Scott's E-News Update

e-news for week of 2/5/12

2012-02-09T13:02:00.000-08:00

This week we embark on the most game changing teaching in the entire history of the world. Specifically, we will strive to be “Apprentices” of Jesus. More than “book knowledge,” Jesus calls us to flesh out God’s kingdom agenda. We will apply Christ’s Sermon on the Mount to our lives. We will intentionally follow our savior in action and attitude.

Since September we’ve had an overall focus of being Gamechangers. I chose to not use this language during the “Not a fan” series because I didn’t want to muddy the message. The “not a fan” really fit well into the overall aim and purpose of this theme which is to move all of us to being fully engaged, innovative, and engaging disciples of Christ.

We continue to have an incredible season of ministry at Forum. God’s kingdom and message are growing and challenging people in mind-bending ways. As a congregation you have emailed, facebooked, written, and shared verbally your personal growth in Christ. So many of you are helping to invite people to Forum where they can hear about Jesus Christ and His love. Thanks for the ongoing encouragement but also the diligent and intentional desire to reach people for Jesus Christ.

Looking forward to Sunday. – Scott

e-news for week of 1/29/12

2012-02-03T06:20:00.001-08:00

When comfort collides

The evangelists of the world’s system say:

Be happy and pursue it. It’s a mantra of self-fulfillment.
We are preached to a doctrine of health, wealth, be happy, amass, accrue, and hang out with other people who do.
We are told to buy some land, build the house, get the good car, have 2.2 children, keep adding on, making improvements, good schools, and the like.

Marriage gets rocky – sounds unfulfilling – so bail.
Don’t like your job – quit.
Sex – don’t wait for marriage – that’s not self-fulfilling.
Inconvenient pregnancy – abort.

As a preacher, I find it fascinating that the world’s system bombards even ministers and the church with this message: “Don’t be preachy.”

The system of the world is crumbling and the blind guides tell those who know the truth to tone it down.

It’s time for Christ followers to fully go on mission. “Follow me – and I will make you fishers of men…”

What if God has a dream and a plan for you? Would His plan – in your mind – derail your comfort, your self-fulfillment, your dreams, if you truly denied self and fully followed?

Are you willing to lay it down and follow? I ask the same question of you that I asked 3 weeks ago, “When was the last time you made a self-denying, painful sacrifice for the Lord? “

Looking forward to what God has in store for us this Sunday.

See you then - Scott

e-news for week of 1/22/12

2012-01-26T19:54:00.000-08:00

Fan or Follower?

This is an every day question for all of us. “You cannot be my disciple unless you deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow me.”

What is it that drives you?

Human motivation has recently fascinated me.

Some people are motivated by fear.
Some are motivated by “Atta boys/girls.”
Others are motivated by money.
Some people love “the rules.”
There are some who love to get their toes stepped on.
Love motivates some.
Daily needs met is a drive for many.

God’s word gives us insight as to great things that should motivate us. Specifically, "loving the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength" should be a primary motivator. Couple that with “the fear (respect or reverence) of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom,” and our life in Christ becomes fascinatingly simple.

So here’s a bottom line question: do you love God and are you reverencing Him?

This week we’ll look at one of the very destructive motifs that some ministries will use to leverage or guilt people connected to God.

At Forum, our desire is to motivate all of us out of our love for the Lord. Looking forward to worshiping with you this weekend. – Scott

e-news for week of 1/15/12

2012-01-19T11:44:00.001-08:00

As we continue to move from fans to followers, along the path there are some hard introspective truths that stare us in the face.

One of the primary barriers, in my opinion, to global advancement within the kingdom is the fact that as a nation, we have grown soft.

As a people we moan about:

The state of our economy (it’s the worst economy since the great depression)
The divisiveness of politics
The condition of our roads
The status of educational systems

And how are we moaning about these things?

We do it from our plush lazy boy recliners, in our climate controlled rooms, surfing our 250 cable stations on our high definition televisions. We do it via our mobile devices that are bouncing signals off of satellites, while we eat sushi and sip on our $4 fair trade lattes.

We compare this to the Great Depression?

Give me a break.

Some of these levels of comfort and convenience spill over into the lives of believers. And then we come across the words of Christ, “Unless you deny yourself and take up your cross daily…”

When was the last true hurting, self-denying sacrifice you made for the Lord? When was the last time you risked for the Lord?

When was the last time you moaned to the Lord in your prayer life or your daily words that your accessorized life in this land of great physical comfort is just too hard?

We have it so very good…and at times so very soft.

Probably not what you wanted to read today, but let the Holy Spirit of God push you today and every day toward the imitation of Christ.

Looking forward to a great encounter with the Lord and you this weekend. – Scott

e-news for week of 1/8/12

2012-01-13T11:27:00.000-08:00

This weekend we are centering on knowing the Lord as we continue in “Not a Fan.” Hope you’ve been “all in” so far this week. If not, dial it in right now.

Over the past months, I’ve received so many emails about how God is changing so many of us. God is at work in your lives. As He works realize while you strive to live like Christ, when you fall short, Jesus isn’t going to beat you up when you are giving to him your very best. In these emails, there’s a common theme that runs through many of them, and I wanted to say this:

YOU’RE NOT EVER GOING TO BE PERFECT.

Some of you grew up in households or maybe church systems that treated you like a burrow chasing a carrot on the end of a stick. Bottom line, that donkey never gets the carrot, hence there’s never any sense of achievement or accomplishment. Just the same illusive perfection carrot is out in front of you.

With Christ (many of you need to read this now 4 times over because it’s the truest thing anyone is ever going to say to you) he GIVES you his righteousness. You will never earn it, attain it, merit it, or even gain it. It’s a gift.

And guess what else—nobody else within the church is perfect either. Therefore they require love and grace FROM you just as God extended it TO you. “Anyone” (as we talked about last Sunday) means “anyone.”

Catch this: any system of biblical interpretation that manifests itself in the life of a believer without love, grace, and truth as primary character traits is simply a bad way to interpret the Bible.

Why did I write all that?

Some of you need to stop beating yourselves up. You are never going to be perfect. Welcome to the land of love, grace, and relationship with Jesus.

Looking forward to getting up close and personal both with the Lord and with everyone this weekend as we continue to move from fans to followers. – Scott

PS – We mailed out a Forum Connection this week , but if you’d like to view it online you can check it out at: www.forumchristian.org then click on Resources and then Forum Connection.

e-news for week of 1/1/12

2012-01-06T09:34:00.000-08:00

Hiring Decisions

You’ve hired different people over the years. Auto mechanics, body repair, builders, bankers, doctors, lawyers, and others. Technically, every time you go to a restaurant you are employing them.

How do you go about deciding who to choose? Reputation? Word of mouth? Friend’s recommendation? Facebook or television ad?

If you were hiring someone at your company, how thoroughly would you investigate their background? If they handled money, would you check their credit background?

If you were an admissions counselor at a university, would you hold to the academic standards of the institution if they didn’t meet the criterion?

If their resume’ looked like the one below would you want them?

Academics = below average
Family background = blue collar
Testing = beneath acceptance standards
Financial standing = unable to pay

Would you admit this candidate?

Jesus Christ did and still does. Be here Sunday as we continue in “Not a Fan” as we look at Christ’s open invitation. Looking forward to another great encounter with God and you - Scott

e-news for week of 12/25/11

2011-12-30T12:21:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-22T19:09:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-16T08:47:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-09T08:42:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-02T06:25:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-23T06:38:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-18T16:43:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-10T10:32:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-03T15:02:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

“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

2011-10-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-10T13:53:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-07T12:37:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-28T14:01:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-19T13:21:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-31T13:57:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-22T13:18:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-18T13:21:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-03T13:15:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-28T07:11:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-22T07:11:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-14T17:38:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-07T14:12:00.001-07:00

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

2011-06-30T20:19:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-15T15:01:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-08T13:33:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-02T13:08:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-25T11:27:00.001-07:00

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

2011-05-18T13:58:00.001-07:00

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

2011-05-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-04T11:49:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

“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

2011-04-15T09:25:00.001-07:00

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

2011-04-08T11:27:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-30T12:04:00.001-07:00

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

2011-03-25T09:25:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-11T08:57:00.000-08:00

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

2011-03-04T08:19:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-25T06:55:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-16T06:42:00.003-08:00

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

2011-02-16T06:42:00.001-08:00

e-news for week of 2/6/11

2011-02-11T07:22:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-03T07:08:00.001-08:00

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

2011-01-28T14:14:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-19T13:27:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-14T12:17:00.001-08:00

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

e-news for week of 1/2/11

2011-01-05T11:54:00.000-08:00

2011 is off and running. It was fun being able to post this on my FB status on Sunday:

Scott Sutherland: really great day at Forum. Had to add chairs 3rd service. Way to start off the year Forum!!! Congrats to the Hendricks family. 11 is gonna be a great year...

It was great to share in Louis Hendricks baptizing his son Benjamin into Christ. It was also wonderful to baptize Eric and Stephani Worts last night.

As a ministry, God calls us to intentionally connect people to Jesus. As ever, let me encourage you to be purposeful in every element of your life for God. Live for His glory.

I was in the gym last night and struck up a conversation with someone I’d not ever met before. By the end of the conversation, I knew there was both a connection and a bridge built that extended friendship and a casual invite to Forum.

Are you walking with the Lord?

Let me take a moment to extend thanks for the ongoing encouragement connected to all that God is doing here. We have to encourage one another. You are vital within the kingdom of God. You may be His sole missionary/ambassador in your workplace, family, campus, etc. Walk with Him. He’s with you every step and every moment.

This week we’ll dial in to 1 Peter 2:19-25. This fallen world has a very sharp edge. How we respond to the intensity of life often demonstrates where our faith lies.

Looking forward to worshipping with all of you this Sunday.

Scott

e-news for week of 12/26/10

2010-12-29T12:43:00.001-08:00

2011 – here we come!!! 2010 has been a really good year. Closing it out with a lot of great ministry really puts a bow on the end of a good year of ministry.

THANK YOU:

I want to take just a moment to thank Tarry and Poppy Koutz and their teams for the exceptional ministry during the Christmas season. Friends, unless you’ve helped to set up and take down sets of that size in that short of a time frame – you just don’t know or have a clue as to the effort. Thanks also to Tyler Morris and to all who served so hard to be such a great blessing to Forum and our community.

To those who helped serve by getting the facility ready during all the snow that’s occurred in December – thank you so much for your servant’s hearts. You facilitated worship to over 1100 people during the Christmas weekend.

Personal Spiritual Goals for 2011

We’ve really pushed striving to be like Christ the past several months. Let’s continue to encourage and challenge one another to be like Jesus.

For this Sunday, I know there are many of you within our body who have not ever gone through water baptism as an adult believer. This past year we had many adult believers who yielded themselves to Christ in immersion to pursue becoming like Christ. I’d encourage you to pray about starting 2011 off by yielding to Christ in this way.

