WOW I wish there were words to convey how life-changing Marriage Encounter is...Holly and I are truly renewed!

LOVE IS A DECISION

FEELINGS ARE NEITHER RIGHT NOR WRONG

FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE

LISTEN WITH YOUR HEART

TOUGH FEELINGS CAN BE SHARED WITH TENDERNESS

LORD, WE HAVE WITNESSED A MIRACLE

3+2=1

WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD

These words are just scratching the surface! I'm starting to believe that you're not really married until you've been ENCOUNTERED! Every marriage deserves to be ENCOUNTERED!

The tools you receive on the Assemblies of God Marriage Encounter will really open your heart to a whole new world...I wish there were words to convince you of it's power, of Christ's power!

VISIT agme.org AND SIGN UP FOR THE NEXT ONE!

Oh and if you start hearing rumors from the couples that attended from our church, about your pastor knocking on hotel room doors to spray silly string all over unsuspecting souls...don't believe such things...hee hee

Oh and thanks to all of you who held down the fort at home in our absence...Mrs. Shelli, Tom & Ruth Vallo, Zach Badley, Pastor Bill, Pastor Fowler, and everyone else who stepped up to the plate...WE LOVE YOU, THANK YOU!

Pastor Paul's Top 10 Lessons Learned in 5 yrs. of Senior Pastoring

I sat down today and typed this up in, seriously less than 10 minutes...
I've been dealing with some stuff lately that has made me a little introspective and honestly a little frustrated...
So, I need some feedback, tell me what you think?

Pastor Paul’s Top 10 lessons learned in 5 years of senior pastoring:
1. Thou shalt not be the messiah.
Simply take them to Jesus…
2. Thou shalt not assume the worst.
Assume the best and lovingly confront the rest…
3. Thou shalt not defend thyself.
Let God be your defense and shield…
4. Thou shalt not think every thought you think.
“Replacement theology,” replace that negative thought with something positive…
5. Thou shalt not put the church before the family.
In God’s Divine Order, family comes first…
6. Thou shalt not “vent”.
When tempted to gossip, pray instead…
7. Thou shalt not violate boundaries.
NO IS an acceptable answer…
8. Thou shalt not “react”.
“Pause for Power”, instead choose to “respond”…
9. Thou shalt live on the “divine level”.
Satanic level: returning evil for good,
Human level: returning evil for evil,
Divine level: returning good for evil…
10. Thou shalt shut up.
The world will remain lost as long as the church keeps shoving things down their throat; Acts of Kindness lead to repentance; “Everywhere preach the gospel and if necessary use words”…

Oh and I forgot: Thou Shalt Not give your joy away. The Joy of the Lord cannot be taken away; it has to be given away...

Oh and...

St. Patrick

With St. Patrick's Day approaching I thought I would share this amazing article that just came to me via my subscription to Steve Sjogren's Conspiracy of Kindness community:

http://www.serve-others.com/issue31/index.cfm?id=31&ref=COVERSTORY&awt_l=LEiSN&awt_m=1fomtubz78e0GK

Amazing Grace performed at the coliseum in Rome

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid271552717?bctid=1913313052

Jaye Rinehart just emailed this link to me...

Here's her words: This is so incredible! Gave me goose bumps. Especially after todays sermon! Great job Pastor! Love, J

Ya'll bless your pastor so much!

Old Fashioned Sing-a-long

Walt Heron asked me to place these details on my blog:
Saturday, March 14th at 6:30pm at Bruce and Cherry Sund, 6 covered Bridge Rd
phone 582.2249
Bring your musical instruments
Directions:
take east evans creek rd to south end of covered bridge rd.
take graveled road located at south end of covered bridge rd. up into the trees
watch for a concrete highway divider on the right.
turn left into driveway just above the concrete divider.
House is at end of driveway
keep the drive around the end of the house clear for additional parking in back

Amazing Grace: Ruth (sermon notes)

Continuing the new sermon series on Amazing Grace:
Ruth 1
Another Bible story detailing how God takes ashes and turns them into beauty...
Some motivation for living a grace-filled life...
3 thoughts from from this real-life story of Ruth's Grace:
1. Grace Hurts
Naomi and Ruth lost everything...In the midst of such pain, lifting up their voices and weeping together (sometimes it's really good to let it out and cry, tears can be a gift from heaven)...
Ruth shines amazing grace in the midst of hurt!
Job 1 & 19
(blessed be the name of the Lord, I know my Redeemer lives)
We've been PRIVILEGED around here to usher many friends and family into eternity!
Keep your eyes on heaven while missing them...

