Thursday, October 30, 2008

Christian Life School Pie Social





































Oh my, what Fun!
We know how to party!
Kurt Schaefer was our auctioneer...he is HILARIOUS!
A lot of money was raised for our wonderful little school!
I hope you're not missing out on all this fun!?
The fire was nice...
Emy didn't escape the picture...
The coconut cream went for $100...
I got banana cream...

Rogue River Assembly Of God HEROES: Tom Vallo

Can you believe this is the 8th blog on all the heroes at Rogue River Assembly of God?!

This family is relatively new among us. But, their just the kind of people that jump in and get involved...so it seems like they have always been among us! Tom sometimes plays his clarinet with the worship team. It's a blessing to have a unique instrument adding a new dimension to our worship unto the Lord!


Tom has been leading our men's ministry. He's really inspired us to "not forsake the gathering together of the saints." I think the most memorable event he's orchestrated yet, was that crazy spaghetti feed...I think it was last spring. Our church has never laughed so hard! His skits gave us all a good dose of medicine...Scripture says laughter is a good medicine! AND Ruth is such a sweet spirit! I'm glad the Lord brought us the Vallos...

Do you read the bulletin?







Holly works on the bulletin every week to keep us all well informed...

She is a little discouraged cause parishioners keep saying they don't read it...

If you read the bulletin, can you encourage her by telling her you read it every week...

Sunday, October 26, 2008

We LOVE our missionaries!






Last night's African missions dinner was FABULOUS!
We had ground nut stew...it was chicken not squirrel!

This morning's service closing our missions convention was FABULOUS!
THANK YOU CHUCK AND JANET WILSON! WE ADORE YOU BOTH!

Check out their website: http://www.chuckandjanetwilson.org/



Wednesday, October 22, 2008

I highly respect Dr. Dobson's views...


