Month: June 2018

“What’s the plan Stan?”

June 30, 2018 Pastor Tim Dodson | Menomonie

The Dilemma

It seems that many of us have “lost our compass.” Maybe we never had one. For the fact is, many of us have no clue where we are going. Some folks want to be selective in the answer to this question. They say yes, God has a sovereign plan for our lives…a specific “best road” scenario in order to fulfill our purpose for His glory with the time that we have here on this planet. But then those same folks will claim…much to their own fleshly wants, that this item or that issue is not part of the mix. For example, I have had such folks tell me that God has not chosen a specific mate for our lives and decry the idea of “Soul Mate.” The argument is presented thus: what if my spouse dies? Can I not remarry? What if I miss my soul mate, am I therefore relegated to a life of being single? What happens if I marry someone who I now think is not my “soul mate”? Should I…can I, then divorce to marry someone else?

Of course, here and in so many other such situations we are placing a non-linear time based God into a linear time based scenario and expecting to make sense of it. I don’t pretend to know the mind of God or how that exactly works in my world. I however see no “permission” to operate outside of God’s direct and express will and plan for my life in any matter, and I find that scripture only paints a picture that He has a quite specific plan for me. There appears to be no “exempt” issues, and if there are, what are they? If I can “choose my wife off the shelf” then can I do so with my career? What church I go to? …the town I live in? or what friends I hang with? How much of my finances I give to God? And if they answer is “no” to these questions, then what is the criteria for such a godless endeavor on my part? The Bible tells me that God “knows how many hairs are on my head.” Job 23 :10-14 says

“But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside. I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food. But once he has made his decision, who can change his mind? Whatever he wants to do, he does. So he will do to me whatever he has planned. He controls my destiny.”

Well? Is the Word of God true or not? Does He control your destiny? All of it or just part of it?

Psalms 37:23-24 says “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.”
Psalms 139: 1-6 “O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!”
Jeremiah 1:5 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.”
Psalms 139:16 “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.”

Do I need to continue? Any argument that God is “standing down” in any aspect of the destiny of our lives is based on human reasoning but not scripture. And we all know where human reasoning takes us! It’s just a case of the answer making us uncomfortable so we rewrite scripture to allow us the path we want to take. Such is the same case with the “Family First” doctrine so popular today. No such scriptural directive is found anywhere in the Bible. This is played out throughout Christendom by those who would claim that Christ is in control and that He is “Lord” except for… This path is a slippery slope and many of us eventually find ourselves adrift in a sea of uncertainty and without purpose.

Some of us have chased our own passions and desires for so long, we are miles off course. Perhaps that makes you panic and hyper-ventilate a little. But I assure you that if you are still breathing, it is not too late. You are not “too far out” for God to rescue. Again, let us remember Psalms 37:24; “Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.”

Change

The idea that God has a perfect will for our lives can often cause a paralyses in our movement…fear immobilizing us. Yet “perfect love casts out all fear.” God’s intention was that we do not live recklessly, but that we do live boldly. That we take time to “wait on the Lord.” Psalms 27:14 “Wait patiently for the LORD. (BUT) Be brave and courageous!” (emphasis mine)

“But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:4

Yes, be patient when God is preparing you and the way before you. But keep moving Christian! Ps 37:34 “Put your hope in the LORD. Travel steadily along his path.” Keep dreaming and keep praying! God loves to give good gifts to His kids. (Matthew 7:11) and “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.’’ (1 Cor 2:9.) It is so important to you and those in your immediate circle of influence that you have both dreams and vision for your future. Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” The NLT renders that passage thus: “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.” Hmmm. That seems fitting!

What is the plan that God has for your life? Do you know? Are you even looking?

Psalms 37:4 “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.”

(For more information on seeking Gods will: http://jfbelievers.familyds.org:5000/fsdownload/x4Yurc1Iv/Sermon%20Archives
Follow: Tim Dodson – Topical – “Hearing God’s Voice in a Noisy World”)

Homeschooling 101

June 28, 2018 The Homeschool Ministry

Be in the know

By now you’ve probably heard the word “Homeschooling” tossed around our church at some point. You’ve undoubtedly been curious about it. It’s something that many people ask questions about. “Does the state give you curriculum to follow?” “Are you qualified to teach your child?” “What about socialization?” “What does your average day look like?”

For those who we would consider our church family- you’ve probably asked at least one of us families who are homeschooling one of those questions. You’ve probably heard us talk about one aspect or another. And that’s great, we love talking about it. We love it when you ask us questions!

