From Fear to Fanatics…..
Let’s be honest……those early disciples were Jesus fanatics. We often think of fanaticism in a negative context, but it is not always so. Funny….it’s legitimate to use terms like passionate and “sold-out,” to describe a person’s commitment to Jesus, but to use the term fanatic steps over a line most don’t want to cross. (OK…..Not many people want to step over the passionate or sold-out line either, but that’s another conversation.)

But I think the reality is that the resurrection of Jesus moved a group of men and women from fear to fanatics. I mean what else would you call someone who was willing to forsake everything to follow Jesus? What would you call someone who was willing to be murdered for Jesus? What would you call someone who was repeatedly beaten for Jesus, and kept going back for more? What would you call someone who walked the countryside, not knowing where they would lay their head nor where their next meal would come from because, they claim, a friend of theirs was raised form the dead?

The truth be told, I love these fanatics. Without them, and the movement of the Holy Spirit in their lives, where would we be? Would we have heard the story of Jesus? Would anyone know?
Those early disciples are the most fantastic fanatics I’ve ever known. I want to be counted in their number.

How about you?

Join us for worship this weekend. Let’s see what the movement of the Holy Spirit does with fears in your life!

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER: Join me, Peter Haas from Substance Church, Greg Boyd from Woodland Hills, and other Twin Cities Christian leaders for an evening of prayer and worship at Mariucci Arena, May 3, 7-9pm. www.unitendop.com

COLLECTING DIMES: Don’t forget to keep collecting those dimes. The goal is 1,000,000 dimes by the end of the year to support missions around the world.

NOT FOR SALE AND SERVANTS OF MERCY, two ministries devoted to ending human slavery are hosting a viewing of Nefarious: Merchant of Souls on April 29 at 4:00pm at our partner church, North Heights, Arden Hills Sanctuary. To find more info on this documentary and learn how to invite your friends you can follow this link to our website: http://www.nhlc.org/outreach/local_outreach/anti-trafficking

Living for Jesus!
Pastor Per
twitter@pastorper

The resurrection of Jesus was the beginning of a movement that swept through the entire Roman empire within 300 years. That movement continues to this day. The joy of the empty tomb was, within 50 days, put into action for the kingdom of God.

This weekend we begin a teaching series that is all about putting the joy of Easter into action for the kingdom of God. It’s called “The Jesus Series.” During this series we’ll explore the message Jesus wants us to share, how Jesus equips us to share the message, and how, to this day, Jesus leads the way in our kingdom building work.

Let’s worship the resurrected Lord and live passionately for his kingdom!!
ALPHA.—Kick-off Dinner, April 15th, 5pm. Register today!

Do you have questions about faith, Jesus, the Holy Spirit? Have you ever wondered how prayer works, is the devil real, is the Bible reliable? Alpha is a great opportunity to explore those questions and many others.
ALL THINGS NEW!—Easter Production at North Heights.

There is one weekend left with shows taking place this Saturday and Sunday. This is a great opportunity to experience the Easter story and to provide a witness to others who don’t know Jesus.
Informational Meeting: Trip to Israel led by Pastor Per and Mary and Dave and Pastor Connie Olson. Wednesday, April 25th, 715pm in the Worship Center. Contact Dave at daveolson@cohlc.org for more info.

Living for Jesus!
Pastor Per
twitter@pastorper

Hastings Mission-Be A Missionary We’ve had a good response thus far to the call for local missionaries to grow our Hastings Campus, but there are a few more of you out there that God is calling to take a leap of faith and jump in. Step out in faith. Step into exciting, kingdom building work. Contact Pastor Kevin at kevinvogt@cohlc.org.

A Trip of a Lifetime: The Holy Land
With your hosts Pastor Per and Mary Nilsen and Dave and Pastor Connie Olson Please join us for a tour that will make the Bible come alive as we visit places such as Jerusalem, the Sea of Galilee, Bethlehem, the Jordan River, the Dead Sea, Jericho, the Garden of Gethsemane, Masada and so much more! Mark your calendar for October 31- November 9th.
Informational meetings at CoH:
• Sunday, April 1st at noon
• Wednesday, April 25th at 7:30pm
Brochures are available on the Ministry Board in the Commons Area at CoH, Rosemount.
For more information contact Dave Olson at daveolson@cohlc.org

Modern Day Slavery-It’s Real!
This past weekend we had the privilege of learning more about modern day slavery as we were challenged by Pastor Kevin Austin of the Abolitionist Faith Community. God despises the lack of humanity that leads to slavery and seeing other human beings as disposable. If you would like more information about “Not for Sale” (An international abolitionist movement) and Servants of Mercy (A local abolitionist ministry supported by North Heights,
our partner church) come to a meeting on March 8th, 7-9pm, J. Arthurs at 2441 Rice St. (about 2 blocks south of the Roseville Campus of NH). Come early and purchase a cup of coffee to help offset the room reservation!

