SEP / OCT 2013 EDITION

A from Note the editor

Fairview Heights Campus
Sunday - 8:30am, 10:30am, 6:00pm Saturday - 5:00pm

Collinsville / Maryville Campus

Sunday - 10:00am Sunday - 10:00am

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. - Colossians 3:23-24
As I write this article, the Christ Church Fellowship and Event Team ministries are preparing evening meals for this years Vacation Bible School (VBS) volunteers. These two teams, both of which I am blessed to be a member, have the wonderful privilege of serving meals to dedicated VBS workers who give of themselves to lead our next generation to faith in Jesus. Each night we pray that these children hear Gods good news and open their hearts to enter into a relationship with our tender and merciful God who loves them so dearly. We can be confident that as we partner with God in His work to win hearts through ministry and service, we will also share in the joy of knowing we had a part in the Body of Christs profound impact on their eternity. Each and every action done in the Spirit, no matter how seemingly small it may be, yields fruit pleasing to God. If you sense the Holy Spirits prompting to be a part of Gods work, serving alongside other members of the Christ Church family, please contact Erin Hanson at erinhanson@mychristchurch.com; she is ready to help you get involved and find your place in ministry. In His Name,

Millstadt Campus

Contents

3 - The Ministry Rut 4 - The Mungon And The Doctor 6 - SYNC With Small Groups 8 - My Life Is Worth Nothing 9 - Getting To Know You 10 - Gone Fishing 11 - Passion 12 - The Colors Of Gods Dreams 13 - For Christians Only 14 - What Do You Like To Do? 15 - God At Work

Donna Harrison

Editor - donnaharrison@mychristchurch.com

Senior Pastor: Rev. Shane Bishop Associate Pastor: Rev. Troy Benton Editor: Donna Harrison Proof Reader: Barbara Germany Design: Justin Aymer Cover Photo: Mike Creagh
For a complete listing of the Christ Curch Staff and to learn more about Christ Church please visit: www.mychristchurch.com

The Flame Online: Get The Flame Magazine online. Free pdf downloads. Email reminders of new editions. Visit www.mychristchurch.com/theflame. Mission Of The Flame: Be inspirational through biblical articles and devotions. Be informative in the announcement of future events that connect people in ministry. Questions about the Flame? Contact Donna Harrison at: donnaharrison@mychristchurch.com
The Flame Magazine is a bi-monthly magazine published by Christ Church. 2013, Christ Church. All rights reserved.

The Ministry Rut

By Rev. Don Frazure, Pastor of Worship Arts
ine months ago I was in a rut. I didnt realize it at the time, but I was definitely in one. I was in a cant see the forest for the trees kind of rut. It was a rut of my own creation, and it was beginning to affect everything. The warning signs were there; I didnt see them until much later hindsight is 20/20. I got a wake-up call while reading about coaching small group leaders. As the leader for the worship arts team and a marriage study group, I was convicted by the Holy Spirit of the lack of discipline in certain areas of my life. It has taken some time, but with some changes to these areas, I have broken free from that rut.

Emotional

Emotions tend to make us think of what is going on in our heads; from my point of view, it has more to do with my relationship with my wife and children than just whats going on inside. Ministry can take its toll on you, but even more on your family. One of my daily goals is to spend quality time with Rachel, Juliana and Shelby. It can be together or separately, but they deserve real quality time from me each day. Your family and loved ones need you. Minister to them first and be all the YOU they need you to be.

Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Ministry

Spiritual

In ministry we can get so task focused that we forget it is about people and staying energized in your ministry. Strive to connect with the people in your ministry area. Take some time to invest in them, learn more about them and let them know they are important to you as a person and not just as another pair of hands to help you in ministry. Ministry becomes much more enjoyable when you are on a team that feels like a team, not a workforce. Another thing I love to do is learn about something new in my ministry area. Remember, learning about something new is far different from mastering it. Mastering takes years. Gathering and digesting new information takes very little time by comparison, but it will give you new tools and ideas to reinvigorate your ministry. All too often we focus on the tasks of ministry, and forget that ministry should be the fruit of a life that has been well tended. With all there is to do, it becomes easy to neglect our spiritual, physical, emotional, and ministry fitness. These were the areas that needed attention in my life in order to get out of my rut, and with the Holy Spirits leading, I began to make some changes. By putting these few actions into practice each day, I have felt both the pleasure of the Spirit and have broken free from my ministry rut. I pray that some or all of these practices will help you do the same in your ministry area.

