Decorah Covenant Church Sermons

Pastor Don Holmertz - "One Thing is Needful - The Lord's Prayer”

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:01:24 -0600

Pastor Don Holmertz - "One Thing is Needful - “Mary & Martha”

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:51:45 -0600

David Thompson - "The Loving Meal"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:59:54 -0600

Pastor Don Holmertz - "Flying Lessons for Christmas Cranks"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 19:57:26 -0600

Storm Bailey - "God Things Happen to Those Who Wait: Let all the world be silent before him"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 19:55:46 -0600

Pastor Don Holmertz - God Things Happen to Those Who Wait with “Your God is Too Small”

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 15:26:15 -0600

Pastor Don Holmertz - God Things Happen to Those Who Wait with “The Word is Out: Here is Your God!”

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 15:13:10 -0600

Pastor Don Holmertz - "God Things Happen to Those Who Wait - A Highway in the Desert"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:34:25 -0600

Amy Lambert - "Do You Really Know Jesus"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 15:52:04 -0600

Pastor Don Holmertz - "A Generous Life is a Gripped Life"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 17:13:27 -0600

Storm Bailey - "Beauty for Ashes"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 16:54:48 -0600

Pastor Don Holmertz - "In Your Hand"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 17:34:36 -0500

Troy Vande Lune - "Jesus is for Losers"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 15:16:19 -0500

Pastor Don Holmertz - "A Generous Life: A Teachable Life"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 16:00:45 -0500

Pastor Don Holmertz - "The Contentment of God”

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 16:21:02 -0500

Storm Bailey - "The Peace of God"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 17:18:07 -0500

Pastor Don Holmertz: The Attitudes of Christ - "The Joy of Christ"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 16:45:38 -0500

Pastor Don Holmertz: The Attitudes of Christ - "The Humility of Christ"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 16:41:14 -0500

Pastor Don Holmertz: The Attitudes of Christ - "The Confidence of Christ"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 16:59:24 -0500

Don Holmertz - Philippians Series: The Attitudes of Christ - "Affection of Christ"; Rachel Dougan Testimony on Equador Mission Trip

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 08:33:54 -0500

Jerome Johnson - "Trust"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 17:15:48 -0500

Cheri & Taylor Lane - "Reach Out to Haiti"; Judy Alford - “People of the Table, People of Hope”

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 13:33:03 -0500

Jeff Grote - "History Maker"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 17:43:54 -0500

Troy Vande Lune - "Live Ready"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 16:08:53 -0500

Pastor Don Holmertz - "But I Don't Feel Lik Singing" - Psalm 124

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 17:08:04 -0500

Storm Bailey - "The Church of the Firstborn"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 09:15:56 -0500

Cheri Lane & Lowell Nobel - "A Sankofa Journey"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 16:54:15 -0500

Pastor Don Holmertz - "What's in a Name?"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 19:55:54 -0500

Pastor Don Holmertz - "Lesson from a Short-Lived Country Club Membership"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 17:58:31 -0500

Pastor Don Holmertz - "Knowing You" (John 17:1-11

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 17:41:44 -0500

Pastor Don Holmertz - "Groping for the Unknown God"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 29 May 2011 17:32:42 -0500

Pastor Don Holmertz - "Balancing Your Walk - The Sanctuary"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 22 May 2011 17:08:08 -0500

Pastor Don Holmertz - "Balancing Your Walk - The House"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 15 May 2011 17:15:26 -0500

Pastor Don Holmertz - "Balancing Your Walk - The Closet"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 08 May 2011 17:18:47 -0500

Pastor Don Holmertz - "SOGETAI!"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 17:07:55 -0500

Troy Vande Lune - "Who Is This" - Matthew 21:1-11

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 17:14:55 -0500

Pastor Don Holmertz - "Can These Bones Live?" - Ezekiel 37:1-14

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 17:10:20 -0500

Pastor Don Holmertz - "Who Sinned?"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 17:06:48 -0500