Don't forget WINNIE OLIVER'S Memorial Service this Saturday, 2pm
We need food for the potluck...
(especially because many of us will be away at the marriage retreat)

When grace hurts it's important to not wallow in the hurt but allow God to transform a wounded people into WOUNDED HEALERS!
9 pieces of advice from Dale Wolery, followed by 7 telltale signs of unhealed wounds:
1. Ask God to heal you and change you, especially if you think you do not need to do so...
2. Face reality squarely. Each of us needs the prescriptive intervention of the Great Physician regularly. Stop the secrecy about your wounds...
3. Evaluate honestly. If you are not currently working on a wound, you are hurting yourself and others with your hurt...
4. Seek and receive help. We never reach the point where we eradicate our blind spots. Without the evaluation of astute observers our unexamined lives will wound others despite our good intentions...
5. Find a mentor to guide your healing...
6. Engage a CHRISTIAN counselor to aid you in mending your wounds...
7. Seek honest assessment from your spouse, family, friends, church leadership. Winston Churchill said, "courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen...
8. Read. There's so many great books filled with great help and advice. I just ordered WHEN HELPING YOU IS HURTING ME, Carmen Berry.
9. Be public and private about your wounds and healing journey...wisdom, discernment...
AND
1. Cycles of sin - when habitual sin or addictions enslave a life
2. Cyclical conflict - when open conflict or conflict avoidance is normative
3. Complaining spirit - when negativity and complaint dominate you
4. Cutting anger - when our lives are marked by angry outbursts, uncontrolled attacks, or a hot temper. Hostility is about hurt!
5. Connection deficit - when deep emotional connection has seldom been present or is squeezed out of one's relationships (marriage)
6. Consistent Illness - ignoring our pain ensures pain or illness in our bodies
7. Cluttered Conscience - your inner life becomes muddled with blaming, rationalizing, avoidance, and gossip
Let God move you from wounded to WOUNDED HEALER
guard your heart, protect your attitude
nobody can steal your joy, you have to give it away

2. Grace clings
committment, faithfulness
Ruth 1:16 & 17
In this crazy world, everybody's clinging to something!
(money, alcohol, drugs, food...any vice)
CLING TO THE ONLY THING THAT NEVER FAILS: CHRIST
3. Grace re-fills
Naomi said in verse 21...I went out full, and the Lord has brought me home again empty...
But, read to the end of Ruth, the LORD fills her back up again!
Isaiah 61: beauty for ashes, gladness for mourning, praise for despair
2 Cor. 8, Prov. 3, Luke 6, Rom. 6
(again I got a little fiery in my preaching and the response was encouraging)
closed with... http://www.snopes.com/religion/amazing.asp

Heart Problems

Larry Risher asked me to put this on my blog:

Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack, this article seemed to be in order.
Without help, the person whose heart is beating improperly and who begins to feel faint,
Has only about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness.
However, these victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously.
A deep breath should be taken before each Cough, and the cough must be deep
And prolonged, as when producing sputum From deep inside the chest.
A breath and a cough must be repeated About every two seconds without let up
Until help arrives, or until the heart is felt to be beating normally again.
Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and
Keep the blood circulating.
The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm. In this way, heart attack victims can get to a hospital.
Tell as many other people as possible about this, it could save their lives!
From Health Cares, Rochester General Hospital via Chapter 240s newsletter 'AND THE BEAT GOES ON '
(reprint from The Mended Hearts, Inc. Publication, Heart Response)

Most of you already know, our beloved Lorin Short (Associate Pastor) suffered a heart attack this week...

The angiogram revealed no major blockages or troubles with the stints (he suffered a major heart attack about 5 yrs. ago) but there is an "electrical" issue that they will be trying to correct with medication...

He has been in the hospital since Wednesday and it looks like he gets to come home today!

I want to ask our church to recognize how much we lean on this amazing couple! It is time that they receive from us, instead of give, after their many years of ministry!

Pastor Lorin and Jan are so generous, never saying no...But, recent events prove they need more rest and we must allow them to "step back" from all the expectations...

Let's all pray for wisdom and healing, looking for ways to bless our Shorts!

Today's Christian Life School Chapel

We had a FUN chapel today!

The junior high opened with pledges and offering.