Im sure youve heard this is the most important area of your life TRUE. My actions in this area focused on daily time in the Word and in prayer. When working at a church you can sometimes feel that since you are saturated with church every day, there is no need to spend more time with God because you already work for Him. WRONG! Nothing you can do in ministry (vocational or volunteer) can make up for time spent personally with God. You have to make it a priority. You also have to make prayer a priority. Try developing a daily prayer calendar. Each day of the week have a specific prayer focus ranging from your family, to your church, to your ministry area and the people in it. This daily spiritual discipline of prayer and scripture will change you in ways that will produce fruit in ALL the other areas of your life.

Physical

You have to realize that your body is a temple, and that it is the vessel God has given you to be His hands and feet in ministry. So be sure you are eating right and exercising. Also be sure to get enough sleep. Rest is crucial for health and for energy to take on the challenges of life and ministry.

Rev. Don Frazure, Pastor Of Worship Arts Email: donfrazure@mychristchurch.com Twitter: @donfrazure

The

MUNGON and the

DOCTOR
By Rev. Shane Bishop, Senior Pastor
the restroom, but potentially be involved in some unpleasant way. This task seemed much more parent than grand but how hard could it be? We found the restroom but the urinal was way too high. We tried the commode but it seemed high as well. Not only that but who would let their grandson sit on a toilet in a doctors office? The chances the last person on the throne was not feeling well were excellent. He was in a hurry; I was flustered because for the life of me, I couldnt remember this ever happening when my son Zec was little. There is clearly no time for indecision. In a moment of desperation, I picked him up at a 45 degree angle with his pants around his ankles, held him about four feet off the ground, centered him up the best I could facing the urinal and told him to shoot. It really went okay. When we were headed back to the waiting room, I asked if this was how daddy took him potty and he said, No. A few minutes later the receptionist gave me a sheet to fill out full of trick questions. Other than his name, I couldnt answer a single one. Address? No idea. It went downhill from there. I turned the sheet in about 5% completed and the doctor called us in. We had only waited about ten minutes, Maddox was in excellent spirits and his bladder was clearly empty. Yet despite this suddenly good run, I was having doubts about all of this. When the doctor finally came into our holding pen, he looked at the almost empty medical chart and without looking up he asked a series of questions to fill in the blanks. It went like this:

call my oldest grandson Maddox Blaha the Mungon. When he was just learning to talk, I walked into the kitchen and he was eating a chocolate chip banana muffin. When I asked what he was eating, he simply said, a mungon. The name stuck. I will still be calling him this when he is thirty. Anyway, he had one of those pediatrician appointments coming up last year and both my daughter Lydia and my son-in-law Ryan (parents) were unable to take him to the pediatrician. It was easy for me to rearrange my schedule that day so I volunteered to step up to the plate and serve them. I am sure my kids went to the doctor when they were little but for the life of me, I cant remember a single time that I went along. Anyway, how hard could this be? Lydia wrote me a note authorizing me to take him and off we went. Their doctor is about two minutes from my house (less by plane) so we got there a bit early. I have to admit that I was feeling pretty good about my (selfless) self and my first truly serious role in our extended family. When we arrived, I checked the Mungon in and gave the receptionist my note. Maddox started playing on a huge wooden train and I was trying to find a magazine not targeting young mothers when he said those horrible words, Papa, I have to go potty. I thought about paying the receptionist to take him but I only had ten bucks in my wallet and that seemed a bit low. Not only that but he had only been potty trained a minute and a half so I was not only going to have to physically take him to

The doctor asked, Address? No idea. I think he lives in Fairview Heights and oh, yea, it is near a big fountain.

Usually pancakes and yucky meat (sausage) when he is with me. Do all little kids love Diet Coke?

Date of birth?
HmmmSummer?

Does he have any behavior problems?

I like him. The doctor paused to give me time to elaborate. I meant I like hima lot. At this point the doctor looked up at me for the first time.

Year
Boywhat year is this?

Age?
Wowhe isnt in school yet but he is out of diapers. Eight? Seeming unfazed, the doctor continued,

Grandfather?
Possibly. With that he put down the chart, laid the pen upon it and said,

Does he get plenty of vegetables?

I have never seen him eat one.

What is his normal diet?

We are going to have to do this whole thing over.

As I think back on that day, I would have to say things went extremely well. I got to serve the kids and spend some quality time with my grandson. As a bonus, I found out he was average in height for a two and a half year old and a bit on the light side. When we were leaving, the Mungon got a sucker and I got something even sweeter than that; a memory with my grandson I will never forget. When we offer our service to God, we really have no idea what to expect but there are two things we can always count upon: 1) God will always give us what we need to accomplish what He asks us to do. 2) It is always an adventure. Be strong and of good courage as you serve God is with you!