Pastor Don Holmertz - "Where Do You Get This Living Water"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 16:50:59 -0500

Pastor Don Holmertz - "How Can These Things Be?"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 17:00:11 -0500

Don Holmertz - "Did God Really Say?"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 17:24:26 -0500

Pastor Don Holmertz - "Defining Moments of an Adolescent Church: Networks and Labels"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 16:51:54 -0600

Pastor Don Holmertz - "Defining Moments of an Adolescent Church: Breaking Down the Walls"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 16:39:06 -0600

Pastor Don Holmertz - "Defining Moments of an Adolescent Church: The Power of the Holy Spirit"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 17:18:41 -0600

Pastor Don Holmerts - Defining Moments of and Adolescent Church: Not Your Average Joe

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 17:20:33 -0600

Pastor Don Holmertz - Defining Moments of an Adolescent Church: Growing Pains

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 17:27:14 -0600

Pastor Don Holmertz: "Defining Moments of an Adolescent Church: With Glad and Generous Hearts"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 19:34:17 -0600

Pastor Don Holmertz - "Dreamers Welcome"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 14:50:05 -0600

Pastor Don Holmertz - Christmas Eve Service

chris@arcticwind.com — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 14:44:38 -0600

Pastor Holmertz - "Those we touch in our lives"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 14:37:47 -0600

Fourth Sunday of Advent – Pastor Don summarized and finished his series on those we “touch” in our lives. We reach out to our neighbors; then the seemingly unimportant people who are regularly overlooked; and now finally those closest to us our family. We realize that with the ones closest, we find there are those who disappoint; that there is conflict & difficulties; that EGR (Extra Grace Required) is often in order. Sometimes it’s hard to remember to love and forgive those who are close. May we all think as Paul, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” Philippians 1:3-4 (NIV). Think about the world first and yourself second.

Remember the babe in the manger – Jesus became vulnerable for us so he could die for us. What a truly awesome gift!

Don Holmertz - “New Faces, Old Table”

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 14:27:29 -0600

Pastor Don continued the Advent sermon series with “New Faces, Old Table”, referring to those coming to the Lord’s Table for communion, and using Luke 2:8-20. He spoke of the “forgotten” people of this world, the seemingly unimportant ones who are regularly overlooked, in this case the shepherds. The angels came down to speak to them, to tell them of Christ’s birth. Our Lord sent his only son to a lowly birth as a sign to us that no one is unimportant to him. Think about it: the person is as important as the message. In this glorious season of Christmas may we freely share the joy of the “good news” with all people.

Don Holmertz - “Keep in Touch”

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 14:30:59 -0600

Don began his sermon series for Advent using Luke 2:1-7. His focus was on the innkeeper (not even mentioned in the scripture) who was important because he saw that Mary and Joseph had a place to stay when Jesus was born. We need to reach out to our neighbors during this Christmas Season for these reasons and in these ways: 1 - To practice “Prayer, Share, Care” that we learned about this fall (What’s Your One Step?); 2 - Consider the “Bethlehem Factor” which comes from Micah 5:2 – “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Who knows what can come from your actions? 3 - Not only because they need it but because we need it! (Editorial comment – when you concentrate on other people and their problems, your own have a way of shrinking.)

Don Holmertz - "Serving Out of Abundance

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 15:21:40 -0600

From Mark 6:35-44

Don Holmertz - “What Does Rest Mean to You?”

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 12:55:54 -0600

Covered Mark 6:30-34. The text shows us that Jesus recognized that his disciples needed to rest. He tells them to “Come away…to a deserted place…and rest.” We all need to regularly be alone, away from others, and have some quiet time to rest; and speak to & listen to God. Rest in this context means fasting from work. We all need sleep, prayer, and exercise. During the busy holiday time to come, find time to rest – for your spiritual and physical well-being.

Don Holmertz - “Doing the Good News”

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 13:38:01 -0600

Don continued his sermon series “Seasons of a Jesus Follower” last Sunday. His sermon, “Doing the Good News” covered Mark 6:8-13. Jesus gives instructions to His disciples (8-11) before He sends them out. They went out and did what He has told them – “doing” the Gospel. We are to do the same.