I "tried" to lead a time of singing (have a severe cold)...We sang the oldies: Read your Bible Pray everday and you'll grow grow grow, Father Abraham and Jesus Loves me...

I talked about playing for keeps and the game of life... Mark 8:34-36: What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?

Principal Mary and I awarded the spelling bee certificates, chose names for pizza with pastor AND celebrated the Student of the Month: Mason Herzog (he's the boy in the middle).

Marriage Encounter Weekend: Short Ad

Amazing Grace: Moses (sermon notes)

Proof that the Word of God does not return void!

A woman had just returned to her home from an evening of church services, when she was startled by an intruder. She caught the man in the act of robbing her home of its valuables and yelled: 'Stop! Acts 2:38!' (repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins may be forgiven)

The burglar stopped in his tracks. The woman calmly called the police and explained what she had done. As the officer cuffed the man to take him in, he asked the burglar: 'why did you just stand there? All the old lady did was yell a scripture at you.'

'Scripture?' replied the burglar. 'She said she had an Axe and Two 38s!'

Knowing Scripture can save your life - in more ways than one!

Exodus 32

some motivation for living a grace filled life

3 thoughts from this story of Moses' Grace...

1. Amazing Grace survives back-biting

Moses was up on the mountain hanging out with God and His people started grumbling...

Back then they made a cow...today we just have a cow when something doesn't go our way...

In the ministry you will get hurt...

Hebrews 12:14,15

If you call the shots you're going to take the shots...

But, do not allow bitterness to build, it will choke your heart for God and your love for people until your heart just shrivels...

hurt people hurt people

Over the past 5 years as your pastor...3 helps have taught me to survive back-biting...

1. God is my defense

No matter how hard it may be sometimes, never give into the temptation to defend yourself...

2. Assume the best

You don't have to think every thought that you think...

3. I am not the Messiah

the greatest thing a spiritual leader can do is give away leadership

It's not about me...It's not about you...It's about us!

Everybody is a minister...Everybody needs a ministry!

Back to Exodus 32...

2. Amazing Grace survives outbursts of anger

God's wrath is let looses...

Moses anger gets so hot he breaks the tablets of stone that God's own fingers had written on...

Grace isn't "anything goes"...Romans 6

anger management

James 1:19,20

learning the difference between overlooking an offense and repressing anger:

*consciously forgiving an offense or refusing to forgive an offense

*choosing not to focus on the pain or rehearsing the hurt

*loving thoughts or hateful, self-destructive thoughts

*gracious spirit or judgmental spirit, irritability

*recognizing God's sovereignty or filled with blame toward others

*sincerely letting things roll off of you or taking things personally

*confronting in love or "blowing up" raging at people or avoiding needed confrontation

Romans 12:18

I think the last thought that stuck out to me from Exodus 32 was...

3. Amazing Grace survives and moves on EVEN THRIVES

Exodus 32:34

His mercies are new this morning

This moment has never been here before

Put that foot in front of the other one

Love again anyway

Hope in the face of fear...

the 7-Ups:

1. Wake Up!

Decide to have a good day. "Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up!The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up!Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up!To the Lord. "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me". Philippians 4:13

6. Reach Up!For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up!Your Prayers. "Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6

Weekly Bulletin and ROC (scan crazy)

Annual Family Business Mtg & Pie Social

What a great time we had together tonight!

I believe many good things came out of the business that was discussed.

One important point of order, was the decision to make next year's annual family business mtg after church on a Sunday AM with a potluck, so it will be easier for all members to attend...

Here's a few highlights from the teaching I shared opening the mtg.:

(I will leave some copies of the full teaching in the foyer if you missed tonight's fun)

Prodigal Friendly Church:

1. Teach believers to appreciate diversity.

2. Teach believers to respect the spiritual journey of every person in the room.

3. Trust the Holy Spirit to lead people into the lifestyle changes they need to make.

4. Train people to understand the difference between these three things...absolutes, cultural expectations, and preferences.

5. Pray to God that there will be an authentic move of God in people in every church service you have.

"Let God renew and clean the heart, body, and spirit of a prodigal. When we try to clean people up it usually brings confusion."

party on, church

Essential commitments for leadership:

(remember: everyone's a leader, a minister and everyone needs a ministry)

If you were to look thru the NT for the phrase "make every effort," you'd find it 6x:

1. Vow to maintain integrity, 2 Peter 3:14

2. Vow to forgive those who hurt you, Hebrews 12:14,15

3. Vow to relax and trust God, Hebrews 4:11

4. Vow to be an ENCOURAGER, Romans 14:19

5. Vow to be a peacemaker, Ephesians 4:3

6. Vow to never stop growing, 2 Peter 1:5-8

Privileges of Church Membership:

Many people are confused, cautious, sceptical; fearing commitment, obligation...

