Hi Church...

This week I saw an article about one of the most famous female porn stars ever. She not only performed in many X-rated videos over a 20 plus year career, but she also then built her own porn video production company. She experienced fame, wealth, and notoriety. Yet, by her own admission, was living an empty life void of peace and purpose.
 
Someone encouraged her to read the Bible, so she did. As she read, the Holy Spirit spoke into her spirit, drawing her with His amazing grace and everlasting love. In a moment of genuine conviction, she repented of her sin, confessed Christ as her Lord and Savior, and experienced everlasting redemption.
 
She found a local church family with whom she could grow in her newfound faith and serve her community. She recently posted on Instagram: "I am in love with Jesus and was baptized today. My whole life I shared my body and my sin; now I am serving my Savior and sharing His good news."
 
Like the prostitute who washed Jesus' feet with her tears, dried them with her hair, and anointed them with expensive perfume, this modern-day version of redemption is a glorious example of the power of the gospel. This is why Jesus came to earth, "to seek and to save those who are lost." This is why He commissioned us, His Church, to make disciples as we go into our lost and hopeless world.
 
It is not just prostitutes and openly sinful people who desperately need salvation, it is all people everywhere. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."  My heartfelt prayer for us is, "Lord Jesus, please allow us, the LifeLink family, to reach hundreds of lost people with your redeeming love!" Allow us to shout "Halleluia" over and over as we witness the glory of eternally transformed lives!
 
Our ministry vision for 2026 is "All In!" I love it, as it is the only way I know how to play. I am either all in or all out. As we follow Pastor David's lead in the coming year, I invite you to join me in being "All In."  If you have yet to pick up your Capture the Vison brochure and vision magnets, you will find them on the table in the lobby. Last year's financial report and this year's budget are both included in the pamphlet.
 
A well-run summer Bible Camp is one of the most effective discipleship tools ever designed. It is a five-night, six-day adventure combining worship, games, Bible lessons, crazy activities, gospel presentations, outstanding food, swimming, and deep fellowship. In August of this coming year, we will be hosting Kamp Koinonia at a beautiful Christian camp facility in the Illinois Valley.
 
Actually, we are offering two camps that will run simultaneously, one for teens (6th-12th grade), and the other for elementary age (3rd-5th grade). In addition to these two overnight, week-long camps, we are hosting a Primary Day Camp (K-2nd grade) in July. This week-long camp will be held daily on the church campus from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
 
To offer this life transformational opportunity to the children and youth of our community, it will require disciplined budgeting, hard work by our volunteer staff, generous and sacrificial offerings from our church family, and the divine supervision of the Holy Spirit of Almighty God.
 
I came to you one month ago asking if you would prayerfully consider partnering with us to reach our backyard mission field for Christ by helping provide a week of Bible camp for teens and children as a Christmas gift from the LifeLink family. You can find camp shares hanging on the small Christmas tree in the lobby. Take one, check the appropriate box ($260, $130, $65, other) and return in an envelope with your contribution. We will continue to collect donations until the Sunday before Christmas.
 
Thank you for your willing and generous spirit demonstrated over the past four weeks. I asked God to allow us to raise at least $6000 by Christmas. And then we were challenged to add Elementary Camp. By adding the elementary camp, our financial need is higher than at first calculated, but we sense God's urgent tugging on our hearts, so we are pursuing His lead full speed ahead. I want to high-five all of you right now.  As of today, we have collectively given $4,020.00! Will you pray with me and give as God leads? Thank you!
 
Our YouthLink teens meet for their monthly gathering tonight, November 14, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, on the church campus. Bring a friend and enjoy games, worship, a lesson, amazing food, and great fellowship.
 
Our Corporate Prayer Gathering is tomorrow, November 15, from 9:00am to 10:00am. This is the Powerhouse of our fellowship. As members of our fellowship cry out to God in humble yet bold faith, He hears our cry and gives us our heart's desire. We cannot prevail over the gates of hell without His sovereign power and authority.
 
Our ladies gather for an afternoon of fun and Bunco tomorrow, November 15, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. Come enjoy snacks and a great time.
 
I have some good news for those who give online. We are pleased to announce that our online giving now supports ACH bank transfers. By choosing this option on our website when you give online, you help the church save on processing fees, as the cost is significantly lower at 1% compared to the 2.8%+$0.30 fee for card transactions. This helps us invest more Kingdom dollars in Kingdom work. Thank you!
 
This Sunday we continue our current series in Matthew five on the Beatitudes. The title of this lesson is "The Price of Admission." I hope you can join us and invite a friend to come with. I also invite you to join me for prayer at 9:30am in the lobby.
 
Occupying until He returns,
Steve

Hi Church!