Rev. Shane Bishop, Senior Pastor facebook.com/revshane @RevShaneBishop

C N Y S
wit
By Erin n&N Hanso oel Ru ssell

s p u o r g l l a m s h

f you have been around church for longer than a few minutes, chances are youve heard the term small groups. For some people, that term sparks feelings of warmth and belonging. For others, it initiates a strong desire to run screaming in the opposite direction. Forget what you think you know about small groups. Small groups arent therapy or a place where all you do is air your dirty laundry to the people you sit next to on Sunday. They are dynamic groups where people do life together as they grow in relationship with God and one another. Small groups have existed for a long time here at Christ Church, but we realize we need to make a more concentrated effort to support and equip those groups as a church. The lives that have been transformed and impacted by small group ministry can attest to the need each of us has to connect with other Christians in our walk with Christ and how God uses those relationships to build us, heal us, teach us and ultimately further His Kingdom.

Corinthians 12 declares that at the moment of our conversion we are baptized into the body of Christ. Small group life has the power to connect people into that body so they can live out their individual and communal relationship to Christ. In Acts 2: 42-47, we see the biblical structure of small groups and that is what we are striving to model in our structure here at Christ Church. The small groups described in Acts that met in homes over 2,000 years ago were a strategic part of the greater church and still are today. These groups take a big congregation and make it small. Small groups give people a place to know and be known; a place to do things like care for one another, restore and strengthen their marriages, learn to become spiritual leaders in their homes, and find their identity in Christ. Small groups exist to connect people with Jesus Christ through learning, relationships, and service with other growing Christians. These small groups range from accountability groups, bible studies, service groups, and sports teams. A small group at

Christ Church is any group of people that meet on a frequent basis that have passion for Jesus Christ and want to learn more about His teachings through worship, loving God, loving neighbor and generosity. At this point, some of you may be experiencing sweaty palms, or you may have noticed that your heart has been strangely warmed mainly because its beating 400 times a minute. Many of us that have been a part of the Christian church for any length of time may have a slight (or overwhelming) sense of dread when we talk about anything regarding small groups. Some of us may have been in groups before where the church wanted to force multiplication of our groups or dictate every aspect of group life. As the church has struggled on how to support and grow small groups, some people are left with a sense of fear and general anxiety when it comes to allowing the church access to a group in which they have invested considerably. One of the biggest things we have discovered is that the rigidity of the old small groups structure from the past several decades has fallen away and given birth to a model of organic and more sustainable small group ministry. We understand by limiting the definition of a small group, we miss the opportunity to connect people into authentic community. Non-threatening entry into community life is essential for people who desire fellowship and an introduction to spiritual formation. Groups are given the autonomy to govern themselves and the church is there as a support system, to set up opportunities to grow through training, coaching and to offer resources that will enable growth for the entire group. From the start, God has used small groups to accomplish His plan. Do you realize that without small groups, the church might not be what it is today? Jesus equipped 11 unlikely men to take His message to the nations and transform the world through relational small groups. These guys werent scholars; they werent considered the best and brightest of their day but they loved Jesus and knew He would give them what they needed to succeed in the mission. These early small groups met in homes, where they shared meals and learned what it meant to be a disciple of Christ. They didnt just invite church folk either they invited their friends and neighbors who didnt know Christ into community as well, just like Jesus asked them. Current small groups work pretty much the same way! Groups meet in homes, restaurants, coffee houses and even workplaces to fellowship, eat and grow in relationship with God and each other. We have identified over 40 small groups that currently exist at Christ Church, and we know there are many more. If you are currently hosting a small group, and have not had the opportunity to learn about how the church can support you, please stop by the Bookstore. Those 11 unlikely guys in Acts didnt have a clue what God had in store when they started hosting the first small groups. Remember those early church small groups werent led by biblical scholars, and todays groups dont have to be either. They are led by regular people who feel passionate about helping give people fertile soil in which to bloom into the people God created them to be. In their quest to be obedient to Gods plan, they stepped out in faith, and you can too! We know there are many people who are looking to connect to a small group. There are people reading this (maybe even you!) that feel God

