Is God Fair?

I can’t tell you how many times in 34 years of pastoral ministry I’ve heard someone say, “It just isn’t fair!  How could a loving God allow this to happen?”  I’ve heard this comment in response to a host of life’s challenges including financial setbacks, job loss, divorce, accidents, missed opportunities, war, natural disasters, human tragedies and the death of loved ones.  There is one key underlying assumption behind this statement.  We assume that God is in the “fairness” business.

This Sunday, March 16, my message will be on the parable of the “Laborers in the Vineyard.”  I encourage you to read it in advance from Matthew 20:1-16.  Almost everybody in the story ends up frustrated, angry and confused, feeling that they had been treated unfairly.  See how you react?  So if God isn’t in the “fairness business,” then what business is God in?  Come and find out as we worship together at either 9:00 or 10:30 a.m. and also celebrate Holy Communion.  What I have to share will “rattle your cage” but also cause you to fall even more in love with the awesome God we serve!

Christ Church has just celebrated an extraordinary two weeks of ministry, some of the best in our 27 year history.  Signs of God’s love and grace were happening all over the place.  Yes, we have reached that “tipping point” and now must seize the moment and “press in” for all that God is ready to “pour out.”  Moving forward will require faith and boldness as never before.  Are you ready for the challenge?

One sign of God’s goodness comes in the form of New Members!  Eleven families will be received into membership at Christ Church this Sunday morning.  We welcome them as friends and partners in the mission God has given us.  Please share a warm greeting!

Friends, may I ask for your prayers and covering for a critical expansion of the Bless Minnesota movement in our local region during April, May and June?  Fourteen local churches and at least 25 local businesses and organizations are joining hearts to see this region “adopted in prayer” and every person blessed by the love of God! 

A “BlessMN Launch Lunch” is set for Rockwood’s Banquet Center in Otsego on Wednesday, April 2, from 11:45 – 1:15 p.m.  Reservations may be phoned in to Tracy at 763-441-5097, ext. 10 or emailed to tracy@christchurchotsego.org.  The suggested donation for lunch, payable at the event, is $12.00.  Bless Minnesota partners and participants are welcome!

As BlessMN begins to expand state-wide, I am specifically looking for someone to come alongside me with administrative gifts and social media gifts as part of the wider Bless Minnesota team of which I am privileged to serve as Chair.  Should you sense a call from the Lord, please email me at greg@christchurchotsego.org.  This job could work well for a college student gifted in these areas.  A stipend may be available.

Love and Blessings!
Pastor Greg Pagh

Seeds, Soil and Harvest!

There’s something really cool about a package of seeds!  I remember selling Burpee Seeds for some kind of a fundraiser as a kid, taking orders from relatives and friends for flowers and vegetables of all kinds, and being so excited when the order arrived.  Seeds represent potential! 

This Sunday I’ll be sharing the Parable of the Sower.  Do you know it?  Matthew 13!  Well, get ready for some new insights and a nice surprise for every who attends!  The story is about a farmer, but we’ll consider just what it means for each of us to sow seeds, be good soil and produce a harvest of great kingdom impact.

Ticket sales are currently at 145 for the movie “Son of God” this Friday night at 7:00 PM at the Elk River Marcus Theater.  You can still stop by the church office tomorrow or the entryway to the theater at 6:30 PM and purchase a ticket for $7.00 for our Christ Church private viewing.  The theater holds 198. Invite a friend to join you!

If you are new to Christ Church, or have never officially joined our congregation, I invite you to join me for a New Member Class either this Saturday, March 8, from 8:30 – 10:00 AM or Monday, March 10, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM.  Childcare is available.  Please contact Donna at donna@christchurchotsego.org to let us know of your attendance.  Welcome!

Let’s continue to work on arriving on time for worship as a church family and even a few minutes early to prepare our hearts to really meet the Lord!  I look forward to greeting you this Sunday morning at either 9:00 or 10:30 AM for another great morning at Christ Church! 

Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night as we Spring forward into a new season of mission and ministry!

Love and Blessings in Jesus,
Pastor Greg Pagh

 

Stories!