Pastor Don Holmertz - “Here I Send”

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 12:53:59 -0500

Based on Mark 6:7. Jesus called his disciples and then he sent them out into the world. We are all called and sent.

Storm Bailey - “Untethered”

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 15:05:18 -0500

Using Philippians 2:1-11. Paul instructs Christians in Philippi to adopt the same attitude as Christ regarding position, rights, and the needs of others. By placing our ultimate well-being in the hands of God we find liberation to express the life of Christ--we can get untethered.

Troy Vande Lune - “Shine, make Them Wonder What You’ve Got”

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 14:55:59 -0500

It’s interesting that people generally view churches by the individuals that they know from that church. So, how do the individuals you know view Decorah Covenant through you? And even more important how are others viewing Jesus through you? You are the individual light that others are viewing. Have you ever noticed that when you stand back and view individual lights from a distant they all blend together into one light. Our individual lights make up the collective light that we will be known by. Let’s shine together in a manner worthy of the good news we are called to share.

Troy VandeLune - "Your Feet Sure Look Pretty"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 13:34:37 -0500

Storm Bailey - “God Cares for You”

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 15:56:38 -0500

Our third week of the "What's Your One Step" focused on care. Are we faithful to the gospel as we seek to share it? Are the righteous saved, in Matthew 25's description of the last judgment, because of their good works? They are not righteous because they care for the poor; they care for the poor because they are righteous. Our care proclaims the grace of God because we have received the grace of God in Christ.

Troy Vande Lune - What’s Your One Step - Prayer?

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 11:43:32 -0500

Author Dallas Willard calls prayer - "talking with God about what we are doing together". This fits well with our sermon series as we discuss bringing one person one step closer to Christ. Revelation 8:1-5 reminds us that our prayers are so important that God stopped all of heaven for half an hour to listen to our prayers and then he acted. The challenge this week is to respond in prayer and other actions when God brings others up in our minds. Is it your desire to learn to pray this week in this way?

Storm Bailey - "Definition of Evangelism"

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 08:30:22 -0500

Looking at a definition of evangelism in light of what Paul called ‘The Ministry of Reconciliation’ in II Corinthians 5:14-21.

Troy Vande Lune - You Smell

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 14:14:06 -0500

This past Sunday we were reminded that it was because of Jesus' death on the cross that the curtain of the temple was torn in two (Matthew 27:51) and because of that"...we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is his body..." (Hebrews 10:19). 2 Corinthians 2:15 reminds us that now "we are to God the aroma of Christ". It's our responsibility as his people to be ‘the aroma of Christ’ to those we live with every day, to percolate and permeate wherever we go.

Storm Bailey - I Too Am Under Authority

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 18:03:10 -0500

Storm Bailey’s used incidents in the life of David and teachings of Jesus and Paul to identify general Biblical principles about authority; these principles clarify the life of faith and the distinction between the kingdom of God and systems of the world.

Storm Bailey - As Any Had Need

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 13:24:38 -0500

Taken from Acts 4:32-5:11 sermon considered stewardship from the perspective of the New Testament church, where the liberating power of the gospel was reflected in the shared life of believers meeting one another's needs and furthering the mission of proclamation and transformation.

Troy Vande Lune - Frogs in a Pot

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 15:25:33 -0500

God calls us to place him at the center or hub of our lives, everything else is to be a "spoke". In our text, Haggai 1 the Israelites had stopped building the temple and had become complacent - they had unknowingly removed God from their center and placed building their own fancy houses as the priority. Haggai confronted the people and they listened and obeyed, beginning work again and finishing the temple. We were reminded that our own stewardship of what we've been given is also a matter of priority and dependence.

Storm Bailey - It’s Just Money…or Is It?

