LISTEN

If you can’t hear Heaven, then you can’t agree with Heaven.  And if you are not agreeing with Heaven, then you are not having much of an impact on Earth.

He who has ears, let him hear.   Matthew 11:15

Having trouble hearing what God is saying?  Tune in to “Listening, Just Like Peter” for some great hearing aids.

Podcast

“Listening, Just Like Peter,” Part 4 of our “Identity Protection” sermon series is now available online.

On the Radar

Art Submissions are being taken for the 2011 EFC Calendar.  The deadline has been extended to Sunday, October 3, so get those submissions in to Suzan Kennedy ASAP!

Revelation Bible Study has resumed Tuesdays, 12-1 pm.  Bring your lunch and join in the discussion!

Brazil Mission Team — Please be in prayer for Pastor Mindy and Pastor Lorin as minister with Global Awakening in Healing Crusades in Brazil.  Click here for itinerary and prayer points.

Get Your Tickets for the Take Everything Tour coming to Sweetwater on Sunday, October 17^th, at 7 pm.  To purchase tickets or find out how to be a corporate sponsor, log on to our church website at http://www.efcsweetwater.com.

Family Connection

Check out these resources to connect with our ministry to children and youth.

• Worldchangers – Discussion starters from Sunday’s Kids’ Church lesson.
• The Salvage Yard – Youth Ministry Website

You Heard it at EFC

Been trying to remember one of those awesome songs we sang?  Here is our worship list from yesterday for those of you who just absolutely need a copy for yourself.  You can usually find them for purchase on itunes.com.

1. “Your Love Never Fails”
2. “How He Loves”
3. “Lord, You Have My Heart”
4. “Revelation Song”

Sunday Preview

Next Sunday, October 3, we begin our new sermon series “The Children’s Bread.”  I invite you to join us for this powerful month of discovering the healing grace of King Jesus.

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PRAYERS FOR BRAZIL MISSION TEAM

Pastor Mindy

Pastor Lolo

As I write this entry, two of Sweetwater’s finest are up in the air somewhere near the equator.  Pastor’s Mindy von Atzigen and Lorin Lopez are on their way to Brazil to serve on the ministry team with Randy Clark of Global Awakening Ministries.

Please pray for our beloved Mindy and Lorin and for their families as they are away.  A few prayer tips include:

• Safety as they travel.
• Great fellowship with their Global Awakening team members.
• New levels of faith and anointing as they minister in amazingly supernatural environments.
• Grace to bring the fire of revival and healing ministry back home to EFC and Sweetwater.
• Peace in their homes as they are away.

On a practical note, please refrain from texting or calling Mindy or Lorin while they are away.  International phone usage can become very expensive.  The best ways to communicate will be through email and Facebook.  I’m sure we will be reading some amazing status updates in the near future! 

Brazil Mission Trip Travel Itinerary:

• Thursday, September 23 – Air Travel to Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Friday, September 24 – Arrive Sao Paulo, team orientation, evening ministry
• Saturday, September 25 – Morning training, evening ministry in Santo Andre
• Sunday, September 26 – Morning training, evening ministry in Santo Andre
• Monday, September 27 – Morning travel to Barretos, evening ministry
• Tuesday, September 28 – Morning training, evening ministry
• Wednesday, September 29 – Morning training, evening ministry
• Thursday, September 30 – Morning training, evening ministry
• Friday, October 1 – Morning travel to Uberlandia, evening ministry
• Saturday, October 2 – Morning training, evening ministry
• Sunday, October 3 – Morning training, evening ministry
• Monday, October 4 – Travel to airport, depart for US
• Tuesday, October 5 – Arrive Home! 

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ACTIVE PARENTING

The von Atzigen house is full of some pretty interesting and often times hilarious conversations.  I vividly remember a mother/daughter chat in our home which left me both saddened and encouraged.