 
I want to shout out a great big “Thank You!” to everyone who contributed in making our Fall Harvest Festival a great success. DeeDee and her Outreach Team did a phenomenal job in planning and then adapting to the adverse weather conditions. Many of you donated candy, and others served by hosting a trunk display, working in the food court, or overseeing games and activities. Between 225 and 250 guests were served, and one family was so impressed they returned for worship on Sunday. Way to go, team!!
 
Please remember that tomorrow evening, November 1st, is the date of our annual Capture the Vision dinner. Dinner will be served at 5:30pm in the multi-purpose room. It includes a garden-fresh salad with a dinner roll, a main course (ham, roast beef, fully loaded baked potato, sautéed green beans with bacon and mushrooms), and dessert (brownie with ice cream).
 
Children under 5th grade will enjoy a pizza dinner and age-appropriate movie with supervised care in the preschool room. Cost for the meal is just $4.00/person or $12/family. If you have yet to pay (like me), a basket will be placed in the main course line for our donation. Following dinner, we will gather in the worship center for worship, a video, reports, and a peek at the coming year’s vision.
 
A group of our YouthLink members have graciously volunteered to set up our dinner, serve, and then clean up after dinner. Make sure to thank them for their service. And remember, our special Christmas gift this year is to help provide a full week of Bible camp next summer for as many children and youth as possible at our very own Kamp Koinonia (“Fellowship”).
 
A well-run summer Bible Camp is one of the most effective discipleship tools ever designed. It is a five-night, six-day adventure combining worship, games, Bible lessons, crazy activities, gospel presentations, outstanding food, swimming, and deep fellowship. Unfortunately, in a day of run-away inflation, Christian camps are struggling. A week of camp can cost $1,000 or more, and common folks cannot afford it.
 
God led us to a beautiful Christian Camp in the Illinois Valley. We previewed it and became excited with the possibilities. We can provide a full week of camp, including a t-shirt, for $260. For many parents, especially those with multiple youth, this cost is still prohibitive. So, I came to you asking if you would prayerfully consider partnering with us to reach our backyard mission field for Christ by helping provide a week of Bible camp for teens and children as a Christmas gift from the LifeLink family.
 
You will find camp shares hanging on the small Christmas tree in the lobby. Take one, check the appropriate box ($260, $130, $65, other) and return in an envelope with your contribution. We will continue to collect donations until the Sunday before Christmas. I appreciate your willing and generous spirit. Thank you. I am asking God to allow us to raise at least $6000 by Christmas. Will you pray with me and give as God leads?
 
This Sunday, November 2nd, something very exciting is happening in our KidzLink ministry. Due to continued growth, we are adding a new department to help us train our students in the best environment possible. Our Early Childhood group will remain in the first classroom we remodeled. Our Primary class, for students K-2nd grade, will meet in the most recently remodeled room. Our Elementary aged students, 3rd-6th grades, will gather in the multipurpose room.
 
Here is how each of us can help. Consider serving in our KidzLink ministry. It is exciting and rewarding. Consider volunteering to help transition the multipurpose room from a classroom to a dining room. This will be necessary every Sunday morning. Finally, be considerate. Should you arrive at the multipurpose room with food before it has been converted into a dining room, patiently offer to help or find a seat in the Holy Grounds Café. I thank you in advance!
 
Also, this Sunday, we begin our new series in Matthew five on the Beatitudes. I believe you will really enjoy this series of lessons. I invite you to join me for prayer at 9:30am in the lobby.
 
To Him from Whom all blessings flow,
Steve

Hi Church!

In Ephesians chapter six, verses 10-18, Paul admonishes us Christians to stand up, suit up, and pray up. We are to suit up with “the full armor of God,” which includes the shield of faith. The shield Paul referenced in this passage was the one used by the Roman heavy infantry. It was 2.5’ wide and 4’ high.
 
When attacking a stronghold that was protected by archers (with arrows often dipped in tar and ignited before firing), each infantryman would raise his shield above his head
 
With all the shields raised and touching, they formed an impenetrable roof that protected all of the soldiers from the arrows. What made the shield useful and bolstered its protective power was the cooperation and joint participation of each infantryman.
 
When we take the gospel to the masses, we are storming the strongholds of the prince of darkness. How does Satan respond?  He launches his fiery arrows at us. God has given us a shield called faith. It always works best when used in cooperation with other godly Christ followers. Christian, we never do our best in isolation. Our faith is at its most powerful when exercised in unison with other saints.
 
Tomorrow, Saturday, October 25th, our bi-monthly corporate prayer gathering is taking place at 9:00am in the lobby. This is your opportunity to join with others in God’s throne room in concerted, effectual intercession.
 
