Hello First Family ~ I just want to remind you of the neat opportunity we have tonight, August 25, 7:00 pm, to hear from some very special missionaries, Mike and Diane Chapman.  Here's a little of their story to whet your appetite! See you there.

~ Pastor D

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Missionaries ~ Michael and Diane Chapman
Special Assignment Missionaries Serving in Papua New Guinea

Michael and Diane Chapman, Special Assignment Missionaries for the Church of the Nazarene, have been serving in Papua New Guinea since December 2007. After 22 years of living in Alaska, they left their home and jobs to answer the call that God placed on their hearts and for their lives to help build the kingdom of God in Papua New Guinea. Serving the Lord and following His call is an adventure that gives Michael and Diane’s life meaning. The exciting journey continues each day for the two special assigned missionaries serving in Papua New Guinea.

Mike was assigned the responsibility of Project Manager for the Nazarene Health Ministries. Currently, Mike has been assigned to the Melanesia Nazarene Bible College and Teacher College as Construction Consultant. His responsibilities continue to be teaching Papua New Guinea men and women how to manage the work site and develop construction building skills. His thirty years of working and teaching on construction sites around the world has helped him to easily adapt into the Papua New Guinea culture. His experience of running his own company to working with commercial organizations has been very beneficial for all the many variety of projects that are needed and still have to be completed for the Nazarene Health Ministries and Melanesia Nazarene Bible College and Teacher College. As of today, he has completed the new Nazarene Hospital that is open and serving 3000 Papua New Guineans each month in the Western Highlands and others who come from all over Papua New Guinea. Other projects that have been completed in the two years are: new hospital temporary sewer system, new hospital pharmacy, new volunteer Barnabas House (25 bed guest house), and Hydro Electrical Project Design for the hydro dam and plant rebuild project.

Diane was assigned the responsibility of teacher for the Missionary Children’s Elementary School. The children, who attend come from missionary families who live on the Nazarene Mission Station in Kudjip. The school partners with the Evangelical Brotherhood Church (EBC) to also teach their children from Kugark and Tamil Wagi. The EBC children are learning English as a second language. The total number of students varies each year 6 to 10. Diane is responsible for all subjects that are taught throughout the school day. Volunteers, who come throughout the year help enhance the curriculum and increase the time spent with each student. The students like to learn and work very hard at their assignments. After teaching in the public school for 25 years, teaching in the mission school proves to be very rewarding experience for Diane.

Mike and Diane are the Work and Witness Coordinators for Papua New Guinea and the Melanesia Field. They organize and host work and witness teams that come to help build projects. There have been five teams come to the field in the past two years. The goal is to have three to four teams each month, so that the needed projects can be built throughout the field and region.

Mike and Diane have helped and continue to work as a team with all missionaries to help build strong relationships with the local tribes and the Nazarene Mission. The construction projects have been a tool used to introduce and role model Jesus to the workmen and community. Each day begins with devotions and prayer given by a variety of people – local pastors, workmen, doctors, nurses, students to name a few. Mike and Diane have been privileged to speak in several local churches encouraging the workmen and their congregations to live a holy life through the role model of character that is shown in everyday life. Several workmen and women have come to know the Lord from the time spent on the work site, at the church, or in the village. Mike and Diane believe that God uses them each and every day to be an example of what the Bible teaches to live a holy life and to share the gospel with all people.

Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you. He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am Holy.’
I Peter 1: 13 – 16 NIV

Hey, got a minute? Wanted to tell you something I’ve had on my heart. I love my church. I really do. God changed my life through the local church. I believe that what the church does matters and I have given my life to it.

When we say we love Jesus but don’t love the church we are basically booing the bride at the wedding…something the Groom won’t tolerate! Yes, the church is full of jacked up, hypocritical people…and there is room for more! There is not a perfect church! BUT…the church is HIS. He said in Matthew 16:18 that He would build it…and…He is! The church was SO important to Him that He gave His life for it, established it and now sits at the head of it. Now, if all of that is true then IT MATTERS! We’re not called to just attend a church…we’re called to belong to one! I think we need to make some changes from membership to ownership. Here’s why: a member has RIGHTS; an owner has RESPONSIBILITIES!