When I was 13 years old I went to see a movie about the life of Jesus called “The Greatest Story Ever Told.”  It was!  The stories I had read in my Bible or heard in Sunday School come alive on the big screen. I was gripped by the love of Jesus and his willingness to die for my sins on the cross.  More than ever, I knew that I wanted to follow him for the rest of my life.

 

On Friday night, March 7, at 7:00 p.m., Christ Church has reserved a 120-seat screen at the Marcus Theater in Elk River for a private showing of the newly released movie called “Son of God.”  I especially encourage our Prime Time and Grounded groups to attend... and invite a friend.  Tickets are just $7.00 and the whole theater is ours!  I also want to invite Life Groups, couples, families (recommended for kids 5th grade and older) to join us.  You must pay for and pick-up your ticket voucher in advance at Christ Church.  This is a great opportunity to invite someone to join you who may not know the Lord or be connected to a local church.

This Sunday we begin a new series also called “STORIES – A Modern Look at the Parables.”  Jesus’ favorite style of teaching was storytelling.  We call them parables.  He used everyday people, places and objects to teach life lessons about the kingdom of God.  Our approach is going to be very interactive and full of surprises.  Pastor Sean Nelson will kick-off the series this Sunday highlighting three parables of lost things; a lost sheep, a lost coin and a lost boy.  Don’t miss it!

Next Wednesday night, March 5, we will gather for a Soup and Bread Supper prior to our Ash Wednesday Worship at 7:00 p.m.  Our Children’s Minister, Cindy Book, will be sharing the message on the Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man.  For the 24-hours preceding, our Prayer Ministry Team will be hosting a Prayer Vigil.  Please sign-up to come to church and pray for 30 minutes or an hour.  Prayer Request cards can be filled-out this Sunday.

I feel led to provide an exhortation to our church family today.  What is an exhortation?  It’s a strong word of encouragement that is the result of praying for Christ Church and listening to the counsel of the Holy Spirit.  Many have shared their feeling that the Exponential series we just finished was among the most powerful in our whole history at Christ Church.  The Holy Spirit is stirring.  Worship is going to a new level.  The Word is being boldly declared. Lives are being transformed.  God is calling us forward as a congregation and we need to faithfully respond!  This is a “kairos” moment in our journey together!  We need to “seize the moment” lest we miss this season of the Lord’s visitation.  I’m praying for nothing less than a full-fledged revival at Christ Church and I want you to be a part of it!

If you have been sitting on the fence about your participation at Christ Church, I encourage you to seek the Lord and seek out others through conversation and prayer as needed to gain clarity and renewed commitment.  If you are just an occasional attendee, I invite you to really engage with weekly worship and so many other great opportunities to learn, grow and serve.  If you’ve never officially joined Christ Church, I want to welcome you to attend a New Member Class on either March 8 and 10. 

I specifically want to encourage our church family to be on time for worship!  It’s amazing how few people are in the worship center when we begin right now, but then 5 or 10 minutes later, it’s a different story.  Why is our timeliness important; because first-time visitors arrive on time.  It’s a terrible witness to them if the majority of the congregation comes dragging in late.  If anything, we should be there five minutes early preparing our hearts to fully enter into worship.  The staff and worship team are working very hard to start and end of time.  Let’s all make an effort to be on time.  It’s an important part of doing all things with excellence unto the Lord!

Christ Church is entering an exciting season of growth and blessing.  We have come through some times of testing and challenge and we are stronger for it.  Without a test, there is no testimony!  I love you and as your pastor and friend want the very best for you and your family.  Let’s come together in even greater unity and move forward to grow this church and impact the world for Jesus Christ!

Blessings,

Pastor Greg Pagh

The Power of Testimony

When a weatherman in Minnesota “testifies to what he has seen and heard,” people are quick to react.  Today is another example.  The “big one” is on the way to be followed by another ominous sounding “polar vortex!”  People are staying home from work.  Meetings are being cancelled.  Plans are being adjusted.  Words have the power to change behavior!

This Sunday, February 23, we will consider the “power of testimony” to declare the truth about Jesus, inspire, convict and even overcome Satan.  It is the final message in this series we have called “Exponential:  Tipping Points of Transformation.” 

