A New Covenant

Today is the 3rd Sunday in Lent. Pastor Shannon welcomed us and noted his intention to talk about remembering… and the covenant.   

Announcements
Brad began by thanking us for our participation in the Assessment. 89% responded, which is exceptional. "We are poised to move forward."

Wednesday we will go through the results of the Assessment… come if you are able.

Thursday evening there will be a meeting of the Building committee, Capital committee and Leadership committee.
Thursday, “Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage” with Curt Fernandez

The puppets were back to invite us for the Forget Winter party, this time Squeaky the mouse and his friend Baldy the Eagle. Our "Forget Winter" Party will begin Sayurday at 6:00 p.m.  Dress for summer. Anyone interested in helping set up, come Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m.

After a time of worship Pastor Brad delivered the sermon.

A New Covenant

We began with the story of Noah where Brad highlighted Genesis 8:1. “But God remembered Noah.”

Memory is important. It's how we live and learn and grow and it is an essential part of life. Korsakoff's syndrome, which occurs when people have a thiamine deficiency due to severe alcohol abuse and/or severe malnutrition, destroys bug chunks of memory.

The story of Noah appears in Genesis 6 to 9. God remembered Noah. God remembered… did not forget.

Brad cited several passages where God remembered, beginning with Genesis 9:16… "Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth."

In Gen 30:22... "Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and enabled her to conceive."

In Exodus 2:24, 25 “God heard their groaning and remembered His covenant."

The phrase “God remembers” appears 74 times in the Bible. It is synonymous with “God will act.”
God’s remembering does something, results in action. It is not just a mental activity.

A covenant means “I will be with you to the end.” God made a covenant with Israel to this end.

It is in the Genesis account the covenant is first mentioned, Genesis 6:18 There are three things to notice.
1. The Covenant is God’s doing, not ours. God initiates it.
2. It’s always two-sided. God wants something from us.
3. A covenant is all about love.

Punishment doesn’t change us. Love alone reaches deep inside to change us for real.

A Christian can’t understand the covenant without understanding Jesus and the cross. Jesus’s death was a substitution. Because of the New Covenant we have been grafted into this covenant God made with Israel.

God loves us not as a chore, but because He delights in us. The signs are important though. “Whenever I see a rainbow I will remember the covenant."

As we prepare for the Lord's Supper… what if the bread and wine are not only symbols for us, but also for God. By faith we share in this covenant relationship with God.

Jesus Can Be Trusted

Pastor Brad just returned from several days in Chicago where he attended a Covenant leadership convention, the 125th anniversary of the Northwoods Conference. After a warm greeting on this dreary April day Brad made a comical remark about forgetting to shave, and briefly commented on his appreciation for the Covenant denomination which is both pietist and missional. The double pronged mandate for the Covenant is "deeper in Christ, further in mission." Or, to put it another way, living with God and for God.

Brad opened the announcements by mentioning our semi-annual meeting which would be after the service. Other announcements included:
1. The women's Bible study will meet next Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. instead of the usual time. There will be two studies Saturday.
2. A planning meeting for Vacation Bible Study will be held at the church Tuesday evening at 6:30.
3. The Adventure Club and Art Show will be this Wednesday evening. The program begins at 5:30 with the kids singing songs upstairs. Leonard's Home Cooked Dinner will be served downstairs at 6 with Ed bringing the kids back upstairs for a time of interactive art at 6:15. Desserts will then be served downstairs at 6:45. The art and talents of the church will be displayed in the church basement.

This morning's worship was led by the trio of Ellie, Chuck and Darlene.

One of the tenets of the Covenant churches is the centrality of Scripture. For this reason we welcome representatives from the Gideons from time to time. This morning Dale Henry and Sandy who shared with us the role the Gideons have played in Bible distribution. This past year Gideons have placed 75 million Bibles or one every 2.5 seconds. 100% of all gifts given to the Gideons go to the printing and distribution of Bibles.

After the reading of Scriptures (Acts 3:12-19; Luke 24:26-48) and a time of prayer, Pastor Brad began his message, standing near to the congregation on the floor of the sanctuary.