Sometimes the church finds itself in such a condition that we don’t really want to attend. It happens. And when it does, we basically have 2 options: go somewhere else, or stay and help fix the issues. The church ought to be a place of real celebration, because “once I was LOST, but now I am FOUND”! When that happens – it ought to cause us to get happy. The potential of the church is AMAZING…and Salem First, if God has done great things and been faithful for 98 years, then what could the next number of years look like? God didn’t die on a cross to raise an audience but rather to raise an army…and an army is willing to do whatever it takes to win!

I want to ask each of you to make a serious commitment with me. Between now and OCTOBER 10, I’d like to have you identify 10 people that you know who are not yet into the Kingdom. I’d like to have you commit to pray daily and diligently for their salvation every day. And later in September, I’d like you to invite them to attend church with you on OCTOBER 10. On that Sunday, we will have an unforgettable morning, and an invitation will be made asking them to invite Jesus into their life. It could be/will be an unforgettable day in the life of our church.

On August 15 we begin a brand new series, 24 – A DAY IN THE LIFE OF JESUS. It’s going to be great!

Are you aware that we’re putting forth a great effort to create a new CHURCH DIRECTORY? I need you to stop by and get a quick picture taken. No sales pitch, no special attire, just you – and your family if you have one. We’ll make it quick and easy. You can slip into Room 112 starting this Sunday, August 8, 10:30 am – 1:00 pm, or 5:00 –7:00 pm, and at the same times the following Sunday, August 15. We will also have photo sessions on Wednesday, August 11, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm and at the same times the following Wednesday, August 18. Thanks for your participation!

One more thing First Family…I really do LOVE MY CHURCH – enough to help us get healthier, reach new people, enjoy a great environment of worship, and connect with people who are regular folks but love Jesus. The challenges are real, and at times there seems to be no shortage, but Jerri and I are here -- we aren’t hopping from church to church every few years. We’ve bought in! Not because everything is perfect. But because we believe that it’s still God’s answer for changing the world. It’s still got great potential for a compelling future. Your faithfulness, commitment, servant heart, and generous spirit always touch me, not to mention your phenomenal flexibility during our building project.

I love this church…and am so thankful for those of you who have taken ownership and invested time and treasure into this place and have been a part of what God is doing!  I love my church…and I love you guys. Thanks for allowing me the honor of serving you as pastor! We’ve had some amazing times these past 10 years…but THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!!

Blessed By God and you,

Pastor Dave

P.S. For those who would like an Israel Update – I’ve asked Jerri to give a report this SUNDAY EVENING AT 6:00 pm on her recent trip to Washington D.C. and the Christians United for Israel gathering. I hope you’ll join us!

If you have paid any attention to the new iPhone and some of the challenges it has, then you’ll appreciate this piece I ran across that I thought worth sharing with you. Enjoy the read, and let’s heed the message. Bless you this day!

The recent problems with the iPhone 4 have been interesting to watch.  Basically…there was/is a design flaw. (I can see/hear the Apple evangelists screaming “you don’t understand” as I type this!)  The antenna was placed into the phone in such a way that it is concealed; however, the design of this phone also lends to the antenna being covered up and calls being lost/dropped.  SO…Apple called a HUGE conference last Friday and announced their solution – they are going to provide free cases to cover up the phone (that will force the user to hold the phone differently, thus “fixing” the problem).

As I watched this scenario develop I sighed (NOT because of the phone deal, I have a Blackberry…it works really great).  The reason I think this was a really bad idea is that it didn’t address the problem…it just covered it up!  At the end of the day the product is still flawed, no matter how “pretty” the cover that the iPhone users get!

We do the same thing SO many times as followers of Christ…we try to cover up the problem instead of dealing with it (Isa. 29:13).
We cover up the fact that we are addicted to porn by refusing to repent…instead we go to church and sing as loud as we can, thinking we can “cover up our problem” rather than dealing with it.  We cover up the fact that we are dating someone that we know God doesn’t want us to be with…instead we justify what we are doing by at least getting them to come to church with us.  We won’t “deal” with our disobedience…rather we try to cover it up with our made up morality.  We cover up the fact that we are living in disobedience by surrounding ourselves with people who will affirm our dysfunction rather than lovingly call us out (Hebrews 10:24-25).  We tell Jesus that we will follow Him…that we will do “whatever” He asks–but then He hits on “THAT” issue, you know, the one we’ve always struggled with…and instead of dealing with it, repenting, asking for help–we begin to cover up our sin with religious phrases and copying and pasting Scripture.