The Gospel writer John declares, “And this is the testimony; God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”  I John 5:11   Do you believe it?  Do you testify to this truth both with your words and the life you live?

We usually think of a testimony being personal, describing the change that has occurred in our lives because we have met Jesus.  We have also seen how the testimony of a Transformation Church can have a catalytic impact on a community, region or state when we look beyond our walls and partner with others. Witness the testimony over the years of Pray Elk River, Mission Rwanda, and now, Bless Minnesota!  

Dominoes have reminded us of important “tipping point” issues during this series.  Please find and bring your domino with you this Sunday.  We still have a few extras too.  We will utilize them in a couple of fun ways during this final message of the Exponential Series!

Our worship will include another visit from the New Song Kids Choir under the direction of Jody Abboud as well as special guest, Jessica Singh, from Heart of the City, who will lead us in the song “One True God.”  Not only will we rock out to “Sweet Jesus,” but sweet rolls will be served following worship by our Jamaica Mission Trip team.  It’s going to be an awesome day!  As always, you are encouraged to invite someone new to Christ Church.

Friends, on this beautiful winter day in Minnesota, I testify to the truth.  Jesus is Lord… and Spring will come again!

Be blessed,

Pastor Greg Pagh

Christ Church - Otsego

Tipping Point TRIALS!

No one goes through life without receiving some battle scars along the way!  We all face a variety of trials, temptations, testing and even tragedy.  I would suggest that surviving TRIALS… and even growing through them… depends on what we believe and how we respond! 

 

This Sunday, February 16, we will continue our series at Christ Church called “Exponential:  Tipping Points of Transformation.”  I want to really encourage you to join me for worship at either 9:00 or 10:30 a.m. because I believe that this message on TRIALS could be life-changing for you; not because of what I’m going to say… but because of what God’s Word says!

 

In the meantime, reflect a bit on how you feel about the trials and challenges you have faced in your life.  Did they draw you closer to God or cause you to push away?  Did they make you bitter or better?  In the midst of your greatest trials did you become a victim or experience victory in Jesus?

 

This Sunday I’m going to share stories about politicians and athletes, the powerful and the poor, lovers and losers.  I’m going to blow away your misconceptions about the TRIALS you suffer, especially those that keep you stuck in the past when God is calling you forward.

What a joy to see so many new faces at Christ Church this month!  We are focusing on “invitation” and “hospitality” with special times of fellowship following each worship service. Do you know someone who has faced great challenges in life who might be blessed by an invitation to worship this Sunday?  Give them a call.  Send them a text or an email and share both the topic and the invitation.  You’ll be glad you did!

The Truth Project began with more than 70 participants.  Please feel welcome to come and join us Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. for Week 2 of this nine-week course on developing a Christian Worldview.

Happy Valentine’s Day to our Christ Church family and all those reading this edition of Pagh’s Blog.  In I John 4:19 it says so simply and beautifully, “We love because he first loved us.”  If you want a real Valentine treat tomorrow, take a few moments and read I John 4:7-21. 

The love we share with loved ones and friends… the love we are challenged to share even with the unlovely, even with our enemies… is nothing less than the unconditional love of God poured out through our Savior, Jesus Christ.  When the cards and flowers and chocolates are all gone, this is the Valentine gift that keeps on giving!

Be loved always in Jesus!
Pastor Greg Pagh    

Time for Everything!

The writer of the Old Testament Book of Ecclesiastes famously says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (3:1) 

 

What time is it?  What season of life are you in?  How about Christ Church?  How do you deal with change and transitions?  Do you “seize the moments” that God gives you each day to worship and serve him? 

 

This Sunday, February 9, we will be continuing the series, “Exponential:  Tipping Points of Transformation” and focusing on the “tipping point topic” of TIME.

 

Time also has to do with change and transitions in life. The Bible says that God is unchangeable… and yet we are expected to change constantly.  What’s with that?  And why does the Church often struggle with change and transitions the most?