Jesus Can Be Trusted
Brad opened by summarizing the 125th Conference Anniversary. Our ways of sharing the Gospel have changed. We used to wonder whether to wear robes or suits, and later a tie or no tie. But today, though our methods may have changed the mission and message remain the same.

The essence of the sermon revolved around the contrast between Saul and David. Saul had been anointed as Israel’s first king. He had significant attributes, but disqualified himself, not by his skills but by his character. The significant quality needed in church leadership is likewise not talent or skills, but character.

The word “great” is used three times in the Gospels. The first time is in Matthew 5:19... 19Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

This verse pertains to obedience, not achievement. Obedience means aligning our hearts and minds with the heart and mind of God.

Brad then told a story about how much he loved to waterski, having begun as early as age 5. The first lesson in waterskiing is this: when you fall, let go of the tow rope. In the Christian walk, an essential lesson is to let go of the things that drag us down.

The second time Jesus used the word great was in Matthew 18.

2He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

The lesson here is plain. Humility is what makes us great. The humblest people in the community are our great ones.

Gary Walter, president of the Evangelical Covenant Church, told a story about a rooster that crowed each morning at dawn who eventually came to believe that it was his crowing that made the sun come up each day. Of course it is vain to think such things. When we ourselves do any crowing, our aim is not to draw attention to ourselves but to what God has done.

Brad spoke briefly about brokenness at this point. We live in a throwaway culture. People get broken, too, but God doesn’t throw us away. God way is redemptive. Our brokenness makes us humble and useful to God. Jesus Himself had His body broken for us. And David proclaimed that “a broken and contrite heart” is pleasing to God.

The third time Jesus comments on true greatness is in Matthew 20:26. The mother of James and John, a mother like our own, approaches Jesus with a request. She would like one of her boys to sit at Jesus' right or left hand when He becomes king. Jesus says, “Well, I’m not really in charge of the seating chart, but let me tell you about a principle.” The principle is servanthood.

The definition of servanthood is “seeking the advantage of another party.” This applies to whatever station in live you’re at, from CEO to janitor. You can never do big things for God unless you are willing to do little things for little people.

Here’s an eye opener. The Covenant church in India started with a person who babysat for a prostitute so she could go to work.

Now, for the quiz. Who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008? Who won the Academy Award for best actress? Who won the indoor soccer league championship?

By way of contrast, name a person who helped you through a difficult time. Who taught you an important life lesson? Who made you feel special in life? These are legacy people who live on in us.

Boiled down to its essence, what God is looking for in you is a trajectory based on obedience, humility and servanthood. He is not expecting you to be a finished product. We are people in process. What’s growing in you? What is increasing?

Why Show Up

With a few days of warmer weather under our belts we arrived this morning bathed in the glow of sunny skies. Inside our little country church there was additional sunshine as today's worship service was entirely conducted by the women leadership of our church. It was a very special time.

Paula Saxin welcomed us and we began with a few announcements, taking care of the business before commencing with worship.

Announcements

1. There is a rummage sale coming soon which will be a fund raiser for ministry and outreach purposes.
2. Secret Friend sign-up sheets are in the narthex. All women are invited to participate.
3. The Valentine Sweetheart Banquet is next Saturday night. Only $7 per person for a great meal, fellowship and musical entertainment by Dave Peterson.

Darlene opened with an introit followed by congregational worship. Robin Bergquist performed a moving rendition of the song Porcelain Heart during the offering.

Scripture readings included Hebrews 8:8-12 and passages from I Corinthians 12 about spiritual gifts and the life of the body. Pam Johnson led our prayer time. Then Brooke Shannon took the pulpit.

Why Show Up?

"Why did you show up today?" Brooke began. Why did you bother rolling out of bed and come here, especially since you only have two mornings a week when you can stay home and be with your family in the morning. She jokingly said she knows why her kids showed up. Because she made them... or maybe because they get free cookies and goodies.

Brooke noted that coming to church is a choice, whether it is out of tradition or whether someone made us come, or maybe you're just checking things out.

The better question however is this one, "Why NOT come?"

Brooke detailed three of the primary reasons she comes to church: because God is real, God cares, and God's covenant.

