In addition to posting the weekly announcements & bulletins, we are going to try something new this fall. Audio sermons. So, if you’re away from home or just looking for a church home, tune in and try it out.
[Ed. Note:] It took us a while to get this first audio file online. These files are from the July 27th service. We hope to post a second podcast on 8/17/2008.
Lily of the Valley, Casa de Oracion, and Christus Victor are coming together to have a “Rally in the Valley!” Bring your family and friends, as well as your lawn chairs, for some great music, food, fellowship, and praise. This is a great event for the whole community to get together and make connections and new friends.
What: Music, Food, Arts and Crafts Vendors, and Praise!
When: Saturday, August 16 3:00pm-7:00pm
Where: CV parking lot! (Directions)
Interested in helping? Please contact Pastor Kent at 952-454-6927 or youthrev@pro-ns.net.
…
Sitting in a Christian coffee shop by the U of M, drinking my coffee, a disheveled woman shuffled in with her cane, carrying a colorful array of bags filled with a variety of her belongings and treasures. It was 95 degrees outside, and she came in to cool off. “I hope they don’t kick me out,” she said to no one in particular. “Why would they kick you out,” I asked? Looking at me with sadness in her eyes she replied, “Most people don’t want people like me hanging around, you know.” She paused, “I understand. I wouldn’t want to hang around me either.” Then she smiled and laughed. “But I heard these people were real Christians,” she went on, “so maybe they’ll let me stay for a while to cool off.”
What is a “real Christian”?
I was about halfway finished bottling my “Pastor’s Pride” for the beer tasting when three college age guys came bursting in to bottle their first ever batch of beer. We started up a conversation about the characteristics and qualities of various beer styles and their preferences for certain styles for different seasons. I listened to them talk about the music festivals they were going to attend, and the troubles with their girlfriends. Then something made me ask them a question from an evangelism book I am reading, “Hey guys, can I ask you a question?” “Sure, dude,” they replied. I asked, “What do you think about Jesus?” After staring at me like I had tentacles coming out of my head, they slowly started telling me what they thought. “Jesus was a really cool guy. He taught about love.” “He was a wise spiritual teacher and healer.” “He was all about loving and accepting people.” Pretty interesting answers, I thought.
Then I asked the follow up question, “What do you think about Christians?” This time they let loose with a barrage of complaints and sarcastic comments. “They’re all a bunch of hypocrites!” “All they care about is judging others.” “They are all right-wing conservatives.” “They don’t act like Jesus,” was the comment that really hurt. How did Jesus act? What does it mean to be a “real” Christian? What does it mean to “act like Jesus”?
As individuals and as a community, we are still learning and striving to follow Jesus, and by following Jesus to learn from Him and to become like Him, so that others would hear the call to following Jesus too.
A Follower of Jesus,
Pastor Kent Claussen Gubrud
The August 2008 Newsletter is now available for download (PDF). Read to find out more about the WAPO experience; Redeemed Treasures, the 2008 Annual Garage Sale; the Rally in the Valley; and thoughts on an informal survey regarding Jesus (”a really cool guy”) and Christians. Click here to read more.
As we move here and there throughout the summer, you are always welcome back home at Christus Victor. Read about the exciting fellowship and outreach opportunities this summer. No matter your age or background, there is something for you. Click here to read more.
Now available – the June 2008 Newsletter – read about: Vacation Bible School plans, Spirit Bound performances, Tanzanian Midwife kits, and all sorts of summer events for kids, young adults, and young (at-heart) adults. Click Here.
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