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 16:17:19 -0500

Based on Matthew 6:19-34, emphasized two foundational principles for thinking about stewardship: that our present life and property are not what is most important, and that Jesus calls us to a life of active dependence upon God. These ideas are--or can be--wildly liberating for us.

Dick Nystrom - How Goes Your Walk with the Lord?

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 13:03:54 -0500

Last Sunday was Pastor Nystrom’s last Sunday with us. The meditation was taken from Luke 24:13-35. Dick talked about how we all need to take time to really listen to what Jesus is saying to us. We do need to have a personal relationship with the Lord. He ended with an excerpt from St. Patrick’s Breastplate (a long prayer):

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

Don Holmertz - Get the Buckets

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 19:34:57 -0500

A sermon based on Joel 2:23-29. God is eager to pour out: His Refreshment (v. 23-24); His Redemption (v. 25-27); His Spirit on ALL people (v. 28-29) – with the emphasis on ALL. Our response: from Acts 2 & Joel 2 should be to: Call on the name of the Lord, bear the fruit of torn hearts, watch for the signs, and wait on the Lord with our ‘bucket’.

Dick Nystrom - Pietists at Heart

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 13:30:05 -0500

The title for the sermon happens to be the way our denomination explains what it means to be part of the denomination of the Evangelical Covenant Church. Pastor Nystrom went on to explain that at the heart of Pietism is a deep felt yearning for a personal relationship with God. The text for the day was Luke 11:1-13 in which Jesus teaches us how to be in conversation with our Father in heaven.

Jephthah

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 13:20:17 -0500

We looked at the life of Jephthah in Judges 11. We were reminded of the many turning points in Jephthah's life including the specific turning point of rejection and then later in his life success. The turning points in our lives and the decisions we make can affect us and others around us. Jephthah's example of faith can be an encouragement as we live our lives.

Joined Together in Mission

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 11:17:24 -0500

The sermon used Luke 10:1-20. Pastor Nystrom described how Jesus `chose seventy and sent them out` into the surrounding towns and villages in His name. In a similar way we the church are to go `into all the world` in His name.

With Heart of Love, In Service to the King

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 12:11:27 -0500

Pastor Nystrom’s sermon used Luke 9:51-62. Jesus has started his final journey to Jerusalem. In the first section of the scripture 9:51-56 Jesus shows a heart of love even to those who refuse him – the Samaritans. In the second part 9:57-62 Jesus answers others who would follow him. Jesus said, "No procrastination. No backward looks. You can't put God's kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day." (The Message)

Alaina Archer -- Alaska 2010 in Review

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 07:14:44 -0500

Alaina Archer gave us an overview of her year in Alaska working at the Amundsen Educational Center. “It has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done and the most rewarding.” The she works with native people who have very hard lives with stories that are hard to listen to. They have many problems that have long histories connected to them and have been caused, in large, by the “white” population that moved into their land. Two of the main problems come for alcohol, brought by the whites, which the native body cannot physically process and often leads to death; the other is the way they were treated by the missionaries who came in and tired to change the natives and in the process caused them to feel like inferior beings. This has been passed down from generation to generation. The first hurdle Alaina faced was to win their confidence and never use the word “missionary”. Alaina says that, “All you can do is listen to their stories and love them. They are amazing people.”. She is looking forward to this next year but part of her job is to raise money to help fund the program. If you are interested – pamphlets are available at the information counter. If you can’t get here – let the office know and we will send the information out to you.

Religious But Not Very Spiritual

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 18:46:30 -0500

Pastor Dick’s sermon used Luke 7:36-8:3 The Pharisee was very religious – following all the laws of his religion but missing the truth. The woman, who was a sinner, was thankful for the opportunity to be close to Jesus and showed her love abundantly. “And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” There are many people today who describe themselves as spiritual but not religious. They have, for whatever reason, turned away from organized religion. Yet they long for a close relationship with God. This is an issue the organized church needs to address.

A Heart Set Free

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 14:15:59 -0500

Pastor Dick’s sermon used Galatians 1:1-10. We are Christians not because of anything we have done but though the grace of God; because of Christ’s sacrifice for us.