But there are HEALTH BENEFITS

"helper's high"

regular acts of kindness or serving stimulate the release of endorphins

improve mood and immune system

lower blood pressure, improves self-esteem, increases sense of well-being, lowers stress

retired men who volunteer one day a week live two-and-a-half times longer than retired men who don't volunteer at all...

(this explains why Pastor Short may just out-live us all, unselfishness)

Romans 12:1-5

tithing income and time

1. A church family helps us grow up together

2. A church family moves us out of self-centered isolation

(the first symptom of spiritual decline is usually inconsistent attendance at Sunday services...when we become careless about fellowship, everything else begins to slide too)

3. A church family is our primary place of service

"the difference between being a church attender and a church member is service. Attenders are spectators on the sidelines; members get involved in the ministry. Attenders are consumers; members are contributors. Attenders want the benefits of a church without sharing the responsibility..."

real life, abundant life begins when we ask the right question:

what can I give? not, what can I take?

Amazing Grace: Abraham's Grace (sermon notes from today's extra special celebration service)

A man dies and goes to heaven. Of course, St. Peter meets him at the pearly gates. St. Peter says, "Here's how it works. You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you've done, and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in."
"Okay," the man says, "I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, even in my heart."
"That's wonderful," says St. Peter, "that's worth three points!"
"Three points?" he says. "Well, I attended church all my life and supported its ministry with my tithe and service."
"Terrific!" says St. Peter, "that's certainly worth a point."
"One point? Golly. How about this: I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans."
"Fantastic, that's good for two more points," he says.
"TWO POINTS!!" the man cries, "At this rate the only way I get into heaven is by the grace of God!"
"Come on in!"

I doubt St. Peter will meet you at the gates of heaven...But I do know, the only way to Heaven is the amazing grace found in Jesus Christ! John 14:6

Genesis 18: Abraham's Grace
Would you press God like Abe did?
Hebrews 4:14-16 (approach the throne of grace with confidence)
God invites us to try to change His mind.

Three simple thoughts from this story of gutsy Abraham:
1. God hangs out with people of grace!
Gen. 18:1-5

God inhabits the praises of His people. (praising Him, praising one another)
Homebuilders: Criticism creates distance, Affirmation creates intimacy
(does this apply to our relationship with the Lord?)

Amazing Grace not cheap grace!
ROMANS 6:1-4
John 1:14 (grace AND truth)

How can you tell if someone's truly been hanging out with God? They can't help but exude amazing grace! I've met people who know their bible but act like sour grapes...this should not be!
What does grace really look like?
We talk about it so much, it may have lost some meaning...
In this series we will be looking at many different pictures of grace, tastes of grace:
Acts 11:19-24
Grace is inclusive, never exclusive!
Grace remains committed even when people are different, even if someone disagrees...
(separatist mindset, superficial issues)

I wore jeans this morning to service...This time I roused a rabble on purpose...
One Sunday morning, an old cowboy entered a church just before services were to begin. Although the old man and his clothes were spotlessly clean...he wore jeans, a denim shirt, and boots that were very worn and ragged.
In his hand, he carried a worn out old hat and an equally well-worn, dog-eared Bible.
The church he entered was in a very upscale and exclusive part of the city. It was the largest and most beautiful church the old cowboy had ever seen. The people of the congregation were all dressed with expensive clothes and fine jewelry.
As the cowboy took a seat, the others moved away from him. No one greeted, spoke to, or welcomed him. They were all appalled by his appearance and did not attempt to hide it.
As the old cowboy was leaving the church, the preacher approached hima nd asked the cowboy to do him a favor. "Before you come back in here again, have a talk with God and ask Him what He thinks would be approapriate attire for worship in church." The old cowboy assured the preacher he would.
The next Sunday, he showed up for the services wearing the same ragged jeans, shirt, boots, and hat. Once again he was completely shunned and ignored. The preacher approached the cowboy and said; "I thought I asked you to speak to God before you came back to our church."
"I did," replied the old cowboy.
"If you spoke to God, what did He tell you the proper attire should be for worshiping in here?" asked the preacher.
"Well, sir, God told me that He didn't have a clue what I should wear. He said He'd never been in this church."

