Stories that Lift Up Hearts: Pastor’s Easter Notes for May

Stories that Lift Up Hearts: Pastor's Easter Notes for May

When I was a child, it lifted my heart to hear my parents sing. Beautiful harmonies spilled from their hearts mostly at worship and on car trips. My father passed in 2014, but their voices still endure, resounding together and lifting  up my heart to this day. 

Uplifting enduring songs like that are sung in many different ways. 

Recently, longtime CtK member Paula McMullen passed. She and her late husband, Ray, faithfully lifted up Jesus Christ through their weekly prayers for and financial contributions to our congregation for decades. Even now, their voices still endure, resounding together and lifting  up our hearts, as Ray and Paula remembered our congregation with a very generous gift in their will to support our continuing work of lifting up Christ and His saving work. 

Years ago, when longtime CtK member Ruth Goodwyn passed, she and her late husband, Ed, who had faithfully lifted up Jesus Christ through their weekly prayers for and financial contributions to our congregation for decades, continued to sing and lift up our hearts, as Ed and Ruth remembered our congregation with a very generous gift in their will to support our continuing work of lifting up Christ and His saving work. 

There are others we could name whose uplifting gifts still resound. 

Such enduring gifts can take other forms. For example, it is an enduring and uplifting gift to have thought about and to communicate your wishes and provisions for your passing. Do you have a written living will? Do you want to be cremated or buried? Have you already paid for a cemetery plot or a niche in a columbarium? 

What's most uplifting with such is your testimony as to why you have those wishes and why you made those provisions. Do our plans communicate that we want to help our loved ones to grieve well now in Christ? And do our plans communicate that we want to help our loved ones to live well for the rest of their lives in the hope and comfort and the wisdom and stewardship of Christ? 

Is our last will and testament a testimony to our faith in and valuing of Christ Jesus's saving work and everlasting provision for us and for all who would believe? And is it a testimony to our desire for those who survive us to be encouraged in Christ, whose death on the cross included a prayer for Father God to forgive us and a provision for Mary and John to look after each other as family?

What songs are we singing in the way we live our lives with others and manage our resources with our thinking? What song are we planning to be sung when we pass? 

I'm grateful to God for the witness and example of those whose songs in life and death continue to lift up our hearts with Christ. 

Christ is risen! And there are ways for us to testify to it in our lives and in our deaths. 

I'd be honored to meet with you and talk about any or all of these things as I did just a few days ago with one of our households at their request. 

Let's keep singing an enduring and resounding song of Christ together! 

Your Brother and Servant in Christ,

Pastor Chris 

——————————-

Wendi, the following is my email signature and not to be included in my newsletter article 🤗

The DNA of a Disciple Making Movement

Imagine a day when disciple making is the norm for the local church! Everyday Christians engage in relationships with people (inside and outside the church) so that they can show the love of Jesus and help people to trust and follow him. Churches are known as disciple making places, where Jesus-like people are created. And pastors are evaluated by the people they raise up and the disciple makers they have made in the Spirit's power. Jesus' message AND Jesus' methods dominate. What would it take? I would like to suggest the DNA of a movement.

1. The Gospel is our message – this Good news is focused on Jesus and his death, burial, and resurrection. All who respond to salvation are also called to discipleship, no exceptions, no excuses (1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Mark 8:34-38). The gospel we preach and believe dictates the kind of disciples we are and the kind of disciples we make. If we attempt to make a Christ-like disciple from a non-discipleship gospel we will fail [A non-discipleship gospel is one that does not include discipleship as a natural part of the message and expectation]. Historically, many have called this Biblical response to the Gospel the "Gospel Imperative."

2. We are Compelled to be and make disciples of Jesus. We believe Jesus Christ is supreme and worthy of all devotion, worship, and emulation – and disciple making is a natural and necessary life responses to Jesus. With laser focus, it was Jesus himself who made disciples who could make disciples… and then Jesus commanded us to do the same (Matthew 28:16-20, John 20:21).

3. Jesus is the model (for life and ministry).  Jesus showed us how to live life and how to make disciples.  We seek to emulate his method and model. As the sinless second Adam, He was man as God intended man to be.  He then told us, "do what I have done" (John 14:12) and "walk as I have walked" (I John 2:6).   Paul understood this when he said, "imitate me as I imitate Christ" (I Corinthians 11:1). Discipleship demands us to "follow" the resurrected Christ, and "imitate" the priorities and patterns of the incarnate Christ.  We prefer to use the expression "Disciple Making" over "discipleship" because the former is closer to the words of the Great Commission and the latter is often mischaracterized (Matthew 28:18-20). We like the expression "Jesus model of disciple making," as a summary of what we do.

