In His Image

The bible says we are created in God's own image. But, I cannot see God with my eyes, or hear Him with my ears, or touch Him with my hands so how in the world could I be created in His image? What does that mean?

Obviously it isn't about physical attributes, but I do believe it is about His amazing "creative" attributes. The very first words of the the bible say, "In the beginning God Created..."

The bible goes on to say that He created everything by calling it into being. In other words what He thought and said became a reality! When you open your eyes and look around, you are seeing thousands of "things" man has created. Houses, cars, computers, televisions, iPhones, roads, tools, ...and on and on. All these things were first thoughts, and then they became words, and finally became a reality. God gave us the attribute to create albeit in a different manner and time frame. 

If that isn't crazy enough, He also gave us the ability to create other humans! Think about that one. God gave man and woman, the ability to create other humans! 

We were created in God's own image to create. Isn't that amazing? 

Use your God given attributes and create something beautiful! It's up to you and it starts with your thoughts! Are you thinking on great, happy, amazing things? 

Jesus instructed us to use our ability to create to love our neighbor as much as we love ourselves! Because to love someone requires action. You must create the expression of love which can be expressed in many ways. There are many many people who need your created expression of love. They are all around, including those in your closest circle. The ability to create starts with positive, loving, caring, compassionate thoughts. All things that man has invented and created came from our God given attribute of creative thought.

Here is what the bible says about this powerful attribute.

Philippians 4:8English Standard Version (ESV)

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

See you Sunday at "The Church" 800 North Main, Edwardsville, Il. at 8:45am!

Love pastor kent and pastor jackie.  Need to talk? Got questions about faith, God, Jesus? Call pastor kent @618-334-3575  Call pastor jackie @ 618-656-4648

"Rerouting!"

Unpredictable, that's what life can be at times. You plan, you look forward to, you imagine, you dream, and then bang, the bottom drops out. Something happens, something changes, the deal doesn't go through, a sudden illness, an unexpected bill, a breakdown, a breakup, it all adds up to the same thing; Disappointment, frustration, maybe even anger.

Maybe I should have, maybe if we would have, maybe if I would have known, maybe, maybe......

Sound familiar? It's part of our existence here on this earth. 

So where is this amazing God that we sing about and talk about in church every Sunday?

Where is the creator of the universe, the all knowing, almighty, all loving God in this brokenness and mess?

He is there, patiently waiting for you to open the door and be invited into the situation and more importantly into a deep conversation. The more you listen, the more He will speak. Listening is the problem for most of us because it requires a time of quietness, and a time of devotion to Him. It requires focus.

Have you ever missed a turn while using Google maps?  If you have used Google maps, you know that missing a turn may be inconvenient, it may delay your time of arrival, but it does not mean that you are permanently lost or that there is no way to get back on track. Google maps will "reroute" you to find the next best way to get to your destination. In life, when things go wrong, I recommend going to Google God. He also can reroute you. But you must follow His instructions closely, which will require you to go to Him and listen very carefully.

Yes, it has started off as one of those weeks!

These people need your prayers:

Floyd Fisher: Recuperating from an operation.

Alexis Tharp, Alexis is recovering from a broken wrist and is an unemployed single parent of Audrey  her 4 year old.

Colin Rives, grandson of Judy and Bill Daubensteck. Colin is 13 years old and has osteosarcoma and is in treatment.

Stan Rutkowski, Stan is a double amputee and lives alone in pontoon beach. He is fighting a compression wound which prevents him from sitting except for very short periods.

Bill Daubensteck who will be having a knee replacement surgery.

If you have someone who we need to get on the prayer list, please call me and let me know!

Pastor kent 618-334-3575

See you soon, love pastor kent 

Tomorrow's Service!

Freedom To Be Fruitful!

This Sunday's Service, pastor Jackie will be talking about the freedom of walking in a fruitful life when we choose to walk with Jesus! 

Following the service, everyone is invited downstairs for an ice cream sundae to kick off this years bible school, program, "Cave Quest. "

I'll see you tomorrow at 8:45am, 800 North Main, Edwardsville!

Love, pastor kent and pastor jackie.

Today's Walk with Jesus....updated!

I'm sorry but for some reason, you received the original draft today instead of the corrected version. Below is the corrected version.