God Is Real

Because she grew up in Colorado, she has often compared her faith journey to climbing mountains there. Mountain climbing is difficult, but rewarding. It requires preparation and perseverance. At times, you are unable to see the peak, yet must continue... and once you have reached the top, achieved your goal, there is a wholeness you experience. You just sit, rest and soak it in.

Yet, ultimately as you hike back down the mountain to the reality of the valley where you live you hold onto to the truth you experienced up there. It is difficult to live on those high places.

Brooke shared how in spite of her faults and inadequacies, Jesus has allowed her to grow as a person, and she knows the Lord is by her side to help her do the best she can.

"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." ~ I Peter 1:8-9

Brooke said God's character is very transparent. And we come to church because we know He meets us here. As Jesus said in Matthew 20:20, "Wherever two or three are gathered in My name, there I am in the midst of them."

Brooke laughed as she noted how she is occasionally hooked on reality shows on TV. She cited the show True Beauty as one example. The show isn't about external beauty alone, but on their inward as well. What she found interesting is that these people are all really just like us, desiring to be accepted and treasured. This is the reality of God... He loves us no matter what.

As the Scripture states in Hebrews 10:23-25...

23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

God Cares

The second characteristic of God that keeps me coming is this, that God cares. When we show up, our needs are met. Brooke noted how God works through others in our time together.

Many of us come here broken from week to week... Finances, relationships, work issues, family. We all experience hardships. And in our culture there is a tendency to discard broken things. So many things are disposable, from old razors, snack packs, cups, plates or replaceable, like TVs, computers, cars.

But here, in the fellowship, we find healing, wholeness. Where the world discards, Jesus redeems. To redeem means to rescue, save, deliver... Jesus came so we are not exchanged or cashed in.

Colossians 1:9-14 says, "9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

God's Covenant

The last characteristic of God that keeps Brooke coming is His Covenant. She shared her family's response when she told them on the phone that she was dating a pastor. Silence. When she said he was a pastor in the Covenant Church, they might as well heard her say she was joining a cult or convent.

But there's a reason Brooke says she attends a covenant church, not just because of the great location, cozy atmosphere, warm people or that her husband works here. She said she comes because she belongs. Having dedicated her life to Christ as a teen, she has found a home in the Covenant. She also said the Covenant name is distinctive to God's character.

The word covenant means an agreement between two parties. It's a solemn promise or vow, especially between God and people.

Brooke told about Abraham, the founder of our faith. But even with his remarkable faith and special relationship with God, Abraham messed up. In fact, the Bible is filled with stories of people who God used, despite their failings. God fulfills His covenants even though our human nature fails us.

Even when we fail, we're in it together. This is the nature of a church family. In fact, I hurt for others in our church family as if they were my own family, just as we celebrate and praise together.

We're all in this together, a church family. The church should be a place of unity with our diverse abilities. And we share common aims: to know God, love God and serve God.

I pray that you choose to show up because you too desire to be a part of God's kingdom, and participate in sharing it with others.

We're All Part of a Team

In spite of the chilly November morn, we were welcomed warmly by Pastor Brad Shannon as we gathered to worship and honor our Lord Jesus Christ. The service seemed quite special as even the announcements dovetailed with the message delivered by today's guest speaker, the Rev. Jim Fretheim, Conference Superintendent. Brad reminded us that we are not an isolated church, but part of something much larger. As it turns out, these comments pointed to the heart of today's message.


Announcements today included...

1. Joanne W. reminded us that there will be a break after Dec. 7 for Sunday school.
2. Women's Bible Study will begin in January.
3. Next Sunday evening there will be a special Thanksgiving Sunday evening service in Brookston.
4. We were reminded to continue filling our soup cans for Covenant World Relief.
5. The Pastie Sale to raise money for CHIC is taking place now. Order yours from Eric Borndal... They will be delivered to the church.

Jim Fretheim was then introduced, and presented with a framed drawing and a mug, both portraying themes pertaining to hunting, of which he is fond. Pastor Brad thanked him for being with us today. Early in his ministry, Brad served as youth minister in Jim's church, an experience in which they developed a mutual respect.