I really could go on and on here…but the question is this (for all of us): is there anything that you are trying to cover up that God is specifically trying to deal with?  Because…the thing I’ve learned about God is that HE is relentless, He is AFTER our hearts…and our rituals and religion is worthless in His sight if we are refusing to submit and obey to what HE is saying (Ezekiel 14:1-6).  I know it's hard when God comes after our hearts…and PRIDE is a reason many people choose to cover up their sin rather than confess it. People FEAR the consequences of confession; however, the consequences of concealing our sin are SO MUCH GREATER than the consequences of confession.

Romans 8:1 tells us God didn’t send Jesus to die on a cross so we can cover things up but rather so that we could confess, repent and THEN live in freedom!

 

Pastor Dave

 

 

Monday is the day so many are tempted to quit, give up and/or throw in the towel. Don’t do it! Don’t quit! I’ll tell you why: Galatians 6:9 tells us Let us not grow weary in well doing, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up.

Here’s a thought I would share because, well, it’s Monday!

It is not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbled or how the doer of deeds might have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena. Whose face is marred with sweat and dust and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause. Who, if he wins, knows the triumph of high achievement, and who, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat. ~ Teddy Roosevelt

On another note, it was a FABULOUS SUNDAY at Salem First. WOW! Some 250+ kids for the week of Bible School, and then, to have them invade our day yesterday – WHAT LIFE they brought! Meeting so many new people I felt like I was a bird dog in the middle of a bunch of ducks. It was fantastic!

Trevor, Ellen, Roseanne Bowles and a host of TREMENDOUS VOLUNTEERS pulled off one of the greatest weeks we’ve ever had here for Vacation Bible School. WAY TO GO GANG! The presentation yesterday was powerful and gave us great insight into what our capabilities are in connecting with young families.

Church Family, THANK YOU for your generous support, loving spirit, and powerful prayers. Lives are being changed and we are working hard to connect with many new people. Thanks for being “others focused” as you walk through the church door. Finding a new person (someone you don’t know) and reaching out to them is HUGE! Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel.

THIS SUNDAY is going to be another outstanding day of worship and connection. I know it’s July 4th, but let’s gather and worship together. I’ll be speaking to you about a very important subject that is timelier than you can imagine. I promise, you’ll walk away saying, “That was worth coming to.”

So, see you this Lord’s Day!

 Pastor Dave

                                          ISRAEL UPDATE – JUNE 2010

Dear Salem First Family,
Could I take just a few minutes and give you an important update on what happened this week concerning Israel and the Flotilla encounter? As you know, Israel has found itself once again in the crosshairs of the world, especially the Muslim world. The Flotilla Crisis – which has been presented as an insensitive attack by Israel – has once again not been reported accurately, nor will it. Jer and I had the privilege of being on a conference call with Pastor John Hagee on Thursday, and we had the opportunity to hear first hand from Israel’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Daniel Ayalore. Here are some of the facts that he presented, which are not making the news:
- This was a planned event. There is an agenda against Israel that targets raising the levels of hatred toward it. Behind this “humanitarian effort” is the workings of Hamas and other Muslim Radical groups
- The Flotilla is listed as the IHH – which is a non government agency in Turkey that has ties to Hamas and Hezbollah. Turkey is where the flotilla began.
- Their mission was to break the inspection blockade that keeps just any vessel from getting into Gaza, because this blockade is intended to prevent further terrorism.
- Israel not only has communicated continually with everyone that they will help facilitate any aid that needs to get to Gaza, but they have remained committed to actually make sure it does get there.
- Israel has ensured a corridor for humanitarian efforts to pass into Gaza.
- 5 of the 6 ships in the Flotilla allowed the Israeli government to inspect them. Ship #6 had prepared an ambush – any peace activists were put below deck.
- On deck there were about 80 violent people, armed with knives, pipes, protection vests and gas masks. They refused to let the IDF onboard.
- As the IDF forced themselves on board, they were attacked.
- Thousands upon thousands of dollars were found in envelopes that were in the pockets of the mercenaries.
- The goal was to embarrass Israel and make Israel look like the bad guy to the world.
- On Thursday another ship headed to Gaza, which was from Ireland. It was contacted by Israel and told that it would escort the ship to Gaza and help assure its cargo was handled appropriately. All they asked was to be able to inspect the ship. There was no response of any kind from the Irish ship.
- All to say, Israel was targeted, presented in an untruthful, bad light. A variety of its soldiers were beaten and injured. What appeared to be a “humanitarian peace effort” evidenced itself for what it was – a puppet of Hamas, and played the perfect victim role.
- The State of Israel approached the organizers of the flotilla - prior to their departure and, even while at sea - and invited them to dock at the Port of Ashdod for the sake of transferring their cargo to Gaza, subject to security inspection. The organizers of the flotilla intentionally ignored repeated warnings - including messages from the European Union—and rejected offers by Israel and Egypt to transfer humanitarian goods.
People are not starving in Gaza. In fact, Israel has delivered 2/3 of a ton of supplies to every man, woman and child in Gaza this year alone. The need for the blockade comes from the terrorist nature of Hamas, which allows and has encouraged terrorists to use Gaza as a launching pad for sending rockets towards Israeli civilians.