Later in the day, our Fall Harvest Festival is happening from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. Due to the weather, we have moved the food court and games indoors. We still have some trunks with treats, each one under protective cover. Pray for a great turnout, lots of fun, and many opportunities to connect with the members of our community.
 
One week from Saturday, November 1st, is the date of our annual Capture the Vision dinner. A three-course dinner will be served for everyone 5th grade and older. The dinner includes a garden-fresh salad with a dinner roll, a main course (ham, roast beef, fully loaded baked potato, sautéed green beans with bacon and mushrooms), and dessert (brownie with ice cream). Please sign up by Sunday for the dinner so that we know how much food to buy.  You can pay at the door. Thank you!
 
Children 4th grade and younger will enjoy pizza and an age-appropriate movie with supervision. Following dinner, we will enjoy some worship, a fun video highlighting this past year of ministry, a clear vision for the coming year, and the presentation of this coming year’s budget. All of this for $4.00/person, maximum $12/family.
 
Did you enjoy witnessing the baptisms of six children and youth this past Sunday as much as I did? And to think we have only just begun to reach into our community with the transforming power of the gospel! I honestly believe that we haven’t seen anything yet! What God is positioning us, as a church family, to do is both fantastic and amazing. The summer of 2026 will be the introduction of Kamp Koinonia (“fellowship”).
 
A well-run summer Bible Camp is one of the most effective discipleship tools ever designed. It is a five-night, six-day adventure combining worship, games, Bible lessons, crazy activities, gospel presentations, outstanding food, swimming, and deep fellowship. Unfortunately, in a day of run-away inflation, Christian camps are struggling. A week of camp can cost $1,000 and more, and common folks cannot afford it.
 
God led us to a beautiful Christian Camp in the Illinois Valley. We previewed it and became excited with the possibilities. We can provide a full week of camp, including a t-shirt, for $260. For many parents, especially those with multiple youth, this cost is still prohibitive. So, I come to you asking if you would prayerfully consider partnering with us to reach our backyard mission field for Christ by helping provide a week of Bible camp for teens and children as a Christmas gift from the LifeLink family.
 
You will find camp shares hanging on the small Christmas tree in the lobby. Take one, check the appropriate box ($260, $130, $65, other) and return in an envelope with your contribution. We will continue to collect donations until the Sunday before Christmas. I appreciate your willing and generous spirit. Thank you.
 
On Sunday, November 2nd, something very exciting is happening in our KidzLink ministry. Due to continued growth, we are adding a new department to help us train our students in the best environment possible. Our Early Childhood group will remain in the first classroom we remodeled. Our Primary class, for students K-2nd grade, will meet in the most recently remodeled room. Our Elementary aged students, 3rd-6th grades, will gather in the multipurpose room.
 
Here is how each of us can help. Consider serving in our KidzLink ministry. It is exciting and rewarding. Consider volunteering to help transition the multipurpose room from a classroom to a dining room. This will be necessary every Sunday morning. Finally, be considerate. Should you arrive at the multipurpose room with food before it has been converted into a dining room, patiently offer to help or find a seat in the Holy Grounds Café. I thank you in advance!
 
Kristie and I will not be worshipping with you this Sunday, as I am filling the pulpit for another church whose pastor is out of town this weekend. Pastor David will be concluding our current series, The Journey, preaching from Genesis chapter 50. Next Sunday, we will begin our next series covering the Beatitudes. As we continue to grow, parking becomes more challenging. May I encourage you to join me in parking on the grass? Thank you!
 
In His Mighty Grip,
Steve

Hi Church ...

This past Sunday we introduced our Christmas project for 2025. In the past, we filled shoe boxes and donated them to Operation Christmas Child. Last year, we were able to sponsor several young men in the foster care system. Both of these are wonderful ministry opportunities, so why choose a new project this year? This is a good question.
 
13 months ago, we launched our YouthLink ministry. Nine youth showed up the first night. Since then, 34 different youth have taken part in this ministry. Of this 34, 17 have a relationship with LifeLink other than YouthLink. The other 17 come from unchurched homes.
 
Our fellowship draws from surrounding communities featuring eight different high schools: Grants Pass; New Bridge; Gladiola, New Hope; North Valley; Hidden Valley; Illinois Valley; Rogue River. These eight schools have a combined enrollment of 3,357, which is larger than the population of the town in which I grew up. What a mission field!
 
With a mission field this size right in our own back yard, consider the following which I gleaned from a Barna research report.  “The majority of Americans who identify as Christians report becoming Christians at a young age, often before the age of 18.” In fact, 83% of American Christians claim they first trusted in Christ as their Lord and Savior between the ages of 4 and 14.
 