If a church doesn't live grace, of course God isn't there!
Cause God hangs out with people of grace!
2. God blesses people of grace!
Genesis 18:17 says that all nations on earth will be blessed thru Abraham...
Remember that song from kids church, sunday school: father Abraham had many sons...
(we had some fun singing it with the "kids")

Romans 4
Ephesians 2
When you have experienced the blessings of His amazing grace how can you not share the wealth?

Nothing can be added, nothing to subtract, Grace has nothing to do with us And this is just a fact. It's nothing that you bought, And nothing that is taught. It's nothing that you can lend, And nothing that you can spend. It's nothing that grows old, It is nothing that you hold. It is there when you feel it, It is there when you don't, It is there when you accept it And there when you won't. It is nothing that you can earn, And nothing that you learn. It is nothing that you choose, And nothing that you can loose. It is there in the morning, It is there late at night, It is there when you are on top of the world Or in your greatest fight. It's nothing about the clothes we wear Or the things that we do without, It has nothing to do with our appearance, That's not what grace is all about. Grace can be summed up as great riches At Christ's expense, And to the human part of his people, It just doesn't seem to make sense. Unmerited favor full of riches and beauty untold, And we may never understand it until We get to heaven and walk on streets of gold. It is nothing that you bring with you, When you kneel at the cross and pray, But once you accept the Lord Jesus Christ, Grace will never go away. By Cheryl P. Ellicott

God hangs out with people of grace...
God blesses people of grace...
And...
3. God responds favorably to people of grace!
Genesis 18 gives us apicture of Abe arguing with God for grace for Sodom and Gomorah.
Obviously God responded favorably, giving in time after time, moving from 50 to 10...
God was unable to grant Abraham's grace fully for the lasciviousness of Sodom and Gomorrah even squeezed out the number 10...
I wonder what would have happened if Abraham would have kept pressing beyond 10?
I don't know if you noticed but our world is looking more and more like Sodom and Gormorrah?!
Do you have grace enough to plead for the sinners surrounding you?
God is not willing that any should perish!
He's calling all of us to plead for the souls haning between heaven and hell...

This glimpse into Abraham's grace motivates me to try to follow in His footsteps so I may know the favor, blessing and presence of my God!

10 Year Old Minister Delivers the Word

I found this on facebook! PREACH IT LITTLE MAN! Mabye this will be Nathaniel in a few years...but don't worry I won't pressure my little man to be anything he isn't...I'll let him discover how God has gifted him...mabye He won't be a preacher, mabye he'll play in the nba and buy me a big mansion...hee hee

Don't miss out on all the fun! Family Night, Wednesdays 7pm

HOMEBUILDERS
(that's a crazy Kathy)













YOUTH GROUP
(yup, that's an up-side down board member!)















ADULT BIBLE STUDY
(that's Ray in front, his head itches)












KIDS CLUB
(that Megan is so shy)

Prayer Changes Everything

Today was my final sermon in the prayer series (please no tears).

I hope you've been blessed by this sermon series...I know I have learned alot...

By now you understand why I had to share the short video clips by Philip Yancey. I encourage you to read his book on Prayer...

I've grown in my own prayer life!

I forgot my notes at the church, so I hope you don't mind an overview from memory:

Even if the circumstances haven't changed, Prayer truly changes everything! Because once you consult heaven, your perspective on the circumstance changes!

Scandal plagues our society (even spiritual leaders are failing)...this is not new...open your Bible...the greatest ministry scandal is found in 2 Samuel 11 & 12 (David & Bathsheba)...

The reason we know King David as a man after God's own heart is because of HIS PRAYER found in PSALM 51! I believe the sinners response to sin is everything!

What is truly impressive is the way David OWNS his sin...(doesn't gloss over it or try to explain it away)...this is how Prayer truly changes everything!

(I especially love the way he handles the obvious need for a leaders role to change after moral failure...He prays for a willing spirit to sustain him as he walks thru the consequences)

Based on the cries of Psalm 51 we need to pray for:

1. Mercy and Forgiveness

2. Restoration and Renewal

3. God's Glory

4. God's Blessings

We can't skip step one and jump to step 4! (I got a little firey today in my preaching)

I can't remember all the scriptures I shared but I do remember encouraging everybody to go to 2 Corinthians 7:9&10 and pray for wisdom regarding Condemnation vs. Conviction...