tugging at them to step out and host a small group. The good news is that you dont have to have a seminary degree to host a small group. All it takes to host is a heart for people, an open home or space for friends and neighbors, a spirit of hospitality and the ability to work a DVD player or follow a participant guide. If you feel led to step out in faith and host a small group, please contact Erin Hanson at erinhanson@mychristchurch.com or Noel Russell at noelrussell@mychristchurch.com, or stop by the Bookstore. We would love to talk with you about your vision and offer support and resources to help your group be successful! At some point or another, weve all felt the pain of not belonging. Being a Christian is tough, and having other people to do life with can make all the difference in your journey. You will begin hearing about more and more opportunities to get connected to a small group in the coming weeks. Remember that a small group can be an accountability group, bible study, service group, prayer group, worship team, or sports team! The Activity Center will become the SYNC Center a one-stop shop for information about connecting to a small group. You can also email sync@ mychristchurch.com to get information, or request information by visiting the website or one of the SYNC kiosks in Scripture Hall. Also be on the lookout for information about our new once-amonth SYNC Gatherings! Exciting things are happening here at Christ Church, and our prayer is that through small group ministry, you will be connected with Christ in meaningful and metamorphic ways!

ps all grou m s ly r a e ey These here th w , s e m d ho met in eals and learne m a shared t to be n a e m what it of Christ. disciple

Erin Hanson, Director of Connections erinhanson@mychristchurch.com

Noel Russell, Director of Retail Services noelrussell@mychristchurch.com

My life is worth nothing...

By Rev. Bernie Kneale ne thing most people do not know about me is that I am a very shy person. I never got in trouble during my school years because I was too afraid and did not want to draw attention to myself. Most of what I do in building relationships, witnessing, making visitations, leading groups, or teaching a class is very difcult for me. In addition, I have never been one to think well on my feet so I have to know as much as possible before I will open my mouth. While I still struggle with these issues, it is much easier for me now. The breakthrough started with a speech class in college. I knew such a class would help me overcome my shyness. It opened a door. What followed were some lead roles in a couple of college drama productions. I was learning to open up and let Bernie out. When I went to seminary, I became close friends with some couples. I did not know I could make friends with people outside of my small town. After seminary I began teaching--more opening up. Then to grad school--opening even more. Off to South Dakota - to Springeld, IL - to Herrin, IL (from teacher to school counselor to statewide consultant to federal project counselor and back into a classroom). Each step of the way helped me overcome the strong desire to stay unnoticed and not let anyone see inside me. Then came CHURCH. I have always been a churchgoer. It was in church that I was able to break the bonds of inwardness. It was a laymans testimony that shook me loose. It was in church God spoke to me. I went to the district superintendent and told him my story. Within weeks I was the pastor of a small United Methodist church. The Holy Spirit was getting a hold on me, but I still was not free. It was in church that I rst met a young, very condent, articulate young man named Shane Bishop. I did not like him but I did like what he was doing in the church. I did admire him because he was so much of what I was not. He took kids to the local bank parking lot to witness for Christ. He took some of my good friends to New Orleans with a group called No Greater Love. Those friends came back different. One, a plumber, started preaching in a couple of southern Illinois churches. No one would have guessed he would do that. Another started wearing Smile Jesus Loves You stickers on his shirt every day. He was a laborer for the city. I wanted some of what they had. By the way, Shane is a close, personal friend today. Soon I found myself on a bus to Indianapolis with that No Greater Love group. We were to clown, pass tracts, and march. 8

I was scared spitless. I cannot do that! I spent that trip working desperately to avoid doing any of it. But something broke in me. Rubbing shoulders with men who loved Jesus Christ had a contagious effect on me. I went again and again. Each time scared. Each time growing. Each time vowing to never go back. And each time knowing that if I wanted to ever be an overcomer, I must go back. wI got connected because I was involved in church. I spent over twenty years in pastoral ministry serving Jesus because I went to church. I have been to the Indy 500 and Mardi Gras with No Greater Love for well over twenty years falling evermore deeply in love with Jesus and learning that he loves me back all because I went to church. I have taken Bible study classes; led Bible study; participated in prayer ministry; have learned the meaning of love, joy, and peace; have been blessed with a re that has enabled me to love my neighbor even when that neighbor is unlovable. I have outgrown my shyness because I went to church. I went to No Greater Love because I learned about it in church. I have fellowshipped, studied, prayed, and worshipped with people that I would go to hell in a gasoline suit for. I happily blame it all on church. I am so looking forward to the next chapter of beautiful opportunities to tighten my hold on Jesus and the Kingdom. I know it will happen because I am going to church this Sunday and I am going to connect with a ministry in that church that will free me to be Gods man in this corner of the world. See you in church!