Dear Friends,
Can you feel the tension in the air? The nation--and indeed, the world--is holding its collective breath as the final days of the presidential campaign wind down and the candidates engage in one last round of electioneering and debating. By this time next month, we'll know whether Senator John McCain or Senator Barack Obama will be inaugurated in January as the 44th President of the United States.
Considering the stark differences between the two presidential candidates and the critical issues that are hanging in the balance, it's not difficult to understand why Campaign 2008 has been such a spirited affair. I'd like to take a few moments to consider what is at stake in this year's election, particularly for those of us who embrace a biblical worldview. Please understand that I will share these thoughts under the umbrella of Focus on the Family Action™, which has supported the preparation and distribution of this newsletter. Focus Action is, in turn, supported by contributions from those who do not receive tax deductible receipts for them. Thanks so much to you who made it possible.
Let's start with the need to elect a pro-family, pro-life President. The importance of this objective cannot be overstated. Between 2009 and 2012, there will likely be two or more opportunities for the President to nominate new justices to the Supreme Court. Some court watchers say there could be as many as four resignations. That alone should give us serious pause as we consider for whom to cast our votes. In the months ahead, the Supreme Court will likely hand down rulings that will impact America for generations to come. We need a President who will nominate conservative, strict-constructionist judges to the Court. If that doesn't happen, the highest court in the land could become stacked--even more than it already is--with justices who will endeavor to legislate from the bench and impose a liberal agenda on the nation. It will likely affect the definition of marriage, religious freedom, and the protection (or lack thereof) of life in the womb.
It's probably obvious which of the two major party candidates' views are most palatable to those of us who embrace a pro-life, pro-family worldview. While I will not endorse either candidate this year, I can say that I am now supportive of Senator John McCain and his bid for the presidency. This is not because I am beholden to the Senator from Arizona or to the Republican Party. Anyone who has even a passing familiarity with my views knows that I have agonized at times during this election process, and have been strongly critical of Senator McCain and the Republican Party on numerous occasions. My concern is for the biblical and moral values that I and millions of Americans hold dear. I will gladly support politicians of any stripe who are willing to defend the sanctity of human life, support the institution of traditional marriage, protect the country from terrorism and advance the cause of religious liberty. While certainly not perfect, the 2008 Republican platform comes closest to embracing those ideals by a wide margin.
In recent weeks, I have received some measure of criticism from those who feel that my "change of heart" toward John McCain is unwarranted. I understand those views and concede that the Senator continues to embrace positions that concern me. I don't apologize, however, for reevaluating our options in this election year. John Maynard Keynes, whose views I have disagreed with strongly, said this about reversing course: "When the facts change, I change my opinion. What do you do, sir?"1 In this instance, Keynes' perspective is correct. Every thinking person will eventually have reason to change his or her mind as circumstances evolve, as they have done during this long political ordeal.
There are four primary--and I believe compelling--reasons why I now view the McCain presidential candidacy favorably:
During the "Saddleback Forum" on Aug. 16, Sens. Obama and McCain fielded questions from the Saddleback Church pastor Rick Warren. Senator McCain gave very solid and encouraging answers to questions about the sanctity of life and the institution of marriage, whereas Senator Obama came down at the other end of the argument. You will recall the following interchange during the forum: Pastor Rick Warren: "At what point does a baby get human rights, in your view?" Senator Obama: "... Answering that question with specificity, you know, is, uh, is, above my pay grade."2 With all due respect, Senator, if this question is above your pay grade, then so is the job attached to it.
The Republican Party's 2008 national platform is a remarkably conservative document.3 Indeed, it is the strongest pro-life platform in the history of the party, surpassing even the pro-life advances of the Reagan years. It was approved and sanctioned by the McCain campaign.
Senator McCain selected an astonishingly strong pro-life, pro-family running mate in Governor Sarah Palin. Although he could have embraced a liberal Vice Presidential nominee, such as Senator Joe Lieberman or Tom Ridge, he made the bold decision to join forces with a VP pick whose views reflect those of the party's conservative base. I'll discuss Governor Palin's candidacy in greater detail in a moment.