• Brenna: “Mommy, guess what?”
• Mindy: [Obligatorily] “What?”
• Brenna: “A girl at school told me I couldn’t be a princess anymore.”
• Mindy: Stunned silence.
• Brenna: “But, that’s not true.  I am a princess.  I’m glorious.”
• Mindy: [Sigh of relief] “Yes, Baby, you are a glorious princess.”

As the story was later related to me, I began to ponder, is that possible?  Can you really take someone’s princess status away?  And, though we dodged the tiara blasting bullet this time, the sad reality is that it is very possible for someone to take your princess title away.  In fact, it happens all the time.

On playgrounds and report cards, in the locker room and at parties, the identity of our children is always being challenged.  Psychologist Carl Jung put it this way, “The world will ask you who you are, and if you do not know, the world will tell you.”

Parents, one of our greatest responsibilities is to teach our children who God says they are before they believe the lies that others have to offer.  At age five it means we fight to hold on to their inner princess, but the stakes only get higher as they mature.

Are you taking an active role in positively identifying your children?  Have you planted the truth so deep in their hearts that the lies of others can’t root it out?  This is the power of the kitchen table and tuck-in time at night, this is the value of long walks and projects together. 

I once heard Dr. Dobson share that the primary source of a young woman’s self-esteem is what she thinks her daddy thinks of her.  If this is true, then I have determined not to leave my daughter guessing — by God’s grace, may she have no doubt how much her daddy loves and respects her.

By God’s grace, may your children never doubt as well.

Podcast

“Correctly Identified: The Story of Benjamin,” Part 3 of our “Identity Protection” sermon series is now available online.

On the Radar

Discipleship Training: “Jesus Fulfills the Feasts” continues this Sunday evening at 6 pm.  Join us as teacher Peter Lopez takes a look at the beautiful way our Savior fulfills His promises, illustrated though the Old Testament feasts.  Childcare is provided.

Art Submissions are being taken for the 2011 EFC Calendar.  The deadline has been extended to Sunday, October 3, so get those submissions in to Suzan Kennedy ASAP!

Revelation Bible Study has resumed Tuesdays, 12-1 pm.  Bring your lunch and join in the discussion!

Brazil Mission Team leaves this Thursday, September 23!  Please be in prayer for Pastor Mindy and Pastor Lorin as they join Global Awakening in Healing Crusades in Brazil. 

Get Your Tickets for the Take Everything Tour coming to Sweetwater on Sunday, October 17^th, at 7 pm.  To purchase tickets or find out how to be a corporate sponsor, log on to the Emmanuel Fellowship Church website.

Family Connection

Check out these resources to connect with our ministry to children and youth.

• Worldchangers – Discussion starters from Sunday’s Kids’ Church lesson.
• The Salvage Yard – Youth Ministry Website

You Heard it at EFC

Been trying to remember one of those awesome songs we sang?  Here is our worship list from yesterday for those of you who just absolutely need a copy for yourself.  You can usually find them for purchase on itunes.com.

1. “You Are Here” by Hillsong United
2. “Happy Day” by Tim Hughes
3. “I’ve Found a Love” Jenn Johnson version
4. “Lord, Let Your Glory Fall”  Rita Springer version

Sunday Preview

Join us next Sunday, September 26, as we continue our “Identity Protection” sermon series with a look at what Jesus spoke over Peter’s life and identity.

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“TAKE EVERYTHING” TOUR IN SWEETWATER, TX!

Emmanuel Fellowship Church and The Salvage Yard are excited to host the “Take Everything” tour featuring Seventh Day Slumber, KJ52, and The Letter Black!

For more information and to order tickets check out the Salvage Yard Website.

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I SURRENDER ALMOST

In yesterday’s message, we explored the story of a man named Jacob in the Bible.  His life is woven together with the thread of “almost.”  Many times he found himself incredibly close to God’s plan for his life, but he would so very often pull up short before he reached the goal.

