August 2008http://www.centerpointstcroix.com/august-2008/en-US2010-07-31T23:46:44ZSquarespace Site Server v5.11.5 (http://www.squarespace.com/)This Sunday, August 31st @ 11AMhttp://www.centerpointstcroix.com/august-2008/2008/8/28/this-sunday-august-31st-11am.htmlCome As You Are2008-08-28T15:33:01Z "A Fun Day At The Beach"  at  Roger & Sandy Erickson's lake  home... Look for the CenterPoint Church sign on the side of the road.

Please come....and invite friends and family to this fun day at Roger & Sandy's home and beautiful beach on Sand Lake.

We will be having a potluck followed by games (volleyball, ladder ball, bean bag toss, boche ball) , and lots of fun in the water. Don't forget to bring your swim suits if you want to swim, and lawn chairs! If possible, bring a dish to pass for the potluck and a 12-pack of your favorite soda or water.

A few people have indicated that they would like to be baptized since we'll be by the lake again.  Please let me know if you'd like to be baptized this Sunday.  

Pastor Dick

]]>Contentment - by Sandy Ericksonhttp://www.centerpointstcroix.com/august-2008/2008/8/26/contentment-by-sandy-erickson.htmlCome As You Are2008-08-26T18:06:59ZAs I see summer slowly fading, I do look forward to fall with all the color and really a time of getting back into routines and schedules, and especially for you families with school age children.  However, I can then let myself look down the road to winter with the snow, cold, and icy winds off the lake.  When I allow myself to think and even put energy into what is or isn't to come, I realize I certainly am not allowing myself to Abide in the Vine for the moment, to focus, or be content and really enjoy my circumstances as they are right at this time and place.  There I can go again, doing rather than being.  CONTENTMENT.....that brought me to Philippians 4:11, "Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be CONTENT in whatever circumstances I am in".  I think our world, in general, promotes dissatisfaction with our lives.  We are constantly bombarded with newer and better things that will make our lives complete......if only we would obtain them!  If we listen to the world, we will always be comparing our lives/lifestyles and possessions with those of others.  If our contentment comes from possessions, activities, as well as other people, they can always be removed or taken away.  However, if our contentment comes from a relationship with Christ, there is nothing that can alter it or take it away!  I would say that's confidence and contentment!
 
When you look at the life of Paul, he had enjoyed power and status, but had also been imprisoned in chains in the depths of a jail cell.  If you remember, Paul had also stood before a king and almost stoned to death by an angry mob.  It's clear that while he had enjoyed some real pleasures in life, he was willing to give all that up and willing to risk his life for the sake of Christ.  And yet, while even in the worst of circumstances, he had the Joy of the Lord.  His contentment certainly did not depend on his environment........it was due to his solid relationship with Christ.  What an example:  Contentment (and joy)  regardless of circumstances.  WOW!
 
Contentment is really freeing and enables us to enjoy everything God gives us.  Contentment in the life of a believer really says, I know I am loved and that God has only my best interest at heart.  If you think about it, discontent stems from ingratitude, which is sin and also a lack of faith that God loves you enough to provide for all your needs.  Bottom line, it seems that a heart of gratitude and contentment can leave no room for envy.  As I thought back to last week, it spoke volumes to me that if I am truly Abiding in the Vine and bearing much fruit, I would be content.  I believe God has truly placed each person involved in CenterPoint Church in this place, at this time, for His purpose.  So, let's pray that each of us will Abide, Bear Fruit, and like Paul, 'learn to be content in whatever circumstances I am in".  I don't know about each of you, but for me that is a very high calling and a very high standard.  With the power of the Holy Spirit we will keep on keeping on!
]]>Location Finalized!http://www.centerpointstcroix.com/august-2008/2008/8/21/location-finalized.htmlCome As You Are2008-08-21T14:56:04Z

It is amazing how God moves after our times of prayer and fasting each Tuesday!  We received a call from the St. Croix Falls High School yesterday with the great news that a custodian has agreed to work with us each Sunday morning to open and close the building for us.  God truly answers prayer! 