The longer the campaign continues, the more concerned I have become with Barack Obama's liberal views. Certainly, he is an attractive and very charismatic candidate who has embarked on a campaign of historical proportions. However, the majority of his policies represent the antithesis of principles I hold dear. Senator Obama's record is more liberal than that of any other Democrat in the Senate4--and that's saying something! For example, when he was a state senator in Illinois, he voted four times in three years against legislation that would have saved the lives of babies that managed to survive the abortion process.5 The U.S. Senate subsequently passed similar legislation called The Born Alive Infant Protection Act by unanimous consent.6 (Obama was not a U.S. Senator at the time.) State Senator Obama was chairman of the committee that opposed this protection of babies, and in 2001 and 2002 was the only legislator who rose to argue against the Illinois Born Alive Act.7 That is an undeniable fact!
My good friend, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum published a scathing analysis of Senator Obama's pro-abortion record earlier this year. Here is an excerpt of what he wrote:
In March 2001, [Senator] Obama was the sole speaker in opposition to the bill on the floor of the Illinois Senate. He said: "We're saying they are persons entitled to the kinds of protections provided to a child, a 9-month child delivered to term. I mean, it would essentially bar abortions, because the equal protection clause does not allow somebody to kill a child."8 So according to [Senator] Obama, "they", (babies who survive abortions or any other preterm newborns,) should be permitted to be killed because giving legal protection to preterm newborns would have the effect of banning all abortions.9
To further underscore Senator Obama's radical devotion to abortion rights, he has promised that "the first thing I'd do as president" would be to sign the Freedom of Choice Act.10 The FOCA is a devastating piece of legislation that would overturn nearly every local, state, and federal anti-abortion law passed in the last 40 years.11 In fact, it's so broadly written that legal analysts suggest the bill may prevent institutions and physicians from refusing to provide abortion services by invoking the conscience clause.
Earlier this year, while talking about sex education and abortion, the Senator said the following: "I've got two daughters, 9 years old and 6 years old. I am going to teach them first of all about values and morals. But if they make a mistake, I don't want them punished with a baby."12 In other words, a pre-born baby is viewed as a form of punishment, and can therefore be murdered in the name of convenience.
It is a matter of historic significance that Barack Obama has become the first African-American to capture the nomination of a major political party for the office of President of the United States. I applaud that remarkable accomplishment. Nevertheless, I cannot support his candidacy because the positions he holds on moral, social and family issues place him at the extreme left of the political spectrum. What the Senator believes and the policies he would seek to implement are on a collision course with the biblical principles and beliefs I have fought to defend for more than 35 years.
Turning the corner, the significance of Governor Palin to the 2008 presidential race is also worthy of further consideration. Here is a woman who is a deeply committed Christian, and who is pro-life not only with regard to her policies, but in her personal life. She and her husband welcomed their latest child, Trig, into the world even though he was diagnosed with Down syndrome while still in the womb. Approximately 90 percent of babies with Down syndrome are aborted,13 but Governor Palin carried her precious child to term and now loves and cares for him despite the challenges associated with a special needs child. Similarly, her teenage daughter, Bristol, who became pregnant out of wedlock, could have bowed to cultural pressure to seek an abortion. Instead, she and the father plan to get married and raise their child together. Governor Palin has been married for 20 years, and by all accounts, she is a portrait of Christian motherhood and womanhood.
As for Governor Palin's qualifications to be Vice President of the United States and to assume the mantle of President, should that ever become necessary, she is much better suited for the job than the talking heads on the liberal Left would have you believe. She came out of nowhere to win the Alaskan gubernatorial race against a powerful incumbent. While in office, she bravely fought widespread corruption--including that within her own party--in the face of great opposition. Govenor Palin's critics suggest that her experience as mayor of a "small town" is somehow a liability, but it is an asset. In fact, her time as Mayor of Wasilla and then as Governor of Alaska gives her a greater degree of executive experience than Senator Barack Obama can claim. Her qualifications to be Vice President, I would submit, exceed those of Senator Barack Obama, who spent only 143 working days in the U.S. Senate prior to announcing his run for President.14 He authored no significant legislation during that time.
I'm sure you have heard the shrill voices from the political Left decrying Mrs. Palin for any and every reason under the sun. They gloat over the pregnancy of her daughter Bristol and claim it as "evidence" that abstinence education, which Sarah Palin strongly supports, is somehow a sham. They criticize Governor Palin for daring to hold political office and run for Vice President while having a baby at home, even though the Left has for decades supported a woman's right to do just that. The attacks on Governor Palin and her family in recent weeks have been astonishingly unfair and mean-spirited. If she were a liberal Democrat, she would be praised and lauded for making the same decisions for which she is now being criticized. The double standard is obvious.
