Men

   Ephesians 5:14 "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."

My encouragement to all of you men to keep your minds from getting sucked into all the worlds stuff.  Keep your minds on pressing forward, accomplishing what God wants YOU to do on this earth for His glory, and KNOWING what we have to look forward to in Heaven. 

    Do NOT get stagnant.  You may have heard it said, "its hard to steer a parked car".  Keep moving.  Relax, yes.  Rest, yes.  But, dont grow lazy.  Ever heard Mathew West's "The Motions"  check it out on youtube.  I'll post the lyrics below. 

      If any of you had the privelege of attending last sunday's message from Pastor Erin Loftis, then you were blessed as I was.  It was a call to men.  The message was from Judges 4.  The message was that God could find no men to do what He needed, so he used a woman, Deborah.  The call today is that this has and is taking place again.  More women are helping in church then men.  Young men are growing not knowing masculinity and not being mentored.  Current culture puts the "plug" out constantly that men dont know anything and that the women really wear the pants in the family.  This is not Gods design but we are falling for it.  To be clear, God calls us to LOVE our wives, not treat them as slaves.  I am more than happy share my conviction as Erin was speaking my language on Sunday.  And, to pass it along.  That is the encouragement portion of today's note.  Now, on to "Growth".

      We are starting our Mens Fraternity course the week of September 19th.  This course will be held at 2 locations.  1 Class will start September 19th, 8:00 at the church in the fellowship center.  The 2nd class will start Tuesday, September the 21st and will be held at Tom Dressells at 6:30 pm.  "Mens Fraternity provides men with an encouraging process that teaches them how to live lives of authentic manhood as modeled by Jesus Christ and directed by the Word of God."   Basically, we on the mens ministry team heeded the desire of the men of the church to be taught in a much deeper way, the things that men need to learn and know biblically as to what we men are supposed to be today.  So, this curriculum is the best that we have found that addresses this.  It is being taught across the u.s. with great success and we even heard testimony locally as to the growth of men in our area.  The basic setting is a 30-40 minute video followed by breaking into small groups, working through the workbook and discussion.  For a more thorough description, take a look at the website at www.mensfraternity.com  .  But, if you check the website, you will notice that this is a 3 year course.  DONT be alarmed.  There is no requirement or obligation.  We are suggesting guys check it out this fall.  If they like, they can continue after a 4 week break to go into the spring.  We are only doing the first year at this point.  If you cant make it at first, guys are welcome to join in at a later point.  Right now, we have about 20 guys signed up.  Most guys have been made aware via the Mens Kickoff and e-mail that the workbook costs $10.00.  Most have paid for theirs.  Now, if you want to attend and cant afford the book, men have stepped forward to "sponsor".  So, dont let cost hold you back if thats an issue.  I will be ordering the first batch of books today.  And, I will order more as needed.   At its core, Mens Fraternity will be our focus for deep growth within the mens ministry at OCEC.  And, for those that attend and truly apply themselves, I know this will have major postive impact in our(yes, I'm looking forward to learning as well) personal walks with Christ, their families, church, workplace, and contribution in society.   Also, this program is not intended to be confined to OCEC.  It is non denominational.  Invite friends as you are led.  If you have any questions or want to join, give me a shout or e-mail.

      Second, "FUN".  Just as much as we need growth as men as modeled by Jesus, we also need fellowship.  This was also modeled by Jesus and early believers.   Acts 2:42 "They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the followship.."  There is something to be said about a good campfire isnt there?!  We need to let loose, shake off the weeks(or months) stress, "air-out"..  We initially promoted the Mens Roundup for September but probably didnt promote it soon enough.  Many want to go but simply have other obligations.  So, it doesnt look like this will happen this year.  And, we'll get the info out sooner next year.  But, we have a couple of things coming up.   Since the Roundup wont be occuring in September, we are deciding on an alternative closer to home, basically a guys night at a sport event.  That will be determined shortly.  I'll get an update on what we decide for September shortly.

     On October 22nd, we are having a guys sport night to see the Winterhawks.  We have pre-ordered 25 tickets.  Cost is $15 each.  I have no doubt these will go quickly.  So, contact me if you want a ticket reserved and to get payment taken care of. 

     Lastly, our website is being revamped.  The next major task is to implement our "getting plugged in" button.  This will streamline directing guys to whatever interest they have, whether it is growth related or fellowship(fun) related.   I want to have all ministries listed with breif description and specific contact person(but you can always contact me if needed).   I need all guys to send me an e-mail or call me if you have a ministry that you are open to growing.  We have some guys involved in sports teams, outdoor activities, or going to games and I need pointmen to contact if people want to join up.  Also, we have bible studies, growth groups, mens fraternity, love incorporated etc... that new guys in the church or even outside the church want to get involved with.  I need to know who of you are on board!  So, please contact me.  I will be copy and pasting this also on an e-mail as well.

     I pray over this ministry and ask that you do too.  I am seeing God is up to some very cool things in our church and Oregon City.  May we laugh, sing, give praise, and yes, cry together as men.  Lift each other up.  And, seek the heart of God in every matter as an offering of ourselves to Him, Jesus.   -Jim

     Lyrics to "The motions":  This might hurt
It’s not safe
But I know that I’ve gotta make a change
I don’t care
If I break
At least I’ll be feeling something
‘Cause just ok
Is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don’t wanna go through the motions
I don’t wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything?
Instead of going through the motions

No regrets
Not this time
I’m gonna let my heart defeat my mind
Let Your love
Make me whole
I think I’m finally feeling something

Take me all the way
Take me all the way
Take me all the way