We will be meeting with the custodian some time next week to walk through all that we will need.  Please pray that this meeting goes well and that all of the areas we indicated we needed when we completed the application will be granted to us.  On our walk-through, we saw a wonderful space for a nursery (carpeted and with a sink to wash hands), and another space for Children's Church (carpeted and with media equipment available for our use).  The Commons area we've asked for is fantastic!  The ceilings are high, the acoustics are good, the round cafeteria tables and chairs will be in place, and we can use their built-in screen and projector.  It is perfect for CenterPoint...a perfect place where everyone who comes will be able to "Come As You Are"! Why should we be surprised at what God is doing?

Let's keep praying!  We'll keep you informed on further details, but for now please begin praying for the soft launch on September 14th (St.Croix Falls High School, 10AM) when we will launch into weekly services.

]]>Abiding in the Vine - by Sandy Ericksonhttp://www.centerpointstcroix.com/august-2008/2008/8/19/abiding-in-the-vine-by-sandy-erickson.htmlCome As You Are2008-08-19T16:29:19Z
I pray each of you are sensing the excitement as we come closer to our Soft Launch Date, and then looking forward to weekly services.  I personally have felt a real momentum building as we are very close to securing a 'home' for CenterPoint and also as we continue seeking God's guidance in our relationship with Converge Worldwide.  With God as the CenterPoint of our vision/mission, any and all things are possible.  What an exciting place to be! Prior to September 14th, we have some great events planned.  Next weekend is the First Annual Camping Trip of CenterPoint, organized by Dan and Laurie.  What a fantastic opportunity for a great time of fun and fellowship.  The following weekend on Sunday, August 31st, we will again gather at the Erickson's for a Lake Baptism, along with an afternoon of fun, fellowship and, of course, food.  So, put those dates on your calendars and we look forward to seeing each and everyone of you!
 
As I was contemplating everything that needs attention and will take place prior to our Launch, I can really put my mind in motion and sense "busyness".  Just looking ahead to fall and 'schedules' spells busyness.   For those of you who know me, I tend to keep busy.  And, if there is anything in my walk with the Lord that has needed His shaping, it would be not only giving more priority to my time in the Word and prayer, but time "Abiding in The Vine"........meditating and listening......being and not doing!  John 15:5 states, " I am the  vine, you are the branches.  He who abides in Me, and I in Him, will bear much fruit.  For apart from Me, you can do nothing."    When you think about it, if anyone could understand the temptation to let busyness distract Him, Jesus certainly could.  Yet, His priorities were always the Father's priorities!    The priority was the relationship, not  the activity.  I believe somehow we get the impression that we have to be constantly laboring for the Lord in order to meet God's high standards(?).  Jesus gave a clear picture of what our relationship to Him ought to be like.  He is the vine, the source of life itself.  We are the branches, the very place where fruit is produced.  As we receive life from Christ, the natural result then would be that fruit would be produced and evident in our lives.
 
I think that in our 'great intentions' to produce this fruit for the Lord, we can become so focused on the fruit production that we neglect the source and the very thing that brings it about, abiding in the vine/Christ.  We may think that abiding isn't productive....after all, look at what the world feeds us continually.  Somehow, selfworth has become a direct correlation and product of our busyness.  However, Jesus continually tells us that it is not the activity, but the relationship with Him, that produces the fruit.
 
Jesus gave an important warning to His disciples.  He cautioned them that if they ever attempted to live their Chtistian life apart from an intimate relationship with Him, they would soon discover that they weren't producing any significant results.  They could, in fact, exert great effort for the Kingdom of God, yet when they really stopped to account for ther lives, they would look pretty barren and empty.  Mark 11:14 gives the account of Jesus cursing the fig tree that had failed to produce fruit.  That had a dramatic affect.  The question that then faces each of us is:  are we comfortable in abiding, or do we find it necessary to be constantly engaged in activity?  A great harvest will result if we choose to abide in the Vine.  Isn't that what we as the CenterPoint Church Family want as our goal?.....to bear much fruit?! 