Israel has expressed and continues to express its desire for peace and continues to extend its hand to all those who are willing to participate in moving forward to true peace. Israel's actions are aimed at blocking arms and explosives shipments to Hamas, which is at war with the Jewish state. Since Israel gave up all of Gaza in 2005 with hopes for peace, Hamas and other terrorists operating from Gaza have fired more than 7,000 rockets and mortar shells aimed at Israeli civilians. Why wouldanyone wantto allow Iran-backed Hamas to re-arm with more rockets?

To read the international press or listen to certain world leaders, you would think that Israel attacked the LOVE BOAT. As the Prime Minister of Israel pointed out, this was not a love boat - this was a boat of hatred. Israel's soldiers were attacked with metal bars, baseball bats, chairs, knives, machetes and even their own captured guns. So, there you have it in a nutshell. But it’s not over.

Friends, I think you’ll agree, this is a critical time for us to stand with Israel. This is a great time for us to be lifting Israel in our prayers. Pray that God will reveal Himself through this crisis so that the World will see God fights for Israel. Pray that God will use this event to open the eyes of His people to their Messiah. Pray, as the scripture tells us, “for the peace of Jerusalem.” Yesterday, the Foreign Affairs Minister couldn’t thank us (and you) enough for our love and support. He appealed to us to help get the truth out, and to continue to hold forth support for his country.

Jer and I determined this week that she will be there in Washington D.C. in July for the Christians United For Israel gathering. She, along with others, will speak to the leaders on Capital Hill regarding the Nation’s ongoing support for Israel. We believe this voice certainly needs to be heard in Washington. Thanks for your prayers for Israel. They do make a difference. When you have a bit of time, get alone and read through Isaiah 62. The call is that we not be silent. This is where we need to stand.

SUNDAY REFLECTIONS – May 16, 2010
- “It’s EVERYBODY TIME.” That was the message yesterday. What’s that mean? It simply means that God is on the move in regard to our future and we all want to be included. As we take a purposeful look at the current makeup of our flock, it’s evident that in 5-10 years there is going to be a dramatic difference. That’s why it’s so imperative that we make a place for all ages, especially young families.
- It means that we need everybody on board in the areas of serving, giving, inviting and attending. As we head into the summer months, these are the ones that take the biggest toll on us. I’d like to ask you to really give priority to these arenas, and please understand, this has nothing to do with getting away for some needed and well deserved vacation.
- It means that we all stay aware of what’s on God’s heart concerning our church family, the unchurched, and our city.
- It means that we keep the church and its families in our prayers.
- It means we move into a strong future together.
A few questions:
- What do our tears say about us? What do we cry over? Does what breaks God’s heart, break ours?
- What do you sense God is wanting to do in our church?
- Have you connected with anyone new at the church lately, or reached out to them?
- Are you aware that this coming Sunday is the last Sunday we will be able to use the annex? The students will be moving into Lower Rickard, and the current classes will be transitioning into the gym. By the way… a huge THANK YOU to the Serendipity Class, Cornerstone Class, and Open Heart Class for their fantastic flexibility!
This Sunday is going to be a wonderful Lord’s Day around here. It’s a great chance to invite and include someone who needs to hear Good News.
One final piece: Yesterday when I shared about the remaining need of raising the last $700,000 to complete the $5.5 million on the project, I was reminded that we’ve just completed 12 months of the 36 we targeted. We’ve got 24 months and counting to complete the cost of this task. GOD IS WITH US! He’s brought us this far, He’ll see us through!

