S-T-R-E-T-T-C-C-H-H-H

In the midst of all of the loud music, bright lights, and excitement of yesterday’s worship service and evening concert with The City Harmonic, one testimony brought the entire day’s activities into perspective. 

A young man caught me after the concert and said, “Pastor Eric, this was a breakthrough day for me.”  He then went on to describe the freedom he experienced to lift his hands and celebrate as a worshipper.

“This was a breakthrough day for me.”  Amen. Amen. Amen!

Those are the words a minister lives to hear.  All of the planning, all of the prayer, all of the work is focused toward this one beautiful goal — spiritual breakthrough and growth in the lives of the ones we love.

I believe this young man’s personal observations were an accurate assessment of what we experienced as a church body yesterday.  It was a day of breakthrough as we were stretched in many areas.  From attendance, to sound quality, to lighting effects (I didn’t know our lights could do the things they did!), to the teamwork it took to make it all come together, we were stretched to reach out to new levels of breakthrough. 

As pastor of Emmanuel Fellowship Church, I am blessed and overjoyed by where God has brought us as a congregation, and days like yesterday invite me to dream of where God is taking us as we continue to follow Him in this grand adventure.

As I laid my happy/sleepy head down on my pillow last night, I found myself in agreement with the words of my friend, “This was a breakthrough day for me.”

I pray it was for you as well.

Podcast

“Jesus is Better” part two of the Amazing Love sermon series is now available online.

Links

City Harmonic fans, Peter Lopez is giving away 3 autographed CDs of the EP “Introducing” by The City Harmonic.  Head over to Beauty of the Bible for details.

On the Radar

Supernatural Evangelism class resumes Sunday, April 17, at 6 pm, with a Treasure Hunt.  Yes, you’ll be asked to get out of your comfort zone, but YES, it will be worth it!

Spiritual Freedom Retreat coming April 15-16.  If you have registered to attend, please be at the church Friday evening at 6 pm.

Emmanuel Fellowship is now in TWO SERVICES.  Our Sunday morning worship times are 9:00 and 11:00.  A pre-school nursery only is available during the 9:00 service, and full children’s ministry is offered in the 11:00 service.

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

Yesterday’s worship service, courtesy of The City Harmonic was a beautiful time of celebration.  Follow the link to keep up with the message, ministry, and music of The City Harmonic.

Sunday Preview

Next Sunday, April 17, is Palm Sunday.  Our children will make a special presentation in the 11:00 am service and we will continue our new sermon series leading up to Easter entitled “Amazing Love.”  Keep reading in the book of Hebrews to prepare your heart for worship each week.

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CONSIDER JESUS

“So, my dear Christian friends, companions in following this call to the heights, take a good hard look at Jesus. He’s the centerpiece of everything we believe, faithful in everything God gave him to do.”  Hebrews 3:1-2 (The Message)

As you take a good hard look at Jesus this week, I invite you to review these blog posts to renew the wow factor in your heart of the amazing love of our amazing King!

• A Lamb for a Lifejacket
• The Divine Exchange
• 100 Names of Jesus
• 66 Pictures of Jesus
• 135 Questions Jesus Asked 

Podcast

“Consider Jesus” the first message in the Amazing Love sermon series is now available online.  Click the title to listen.

 

On the Radar

The City Harmonic live in concert at Emmanuel Fellowship Sunday, April 10, 2011.  Make plans to join us for this amazing day as The City Harmonic leads worship in both of morning services and performs a full concert at 7:00 that evening.  Tickets for the evening show are $5.00 and seating is limited.

Supernatural Evangelism class resumes Sunday, April 17, at 6 pm.  Yes, you’ll be asked to get out of your comfort zone, but YES, it will be worth it!

Spiritual Freedom Retreat coming April 15-16.  If you have not attended one of these before, please pray and ask God if now is the time for you to go!  For more information, check out the church website at www.efcsweetwater.com.

Emmanuel Fellowship is now in TWO SERVICES.  Our Sunday morning worship times are 9:00 and 11:00.  A pre-school nursery only is available during the 9:00 service, and full children’s ministry is offered in the 11:00 service.

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. “Blessed Be the Name”
2. “Desert Song” by Hillsong United
3. “Amazing Love”
4. “Jesus Paid It All” Hillsong United version

Sunday Preview

Next Sunday, April 10, we will continue our new sermon series leading up to Easter entitled “Amazing Love.”  Keep reading in the book of Hebrews to prepare your heart for worship each week.

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THE CITY HARMONIC CONCERT INFO

Every time I turn around I’m hearing another great report about the band The City Harmonic.  I am so looking forward to an amazing morning of worship with these guys on April 10, in our 9:00 am and 11:00 am services.  And I know the Sunday night concert is going to be an event to remember!  The evening show starts at 7:00 pm.  Do you have your tickets yet?

• Click here for an Air1 exclusive behind the scenes conversation about the music and the message of The City Harmonic.
• Click here to purchase your tickets online.
• Click here if you just can’t get enough of The City Harmonic and want to know all the details!

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THE CITY HARMONIC IN CONCERT AT EMMANUEL FELLOWSHIP!

Emmanuel Fellowship Church is excited to welcome one of Christian music’s hottest new bands The City Harmonic in Sweetwater, Sunday, April 10, for three dynamic performances!  With their new song “Manifesto” rocking the airwaves and continued exposure to Christian media outlets around the country, their presence in Sweetwater will prove to be an amazing morning of worship and an unforgettable evening concert.

City Harmonic Worship and Concert Schedule: Sunday April 10

• 9:00am – Lead Worship at Emmanuel Fellowship
• 11:00am – Lead Worship at Emmanuel Fellowship
• 7:00pm – Evening Concert at Emmanuel Fellowship

The two morning worship services are, as always, open to everyone and free of charge.

Due to limited seating, only 200 tickets have been printed for the evening concert.  Tickets are on sale at the church offices for $5.00 each.  Tickets can also be purchased online at www.efcyouth.com.  If any tickets are still available, they will be sold at the door the night of the show for $10.00 each.

Pick up your tickets today:

• At EFC Church Office at 1418 Hailey Street
• Online at www.efcyouth.com
• By calling the Church Office at 325.236.9200

 Follow the City Harmonic at:

• Their Official Website
• Elite Talent Agency -
• EFC Facebook Concert Page

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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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