Darlene played a creative Shine Jesus Shine as introduction to worship, which was led by Brad, Elle and Pearl. After the offering was taken Ed Newman sang "I Need Thee Every Hour" with Darlene as accompaniment. The hymn, which has been comforting to Christians for more than 150 years, served nicely as a lead in to the message.


We're All Part of a Team


Rev. Fretheim began by drawing attention to a passage in Ecclesiastes. "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (Eccles. 4:12)


Using this text as a springboard, he noted that a hockey team has six player, basketball teams have five and it takes eleven to make a football team. How many does it take to make a church? According to Matthew 18:20, it only takes two, for as Jesus said, "Where two or three are gathered in My name, there I am in the midst of them."


In Christianity, spiritual maturity is based on interdependence, not independence. This interdependence is important.


New Life Covenant is linked to the Northwest Conference of the Covenant Church is part of a global church family. Our denomination itself is part of the large family of God that spans the globe. As Superintendent of the Northwest Conference, their small staff meets daily for prayer, seeking to help those that are hurting. Every day they ask, "How can we help?"


We're all part of a team. There are others who care about us even when we don't know it. When life gets hard, we especially need to be on a team.


This was not a theory Jim learned from text books. At age 22 he lost his wife to cancer while in Seminary. Drawing from this experience he stated, "Unless we're part of a team we won't get through the hard times."


Hard times are inevitable. Hence the relevance of Harvey Mackey's book titled, "Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty."


In Chicago, Jim said there's a saying on the street: "Who's got your back?" We don't go it alone.


He also thanks us for the generosity of our church. A portion of the money in our offerings goes to feed the hungry, bring the gospel to prisoners, band aids to Third World hospitals and more. All this is a team effort. "You are part of a larger family. There are Covenant churches everywhere."


He also talked briefly about the key to healthy churches and shared a story about John Wesley. Wesley and his brother were evangelists who planted churches throughout 18th century England. Wherever there had been a revival, Wesley would write letters a few years later as a follow up to determine what had become of the experience. In his letters he asked three questions.


1. Where's the faith?
2. Where's the fire?
3. Where's the fruit?


In the opening passage from Ecclesiastes, it was noted that two are better than one. In addition, three strands are stronger than two. The Good News of the Gospel is that we don't have to do it on our own. We're part of a team.

There's Just Something About That Name

Pastor Brad Shannon opened the service with the reminder that Christmas is a season, not just a day.

The New Life Trio blessed us with their music and singing this morning, and then we shared in the baptism of Gavin Edward Gimpel.

Today’s Scripture readings:
Isaiah 63:7-9
Hebrews 2:10-18

Pastor Brad's sermon began with a re-cap of the Christmas Eve service beginning with that wonderful proclamation, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." ~ Isaiah 9:6

Titled, “Shhh... God Is Speaking,” Pastor Brad reminded us of the reality that God still speaks to us today and can guide us. And that God gives us clues when it is important. The most significant and vivid manner in which God speaks to us is through His son.

1In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. ~ Hebrews 1:1-3

Christmas Eve Pastor Brad told a parable by Kierkegaard that revealed two important truths: (1) That God still speaks, and (2) He speaks authoritatively and definitively through Jesus.

This was the supreme revelation, that God set aside His glory for peasants like us. Pastor Shannon implored, “Will you open up your life to let Him speak to you?”

He told a story about a Chicago Cubs fan named Johnny who as a twelve year old idolized the Cubs of the 60’s, a team with many stars including Ernie Banks and Ron Santos, among others. They had a star catcher named Randy Hundley who was also a Christian, and on one occasion was visiting the house across the street. The family across the street knew he was a Cubs fan, and called to say that Randy Hundley would like to come over and meet him. His mother said he was busy and should come play with Johnny “some other time.” Of course when Johnny got home he became depressed upon hearing the news that one of his idols had been so near.

As it turned out, after his speaking engagement, the All-Star catcher stopped by the house and did ultimately meet his young fan. He even pulled out a baseball, signed it and gave it to Johnny, securing his admiration forever.