Thanks for being such a great flock! I love being your pastor.

Dave

SUNDAY REFLECTIONS

April 25, 2010

What a great day we had yesterday! The Lord continues to pour out His Spirit upon us! Boy, are we blessed! Okay, here’s a quick rundown that I think you’ll appreciate:

We turned 30 cars away yesterday from being able to park a bit closer to the church. What does this mean? Here’s what it means: We need as many as possible to use the PARK and RIDE on Hawthorne and Market streets. I know that many of you share the same heart that I do, in that we give our VISITORS priority. Can you help me out with that over the next number of weeks! THANKS – Really!

God continues to bring NEW PEOPLE through our doors. Here’s something that happened yesterday. A new couple stood in the hallway while numbers of people passed by. Pastor Rich observed this for a bit, and then took the initiative to connect with this new YOUNG couple. The problem was that NO ONE took the time to stop and reach out to them. I’d like to ask each of us to be more intentional about seeking out those that we see as NEW, and connect up with them. It will MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Got a CAR you’re looking to give to Jesus? We’ve got a single mom who is in great need of transportation. If you feel prompted to donate a vehicle, please let us know. She will feel like God gave her the world. We don’t need anything fancy, just dependable.

HERE’S WHAT’S COMING IN MAY:

THIS SUNDAY ~ Dr. David Alexander, President of Northwest Nazarene University will be with us to bring greetings and updates from the school. This will be a great chance to meet him and hear his heart. We’ve got a great day planned. Don’t miss this one.

MAY 9TH ~ PHILIP ZIMMERMANN will be with us. You already know this will be a fantastic Lord’s Day around Salem First. He will be giving us an update on the work there in Germany, and challenging each of us from God’s Word. We’ll also be honoring the MOMS as this is Mother’s Day.

MAY 16th ~ We’ll take some time during the service to give the flock an UPDATE on the building project. This will be timely for us as a congregation because it keeps us informed and on the same page together. I hope you’ll make this particular Sunday a real priority.

Each of you makes a great contribution to the church family. Your faithfulness, prayers, partnership and encouragement is all used by God to make Salem First a wonderful place to worship, and a powerful force in the Kingdom. Please know that I am thanking God for each of you this week! You  are the best.

With Love,
Pastor Dave

Five Quick Thoughts On Monday Morning… April 5, 2010
A few things I wanted to say to our church after a great day yesterday…

#1 –THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to volunteer this weekend! I am constantly touched at the relentless dedication that our volunteers show week after week. A church is not effective when the pastor ministers to the people but rather when the body ministers to the body…and this weekend SO MANY OF YOU served Jesus by serving others…and heaven is going to be more crowded because you took the time to do so.

#2 – We had many new people yesterday, and at our service Friday night. WOW. I got to meet a number of them. Way to go SALEM FIRST FAMILY. You reached out and invited friends and family and they came!

#3–Let’s keep doing what it takes to get people to church. Don’t give up on someone because they didn’t come…or they came but did not receive Christ. Every week we are going to go all out to make sure the Gospel is clear…it’s not just an Easter thing for us…and there are SO MANY in our communities that still do not know Christ! Remember…we are not a mega church; we are a neighborhood-church with a BIG VISION!

#4 –My prayer these days for our church is that we will experience an AWAKENING! Jesus didn’t die on the cross so that we could have nice church services…but so that people could be reconciled to God. I am asking God to move in such an undeniable way that ALL of us are dedicated to live out John 13:34-35 every single day of our lives…NOT just on Sunday!

#5 – I’ll close with a few housekeeping items:

- Fletch (Steve Fletcher) will be with us for the next 3 Sunday evenings. He’ll be taking us on a deeper look at the RESURRECTION OF CHRIST and the RESTORATION of Peter. These will be fantastic times. Lower Rickard – 6:00 pm. Don’t miss this one.

- BREAKFAST for guys who like BREAKFAST this Saturday morning, April 10, 8:00 am. It will be a great time.