A well-run summer Bible Camp is one of the most effective discipleship tools ever designed. It is a five-night, six-day adventure combining worship, games, Bible lessons, crazy activities gospel presentations, outstanding food, swimming, and deep fellowship. Unfortunately, in a day of run-away inflation, Christian camps are struggling. A week of camp can cost $1,000 and more, and common folks cannot afford it.
 
God led us to a beautiful Christian Camp in the Illinois Valley. We previewed it and became excited with the possibilities. We can provide a full week of camp, including a t-shirt, for $260. For many parents, especially those with multiple youth, this cost is still prohibitive. So, I come to you asking if you would prayerfully consider partnering with us to reach our backyard mission field for Christ by helping provide a week of Bible camp for teens as a Christmas gift from the LifeLink family.
 
You will find camp shares hanging on the small Christmas tree in the lobby. Take one, check the appropriate box ($260, $130, $65, other) and return in an envelope with your contribution. We will continue to collect donations until the Sunday before Christmas. I appreciate your willing and generous spirit. Thank you.
 
The ladies of LifeLink are gathering for a potluck lunch this Saturday, October 18th, at 11:30, in the multi-purpose room. Come enjoy amazing food and even better fellowship with your sisters in Christ!
 
One day later, October 19th, we are celebrating new life in Christ with a baptismal service. Six youth will be publicly professing their faith in Christ. Are you wanting to do the same? It is not too late to include you. Give me a call (480-888-5991) and let’s talk.
 
Our Fall Harvest Festival is coming up just one week from this Saturday, October 25th, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. It is not too late to help. We can use two more people to decorate their trunks for our Trunks with Treats. We need others to serve food in the food court or help with games and activities. We are expecting a crowd of 300+, so we can use all the candy you can donate. Please stop by the sign-up sheet in the lobby and drop some candy in the box. Come help us love our community into a life of faith in Christ! And thank you!!
 
Saturday, November 1st, is the date of our annual Capture the Vision dinner. A three-course dinner will be served for everyone 5th grade and older. Children 4th grade and younger will enjoy pizza and an age-appropriate movie with supervision. Following dinner, we will enjoy some worship, an overview of this past year, and a clear vision for the coming year. $4.00/person, maximum $12/family.
 
On Sunday, November 2nd, something very exciting is happening in our KidzLink ministry. Due to continued growth, we are adding a new department to help us train our students in the best environment possible. Our Early Childhood group will remain in the first classroom we remodeled. Our Primary class for students K-2nd grade, will meet in the most recently remodeled room. Our Elementary aged students, 3rd-6th grades, will gather in the multipurpose room.
 
Here is how each of us can help. Consider serving in our KidzLink ministry. It is exciting and rewarding. Consider volunteering to help transition the multipurpose room from a classroom to a dining room. This will be necessary every Sunday morning. Finally, be considerate. Should you arrive at the multipurpose room with food before it has been converted into a dining room, patiently offer to help or find a seat in the Holy Grounds Café. I thank you in advance!
 
As we continue to grow, parking becomes more challenging. May I encourage you to join me in parking on the grass? Thank you! I also invite you to join me for prayer in the lobby at 9:30am this Sunday morning. At 10:00am we worship in song and then dig into God’s Word together.
 
Unto Him be all glory and praise!
Steve

Hi Church ...

What an amazing day we enjoyed this past Sunday as we celebrated LifeLink! The worship band, the food, the fellowship: it was all wonderful. You blessed The River as much as The River blessed us. They were touched by your participation in the worship and the exuberant spirit you all projected. And your generosity demonstrated in the love offering you gave is a true marker of your spirit.
 
Ron Davis, the band’s leader, sent me this by text Sunday afternoon: “Thank you Steve for inviting us today for the 6-year birthday worship celebration. We were all blessed! And thank you so much for the love offering. You lead a generous church!” Thank you, LifeLink!
 
This Friday, October 10th, is the date for our next YouthLink gathering. If you are a teen, you are invited to come enjoy food, games, and worship. 6:00-8:00pm.
 
The ladies of LifeLink are gathering for a potluck lunch on Saturday, October 18th, at 11:30, in the multi-purpose room. Come enjoy amazing food and even better fellowship with your sisters in Christ! Sign-up in the lobby.
 
Our Fall Harvest Festival is coming up just two weeks from this Saturday, October 25th, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. It is not too late to help. We can use people to decorate their trunks for our Trunks with Treats, help serve food in the food court, or help out with games and activities. In addition, we can also use all the candy you can donate. Come help us love our community into a life of faith in Christ! Sign-up sheets located in the lobby.
 