Has anyone completely frustrated you lately? Maybe while driving, at the store, a neighbor, maybe even someone you thought was your friend? How about when you watch the political news? 

Sometimes it's enough to make a preacher cuss!

Let me give you a secret weapon that Jesus gave us! It's called praying. Whenever "that" person begins to get under your skin, and you feel the rattler in your behind beginning to go into strike mode, remember these words so you can begin walking in the peace of God in all circumstances.

There is no greater peace than that which God gives to those who "put into practice" the things Jesus taught us! 

Matthew 5:43-48New International Version (NIV)

Love for Enemies

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Todays prayer:

God, please forgive me for living so much of my life without you! I need help in so many ways. Please fill me with your love and your Holy Spirit so that I can be filled with you peace, your patience, and your love and compassion.  Help me when I began feeling angry. Remind me of Jesus' words, to pray for those who persecute me and who disagree with me. In Jesus name, Amen!

May the peace of God fill your day today!

2 Chronicles 7:14New International Version (NIV)

14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Need to talk with a pastor?  Pastor kent 618-334-3575  pastor jackie 618-656-4648.

See you Sunday 8:45am, 800 North Main St. Edwardsville, Il. 

Today's Walk With Jesus

Has anyone completely frustrated you lately? Maybe while driving, at the store, a neighbor, maybe even someone you thought was your friend? How about when you watch the political news? 

Sometimes it's enough to make a preacher cuss!

Let me give you a secret weapon that Jesus gave us! It's called praying. When ever "that" person begins to get under your skin and you feel the rattler in your behind beginning to go into strike mode, remember these words so you can begin walking in the peace of God in all circumstances.

There is no greater peace than that which God gives to those who "put into practice" the things Jesus taught us! 

Matthew 5:43-48New International Version (NIV)

Love for Enemies

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Todays prayer:

God, please forgive me for living so much of my life without you! I need help in so many ways. Please fill me with your love and your Holy Spirit so that I can be filled with you peace, your patience, and your love and compassion.  Help me when I began to feeling angry. Remind me of Jesus' words, to pray for those persecute me and who disagree with me. In Jesus name, Amen!

May the peace of God fill your day today!

2 Chronicles 7:14New International Version (NIV)

14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Need to talk with a pastor?  Pastor kent 618-334-3575  pastor jackie 618-656-4648.

See you Sunday 8:45am, 800 North Main St. Edwardsville, Il. 

Feel Better Today!

Today's Prayer, "God show me the person you want me to be Jesus to today! Help me to see people like you see them. Help me to feel compassion the way you feel compassion. Open my heart and give me the courage to give the hug, stop and help, offer to pay, offer the ride, or be the solution to someone who needs to know that Jesus is alive and well and still cares for all of His children.  In Jesus name, Amen."

Today is the day to start your Jesus journey! Let God's grace and Holy Spirit pour from you all day long!

See you soon, love pastor kent and pastor jackie.

Sundays 8:45 am, 800 North Main St. Edwardsville, Il. 

It's Monday! First Day of Summer

It's Monday and who is in control? You or God?

Awaken Your Better Self for this week. Turn everything over to Jesus!

How? Pray this prayer:

God, I need your help, your guidance, and your wisdom for every area of my life. Help me to hear you and trust you so that I can become what you want me to become! Take over everything in my life. My career, my relationships, my money, everything, because everything belongs to you. Teach me your ways. In Jesus name, Amen

Now relax and watch and listen to the inner voice! Let the new journey begin!

See you soon.  Need to talk with a pastor? Call pastor kent at 618-334-3575 or pastor jackie at 618-656-4648. 

See you soon! Love, pastor kent

Happy Fathers Day

What a day at church this morning!  Powerful testimony, Thank you Lydia, great music, and Joy of the Lord.

Have a great week!  If you missed the service you will be able to hear it online a little later this week by going to www.praisecommunityfellowship.com click on sermons.

Lot's coming up, I'll keep you posted.  See you soon!
Love pastor kent and pastor jackie, the two pastors who don't do so good with rules!

Who has the Key to This Door?

Everyone is seeking the right key to open the door to their fulfillment and Happiness! 