- Ongoing construction creates intriguing adventures.THANK YOU for your amazing willingness to adjust, shuttle, exercise patience, remain generous, pray and remain positive and confident. YOU ARE THE BEST!

We begin a brand new series this Sunday: CSI– An investigation of the stories of Jesus. Come expecting a great day.

Amazingly Graced,

Pastor Dave

We were reminded once again that our Church truly is, “A place of Restoration.” We witnessed the public declaration of Christ by some 30 people as we celebrated their Baptism. The Church was on fire with great rejoicing and celebrating. Way to go Salem First!

Evangelism is not an option for the church…it is a command! Matthew 28:18-20 is our mandate.

People that meet Jesus have a desire for others to meet Him! We saw this so clearly with those who were baptized.The power of their testimonies was unforgettable. WOW, did the transforming power of Jesus light up our flock! I was reminded, our job is not to legislate the morality of people who don’t know Christ…but rather to introduce them to Him! We catch ‘em and He cleans them.

The world will NOT BE CHANGED by what we believe but rather how we behave!

I am NOT praying for merely an amazing church service next week…but rather an Encounter with the LIVING Christ that will change lives. The majority of our city is unchurched.On any given Sunday, only about 20% of the population is in church. That leaves over 100,000 unchurched people that we can reach out to. Take a look at that line again…EVERY single one of those people have a SOUL…THEY MATTER TO GOD and they SHOULD matter to us! JESUS changes people. It’s not our job to change someone…but rather to get them to a place where they can meet Jesus and HE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE!

I want you to ask you to join me this week in DOING all that we can to invite people to church, and secondly, BEGGING God to do something amazing this weekend. Church…let’sPRAY like crazy and work as hard as we can to INVITE people to church next weekend…and let’s trust HIM to be the difference maker!!!

I hope you all have an amazing week! I can’t WAIT to see what Jesus does at Salem First next Sunday!

Pastor Dave

P.S. Don’t forget, we’d like to leave our closest parking for guests and senior adults. We’ll meet you at Park and Ride and get you from car door to front door in one of our “famous” Salem First Shuttles.

BTW – How about our fantastic shuttle drivers and parking lot attendants?!

Hey Men!

 

I thought I’d take a minute to send you a reminder about the Men’s Ministry Breakfast at the church this Saturday, February 13 at 8:00 am. Gerald & Cara Pygott will be serving up a delicious breakfast. Let’s plan to “break bread” and fellowship together, and then we’ll be on our way by 9:00 am.

 

Please reply to this email if you (and any guests) will be attending this breakfast. Having a head count will really help Gerald know how much food to prepare.

 

Also, please share the news about this breakfast with other Salem Naz men you know that don’t have email.

 

Thanks so much,

Pastor Dave

What a great Lord’s Day we enjoyed together!  Have you noticed that we’ve had more Sundays of sunshine than rain?  Love it!  God has been good to keep us dry while we’ve adjusted to the changes in our facilities.  You continue to do a tremendous job in meeting the parking challenges.  THANKS!

We got off to a strong start in our series for the month, From The Seats To The Streets.  Some of the things worth our consideration this week are…

 Incarnational living (allowing God to have complete ability to live His will out through us) is the standard that God has called us to as Christ followers.

 We cannot allow ourselves to define our Christianity by how busy we are with church activities, Bible studies, small groups, etc., but by whether all of our knowledge of what we learn from God is resulting in, “our love for Him being expressed by meeting the needs of others.”

 We will eventually get stuck in our spiritual growth if all we do is consume and never give.  There comes a time when our life is no longer about ourselves.  This is so important, because we do not want our church to one day be a monument of what God USED to do.

 Passion Deficiency Syndrome has hit the church. Did you ever see the movie, The Passion of the Christ?  Did you notice it was not called, The Boring Religious Obligation of the Christ?

 We don’t want to be a church that builds an audience that gathers on the weekend, but rather an ARMY the moves out to MAKE A DIFFERENCE on a regular basis. We often times prefer to visit with God on Sunday rather than have Him invade our lives.”

 Jesus said He would make us to be Fishers of Men~Matthew 4:18.  If we are going to follow Jesus then our hearts must beat for the lost.

 We (the church) have a HUGE responsibility – we are here because we are personally responsible for the evangelization of the entire world before the second coming of Jesus Christ.  We cannot afford to forget this!