On Sunday, October 19th, we are celebrating new life in Christ with a baptismal service. Four teenagers will be publicly professing their faith in Christ. Are you wanting to do the same? Give me a call (480-888-5991) and let’s talk.
 
Saturday, November 1st, is the date of our annual Capture the Vision dinner. A three-course dinner will be served for everyone 5th grade and older. Children 4th grade and younger will enjoy pizza and an age-appropriate movie with paid supervision. Following dinner, we will enjoy some worship, an overview of this past year, and a clear vision for the coming year. $4.00/person, maximum $12/family.
 
As we continue to grow, parking becomes more challenging. May I encourage you to join me in parking on the grass? Thank you! I also invite you to join me for prayer in the lobby at 9:30am this Sunday morning. At 10:00am we worship in song and then dive into Genesis 49. The title? “When we Stand Before Him.”
 
May God bless you bunches!
Steve

Hi Church ...

I met Kathy when, as a 19-year-old college sophomore, she began dating a friend of mine named Steve. Small and petite, she was a dynamo of energy, especially when someone brought up the name of her Lord and Savior, Jesus. You see, Kathy was born into a home in Yreka, California, parented by two fully committed atheists. She and her siblings were not allowed to speak the name of Jesus growing up in the home.
 
As a 17-year-old high school senior, she attended a Christian concert at the invite of a close friend. During the concert, she was blown away by the unfiltered, unmuted praise being given to Jesus Christ. She was overwhelmed by the outward expression of joy, love, thanksgiving, and hope. That night she confessed Christ as her Lord and Savior. The next morning, she shared her hew found faith in Christ with her parents. They immediately kicked her out of their home and forbade her younger siblings to communicate with her.
 
Kathy lived with a friend’s family until she graduated, then moved to Redding to work and attend Shasta College. While in college she began dating my friend Steve, whom she met at church. She loved sharing her faith in Christ with everyone and anyone. She and Steve were members of a college-age worship team, and I had booked their group to provide music on our closing night of camp (a Friday).
 
The following day, a Saturday, the same group was slated to lead worship at a huge youth rally in a large church in Redding. The group rehearsed at the church on Thursday night, because on Friday night they would be with me at camp. Kathy was asked to give her testimony on Saturday night, so she rehearsed it on Thursday. Unknown to her and the band, the sound man recorded her testimony.
 
The group left Redding early on Friday so they could hike into a rugged area and enjoy swimming in Bear Creek. The girls went into some thick brush to change into their swimming suits. With their suits on, Kathy led the way on an unknown path that ended with a 90 foot drop off into the canyon. As Kathy stepped through the thick brush, she plunged to her death in front of her closest friends.
 
I attended her memorial service a week later. To a packed house of 1000, the pastor shared verses that Kathy had high lighted in her Bible, along with statements she had written about her faith in her journal. He ended his talk by introducing the taped testimony.
 
Kathy’s voice rang strong and true. “You guys, two-and one-half years ago Jesus became my Savior and Lord. I live for Him, and He is always with me. I don’t know my future, but I know that Jesus does. I could die tomorrow for all I know. and, if I did, I would be with my Jesus forever. Do you have this same confidence? If not, won’t you trust in Jesus right now? I invite you to get out of your seat and come to the alter. Come now and trust in my Savior as your Lord.”
 
All over the auditorium people rose and began walking to the alter. More than 90 people, young and old, come to saving faith during Kathy’s alter call, including her dad, mom, and three siblings.
 
God has given each of us a circle of influence, some larger than others. Charlie Kirk influenced tens of thousands and Kathy influenced hundreds. Both were faithful to their calling. Who are the ones God has given you to influence? Are you purchasing the opportunities God gives you to influence them toward Him?
 
LifeLink’s 6th Birthday Party is happening this Sunday, October 5th. The Celtic worship band, The River, is performing live, ministering to us in music for an hour beginning at 10am. Following the concert of Praise, stick around and enjoy a wonderful BBQ lunch. The church is providing the meat. May I invite you to bring a side to complete the meal? Sides include baked beans, salad (green, potato, or macaroni), or dessert. Thank you!
 
We have begun taking sign-ups in the lobby for staffing our Fall Harvest Festival. We have all kinds of opportunities for you to serve our community on Saturday, October 25th. In addition, we are collecting candy to give the children during this amazing event. Sign-up sheets located in the lobby.
 
Friday, October 10th, is the date for our next YouthLink gathering. If you are a teen, you are invited to come enjoy food, games, and worship. 6:00-8:00pm.
 
The ladies of LifeLink are gathering for a potluck lunch on Saturday, October 18th, at 11:30, in the multi-purpose room. Come enjoy amazing food and even better fellowship with your sisters in Christ!
 