The Key is a He! His name is Jesus. I know this will mean absolutely nothing to some who read this because your life sucks, and you have been to church, and prayed, and still you find yourself in misery! 

Well here is the deal. I have been there and do understand. Let me tell you what I found out. Having the key in your pocket does you no good. You have to put the key into the lock and turn it the correct way. 

What's that mean? Well, going to church in and of itself won't help you. Praying won't help you either unless you are willing to surrender your way of doing things to His way of doing things. It's like trying to put the key in upside down because you "know" that's "the" way it works. Read yesterdays blog. If you think you already know the truth about something, you are not going to change the way you respond, or the way you react, or the way you think. Why? Because you think you already know the truth. 

Knowing "my" truth certainly slowed my progress down with God. My problem was, I thought I already knew much of the truth. Therefore, if God was going to come into my life and help me, He would have to do it on my terms! Needless to say, that didn't work out so good. But man let me tell you. When you are ready to surrender.....look out because Jesus will come and open that locked door himself!

Matthew 7:13-14New International Version (NIV)

The Narrow and Wide Gates

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Hey this Sunday is Fathers day, and we are honoring our graduating young people. We will hear from a couple of them on how God has impacted their life. Going to be interesting!

The PCF praise team will be leading worship. 

Looking forward to Sunday! See you at 8:45am, 800 N. Main Street, Edwardsville. 

Love, pastor kent

Inside each and every one of us.............

There is a BETTER YOU that resides inside the current you. And that is true for each and everyone of us. 

I believe that better person can be nurtured to grow and bloom just like a flower bulb. The way to this life of blooming requires changes. We are all living in a lesser version of ourself. The lesser version is incapable of blooming the way God intended us to bloom. 

Now here is the rub. When you read the word blooming, I would imagine most of you already have a definition of what that means. You have already jumped to conclusions or visions, which more than likely are the wrong conclusions and visions of what blooming will mean in your life. I know because when I started down this journey many years ago, I thought I knew what blooming would be in my life. I was very wrong. 

Awakening the better you is a journey and a workout! There is no way for you to bring forth your better self unless you are willing to challenge some of your beliefs! In other words, until you are ready to change some of the things which you currently believe to be true, you will struggle will life.

Truth fascinates me because absolute truth is powerful. We live in a time where the amount of information on any subject is miles deep, but truth is scarce and truth is where the power is. There is never a reason to fear truth and here is why. The source of all truth is God the creator of everything.

John 8:31-32New International Version (NIV)

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

Announcements:

We are still collecting purses and personal care items for a woman shelter. Soaps, shampoo from motels, tooth brushes, tooth paste, etc.. there is a collection bin at the church. 

When New people show up at our service!  I believe that when a new person or family shows up at our service, God has brought them to us for a reason! It is up to all of us to make sure they feel welcome and comfortable. God has a plan with new people and we must not hinder that plan by ignoring this gift! And when someone new shows up at a church, it is a gift!

Pastor Jackie and I will be doing a special Greeters training on June 21st at 7:00pm at the church.

We believe that greeting is a ministry! We are looking for volunteers who would be interested in this ministry. This is a very important ministry because when God sends new people to us, it is critical that we connect with them in a very special way. That is what this training will be about. Pray about this and please join us on the 21st if you would be interested in this ministry. Please call Anita in the church office to get your name on the training list. 618-656-4648.

Have an idea, a concern, a need? Call pastor kent or pastor Jackie.    Pastor kent 618-334-3575    Pastor Jackie 618-656-4648

See you Sunday, 8:45am. Love, pastor kent

Once You Understand This....

One of the biggest challenges for Christians, and the most life changing, is grasping the fact that everything we have and enjoy here on this earth belongs to God because He created everything. You came into this world with nothing, you will also leave this earth the same way. Only your spirit leaves when you die. You don't get to take the clothes you have on, your car, your home, your bank account, your golf clubs, your fishing equipment, your land, your investments, everything stays here on this earth where moth and rust destroy, taxes erode, and thieves steal.

The word of the day is STEWARDSHIP. We are managers of all the things that God has given us.  The first church emphasized their love for one another. They took the Gospel message into their hearts and became so moved that they took care of one another in extreme ways.  Look at what the fist church looked like in the book of Acts.