I believe the church has the power to checkmate the devil!

In John 17:14-18, Jesus prayed that His followers would not be taken out of the world…but too many of us are trying to do just that!  IT IS VERY HARD TO CHANGE A WORLD THAT YOU ARE NOT IN!

Contrary to the thinking of so many, Christianity is not a behavioral modification program.  Think about these things.  Aim your life at incarnational living.  Come expecting a FANTASTIC day THIS SUNDAY!

I’m amazed that I get to do what I do.  YOU are LOVED! 

Pastor D

We had a tremendous Lord’s Day at Salem First.  You did it again!  We made it hard for you to attend because of the parking adventure, BUT YOU JUST KEEP SHOWING UP!  WOW!  Your dedication touches me, our staff and most of all, JESUS!

We had a chance to be reminded by God’s Word that WE are a Fellowship of formerly LOST PEOPLE… who have been REDEEMED and RECONCILED to God, and that He is making our CHURCH a beautiful DWELLING PLACE for Himself.

We were reminded that God will, at times, use TRAGEDY to get our attention. What a great conversation with MARTY Lupoli!  Thanks for loving him! Now, watch how God is going to use him.

Our NEW SERIES begins this Sunday – “Out of The Seats and Into The Streets.”  This is going to help keep us focused on being a MISSIONAL CHURCH – A church with a vision and purpose. 

Ephesians 2:10 is true about YOU…He didn’t create you to be a chia pet…but an instrument used for His glory.  I challenge you to MEMORIZE this verse as we get into this series.  We will never do what God wants until we see who He is!

AND…we will never discover who God is apart from reading HIS word.  I challenge you to spend this MONTH of February reading the Bible.  I believe that if you’ll commit to this that you’ll hear His voice clearer during this month than you’ve ever heard Him before.

When a person understands WHO God is and WHAT God’s done…surrender is a natural result.  A person who is completely surrendered to God CANNOT sit still when He clearly says to move.

I’ll close with a quote from C.S. Lewis that has rocked me deeply: “Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak.  We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea.  We are far too easily pleased!”

We serve an amazing God…and He is offended NOT when we ask BIG…but when we don’t ask at all! He still AMAZES me!  See you Sunday!

Pastor D

 

MARKET STREET – BETWEEN 17TH AND CAPITOL STREETS – IS NOW CLOSED until early February for a City of Salem sewer construction project. You will need to detour to the church via D Street rather than Market.

SHUTTLE SERVICE FROM CORNERSTONE PLAZA (on Park & Market Streets) will run this Sunday between 7:45 am and 12:45 pm. Please note: The Park & Ride on Hawthorne will NOT BE USED.

Ron Harboe (of Salem First) has notified us of a POSSIBLE JOB OPPORTUNITY at the fertilizer plant where he works, Crop Productions Services. If interested, call Ron at 503.393.1141.

MEN’S BREAKFAST This Saturday, January 9, 2010, 8:00 am, Lower Rickard Center. Donations will be received to help defray cost of breakfast. Pastor Dave will be speaking.

Sunday Reflections – January 3, 2010

Here are a few thoughts on a GREAT DAY at Salem Naz…

It was a tremendous day of CELEBRATION!  You really came through with making the effort to be here at the close of a long holiday break.  You really came through in helping us with the PARKING ADVENTURE!  WOW!  You were fantastic!

Our volunteers were also FANTASTIC – shuttle drivers, parking lot attendants, greeters, children’s workers, nursery workers and more.  Each of you did a GREAT job to help make Sunday an HISTORIC DAY!

The sense of GOD’S PRESENCE and the gathering of the Salem First church family combined to give the services an air of excitement and expectation.  What a celebration we had! 

This past Sunday really sets the stage for a tremendous year.  2010 can be one of the most powerful, meaningful, and unforgettable years we’ve had around First Church for a long time.  We need to capitalize on the momentum and reach out to invite others to be a part of what God is doing: CHANGING LIVES.

There were a number of comments and remarks made by readers of the Statesman Journal in response to the GROUNDBREAKING article.  If you took the time to read any of the comments, you could be discouraged. HOWEVER, I was reminded that we were all once aliens and strangers from God and that we were full of rebellion and disdain toward Godly things.  Romans 5:8 tells us that it was “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

The feelings expressed by onlookers reminded me again that we need to continue to connect with our neighborhood, its schools, its association board, through what we currently do and even more, so that they do see and know that Salem First Church of the Nazarene is a blessing to have as a neighbor. 