A Distinctly Christian Approach to Life

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 30 May 2010 15:11:04 -0500

Pastor Dick’s sermon was taken from Romans 5:1-5.

1-2 By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.

3-5 There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! (The Message)

Streams of Living Water

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 23 May 2010 12:51:49 -0500

Pastor Nystrom’s sermon was taken from John 7:37-39.

The Spirit of the Truth

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 09 May 2010 16:22:58 -0500

Dick Nystrom’s sermon was taken from John 14:15-31, wherein Jesus tells his disciples that even though he cannot be with them, he tells them, “16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[a] in you.” John 14:16-17 NIV This is the Holy Spirit that lives in each of us.

Tales of the Restoration

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 12:14:30 -0500

Based on Ezra 3:8-4:5 and Haggai 2:1-9. The books of Ezra describes the rebuilding of the temple after the Babylonian captivity, and the prophets Haggai and Zechariah speak words of encouragement and hope to the returning exiles. Their words are an encouragement to us as well, because they remind us that God is a God of restoration, and that the kingdom and purpose of God is not measured by the world's standards or defeated by the world's brokenness.

The Rambling Grace of the Tabernacle

chris@arcticwind.com — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:38:58 -0500

Storm Bailey preached the sermon from Exodus 35:4-35 which tells of the building of the Tabernacle. Like the people of ancient Israel, we are called to work on the tabernacle. But, after the death and resurrection of Jesus, the dwelling place of God on earth is not temples made with hands but--literally--in people submitted to God through Jesus Christ, individually and collectively. So, our work in building is to encourage those around us to receive the grace of God in Christ, and to enable the glory and love of God to be revealed through our lives. We each have a part in this work, as our hearts are stirred by God to the task.

Peace in Your Heart…a Bounce in Your Step

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 11:49:26 -0500

Pastor Dick’s sermon was used John 20:19-23 where Jesus appears to the disciples for the first. How would you feel if the man you had been following and learning from and loved went through what Jesus went through? They were devastated and terrified that they might be next so they locked themselves in a room. When Jesus appeared His simple response to them was “Peace be with you.” Think of their joy at this turn of events. God did indeed have the last word and we had a wonderful, praise filled Easter service.

The Hope of the World

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 12:52:34 -0500

Pastor Nystrom’s Meditation considered how it must have been to be one of Jesus followers; the scripture Luke 22:1-23 told of the Last Supper. And so we paused and partook of communion - as the disciples did with Christ. Then we heard the second reading Luke 23:1-49 – taking us from Jesus before Pilate to the Crucifixion and death of Jesus. The mediation included the thought before worship - “Palm Sunday is a day of contrasts. There is no crown and triumph without the suffering and the cross.”

A Thankful Life

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 09:52:50 -0500

Pastor Nystrom’s Meditation focused on Matthew 26:1-13. The thought before worship was from Don Postema – “The thankful life is a response to seeing life as a gift from God and realizing that our lives belong to God. God is the giver: we are the thanks-givers.”

The Heart of God (Cont.)

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:08:58 -0600

Pastor Nystrom’s Meditation used Luke 13:31-35

The Heart of God

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 10:35:08 -0600

Pastor Nystrom’s Meditation used Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 – the parable of the Prodigal Son and His Brother. God, the Father, shows us His love in so many ways; and we don’t deserve it. He doesn’t need to do it but He does. That is, as Pastor Dick said, a scandalous love. That is how God loves us.

Listening to Jesus

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:06:43 -0600

Pastor Nystrom’s Meditation used Luke 4:1-13 – The Temptation of Jesus. Pastor challenged us to consider what it means in our own lives to follow the leading of the Spirit and resist temptation.

Transfiguration Sunday

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 13:22:12 -0600

The scriptures were Psalm 138 and I Corinthians 15:1-11 and Luke 9:28-36. Pastor Nystrom encouraged us to consider what it means to recognize the “majesty of God” in the person of Jesus; in other words, to think about whether we have “reverence and awe” for this One who we can so casually call our friend?