However, I wanted to write up a little information for you about the laws and regulations we follow as well as some of the freedoms we enjoy. I found all this information on the Home School Legal Defense Association website (hslda.org). Each state follows very different laws regarding schooling children at home. Some states, such as Texas, Iowa, and Alaska have very little oversight of families who are homeschooling. They require little or no notification to the state. Formal assessment through the local school district isn’t needed. Parents don’t need any qualification (such as a high school diploma, a passed background study or even a college degree).

Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island have the highest regulations in the country. These states require that families who wish to homeschool have approval from local school districts. Some of the local districts are required to assess/test homeschool students every two years or need to evaluate the curriculum being used to make sure it meets state standards.

Minnesota is considered a state with “Moderate Regulation” according to hslda.org. It’s certainly not difficult to homeschool here, but there are certain rules that need to be followed. Homeschooling families with a child age seven or over need to notify their local district in the fall with their intent to homeschool. Reading, writing, literature, fine arts, math, science, history, geography, economics, government, citizenship, health, and physical education are all subjects that need to be taught at some point, but not every year. Each parent also needs to test their child annually based on a national standardized achievement test.

What about our state?

Wisconsin is a state labeled “Low Regulation” on hslda.org, which means it’s fairly easy to homeschool here. Every fall, each homeschooling family visits the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction website and reports each child ages six and over that is being homeschooled. In completing the form, they are agreeing that they will provide 875 instructional hours in a calendar year (not school year) of at least reading, language arts, math, social studies, science and health. These hours can also include electives, such as Bible, foreign language, music, art, physical education, computer skills, etc., etc., etc.

So basically, we need to make sure we are getting 5.25 hours in for a full day of schooling if we are following the local school district’s days. However, because we are free to school on any day of the week, including summer months (which some do), it would be even less per day.

One area where it gets a little tricky is that because a homeschool is basically a “Home-based Private Education Program”, we can’t count hours that are spent with someone else teaching our kids with kids from other families. So essentially if there are two or more families involved, it can’t be counted towards the 875 hours. However, because (I think I speak for all homeschool families of this church) we understand that kids need time developing relationships with their peers, it is a priority to find ways to make this happen.

This is where the importance of having a homeschool group comes in. Our church is blessed to have an active group that gets together on a weekly basis. Every Thursday afternoon, you’ll find us playing in a local park. The kids love their weekly recess and the parents do too! Once a month, we also get together to learn. In the past, we’ve done various activities together. Sometimes, it’s inviting a covenant member with a special skill to teach us. Sometimes, it’s exploring a local history event, museum or even the zoo!

For more information

In the up and coming months, I hope to address some of the questions you might have about homeschooling. For now, please talk with one of our homeschooling families if you have any questions, curiosities, or interests in homeschooling. In addition, if you know any homeschool families in Menomonie or beyond who might be interested in being part of our homeschool group or even playing at recess with us, please email or have them email homeschool@jfbelievers.com to get our current schedule.

The Story Continues

June 25, 2018 Shofar Missions Cebu

The Story

New Covenant Church Cebu Bible Study — Midweek Bible Study with New Covenant Church

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

How timely it has been to go through the Forgotten God series on Wednesdays! Though we cannot join the church for evening discussions, we still get to watch the service later. We then discuss with each other what God is teaching us. We are continually learning how vital it is to be led by the Holy Spirit daily, submit to, and obey Him. This matters even down to being in the right place at the right time to talk to the right person whom He puts in our path. What we’ve been learning also parlays with the Sunday services at our “home” church here as we journey through Acts. It’s really neat to be connected to a young church who is seeking God’s missional direction both corporately and individually.

An Office

Buildings in Cebu City — One of many “FOR RENT” banners on a building that’s ***NOT*** for rent anymore!

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8

Without fail, as God teaches us, He puts our schooling to the test! We’ve been looking for an office – a headquarters – for Street Level. It is quite simply the only way we see to proceed with the ministry as every school and student’s calendars are different! Our dream is to have multiple bible studies throughout the week and have a home where students can hang out during vacant times. We’ve scoured websites, walked the streets, knocked on doors, texted, called, reached out to colleagues, and have not yet found “the space.” I am reminded of the journey we took until we finally found Elicon House nearly one year ago. Even God’s closed doors are His hand guiding us in the right direction, so we remain hopeful!

Radio Outreach

Street Level Radio Cebu Live Broadcast — Live Radio Broadcast from Teofel Hostel

“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” 1 Cor. 3:7

We have officially started a new school year, which, aside from increased traffic, is very exciting! With that comes more time spent on the streets doing live radio broadcasts, handing out fliers, and distributing WOTS. Laura and I have successfully hosted two live radio broadcasts and are still seeking God for the next SLR install location… please keep that in your prayers. We’ve resumed “The Story” during our weekly meetings; John noted that he was very excited to start the New Testament! We’re heavily encouraging each student to take time personally to spend with God in their Bibles and develop that spiritual discipline. It can be discouraging to see the things of the world steal their attention away, yet I trust that God is continually working in them. He is the Master Gardener… we’re just planting seeds and watering those that others have planted! Please continue to pray for more students to be added to the group and that the ones who have returned will continue to grow as disciples.