Easter without the Cross is, well, just another day.
The implications are staggering. No crucifixion and the joy of Easter is sounded on an off-tune, muted trumpet. Why do you think the Apostle Paul is so adamant in his words to the Corinthian church. ” For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2

This week begins a new teaching series entitled “The Cross.” This weekend we’re focusing in on the suffering servant found in Isaiah 53. And we’re beginning to ask the question, “Why is the cross so critical in our celebration of Easter?”

I can’t wait to worship this weekend! I can’t wait to explore God’s word! Because Easter is not just another day…….the Cross gives it meaning.

Don’t forget to practice High Invitation and High Hospitality! Bring a friend, family member, etc!!

Lent is here. And with it comes two spiritual invitations.
1) Worship with us on Wednesday for the “Walk” message series.
2) Fast during the season of Lent. You may want to try The Daniel Fast. More information in the bookstore or online by googling Daniel Fast.

Living for Jesus!
Pastor Per
twitter@pastorper

The Christian season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, February 22nd, and runs through Easter Sunday. Our Wednesday teaching series is entitled, “Walk: Paul and the Church at Ephesus.” On Ash Wednesday, there will be no pizza or Kids programing. CORE and Tower will meet at 7pm in the multi-purpose room. Rellow Nursery is available for ages 0-2.

Be sure to join us!!

Lent is a great time to stretch yourself spiritually. Be purposeful. Press into God with a little more diligence. Pray a little more, indulge a little less. Serve anonymously. Memorize some Scripture. Take more quiet time with the Lord. Be purposeful.

Another spiritual practice I want to encourage you to consider is fasting. A particular type of fasting I find helpful is called “The Daniel Fast.”

For those who don’t about The Daniel Fast is…..it is a food fast that focuses on eating fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains. The fast stays away from processed sugars and meat and encourages drinking only water. You can fast for either 10 days (The focus here is on the Lord’s provision for physical health and is referenced in Daniel chapter 1.) or 21 days (The focus here is on seeking God’s revelation and repentance and is referenced in Daniel chapter 10.). Sometime during the season of Lent consider participating in this fast. If you cannot do so for medical reasons, consider taking another area of indulgence in your life and setting limits on it throughout the Lenten season. More information on the Daniel Fast can be accessed online by googling “Daniel Fast”, or by stopping by Books of Hope.

ALL THINGS NEW
Each year our partner church, North Heights, hosts an Easter Production. The name of this year’s production is All Things New. Completely new music and new elements to the script enhance an already wonderful production from last year. This is a great chance to live out High Invitation and High Hospitality in an environment where you know the Gospel will be presented clearly and compassionately.

Pick up your tickets online @ www.nhlc.org!!

Living for Jesus!
Pastor Per
twitter@pastorper

It’s good to be back from vacation.

Just a little story from vacation.

It was 4:30am. We were waiting to check our bags. In the station next to us was a young couple with a large suitcase. The check-in monitor looked at the couple and said, “Your bag is 13 lbs over weight. You’ll have to remove some items or pay a $90 fee.” The man said, “I’m not paying $90.” Without a moment’s hesitation the young woman looked at the young man and said something like, “Don’t you dare take my hair stuff out!”

Immediately I thought to myself…..”So, you can take out your pants and your shirts, but you’ve got to leave the ‘hair stuff?” It was a bit humorous!!

The point of that story is that so many are holding onto stuff in their lives that is non-essential. Growth in faith, a repositioning of the heart mandates that we take a look at what non-essential stuff we are hanging onto. Moving forward in faith necessitates jettisoning those non-essential items and allowing the Holy Spirit to reshape our lives.

This coming week the title of the message is “Help! I need some direction!” based upon John 14:23-27. Direction is something we all need at some point or another in life. Indeed, the Holy Spirit, the Counselor, is the direction giver. Here’s what’s important, a new direction begins with a repositioning of the heart. A repositioned heart repositions everything.

