Pastor’s Column

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Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting. Together they traveled around the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the family estate. The widowed father looked on with satisfaction as his only child became an experienced art collector. But the day came when war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram that his beloved son had been killed while carrying a fellow soldier to a medic.

On Christmas morning a knock came at the door of the old man’s home, and as he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand. He introduced himself to the man by saying, “I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you. I’m an artist,” said the soldier, “and I want to give you this.” As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of his son. Though the art critics would never consider the work a piece of genius, the painting did feature the young man’s face in striking detail, and seemed to capture his personality.

The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in anticipation! According to the will of the old man, all of the art works would be auctioned. The day soon arrived, and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world’s most spectacular paintings. The auction began with a painting that was not on the list of any museum. It was the painting of the man’s son.

The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent. “Who will open the bidding with $100?” he asked. Minutes passed with not a sound from those who came to buy. From the back of the room someone callously called out, “Who cares about that painting? It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s forget it and go on to the important paintings.” There were other voices which echoed in agreement. But the auctioneer replied, “No, we have to sell this one first. Now, who will take the son?”

Finally, a friend of the old man spoke. “I knew the boy, so I’d like to have it. I will bid the $100.” “I have a bid for $100,” called the auctioneer. “Will anyone go higher?” After a long silence, the auctioneer said, “Going once. Going twice. Gone.” The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone was heard to say, “Now we can get on with it!” But the auctioneer looked at the audience and announced the auction was over.

Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, “What do you mean it’s over? We didn’t come here for a picture of some old guy’s son. What about all of these paintings? There are millions of dollars worth of art here! We demand that you explain what’s going on!” The auctioneer replied, “It’s very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son...gets it all.”

That is the essence of the story of Christmas. Whoever takes

the Son gets it all. The Bible puts it like this: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his

Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not

have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:11,12)

In this Christmas season, this is the message that needs to be proclaimed loud and clear. We are going to do our best to do that, both through the Christmas Musical and the weekend services. My challenge to all of us is this: Let’s use this special time of the year to aggressively invite people to come and be with us for these proclamations of the gospel.

The Musical is going to be a great presentation, so get the word out to everybody that you can. And we will be doing a series on the weekends entitled Gift-giving 101. The simple truth that “whoever has the Son has life” will be clearly presented. It will be a wonderful opportunity for your friends, relatives, neighbors and co-workers to hear and respond to this life-changing message.

To everyone who reads this, I will look forward to seeing you often during this Christmas season.

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Star joined Jeremiah’s Crossing in 2004. He

came as a therapy horse for Kathleen who, at the time,

needed a consistent mount. He is a wonderful Medicine Hat Paint, di-

rect from trails in the Black Hills of Wyoming.

Star is the first of the herd to work as a therapy

horse. Star is very willing to learn new things and has already

made a difference in the lives of many of the rid-

Thank You For Your Generosity!

The total missions giving during our missions emphasis in November was

$7869.68. The funds were divided between the general benevolence fund, missionaries John Koeshall and Mark

Broberg and Jeremiah’s Crossing. Because of your gifts to Jeremiah’s Cross-

ing we were able to sponsor one of the therapy horses named Star for 2012. You can read more about him here or find out

more and even e-mail Star at www.jeremiahscrossing.org and click on

“Meet the Horses”!

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IMPACT Kids Ministry

Imagine carrying out your daily routine when suddenly you are interrupted. Not by the ringing of the phone, a neighbor, a child or spouse but by an angel! He has very important news for you. He tells you “Do not be afraid, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and you will have a son and you shall call him Jesus.” Now that would definitely interrupt your daily plans! What would you do? I wonder how Mary must have felt at that moment. A virgin, an en-gaged woman and a woman wanting to please God was just told she was going to be the mother of Jesus. Being a parent is a tough but a rewarding job, but to be the mother of Jesus had to be even tougher. Would you worry more? Would you be a different parent? Would you treat him differently? Or would it be easier be-cause your child was Jesus and you knew every-thing would be just fine? Would she make sure he was in the temple every opportunity that they had? What a responsibility Mary had to raise Je-sus! If Mary had thought of any of those ques-tions, she must have known that God was in con-trol and she didn’t have to worry. Mary’s re-sponse to the angel was, “I am the Lord’s ser-

In The Spotlight

      

    

I (Dawn) had full intentions at the beginning of the summer to continue with the 5th grade girls but the other leader, a close friend of mine, moved away and I couldn’t get my heart into it. I kept having the feeling that I was supposed to be teaching elsewhere. A friend advised me that I should find someone else to teach with, someone with whom I work well. I couldn’t think of anyone that I work better with than my own dear husband, Jason. He obviously loves to teach, as this is what he is pursuing a career in. He also has more time to get involved at church since graduation. We both prayed about the situation and felt that we should be teaching somewhere within the Royal Ranger program as we have two boys (Simon who is 6 and Caleb who will be 2 soon). Little did we know that the church was in need of 1st grade Ranger commanders, the class that Simon is in this year. We want our boys and the other boys at church to grow to know God and we want to be a step in that process. We are now a couple of months into the year and thoroughly enjoy our 1st grade class and all that they have accomplished. We know that the rest of the year will go well because Jesus is the glue that holds us together. 

Dawn and Jason Burch

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Our Books of the Bible challenge is still going on until

December 18th. If you have not recited the books of the Bible to one of the Impact leaders, you still have time. As of right now we have 6 adults that have memorized the books of the bible and they are; Julie Overturf, Jim Alft, Ronda Alft, Toni Butz, Karrie Benda, Michele Iverson, and Sandy Jeltma. Great job adults but the kids are now ahead. We have 17 kids that have memorized the books of the bible! Great job to; Miguel Mathais, Ethan Hess, Roger Fuller, Beau Butz, Brynn Torrenga, Thomas Iverson, Josh Carlin, Derek Coates, Ana Gonzalez, Simon Burch, Brent Torrenga, Kashaya Morgan, Jackson Benda, Luke Korslin, Hannah Carlin, Hannah Korslin, Michael Iverson, Ali Martin and Madison O’Connor. Awesome job everyone!!

vant. May it be to me the way as you have said.” She was willing to do whatever God was requesting her to do! What is God calling you to do? Are you willing to do what he asks? Do you have a quiet time so you have a chance to just sit in His presence to hear His voice so you recognize it when He calls? It is hard in today’s world to just sit and do nothing. When we have technology at our finger tips 24/7, some-one can reach us at any time it makes it difficult to find quiet time. Distractions of the television, radio and the internet or running the kids from one activity to another can make us feel so drained that we can’t stop and sit quietly in His presence. If we do stop it is probably to sleep! I know that this is what God has laid upon my heart for me personally. During this holiday season, I challenge you to slow down, make a quiet time for just you and God. Be listening for what God is calling you to do and then have a willing heart like Mary, to do what He asks you to do. If it is outside your comfort zone, you don’t have to worry, God is in control of all things and through Him all things are possible. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas! Paula Heil

Www.clfkids.org Like us on Facebook: Clf Kids Ministries

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Books of the

Bible

Challenge!!

Thank you to all of those that came and helped paint

the 1st floor children’s area. We had an awesome

group that spent 3 long days of painting. We

appreciate you investing in the

children, making their area look

great!

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Women’s Christmas Connection.................................................... Dec. 2 Men’s Breakfast..................... Dec. 3 Kids Musical.......................... Dec. 4 The Christmas Post ........................... ...........................Dec. 8, 9, 10 & 11

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