Governor Palin's decision to run for Vice President while raising a baby with special needs has given pause to some conservative voices as well. Some have even questioned my enthusiasm over Governor Palin's candidacy in light of these circumstances. It's important to note that although I have often said stay-at-home moms are vitally important to raising the next generation, I have never suggested that it is wrong for mothers to work outside the home. Indeed, Focus on the Family® has hired thousands of mothers over the years. I have said, however, that if a mother is going to enter the workplace, she and her husband must first find a way to meet the needs of their children. Sarah Palin appears to have done that. Todd, her husband, is actively involved in the raising of their children, and it seems obvious that Sarah will continue to be a positive force in her children's lives even as she carries out her duties in the political arena. Regardless of your political views, may I suggest that the Palins need our prayers, not our disdain, at this critical moment in our nation's history.
Senator Obama's selection of fellow liberal Democrat Joseph Biden (Del.) is also extremely revealing. While the National Journal ranked Obama the most liberal Senator last year, Senator Biden was ranked 3rd on their list--just ahead of Vermont's Bernie Sanders, a self-avowed socialist.15 While the Senator of 36 years from Delaware stands in blatant opposition to the pro-family movement, many of you will remember him from his vociferous opposition to several of our finer Supreme Court justices, namely, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Alito and Thomas.
Returning to our theme, America's future seems to hang in the balance at this time. Our next President will have a dramatic impact on countless legislative issues. Since being relegated to minority status in 2006, House Republicans have skillfully used the rules of parliamentary procedure to frustrate many of the Democrats' attempts to pass bad legislation. To this point, that effort has almost always been backed by a President who is willing to use the veto pen when necessary. The threat of President Bush's veto on hate crimes legislation and issues regarding the sanctity of life have kept a Democrat-controlled Congress from implementing its liberal agenda. Will our next President stand up to Congress in the same manner, or will he side with them, thereby giving the Democrats free reign to impose their liberal values on America?
It is likely, say the pundits, that both the House and the Senate in the 111th Congress will still be controlled by Democrats. If that party also takes the White House, a wave of anti-family, pro-homosexual legislation is almost guaranteed to pass in 2009. The bills put forward and advanced this year by Democrats reveal where they want to take the country. For example, they inserted hate crimes language into the 2008 Defense Authorization Bill, but were forced to remove it in conference, again under the threat of veto.16 While in the Illinois Senate, Senator Obama voted for a bill authorizing "comprehensive" sex education beginning in kindergarten. Defenders have attempted to downplay its significance, citing the fact that it called for the content to be "age appropriate" and "medically accurate"--dubious and subjective qualifiers given the sensitive nature of the topic and innocence of the audience!17 (When criticized for supporting this legislation, the Senator was dismissive and said proudly, I quote, "It's the right thing to do."18)
Large portions of the agenda promoted by homosexual activists will also be enacted. The implications for a federal hate crimes law are clear. People speaking against homosexuality have already been prosecuted under hate crimes laws both in the United States and abroad. If a federal hate crimes law passes, there will be little to prevent the government from endeavoring to control and curtail religious speech, especially from the pulpit. It is entirely possible that a pastor could be charged with inducing a federal hate crime simply by preaching from one of the many biblical passages that address homosexuality.
Congressional Democrats will also seek to pass the Employment Nondiscrimination Act, meaning businesses will be forced to accept and condone homosexuality--and possibly transgenderism--in making employment decisions. Further, business owners, including religious businesses, will not be able to make hiring and firing decisions based on their religious convictions. Earlier this year, Senator Barack Obama said, "I will place the weight of my administration behind the enactment of the Matthew Shepherd Act to outlaw hate crimes and a fully inclusive Employment Nondiscrimination Act."19
Finally, I am deeply concerned about the tax and spend policies Senator Obama will impose on the American people if he is elected, especially in light of the current financial crisis. This is not the time to be taking money out of the economy, yet, he has proposed enormous new federal programs and entitlements that will cost multiple billions of dollars. These initiatives cannot be effected without huge increases in taxation on businesses, which will be passed on to the public and to individual families. This will almost certainly require a return of the odious marriage penalty tax that plagued families for 34 years!