If you came to my blog to get all the details of my msg. today and you can't find that one point or that one scripture that the Holy Spirit truly touched your heart with...email me and I'll be sure to get you detailed notes...luv ya

What a privilege it is to be your pastor!

Amazing Grace (postcard)

If you don't receive our mailings, shoot me an email with your updated address, contact info or fill out the tear-off from your bulletin on Sundays...

Marriage Encounter

SO EXCITED!

We've already registered 3 couples from our church...

And I only just began promoting it...

AG Marriage Encounter weekend is coming to Medford!

Our own backyard!

And this is the best part...It's ONLY $75 AND that includes two nights lodging and meals!

Mark your calendar for March 13, 14, 15!

Register online at agme.org

Or work out the details with Holly or I!

THERE IS LIMITED SPACE, ONLY 20 COUPLES, so make up your mind quick cause you haven't much time!

YEAH!

Annual Reports available in the foyer / Mark your calendars for the Annual Business Meeting and Pie Social, Feb. 22: 6pm

Here are my words for the annual report:

(To see words from many of our leaders, financial reports, board nominees... pick up an Annual Report in the foyer)

Looking back at 2008, I am amazed at all that has taken place! My home has been transformed by a little angel from Ethiopia. My church has been transformed in the areas of hospitality, child-like faith, favor, integrity, living simply, loving generously, caring deeply, speaking kindly, commitment, focus, balance, strength, endurance, wisdom, but most of all truly leaving it all IN HIS HANDS!

I’m feeling a little nostalgic as we approach the 5 year mark as senior pastors of Rogue River Assembly of God. I feel proud of the purposeful traditions that have become expected in the life of our church. For instance, our Acts of Kindness Events truly have an impact on our community even around the world from the water bottles at Rooster Crow to the operation Christmas Child boxes. And, the commitment of coming together as THE BODY OF CHRIST across denominational lines with the Church in the Park, Baccalaureate, Easter Sunrise Service, etc. And our re-commitment to missions is growing with the faith promise program and missions conventions. Not to mention, our faithful support of Christian Life School…

But beyond our “doing,” I think our “being” is truly becoming ALL ABOUT LOVE! Our special guests say to me all the time, “your church is so loving, you got a good thing going here,” when I have the opportunity to share a meal after their ministry. That doesn’t come from any man-made program; that’s all about JESUS!

We have deeply felt the impact of our little city being a retirement community. This year alone we have buried two of the board members that hired me only five years ago. I miss Don Luker and George Hill every day! We have celebrated the lives of huge pillars of this church: Jerry Lyon, Herb Cassel, Ethel Brenhaug, Wilma McElmurry, Ruby Miller, Alice Heron... These Memorial Services are where our church has shined much love and hospitality! I desperately need to give Lorin and Jan Short praise for their unwavering commitment to our seniors! How we love you!

Saying Thanks doesn’t seem like a good enough expression to all the outstanding leadership that fills our pews! To my beautiful soul-mate, Holly, you and Jesus are my world! To my precious son, you brighten up every day! To all the West family here and in heaven, how can I not be faithful with such a great crowd of witnesses?! To Queen Mary, thanks for putting up with me! To Mrs. Shelli, you truly are making a difference in children’s lives! To Linda and Frank Accardo, your faithfulness blesses our families! To Grandma Max, your prayer chain rattles the gates of heaven and hell! To Phyllis Hill, you truly are my spiritual hero! To Kat Luker, your grace amazes me! To Tom and Ruth Vallo, what an amazing gift from heaven you are to us! To Buzz and Maureen Bozeman, your greeting is just like a hug from Jesus! To George and Laura Hunt, this church would have fallen apart a long time ago if it wasn’t for your genius! To Edith and Richard Hoggard, thank you for listening to the Holy Spirit! To Kathy Quinones, you make our church look good! To Melisma Ramos, your friendship and faithfulness is making a difference for the Kingdom of God! To Bo and Cindy Dara, you make church FUN! To Cliff and Trudi Leidecker, your contributions do not go unnoticed, there’s a whole lot of treasure piled up in heaven! To Bob and June Robertson, you make our whole church smile! To Walt Heron, your leadership through the valley of the shadow of death inspires HOPE! Although this list reflects those leading a ministry, all those behind the scenes deserve high praise. I only just scratched the surface of all the faithful heroes of Rogue River Assembly of God!