I also want to take a moment to welcome our new elders and deacons. Our elders for 2011 are: Jim Ferneau, Ted Fletcher, Roger Higginbotham, Dan Howell, Keith Matheny, Clint Miller, Tim Myers, Paul Rowoth, and Ken Sears. Our deacons for 2011 are: David Abbott, Jim Abernathy, Jeff Bilbro, Jeff Brawley, Brandon Campbell, Steve Cowan, Darren Grayson, Carl Holem, Jeremy McBee, and Rod Petersen. You’ve been serving within the body already. I’m just thrilled that God has led you to this station of heightened service and stewardship.

We start a new series Sunday called, “Walking with God.” Luke 23 will be the place we’ll camp out this Sunday. This message truly excites me because the power of Christ via His word is transformational.

One last thing: we need a big day this Sunday to help start this year off well. During December the ministry took a huge hit on the snow Sunday. Thanks for helping to fill in the dent last week, but we’ve got a ways to go to get caught up. Let’s make January a great start in terms of giving.

Blessings to all of you – and Happy New Year. — Scott

e-news for week of 12/19/10

2010-12-22T12:06:00.000-08:00

The Staff and Elders of Forum truly wish you a wonderful and blessed Christmas!

Jesus Christ came to shine God’s light into this world – a world darkened by sin and the falleness of mankind. God wants to illuminate your life with salvation and this is good news of great joy!

Looking forward to a great day of worship this Friday as we celebrate the light of Christ coming into this world at our Christmas Eve services (4, 5:30).

Sunday we’ll look at God’s Personal Best in the gift of Jesus. John 3:16 – it really doesn’t get any better than this.

A big “ask.”

In that we had a snow Sunday that impacted attendance and giving in December, the financial office communicated to me that “we are in need of great giving this Sunday to close out the year.” This is the first and last (in that it’s the last Sunday in 2010) “ask” connected to giving from me in 2010. As a ministry, we’ve done a lot of facilities improvements this year that have stretched us thin. We’ve done a lot with benevolence throughout this year. We continue to faithfully give toward missions. We put together incredible Christmas productions as a gift to our community. Bottom line, we – as a church – are very “tight” right now and I need to prayerfully ask you as a church body to give very generously this Sunday. If every family could give an extra twenty, fifty, one hundred dollars or even more it would help enormously. A similar circumstance occurred a couple of years ago – and as a church body you gave generously. Forum is a great church because of God and the people within it – thanks for being one of those kingdom people.

Looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday. — Scott

e-news for 12/12/10

2010-12-17T12:25:00.001-08:00

Christmas and Great Cheer

God’s timing is perfect.

Connected to the birth of Jesus, the scripture tells us that, “4 when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4)

So I’m in my office Thursday morning and a message comes to me, “Randy Rippey is here and would like to see you.” Randy has been deployed to Afghanistan for the past six months and he’s home. Randy told us how everything came together for him to make it to his daughter’s Christmas program last night and what a great surprise for Makayla it was because he wasn’t supposed to make it. Randy also communicated how God is using him there as well as how life in Afghanistan continues to improve for those citizens. As you read this, won’t you pause and pray for the troops?

God’s timing and revelation applied to the birth, life, death, resurrection, and enthronement of Jesus. I believe God also has timing and purpose in your life as well. Often we don’t understand the timing, or how the pieces fit together.

Songwriter Michael Card wrote “Joseph’s Song” to encapsulate some of the simple yet profound questions that come with God’s plans within our lives:

How could it be?
This baby in my arms
Sleeping now, so peacefully
The Son of God,
The angel said
How could it be?
Lord I know
He's not my own
Not of my flesh, not of my bone
Still Father let this baby be
The son of my love

Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours
How can a man be father to the Son of God?
Lord for all my life I've been a simple carpenter
How can I raise a king, How can I raise a king?
He looks so small, His face and hands so fair
And when He cries the sun just seems to disappear
But when He laughs it shines again
How could it be?

God’s timing is perfect. He is good all the time.

So looking forward to both the Christmas program, “Christmas at the Forum” on Friday (7:30), Saturday (7:30), and Sunday (3) as well as worshiping our Savior with you this Sunday (8:15, 9:45, 11).

Invite a friend, illuminate the world! See you this weekend. Scott

e-news for week of 12/5/10

2010-12-10T08:27:00.001-08:00

We’re having a really good season of ministry and I hope the joy of Christ is lifting up your soul. Great day of worship this past Sunday. We’ve worked on the auditorium this week for more seats - but – bottom line – we’ll be “cozy” with only 400 seats in the auditorium the next several weeks. That’s okay, right? We’ll have additional folding chairs this week as well. This is a great season to invite people to church.

Some of you might want to consider attending one of the earlier services. I’d love to see all our worship hours as full as third hour and that can happen if we all live for the glory of God. Let’s all do our personal best by inviting others. Second hour is identical with third hour. For first hour we hired Tarry Koutz this year, and my first charge to him was, “Make our first service the best traditional service in Columbia.” He’s done that. It’s a great worship experience.

We were in staff meeting a couple of weeks ago and one of the women from church came in and thanked Tyler for the great job he’s doing.

I had a casual friend who attends Rotary International with me whose son recently started attending Forum at the invitation of a friend tell me how much he appreciated his son’s excitement connected to the church.

I received great feedback from those connected to the children’s ministry about the appreciation dinner and the new check in processes that are emerging.

On top of that, it’s the season of Christ!!!!! Smile more, invite more, give more, and live. As a ministry we truly encourage you to intentionally connect people with Jesus.

Sunday we’ll continue to talk about God’s personal best. This message will arise out of Matthew 5:17, 18. Not the usual Christmas text for sure, however we’ll continue to see the greatness of our God and His perfect plan.

Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday.

Scott

e-news for 11/28/10

2010-12-03T06:35:00.000-08:00

As we preached on prayer this past Sunday, I want to encourage you to move beyond five pound barbells and accelerate your life with God in prayer. At the end of this article, we’re attaching the prayer template that was tailored by a great prayer warrior for Forum. As a staff, we are hitting one of those elements every day, praying for kingdom advancement. Let me encourage you to do the same.

As we move into the Christmas season, we want to talk about “God’s Personal Best.” We saw in last week’s passage, (at the end of it Jesus talks about how God is the Giver of good gifts) that even we who are evil (Jesus’ words) know how to give good gifts. How much more so does our Holy and Good God know how to give us good gifts?

Speaking of good things from the Lord – in that I was preaching out at north campus Sunday – I want to thank God for the good things He did during the time we ministered there:

• 4 people gave their lives to the Lord and were baptized
• a great ministry to young adult women emerged
• one of the workers from the Hilton is making Forum her church home and coming to know the Lord
• worship leaders were developed
• our staff stretched and grew
• those who served with the set up, take down, and logistics did a phenomenal job
• as a leadership, we’ve been able to see some of our capacities

Since God is the Giver of good gifts, I’ve racked my brain to think of anything “bad” that arose from that missional effort and bottom line…I can’t. I believe that campus was borne out of prayer and I believe it is closing after a season of prayer. Is that weird? I don’t think so. I believe God has something even bigger and better in store for us as a ministry. The mission never changes – to intentionally connect people with Jesus. Our methods and seasons of strategy will change.

I have two requests for you as a congregation this week:

1. Pray. Pray for those who don’t know Jesus. Pray for us as a ministry to be highly effective. Pray for wisdom and insight as to how to best impact our region for Christ.
2. Because it’s year end, I want to encourage us all to finish the year strong in the Lord with faithful giving. God isn’t swayed by the economy nor should our faith be.
This Sunday we’ll gather around God’s word with two of the great marquee passages of the Bible connected to Jesus – specifically John 1:1-14 and Hebrews 1:1-4. Looking forward to worshiping with you Sunday - Scott

Prayer Template

1. Forum Church - to remain true to our Lord as we seek to intentionally connect people to Jesus.
2. Ministers - to continually grow in their learning, and for the care they impart to Forum Christian Church. To continually nurture our congregations commitment to corporate worship and spiritual growth.
3. New People - that they will find a spiritual home at Forum.
4. Missionaries and Timothys - for the many who proclaim and witness for the gospel by teaching, preaching, and ministering in all parts of the world.
5. Elders - for God’s wisdom and understanding as they determine policy and provide direction for the church.
6. Senior Minister - Scott Sutherland: for God’s guidance as he leads the Forum church community.
7. Financial needs - that God’s people will continue to faithfully support His work at Forum.
8. Ministers and Staff - to be good stewards of time, talent, and energy as they manage the affairs of the church and administer policies and programs.
9. Deacons - that they will exercise their abilities with integrity as unto the Lord.
10. Forum Congregation - for effective Christian witness on our campus and in the Columbia community.
11. Life Groups - to grow in the knowledge, faith, discernment and personal relationships.
12. Youth Groups - that our ministers and assistants will give the youth God’s wisdom to navigate the challenges of their young years.
13. Campus House & MU Ministries - that students’ devotion to God’s kingdom will widen and deepen through this learning experience.
14. International Students - for a smooth adjustment to a new culture.
15. Worship Team - that their leading in worship will be an acceptable offering to God.
16. Campus facilities - that people who learn, play, work, and worship in it will care for it wisely and effectively.
17. Professionals - for doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers, and others as they perform tangible acts of service for others and ultimately serve the Kingdom of God.
18. Individuals in business and government - that they will provide leadership that is just and compassionate.
19. Area Churches - that people in our city will find a spiritual home to worship and grow in their faith.
20. Family Life - that the relationship between husband and wife continue to be strong and supportive of each other and their children.

e-news for week of 11/22/10

2010-11-24T12:47:00.000-08:00

God answers prayers!!!! This past month we’ve seen prayers answered regarding surgeries, family situations, job opportunities, people giving their lives to the Lord, our church advancing the gospel and taking the message into the marketplace, and in many other ways.

• God answers prayers and opens doors for you to share your faith.
• God answers prayers for daily provision.
• God answers prayers for healing and protection.
• God answers prayer in response to our forgiveness of sins
• God answers prayer for world evangelism by raising up workers. Speaking of which, we got this great news from Bryce and Amanda Wurdemann this week:

We wanted to share with you exciting news from Haiti! Cholera is what is on everyone's mind here in Haiti which is still hurting from the earthquake earlier this year. It is difficult seeing Haitians suffer and people die because of this awful bacteria, but this we were reminded that even through this God is still bringing life! Two girls I was meeting with for the past couple weeks about becoming a Christian gave their lives to Jesus this past Thursday! Marie Christie in 8th grade who I had as a student last year and Hasheny in 6th grade. Enjoy the pictures of our new sisters in Christ! Happy Thanksgiving

We’ll look at Luke 11: 1-13 this Sunday if you want to read ahead. As we are growing to be like Christ, we must learn from our Lord the importance of prayer.