The Three Fishermen

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:17:20 -0600

Pastor Nystrom used Luke 5:1-11, describing Jesus calling his first disciple, for his Mediation. Jesus comes to us, even now, with an invitation that if it is accepted will change our life.

Jesus is an equal opportunity Savior

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:56:52 -0600

Pastor Nystrom used Luke 4:14-30for his sermon. It chronicles Jesus return to Nazareth to read and speak in the synagogue. It ends with the people driving him out of the synagogue with the intent of throwing him off a cliff. They did not want to hear that God’s grace was not for just them alone. None of us are deserving of God’s grace but it is there for all and not of our doing – a gift from God.

A Life Worthy of the Calling

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 17:29:46 -0600

Pastor Nystrom's sermon from Epehesians 4:1-7

Good News for Our Time

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:53:02 -0600

Pastor Nystrom used Ephesians 3:7-21 for his sermon “Good News for Our Time”. God’s plan in shaping human history is revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. In Him and through Him lives are transformed; and through the ministry of the church the world learns that its hope is in Jesus.

Faith: the Season after Christma

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 19:49:04 -0600

Troy’s sermon was taken from Matthew 2:13-15 – when the angel came and told Joseph to take Jesus and Mary and flee to Egypt and stay there until he told them to come back. Mary and Joseph had both been visited by angels; they had both listen and obeyed. We may not be visited by angels but we have the Holy Spirit within us, who speaks to us. Do we hear? We need to put ourselves in a position to be renewed continually in conversation with Him.

Something Beautiful for God

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:22:44 -0600

Gratitude is an offering we can make to our God, like the woman who gave two mites into the treasury.

You're In Good Hands With Jesus

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:24:45 -0600

"The relationship between the shepherd and his sheep, between Christ and those whom He calls, is one of personal, profound knowing; for He knows me intimately, He knows me by name." Phillip Keller

God in Action

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:45:59 -0500

There are many social needs of the world that Evangelical churches are attempting to meet. We don't want to lose focus on the single greatest social need of all peoples of the world... that of needing a relationship with God.

Dangerous Places

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 15:17:13 -0500

"As Christians we will sooner or later discover that it is in the valleys of our lives that we find refreshment from God Himself"... Phillip Keller
Pastor Nystrom continues his series on the 23rd Psalm, sharing dangerous experiences in Africa and identifying that the dark places alluded to in Psalm 23 don't refer to physical danger, but rather, evil.

Garcia-Prats: Raising Ten Boys

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:09:07 -0500

“Good Marriages, Good Families Don’t Just Happen” -- Joe and Cathy Garcia-Prats elaborate on the subject. After raising a family of ten boys they have gone on to write several books.

God Wants Us To Walk With Him

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 16:32:00 -0500

Pastor Nystrom continues his series from the 23rd Psalm, specifically 23:3b -- "He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake".

Care of the Soul

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:22:42 -0500

Pastor Nystrom began his series on the 23rd Psalm with his meditation focusing on the first three verses of the Psalm. We are like sheep in this world and need the “good shepherd” to lead us and restore our souls.

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:20:19 -0500

John’s sermon referred to Paul’s situation – how everything that could go wrong did in his life and even though he knows the difficulties that face them he tells the people of Philippi that they should rejoice always and be thankful.

The Tongue is a Fire

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 07:58:32 -0500

Storm Bailey gave the sermon taken, in part from James 3:1-12. He reminded us that what we say can have impact and consequences. We all need to use wisdom before we speak. The scripture readings, Provebs1:20-33 and Mark 8:27-38, both tied into the same theme.

An Invitation into a Relationship

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 11:09:33 -0500

Pastor Nystrom’s sermon was based on Psalm 23. Why do people connect with the 23rd Psalm when they are dealing with death? After touching on that on Sunday he will start a series based on the 23rd Psalm in October.