 

Friends, I’ve got some insight to share with you from God’s Word this Sunday that I think will change the way you look at change!  Here’s a clue:  When we live with an eternal perspective, God promises to give us the insight to either embrace or resist change and the wisdom to know the difference!

If you missed last Sunday’s message on TRADITION, I would really encourage you to go to http://christchurchotsego.org/sermonseriesaudioExponential.htm and listen.  Each Sunday in this series builds on the last.

It’s not too late to sign-up for The Truth Project, a 9-week course in developing a Christian Worldview that begins at Christ Church this Sunday night from 6:00 – 8:15 p.m.  Check the website for all the details.  We have about 70 people registered so far and would love to have you join us.  Several other awesome opportunities for spiritual growth are also available and will be starting soon!

Last Sunday’s Super Bowl was a big disappointment for me since I was rooting for Denver.  On Monday morning I was still feeling a little down when I was reminded that as much as God loves football, he really loves it when we play like champions at the game of life every day.  A lot of the great athletes on both Super Bowl teams live with that eternal perspective and it has blessed me to hear and read their testimonies.

See you Sunday when I guarantee that we will leave it all on the field for Jesus!

Blessings,

Pastor Greg Pagh

 

Dear Christ Church family and transformation partners,

 

A couple of years ago I launched Pagh’s Blog with the purpose of sharing life, faith and transformation stories with our Christ Church family and beyond. Recently I’ve been sending a Weekly Update to our Christ Church family highlighting the weekend service theme and other key opportunities for growth. As of today, these two efforts will be combined. I would really appreciate it if you would take a few minutes to read these email blasts/posts each week (and even respond) as my goal continues to be to inform, inspire and encourage you as a follower of Christ. Thanks!

 

This Sunday, February 2, at both 9:00 and 10:30 AM we will continue our series “Exponential: Tipping Points of Transformation” with the topic of TRADITION. As you prepare for worship, ask yourself the following questions: What traditions do you most value in your family, church and culture today? What is the role of tradition in helping preserve values that we hold dear? How can traditions sometimes become stumbling blocks to faith and growth? I’ve got some surprises in store for my message that I think you will enjoy as we tackle this important “tipping point issue.”

 

Growing churches have a culture of invitation!  Church members are excited to invite friends, neighbors, co-workers and class-mates to experience worship, fellowship, service and an environment where questions of faith can be explored.  During the month of February we are challenging every member to invite a new guest to Christ Church.  You may also think of an existing member who needs a call to say, “Hey!  How are you doing?  I’ve missed you!”  Refreshments will be served each week in February.  Please introduce your guests to a member of our Staff or Church Council.

 

Last week I attended the Harvest Evangelism Leadership Summit in San Jose, CA, with Ed Silvoso and about 150 partners in transformation from around the world serving in the church, business, education and government. I am always inspired by the testimonies, teaching and personal conversations that take place throughout the week. I was reminded again that God’s Spirit is “on the move” changing lives in places as diverse as Uganda, Thailand, Mexico, Canada, Argentina, Hong Kong, England and Indonesia.

 

I spent several hours counseling and encouraging a courageous young African American pastor from Detroit named Aramis Hinds. He is developing a Transformation Church in a tough but hopeful part of this bankrupt, orphaned city and has asked me to mentor him forward. I have invited Pastor Aramis and his wife Roseanna to come and stay in our home and meet our Christ Church family and community sometime soon.

 

My son, Matt Pagh, gave an impacting presentation as part of the Entrepreneur’s Institute (a business sub-group of the International Transformation Network) called “Great Commission Commissions.” It holds the potential to develop a significant income stream for global transformation and was very well received.

 

The Truth Project, a 9-week Sunday night class starts at Christ Church on February 9 at 6:00 p.m. Check the website at www.christchurchotsego.org to learn more. Take my word…you will be so blessed!

 

Enjoy the snow and the cold! Spring is coming!

 

Love in Jesus,

Pastor Greg Pagh

Christ Church – Otsego, MN

P.S. – As part of Super Bowl Sunday, we will have a “super bowl” in the lobby to receive special gifts for our local food shelves, CAER and CROSS. Please give generously!