05.13.2012

Akron

05.13.2012 What a Laugh!

• Paul Sartarelli
• Audio

Green

05.13.2012 The Missing Piece

• Mike Castelli
• Audio

Wadsworth

05.13.2012 Mother’s Day 2012

• Zac Derr
• Audio

by Pastor Mike Landis, Camp Director

Entering the month of May means that Camp Carl kicks off very soon. Many projects are underway to ensure everything is ready to go when the campers arrive. The pool is filled up, and the water is transforming into a nice shade of blue; the ropes course will receive its annual inspection to make sure that everything is safe, and at the horse barn, we are working on bringing the “West” to this eastern part of Ohio.

But camp would be a lot of wasted work if it were not a tool used to communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our prayer is that many come to know Jesus Christ and then leave camp making a difference in their world. Will you pray this also?

The theme for summer staff is pulled from the passage in 2 Timothy 2:15,  

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 

During training week we will look at what it means to be a workman who is not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Baptism is an action one takes to publically identify with Jesus Christ. On June 3 at 7:00pm we plan to hold a worship service at Camp Carl. There are two gentlemen, Ben Reed and George Daugherty, who will stand up for Jesus Christ and identify with Him through the action of baptism. They want to boldly state that they are not ashamed!

We would love for you to join us June 3. There is an open house from 3:00–7:00pm, with the service following. Doug Ley, our new Missions pastor at The Chapel, will be speaking that evening.

The Bible and Christianity are so much more progressive than most people give it credit. This weekend we think about mothers and the important role so many women play in our lives. Throughout the Scriptures and salvation history, women play a starring role. From Eve to Esther; from Ruth to Miriam; from Mary, Jesus’ mother to her many namesakes; from Martha to Priscilla … throughout the pages of the Bible and church history, God has honored women and blessed their words and works time and again.

This Sunday in Akron, we will focus on Sarah, the wife of Abraham, the mother of Isaac. Since Abraham is called the father of our faith, then perhaps we should call Sarah our faith’s mother. And more specifically I want to highlight something the Lord said to Sarah that applies immediately to all of us:

“Is anything too hard for the Lord?” To a ninety-year-old, post-menopausal, childless lady, the Lord promises a child! Really? A bit late for that, isn’t it? No wonder Sarah laughed. Is anything too hard for the Lord?

Is anything too hard for the Lord? That “unspiritual” friend whose heart is cold toward Christ and yawns at God’s Word—losing hope for her? Frustrated? Is anything too hard for the Lord? This is why God visited Sarah. Her son would father a great nation within which ultimately the Messiah would be born, the Savior of the world. And hopefully your friend. Is anything too hard for the Lord?

Is anything too hard for the Lord? The prodigal child, the family member who just won’t change his habits or addictions. The multiple reasons for a mother’s insomnia. Will things ever change? Is anything too hard for the Lord?

Still out of work. Worried sick about finances. Something’s got to give. What does it mean that “my God shall supply all of our needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus” anyway? God’s timing seems to be so different than mine. Like delays at the airport. Will we ever take off? Yes. And still God is God, and I am not. And the question remains: Is anything too hard for the Lord?

And what about us—you and me? Will we ever mature? Will God ever rid us of that behavior or private selfishness or unholy attitude, or all the other blights on our “sanctification”? Does God’s grace apply to my life? Is the Holy Spirit able to make any meaningful and lasting changes in me? Is anything too hard for the Lord?

There are only two possible answers to that question: Yes. Go there and your world shuts down, and God ceases to be God, and hope goes out the window while eternal chaos sweeps in. Answer No, nothing is too hard for God and your world opens up to you. You lose a bit of that precious control, but security and comfort and hope enter in. Because the all-powerful God with the all-encompassing plan is here! And it starts and ends with Christ. Do you know him? Do you trust him?

Hero-missionary Hudson Taylor wrote, “There are three stages in every great work of God. First it is impossible. Then is it is difficult. And then it is done!”

I think that the congregation deserves a great big “Thank You.” What for you may ask?

Every time we have asked, the congregation has given gracious input. Over the last few years we have asked for input on:

• The website—two times! We knew getting our website to a terrific place would take two steps. And, each step you helped us!
• The bulletin—and we redesigned it based on your thoughts and that of our staff.
• Searches for pastors—you have given us great insight into the people and the needs in the church. Wow! You are great, giving us some terrific insights and things to think about.
• Various ministry areas. For example, just recently we asked over a hundred people for their input on growing our Children’s Ministry.
• And many other things …

Many people have written to me with their thoughts, hopes and desires. Even when people have “critical” thoughts, they have been gracious in sharing it. We have valued every email and letter that has been sent in! I read every letter and email, and I respond to every one.

There is one kind of letter that doesn’t get much attention at The Chapel. That is the anonymous letter. Writing an anonymous letter is a pretty quick way for the letter to be filed in the “round paper file.” Just a very few people have sent in anonymous letters. Here’s the problem with anonymous letters. People need to stand behind their views. Anonymity violates the principles of Matthew 18:15-19, of being able to talk to people about issues. For a huge proportion of the time, the people of The Chapel have graciously made comments, even when those comments are challenging—and put their names on their letters. Thanks so much for that.