For Johnny, the glory of Randy Hundley was not his rifle arm or his home run power, but the fact that someone as important as him came to his house, “just for me.”

So it is that the Son of God has come to us. As the Scripture exclaims, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” ~ Rev. 3:20

This is the glory of God.

Sadly, sometimes he knocks for years. We receive promptings, but never respond. Today, I’m asking you to open your door, the door to your heart, to Jesus.

The passage from Isaiah 9:6 cites four names. The first of these is Wonderful Counsellor. Some people have problems or challenging decisions they are wrestling with. Sometimes as wrong decision can mess up your life. In times like these we need God’s wisdom, we need a wonderful counselor.

The second, He is called The Mighty God. When we face things that are too big for us, we need a powerful God, a mighty God. Pastor Brad shared stories of tough situations in which God’s power was needed. To each of us He says, “Let me be a mighty God for you.”

The third name: Everlasting Father. “I will be your Father, you will be my children,” the Scripture says.

The pastor told us a story about a frightened boy who at night felt all alone. When overcome by his fear and aloneness he would go to his father’s bedroom, needing to be with his father. Thus comforted, he could sleep and let go of his fear. “God wants to be for you your Everlasting Father.”

The fourth name, Prince of Peace, speaks on many levels. Individually, Jesus became the way for us to have peace with God. He died on a cross that we can be reconciled.

“Jesus is knocking. Some of you here this morning need to open the door of your hearts. For some of you Jesus is knocking right now.”

Three Testimonies

Pastor Shannon was in Iowa this past weekend. In his stead we heard three testimonies from our church family.

Beth Skogen
“I was born Sept 14, 1939 in a logging camp. My mom was German, my dad Ojibwe.” Beth shared how she grew up in a 9’ x 12’ house, her parent with four children. When they moved from location to another the whole house, which was built on runners just for this purpose, was dragged by a Caterpillar to the new location.

Beth first heard of Jesus at age 6 when she was baptized. At age thirty, when she was married with two children, her husband’s mother died. It was the first time she had to deal with the death of someone close and significant. It caused a great upheaval in her heart and mind.

For several weeks she was weighed down by this. Then one day, while driving to work she began crying and couldn’t stop. She drove to a Lutheran church and went in, still bawling. She spoke with the pastor saying, “I need His peace.” The pastor replied, “Jesus already died for you,” and he gave her a Bible to read. She read it for two weeks till God’s truth broke through and “I got it.”

Eric Borndal
“I hate roller coasters,” he began. Eric shared how his life has itself been a roller coaster of highs and lows. Though he accepted Christ at age 12, he stated that a spiritual roller coaster is not a healthy thing.

On one occasion, while reading the book of Chronicles, he observed that when the kings of Israel followed God and obeyed, things were good, and that when they disobeyed and did not listen, things went badly. In his heart he said, “Don’t they get it?” In this manner the Holy Spirit gently pointed out this truth to his heart.

A meaningful verse for Eric is John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life…” I AM the way is a now reality.

Eric said things are not always easy still, openly sharing some of his personal challenges from this past year. In closing he turned us toward God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Dorothy Thiry
Dorothy, who is 85 years old, began by sharing how twenty years ago she was not expected to live through the night.

Dorothy’s Christian walk began 75 years ago when she was going to church in Homestead and gave her life to Christ in Sunday School. She has seen God’s hand in her life ever since, including the choosing of her husband.

She and husband became “Winter Texans” after he retired. One morning in 1987 she woke with her feet paralyzed. The hospital said she had “French polio” which would go upward through her body. One day the doctors told her husband that he should spend the night in the hospital with her because she would not live till the next day. They stayed up nearly all night talking about the life they had shared.

But the Lord had different plans. The paralysis that went up her body bypassed her respiratory system. One night, while lying in her hospital bed, the devil was prancing back and forth across the bottom of her bed saying, “I’ve got you right where I want you.” She replied, “I’m with the Lord.” The devil promptly disappeared and has never been back.

She lost her husband Gayle years later, but God has been her comfort. This verse shared in closing: I Chronicles 16:9. “Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.”

“That is why I am still here,” she said, "to tell of God’s wonderful deeds."