Words of Grace

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 13:39:30 -0500

Pastor Nystrom’s sermon was based on John 8:1-11. He told us that people go to church looking for a Jesus who will make a deep impact on our lives? But “What kind of Jesus do we encounter in church today?”

Thank You Jesus

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 18:17:50 -0500

Pastor Nystrom’s sermon was based on Matthew 5:1-12 (the Beatitudes.) The truth of this is that when we are the most vulnerable and become the most dependent on God is when we are the most blessed!

Lifelong Learning

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:15:02 -0500

Pastor Nystrom's sermon was based on Matthew 28:16-20

Breathtakingly Beautiful

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 18:16:12 -0500

Pastor Nystrom’s sermon was based on Colossians 3:12-15.

To Live is to Pray…To Pray is to Live

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 11:30:29 -0500

Pastor Nystrom’s sermon was taken from Luke 11:1-4. He reminded us that even the disciples asked to be taught to pray and that prayer was at the heard to Jesus’ life.

Finding Meaning in the Face of Mortality

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 10:17:32 -0500

Pastor Dick speaks on Finding Meaning in the Face of Mortality.

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Mission

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 10:13:54 -0500

The sermon based on I Peter 2:9 called by Rick Mylander (he is the Midwest Assoc. Superintendent for Church Planting)

The Church by Definition

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:11:52 -0500

Troy Vande Lune gave the sermon based on the scripture for the day I Corinthians 3:9-17, were Paul tells us that “…God’s temple is holy and you are that temple.” So although it is wonderful to finally have our own place of worship we should never forget that we, the people, are the church.

The Sight of God

chris@arcticwind.com — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:10:17 -0500

Storm Bailey gave the sermon based on Psalm 139.

The Kingdom of God

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 10:08:33 -0500

Pastor Nystrom’s message for this communion Sunday was from Mark 4:26-34.

Who do you belong to?

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 10:05:29 -0500

Pastor Archer preached from Romans 8:12-17. She asked us to think about the question. Do you belong to God and what does that mean?

Rivers Of Living Water

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 31 May 2009 10:18:29 -0500

Pastor Dick’s sermon was taken from John 7:37-39 – Jesus cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living waters.’” John 7:37b-38.

Sent Into the World

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 24 May 2009 17:39:06 -0500

Pastor Dick teaches from John 17:15-19 where Jesus prays for the Lord to protect his disciples as they go out into the world.

Pop Quiz

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 17 May 2009 21:12:37 -0500

Dick Nystrom teaches on Luke 9:18-25

The Good Shepherd

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 03 May 2009 21:11:39 -0500

Dick Nystrom Teaches on John 10:11-18.

Peace Be With You

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 21:06:24 -0500

Dick Nystrom teaches on John 20:19-31.

Let Loose in the World

chris@arcticwind.com — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:13:21 -0500

Dick Nystrom teaches on Matthew 28:1-10.

From Cheering Crowd to Jeering Mob

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 19:54:36 -0500

Dick Nystrom teaches on John 12:12-19.

The Father Turns His Face Away

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 19:52:49 -0500

Storm Bailey teaches on Matthew 27:35-50

God's Love is a Gift

chris@arcticwind.com — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:58:23 -0500

Dick Nystrom teaches on Ephesians 2:1-10.

Ambassadors for Christ

chris@arcticwind.com — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 21:22:46 -0500

Stephanie Huber gives her testimony and Dick Nystrom teaches on Luke 19:1-10.

Following Jesus

chris@arcticwind.com — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:11:47 -0500

Dick Nystrom preaches on Mark 8:27-38.

Trust God and Follow Him

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 20:19:45 -0600

Dave Benedict teaches on times of transition in churches.

On Renovation

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 20:16:15 -0600

Troy Van deLune preached and encouraged us to consider the blueprints for letting go and letting God renovate our lives.

A Lonely Place

chris@arcticwind.com — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:38:02 -0600

Dick Nystrom teaches.