Can’t wait to worship God with you Sunday.

Scott

E-news for week of 11/21/10

2010-11-19T09:05:00.000-08:00

Great things continue to happen at Forum Christian Church

Great to be a part of:

• Clint Miller baptizing his son Travis into Christ Jesus
• Lindsey Mooreland being baptized into Christ
• The overwhelming affirmation of all of our elders and deacons

For those who may not have been at church Sunday, I do need you to know that the leadership made a decision to hold services out at the North Campus until the end of November. After that, Forum will come fully back together on the Forum Boulevard location under one roof. The North Campus has done well and has reached people for Jesus Christ. We’ve just not had the traction that we had hoped for. There have been incredible victories along the way and the campus is doing well. Bottom line – God led us to start that campus and God led us to stop at this time. While this saddens me, I simultaneously believe as God closes one door He opens others. Toward that end, we’ll be forming a strategic team to look toward the future that will meet and pray throughout 2011 for what’s next for us as a kingdom building ministry.

This Sunday, we’ll learn an entire book of the Bible in Philemon. I’m so very stoked about this message because God’s word transforms lives. I think this message is so very timely.

Looking forward to a great day of worship this Sunday. Can’t wait to be in God’s presence with you.

Scott

e-news for week of 11/7/10

2010-11-10T12:11:00.000-08:00

The God of the universe invites you to walk in the steps of His son Jesus. WOW!

Those steps involved:

• Loving people
• Helping people
• Serving people
• Teaching people
• Saving people

As he walked he lived:

• Humbly
• Diligently
• Lovingly
• In God’s will
• Prayerfully
• Joyfully
• Thankfully
• As a giver

This Sunday, we’ll be in 2 Corinthians 8 as we continue to grow to live like Christ.

We rejoice with:

• The baptisms of Matthew and Sarah Epperly
• Karen, Preston, and Kristen Wolfe joining Forum as their church home.

Let’s pray for:

• Someone you know who needs Jesus in their lives
• Jackie Pittman upon the recent losses of both her father and her uncle
• Tarry Koutz as he continues to heal

Looking forward to a great day of worship this Sunday. Can’t wait to be in God’s presence with you.

Scott

e-news for week of 10/31/10

2010-11-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

As the sunrise marked a new day – a day filled with opportunities – the Lord greeted you and gave you opportunities to meet and greet people, opportunities to excel in the marketplace, chances and moments to pray, a time to pat your child on their back or to help them with some homework, a few minutes to grab a cup of coffee, some time for your meals, etc. Every one of these moments is a gift. God gives them for you to live for His glory. I can’t wait to worship with all of you this weekend and talk about 1 Peter 2: 21-25. It’s such a great passage with a great word from the Lord.

It was great to share in:

• The baptism of Katie Petersen.
• An excellent day of family worship. Thanks to Tyler, Tarry, Katelyn, and Jessie for helping to construct a great day. Great to have a truly intergenerational experience with both the adult and kids choirs. Thanks for blessing the church body.
• A phenomenal weekend of youth events
• Nate and Julie Koffarnus giving birth to their baby girl, Tatum.

Please be praying for:

• Jackie Pittman upon the loss of her father.
• Tarry Koutz as he is having surgery this week.
• The affirmation of elders and deacons (you can see the list in the weekly e-announcements).

Really looking forward to the Men's Fitness event this Saturday. Men of Forum - let's rise up and set a fierce level of following Jesus. We'll start the man huddle at 11:30 on Saturday morning.

Looking forward to a great day of worship this Sunday – see you then.

Scott

e-news for week of 10/24/10

2010-10-29T09:34:00.000-07:00

Living for Jesus a life that is true, striving to please Him in all that I do.

That’s the opening line to an old hymn called, “Living for Jesus.” It encapsulates the life that God designed for you. It is your destiny to become like Jesus. Ultimately our total transformation occurs when we attain our heavenly bodies – but in the meantime – our lives – our spirits – our choices are being transformed into the image of Jesus.

This Sunday we’ll have a family worship service occurring – scan read the e-announcements to know how this plays out for you and your family for Sunday.

Great to share in:

• Kale Russum’s baptism

Please keep in prayer

• The Tamerius family

As we looked at Peter confessing Jesus as the Christ, this week – live your confession. Just as Jesus told Peter to deny self and take up your cross. This element of self denial and sacrifice is the type of living the world is crying out to see demonstrated.

This week we’ll learn from Peter how to grow in our faith. 2 Peter 1: 3-11 will be the text. Check it out ahead of time and come prepared to be built up, challenged, and connected to God. See you Sunday.

— Scott

e-news for week of 10/17/10

2010-10-22T08:39:00.001-07:00

This weekend we start a new series called, “Live” dealing with how we live day to day in Jesus Christ. Started with our connection to God, moved into growing, we’ve now arrived at “Live.” Connect, grow, and live: Forum Christian Church.

Really excellent weekend this past weekend:

• Great to see so many people walking and running doing their personal best all around Twin Lakes on Saturday
• Thanks to the organizers – especially to Kim Petersen and Holly Higginbotham for making it happen. It took a village to pull it off – but you both really excelled. Thanks.
• On a personal note – I appreciated the time of verbal encouragement during communion last Sunday. Thanks Tyler for thinking of the body/one another element of communion.

Great to share in:

• Emily Higginbotham’s baptism
• Beth Ryberg’s baptism
• Laura Fletcher’s baptism

Just as the Samaritan took the time and initiated, you have the time this week to:

• Invite someone to church
• Pray with someone
• Do an intentional act of kindness for the glory of God
• Praise your child and build them up

You’ve got time left this week to:

• Read Matthew 16 to dial in for Sunday
• Study the life group lesson online
• Check out the online announcements and choose where to serve and get involved.

Should be a great weekend in the presence of God. Hope you are looking forward to it already.

— Scott

e-news for week of 10/10/10

2010-10-15T06:53:00.001-07:00

You’ve got time left this week to:

• Invite someone to church
• Pray for someone
• Do an intentional act of kindness for the glory of God
• Praise your child and build them up

You’ve got time left this week to:

• Read Luke 10: 25-37 to dial in for Sunday
• Study the life group lesson online
• Show up for the 5K on Saturday morning at 8 a.m. and help or participate
• Have the attitude of Jesus from Phil. 2:5

You’ve got time left this week to:

• Repent and turn your heart more fully to the things of God
• Flesh out your faith to family, coworkers, and friends
• Humble yourself and allow God to mold and shape you

Looking forward to a fabulous weekend of worship, intentional connection to God, and growth. Can’t wait to see you and worship with you this Sunday.

— Scott

e-news for week of 10/3/10

2010-10-06T14:13:00.001-07:00

Thanks for the encouraging words connected to our current set of sermons. This past Sunday was definitely one of challenge and intensity. Bottom line, repentance benefits you. It benefits your family. It benefits the kingdom. It produces seasons of refreshing within your life and your spirit. Have you repented today (changed your mind to the point of action and attitude change)?

As this arises, there’s an attempt within this writing that is an intense struggle. The attempt is to write without using the words, “I, me, mine” and the like. Try it. Try to go five minutes without utilizing any of those words. We tend to layer ourselves into most conversations. Given that this Sunday we’ll be in Philippians 2: 1-11 dealing with our attitudes - specifically the element of humility, this attempt is appropriate (though labor some and lengthier). Among the primary actions/attributes of Christ Jesus is humility.

Imitating Jesus means lowering self. We’ll talk about it this Sunday. Loving seeing and hearing how God and His Spirit are impacting you and transforming you.

Superstart for our upper elementary kids happens this weekend. Keep them in your prayers as they travel to St. Louis.

The 5K happens next week. Over 100 signed up to participate – that’s outstanding. Looking forward to being part of this with you.

Format change. In the near future we are making several information streaming/gathering format changes. This blog is going to stay focused on the vision and teaching elements of Forum to keep us all looking upward and forward.

The other weekly communication piece will be a scannable announcement sheet with thank you notes, event announcements, birth announcements, shower announcements, sign up announcements, community involvement opportunities, etc. Thanks to the congregant who picked up on last week’s rant and sent a solution.

Looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday.

Scott

e-news for week of 9/26/10

2010-10-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

This Sunday we will continue to focus on the “Grow” element of becoming like Jesus Christ. As a ministry we strive to intentionally connect people to Jesus. Currently we have a very deliberate focus of helping you to become like him. Hence, when you connect with people they are making a connection with someone who truly represents Jesus.

As we continue to pursue a life like Jesus’, let’s continue to push and challenge one another. God won’t give up on you. Don’t you dare allow selfishness, complacency, pride, or whatever it is you are holding on to cause you to lose focus on the goal. Don’t turn to the right or the left of this path God has you on.

I want to take a moment to say, “Thank You” to our entire ministry staff. October is “Pastor Appreciation Month.” And honestly, while I personally think this is another invented, contrived, and artificially created event to boost probably a slow month’s sales in Christian bookstores nationwide (I can say that out loud in that I am one) there is merit in encouraging one another. The scriptures actually encourage double honor to those who preach and teach (see 1 Timothy 5:17). I’m so thankful for Justin, Jessie, Jody, Jared, Ted, Tyler, Tarry, and Katelyn on the ministry staff side of things. I’m ever grateful for Carolyn, Melanie, Melinda, Helen, Marlowe, and Brian on the administrative side. Please take a moment and send a note of encouragement to various staff members.

Several things to note:

1. Workday – tomorrow - 7 a.m.
2. Elementary kids have the “Questions” series starting tonight. Times are from 6 - 7:30. Meet in the gym.
3. Sign up for the 5K this Sunday. In order for the team to order correct T-shirts you need to get signed up. There are also training runs going on – you can see those times on the website.
4. There’s a regional retreat for men happening on Oct. 15-16.

As ever friends – let me remind all of this: Forum is a pretty good sized church. We could spend every minute on Sunday morning, I could use everything I ever write, we could never sing another praise song or even take communion again during a Sunday morning service JUST TO MAKE ANNOUNCEMENTS. Use the website – it’s our primary place to gather information. Those aren’t the only announcements – I just think if I make all announcements you’ll lose it but more importantly – even this visual noise has caused you to probably lose the most important message of this publication:

Be like Jesus. Do your personal best. Live by faith. Step out on faith between now and Sunday by praying for someone in your life and then inviting them to church.

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

e-news for week of 9/19/10

2010-09-24T08:16:00.000-07:00

Behind the scenes.

Faith often displays itself when no one is looking:

Moses out in the desert lifting up the staff turned serpent
No large audience when Peter stepped out on the sea with Jesus
No one around when David killed the lion
The quiet prayer of an elder or a deacon ministering to a shut in
A follower of Christ writing a check and trusting the Lord for continued provision
A worker in the nursery singing with an infant, injecting in them from infancy with the love of the Lord
A dad praying over his kids as they sleep
Helping someone during a time of need or crisis
We want to be like Christ.