Here is a review of Seven Key “Almosts” in Jacob’s life:

• Almost Never Happened: Jacob’s mother, Rebekah, was barren, but his daddy, Isaac, prayed for her, and she conceived twins.

Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife because she was barren. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.  (Genesis 25:21)

• Almost The First Born Son: Even from the womb, Jacob was grasping for the blessings of God as he grasped at his brother’s heal when he was born.  Esau was still the firstborn, but Jacob connived his way into getting the firstborn son’s benefits.  He bought the birthright for a bowl of beans, and he stole the blessing with a bowl of soup.

After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob.  (Genesis 25:26)

• Almost blessed By God: God appears to Jacob and speaks amazing promises over his life, but Jacob tries to connive God.  He tries to hijack the blessing and make a deal with God’s promises.  Jacob responds to God’s promises with a statement of, “If you will bless me, then I will follow you.”

There above it stood the Lord, and he said: “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will… Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will…”  (Genesis 28:13-20)

• Almost Married The Girl Of His Dreams: In one of the most heartbreaking stories of the Bible, Jacob wakes up the morning after his wedding to discover he is married to the wrong woman.

When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?”  (Genesis 29:25)

• Almost Got Paid For Years Of Work For His Father-In-Law: Jacob’s father-in-law, Laban, steals the flock of sheep he had promised to give to Jacob.

“Agreed,” said Laban. “Let it be as you have said.” That same day he removed all the male goats that were streaked or spotted, and all the speckled or spotted female goats (all that had white on them) and all the dark-colored lambs, and he placed them in the care of his sons. Then he put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob, while Jacob continued to tend the rest of Laban’s flocks.  (Genesis 30:34-36)

• Almost Leaves His Father-In-Law Behind: Jacob attempted to leave his father-in-law’s house and get a fresh start on life, but his wife, Rachel, stole her father’s idols and brought all of the spiritual junk with them.

When Laban had gone to shear his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household gods. Moreover, Jacob deceived Laban the Aramean by not telling him he was running away. So he fled with all he had, and crossing the River, he headed for the hill country of Gilead.  (Genesis 31:19-21)

• Almost Repents And Gets Right With God: In fear of losing his life, Jacob cries out to God for protection, but he ends up wrestling with God rather than surrendering to Him.  Jacob almost loses a leg in that wrestling match.

So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak.  (Genesis 32:24)

But something happens in the middle of Jacob’s almost life.  God steps in.  God doesn’t just almost step in.  God steps in.  And God fulfills His promise to Jacob, and His purpose for Jacob’s life.

I challenge you to leave your life of “almost” behind.  Allow yourself to fully surrender to God, and dare to discover what He can do through a life that is completely given over to Him.

Podcast

“Jacob, A Life of Almosts,” Part 2 of our “Identity Protection” sermon series is now available online.  Click to listen.

On the Radar

Discipleship Training: “Jesus Fulfills the Feasts” continues this Sunday evening at 6 pm.  Join us as teacher Peter Lopez takes a look at the beautiful way our Savior fulfills His promises, illustrated though the Old Testament feasts.  Childcare is provided.

Art Submissions are being taken for the 2011 EFC Calendar.  The deadline has been extended to Sunday, October 3, so get those submissions in to Suzan Kennedy ASAP!

Local Brown Bag program is needing volunteers from EFC during the month of September.  If you’d like to serve, show up at First United Methodist Church any Tuesday or Wednesday throughout the month, 9:30-11:00 am.

Revelation Bible Study has resumed Tuesdays, 12-1 pm.  Bring your lunch and join in the discussion!

Brazil Mission Team leaves September 23!  Please be in prayer for Pastor Mindy and Pastor Lorin as they join Global Awakening in Healing Crusades in Brazil.  For more info or to give a financial gift towards the cost of their trip, click here.

Family Connection

Check out these resources to connect with our ministry to children and youth.