We have some exciting plans in the works (i.e. new science curriculum and a one-year anniversary party for SLM!) and look forward to what God will do. Thanks for remembering us in your prayers!

June 2018 Coffeehouse Update

June 22, 2018 Blind Munchies Coffeehouse

We hope you have an opportunity this summer to come enjoy the weather and sit on the Blind Munchies Coffeehouse patio. The patio is back up and running – serving espresso drinks Saturday and Sunday during the day and Tuesday through Friday evenings. During our other open hours, we welcome you to still come and enjoy it!

This summer we will bring the mobile coffeehouse to a few locations. You will find us periodically at Music over Menomon. Also, we are joining up with Street Level a few times to help them raise funds for their spring missions trip – We will join them at the River Falls Outreach Rummage Sale, June 30^th, and at the Blue Caps Baseball Festival, July 28^th.

Saturday morning breakfasts will still be available for the summer. We offer a rotating American style breakfast that is $2.00 for students and $3.00 for everyone else. We also added Strawberry Smoothies to our menu for a limited time this summer- these are available Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings and Saturday.

Please pray for our mobile outreaches this summer. We hope to engage with and be a blessing to the community through them.

River Falls News / June 2018

June 19, 2018 River Falls Ministry

We have been enjoying the summer. It brought us into a season of change, and we are looking forward to seeing what God will do.

Since the UW River Falls students finished school for the summer, we made a few updates to our regular schedule. Instead of meeting for Street Level each week – because most of the students are home for the summer – we started doing a community grill out at 6:30pm on Tuesdays. Our goal is to meet people in the neighborhood and more people in the building that Street Level meets in.

On Sundays we continue to do a bible study and are enjoying a meal together afterwards. We just finished up studying Galatians and a short study in Jude. Both books spoke about people coming into the church and bringing in false teaching in different ways. In Galatians we talked about the law verses following God with our hearts; while in Jude we talked about people coming into the church that we don’t initially recognize as unbelievers. The next book we look forward to beginning is Philippians.

This summer we will continue with these outreaches as well as include some other events. With the support of Street Level Menomonie, we are currently planning a rummage sale at the end of the month. During the sale The Blind Munchies mobile trailer will be at the serving drinks. The purpose is to raise money for the spring break Street Level Missions trip as well as engage with the River Falls community.

Thank you for your prayers for the River Falls outreach. Please pray for us to continue to meet the people and engage with the people in our community.

June Calendar

Sundays: 5pm / JFBelievers Bible Study, 6pm / Meal
Tuesdays: Community Grill Out, 6:30pm
Saturday June 30^th: Rummage Sale 8am-3pm

Online

Food and Fellowship

June 16, 2018 OneLife Couples Ministry

What’s been

The last couple months has found Gnosko as a whole group continuing to go over notes in small groups and usually out and about in the community whether it’s enjoying the outdoors at the park, or ice cream at Culver’s. This is always a neat time to be one on one with different people each time and gaining new perspective as to what we gleaned from the service and how we are applying it to our lives.

This past week the whole group met out at the campground for some time out fellowshipping with another church, the E-Free church from Boyceville. It was great to meet new people and connect around the campfire.

While the missions team was in the Philippines Gnosko got to be a part of the carpet ripping out day with other fellowship groups within our church. In a matter of just over two hours the sanctuary was completely stripped bare of the carpet.

Another recent venture was helping out Street Level with the annual thrift sale. We paired up with a couple others each day of the event in morning and afternoon shifts to help out at the sale. We also took part in the setting up process beforehand and taking down after. A great part of the whole thing was getting to spend time and come alongside and help with another ministry’s projects. Many hands make light work and it was fun to see the very quick transformation from church house living areas into indoor thrift sale! It’s also a unique opportunity to be able to interact with the community.

The Gnosko Members enjoyed a van trip to the Cities in March to be part of a monthly fix it clinic going on in the Cities, this time we were in Osseo, they are held at different locations each month. It was to not only participate but glean information on how this runs and what it looks like in a big city and perhaps give us future direction for planning and doing similar again in our own small community here in Menomonie.

Coming Soon

Our Gnosko Leadership has been getting together a couple of times a month to share a meal and to discuss and grow in our relationship with each other and with God.

As Summer approaches we look forward to being out and about in the community as much as possible. Our Member’s group is looking forward to a Father’s Day fellowship with our kids at a local park.