I hope you can join us this week as we continue to press into the significance of the Holy Spirit for the life of faith. And ask the Lord to show you someone who needs the “Helper!” in their life. Bring them with.

Finally, let me encourage you to consider participating in the Parenting Class set to begin this Sunday…… Is your parenting style making a difference? Come find out how SPIRITUAL PARENTING could change your family life. We will be walking through how the Holy Spirit can work within the family, not so we become “perfect parents” or a “perfect family” but to become a family led by the Holy Spirit. This is a six week class starting January 22nd. Registration is available until January 18th online at cohlc.org/register.html. The cost for this class is $40 per family, Kid Kare is provided.

Living for Jesus!
Pastor Per
twitter@pastorper

I’m looking forward to preaching at CoH Rosemount this weekend! The focus is on “Time.” More about the message at the end of this update.

Giving is an important part of the Christmas season. As you consider Christmas and end-of-year financial gifts, know that your church needs your strong financial support. Community of Hope’s ministry has grown because of sacrificial giving for the cause of Christ by many. Our ability to move into our destiny, impacting the lives of people with the Good News of Jesus, is dependent upon continued strong financial support. Please consider making a gift above and beyond your regular offering in support of your church and the many people Community of Hope is impacting. You can give online at www.cohlc.org, through regular Sunday morning offering, or through stock transfer. Contact Bob Graff, robertgraff@cohlc.org, for more information. Any and all gifts will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your generosity!!

Who are you inviting to join you for Christmas Eve worship at Community of Hope? My challenge to you is to practice high invitation. Invite a family member. Ask a neighbor to join you. Send an invitational email to your email list. There are so many ways we can invite. But we must decide to do it. I am going to invite. Will you?

HELP! I need somebody!—People’s cry for help is met by God sending the Helper. HELP! Is a new teaching series starting January 8. Join us. Bring a friend!

This weekend: Real Opportunities—Time You’ve probably heard this passage of scripture many times before, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, RSV)

One of the gracious gifts God has given us is the gift of time. Time marks the days and the seasons. Time marks our experiences and our hopes. Time establishes the beginning and the end of all that God has created. God did not have to establish time (he is beyond time) but he did so to give us a necessary frame of reference for life.

The challenge many families face is how to steward time. A fast-paced, high-demand culture gobbles up time. I had a brief conversation with a friend the other day who made this statement, “The devil deflects our time.” He meant that so often we are overrun by the tyranny of the urgent and fail to align our time with those things that are most valuable to us. That is so true in my life. How about for you?

In preparation for this weekend read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and ask the question, “Do I spend my time in accordance with God’s priorities for my life?”

I’m living for Jesus!!
Pastor Per

Check out the end of this note for information on a recent staffing adjustment at CoH!

We have been getting great response to our Family Series. Thanks to all who have responded so graciously and gratefully! We’ll be pressing into family related issues like History and Destiny, Communication and Time over the next three weeks. You won’t want to miss these messages!!

And don’t forget to invite someone to join you!! Christmas Eve. Worship, and the Family Series on Sunday mornings are great invitational venues!!

Let me also encourage you to attend the Christmas Production “Halleluiah!” at North Heights! This is a fun filled show for all ages. Tickets are still available @ www.NHLC.org.

Have you ever asked yourself how your history impacts your destiny? Every decision we make leads to a point of history and every decision we make leads toward a destiny. God’s desire is that the family would be Divine history makers and Divine destiny takers. To be sure, that’s not always easy, but it is God’s call for our lives.

In Deuteronomy 6:4-12, God reminds his people of where they are going and where they have been. Through it all, God remained faithful. That is his promise today to you, to your children and your children’s children!!

I also want to take a moment to inform you of a staffing adjustment at CoH. Jason Lovold is now functioning as the Executive Pastor for CoH. Jason will be working alongside of me to manage day to day operations and ministries at CoH. (Specifically, I will be supervising Jason Lovold, Dave Olson, Kevin Vogt and Sharon Rick. Jason Lovold will be supervising Jason Miller and Bob Graff. No other ministry responsibilities have changed.) Jason has been on staff at Community of Hope since 2006. His personal gifting and work experience makes him a wonderful fit for this position. Please give Jason a word of congratulations and encouragement the next time you see him.

I’m living for Jesus!!
Pastor Per