With overflowing blessing and abundant Life,
Reverend Paul B. West

Stewardship Seminar, Bob Rufe

This morning's Celebration Service was so good!

Passionate Prayer, Powerful Word, Ardent Worship and Meaningful Relationships...

Here's some notes I took while Bob was speaking on TRUSTING GOD:

(remember he is available the next few days for personal, confidential appointments)

Matthew 13 (Parable of the Sower)

Kingdom Living, Overcoming Fear, Enduring Financial Hardship

The 4 soils are not just 4 people, more complex

~Hard Heart

~Superficial Heart

~Divided, Compromising, Fearful Heart

~Good, Receptive Heart

Attitude is Everything!

God Owns it all...we are but Stewards!

Do we really Believe?

Prov. 3:9,10; Eph. 2:4; James 3:17; Mat. 13:22; 1Tim. 6:9,10

Don't want to minimize the anxiety of our present economic tide...

Man's view of money... Deceitfulness of Wealth... love of money... world's views very dangerous...

I wish I had copies of the videos Bob shared to put on my blog, very inspiring... And Bob's testimony was truly moving as well... I am so thankful for AG Financial and there generosity in sharing Bob with us this weekend...

Web: www.AGFinancial.org E-mail:brufe@agfinancial.org

Thanks for the WONDERFUL surprise!

Ya'll BLESSED your pastor tonight!

I had a few clues that something was in the works...

Melisma told Holly and I that we were going out to dinner with her on Feb. 7, 3 weeks ago...

Everybody was whispering behind my back while we were moving the Peter's stuff today...

Rusty and Buzz started to give it away with some funny phone calls...

But, we REALLY were SURPRISED!

My favorite part was pulling up to the church (Melisma told us she left her purse at the church) and Kirkwood Hall was filled with people sitting in the dark ready to shout SURPRISE!

My 5th anniversary as your Senior Pastor was very special!

Ya'll made my favorite food, the Mexican food potluck was perfect and very yummy!

And I was a little red-faced by the time the "poem lady" was done, BUT I loved it!

Thanks again for all the hard work...

Holly, Nathaniel and I love ya'll so much!

(sorry I don't have pictures to put on the blog, it was a surprise so I didn't have my camera)

A taste of our amazing new series at Homebuilders, Wednesdays 7pm (Adult Bible Study, Youth Group, and Kids Club meet as well)

Four Ideas for being a "Transitional Generation" parent:
1. Admit your brokenness
2. Develop the courage to make changes
3. Establish replenishing relationships
4. Keep the eternal perspective

Hebrews 12:1-3
How might you apply the encouragement of this verse to the issue of parenting?
2 Corinthians 5:17
What could this mean for our past, present, future; especially as it relates to our parenting?
Galatians 6:2

Practical ways in which to embrace the SHEMA: during mealtime, bedtime, on holidays, vacations, and even driving...

Deuteronomy 6:4-9
This is the Shema, recited and prayed everyday in a Jewish household...
How do you see this passage as speaking to parents today?

And tonight we're tackling THE SABBATH: personal weekly rhythms...

Tithe Rap

I'm thinking about sharing this on Sunday morning...
I guess this is one way to find out if our church is uptight?
SO FUNNY, and a great message!

Jesus is STRONGER, Christian Life School Chapel

Mark 1:21-28

At the NAME OF JESUS every evil has to flee!

What are you afraid of?

(nightmares, tv or movie, storms, even our kids are affected by the economic issues)

No Fear In Jesus Name!

Rock, Scissors, Paper: a game about what is stronger

Rock breaks the scissors

Scissors cut the paper

Paper covers the rock

Can Jesus be compared to rock, scissors, paper?

He is our rock, can cut through any circumstance, and truly covers us...

Some children may try to show they are stronger by acting tough, saying mean things, pick on others, even beating up...

That's not real strength, Love and patience take much greater strength...

Jesus never uses His strength to hurt others, we must follow his example...

What all can your remote control do?

off or on, channels, volume, fast forward, reverse, pause...

you are in complete control of your tv, dvd...

turn it off more often, we watch too much tv and play too much video games...

There is power in the words Jesus spoke that day in

Mark 1...

Jesus came in and took CONTROL of the life of that man...

Jesus wants to be in control of your life too, because He wants what's best for you!

Let Him have your plans, words, things you do, places you go...