This Sunday we start a new series called, "Grow" connected to the theme of Your Personal Best. We'll talk about growing in Faith. Hebrews 11: 1-6 will serve as our focal point. It's one of the marquee passages of the Bible helping us to understand define, and challenge us toward active faith. Also we'll touch on the words of Christ connected to faith and a mustard seed.

As I'm writing this on Thursday, one of our elders, Tim Myers, is going through open heart surgery. While this has become a "routine" procedure, the truth is that as we go through various situations in life, faith defines us as it defines Tim today. Bottom line question: Are you striving to be like Jesus?

Don't forget that starting on Sunday October 3rd the four-week miniseries, "Questions" will begin for K - 5th Grade in room 107 at South Campus.

Our Personal Best 5K will be on October 16. I want to encourage you to get registered this Sunday so that we know T-shirts, sizes, etc. There's also a series of training runs that are happening that are detailed on the website. Really looking forward to this. Currently, my personal best is about 100 yards of run followed by a long walk.

One step at a time, right? Sounds like faith in action, doesn't it? Looking forward to a great day of worship on Sunday. - Scott

e-news for week of 9/12/10

2010-09-17T06:41:00.001-07:00

What an uber cool worship experience this past Sunday, eh? In all the services the power and presence of the Lord was right there. Praise God!

Recently I had a conversation with a friend who was going through a period of spiritual darkness and discouragement. One of those spiritually dry seasons in his life. He started talking about his feelings, started talking about life circumstances, personal finances, personal struggles, discouraged about the church he’s serving in, and the like.

Lovingly, I said to my dear brother, “Wake up and snap out of it! You’re buying the lies of Satan. You’re looking for that greener grass. You’re being malcontent with all the blessings God has put in front of you. Stop copping out on other people’s short comings, other people’s discouragement, other people’s lack of faith; and like Joshua declare, ‘As for me and my house we will serve the Lord. Doesn’t matter what any other person or family or anybody else does, I am on the Lord’s side.’”

Frankly, I don’t know how God puts up with us. He gives us life, new life, salvation, provision, freedom, blessings, and the like. Catch this – we pay for our kids’ soccer teams, baseball teams, football teams, leagues, gym memberships, etc. while we have brothers and sisters in Christ around the globe languishing in hunger; all the while we whine about what we don’t have or why can’t I or we be more like….rather than thanking the Lord for the good, great and (un)common blessings that we enjoy daily. If you are reading this you are most likely reading with ELECTRICITY converted into LIGHT. Wow – talk about a blessing. (And if you are reading this off of your Blackberry, while you are driving, thank the Lord AND stop it.)

If you’ve lost sight of God, His blessings, and what He’s accomplishing, it’s sure not His fault. The CREATOR of the universe has revealed and is revealing Himself to you. If you’ve professed Christ as Lord – get over your feelings and trust God – advance His kingdom – live for His glory. Frankly, it’s not about you it’s about Him. This week make His story your story.

This week if you want to dial in ahead of time you can read 1Timothy 6: 11-16 (read the passages before and after it as well.)

The Lord has caused a great stirring in the ministry of Forum this fall. Jump on board and follow the Lord’s lead. Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday.

Scott

e-news for week of 9/5/10

2010-09-10T08:49:00.001-07:00

Quick question: Are you giving God your personal best today?

Every day is a gift from God that should be opened up and embraced with full force.

One of the great promises of the Lord is this: He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.

This Sunday we’ll explore the greatness and grandeur of God, His majesty, His splendor, His power, and His might.

In order to give to God our personal best – we have to know Him. Forum exists to intentionally connect people to Jesus Christ. The next two weeks we’ll talk about connecting to God and what the reality that He is King of kings and Lord of lords means.

When an older person within our ministry approaches me after the 8:30 service (which – BTW is the best traditional worship service in Columbia) and tells me of his personal best he’s achieving as he is training for the 5K and how his wife is doing (she’s actually doing better than him currently) it tells me that God, in numerous ways, is causing a stirring that is exciting. Even though we’re just shortly into the fall, there’s a transformation that God is accomplishing at Forum. We’re going to continue to push forward to fully follow God. Are you on board?

As a staff we want to say, “thank you” to Forum as a church body for helping this ministry to excel.
• To our deacons, who serve in so many ways, we thank you. The ways you serve are too numerous to name – but the Lord knows everything you do.
• To our life group leaders – we are praying for you this fall as you strive to grow in fellowship and the word. Columbia is counting on every one of us to help them connect to Jesus.
• To our youth and children’s workers – thanks for the exceptional ministry you are doing. Our youth ministry is off to a phenomenal start this fall and we’re praying these students continue to grow.
• This Sunday choirs begin: Adults will meet in the choir room from 4:30 – 6 p.m.; Preschool for 3 – 5 year olds will meet from 10:30 – 11 .a.m.; K – 2nd will meet from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. and 3rd – 5th will meet from 5:15 – 6 p.m. We’re looking forward to a great season of worship and praise. We completely value the ministry of our choir and I want to personally encourage you to get involved with the adult choir, even if you haven’t sung in years. Parents – I’d also encourage you to involve your kids. These songs they learn now will etch into their memories forever.
• I want to personally thank the worship crew and the north set up team for the overall great experience this past Sunday. I hope it helped all who were able to make it to see the great potential we have up north. I also want to highlight the great job Jared Wortman did preaching out north Sunday as well. It was a great event. It was also a learning experience for that room – there’s a lot we would do differently once we experienced it – but we’re thrilled so many people turned out for that worship gathering.
• We have 6 adults on a mission trip to Haiti this coming week. Please keep them in your prayers: Brandon Campbell, Stephanie Dirksmeyer, Janet Mountjoy, Jody Riley, Brenda Wilson and Deloris Wurdeman.

Looking forward to a great Sunday. Pray about someone you can invite. Pray for someone you know that needs to give their life to Jesus. Spend time on your knees before our Great and Mighty God who answers prayers. — Scott

e-news for week of 8/29/10

2010-09-03T07:52:00.000-07:00

Follow me as I follow Christ – Paul

I’m striving to live this axiom at the level of my personal best this week – I hope you are too.

This Sunday we are heading out north at 10:30 for an excellent morning of worship. Flyers have been sent out, door hangers have been put onto houses, and additionally I hope you are inviting people for this weekend. 10:30 OUT NORTH!!!!!

We had a great day this past Sunday. Thanks to Jody Riley and our deacons for helping the cookout and all the events go wonderfully. Thanks to Tyler Morris and Tarry for making the auditorium look excellent. Thanks to Bradley Williams for the editing and compilation of the life group material. All of these things are done because what we do in the name of the Lord matters. The kingdom of God is the most important thing on this earth. The Lord would encourage all of us to have our attitudes aligned with this reality.

Thanks to all who participated in the distribution of door hangers out on the north side of town as well. It’s exciting to me to see one of our members who is in their 80s hitting the pavement to help invite people to church.

FYI:
• Life group videos and lessons are online. If you can’t get to a life group – do the material. Two clicks at forumchristian.org and you’re in.
• Forum is sponsoring a 5K event on October 16th. Go to the website for the commercial, materials, information, etc. I personally am saying to a civic group I’m part of that I’ll sponsor the first 10 who would like to participate. Use this as an opportunity to reach out AND to step up in shape.

This Sunday we’ll be dialed in to Luke 14:25-35 as we strive to give our “Personal Best” to the Lord. Should be a great day to connect with God and dial in to His purpose for your life – see you then.

Scott

Prayer note: Please pray for the family of Lonnie and Sara Echternacht upon the passing of their son Jerry. He would have been 50 this Friday. Watch the prayer notice for funeral details.

e-news for week of 8/22/10

2010-08-26T08:45:00.000-07:00

“Your Personal Best”

When a person says, “Yes” to Jesus and yields all that they are – their whole heart, soul, mind, and strength – a life altering transformation begins. This transformation is for the best. Jesus Christ was and is the greatest human in our history. He fully lived for God. Since His time on earth, those who imitate Him, who are driven by His Spirit, who yield themselves to the Lord continue to elevate others and redeem the world!!!!

Over the next months, Forum is going to dial into this transformative power of Christ via a series of sermons and lessons called, “Your Personal Best.” It starts this Sunday. Let me encourage you to invite friends. Give a phone call to someone who you think could use a good spiritual jump start. Maybe you’ve personally lapsed into a spiritual rut. The entire leadership is praying for you to have a breakthrough to a new level spiritually.

How can this happen, you ask? Be here Sunday, and let’s start the journey together. Joshua 24:15 will be part of the backdrop.

I want to take a moment to highlight the great kick off our youth ministry had this past Sunday night. Over 100 students had a great time of worship, study, some goofiness for our junior high students, and fellowship. Our high school minister, Justin Keith and his team, transformed the auditorium and customized it for our high school students. Our junior high room is new for them and is also serving them exceptionally. Great job. And to maybe the one or two junior high or high school students who might read this – great job bringing friends. I’d encourage you to do that all semester.

This Saturday is our neighborhood canvassing on the north end of town. Thanks to the 8-10 of you who already picked up those hangers. For those who are intending to help this weekend, simply meet at 10:00 a.m. at The Hilton Garden Conference Center and we’ll go over the how’s and where’s to circulate these.

Sunday is a tailgate party after 3rd service. Brats, dogs, hamburgers, and drinks are provided – bring a side or two and some folding chairs. It’s so fun to see our church grounds swarming with people. Looking forward to it for sure.

Looking forward to a stellar worship and encounter with God this Sunday. See you then – Scott

Worship at North Campus Sunday, September 5 @ 10:30 a.m.

e-news for week of 8/15/10

2010-08-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

Ever walked into a room and the radio is blaring, the TV is turned on with the volume up way too loud, the kids are screaming, and somebody is running a blender? In the middle of all this, your spouse yells to you something that you just can’t understand?

In that environment, clarity is hard to achieve. As the lead minister of Forum, the staff and I often run into this exact type of dilemma each week. Because the church is a good sized church with so many ministry elements, how many should we highlight? Do we put the message on the back shelf? Do we take some of our worship time out of the service? If we make announcements – which ones? What’s the criteria? Do we have entire services devoted to everything that could be announced? This weekly update could easily turn into the same.

I write all that to say, it’s prime time in terms of so many elements of the ministry of Forum that are locked and loaded and ready to kick off. I don’t want the primary goal – for all of us to become like Jesus – to get lost in the visual and verbal background due to all the good things we are unleashing at Forum this fall.

Here’s the cliff notes version:
• August 21 – We’ll help staff Habitat for Humanity. Info and sign up online.

• August 22 – 1. The children from Show Me Youth Home will be with us in all three services. 2. We start signing up for Life Groups. 3. Pick up information for neighborhood canvassing. 4. Ignition and Pulse kick off for our Jr/Sr High. 5. Elder & Deacon nomination forms can be picked up at the Information Center.