Thanks for your ongoing support, prayers, participation, giving, volunteering, and faith that God has great things in store for us together.

I’m so thankful for the past, but more excited about the future. 

See you Sunday!  Come expecting something great.

Pastor D

Christmas weekend held some great moments.

At the close of the first Christmas Eve service I had a great surprise.  A
young guy who had been attending the church last spring and summer was
electrocuted with 17,500 volts in August.  He was burned over 75% of his
body both INSIDE and OUT. He is a pure miracle for two reasons: 1) People
who get electrocuted like this don't live, and 2) He wasn't ready to meet
Jesus.  But he is now! He was able to attend the Christmas Eve service.
WOW! What a Savior!  You'll be hearing more about this story, so stay tuned.

Has there ever been a time in your life that you were closer to God than you
are right now?  If so...why not make a move toward God as we embark on a
brand new year together?  He wants you to come home!

Christmas time is a reminder that God RAN to us...He came here so we could
come home!!!  Scope out the story in Luke 15.

We had a chance to be reminded that we serve a God who is faithful to
FULFILL HIS WORD NO MATTER WHAT!  Matthew's Nativity story has taken on a
whole new meaning for me, and I hope for you.

Our "behind the scenes" look at the fulfillment of the Old Testament
prophecies about Jesus has been powerful and refreshing.  This is the God we
serve. He's headed into 2010 with us!  Do you trust Him?

I want to ask each of you to join me in reaching out to people you know who
would be great to invite to church this Sunday.  GroundBreaking is a great
platform for a NEW START in the life of a person.  Let's plan on getting
here early due to the extra time needed for parking.

Remember, overflow parking for this Sunday will be at the PARK AND RIDE on
Market and Hawthorne.  We'll begin picking people up at 7:45 am.  Come
expecting a tremendous day.

I'm asking the 9:15 crowd to stay for the 11:00 service where we can
CELEBRATE TOGETHER the Greatness of our GOD!

That's about it...it's been a great weekend and it's been an awesome year to
watch God work!!!  Thanks for being part of the SALEM FIRST FAMILY.  Our
greatest and most powerful days lay just ahead.

Pastor D

P.S. We're looking for one more person to fill a seat on the upcoming Israel
trip.  If interested please let me know. We'd love to have you go with us.

Dear First Family,

I’ve been reflecting on both the season that we’re in, as well as the busyness of December.  Sometimes I wonder if the two go well together, or if they clash most of the time.  So, yesterday I had a bit of time to reflect and I believe it was most productive, because I came up with a list of things that I sometimes so easily forget.  I’ll share it with you…

#1 – Jesus loves His church more than I do…so any “freaking out” that I do is totally unnecessary!

#2 – The same God who allowed the storm I am going through will also see me through it.

#3 – The results in ministry are NOT totally up to me!

#4 – Success in ministry will not be measured by how big my church is…but rather by whether or not my wife and kids really love me when this thing is over!  I can probably get another church…but I can NEVER get another Jerri, Brandon, Brock or Barry.

#5 – God came into this world in the person of Christ to capture my heart and get involved in seeing me through my “stuff.”  Isn’t that fantastic?

#6 – Eternity IS reality!  Every single person I see is someone who WILL spend eternity somewhere…and I need to embrace that fact with urgency!  (See Romans 10:14 and Romans 10:17)

#7 – Being busy doesn’t equal being godly!

#8 – Sometimes fighting the good fight means choosing your battles carefully.

#9 – The same power that brought Jesus back from the dead is living inside of me…and IN HIM I can do ANYTHING that He commands me to do!

It’s my prayer that this will be a meaningful and fulfilling Christmas as we remember that – no matter what things we are facing, experiencing, or working through, all of those things and more are the whole reason why Jesus came.I’m thanking God for each of you today.  

Thanks for your partnership in ministry and for all of the prayers, investment, and love that you have extended this past year for JESUS.  He sees every bit of it, and He will honor you for it.  Because of your selflessness, many lives have been touched both here and around the world.

Enjoying HIS Advent Grace,

Pastor Dave

 Dear First Family,