4. Love is the driving motive.  The Great Commandment precedes the Great Commission. 

And there's more. Tell me if you'd like to hear more. 

Fwd: Exclusive: Lauren Daigle and DeAngelo Williams Events

The DNA of a Disciple Making Movement

Imagine a day when disciple making is the norm for the local church! Everyday Christians engage in relationships with people (inside and outside the church) so that they can show the love of Jesus and help people to trust and follow him. Churches are known as disciple making places, where Jesus-like people are created. And pastors are evaluated by the people they raise up and the disciple makers they have made in the Spirit's power. Jesus' message AND Jesus' methods dominate. What would it take? I would like to suggest the DNA of a movement.

1. The Gospel is our message – this Good news is focused on Jesus and his death, burial, and resurrection. All who respond to salvation are also called to discipleship, no exceptions, no excuses (1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Mark 8:34-38). The gospel we preach and believe dictates the kind of disciples we are and the kind of disciples we make. If we attempt to make a Christ-like disciple from a non-discipleship gospel we will fail [A non-discipleship gospel is one that does not include discipleship as a natural part of the message and expectation]. Historically, many have called this Biblical response to the Gospel the "Gospel Imperative."

2. We are Compelled to be and make disciples of Jesus. We believe Jesus Christ is supreme and worthy of all devotion, worship, and emulation – and disciple making is a natural and necessary life responses to Jesus. With laser focus, it was Jesus himself who made disciples who could make disciples… and then Jesus commanded us to do the same (Matthew 28:16-20, John 20:21).

3. Jesus is the model (for life and ministry).  Jesus showed us how to live life and how to make disciples.  We seek to emulate his method and model. As the sinless second Adam, He was man as God intended man to be.  He then told us, "do what I have done" (John 14:12) and "walk as I have walked" (I John 2:6).   Paul understood this when he said, "imitate me as I imitate Christ" (I Corinthians 11:1). Discipleship demands us to "follow" the resurrected Christ, and "imitate" the priorities and patterns of the incarnate Christ.  We prefer to use the expression "Disciple Making" over "discipleship" because the former is closer to the words of the Great Commission and the latter is often mischaracterized (Matthew 28:18-20). We like the expression "Jesus model of disciple making," as a summary of what we do.

4. Love is the driving motive.  The Great Commandment precedes the Great Commission. 

And there's more. Tell me if you'd like to hear more. 

Begin forwarded message:

From: Thrivent Member Network- South <admin@members.thrivent.com>
Date: August 24, 2021 at 8:00:15 PM CDT
To: pastorchrisdegreen@gmail.com
Subject: Exclusive: Lauren Daigle and DeAngelo Williams Events
Reply-To: SouthTMN@thrivent.com

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Sunday Worship “Day of Praise”