]]>Imperishable Crownhttp://www.centerpointstcroix.com/august-2008/2008/8/12/imperishable-crown.htmlCome As You Are2008-08-12T13:56:19ZI just have to share with anyone who missed the Preview Service at Lions Park on Sunday, you missed a real blessing!  What an incredible service....the worship, the message, the fellowship, the fantastic weather and, of course, 'good eats'.  God is moving at CenterPoint Church, and if you haven't had a chance to join us up to this point, I would highly encourage you to come on board and witness, enjoy, and participate in the growth of CenterPoint.  Prayers are being answered and we are witnessing even the smallest details coming together.  What a wonderful, awesome and mighty God we serve!
 
As Pastor Dick continued in the Book of Nehemiah and went on to share thoughts and Scripture pertaining to rewards and crowns for God's faithful servants, later on I couldn't help but begin to connect some of those thoughts to the rewards and accomplishments that are being attained at the current summer Olympic Games in China.  I must admit that I can become awe-struck by the physical abilities of the competing athletes.  Of course, these accomplishments and medals are the result of years and years of unbelievable time commitments and arduous training.  1 Corinthians 9:26 states, "Everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.  Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown".  Athletes seem to push themselves longer and harder and farther than anyone else.  They will strive to bring their minds and their bodies completely under control so they can excel and receive a prize.  Many of us go home to relax, but athletes will continue to train.  And, while most of us will try to protect ourselves from discomfort, athletes will push themselves to limits of endurance.  They also often pay any price for excellence, and certainly would not consider anything labeled mediocre.   Paul notes that despite their most valiant efforts, the athlete's success and prizes are eventually forgotten......a thing of the past.  Even the very greatest of athlete's achievements have not affected eternity.
 
If athletes can be so motivated to make incredible sacrifices for a perishable reward, how much more should we as Christians strive for an imperishable one?  If athletes will labor day after day in order to receive praise and glory from others, how much harder ought Christians to work for the "well done" of their God?  Think about these things:  are we training our bodies and striving to bring them into subjection for the glory of God?......are we training our minds to think the thoughts of God rather than the thoughts of the world?  Then, are we disciplining our lives in prayer?   Are we studying and spending sufficient time in God's Word so diligently that we are ready and prepared to find answers for the challenges we  continually face?   And, are we ready and prepared to share our faith?  Looking back to the imperishable crown talked about earlier, have we, as Christians, prepared ourselves in order to qualify for that crown that awaits us?  
 
While the world views the accomplishments, goals attained and medals won during the summer Olympics, I would guess they are awe-struck and impressed with the incredible results of these athletic events.  As Christians, we have the power of the Holy Spirit within each of us which has a far greater ability to impact the world and offer the greatest accomplishment by far, salvation won through Jesus' blood shed on the cross.....the ability to obtain the imperishable crown.  Lives won and lived for Jesus are eternal victories! 
 
"......NOW, THEY DO IT TO OBTAIN A PERISHABLE CROWN,  BUT WE FOR AN
IMPERISHABLE CROWN"
1 CORINTHIANS 9:26

In Him,   Sandy Erickson
]]>One Life to Livehttp://www.centerpointstcroix.com/august-2008/2008/8/11/one-life-to-live.htmlCome As You Are2008-08-11T15:01:27ZAt the Preview Service on Sunday we were reminded that we have only one life to live, and that we need to make it count!  Jesus is our example of living selflessly.  Pastor Dick shared many verses that speak of the crowns we will receive if we live our lives as Jesus instructed.

Leah read a great poem that reminded us what life here on earth is all about!


Only One Life (P.H. Harding)

Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life's busy way; Bringing conviction to my heart, and from my mind would not depart; Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done; Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet, And stand before His judgment seat; Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice. Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God's holy will to cleave; Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last. 

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears; Each with its days I must fulfill, living for self or in His will; Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score; When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say; Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep; Faithful and true what e'er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life; Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love and fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn; Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne; Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, "Thy will be done"; And when at last I'll hear the call, I know I'll say "twas worth it all"; Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

 

]]>God was Glorified!http://www.centerpointstcroix.com/august-2008/2008/8/11/god-was-glorified.htmlCome As You Are2008-08-11T14:35:45ZWhat a beautiful day the Lord gave us as we worshiped the Creator and marveled at His magnificent creation during our 4th Preview Service on Sunday!
The people kept coming...there were more new faces than there were launch team members this time.  Several people in the park stayed for the service and said they would like to come to CenterPoint Church in the future.  Many new families came in response to the invitation they received at the Wannigan Days Parade in July.  God has brought us to the Valley to reach the 70% who do not have a church home.  He is building His Church!!