Acts 2:42-47New International Version (NIV)

The Fellowship of the Believers

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

How does this compare with the church today? 

Still want to be a follower of Jesus?       

Love God 

Love one another 

Treat others the same way you want to be treated. 

Announcements:

This coming Sunday, the 19th of June, we will be honoring our graduating seniors. A couple of our graduates are going to share their testimony. Come hear what God has done in their lives.

Want to become a servant? Call Faye Heuchert at 618-656-5885. We are serving lunches to local children in need 5 days a week from 11:30 to 12:30 Monday thru Friday. We are packing lunches Wednesday evening at the cottonwood church from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. 

This Sunday the PCF praise Band and choir will be leading worship. 

I'll see you Sunday! 8:45am. Love, pastor kent

Love, Give, Serve...

If you have declared Christianity as your life, then you have signed up to Love the unlovable, Give to those in need, and Serve Selflessly.  That is what being a Christian is all about!

Love starts in your closest circles. Your spouse, your parents, your brother and sisters, your neighbors and the circle keeps widening until everyone you come in contact with is included. I have met people who cannot stand their spouse or brother and yet want to go out and do something nice for someone else. Here is what Jesus says about that:

Matthew 5:23-24“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

As Christians we are to share our assets with those who have need. Here is what Jesus says about Giving:

Matthew 25:34-40Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,[a] you did it to me.’

Luke 3:11And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”

Serving is when you get involved with the unlovable, the Needy, The poor, the Aged, the Crippled, The Hungry, The broken Hearted. Here are Jesus' words about serving:

Luke 14:7-16When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 8 “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. 9 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. 10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. 11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although 

Do you wasn't to start practicing Christianity?   Here is what is Needed Now:

We are in need of volunteers for Mondays and Tuesdays TWIGS Lunch deliveries. Here is what it entails. You go to the Cottonwood Church located on Cottonwood Road across from Wal-Mart at 11:15. You pick up the pre packed lunches and the drinks and put them in your care. You go to one of two designated locations: Cottonwood or East 30 Trailer Park in Glen Carbon. The Kids will come to you. You smile, hand them a lunch, and feel real good! At 12;30 you head back to Cottonwood Church and drop off the containers and lefty over lunches and on with your day. But thanks to you, about 40 kids won't go hungry that day.  

Can't volunteer during the day? Well we are also looking for volunteers for Wednesday evenings from 7:00pm to 8:00pm to pack the lunches so they are ready to go for the volunteers. Packing is easy and fun. You grab a plastic bag and simply place one each of four different items in the bag. 

Hope to see you all soon! Love, pastor kent

Who can come to the Picnic?

Hey everyone here is the deal. Anyone and everyone can join us at the church picnic. Your neighbors, friends, relatives, ANYONE! Come one come all. We decided against having a Pharisee picnic where only the perfect, and the righteous could attend!

Where? Glik Park Edwardsville  When? Starts at 10:00am!

This picnic is about fellowship, sharing, caring, having fun, learning, and being thankful for all that God has given us!

The worship team will have some fun songs!

Some have asked about bringing food.  Brad Joiner and crew will be providing hot dogs and hamburgers. I'm not sure what the sides are going to be yet. If you would like to help Brad please call him at 618-410-6517. As we mentioned before, deserts are welcome.

See you there! Love, pastor kent and pastor Jackie.

This Sunday...Picnic at Glik Park

Here is what is happening this Sunday

The contemporary service which usually meets at 8:45am will be at 10am this Sunday at Glik Park on East Lake Drive in Edwardsville. The Church will be meeting under the large pavilion right by the parking lot. We will be having music. The topic of the service will be about possibilities. I will be giving a short sermon and then we will all be able to mix and talk about our future.

There are tables and benches but if you can, please bring a lawn chair. A few extra seats would be welcome. After the service we will enjoy a lunch of hotdogs, hamburgers, a variety of side dishes and  drinks. The only thing we are asking is for a few to bring deserts. Glik Park has air-conditioned restrooms, electrical power, water, two fishing lakes, sand volleyball, playground for children, and walking trails. Bring a fishing pole, a kite, ball and glove, yard darts or any other outdoor game. 

See you Sunday, 10:00am Glik Park.  Love, pastor kent and pastor jackie