On Sunday, October 19th, we are celebrating new life in Christ with a baptismal service. Three teenagers will be publicly professing their faith in Christ. Are you wanting to do the same? Give me a call (480-888-5991) and let’s talk.
 
Saturday, November 1st, is the date of our annual Capture the Vision dinner. A three-course dinner will be served for everyone 5th grade and older. Children 4th grade and younger will enjoy pizza and an age-appropriate movie with paid supervision. Following dinner, we will enjoy some worship, an overview of this past year, and a clear vision for the coming year. $4.00/person, maximum $12/family.
 
Parking will be a premium this Sunday. May I encourage you to join me in parking on the grass? Thank you! I also invite you to join me for prayer in the lobby at 9:30am this Sunday morning.
 
A lump of clay in the Potter’s Hands,
Steve

Hi Church ...

A week ago this morning, during our quiet time together, Kristie and I prayed for our nation and the American church during the aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Kristie made a statement then that I agreed with and have since heard many others state. “I believe this will be the shot heard ‘round the world.”
 
During the ensuing week, this statement has proven accurate. Vigils and rallies boasting crowds of hundreds of thousands have been held around the globe: Japan, New Zealand, Australia, England, Canada, and multiple American cities, to name just a few. Across our nation, people, especially young people, flocked back to church seeking truth and hope.
 
Turning Point USA received 38,000 requests to start new Turning Point ministries in high schools and colleges. We see evidence of thousands of young Christians committing their lives to take the gospel to their culture in bold, courageous faith. What Satan intended for evil, our sovereign God, by His infinite grace, has fully redeemed and is now using to accomplish His will and advance His Kingdom.
 
Is Satan now ready to quit? Is evil on earth now dispelled? Will the whole world turn to Christ and live happily ever after? In a word, “NO!” Satan and our Lord Jesus Christ are in an ages long war that will finally end in a brief battle at the conclusion of Christ’s 1,000-year reign on earth. Until then, the spiritual war between good and evil, light and darkness, righteousness and unrighteousness, heaven and hell, will continue.
 
So, considering this, what are we to do? In Ephesians 6, Paul tells us to stand up (“stand firm, then”), suit up (“put on the full armor of God”), and pray up (“pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests”). In addition, Paul instructs us to “be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15,16”). God is providing a great opportunity for you and me, at this pivotal point, to take the gospel to our culture. May we not squander it.
 
I am excited to share with you the gracious agape offering you all gave this past Sunday. As a church family, we gave $10,016! This amount has been added to $30,000 given earlier this year, plus the $15,000 we previously had in a savings account. Thus, our building fund total now stands at $55,016. Thank you for your generosity.
 
This Saturday, September 20th, all of you ladies are invited to a milling and home-made bread class at Nikki Toth’s home. Come enjoy learning, fellowship, and good food!  A variety of baked breads will be served. Bring your favorite toppings to share. From 11am to 1pm. Also, you will learn of a great opportunity to purchase wholesome, organic foods at a savings and benefit Radiance (our ladies’ ministry) at the same time. Children are welcome!
 
A day later, Sunday, September 21st, we will hold our Fall Ministry Fair. Are you looking for a place to invest your time, talents, and spiritual gifts to proclaim the gospel and equip God’s saints? I encourage you to consider serving with our KidzLink team on a rotating basis, as our children’s ministry is experiencing tremendous growth. Check out all of our current ministry opportunities and get in the game! Enjoy both the fair and lunch in the parking lot.
 
Monday, September 22nd, our LifeLink University meets for the 2nd class this semester. You are still welcome to join in. They meet from 6:00pm to 8:30pm each Monday.
 
Tuesday, September 23rd, a brand-new ministry will be given birth on our campus. What is this brand-new ministry? It is something we attempted to launch in early 2020, but God used covid to hit the pause button. Now, five- and one-half years later, God has said, “Move,” and so we are! A Christian lady with much preschool experience is launching a preschool on our campus beginning this coming Tuesday. Classes will be held every Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday of the school year. For children ages 3-5.
 
LifeLink’s 6th Birthday Party is happening on Sunday, October 5th, just three weeks from this Sunday. The Celtic worship band, The River, is performing live, ministering to us in music for an hour beginning at 10am. Following the concert of Praise, stick around and enjoy a wonderful BBQ lunch. The church is providing the meat. May I invite you to bring a side to complete the meal? Sides include baked beans, salad (green, potato, or macaroni), or dessert. You will find the sign-up sheet in the Holy Grounds Café. Thank you!
 
We have begun taking sign-ups in the lobby for staffing our Fall Harvest Festival. We have all kinds of opportunities for you to serve our community on Saturday, October 25th. In addition, we are collecting candy to give the children during this amazing event. Check out the opportunities during the ministry fair this week!
 