• August 28 – Neighborhood targeting/canvassing. We’ll distribute 1,000 door hangers primarily in the north end of town. (see bulletin for details).

• August 29 – Kick off for the new sermon series “Your personal best.”
Tailgate party immediately after church on the grounds.

• September 5 we’re encouraging everyone to head to the North Campus at 10:30 for a Catalyst event designed to draw us together again as a body but also we are sending out thousands of invites in that area of town coupled with the neighborhood canvassing striving to connect people to Jesus.

I don’t want to over saturate you with details, but the goal of all of these efforts is to intentionally connect people to Jesus. You have some great opportunities to invite people to church over the next weeks. This is a great time to invite someone to your life group or – if you are not involved in a life group – join one, or even better yet – start one. We’ve got great video curriculum that will help you.

I do want to congratulate David Nivens upon being selected as Rotarian of the Year. Thanks for serving in the community in such an impacting way, David.

This Sunday we finish up the Paradox series. We’ll be in Luke 14 if you want to read ahead. Should be a great day of worship at both campuses this Sunday. Looking forward to worship with you. — Scott

e-news for week of 8/8/10

2010-08-13T12:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks for:

• the great feedback about the one day VBS. Make sure you thank Jessie@forumchristian.org and katelyn@forumchristian.org for all they do.
• the compliments connected to the new layout for the children’s areas. The new flow truly helps families. The computer check-ins that will be forthcoming will help the process go that much smoother. From a security standpoint this is also a much better layout.
• the encouragement about the Paradox series. As a church, we focus on Jesus Christ. We lift him up. We put His teaching in front of all of us. This Sunday we’ll look at Matthew 13 if you want to read ahead.
• Brice Wurdeman being with us sharing with our adult classes the great work that his family is involved with in Haiti.
• The great response for the young people from the Show-Me Christian Children’s Home. We view them as one of our ministry partners. As a church it is a privilege to help and serve this ministry with its great impact.

Some upcoming ministry events that I want to mention to you. You’ll be getting a full newsletter that gives greater details:

• Family “Movie Night” at 6 p.m. in the gym, August 20.
• Neighborhood canvassing on August 28. See the newsletter for the details.
• Tailgate party on August 29 at South Campus.
• Large worship gathering at North Campus 10:30 September 5.
• Life group sign ups and kick off early September.
• Junior High and Senior High youth ministries kick off on August 22.
• Choirs for adults and children kick off as well in September.
• We are hosting a 5K event (read the newsletter when it comes out) that will coincide with the overarching theme for 10-11, “Your personal best.”

Looking forward to another great day of worshiping the Lord together Sunday. — Scott

e-news for week of 8/1/10

2010-08-06T06:44:00.000-07:00

Let me encourage you, your family, and friends to come to Forum South Campus this Saturday, August 7 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for a family Vacation Bible School. This promises to be a great day of fun, adventure, and learning as we strive for “Our personal Best.” We will be diving into God’s Word to find out what it means to do our personal best at growing in Him. The day is full of family friendly activities including a barbecue lunch and water games, plus much more! Nursery is provided for children 2 and under.

The past weeks, the Lord has been adding to our church. We welcome these people as they have recently accepted Christ and were baptized: Melissa Bucker, Janell Lesieur, Jared Myers, Khristen Bryant, Katrina Burns, Zeb Charlton, Taylor Baker, and Zack Fletcher; and these people: Larry, Susie, Jamie and Kody Henneke, John, Stephanie, Lauren and Gage Schimke, Jim Lawson, and Taylor and Beth Clouse who made Forum their church home.

Our first staff meeting every month, we reflect and strive to identify how we see God working at Forum, how the Lord is working in lives, raising people up, and how He desires us to elevate in our ministry.

We see God working in your lives in phenomenal ways. We want to encourage you and try to lift you up as you strive to lead your family and people around you to the Lord. Over and over we thanked the Lord for our deacons, for those that have served, for those who are stepping up to teach our children, for Marlowe Schlegel and all the coordination he’s done, and for the people that God has led here.

Our lengthy list reminded me of the importance of centering on the Lord.

Over the next several weeks, we will be getting our new computer sign-in system for children up and running as well as better flow for our families to get your children into their areas. We’ll all be on a learning curve together, but know that the end goal is to create a phenomenal and even safer environment for your family.

This Sunday we’ll continue in the Paradox series looking at the paradoxical nature of the seed of the gospel and the parable of the sower. It’s the same seed, what happens to it is part of the enigma. Should be a great encounter with God this Sunday. — Scott

e-news for week of 7/26/10

2010-07-30T07:01:00.001-07:00

Any hole digging going on this week? The week’s not over – let me engage you right now and encourage you to utilize what God has given you. Let me encourage you as well to be ready to meet the Lord.

Our teens are at a conference this week. It’s great to see so many teens worshiping the Lord at Christ in Youth.

As a minister it’s thrilling to be part of a church that prioritizes our children and youth. We truly pray for your family to be strong in the Lord and we strive to help create environments where your children and family can grow in Christ Jesus. We are dialing in toward our fall ramp up and surge for ministry.

I want to take a moment to say how much I’ve loved having Bradley interning with us this summer. He brings a level of love, passion, and energy into every environment he’s in. It’s been a joy to have him. Thanks, as well, for all the great encouragement to him directly and through me as well.

I’m looking forward to being in God’s word with you this Sunday. This series has really been pushing and prodding all of us toward the actions of Christ. This Sunday will be another great challenge to push us all beyond our current margins.

Come have a great time with your family at Forum’s Family Vacation Bible School Day taking place Saturday, August 7 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. We will be diving into God’s Word to find out what it means to do our personal best at growing in Him. The day is full of family friendly activities including a barbecue lunch and water games, plus much more! If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please e-mail Katelyn@ForumChristian.org. Nursery is provided for children 2 and under.

See you Sunday. – Scott

e-news for week of 7/18/10

2010-07-23T11:57:00.000-07:00

Imagine a church that as people come onto the campus they get a sense of acceptance, of purpose, of love. A place where it’s easy to navigate around the facility but on top of that – everywhere one turns someone is there to offer help if help is needed. From those connections, people then in turn get connected to a small group and share life and God’s Word on a very personal level. This is the very type of environment God is creating at Forum.

Over the next month, as a church we need to fully come together, step up, and dive into areas of ministry and connection.

We are in need of volunteers to expand ministry.

Hospitality. We want to expand our levels of hospitality as people are finding their way throughout the facility.

Check in systems. Our children will begin being checked in to their areas of study on Sunday mornings in new ways. We will need people to help with this process especially during the 9:30-9:50 and the 10:40-11 windows. Contact Katelyn@forumchristian.org.

Mindset. As followers of Jesus, God would shape and mold us to the point of us having the mind of Christ. One facet of the life of Jesus that stands out is his ability to initiate. As we talked last week – God met the two sons both where they were. We need to imitate. Our connection to those coming into our church shouldn’t exclusively be the 48 seconds that the worship leader prompts us to “now go shake somebody’s hand we don’t know.” At Forum, we initiate this without prompting. We imitate Christ and initiate.

Transitional town. One of the dilemmas in a transitory town like Columbia is the thought that “newbies” are short timers and thus keep them at arms length. Until they are more “established” I won’t get too close. With Columbia being this type of a town, it poses incredible opportunities. Back in 2005 here at Forum God started working on the lives of Aaron and Dana Bogan to the point of they were baptized and, as a family with three kids, reoriented life and headed off for Cincinnati Christian University to study ministry. They are preparing for the mission field at this time. I’m so thankful we didn’t treat them as “newcomers”, but rather embraced and nurtured them. The fields are white. Let’s rise up as God’s workers.

Don’t forget that our V.B.S. this year will be on Saturday, August 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. here at our south campus. “Your Personal Best” will be the focus. A barbecue lunch will be provided. This is a family day so bring the whole family in clothes that can get wet and enjoy the day. A nursery will be available.

This Sunday we’ll continue in our Paradox series looking at Matthew 25 if you want to read ahead. I look forward to worshiping with you all this Sunday. — Scott

e-news for week of 7/11/10

2010-07-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

As a church leadership, we are so thankful for all who have so generously served for the remodeling of the facility. We are already getting great feedback connected to the better traffic flow within the facility. We’re getting close to bringing our new check in system into play that will help us better flow as well.

I expressed this to the staff a couple of weeks ago how much the leadership appreciates them, our deacons, and our Life Groups that have all served so hard helping to keep costs down connected to the remodeling. For all of those of you who have served, once again, “Thank You.” This has been the “dirt digging” element of harvest. It’s the tilling of the ground. It’s dry and there is no immediate yield. On top of that, it can dry you out on a personal level. Hope in the Lord and know that your service matters. Thanks for the time you gave in the middle of the busy and mobile summer season.

On an entirely different note, it came to my attention that a group claiming to be Christians from Topeka, Kansas will be protesting against Congregation Beth Shalom during their time of worship Saturday morning at 10:30. Would you please pray for that congregation, their safety, etc.? While we differ from a theological viewpoint connected to the Messiah (I’m sure Jesus is Messiah), our role is to love God and love people. Please pray for these people. I’m doing something personally about this, but I’m not going to include that in this email. If you’d like to know what I’m doing either check out my FB profile page or email me at scott@forumchristian.org and I’ll email it to you personally.

Thanks for the great feedback from the sermon Sunday. This paradox series is truly going to challenge and stretch you in great ways. These teachings of Jesus have been working on me profoundly. I love Jesus Christ. We’ll be back in Luke 15 this week connected to “The Prodigal.” It’s going to truly build you up and help you connect to God. Can’t wait to worship with you Sunday – Scott

HOLD THE DATE:

Family Vacation Bible School Day, "Your Personal Best" on Saturday, August 7 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. A barbecue lunch will be provided. Be sure to wear clothes you can get wet in. See Katelyn or Jessie for more information and for how you can get involved.

Scott

e-news for week of 7/4/10

2010-07-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

paradox
■ noun
1 a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that may in fact be true.
▶ an apparently sound statement or proposition which leads to a logically unacceptable conclusion.

We start a new sermon series this Sunday called “Paradox.” Just in case you don’t know this, let me remind you: Jesus Christ is our Savior. He’s the King of kings and the Lord of lords. In conjunction with that reality, He’s also the greatest teacher that ever hit our planet. We’ll be studying through the paradoxical nature of the kingdom of God through the parables.

Thanks to so many of you for the great feedback connected to the “I Do” series out of Ephesians. The best thing each one of us can do is implement. God’s church (that’s every believer) really doesn’t suffer from a lack of information but a lack of implementation. Sure, there may be some parts of the Bible you don’t know even exist, but “Love God – love one another” pretty much explains itself. (Can I get an “Amen?”)