Thank you for joining us! God bless! View this email in your browser 14th Sunday after Pentecost Worship & Updated Prayer List   14th Sunday after Pentecost Sunday, 9/6/2020   Sunday Services Click here to listen to our Traditional Worship. Click here to follow along with the traditional bulletin. Click here to listen to our Contemporary Worship. Click here to follow along with the contemporary bulletin.     LIVE!  Facebook Live Specifically! Our Wednesday 11:45 a.m. midday worship & our Saturday 5:00 p.m. Drive-In Worship are now on Facebook Live! But, IF YOU CANNOT CATCH IT LIVE, then anytime visit www.facebook.com/ctkbham to look, listen, be blessed, and pass it on!       EVERYONE!  EXCITING UPCOMING classes so far:   'How to pray more effective prayers, based on scripture'.  Tuesday 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. Open to all. Lead by Connie Kasper conniek@summerclassics.com Study the book of Genesis Sunday mornings at 8:15 a.m.via Zoom Neal Schmidt leads. For Zoom login info email:  schmidtneal@gmail.com   Neal Schmidt is also open to an additional in October on the book of John. Day and time to be determined by the group.  Please contact Neal for information. schmidtneal@gmail.com   College Student study on the Fruits of the Spirit, lead by Caden DeGreen and Drew Dunn Sunday evenings @ 5:00 p.m. via Zoom.  Please contact Caden:cadendegreen@gmail.com  or Drew: drewdunn14@gmail.com   The Life of Christ, Thursday at 6:00 p.m. lead by Tim Champion via conference call #425-436-6306 Login# 190298  Tim's Cell is 256-499-3603   'Gentlemen, Faith is not Blind'  a men's Bible study led by John Michael Parsons.  Day and Time to be determined by the group.  Contact John Michael at Youth@ctkbham.org or Cell# 334-549-3093   Youth Education & Confirmation: Led by John Michael Parsons and Amanda DeGreen.  Meets 7:00 p.m. both Wednesday and Sunday.  Via Zoom, please contact John Michael for information: Youth@ctkbham.org   Armor of God for ladies, beginning October 18-Dec 6, Sundays from 4-5 p.m. Amanda DeGreen.  Space is limited to 10.  green2417@gmail.com   Children's Sunday Education Sunday, 9:00 a.m. Zoom.  Preschool through 5th Grade lead Shandra Graf, Debbie Fick, and Jennifer Minner.  The first 10 minutes focus on the Preschool lesson then moves to the elementary age lesson. Email Children@ctkbham.org   Catechism for Children each Wednesday beginning September 2 at 6:30 p.m. Preschool - 5th grade.  Led by Susan Dearing via Zoom Click: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89310396203  The Id # 89310396203   EVERYONE Tuesday Morning 10:14 - 11 a.m. Currently studying the New Testament letters both in person and on the phone. Those not physically present call the one step number 727-731-7466, or 425-436-6342  Access Code: 328663.   Prayer and Bible study (worship night) Tuesday night 7:14 p.m. - 8:14 call the one step number 727-731-7466, or use the old number and access code: 425-436-6342  Access Code: 328663.   Please join us in stopping to pray EVERY DAY at 7:14 am and 7:14 pm and pray and act in accord with this command of God from 2 Chronicles 7:14 — "...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." Spread the word!   September 06th's Most Recent Prayer Requests Joys and Concerns, Specific and General, Congregation and Beyond:   Newest specific concerns (recent weeks further down this page):  Maureen Lynn, this Tues 9/8, surgery to implant defibrillator/pacemaker; Debbie Fick, biopsy, 9/10, & praise for good lung CT scan; Cheryl O'Brien, rehab; Audrey Hains, successful heart ablation procedure this past week; Tara Slater; Dominick Ciambrone, knee surgery; Philip Dearing; Paula Vitalis Parsons; Herman Troha; Bob Kasper's mom, Phyllis; Todd Vegter's parents, Frank & Donna; Peg Lawrence's parents, S.L. (knee replace) & Joy Ann (alzheimer's) Williamson; Allen Fuller's fr, William; Amanda DeGreen's dad, Bruce, chemo; Alex's bro, Antonio & Leah; Ken's dad, Lee, & fr Kitty; Chip Hoye's uncle, Ray Charles; Benjamin DeGreen, police officer; James Bradley's dad, Jimmy; Megan Elmore hubby, Chris; Chris Williams, back surg; Ben Abercrombie; Our college students & all in close quarters with their education & our nation's elections; Wisdom for our Council & Ad Hoc Committee for reopening; continued unity and love in our congregation as has been overflowing in Christ      The National & Global Day of Prayer & Repentance – 2 Chronicles 7:14 – September 26, 2020 on the National Mall   In Hospice Care: Tim Turner's father-in-law, William Edmond   Deaths: Sharon Grimes' lifelong fr, Roger; Flint fam fr, Doug Williams (survived by former CtK members, Andrea & Robert); Janice Sagissor's bro, Johnny Brad Tidner; John Hoffman's memorial on 10/17   Protection for these we know providing medical service (please add/update): Mitch & Sadie Messner, Jess Gober, Sharon Gray, Mike Remillard, Lindsay Parsons, Stephanie