Prayer

chris@arcticwind.com — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:28:27 -0600

Dick Nystrom preaches on prayer from Luke 11:1-4

Thy Kingdom Come

chris@arcticwind.com — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:35:01 -0600

Rebecca Barth teaches on the texts: Psalm 19:1-6; Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 27-31; Luke 4:14-21

Water Into Wine

chris@arcticwind.com — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:49:30 -0600

Dick Nystrom teaches on John 2, and the miracle of water into wine.

Words To Live By

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 20:45:35 -0600

Dick Nystrom teaches from Matthew 6:19-21

Come, You People of the Promise

chris@arcticwind.com — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:46:40 -0600

Dick Nystrom Teaches from Mark 13:33-37

A Matter of Heart

chris@arcticwind.com — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:04:35 -0600

Dick Nystrom teaches from Matthew 25:31-46

Rolling Up Our Sleeves

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 12:46:39 -0600

Pastor Dick Nystrom teaches from Matthew 24:44; Matthew 25:14-30

The Invitation and Promise

chris@arcticwind.com — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:32:38 -0600

Dick Nystrom teaches from Matthew 11:28-30

Walking in Faith

chris@arcticwind.com — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:17:59 -0600

Dick Nystrom teaches from 1 John 1:1-5

Set Apart Christ as Lord

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 16:25:39 -0500

Peterʼs first letter has been described as “hope for the hurting,” an encouragement for those experiencing suffering. Leading up to this point, Peter has hinted at suffering for the general populace of the church through words like aliens and strangers; he has dealt directly with slaves and their predicament; he has spoken to wives and husbands. But here, at the end of Chapter 3, he finally addresses openly the problem of unjust suffering for the church at large.

Do You Believe in Aliens?

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 22:21:27 -0500

Troy Vande Lune teaches on 1 Peter 2:11-3:7 and how we respond to provocation as Christians

... As Living Stones ...

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 14:35:42 -0500

Storm Bailey continues our series on 1 Peter, teaching on 1 Peter 1:13-2:10.

To Aliens and Strangers

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 14:58:58 -0500

What is anchoring your identity? Though your circumstances and surroundings might point to one who is “scattered” and a “stranger” as Peter puts it, do you have a firm grasp on the fact that you are Godʼs elect? I want to encourage all of us to stop walking in the identity the world and the enemy has handed us. If Peter had done that, he would have spent his days locked in an upper room, paralyzed with guilt and fear. Look at what he would have missed. Look at what we would have missed from him. There is too much at stake for Godʼs elect to spend their days defeated, imprisoned by an inaccurate understanding of what God thinks of us, by an inaccurate understanding of what we think of ourselves, or by what seem impossible circumstances. He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world. Let us be people who individually and collectively walk in what is true of us - “chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying workof the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ...abundantly covered over by grace and peace...reborn into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

The Heart of the Matter

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 22:09:58 -0500

Greg Lane teaches on the importance of having a right heart with God. Psalm 51:17; Proverbs 27:19

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 13:11:09 -0500

Troy Vande Lune teaches on caring for and respecting our leaders. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

But You Are Not in Darkness

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 14:25:19 -0500

Storm Bailey teaches on preparing for Christ and not living our lives in darkness. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11

I Feel His Pleasure

chris@arcticwind.com — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:19:31 -0500

Decorah Covenant, friends, I see God at work in this body. I come face to face with brotherly love on a regular basis. I see the Holy Spirit taking hold of us. I would be remiss if I didnʼt, as Paul did for the Thessalonians, recognize and praise you for the ways you are seeking God and submitting yourselves to him. That said, Paulʼs admonition in vs. 10 to “do so more and more” is always before us, not to hound us, but to remind us how vast the power of the Holy Spirit is within us. God is asking us to live radical lives, lives driven by the Holy Spirit, lives that point outward. Itʼs going to look weird. Itʼs going to shock those around us. It will be, at times, uncomfortable. But I think the satisfaction is that as we live this way, we know in the very depths of our being that we are living as God intended; and we “feel his pleasure.”