<![CDATA[Building "Life Stories" God's Way - Blog]]>Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:07:07 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[What is Jesus Worth to You?]]>Wed, 08 Jun 2011 07:25:12 -0800http://www.churchofthelakesepc.org/1/post/2011/06/what-is-jesus-worth-to-you.htmlBy Kerry Bergman

This past Wednesday, we began our journey on discovering how to live radically for God.  It was an amazing sight to see 15 people gathered together to discover real truth about themselves, about their faith, and about their love of God.  We discussed personal answers to questions such as: Do we really believe He is worth abandoning everything for?  If God asked us to give up the one thing that we cherish most today, would we be able to?  What is that one thing that we cherish most?  Is it really God...or is it something or someone here on earth that has our utmost attention?  Do we believe that we can have fullness and satisfaction in God alone?  Most of us would answer yes, but if you think about that one thing that consumes your time, do we truly believe?  Are we willing to "go against the grain" and believe him enough...even when the crowd, our culture and those in our church family are going in the opposite direction?  Are we standing firm IN HIM or are we standing firm on our own wants and needs?  Do we desire HIM more than we desire the ways of the world?

Next week we are going to discover "the truth and beauty of the Gospel", and trust me...it is not what you think!  It is not too late to begin your journey on becoming a Radical Servant!  We encourage you to join us Wednesday evening beginning promptly at 6:00 pm.  ]]><![CDATA[How GOD moved in the month of May]]>Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 -0800http://www.churchofthelakesepc.org/1/post/2011/05/first-post.htmlThe National Day of Prayer event was hosted by Deacon Jan Gustafson on Thursday, May 5.  Those who came to pray, prayed for over two hours and for some, was the beginning of their prayer life.  During those two hours we prayed SPECIFICALLY for ourselves, our family, friends, church, churches around the nation, and local, state, national and world leaders and governments.  We prayed for our soldiers and for those serve as police officers, firefighters, and educators.  We look forward to hosting a Prayer Center at Church of the Lakes next year!

The Mother/Daughter Tea was a very intimate affair.  Alice Schaffer blessed us with a wonderful look into being Woman of Strength.  Our "little women" served refreshments, kept our glasses full, and then graced us with a wonderful fashion show to close.  We would like to thank Alice for all her hard work and again, providing us with a wonderful time of friendship and fellowship.

May 21, 2011 was an "unofficial clean up day" at the church.  Instead of the Youth meeting to clean up roadside, we decided to clean up the grounds.  Deacon Jan Gustafson, Kerry Bergman and Garrett and Nathan Gustafson spent a few hours cleaning, edging and weeding around the church.  We discovered that Garrett may have a future as a master painter.  He spent some of his time during the work day to touch up the front door.   Another work day is being planned for the near future.  If you would like to come and participate in a clean-up day, please contact the office. 

Closing out the month of May was the powerful music and thought provoking Service in honor of Memorial Day.  We appreciate the hard work of the choir and Director, Woodland Johnson.  We opened with a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, leading into a time of prayer and the sermon.  Carol McCarthy played a soul stirring underscore during our corporate prayer time.  We are thankful for all of those who served and gave their lives in the fight for freedom and for the families they left behind.  We also pray for those who continue to serve this great nation.
]]><![CDATA[Putting the Sermon into Action]]>Mon, 02 May 2011 00:00:00 -0800http://www.churchofthelakesepc.org/1/post/2011/05/post-title-click-and-type-to-edit.htmlBy Kerry Bergman

Pastor Woody has been preaching on the family for the past few weeks.  The first week he focused on women as wives and mothers.  The second week was the men's turn! Last week he focused on children.  Not only did he speak of obedience as children, but he hit on the parenting side of it all.  I don't want to admit it in my humanness, but in my journey to be a child of God, I have to...I was convicted...ALL THREE WEEKS!!!  The first week, I had to admit that I was not fully living up to my God given potential, the next week I learned about my husband and why I could and should be more understanding in situations where I "Know" I am right, as all we ladies tend to do.  (Rule #1 - Mom is always right!; Rule #2 - When mom is wrong, see Rule #1.)  Seriously, though, it really got me thinking about how I have gotten so used to and comfortable with "bullying".  It also made me look at the relationship and expectations I had with and for my children.   So long story short...it was time to dust off and bring back a great tool I had in my "Parenting tool belt" that I had let slide to the wayside because of the "effort" it took to uphold it.  What is it you ask?  It is our Family Values, Rules, and Consequences Board.  We added in the basic chore chart and prayer list.  Not only am I blessed with the privilege to mold three wonderful young ladies and gentleman into functioning, well rounded members of society, I am also charged with teaching them God's story.  To fully know and understand that their soul is HIS, I am their loving guide.  So what does that look like? (See Pictures below) 
          