But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesusthe work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
Acts 20:24 (NLT)

Rev. Bernie Kneale Email: bkneale@accessus.net

Getting To Know YOU

Name: John Roach Job Title: Director of Facilities Job Description: Maintenance and upkeep of church
building. Support of all events and ministries on church property.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in the city of Port Huron on the east coast of Michigan. I could (almost) see Canada from my house.

Are you a morning or night person?

Which is your favorite concert you have ever attended?

Im a morning person. I usually do more before noon than I do the rest of the day.

When I was in high school, I attended the Ichthus Christian music festival in Kentucky with my youth group. I had never seen such a large number of Christians worshipping, camping, having fun, and living in community.

Do you watch game shows?

My family is currently obsessed with Family Feud for some strange reason.

Would you like to be President of the USA? How did you come to know God?

How did you meet your spouse?

No, I have problems deciding what restaurant to eat at. I was raised in the Methodist church as a child, and through youth group. I drifted away from the church during my young adult life. I recommitted my life to Christ at a church in Woodbridge, VA in 1995.

I met Diana when she was hired to work in my office at Offutt AFB in Nebraska. Diana moved into my apartment complex and needed a ride. One ride in my 1984 Chevy Cavalier and she was smitten.

What is the worst job you ever had?

I worked in a brick factory for one day. The machinery was so loud that you couldnt speak with anyone. Because of this hot and dirty place, I will never take a simple brick for granted.

What is your motto?

What are your hobbies?

When I came on the staff of Christ Church, Pastor Jeff Bealmer told me; All you have to do to be successful is to make yourself indispensable.

I enjoy bowling, golf, and attending any spectator sport.

Have you ever appeared on television?

I was once at a baseball game when the person next to me caught a home run ball. I could be seen on all of the game highlights on television leaping for the ball. My kids are on TV frequently with their marching band in the St. Louis parades.

Would you sing karaoke in front of your co-workers? How many times did you move as a child?

I have been known to break out Otis Redding once upon a time. None, my parents still live in the house that I was born and raised in.

Gone Fishing
By Debby Creagh ave you ever been or known someone who is serious about fishing? Let me tell you there are MANY ways of getting fish to the table. I know because my dad made sure his six kids experienced as many kinds of fishing as he could. This is not a complete list, but here are some examples: commercial fishing on a gill net trawler in the Pacific for whatever fish came in the net; deep sea fishing in Puget Sound for salmon, red snapper or cod; fly fishing for brook trout in Wyoming; river or lake trout fishing by boat or float in Colorado and Idaho; smelt fishing by throwing a net off a pier in Lake Michigan at night; catfish, crappie and bass fishing in lakes of Arkansas. Yes, this man LOVED fishing in all forms. As you can probably tell, my dad studied fishing the way a lot of people study a profession. He was a chemist by training, and would take on a new challenge just for the fun of it and the joy of learning something from top to bottom and stem to stern. It made him happy, happy, happy! Whenever there was a new type of fishing to be done, Dad would learn everything he could about it, with every detail he could think of. Then he would go find the experts in the area where wed be fishing and talk to them about where, when, and what lures were the best. As a child, it seemed like magic to me. Dad always caught fish. It wasnt until I was older and watched him learn how to fish for salmon with downriggers on a boat in Lake Michigan that I understood how much effort and expertise he put into it. Why am I telling you all this? When Jesus called Peter and Andrew (and us, as we are His disciples) He said, Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4:19. As I learned, fishing doesnt just happen. It takes study and knowledge, practice, being in the right place at the right time, an effective lure, and having a good net to get the fish in the boat. When the fish is finally caught, then you get to taste and see that it is good. Okay, so thats misquoting scripture just a little. Jesus spent time with, gave experiences to, demonstrated how, and then sent the disciples out to be fishers of men. God equips us as we serve Him with all that we need to be good