We had friends from Michigan in town this past weekend. Mike, Carin, and their son Ben came to town because Ben will be in law school at MU this fall. It’s always great to get feedback about Forum from an outside perspective. What Mike and Carin affirmed that we are doing great was very encouraging, since it was some of the very areas where we have given great attention to detail. Some of their feedback connected to improvements came in areas, that as a staff and as lead minister, we are aware that we can do better. Most of all, they affirmed the warmth and the Spirit of God that is very much evident at Forum. They also communicated the excellence and the attention to details connected to worship, to the great impression our building and grounds make, and the overall atmosphere. While that’s just the surface of our dialogue, hopefully that gives you the picture.

Mark your calendars:
Family Vacation Bible School Day, "Your Personal Best" on Saturday, August 7 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. A barbecue lunch will be provided. Be sure to wear clothes you can get wet in. See Katelyn or Jessie for more information and for how you can get involved.

If you want to read ahead, we’ll camp out in Luke 15 this week. I’m so very much looking forward to worshiping God with you all this weekend. — Scott

[1]Soanes, C., & Stevenson, A. (2004). Concise Oxford English dictionary (11th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

e-news for week of 6/27/10

2010-07-02T08:52:00.001-07:00

I love it when Independence Day falls on a Sunday. “Why?” you may ask. At the core of our nation stands this first statement we commonly call “The Preamble”:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

Endowed by their Creator… May we never forget that at the breakout moment of our nation, we affirmed our Divine Creator. This Creator did put the truth of His love and self-evident truth in front of all of us.

America stands as a free nation. You are free to pursue happiness. You live a free life. You have liberty.

You are an American whose heritage and honor run deep. We are the world’s bastion of freedom. We are a city on a hill. The lamp of American freedom shines hope into this world.

And while we love America and the freedom we enjoy, if we are only free for 70-80 years if the Lord allows us to live that long, then that type freedom is short lived.

While the freedom America stands for is a personal freedom, the freedom that Forum will proclaim this Sunday is a forever and ever freedom. Freedom from sin. Freedom from the grave. Freedom in Christ. Frankly, I’d rather live as a slave for 70-80 years and know Christ and His freedom than to be free my whole life and die as a slave to sin.

This Sunday we’ll talk about our citizenship and freedom in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2 will be the primary text if you want to read ahead.

Looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday.

Scott

PS – I want to take just a moment to compliment our summer intern, Bradley Williams, on a great message this past Sunday during first service and north campus. As a ministry, we are raising up and equipping ministers for kingdom purposes. It’s exciting to see it in every area of ministry.

e-news for week of 6/20/10

2010-06-25T06:34:00.000-07:00

You REALLY need to read all of this!!!

We just came out of our weekly staff meeting and I’m really excited about the upcoming back to school season. Now, you may be thinking, “I can’t believe he is already thinking about that.” We have in store for Forum some excellent vision, goals, challenges, and growth opportunities.

Let me give you a sneak peek and encourage you to save some dates:

• Tailgate party after 3rd service on August 29th.
• September 5, 2nd and 3rd services south campus are going to head out to the north campus for a combined worship service there. Prior to that, we are going to set up some intentional neighborhood canvassing to invite people on the north end of town to this newly opened campus. We’ve set a faith goal of averaging 100 at the north campus so we’ll faithfully work toward that goal.
• Our sermon series is designed to connect you to God, to grow you, and to help you live like Christ. The overarching theme for 2010-11 will be, “Your personal best.”
• We’re producing a DVD Life Group curriculum that will be a fresh approach
• We’ve upgraded the south campus facility to better serve our children’s department and a new layout with improved check-in processes, flow, and security will also fully be in place. (Thank you for your flexibility and patience during the remodel. We are very close to the finished product.)

God calls on us to live for His glory. For every Christ follower that statement would go unchallenged. As a church, we strive to intentionally connect people to Jesus. As we are closing out the “I Do” series, I want to thank so many of you for the notes of encouragement that have come during this series. Life in the family of God and within your home is so important to the Lord. It is the primary place we live out His glory within our lives. This is where legacy, integrity, honor, valor, and love are fleshed out. We’ve got a great word from the Lord for you this Sunday at both campuses. — Scott

e-news for week of 6/13/10

2010-06-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

While I’m not a Facebook stalker, it was very cool to see a bunch of posts from you all this past Sunday talking about the great worship, the movement of the Lord, etc. I truly believe God is among us and using us for His glory.

We’re wrapping up the physical part of the remodeling over the next couple of weeks. Having walked through the remade areas, I think they are truly going to serve our children and youth in great ways.

This Sunday is Father’s Day and I’m really charged up about the message and the parent/child dedication service that will happen. It’s such a joy to pray over newborns and their families. The message is designed around Christ, the bride, and our role as dads/husbands. Frankly, it is an extreme blessing to be both a husband and a father. God has blessed me with a world class wife (I married so far over my pay grade that it isn’t funny) and kids who love the Lord and seek to serve him. Within our church, we are surrounded by families with similar qualities. That’s the hand of God’s blessing upon our church and ministry.

On a personal level – this week has been one with a lot of twists and turns. It’s just kind of been one of those weeks that makes you go, “Why?” But in the middle of all the “Why’s?” and “Oh no’s” you or I might have – the reality that God sits on His throne working all together for good assures me and I hope it assures you too. While it’s been awhile since the “VIII” series, I’m dialed in right there right now. It’s also great to know that Forum has a great staff and great elders to know that I can turn to them for prayer and support. Just so that I’m very clear on this point – so can you. That’s part of the point of this “I Do” series. God designed us for family – families in our homes and the family of God. As the bride of Christ we do submit to those who are placed by the Lord in positions above us for the sake of serving and leading us. Just as Christ served the church, husbands/fathers serve their families, elders serve/lead/guard/protect/nourish/cherish the church. That’s the role.

Looking forward to a great day of worship with you this Sunday. Let’s come into the presence of our heavenly Father together this Sunday and lift His name high. See you then, Scott

e-news for week of 6/6/10

2010-06-11T07:22:00.001-07:00

Big picture for this week: Jesus said, “I Do” to you and we are his bride. Let me encourage you to allow the words said about you in Ephesians 5: 21-33 to take hold of you and define you. You are the church, the radiant bride of Christ. Christ laid down his life to present you without spot or wrinkle. The kingdom of God now defines you. Christ is your Lord. Friends, it truly doesn’t get any better than that reality.

We’re on the final leg of the building changes. We continue to have great progress on the facility remodeling. This next week, we’ll be in need of many people to paint. All materials are provided, you need simply to show up. Please contact the office if you are willing to help. Just email me at scott@forumchristian.org .

This Sunday around noon our teens will be hosting their annual spaghetti dinner. All donations received will help to fund their summer mission trip. This year they are going to Omaha, NE. Students will serve a broad group of people through partnerships with social organizations, Latino churches, and a homeless ministry. These partnerships take groups into all neighborhoods and cultures located in Omaha and the surrounding cities. Even if you cannot stay or attend, you can make a donation and get to-go plates. Let me encourage you to support our youth with this effort.

Rarely have I talked about finances within our ministry for many, many reasons. Over the years, I’ve heard it said that Jesus talked about money more than he did the kingdom of God, baptism, and heaven and hell. Quite frankly I don’t agree with that statement at all. Jesus wasn’t talking about money, he was talking about people’s hearts. In preaching, the Lord would have us speak out about our hearts and our relationship to Jesus. Can money get in the way of that? Oh yeah. But at Forum, I see people whose hearts are striving to serve and follow the Lord. In that your hearts are already yielded to God, I do need to mention that – as a ministry we have hit a very tight patch as we’ve stepped out on faith to better utilize our facility with this building remodeling. While we raised about 1/3 of the money for it last year, that leaves us 2/3 of the cost to cover. So I need to ask all to consider stepping up in giving. If all of us would consider giving additionally to the ministry that will take care of this in the short run.

Looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday. — Scott

e-news for week of 5/30/10

2010-06-04T13:41:00.000-07:00

From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. – Jesus, as found in Matthew 11:12.

This quote from Christ stirs my spirit and inspires me for a lot of reasons. On a personal level, action biased faith inspires me. When people serve in our community in the name of Christ, when we interact with people who don’t know Christ as their Lord and savior, when we come to a facility and paint, when we give, when we change the diaper of someone else’s child so they can hear a sermon, when we visit someone who has just lost a loved one, when a physician prays with her/his patient, when we act in the name of Jesus, the kingdom of God advances forcefully.

One of the reasons Forum is remodeling, mauling, and overhauling the facility is we want to provide a great environment for children and youth. We’re several weeks into this project and it is going very smoothly. Once again, let me encourage you to give generously to the ministry proportionally to your income. Trust God with your finances. As a staff and leaders, we are hoping and praying for a breakthrough type of fall. Be praying about people to invite to church, your life group, and some of the church ministry events both during the summer and the fall. With the arrival of some IBMers, I’d encourage you to keep your eyes open for new people moving in. Prime time opportunity to invite people to church.

This Sunday adult room changes:
Chris Collier’s class will meet in Room 212 (Family Life Center).
Lance Tamerius & David Hockman’s class will meet in the upper main hallway, last classroom on the left.
Ted Mountjoy’s class will meet in the upper hallway, first classroom on the left.
Dan Howell’s class will meet in Room 215 (Family Life Center).
Jim & Lana Ferneau’s class will meet in the upper main hallway, first classroom on the right.
Lindall Perry’s class will meet in the upper hallway, last classroom on the right.

Preschoolers (2 - 5 yrs.) will meet in rooms 100 & 104/106.

This summer, not only is our church going through some great changes, but so is our staff.

This past weekend, Justin Keith, our high school youth minister, got married.

June 1 Katelyn and Tyler Morris gave birth to Liam Ray Morris who weighed in at 8 lb 9 oz.

Frankly, it’s been a year of fascinating change and transition that God orchestrates to advance His kingdom. If I were to list all the changes, your mind would start spinning, I know mine does when I list it out, but at the center of all the change is our faithful God and His ever advancing kingdom!!!!

We start a new sermon series this week called, “I Do.” Sermon text for this Sunday will come out of Ephesians 5 if you want to read ahead. This would be a great time to invite friends and family to church. From God’s word, we’ll look at the great insight the Lord has for our households.

Looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday. — Scott

e-news for week of 5/23/10

2010-05-28T06:52:00.000-07:00

Because we have a daughter graduating from Rockbridge High School, we went to a senior recognition ceremony the other night. It was thrilling to see so many students from Forum Christian Church honored. It was an excellent tribute to the great families of Forum. That’s not what I want to focus on though. Amid all the academic achievements, the artistic awards, senior superlatives, etc. there was only one standing ovation given to a student during the night. This young man received an appointment to West Point and is dedicating his life to serving our country. I love it that we live in a community that still has parades to remember those who gave their lives in service. I love it that as a community we stand up and support young people who are choosing that career path. This Sunday we’ll pause in honor of those who have served our country.