The races for the White House and the Congress are hardly the only matters worthy of concern in this election cycle. At the state and local levels, numerous policies and pieces of legislation are being put to a vote, and many of them are directly related to family and moral issues. For example, the definition of marriage is on the ballot in Arizona (Proposition 102), California (Proposition 8) and Florida (Amendment 2). Voters in Colorado will be given the opportunity to expand the definition of "personhood" to include all human beings from the moment of fertilization (Amendment 48). In South Dakota, voters will be asked to ban all abortions except those involving cases of rape and incest, or when the pregnancy seriously jeopardizes the life or physical health of the mother (Measure 11). Michigan is considering whether to legalize embryonic stem cell research, which would result in the killing of tiny human beings. In California, voters will also get the chance to decide whether minor girls should be required to give 48 hours' notice to a parent or adult relative before having an abortion (Proposition 4). Arkansas voters will decide whether to prevent couples living together out of wedlock--heterosexual or homosexual--from adopting children or serving as foster parents.
These are just a few of the important issues that, depending on which state you live in, will be on the ballot next month. I implore you to spend the few days remaining before the election researching the various amendments, ballot measures, and local and national candidates. Then, exercise your responsibility before God to vote on or before November 4th. Please, let your voices be heard. For more information, visit Focus on the Family Action's Web site.
Regardless of your political views, I want to urge Christians everywhere to be in prayer about this election. There are many scriptural references wherein King David "inquired of God" when he was faced by troubling circumstances (1 Samuel 23:2,4; 30:8; 2 Samuel 2:1; 5:19,23). It is time for Christians everywhere to turn to Him for guidance and wisdom. Find some time to be still and listen to what He wants to tell you. The National Day of Prayer Task Force, led by my wonderful wife, Shirley, has embarked on a national campaign entitled "Pray for Election Day." All around the country, individuals and groups are being encouraged to gather every Thursday leading up to November 4th between 12-noon and 12:30 p.m. Spend time with the Lord, asking Him to guide and direct those privileged to cast a ballot. If you are able, I would also encourage you to fast and pray immediately before the election. After all, it was the Reverend Billy Graham who once said that "To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees."20 Amen, Dr. Graham.
This election is about the future of the nation, but it will also go a long way toward determining the culture your children and grandchildren will come to know. I know you will vote with your children and your children's children in mind. That certainly puts the election in a different light, doesn't it?
You know my heart on these issues, and I hope you understand that I am less concerned with politicians and political parties than I am with the timeless biblical principles that those parties have the power to either strengthen or damage. No candidate is perfect, whether in this election or any other. Please don't make your decisions lightly. There is simply too much at stake. May God grant each of us wisdom as November 4th approaches.
Sincerely,
James C. Dobson, Ph.D.Founder and Chairman
P.S. Since I began researching and writing this letter, the economic meltdown on Wall Street and congressional reaction to it has occurred. These are, indeed, difficult times for American families and businesses. Thank you for continuing to support this ministry, even though in many cases it has required sacrificial giving. You are helping to keep us afloat during this financial crisis, and we appreciate your contribution and prayers more than I can tell you.
Please share this with your friends and family.
Endnotes1 Louis Uchitelle, "2 Mavericks in Economics Awarded Nobel Prize," The New York Times, Oct. 12, 2004, (Sept. 29, 2008). Also: Alfred L. Malabre, Lost Prophets: An Insider's History of the Modern Economists (1994), p. 220. (Responding to criticism when changing monetary policy in the midst of the Great Depression.)2 Saddleback Presidential Candidates Forum, CNN Transcript, Aug. 16, 2008. (Sept. 29, 2008). 3 Republican National Committee, 2008 Republican Platform, (Sept. 28, 2008). 4 "National Journal's 2007 Vote Ratings," National Journal Group Inc., 2008, (Sept. 29, 2008).5 bornalivetruth.org/obamarecord.aspx (September 2008).6 frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getpage.cgi?dbname=2002_record&page=S7084&position=all (Sept. 29, 2008).7 bornalivetruth.org/obamarecord.aspx (Sept. 30, 2008).8 "Obama Blocked Born Alive Infant Protection Act," Illinois Federation For Right to Life Daily News online, April 3, 2008, (Sept. 29, 2008).9 Rick Santorum, "The Elephant in the Room: Why conservatives should support McCain," The Philadelphia Inquirer, April 21, 2008, (Sept. 29, 2008).10 youtube.com/watch?v=uUl99id2SvM (Sept. 29, 2008).11 aul.org/FOCA (Sept. 29, 2008).12 "Ballot Bowl 2008: More Campaign Happenings," CNN Transcripts, March 29, 2008, (Sept. 29, 2008).13 Patricia E. Bauer, "What's Lost in Prenatal Testing: Why Encourage Testing for Down Syndrome," Jan. 14, 2007, Washington Post. 14 "Days in Session Calendars," Thomas, The Library of Congress, (Sept. 29, 2008).15 National Journal online, 2008, Ibid.16 Paul Kane, "Hill Negotiators Drop Hate-Crime Provision," Washington Post, Dec. 7, 2007, (Sept. 29, 2008). 17 Byron York, "On Sex-Ed Ad, McCain Is Right," National Review Online, Sept. 16, 2008, (Sept. 29, 2008). 18 "Obama on Sex Ed in Kindergarten: 'It's the Right Thing to Do,'" Free Republic online, Sept. 10, 2008, (Sept. 29, 2008).19 Michael Foust, "Obama: If elected I will use the bully pulpit for gay causes," Baptist Press, Feb. 28, 2008, (Sept. 29, 2008).20 Chuck Spinner, A Book of Prayers: To the Heavens from the Stars, (AuthorHouse: 2008), p. 225 (Sept. 29, 2008).
Paid for by Focus on the Family Action.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Operation Christmas Child