fishers of men: His Word, the Holy Spirit, the good news of Christ, spiritual gifts, talents, salvation. Are we doing our part? Are we learning and growing in Gods Word; practicing using our gifts and talents, and learning from those experiences; taking Christ with us into every aspect of our lives and sharing what He has done for us? God wants us to be successful fishermen. Just like fishing for fish, we dont always catch anyone on the first cast (or the second or third). As I learned from my Dad, that doesnt mean you give up. You try several locations, or another kind of lure, or a different time of day, or whatever it takes until eventually, you reel in a fish! We are the fishers of men, but God is Lord of the catch. He knows when we are ready, what experiences we need, and who we are uniquely designed to relate to. We all need practice to find the right pool of people to fish in. When someone does come to know Jesus, or comes to church with you, then what joy we experience in being Gods partner in ministry. When we find that special fishing spot that God has designed specifically for us, it is SWEET! In my own life, Faith Community Nursing was a surprise. It combines many different things that God has taught me, given me experiences with, and gifted me for over the years to be able to serve Him in the pool of Christ Church. He prepared me to do something I had no idea existed, let alone wanted to do. He took things that I love - nursing, studying the Word, prayer, and caring for people - and put it all together in a job? Yahoo! God is FAITHFUL! And I love it! Let me encourage you to get your line in the water and try a ministry. Pray, think about your gifts and how God has made you, and take the plunge. You will learn so much about God and yourself as you serve Him. If the first (or second or third) thing you try doesnt fit, then try the next thing. Let God lead you. Each thing you do will help expand what pool of fish you are designed to catch. Ephesians 5:9-10 says, Live as children of light and find out what pleases the Lord. There you have it - permission granted to experiment, to try, to grow, and to serve God. The results will be a whole net full of JOY! Lets go fishing!
Debby Creagh, Parish Nurse debbycreagh@mychristchurch.com

10

Passion
I
Pressing down for the last time across that long masking tape strip on the console identifying the name of each performer and effects device, I gave the nod to Jason. The lights dimmed, Jeff gave word through the intercom, and Tim led the orchestra into the overture. After four years of many special events and musical productions, this was the last one with all of us together. A hush spread across the auditorium. The energy is so high on an opening night performance, especially when rehearsals have been long and changes have been frequent. Cast and crew are all in fear of making a mistake, but also secretly hoping for someone to make the first mistake not in a spiteful way, but only to ease the tension. Behind the rehearsals of live theater there is sometimes a little backstage drama for those with overinflated egos, but during the actual performance, there is a shared love of the art and common goal of putting out our best. At the time, I wanted nothing more than to pursue my career in sound design. Unlike most, I actually enjoyed the long nights of rehearsal to get everything set just right. I was like an artist, a perfectionist of sorts; with my brush I tickled the ear with the delicate balance of sound to draw the viewer into a new world. An art often underappreciated by the listener but greatly valued by the performer. When you make a mistake, everyone notices. When you do a great job, no one notices. I became discouraged. After graduation and years following, we had all gone our separate ways. Jeff enlisted in the Navy. Jason lost his father to cancer. Tim retired. I was lured away to jobs offering instant income greater income than I could ever bring home with a college degree in sound. A few of the performers went on to study theater, but most felt the pressure to follow in the footsteps of their parents career instead. Influencers with more practical minds had talked us each out of the field we loved into a field with less risk and greater earning power. My passion was put aside.

By Matt Rygelski

t was my senior year of high school. There I sat on the edge of a wooden stool, leaning slightly forward and looking down just enough to gaze over the balcony at the audience murmuring below. The time on the clock matched the printed ticket. It was time.

Passion. Jesus experienced a passion of His own. He had an intense love of humanity. God, the Father, had a plan for Jesus, His Son, to save humanity from sin and there was a moment when Jesus had doubt. God gave me these gifts but I had doubt and I fought to stay in control to use these gifts how I saw fit. That passion and high energy initially drew my wife and I to Christ Church. Little did I know where God would lead. When we joined Christ Church and I was asked what ministry I might join, I reflected on those days from years ago. Jeff Allen found God leaning on his heart to introduce me to Nathan Tobin. Nathan and the rest of the technical team at Christ Church welcomed me with open arms. I felt Gods hands gently pushing me back toward them. In God, happiness. The technology has changed since those high school days, but the excitement and fellowship are even better than I remember. Not only am I rediscovering a talent which I almost allowed to fade away, I am learning how to be more Christ-like by modeling Nathans leadership and the cooperation of everyone who makes every Sunday so meaningful. God is present at Christ Church and I am so blessed to have found this group to witness Him through the passion I had forgotten from so many years ago. When I allowed God to work through me, instead of trying so hard to make God work for me, I am finding peace. This time, I do not volunteer for my own glory. I volunteer for His.