Thanks to Chad, Linda, Brooks, and the entire team for leading us in worship....God received our praises!
Soon we'll be announcing where we will be meeting when we start weekly services on September 14th. Stay tuned!

]]>Preview Service this Sunday, August 10thhttp://www.centerpointstcroix.com/august-2008/2008/8/7/preview-service-this-sunday-august-10th.htmlCome As You Are2008-08-07T13:50:58Z

This Sunday, August 10th, is our 4th Preview Service.  The summer has just flown by!!

We'll meet at the Lions Park in St. Croix Falls, with the service starting at 10AM.  Please be inviting anyone you think would like to come to worship and who would like to take a "sneak peak" at what God is doing in and through CenterPoint.  The weather is looking perfect for this next service...so, come on along! Don't forget to bring a lawn chair or a blanket to sit on.

We'll follow the service with a potluck for anyone who can stay.    If you are able, please bring a dish to pass and your favorite soft drink.

We hope to see you on Sunday!]]>Compelled by Lovehttp://www.centerpointstcroix.com/august-2008/2008/8/5/compelled-by-love.htmlCome As You Are2008-08-05T13:16:38ZWe certainly have been enjoying some great summer weather and it has been just a delight to meet outdoors.  Sunday we had a great Launch Team Meeting at Lions Park.  Today (Monday) we also met with a very positive potential meeting site for CenterPoint starting in September, and are looking forward to good feedback.  REMEMBER, this coming Sunday, August 10th, at 10:00 a.m. we will have our next Preview Service at Lions Park, followed, of course, with a potluck.  EVERYONE is encouraged to attend and keep up the momentum as we look forward to our launch date!  See you there!
 
Pastor Dick shared on Sunday, as believers and the family of CenterPoint Church, the importance of being motivated by love.  Possibly it was the wedding of Adam and Bailey Dunnom on Saturday that brought this to mind, as their wedding text was I Corinthians 13.  I was also reminded of John 17:26, "I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them".  You cannot be close to God and not be affected by His love.  The heavenly Father loved His Son with an eternal, everlasting love.  Everything in the heart and life of the Father was released and given to His Son.  As God expressed His love for a fallen, broken and sinful world, you could see this same passion expressed throughout the life of the Son.  God, of course, initiated His plan to save mankind, and out of His heart of devotion, Jesus accepted the assignment given.....all the way to the cross.
 

As Jesus walked among men on this earth, it was God's love that filled Him.  Jesus knew that it was only this love that could have motivated Him to die on that cross.  There couldn't possibly be any other kind of love that would have kept Him perfectly obedient throughout His life.  Only the Father's love that filled Him could possibly have the power to compel Him to follow the path for which the Father purposed Him to follow.
 
Jesus prayed that the Father would fill His disciples with this same love, as I'm certain He knew there was nothing that could possibly motivate them for the assignments they had ahead of them.  When you think about it, it is impossible for us as Christians to be filled with this kind of love (and we are through the power of the Holy Spirit)...and not be on mission with God.
 
Really, we are not capable in any way of ministering to anyone God sends our way without His love.  We do not have the ability to forgive others, to go the extra mile when necessary, or sacrifice for others unless we have this 'boundless' love.  If we truly seek to know the Father and grow in our relationship with Him, then the love of Jesus will flow from us to others.  It is love that compels us as the family of God and of CenterPoint to carry out our mission/vision to seek and save the lost in the Valley.  What a privilege is ours!
"..........AND THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE"!

In Him,  Sandy
]]>Congratulations Adam & Bailey Dunnom!http://www.centerpointstcroix.com/august-2008/2008/8/4/congratulations-adam-bailey-dunnom.htmlCome As You Are2008-08-04T13:55:03ZAdam & Bailey at their rehearsal dinner with Pastor Dick & Julie. The handsome groom with his beautiful bride.  Congratulations Adam & Bailey!!

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