We have a young man who has recently moved to Grants Pass and started attending our Sunday worship. He is looking for yard work or other labor type work to help pay the bills. If you need such a worker, please let me know, and I will provide you his contact information. Thank you!
 
We continue in Genesis this Sunday. Our lesson is from Genesis 48. And don’t forget, you are invited to join me for prayer in the lobby at 9:30am.
 
Your friend and fellow servant,
Steve

Hi Church ...

Like many of you, I was shocked on Wednesday afternoon. As Kristie. and I drove to an appointment, Kristie checked her phone and exclaimed, “Charlie Kirk has just been shot!” Charlie has been a modern-day John the Baptist on college campuses across our nation for 12 years. The founder of Turning Point USA, he lived to take the message of Christ and biblical morality to an historically hostile environment. God has used him to turn the hearts of thousands of 18–25-year-olds to our Savior, Jesus Christ.
 
Charlie was assassinated while doing what God called him to do. As he dialogued with a crowd of more than 3,000 students, an evil coward shot him with a 30.06 from a nearby rooftop. He leaves behind a wife, two young children, and a legacy of faith and commitment. His murder got me to thinking about our American culture.
 
Just days before His crucifixion, the disciples asked Jesus, “What will be the sign of the coming of the Son of Man?” His answer: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man” (Matthew 24:37). So, what was it like in the days of Noah? Genesis 6 tells us.
 
Genesis 6:5,6 (NLT): The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. 6 So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart.
 
How wicked had mankind become in Noah’s day? Everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. Allow me to summarize behaviors and attitudes common in our culture: Accusing, lying, swearing, blaspheming, disobeying, aborting, stealing, drugging, adulterating, gossiping, slandering, cheating, trans gendering, fornicating, raping, abusing, over-drinking, demon-conjuring, and more. Noah’s culture had nothing on ours’s.
 
How soon is Christ returning? Very soon! How ready are your friends, neighbors, and family members to face Him? They are your campus, your mission field. Go to them as their own private Charlie Kirk. Lovingly share with them the Good News about Jesus! Let’s crowd heaven as much as we can in the time we have left!
 
This Saturday, September 13th, our Corporate Prayer gathering takes place in our building at 9:00am. Come join with others in seeking God’s face in the lobby.
 
As I have shared for the past month, we are designating our Agape Love Offering taken this coming communion Sunday, September 14th, to our building fund. As I mentioned, the elders and I are asking you to prayerfully consider giving a generous love gift to grow our available resources for either a purchase of our current campus, or another location if God so leads. We will add the proceeds of our love gift to the amount we now have set aside. May we give liberally and cheerfully, and may God be glorified.
 
On Saturday, September 20th, all of you ladies are invited to a milling and home-made bread class at Nikki Toth’s home. Come enjoy learning, fellowship, and good food!  A variety of fresh baked breads will be served. Bring your favorite toppings to share. From 11am to 1pm. Children are welcome!
 
A day later, on Sunday, September 21st, we will hold our Fall Ministry Fair. Are you looking for a place to invest your time, talents, and spiritual gifts to proclaim the gospel and equip God’s saints? Then come check out the various LifeLink ministries and find your place to serve.
 
LifeLink’s 6th Birthday Party is happening on Sunday, October 5th, just three weeks from this Sunday. The Celtic worship band, The River, is performing live, ministering to us in music for an hour beginning at 10am. Following the concert of Praise, stick around and enjoy a wonderful BBQ lunch. The church is providing the meat. May I invite you to bring a side to complete the meal? You will find the sign-up sheet in the Holy Grounds Café.
 
This Sunday, September 14th, we begin taking sign-ups in the lobby for staffing our Fall Harvest Festival. We have all kinds of opportunities for you to serve our community on Saturday, October 25th. Check out the opportunities in the lobby this week!
 
We continue in Genesis this Sunday. Our lesson, from Genesis 47, is entitled, “When God Says Move!”” And don’t forget, you are invited to join me for prayer in the lobby at 9:30am.
 
Your friend and fellow servant,
Steve

Hi Church ...

Where did our summer go? It seems like it flew by at record speed! Labor Day has passed, the kids are all back in school, and it is getting lighter each morning later, and getting darker each evening earlier. We must be in the Fall season. Crisp, cool mornings, warm and sunny afternoons, and mild evenings.
 
I do love the Fall, and I will always be glad that we gave birth to LifeLink in the month of September. I will always cherish the memory of our very first public worship service. We were able to secure the Celtic worship band, The River, who led us into God’s presence in music. How delighted our small core group was to see our chapel so full! And most of the people gathered for an array of appetizers in our Holy Grounds Café following the concert. It was a wonderful day!
 