• Worldchangers – Discussion starters from Sunday’s Kid’s Church lesson.
• The Salvage Yard – Youth Ministry Website

You Heard it at EFC

Been trying to remember one of those awesome songs we sang?  Here is our worship list from yesterday for those of you who just absolutely need a copy for yourself.  You can usually find them for purchase on itunes.com.

1. “Your Love Never Fails”  Chris Quilala version 
2. “Rain Down” Jesus Culture version
3. “I Surrender All”
4. “He Reigns” by Newsboys  

Sunday Preview

Next Sunday, September 19, as we continue our “Identity Protection” sermon series, Pastor Mindy will lead us in a look at the life of Benjamin and the power of a father’s blessing.

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A FUNNY NAME, BUT A GREAT GUY!

Here is a humorous excerpt from Sunday’s message where Mindy shares about the challenges of taking the last name “von Atzigen.”

Message recorded Sunday, September 5, 2010.

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GRACE

I’m not who I once was.  I’m not yet who I will be.

These two sentences reflect both the beautiful redemption and the work in progress of a follower of Jesus Christ.  As believers, our salvation is complete, and yet the process of becoming like Jesus and walking into the destinies God has called us to can be challenging—especially if we forget to give ourselves grace.  Grace to grow.  Grace to fail.  Grace to try again.  Grace to overcome.  Grace to succeed. 

The good news is that God does not ask us to do anything that He does not also equip us to accomplish.  So, when He says, “Come,” He is already extending the measure of grace that will be needed for us to follow. 

In Hebrew, the letter H is illustrated by an open window that signifies “grace.” 

God’s very name, YAHWEH, contains two measures of grace—He has more than you need to get the job done.

What has God called you to do?  Everything you need is streaming in through the open window before you.  Don’t let fear make you pull the blinds.  Let His grace in, let it change you, and let it fill you with the courage to trust and obey.

Podcast

“From Abram to Abraham,” Part 1 of our “Identity Protection” sermon series, is now available online.  

On the Radar

Discipleship Training: “Jesus Fulfills the Feasts” begins this Sunday evening at 6 pm.  Join us as teacher Peter Lopez takes a look at the beautiful way our Savior fulfills His promises, illustrated though the Old Testament feasts.  Childcare is provided.

Art Submissions are being taken for the 2011 EFC Calendar.  The deadline is Sunday, September 19, so get those submissions in to Suzan Kennedy ASAP!

Local Brown Bag program is needing volunteers from EFC during the month of September.  If you’d like to serve, show up at First United Methodist Church any Tuesday or Wednesday throughout the month, 9:30-11:00 am.

Revelation Bible Study has resumed Tuesdays, 12-1 pm.  Bring your lunch and join in the discussion!

Brazil Mission Team leaves September 23!  Please be in prayer for Pastor Mindy and Pastor Lorin as they join Global Awakening in Healing Crusades in Brazil.  For more info or to give a financial gift towards the cost of their trip, CLICK HERE.

Links

In Sunday’s message I referenced insights I learned from Peter Lopez about the intricacies of the Hebrew language.  You can discover more of Peter’s research at Beauty of the Bible.

Family Connection

Check out these resources to connect with our ministry to children and youth.

• Worldchangers – Discussion starters from Sunday’s Kid’s Church lesson.
• The Salvage Yard – Youth Ministry Website

You Heard it at EFC

Been trying to remember one of those awesome songs we sang?  Here is our worship list from yesterday for those of you who just absolutely need a copy for yourself.  You can usually find them for purchase on itunes.com.

1. “Grace Like Rain” by Todd Agnew
2. “He Reigns” by Newsboys
3. “Freedom Reigns” by Jason Upton
4. “When I Think About the Lord” Shane and Shane version

Sunday Preview

Next Sunday, September 12, we continue our sermon series, “Identity Protection,” with a look at the life and name change of Jacob.

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IDENTITY PROTECTION

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