Matt Rygelski facebook.com/mrygelski

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The Colors of Gods Dreams

here were dreamers present at the Jumping Tandem retreat in Omaha, Nebraska, this April. Like these shells collected a few months agored and yellow, black and whitedreamers of all ages, sizes, and shapes, washed by the waves of our Creator, slates marred yet wiped clean, waiting for the next wave of refreshment. This retreat was about pursuing God-sized dreamsdreams, as defined by retreat speaker Holley Gerth in her book Youre Made for a God-Sized Dream, created by God to perfectly fit the size of your heart. These dreams are not necessarily big dreams, not necessarily small; they are dreams that may focus on the home and hearth to dreams that may span the globe. Our dream team, a team of three and perfectly chosen by God, eagerly relinquished our passes to the organized attendant. We folded them according to directions, on the dotted line. We boarded the jet for Omaha, where we would put aside the dotted lines of life for a weekend. Emily, my reserved, thirty-something friend, wearing a wakeyou-up yellow coat, is seated next to the window. Although her quiet nature is her signature, the color of her clothing reveals her powerful spirit within. She ties language, literature, and life together in unique and thought-provoking ways. Shes the head. Lindsay volunteered to take the middle seat. So easy to be with, shes classy, even in jeans. Shes a down-to-earth, thirtysomething mom of four with tender wisdom beyond her years. On the printed page, she vulnerably shares a personal moment and then encourages her readers to take action. Shes the hands. For the sixty-minute glide through powder blue skies with white cotton wisps throughout, I made myself at home seated on the aisle. I usually skip the small talk and quickly bring a conversation straight to the middle. I am the heart. Our team: head, hands, and heart. Who knew? God did. He knew when Emily and I attended a writers conference in 2008, where seeds were planted for the dream of starting a magazine for the women of our church and community. God knew exactly what we would need. We are in our third year. God has allowed us to reach across state lines and even across the ocean. 12

By Mary Ann Turner

The task of starting a magazine was daunting; we trembled as much as we prayed. We understand the value of knowing who we are in Christ, feeling His pleasure when we step out in faith to use the gifts given by God, yet all the while knowing that we can do nothing apart from Him. The power of His Spirit within us is what propels us to keep trembling and to keep praying. Our fear now understands the necessity of stepping into the dream. Our prayers enable us to fall forward into perfect love. What was my greatest take-away from this retreat? Its something I know for sure. In different corners of the world, there are all kinds of dreamers and doers, created by a God who loves them. We all have a corner to dust and decorate with the fruits of our faith. I delight in knowing that God is present in His children all over the globe. I am in awe of His power and pleasure in using people to carry out His call to spread the Word, the good news of Christ. My heart is singing in praise that simple little chorus, Red and yellow, black and white, all are precious in His sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world. We are the colors of Gods dreams. Thank you, precious Father, for placing us in the body of Christ. We are grateful for the provision of a special place in this world in which to shine for you. Thank you for dreams and the provision for fulfilling those dreams that are yoursplaced by you in our heads, and hearts, and hands. Thank you for your grace through Christ alone. Amen. What are the dreams that God has created to fit perfectly in your heart? What are your gifts and skills? Who are the people whom you may influence? Remember to think as close as your kitchen table and as far as the other side of the world. Both are equally important to God. Special note: While Emily, Lindsay, and I are writers, our dream team is completed by Theresa Cavalier, Julie Crask, and Michelle Sweeten. Theresa works behind the scenes assisting Emily, Julie is our photographer, and Michelle does the graphic design for each issue. We are blessed beyond our own wildest dreams!
For more reading or to subscribe: Find our magazine, Between the Lines, at www.mychristchurch.com/thejourney; Find Emily at www.commonplacesoil.com; Find Lindsay at www.lindsayntallman.com. Find Mary Ann at www.maryannturner.com. (This article was first published on MaryAnns blog in April 2013)

Mary Ann Turner maryann.turner2011@gmail.com

For Christians Only

By Rev. Troy Benton, Associate Pastor

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.
(Titus 2:11 TNIV)
ot a week goes by when I dont find myself daydreaming about events from my college years. Besides the fact that I wish for the days when fun was at the forefront of every second, those formative years taught me a ton about being a Christian in a diverse world. My school and the city it was in drew persons literally from around the globe. You could find every philosophy, belief system, lifestyle and kind of person on the face of the earth! In this environment, other Christians and I were forced by Gods divine placement of us to learn that our witness in grace would make or break the openness of others to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and begin a relationship with the God who loved them in indescribable ways. We quickly discovered (if we did not know it before) it required us to create doorways for others to inquire, seek, and discover this Jesus who we had come to trust and worship. In creating doors for others to pursue clarity on who and what Jesus was in our lives, we discovered the Christian faith was never designed by God to be an exclusive faith; it was not FOR CHRISTIANS ONLY, but for those who desired to become Christians! To this day, I dont know how we did in living this out, and I make it my business to do my best and move on. What I do reflect on are the ways I watch other Christians in that season yield grace to young persons who either had no faith or another faith. The writer of Titus would have liked those friends whom I shared