THE BOXES are due NOVEMBER 16th!

New Sermon Series: A Holiday Road Trip


Celebration Service, Sundays 10am
A Holiday Road Trip: Searching for Wisdom

November 2—Life for Dummies,

Proverbs 1:9
9—Living the Lazy Life, Proverbs 10:4
16—Marriage is a Good Thing,

Proverbs 18:22
23—Spiritual Value of Friendship, Proverbs 13:20
30—Words at their Best, Proverbs 12:18
December 7—Handling Criticism Well, Proverbs 12:1
14—Learning to Trust God, Proverbs 3:5

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Teen Challenge



Today's Celebration Service with Teen Challenge was very Blessed!
If this one didn't crank your tractor than your feelers broke!
The testimonies 0f deliverance and Pastor John Jeffries heart...very moving!
To find out more about this incredible ministry visit:
http://teenchallengeusa.com/
The words that stuck in my head were..."the success of teen challenge over other recovery programs can be summed up in one word: JESUS!"


PS...I totally forgot to mention in today's service that today was the last chance to sign up for the African Dinner! (it was in the bulletin, though)
If you want to attend this Saturday Evening's special missions dinner (6pm) please call the office...we need a head count for food preparation...

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Holly's Blog



http://www.for-the-love-of-a-child.blogspot.com/
When was that last time you looked at my wife's blog?
She should be a professional blogger!
My favorite is her blogging on Nathaniel and his hat...
I think my wife is funny...
I like her blogging on yesterday's fun at the pumpkin patch too...

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

YEAH Misma!



Tonight we announced to the youth group that Melisma Ramos is taking over!
I'm so proud of her for stepping out in faith!
Holly and I first met Melisma in Oak Harbor, WA where we were associate pastors.
She instantly became a forever friend (more like family), and even moved to Rogue River!
She is trained, experienced in youth ministry, gifted, called...
We are so blessed that she is taking on this leadership role while working a full-time job at Providence in Medford.
We all need to help her succeed. She can't do it alone.
She is taking on this role for a 90 day trial period to make sure it is the LORD'S WILL!


Because of her availability, I get to re-start my passion: HOMEBUILDERS!
So beginning Wednesday NOVEMBER 5, Holly and I will be leading this marriage and family ministry in the LIBRARY, 7pm!
It's for couples OF ALL AGES, engaged, married...
We'll be starting with Les & Leslie Parrot's LOVE TALK...

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Missionaries Daren & Heidi Walker


WE LOVE MISSIONARIES!
We were so blessed by Daren's preaching on GOD'S BUSINESS!
(remember, God's economy hasn't been shaken)

He shared from Luke 15...
The Parable of the Lost Sheep 1Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." 3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
The Parable of the Lost Coin 8"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' 10In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Check out http://www.walkerwitness.com/ for more info on the Walker's ministry...

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Rogue River Assembly Of God HEROES: Phyllis Hill


I thank the LORD for bringing this amazing family into our church! I'm incredibly jealous of George, because he is RIGHT NOW enjoying the GLORY OF THE LORD! George entered eternity a few months ago. We all miss him terribly, but we have his memories to challenge us to live like Jesus (he truly lived the gospel). George was on the board that hired me as pastor almost 5 years ago. Phyllis is now serving on my board and was elected for a second term last business meeting! Phyllis has lead a women's bible study in our church for many years. She is an anointed teacher and truly walks in LOVE! The Lord always sends her to speak a word of encouragement right when I need it. And her wisdom and prayer is SO VALUABLE to our board meetings. I could never say enough about this AMAZING woman of God!

I haven't scanned in the bulletin for awhile...






Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Today's Christian Life School Chapel

We did the pledges, took offering to support CLS missions and opened in prayer.
Remember when the public school used to do pledges and open in prayer?
I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag and to the Savior for who's kingdom it stands, one Savior, crucified, risen and comeing again with life and liberty for all who believe.
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation, UNDER GOD, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all who believe.
I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God's holy word, I will make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path, I will hide it's words in my heart that I might not sin against God.
Did you know those pledges? You may never have heard the Christian Flag or Bible pledge before...
Then, I drew names for "Snack and Chat" with the Preschoolers and "Pizza with Pastor" for the older kids. They were all so funny...making drum role sounds for each name drawn...
I sat at the piano and led the kids in some fun songs of worship to Jesus...some serious ones too!
I REALLY ENJOY DOING CLS CHAPEL!
Here's some notes from the kid's sermon I "preached"...


