January 28th, 2011

Congratulations to all you Packer fans on yet another trip to the Super Bowl! May the Packers win with Aaron Rodgers leading a fourth quarter nail biter drive leading to the ecstasy of many cheeseheads. Wouldn’t it be beautiful? I am now officially rooting for the Pack as the Monsters of the Midway have gone into hibernation.

This weekend …

…we (the beautiful mess known as Faith Community) will continue our trek thought First Corinthians as Tim will be taking us into chapter nine. His message is entitled “In God’s Country”. Hasn’t it been interesting that a first century church can teach us so much about the twenty-first century church? Last weekend I was really challenged by the fact that I show the attributes of both the weak and the strong brothers in the church. I was comforted greatly by the fact that while both of these attitudes are a detriment to the church, Christ covers them all with His eternally sufficient blood.

Sabbatical for me…

Next Monday, January 31st, I will begin a prolonged absence from the office, returning on Tuesday, March 22nd.

January 31st to February 2nd I will be attending the Bethlehem Conference for Pastors along with pastors, elders and staff of our little group of churches that make up the St. Croix Valley LEAD team (New Richmond, Somerset, River Falls & Baldwin). On February 3rd Carol and I will hop into my car and drive to the Phoenix area. We will fly to Orlando on Sunday, February 6th, for a seminar and a few days with Gregg and Heidi Heinsch and watch the Packers win the Super Bowl with them. I assume you noticed the theme of warmer climates?

The plan is to then head back to Phoenix for five weeks of sabbatical. I will spend my time seeking personal renewal, fun with Carol, quality time with Nate and Josh who are both going to school in the area, and work on a project for future implementation in FCC.

My original plan was that I would take ten to twelve weeks of sabbatical, but with the changes that have and will take place due to Dave’s resignation, we (the elders and I) thought it best that we cut the time back a bit. When I offered to pass the sabbatical altogether, they told me I would be taking five weeks. I appreciate their generosity; I could really use a break.

Please be aware in my absence we will be down two pastors from where we were in December, with Tim preaching four times a weekend. Remember if you have a care need you can reach Karen Garden (Care Ministries) by phone, email, or through The City. Check the FCC website for details. We also have some elders who can be deployed when needs arise; simply contact the office at 715-386-4070.

January 21st, 2011

This weekend…

…our teaching pastor Tim Porter will take us temporarily out of First Corinthians in order to help us better understand (that is, live out) the book. The love that Tim spoke of last week will be explored in greater detail as we spend our time in the fourteenth chapter of Romans. We will consider the matter of preferences in the life of the body, and how love and individual freedom relate to one another. We will consider what God is up to in this beautiful mess, the people God is molding ever so certainly into the likeness of His Son. We will also hear a testimony from a dad who will speak of how his journey as a father has increased His understanding of and affection for God.

By the way, have you told anybody new “I love you” this week?

How’s that Connection Center (CC) working out?

I thought I’d take a moment to give you an update as to what is taking place in the (CC) and how that fits into the larger picture of discipleship here at FCC. Hardly a service goes by where we don’t invite newer people to visit the CC. When someone walks in they are greeted by whoever has volunteered to serve as hosts for that service. A conversation begins in which the guest is given opportunity to ask any questions they have about FCC. They are also invited to share as much as they would like of their faith journey and personal story. Additionally we offer them two brochures which help them understand a bit more of what we are about at FCC, the programs and ministry opportunities we have available and how they can get connected with us.

Our visitors are also invited to attend Step of Faith a two week small group experience which is held periodically during the 10:30 time slot. During that time they will meet others new to FCC, gain insight into our mission and direction, and hear a clear presentation of the gospel. We will seek to give them a broader understanding of ministries in which they can get involved, including an invitation to become part of The City. At the end of the second week each participant will fill out a self-evaluation that will help them express where they are at in their journey with God. When we receive that information, we will follow up for the purpose of helping guide them in a direction that will serve them best. For some it will be encouragement to participate in Alpha, others will hear about the opportunity to be in a Life Group.

What we are after is being responsive to individuals in their journey to the degree we are able. We want more than an increased number of people coming to FCC and attending services, we want to help them move along the path of discipleship.

A normal weekend has 2-5 guests who take the initiative to come to the CC. If God has brought them this far, we want to take good care of those people He brings our way. I’ll fill you in a bit more next week on how you can help this area be more fruitful.

Last lesson from Papua New Guinea (PNG)…

…does not necessarily mean that I’ve shared everything I learned while on the adventure, but this will be my last reference to my experience. While this last piece of information saddens me a bit, I do believe it to be true.

Our presence at the dedication brings credibility to the church in PNG. The fact that the dedication included the governor of their province, a deputy ambassador from the US Embassy, as well as about nine other people from the states sent a clear message. The people of Yemli and the surrounding villages found out that the New Testament in their language is a big deal! Zack who accompanied me on the trip said at one point during the dedication ceremony “Why are they making such a big deal out of us when John and Amy (the translators) are the real heroes?” I couldn’t agree with him more.

Yet John, (co-hero along with Amy) is convinced that for the people of PNG our presence adds credibility to their ministry. If it helps the gospel go forward, I’m for it. I simply wish that the people would have an increased appreciation for God moving the Lindstroms across the world for them. What a God! He not only sent His Son, He now moves His church to reinforce that message. What a privilege to partner with them. I’m already planning for us to help them publish the next new language they are already working on. Who knows how many languages we may be able to partner with over the years?

As you can see we want to impact our neighbors and the globe. With a God sized vision of the world we can do both! Thank you for your partnership with us!

Serving with you,

Larry

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