We have asked for your thoughts on many issues. Thanks for sharing your opinions in ways that honor God. We all have opinions and views. I love hearing your views and seeing if they will work at The Chapel. Of course, we all know that we can’t please everyone and we can’t do everything. I don’t get to implement all of my ideas at The Chapel—I live in a world of give and take, of talking with others, and seeing what is best for the entire group. I never know who will propose an idea that is “golden.” Perhaps you will have the next insight that will help us!

Thanks again! Keep your comments gracious and full of love. Express yourself well and let us know what is on your mind.

Pastor Jon Platek learned leadership skills there quite some time ago.

My daughter, Sara, grew spiritually there in very real and consistent ways, year after year.

Developing worship-leading skills was a fringe benefit of all the time Drew Belden spent there.

My mother-in-law was baptized there—by her son-in-law!

Hundreds, probably thousands of children have opened their hearts to Christ there.

The first marriage retreat Sue and I ever attended was there.

City kids, country kids, churched kids, unchurched kids, rich kids, poor kids, precious kids and even more precious kids find their way there.

Ministry leaders, full-time Christian workers, pastors and missionaries serving here, there and everywhere cut their eye teeth there.

On any summer day, horses are ridden, paint balls are shot, the gospel is shared, high ropes are climbed, new friends are made, and Jesus is very present there.

Discovering Christ and making a difference is more than a slogan, it is a reality there.

It was Pastor Dave Burnham’s vision. Pastor Knute Larson’s pride. And it is my joy.

It is Mike Landis’ world to lead and dream and love on.  

It is our great God’s handiwork—naturally and spiritually.

During the month of May we highlight Camp Carl—one of our most valuable ministry vehicles that the Lord is so pleased to use year after year. Giving continues to be strong for camp. Record preregistrations have already come in for this summer. Your generous giving will not only help pay for a campership and send someone to camp, but will also help us to expand this great place physically and otherwise for God’s glory.

The People of The Chapel Share Their Insights on Doug Olson

Many of us have been involved in the process of bringing a Worship Pastor candidate to Green. It is a delight to announce that Doug Olson will be candidating this Sunday, May 6.

Doug brings “twenty years experience directing arts programming; writing and arranging music; directing large nationally recognized choirs; recruiting, supervising and directing staff and volunteers.  He excels at all styles of music from the latest contemporary to the most traditional/classical.  He is a gifted team builder and inspirational leader.”

Pastors Mike Castelli and Jim Mitchell give an enthusiastic “yes” to Doug. I have tracked the entire process and met with Doug and Carol in their home area of Indianapolis. Doug has come up and led worship at Wadsworth and Akron, meeting with many from our worship community in that process.

Hear from some of the people of The Chapel as they have written to us about their time with Doug:

• Thanks for including me in the ‘meet the Olsons’ group on Saturday. I’ve now met Doug three times including Sunday in Akron (I sang with the choir). I think Doug is a very good fit for The Chapel. He certainly has the education, talent and experience. And he and his wife seem to be genuine and joyful. I like them both a lot. I like his philosophy, too—that whatever we offer in worship should be the very best for the glory of God. That means he’ll expect a lot from us, and I’m glad about that.

• Doug and Carol presented themselves with genuineness and confidence. I feel like we heard his heart. He was a good listener in hearing the concerns expressed by the group about the past 15 months of changes and transition in Green. I feel he could be an integral part in leading Green forward, if he can use his talents and vision along with Mike’s leadership. Thanks for allowing me to participate and for the freedom to express opinions.

• I definitely agree with his vision.

• I like how much musical experience and knowledge he seems to have.

• I like him and feel they [Doug and his wife] are God’s people for us.

• It’s a privilege to be asked to be part of the search process for Green’s worship leader. We have very positive reactions to Doug. We like that he is classically trained … a good foundation on which to build almost any style of music. He talks about music and worship theologically. Doug’s stage presence during both hours at Akron was compelling. He fit his style to each service and song. His personality is very engaging. He seems to have a pastor’s heart. At the special Green choir rehearsal, he engaged the choir within a very few minutes … he took hold of the group and led it. His expressed interest in mentoring young worship leaders.

• I thought Doug did a good job. He was poised and under control at all times. He also reminded me to just focus on the Lord and the fact the He’s worthy of our worship. Doug clearly has a strong relationship with the Lord and that came through more than anything. Doug led quite, quite well. He kept the entire Orchestra and Choir together. I can’t imagine a better skill-set and maturity than somebody exactly like Doug. He would be an excellent “Quarterback” from everything I’ve seen thus far. I really like how he reverts back to the Lord’s strength when he hits a pressure-packed moment. Both the Choir and Orchestra responded immediately to his demeanor as he was conducting; first in the rehearsal and then in the service. Doug’s just really strong. Nice sense of humor, too. Good eye-contact also.

We are excited to have Doug lead at Green, and would love to hear your thoughts. Please email green.worship@the-chapel.org.