Matthew 16:24-25 (NIV)
Did you enjoy watching the Olympics on TV? What was your favorite part?
Why do the athletes go to the Olympics? That's right! They go to the Olympics to win a medal -- hopefully the gold. I am sure that all of you have probably heard of Michael Phelps. Michael is a twenty-three-year-old swimmer who has won eight gold medals in this year's Olympic competition. That's more than anyone in history. How would you like to win eight Olympic gold medals? Before you say, "Yes," you might want to hear more of Michael's story and the sacrifices he had to make to win those medals.
When Michael was eleven years old, he was swimming in a pool in Baltimore, Maryland. A swim coach by the name of Bob Bowman noticed him. He immediately realized that Michael had extraordinary talent. He talked to Michael's parents and told them that the boy was very gifted and could become an Olympic champion if he trained right. He told them that it would require a total commitment to training and told Michael that he could never reach his full potential by living the life of a normal kid. So, from the time he was eleven, Michael gave up almost everything else in his life to devote himself to becoming the greatest swimmer in Olympic history. Michael Phelps lost the life of a "normal kid," but he found greater fulfillment in life as an Olympic champion.
Just as Bob Bowman saw great potential in Michael Phelps, Jesus sees great potential in each of you. That is why he has called you to become his disciples. Will it be easy? No way! Jesus once told his followers that to be his disciple would be very difficult. "If any of you want to be my follower, you must forget about yourself, take up your cross, and follow me." Jesus took up his cross, didn't he? He took his cross and carried it up a hill where he was crucified. He knew he was going to have to suffer, but he also knew he would win the victory in the end and so will we. Jesus promised, "If you give up your life for me, you will find it."
Will following Jesus be easy? No, but it will be worth it!

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Missionaries Matt & Heather Reigel


Matt shared from Luke 4 in today's Celebration Service...
14Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. 15He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.
16He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. 17The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
20Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

Matt & Heather Reigel, along with their 3 children, live and work in Rostock, Germany. Rostock is located in northeast Germany, north of Berlin. This area was formerly the country of East Germany. They will be working on Church planting and development. God is calling them to disciple new Christians and to teach leadership to maturing Christians. This is a task that God has shaped and molded the Reigels for.

Missionary Paul Gibbs


Last Wednesday Evening our Missions Convention began with Missionary Paul Gibbs.
The crazy guy drove all the way from Portland, blessed us with his ministry and drove back that same evening!

He shared his heart for church planting and chi alpha ministry...
He skillfully played his guitar and sang a beautiful song he had written...

Paul and Sunia are the new campus directors for Portland State University's Chi Alpha.
Chi Alpha is a community of Portland area American and International students and friends earnestly following Jesus...

Check out his website and chi alpha's website...

Thursday, October 2, 2008

How do you spell church? P O T L U C K






Ok, So My wife made me a blogger...NOW she made me join FACEBOOK!

If you're already on Facebook, invite me to be your friend. If you're not, ask Holly how to join cause I'm still trying to "get it." Actually, our AG general Superintendant, George Wood, is trying to be "culturally savvy." He just joined Facebook too!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

The Main Thing

I wish I could post the picts I took at our potluck last Sunday but our laptop and camera aren't getting along...SO, the photo den is trying to save our picts again...
ANYWAY, Our 60 year celebration was AMAZING...The Service with Pastor Cap And Laverne was OVERFLOWING...The Potluck was HOPPIN...

Pastor Cap focused his reminiscing and preaching around the four cardinal truths of the Assemblies of God. Recently our General Council commissioned an artist to create fine art that would capture these truths. I was picturing the artwork while Pastor was preaching. I thought I would share the paintings with you...

Salvation Through Jesus Christ
Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, being justified by grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God, according to the hope of eternal life.
(John 3:3, 16, 17; Romans 10:13; Ephesians 2:8, 9)

Baptism in the Holy Spirit
All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the promise of the Father, the baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire, according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was the normal experience of all in the early Christian Church. With it comes the enduement of power for life and service, the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry.
(Acts 1:8; 2:4; 17, 18, 38, 39)

Divine Healing for the Sick
Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement, and is the privilege of all believers.
(James 5:14-16)


The Second Coming of Christ
The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, which is our blessed hope, followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on earth for one thousand years. (1 Thessalonians 4:14-16; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52)

the Artist — Ron DiCianni
Ron DiCianni has been an illustrator for twenty-five years. His artwork has won him national recognition with many national corporations including ABC, NBC, the Smithsonian and McDonald’s. DiCianni has dedicated his talents solely to the task of proclaiming the "good news" of the gospel. His passion is to renew visual arts in the Church. Learn more about Ron DiCianni and his art by visiting http://www.tapestryproductions.com/.