the journey with in that season! His words to the church in his epistle are powerful and a call we all should heed in this season. More than ever, people need the grace of God: a listening ear, an empathetic heart, a giving spirit, a forgiving soul, an excellent example that restrains his/her ego to resist compliments and instead point to the cross and the Christ that won our pardon. Even more, they need a mentor that will walk with them through their questions of faith and acceptance of the salvation that Jesus has provided them. Its been 20 years since those college days of mine. There are some who have come to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. There are others who I am still walking the journey with. My prayer in my walk with them: Lord, get me out of the way each time we share that you might work through me to show your love, power, and grace. While we as Christians need Jesus for strength and renewal, we must never forget the gospel is not For Christians Only! We must always hold certain that the gospel was sent into the world that those who dont know it and have not accepted Him will come to a knowledge and acceptance of the work and one who is...Jesus. An exclusive gospel is not gospel at all. An exclusive gospel is like any business, system or society that attempts to exclude the very expanding audience it needs for viability; it is one that will never complete its mission because it fails to do the central thing it must to live: tell its story. My hope for you: that you will be ever more persuaded to TELL THE STORY!

Rev. Troy Benton, Associate Pastor facebook.com/tmbenton @revtroy

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What
like to do?
By Kelli Tobin

do you

hat are you good at? Where has God blessed you? What can you offer to a ministry? These were all questions I asked myself upon becoming a member of Christ Church in the fall of 2009. And I didnt have an answer to any of them. I wasnt sure I was good at anything or that I could help with a ministry, but alas, I felt God calling me to give back and serve. Okay, wonderful, Im ready for it God! But, a few months went by and I still didnt know the answer. Then, very shortly after that time, I asked myself, What do you like to do? Such a simple question and one I had an answer to! I loved working with kids and I loved being active. This is mostly reflective in my career choice as a health and physical education teacher. But Lord, I already do that for a living! Surely He would want me to do something different and out of my comfort zone. But He continued to press on my heart. I worked with kids every day, but maybe I could offer them something different and life changing on Sunday morning. In January of 2010, I began teaching junior high Sunday school. We started with about 10-15 students on a regular basis and have since seen that number grow to 45 and up each week. I have stayed up all night at lock-ins, talked to young girls at a purity weekend, discipled several young women in their walks with Christ and made some lasting friendships with parents and students. I have shared family stories with the youth, pondered the Bible with them, and still found time to goof off playing games and eating. Although I would highly recommend being a youth ministry volunteer, I encourage you to find what you like to do and offer it to a ministry of Christ Church. It could be similar to your career or completely different. I believe God calls each of us to serve and to serve well. Serve where God has equipped you to make a lasting impact. I serve in youth ministry because I love having fun, love kids and love seeing our children give their lives to Jesus. If you are ready to jump in the deep end of a ministry or just want to test the waters a bit, I have a question for you: What do you like to do?

Kelli Tobin tobin.kel@gmail.com

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God At Work
New Members
June July

-------------------------------Matthew Edwards, Megan Tolen Caelis Hoyle, Sean Hoyle, Darrell Papproth, April Papproth, Jessica Healey

Baptisms
June July

-------------------------------Sydney Asunskis, Jennifer Pearce, Zackariah Potter Makenzie Healey, Claire Seger, Dillon Seger, Mayson Weeks

Member Passings
-------------------------------Gerald W. Jay Seiler, Jr. - July 26

August

Andrew Hoelscher, Jessica Hoelscher, Susan Hoelscher, Nancy Cox, Paul Cox, Billie Denny, Nathan Denny, Rosanne Caughman, Elaine Huschle, Carol Vargas, Rita Wilson, Steve White, Melissa White, Gemey Sumner, Lillian Overall, Mark Arneson, Wendy Arneson, Lynn Budde, Warren Jackson, Karen Juenger, Larry Juenger

August

100,000 Hours

Jacoby Bainter, Nancy Cox

--------------------------------

Weddings

The people of Christ Church have committed to serve our community with 100,000 hours of service.

-------------------------------Tony Tarr & Amy Hofer - June 15

We have served: 357,870.65 hrs

(as of 08/13/13)

Log your hours at mychristchurch.com/100k

Attendance

-------------------------------July Worship avg. = 1611 July Connection Classes avg. = 679 Year Avg. Worship = 1732

Finances (as of 08/13/13)

--------------------------------

Tithes & Offerings = $1,677,721.52 Expenses & Mortgage Payment = $1,744,468.16 Remaining Debt - $4,940,369.53

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