Prayer Problems, sermon notes

A couple of announcements:
*the annual reports are in the foyer, pick yours up asap...
*check out the youth room, Melisma is doing such a great job leading, they just painted, it's now the best room on campus...
*we're having loads of fun playing volleyball in the gym every other saturday, zach rusty bo just fixed the lights, YEAH!...
*Don't miss out on stewarship week, beginning next Sunday...
*Homebuilders series is amazing Tiva said so, Don't miss out on Wednesday evenings, 7pm...

One day, Joe, Bob and Dave were hiking in a wilderness area when they came upon a large, raging, violent river. They needed to get to the other side, but had no idea of how to do so. Joe prayed to God, saying, "Please God, give me the strength to cross this river." Poof! God gave him big arms and strong legs, and he was able to swim across the river in about two hours, although he almost drowned a couple of times. Seeing this, Dave prayed to God, saying, "Please God, give me the strength and the tools to cross this river." Poof! God gave him a rowboat and he was able to row across the river in about an hour, after almost capsizing the boat a couple of times. Bob had seen how this worked out for the other two, so he also prayed to God saying, "Please God, give me the strength and the tools, and the intelligence, to cross this river." Poof! God turned him into a woman. She looked at the map, hiked upstream a couple of hundred yards, then walked across the bridge.

Dennis King wrote an article: "I'm Not a Superhero!" A Pastor's Plea for Prayer...
Some might imagine that pastors are spiritual superheroes soaring above all normal earthly struggles. But we are vulnerable human beings who, as Paul wrote, carry around the treasure of God's ministry "in jars of clay" (2 Cor. 4:7) (1 Thess. 5:25)
What happens when people pray for their pastors?
1. Empowered Preaching...1 Cor. 6:19
2. Clear Discernment...Jn. 10:4
3. Courageous Leadership...Ps. 27:2,3
4. Spiritual Protection...Zech. 13:7, Phil. 1:19
THE GREATEST GIFT you give your pastor is prayer!

We will all struggle with Prayer Problems from time to time we need to press on through these "valleys"...
Ginny Kisling said it all...we may have an idea of what the ministry (workplace, home, "fill in the blank") can be - and then there's the reality of what it is...
Biblical Principles to help you hang on to your hope for breakthroughs:
1. Walk out your calling...Gal 6:9
2. Take up your position with Kingdom authority... Mt. 11:12
3. Submit to God's schedule...1 Chron. 22:8-10
4. Surround yourself with like-minded people...Prov 24:6

Godly character qualities are forged in the "valleys"...
1. Faithfulness...Mt. 25:23
2. Purity of Heart...Ps. 24:3,4
3. Endurance...Heb. 12:1
4. Single-minded focus...Phil.3:14
(character demands we not lose our generosity and hoard during economic difficulty)

Desperately, helplessly, lovingly I cried; Quietly, patiently, lovingly God replied.
I plead and I wept for a clue to my fate, And the Master so gently said, "Child, you must wait."
Wait? You say wait! My indignant reply. "Lord, I need answers, I need to know why?
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard? By faith, I have asked, and am claiming your Word. "My future and all to which I can relate, Hangs in the balance and you tell me to wait?
I'm needing a Yes,' a go-ahead sign. Or even a No,' to which I can resign.
"And Lord, you promised that if we believe, We need but ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord, I've been asking, and this is my cry: I'm weary of asking! I need a reply.'"
Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate. As my Master replied once again, "You must wait."
So, I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut. And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting...for what?" He seemed, then, to kneel, and His eyes wept with mine. And He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign. I could shake the Heavens and darken the sun. I could raise the dead, and cause mountains to run. "All you seek I could give, and pleased you would be. You would have what you want, But you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depth of My Love for each saint. You'd not know the power that I give to the faint. "You'd not learn to see through the clouds of despair; You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there. You'd not know the Joy of resting in Me. When darkness and silence were all you could see. "You'd never experience that fullness of Love As the peace of my Spirit descends like a dove. You'd know what I give and I save...(For a start), But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart. "The glow of My comfort late into the night, The faith that I give when you walk without sight. The depth that's beyond getting just what you asked Of an infinite God, who makes what you have last "You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee, What it means that my grace is sufficient for thee.' Yes, your dreams for you loved ones overnight would come true. But, oh, the loss if I lost...What I'm doing in you!
"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see, That the greatest of gifts is to get to know Me. And though oft' may my answers seem terribly late. My most precious answer of all is still, Wait.'"