Construction continues to bring about change on the Forum Campus. Rooms that are impacted are all preschool classes (2 yrs. – pre-K) now meeting downstairs in room 100 and the C.I.A. class (now meeting in rooms 207/209). Thanks go out to the Life groups that have helped so far in the cleaning process to make sure the facility is up and running for Sunday.

This weekend we’ll also have a family worship Sunday. During third service, all children ages 3 yrs. and up will worship with their families. If you want your children to worship with you during second service, just simply bring them with you. The text for this weekend is 2 Samuel 23 and we’ll look at David’s mighty men. Big picture: David’s mighty men were willing to do anything in the service of David…and he was just a man. What levels of courage, valor, sacrifice, and faith are you displaying for the King of kings and the Lord of lords?

There is still time to sign up to volunteer for the Show-Me Games. Here is the address to the registration form. https://www.smsg.org/volunteer/volunteer.php

Looking forward to this Sunday. — Scott

e-news for week of 5/16/10

2010-05-20T13:25:00.000-07:00

Our God is the God of excellence and glory. His heaven is beyond human depiction. Our role is to reflect heaven and Christ’s image on this earth. Toward that end, on our physical campus construction and remodeling are underway and it’s great to see it in action. There’s a great crew working this project and the headway they are making is solid. We appreciate those who helped move furniture Sunday. It pushed your lunch way back, but your service truly helped to fast track this work. Thank you. We thank the Lord that He’s put Forum in a position to be able to do this. We truly want to excel in every area of ministry to the glory of God.

Weekly room alert: CIA class will meet in room 207/209. 3-5 year olds will meet in room 104/106.

What a great day of worship we had this past Sunday! Since we live in a town with multiple colleges, we have the opportunity to see a lot of students enter into our ministry and ultimately move forward down the path that God has them on. Over the past years, we’ve been extremely blessed to have both Stephen Walton and Becca Habeggar as vital people within our ministry. Both have been part of our rotation of worship leaders. Both love the Lord wholeheartedly and with intensity. Both will be moving forward with “what’s next” in their lives. Becca led at south campus this past Sunday and closed out leading at Synergy in the youth ministry area last night. Stephen will be leading at south this Sunday. Stephen and his wife Alisa will be pursuing getting onto the mission field to serve in Ireland. Please join me in both thanking them and praying for them as they move forward with God’s plan for their lives.

And speaking of graduations, we’ll be honoring our 2010 high school graduates this year. This has been a phenomenal group of students. This year also marks Justin Keith’s (our senior high youth minister) five year anniversary at Forum so this is the first graduating class for him of students that started their high school careers with him as one of their primary people helping them to become disciples of Christ. As I said, this is a great class full of world changers. It will be exciting to see how God will use this group of young adults.

On Memorial weekend, we’ll have another family worship day where we would encourage you to worship as a family. Classes will occur during the second hour, but if you attend the second service, we’d encourage you to have your children with you. We are structuring periodic family worship days so you can be together in worship as families. We had great feedback from the families last fall connected to this, and we’re striving to enhance it this time.

This Sunday we continue in our “Profiles in Courage” series looking at the life of Daniel. If you want to read ahead in preparation – the whole book is 12 chapters and is filled with phenomenal imagery, prophecy, and courage. It’s a great read. One I highly recommend. Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday. — Scott

e-news for week of 5/9/10

2010-05-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

I don’t know what you are doing right now, but stop it! (I’ll get back to this thought in a moment.)

As we move into the dog days of summer (I can’t believe I just wrote that – it’s like 47 degrees outside), I want to encourage everyone toward faithfulness.

Summer recruitment:

• Servants in the nursery, preschool, and children’s areas are needed. With vacations, youth sports, etc. that occur during the summer, Jessie and Katelyn’s worker pool always get thinned out. We need you to step up in either the children’s areas or the preschool areas. Contact Jessie (jessie@forumchristian.org) or Katelyn (katelyn@forumchristian.org) to make a difference.

• Did you know that over 80% of all people who give their life to the Lord do so before they are 12 years old? That’s why it is so important that we create a great environment for your kids to know Jesus.

In our giving, I need to encourage everyone to stay strong as well. Summer can sometimes create a drop off in giving. In that we are fully staffed and have additional expenses connected to the remodeling, let me encourage you to continue to give cheerfully, faithfully, and generously.

We begin the remodeling project this Sunday. Classes that will relocate Sunday, May 23 are:

• Temporarily the Christians In Action (CIA) class will meet in room 207/209.

• The preschool classes will meet downstairs in rooms 100 and 104/106.

We’ll need people this Sunday to help stick around after services to help move some of the furniture so the construction crew can just get after it on Monday. This is going to create a much more secure environment for our kids as well as creating a better traffic flow.

On a personal note, I want to thank Jared Wortman and Justin Keith for preaching and leading out on Mother’s Day. It was thrilling to know that 19 couples and their children were prayed over as you each are seeking to raise your child(ren) knowing the Lord. Our daughter, Natasha, completed her undergraduate work and walked at the 117th commencement at Johnson Bible College down in Knoxville. We were able to have brunch with our two girls and Melody’s mom there in TN and we stopped in Louisville and had dinner with my mom, my brother and his family all on Mother’s Day. To my recollection, this is the first Mother’s Day I’ve had with my mom in over 25 years.

Had great events happening this week. Kyra King was baptized into Christ on Tuesday and Myya Maxwell was baptized into Christ on Wednesday. I don’t know what you are doing right now, but stop it. Stop right there and take a moment and rejoice!

We’ll be in 2 Samuel 12 this week looking at the life of Nathan if you want to read ahead. Really looking forward to worshiping the Lord with you this Sunday. — Scott

e-news for week of 5/2/10

2010-05-06T07:36:00.000-07:00

A Phenomenal month - as a ministry, April was a great month. As a staff, we sit down and make sure we are seeing God at work. These were some of the highlights from April:

· We baptized a lot of people. Christian Campus House baptized a lot of people. Chinese Christian ministry baptized a lot of people. Kingdom advancement as people are becoming disciples.

· Good Friday and Easter were phenomenal events.

· The Men’s Fitness event was outstanding and inspiring.

· All areas of our youth ministry are excelling.

· God’s word is refreshing and transforming lives. This week multiple conversations have come to us communicating how God has changed people’s hearts in terms of forgiveness, peace, better home lives, and purposeful commitment.

A Great May

This Sunday we’ll celebrate Mothers Day and pray over 19 children and their families during a time of commitment and dedication. This is a time when we lift up commitment for our families to the Lord saying, “We will raise our children to know the Lord.”

We’ll celebrate graduations with a bunch of families.

We’ll lift up both the heroes of God and heroes of our country during Memorial weekend.

We’ll start construction on the building remodeling.

A transitional summer

With the building remodeling, we’ll all have to be flexible and we’ll be calling on life groups to help with room painting, transitions, etc.

Also, summer life groups will occur. I’m personally looking forward to the group that will focus on weight loss and accountability toward fitness. Last year was transformational for me personally and I look forward to even greater levels of personal (un)growth.

A fall to remember

We’ll kick off the fall with some new elements that have been alluded to in our newsletter. We’re still ironing out some of the details, but the last weekend in August and Labor Day weekend are shaping up to be some really neat ministry events.

We’ve got some excellent ministry unfolding and I’m so glad you are on board. As a staff, we are praying for a break through kind of a fall. Let me encourage you to do the same.

Sunday we’ll be studying James and John’s mother and her “big ask” of Jesus. As parents, we do ask “big things of the Lord” and that’s great. Looking forward to all of us growing in the knowledge of the Lord as we study Matthew 20:20-28. - Scott

e-news for week of 4/25/10

2010-04-29T11:17:00.000-07:00

As a church, God’s mission for us is to intentionally connect people to Jesus. Once again, it’s great to see Tom Brooks, Alex Underwood, and Jared Broughton baptized into Christ this past Sunday. We also welcome Craig Pepmiller and Brent and JoAnn Carpenter to the Forum church family. It was great to experience people coming forward for prayer and seeing a desire to release and experience forgiveness.

This past weekend typifies the ongoing ministry and what God is creating here:

· Our Men of Impact gathered for a men’s fitness event at the church. David Hockman, Russ Schauwecker, and Lance Tamerius spoke. Jeremy Maxwell challenged us toward accountable relationships. Bright Red Day (Joe Brown, Tyler Morris, Stephen Walton, and Matt Taylor) led worship. Most of all, God’s presence was there. The focus for all the men of Forum is for you to rise up as ministers. God has us on mission and we need to rise up and lead out.

· Our children’s ministry had an event last Friday for fathers and sons. One of the goals of our children’s ministry is to help parents and their children grow together in the Lord and to equip you as a parent as the primary minister within your family.

· On Saturday our children’s ministry had a day of service. Katelyn and crew took a bunch of 4th and 5th graders to serve at one of the local service organizations.

· Worship on Sunday was stellar.

· Some of our life group leaders called in about a specific prayer need.

· There is a prayer team (open to all) that meets in my office Sunday nights. There was a level of outpouring and intercession for lost people, for the impact of both south and north campuses as well as other churches in our community, praying for forgiveness within lives, within marriages, and within families.

As I say, these types of things are typical and ongoing in the life cycle in the ministry of Forum.

God is doing a great work at Forum and in your lives. As a church, you are living for Jesus. There will be an information piece coming out next week connected to summer, the remodeling of some of our facility, and some of the fall dates to start planning for.

We will have a young man, Jared Amundson, who will be working with us this summer in a working internship. He is a student at Central Christian in Moberly. We could use a place for Jared to live for the summer. If you would be willing, even for a month, please let me know. Just email the office and we’ll start working that.

Recently Andy Lillard, one of our members, came to me and let me know they are relocating to Springfield, MO. Andy, Donna, and Madison, we love you and our prayers are with you as you start this next chapter in your lives.

1 Kings 18 is where we’ll camp out this Sunday. You are where you are to live for the glory of God. Like Joseph, bloom where you are planted. Hold on to God’s dreams for your life. Trust Him, release forgiveness, show up every day with your very best in play. This Sunday should be another great encounter with the Lord as we strive to grow in courage. Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday. – Scott

e-news for week of 4/18/10

2010-04-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

First off, I want to thank everyone who has been stepping up connected to our church finances. As a ministry, we've been running behind pace of where we were last year and with us moving back toward full staffing...well....let me just say thank you for your generous and God honoring giving. As leaders, we run very lean operationally so that we can give locally and globally as we do.

Recently I posted this question on my facebook status:

Scott Sutherland is speaking on the depth of forgiveness in the life of Joseph toward his brothers. Question: why does it seem some people can release forgiveness and others hold onto offenses tightly?
Gauging from the outpouring of responses and email I know this is a deep subject. This will be just the tip of the iceberg. We have a tough time with forgiveness and it’s a complex subject. Throughout the course of my life I’ve been told phrases such as:

• That person said something about my father in this setting, and I’ll never forgive them.
• This person hurt my sister in this way, and I’m never going to let that go.
• When my dad died, this sibling of mine did this and wanted this and I just can’t get past it.