As I ponder that day six years in our past, I am delighted to announce that The River, will be with us for a concert of praise on Sunday, October 5th. On this very special day, we will celebrate LifeLink’s 6th birthday.  I encourage you to invite your friends, family, neighbors, and acquaintances to join you for this very special day. Let’s pack the place full!
 
Tomorrow, Friday, September 5th, the youth are gathering for a night of pizza, games, and a movie. This marks our YouthLink ministry’s first anniversary, so it is an extra-special gathering!  It all happens on the church campus from 6:00pm – 9:00pm. Bring a friend and have a blast!
 
This coming Monday evening, September 8th, is the first class for the Fall Semester of LifeLink University. Do you have a longing to go deeper in the study of God’s Word? Then I encourage you to join others and enjoy the teaching and discussions that make LifeLink U. special. Mondays, 6pm- 8:30pm.  
 
One week from this Saturday, September 13th, our Corporate Prayer gathering takes place in our building at 9:00am. Come join with others in seeking God’s face.
 
As I have shared for the past month, we are designating our Agape Love Offering taken on communion Sunday, September 14th, to our building fund. As I mentioned, the elders and I are asking you to prayerfully consider giving a generous love gift to build our available resources for either a purchase of our current campus, or another location if God so leads. We will add the proceeds of our love gift to the amount we now have set aside. May we give liberally and cheerfully.
 
Two weeks from this Saturday, September 20th, all of you ladies are invited to a milling and home-made bread class at Nikki Toth’s home. Come enjoy learning, fellowship, and good food!  A variety of fresh baked breads will be served. Bring your favorite toppings to share. From 11am to 1pm. Children are welcome!
 
A day later, on Sunday, September 21st, we will hold our Fall Ministry Fair. Are you looking for a place to invest your time, talents, and spiritual gifts to proclaim the gospel and equip God’s saints? Then come check out the various LifeLink ministries and find your place to serve.
 
We continue in Genesis this Sunday. Our lesson, from Genesis 46, is entitled, “How to Stifle God’s Blessing.” And don’t forget, you are invited to join me for prayer in the lobby at 9:30am.
 
To our All Consuming, Triune God,
Steve

Hi Church ...

I was blessed to spend a few hours this past Thursday fishing just off the coast near the mouth of the Klamath River. I shared the experience with my son, Scott, his father-in-law, John, and his son-in-law, Colton (my grandson-in-law). What a glorious day God gave us!
 
As we fished, a whale broke water several times near us, once only 60 feet from our boat. On the shoreline, the sea lions kept up their steady song while gathered in a cave. All around us pelicans and seagulls entertained us with their presence. Everywhere, all around us, I could see the infinite handiwork of our Creator God.
 
The rugged shoreline, the mountains rising above it, the giant trees reaching to the sky, the animals exhibiting their amazing diversity, and the ocean itself: all giving irrefutable evidence of God’s creative design! Speaking of diversity, the fish we caught (and yes, we limited out!) were amazingly diverse. God didn’t just create one kind of fish, but a nearly endless variety of fish.
 
This very same amazing God breathed into us His breath of life. He knew and numbered our days before our conception. He knows not only each hair on our head, but where each hair belongs. We are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” And what was God’s commentary on the day He created man: “It is very good!” As I climbed out of the boat late Thursday morning, I thought the same thing: “It is very good!”
 
On Friday, September 5th, the youth are gathering for a night of pizza, games, and a movie. It all happens on the church campus from 6:00pm – 9:00pm. Bring a friend and have a blast!
 
We are designating our Agape Love Offering taken on communion Sunday, September 14th, to our building fund. As I mentioned, the elders and I are asking you to prayerfully consider giving a generous love gift to build our available resources for either a purchase of our current campus, or another location if God so leads. We will add the proceeds of our love gift to the amount we now have set aside. May we give liberally and cheerfully.
 
Two weeks later, on Sunday, September 21st, we will hold our Fall Ministry Fair. Are you looking for a place to invest your time, talents, and spiritual gifts to proclaim the gospel and equip God’s saints? Then come check out the various LifeLink ministries and find your place to serve.
 
I am delighted to announce that the Celtic worship band, The River, will be with us for a concert of praise on Sunday, October 5th. On this very special day, we will celebrate LifeLink’s 6th birthday. The River was with us on our very first public worship service in late September of 2019. I am eager to welcome them back!
 
We continue in Genesis this Sunday. And don’t forget, you are invited to join me for prayer in the lobby at 9:30am.
 
To our Eternal, Infinite, Sovereign God,
Steve