 When we first started we sat down as a family and talked about why we were doing this "project".  Then the kids helped come up with the Family Values, Family Rules and the Consequences.  They know that these are not just intended for home, but they go wherever the children go.  The chore chart and prayer request list places the responsibility in their hands and allows them to love others and give back (by praying for others).  The most important ingredient:  Scott and I are on the same page and back each other up!  (I am so blessed!)   I am pleased to say, we are doing well!  We have had a hiccup or two, but nothing happens overnight.  I am less stressed, they are less stressed and more willing to help in other areas!  Not only are my children learning respect, obedience and hard work pays off, but I am getting to know my children, learning their unique talents and realizing...they ARE genuine originals!   I look forward to hearing how you are putting the Sermon into Action!  If you would like to share, please email me at kerry_bergman@yahoo.com.  I would love to share your ideas with others!  May God bless you and bring you safely to Worship on Sunday!
]]><![CDATA[How Much More]]>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0800http://www.churchofthelakesepc.org/1/post/2011/03/how-much-more.htmlBy Kerry Bergman 

 About a year ago, I came to a point in my life where I was hungering for more and realizing that I didn’t know as much about my Lord as I had thought.  I wanted, yearned to know and grow in Him more.  I also knew that left to my own devices, not much about “my routine” was going to change.  Then Philippians 4:13 came to mind.  It simply states, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”  As He usually does, God reminded me that total dependence on Him was the key and to stop working under my own power.  His power can move mountains…mine…well, let’s say it pales drastically in comparison!
     During one of Pastor Woody’s classes, he spoke about his daughter, Alice.  She too had felt that there was much more to know…for herself and for her students, especially if she were to teach out of her overflow.  God is good, isn’t He!  I approached Alice about the study she was taking and she joyfully shared the information so I could begin my journey to know Him and His Word more.  On a side note, I am thankful God placed Alice in my life “for such a time as this.”  I began my study on the book of John in January 2010.  I was overwhelmed at the “in-depth” part of the study.  We took each verse in Scripture and dissected it, we reflected on key elements of scripture that spoke to our lives personally, and, yes, conviction followed.  God came through in a big way!  Luke 11:9-12 and Matthew 21:22 tell us what to expect when we turn to Him with our prayers.  With that being said, not only did He give me what I was looking for, but He took it one step further.  My children were attending the Bible Study with me!  He gave us the opportunity to grow together with Him and He gave me the tools to “train my children in the way they should go.” (Proverbs 22:6a, NIV)
     This year, we are studying the book of Isaiah.  Can I just stop for a second and take time to lick my wounds!  Talk about a book in the Bible that makes you take a giant step backwards and do a self-inventory on your character and integrity or lack thereof.  My joy overflows, even when I am heavily convicted, because I know that the Lord is the Word and in Him we can find great compassion, joy, and strength.  To be honest, this sure would be an extremely hard study if I didn’t have that assurance!  It never fails, though.  I am always in awe when I can see God’s thumbprint on the pages of my life.
     To date we are up to Chapter 59 of Isaiah and have been studying about the coming of the Lamb of God.  How apropos that our study has reached this point during the Season of Lent.  This brings me to the point of this story.  Reading in the Old Testament about the coming of our Risen Savior, knowing that for over hundreds of years the Israelites would have to face the wrath of God for all of their sin, knowing the gravity of that sin.  Then reading about His love and the redemptive price Jesus would pay on the cross so that not only the Israelites, but also the world would be brought back into the loving grace of God leaves me breathless.   God, born as man in the person of Jesus Christ, took the weight of my sin and yours so that we could spend eternity with Him.  How much more are we willing to do for Him?

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