Forum right now:

• Chris Graft was baptized Sunday. Afterwards he observed that it was the “perfect day with the perfect sermon” to be baptized.

• One of our single moms communicated her thanks that 3 cords of wood showed up at her house. She uses this to heat her home.

• A couple’s marriage coming back together. They shared with me the initial starting point was one of the women’s Bible studies that circled around her, laid hands on her, and prayed for their marriage. We want more of our life groups, Bible studies, etc. to do exactly this type of biblical ministry.

• We welcome Scott and Talitha Broughton as new members at Forum. Their children are Savannah, Jared, Annalise, Levi, and Emily. They came to the “Connecting Place” on Sunday to say that Forum is their church home. We also welcome Joe Brown as a member to the Forum family. He came into the office this week and it was great to hear how God is working in his life.

Please keep in prayer the family of Elton Fay and especially his daughter Erin. Erin had her infant son die tragically this past Friday. The funeral will have already occurred by the time you receive this (Tuesday) but please lift the family up during this time frame.

Looking forward to another great day of worship with God this Sunday. Be praying about your next step with God and how He wants you to grow.

Scott

e-news for week of 1/16/11

Clicking….

Was talking with Justin Keith our senior high youth minister last week and he made this great observation, “Seems like everything right now is just clicking.” God is doing some really great things right now. God is raising Forum up to a new level.

Tim Myers, the new chairman of our elders, really has a passion that as leaders we step up in terms of shepherding. We want to help all realize that shepherding is not exclusively an elder thing, that’s part of our role, but the reality is - it is a mutual role. I’m reminded there are nearly 40 “one another” passage in the New Testament.

Love one another…
Care for one another….
Carry one another’s burdens…
Encourage one another…

As a church body, it’s evident to sense this is going on. As I listened to a more established member of our church talk to a brand new person within their life group about the great things God is doing at Forum, what drew them as a family to Forum, and how God is really building them up at Forum, there was just a level of great joy because God is at work.

As over 100 teens gathered on Sunday night to share in the baptism of Blake Metz it was so exciting to see such a great group of students who are growing in the Lord as well as witnessing new birth within Blake’s life. Blake is the daughter of John and Gail Metz if you want to pass along a word of blessing to them.

Each Sunday, I truly can’t wait to get together to worship and gather in the name of the Lord. Hope you are excited and on board. God’s at work here – let’s all join Him to impact one person at a time. — Scott

e-news for week of 1/9/11

God is real. He’s alive. He’s in the business of changing and transforming lives!!!

As I trudged through umpteen inches of snow drift in -15 below wind chills to get to the office today, I’m thrilled to write this: 2011 HAS STARTED OFF AS A GREAT SEASON OF MINISTRY!!!!

Great to share in the baptisms of Ronnie Fritz and Ashley Dawson on Wednesday night. I meant what I said on Sunday – it would be great if we were the first church ever to wear out a baptistery.

We want 2011 to be a stellar year of ministry and impact and part of that arises out of faithful giving. Therefore, I need to encourage everyone to trust the Lord with your giving. 2010 was a financially tight year for Forum where we did many capital improvements to the facility as well as other ministry initiatives. I’m encouraging you to consider increasing your giving in 2011 by $10, $20, or even $50 a week. I do believe God will fill in the blanks as you live by and stretch out in faith.

I want to take a moment to lift up the great staff God has assembled here. It’s a joy to serve God with every one of them. Each has individual talents, gifts, ministry passions, and drives. I want to express thanks to Jared for laying out and putting together the exceptional Forum Connection that you should have received in the mail. (if you didn’t, you can get it online at our exceptional NEW website – also laid out by Jared Wortman). I also want to express my thanks to Bradley Williams for the great job he did in the pulpit last Sunday as well as putting together the lifegroup materials. If you haven’t picked those up – you can get them in the lobby or online under resources.

Sunday we continue to walk with God in Colossians 3. We’ll be in that chapter over the next couple of weeks. This is transformational stuff. God is real. He’s living. He’s active. He’s shaping your life so you can live and give your personal best. Can’t wait to worship with you Sunday. — Scott