This subject is so multi-pronged that there is no way that one sermon is going to pour out enough love and grace to help everyone both experience the forgiveness and grace of God or to encourage them to release the forgiveness they need to.

This Sunday, we will have a decision time/altar call at the end of all three services. This is something you need to pray about. Pray about people who need the forgiveness of God in their lives. Pray about forgiveness you need to release. Pray about a family member who doesn’t know the Lord. Pray for your spouse and anything that may be standing between you.

This Sunday, we’ll have staff and people to meet you down front to help you take whatever your next step is.

We’ll be in Genesis 41-50 centering mostly on chapters 41 and 45.

This Friday night for elementary dads and sons we've got a fun night of pirates and treasures. Come to South Campus at 6 and enjoy some guy time with K - 5th grade kids and dads, grandpas, etc.

Saturday is our men’s fitness event. I want to encourage every man within our ministry to be a part of this excellent event. It happens from 6:30-9:30 p.m. I’m really looking forward to being in the man cave with a group of men who are pursuing God.

See you Sunday. — Scott

enews for week of 4/11/10

2010-04-15T08:01:00.000-07:00

Homework from last Sunday

Follow Jesus.

Great Input

First, thanks to all for the affirmation connected to the decision to hire both Tarry Koutz and Tyler Morris. Both of these men are exceptional and wonderful servants within the kingdom of God. It will be exciting to see how this ministry unfolds. Thank you to those who are stepping up fiscally. One of the retired women of our church grabbed me early in the morning and expressed thanks for the vision and faith of the elders in this and she said, “I’m going to write one lump check to help…is that okay?” Oh yeah, it’s more than okay…it’s commendable. Another of our young men got with me right before 3rd service and just expressed great joy over the way the Lord brought this all together. Psalm 133:1 reminds us, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.”

New Sermon Series

Next, we start a new series this Sunday called “Profiles in Courage.” In 1955 John F. Kennedy wrote a biographical book that won a Pulitzer on acts of courage that people serving within the United States Senate did in the service of their country. While the acts and lives in this book made a profound impact on my life as a young reader, our sermon series will highlight some of the great lives of the Bible and help us to all imitate their acts of faith. Over the next weeks we’ll look at some of God’s heroes, see their courage, faith, and integrity in action and hopefully grow in our faith. Genesis 36, 37, 39, 40 will be the backdrop this Sunday if you want to jump start your reading. Chapter 39 will be the primary text. We imitate Christ and draw on the faith of those who walked uprightly with the Lord.

Men’s Fitness

For the men of the church, I want to take a minute and communicate the vision that we would have for you. The goal of our men’s ministry is to help every man within our church to understand that you are called into ministry and you are a minister. If you are a husband, a dad, or if you are the sole person in your family - you are the primary spiritual leader within your home. If you teach a Bible study class, you are a minister. If you go to a workplace, you are a minister. You are called to be like Christ. To help sharpen and equip you, we are having a men’s fitness seminar on April 24 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. It’s time for God’s men to mobilize and engage in ministry. God’s kingdom and its growth is depending on you. You are key to God’s plan to save the whole world. Reread that last line.

Can’t wait to fill up the auditorium this Sunday with praise and worship to the Lord. Get here early, meet some new people, ready yourself in prayer, and let’s engage. See you then. — Scott

e-news for week of 4/4/10

2010-04-07T13:38:00.000-07:00

Excellent, great, phenomenal, and a challenge.

Those are the adjectives that describe what I’m about to write.

Excellent:

• The services on Good Friday and Easter were excellent and glorifying to God. Thanks to Tarry Koutz, the choir, and all those who participated in the drama on Good Friday – you all helped us to experience Christ in a God glorifying way.
• The Easter Services lifted up Christ and affirmed His resurrection in a powerful way. It was great to see Jeff Hemme baptize his son Noah and Chris Wilson baptize Gene Underwood in third service. Joe Brown did a fantastic job leading 2nd and 3rd services. I heard Jared Wortman and Tyler Morris were outstanding out at the north campus. In all things, God was glorified.

Great News:

• The leadership of Forum has after a period of seeking the Lord, as well as searching the country, made a decision connected to the worship ministry. Specifically, it is my privilege and honor to communicate to you that both Tyler Morris and Tarry Koutz are coming onto the Forum staff full-time. In that their dossier would be quite lengthy between them, I’ll give you a brief overview in this article and as you come to know them more – you’ll just be thrilled – I know I am.
• Dr. Tarry Koutz served as the worship minister for Forum for years and years. He has also been a professor at Central Christian College of the Bible (Moberly, MO) for decades. Tarry has been married to his wife Poppy for 39 years. His son-in-law Tim Crockett, daughter Julie, and 2 grandchildren - Emery and Carson (with one en route) actively attend and serve at Forum. As I say, we’re all thrilled. Tarry will lead our first service, coordinate and lead our productions (they have been off the charts), and oversee and coordinate the children’s choirs, and we are praying about the development of a Fine Arts Academy down the road.
• Tyler Morris is the husband of Katelyn Morris – our children’s minister. Tyler is a phenomenal musician and servant hearted individual. Before coming to Forum, he was the worship leader for a new church. We hired Katelyn in the area of Children’s Ministry and he hesitatingly moved out of that area to follow God’s lead for their family here. When the north campus opened, Tyler began serving exemplarily and once again was able to lead out north a lot as well as coordinate the set up of everything musical out there (that’s one of the reasons south campus hasn’t gotten to know him real well – he’s always out north). Tyler will lead/coordinate 2nd, 3rd, and north campus services, coach our teen bands, set our serving schedules, and lead the creative development of our services. Tyler and Katelyn are a phenomenal couple and we’re so glad God led them here.

Phenomenal ministry:

• Our deacons serve and serve and serve. The grounds and the campus looked perfect for Easter. A bunch of people repainted the entire gym, halls, stairwells, etc. this month and it looks so crisp. Thanks for all of your service and leadership.

A challenge:

• In that we operate very “lean and mean” as a ministry, we don’t dialogue much about money. To me, people who love the Lord love to give and give cheerfully. In that we are adding staff, we have been running tight and then some at our current giving levels. I’m going to encourage each family to consider giving an additional five or ten dollars each week or if the Lord prompts you to do more I sure don’t want to limit you.

We’ll also have light construction to make over a lot of our classroom areas in the very near future as well. With these opportunities come additional financial needs. Let me encourage all of us to rise to the challenge.

Pizza With The Pastors is this Sunday night at 5 in room 104/106. Come meet with some of the ministers and learn more about Forum and have a time to ask any questions you might have as well. Childcare is provided.

Men’s F.I.T.ness Seminar is Saturday, April 24 from 7 – 9:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the south campus. Come at 6:30 for snacks. Worship begins at 7. Come for an evening centered around intentionally connecting men to Christ through teaching, worship, and fellowship.

This Sunday we’ll finish out our “Gameface” series studying out of John 21. Bottom line: so the resurrection/Easter happened, what’s next? What do we do? It will be a great encounter with Jesus. Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday - Scott

enews for week of 3/28/10

2010-04-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

This Friday night, let me encourage you to invite friends, family, and neighbors to come and embrace the cross of Jesus as we celebrate Good Friday. Last week, when typing this enews, I made a typo that I liked. I omitted one “o” in Good Friday thus making it God Friday. While it was corrected – the more I thought about it – the more appropriate it became. The time for the experience is 7:30 p.m.

A KOMU reporter asked me on Monday, “How do you keep the Easter story fresh…I mean, it’s the same story every year?”

While that question is true, there is nothing fresher every day for the follower of Jesus than the reality that He is Alive! We worship, interact with, follow, love, and adore a living God!

We follow a risen savior who uniquely holds the name that is above all names:

• Buddha, Mohammed, David, Mao, Stalin, Marx, Elvis, Napoleon, Abraham Lincoln, Gandhi, John Kennedy, and others may have all had elements of distinction but none claim resurrection

• All of the above might encourage you to follow their teaching, purchase their music, admire their power, or buy into their ideology. Jesus doesn’t call you to any of that. He’s alive and He actively calls you to Him. He’s alive. You can transact business with Him every day.

• The resurrection demonstrates beyond all doubt that there is life after death and that Jesus holds the key to the afterlife.

We celebrate Jesus.

This weekend, let’s embrace the cross and let’s celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ together. If you want to read ahead, we’ll be in John 20 this weekend as we look at another question of Jesus – specifically, “Who is it you are looking for?” Should be a great day of worship – see you then. — Scott

Just a reminder that all Sunday night activities here at South Campus are cancelled for Easter.

e-news for week of 3/21/10

2010-03-26T06:36:00.001-07:00

This Sunday is called “Palm Sunday” because it coincides with Jesus entering into Jerusalem with a king’s welcome. “Hail”, “Hosanna”, “Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord”, were all shouts that greeted him. Human nature can turn on a dime and on expectations.

There’s an old expression, “When expectations don’t match reality, disappointment sets in.” Look at all the disappointment from the point of human expectations during the week of the Passion:

• This guy is a blasphemer.
• This king doesn’t measure up.
• We expected more.
• God is failing.

Do you think there was anything that Jesus experienced that week that he didn’t see and anticipate? Did his outcome go unmet? Is it possible that our human, fleshly eyes and expectations miss God’s design and activity on a consistent basis?

There’s a lot to be excited about right now at Forum. I hope you are dialed in to the activity of God. Let me give you a glimpse. Travis Tipton started coming to church a while back (within the last couple of years). God gets a hold of him and starts molding and shaping him. He prayerfully decides to go into ministry and he and his wife Lisa start studying at Central Christian College of the Bible. This past Sunday, Travis baptized his friend Ryan after third service. When Ryan came up out of the water, I cannot describe the level of joy and victory he expressed. May I be overly simplistic – if every Christian makes one disciple each year – the whole world is won in less than 5 years. Bottom line – let God get a hold of you.

Over the next several weeks, we’ll be announcing some great things connected to Forum as a ministry connected to staff, the facility, and some things we are doing that are new approaches for Forum. Right now, during this season of the year, let’s all keep our eyes focused on the cross and contemplate Christ.

We’ll be in Isaiah 53 this Sunday. It’s such a beautiful passage. I’d encourage you to read it daily between now and Good Friday. Read also Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19 daily. Meditate and dwell on this epic event.

I want to express my thanks to all the deacons and Forum family who spent several hours here last Saturday painting in the Family Life Center. The results are amazing! Thanks so much for your servant hearts.

Next Friday, April 2 is Good Friday. Our adult choir will be presenting “Experience the Cross.” This will be in the auditorium at South Campus at 7:30 p.m. Let’s take time to remember the extreme sacrifice that Christ made for each of us.

I really look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday - Scott