Loyacano, Tim Champion's dghtr Shelby, Lt Col Don Kosatkas, Kayla Reinicke, Dr. Tim & Kathryn Peters, Parsons fam fr Trey, Mike Anglin   Joys: Loyacanos' great granddaughter Emma Jean born 9/1, but needs prayer for dislocated hips; Alison Aughtman's heart check-up was very encouraging, but still needs prayer for her heart to grow even stronger; Stan Gillard is cancer free, but still needs prayers for renewal after his transplant; Ellie Wahl's baptism next Saturday, September 12 at 5 p.m. Drive-In worship; 79 people from 6 states and 25 congregations in SIP Groups, with 45 from Christ the King; Church Council, 8/1/20-7/31/21   Anticipated Weddings: Jordie Broadwell & Steven Welch, 10/24; Austin Demsky & Ashley Guidry, 11/21; Julia DeGreen & Ryan Scott, 12/19; Austin Hall & Madison Drake, 3/21/21; Maddie Gathings & Scott McClure, 5/15/21; Benjamin DeGreen & Amber Ball Anticipated Births: Ann Dawson's grands, Chris & Anna due with great grands 10/12/20; David & Celeste Scott expecting #4, January; Upcoming Baptisms: Ellie Wahl next Saturday, September 12; Casey Price; Joseph Gelinas; Madison Daniel, Leon Silas Jones, Brody Kelly, Teagan Sayers; Bryson; John & Beka Owen's baby, Wilder   OUR MILITARY (please add!): Andrew & Christy Colantuono; Lynn & Shannon Whited; Ben Brasher; Loyacano grandson-in-law, Paul Teegarden; Faith Penrod's neph, Devon, Army; Sara Grace Estill's boyfriend, Adam Waller, USMC; Jacob Hovis (Boyd fam); Linda McEachern's neph, Justin Wheeler (Army); Michael Ross; Maizie Nelson's son-in-law, Lt Col Don Kosatkas   Specific Concerns recent weeks (please send updates to Pastor Chris) — Members - Donna Cottone; Dave Demsky; Ruth Dunmire; Pat Florence; Daphne Foster; Lyn Franks herself, bro, Ronnie, son-in-law, Chris, fr. Ricky; Chris George; Shirley Gordon; Gary Grimes; Alex Jackson; Ron Keener; Kelley Key; Marquita Kirkland; Jeff & Jim Minner; Darlene Murray; Bob & JoJo Nagel; Helen Powell; Al Russell; Bo Scott; Peggy Sedlacek; Chuck Segrest; Mel Shinholster; Tara Slater; Dennis Stanek; Kathy Stepanski's work opportunities; Daddy George Wehby; Jeanne Wehby; Our congregation's Wed. 11:45 a.m. & Saturday 5 p.m. worship services on Facebook Live (www.facebook.com/ctkbham); Everyone's teamwork to share God's word and reach out to many with God's word and food for the belly in this season.   Family & Friends - Cornell's son, Mike & gson, Matt, & frs, Phil, Sandra & Vickie; Debbie Fick's sis, Donita, & Aunt Linda; Suzette Fisher's fam Dolly; Rethea Foster's fr, Brenda M, COVID; Sharon Gray's fr, Lee Johnson; Hoaglund fam fr, Dale; Kinnebrew fam frs, Greg (cancer), Cindy; Marquita Kirkland herself & frs, Elise, Kenny, Hazel & Ida; Mike & Linda McEachern's daughter, Laura, diabetes, & cousin, Ken (COVID) & fr, Seth; Jennifer Minner's fr, Frances; Maizie Nelson's cousin, Nancy; Phyllis Nichols' sis, Sharon & Maurice; Mike O'Brien's mom, Winnie; Faith Penrod's son, Mike Krantz, salvation, along w/niece Erin & Ryan & neph Devon; Scot Pitman's son, Arlington; James Scoggins; Camille Stanek's uncle, Jerry; Stiffler's fr, Johnny; Tim Turner's 23 yo son, Ryan, st.4 lymphoma & son Tim, faith; Wendi Vegter's mom, Sandy   General Concerns requested: For God to continue to reveal himself through all this; The Church in this & every place; All who are vulnerable & isolated; Health care workers in every nation; victory over coronavirus; victory over every illness and disease; the jobless; small businesses; the economy of every nation; the leaders of every nation; Alabama Oncology clinic; the diligence of teachers & students in this different "classroom"   Global Disciplemakers: Terra Nova Academy (Uganda); Our Mexico Mission Team; David Philips (E3 Global discipleship); Joey & Jenese Sammons (Mexico, India); First Priority Global - Benny Proffitt; Hand in Hand Partnership - John Constantine; Philip & Joanna Zeiger (Asia, thru East/West Min.); The Renaissance Academy; Doers of the Word Ministries; Christian Service Mission; our youth, praying on God's call! Benji Dyson's missionary sis in Uganda   +   —————————  +  —————————-   + THE GOSPEL is good news!— Heaven and God's Assurance of Life is a gift of God's grace! Please pray for those who are lost and do not know forgiveness through Jesus and the new life found only in Him and for us to grow in our joy in engaging all people in love with the life-giving word and certain hope of Jesus! I AM ___, and I'm one who imagines ZERO languages without the Bible in their heart language because I'm blessed to know my favorite Bible verse, which is ____.    Copyright © 2020 Christ The King Lutheran Church, LCMC, All rights reserved.  You are receiving this email because you have opted in through the church office.  Our mailing address is:  Christ The King Lutheran Church, LCMC 611 Riverchase Parkway West, Hoover, AL, United States Hoover, AL  35244 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences