HCC Changed People

Living Orange!

toddlavine — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 22:24:11 GMT

Hi folks,

My latest orange story happened a few weeks ago. I was in the middle of a lousy week. I'm a single dad of four kids and everyone in the house, including me, decided to get sick at the same time with one winter illness or another. So four sick crabby kids and an equally sick crabby dad sat down to eat dinner one night, and sensing that we really needed some God time, I pulled out that week's lesson on Orderliness from the Family Times Virtue Pack.

The story focused on a young boy who's best friend was moving away, and how he was coping with his sadness and loss. The bottom line of the lesson was, when God closes one door, he opens another.

My kids just lost their Mom to an extended illness a few months ago, and we've been learning how to cope with our own sadness and loss.

Hearing those words that night, when God closes one door, he opens another, truly changed the mood at the dinner table. Seeing God- induced hope in the faces of my own kids was a humbling experience, and one that I'm not soon to forget.

See, the great thing about living orange is that I don't have to always feel like I've got it all together. If I'm not feeling particularly spiritual, or hopeful, or energetic that day, the church has tools like Virtue Packs that I can use to keep myself and my kids focused on the eternal things of God.

That's why for me, orange has become the only way to live. Thanks for the opportunity to share.

Many blessings,

Steve Tye

Forum: Children's Ministry

Some common mis-conceptions...

QWetry1 — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 09:15:50 GMT

As the first youth to post, I'd like to say: Yay me!!! With that, there's some things I'd like to bring up.

Some common mis-conceptions:

1. I'm Christian, so I MUST shove my beliefs down your throat.

2. Religious people only seek Religion for an "answer" to satisfy them.

3. People act Christian at church, but continue their "destructive" lives outside of it.

It'd be great if we can work some of these out? I hear them quite a bit.

Something to bring up:

Non-religious people, or atheists, aren't easily fooled. When people try to bring their lives into Jesus, they won't just fall for "Just try it," or "Come once," or even hearing stories of others: I'm not saying that we're doing a bad job, because these methods do help, A LOT. But I'm thinking that they're more interested in FACTS; which we have, but don't bring up. If they feel so strongly towards religion, they probably won't even pay attention; they just don't care. (Pardon my use of "they."). They can't understand that mountaintop feeling with Jesus, because we can't possibly describe it. I'm not saying to barrage them with facts, just calmly explain, gradually ease into them.. I remember when I first came to Horizons: I liked it, people were nice, not judging; however, people seemed to sort of push me. NOT BAD!! But a lot of people are offended by pushiness, believe me. (Refer to the first mis-conception.).

Any thoughts, disagreements?

P.S. Happy New Year!! Time: 3:20 A.M.

Forum: Youth Ministry

Listening to God

Heather — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:31:13 GMT

Jimmy recently had a series of sermons on how to listen to God. On the day that he gave a play by play on how to read the bible and listen, I decided that I would try it. I have always thought I was a christian and have gone to church most of the time, but I have never really read much of the bible. So, I thought I would not only try it, but also try the journal. Well, I did it for two nights and then quit. On this last Saturday, I watched a video a co-worker had given to me. It was quite interesting, but it really had me focusing all my thoughts on objects. I want this and that and this and if I were to just concentrate they could all be mine. I thought it was a great idea. On that same night I decided I should try to read another chapter in the Bible and low and behold I read about how we can ask for anything and if we truely believe God will give it to, but to make sure that all the focus was given on GOD! I couldn't believe how clear God was talking to me about focusing on him and not on objects. I missed Jimmy's last sermon, but my husband told me all about it. It really felt like it home. I know my story doesn't sound very exciting or inspiring, but I am awe of how clear God spoke to me so I wanted to share my story. I will definetely being reading and LISTENING to God more often.

Forum: Sunday Mornings

Small group support

cdormanen — Tue, 01 May 2007 20:24:39 GMT

On Thursday, May, 25^th, 2006, we were meeting with our Small Group. We usually meet every-other Thursday. Theresa and I were still kind of new to this group as they had been together for a few years and we just joined them a few weeks earlier. We received a call that literally changed our livesand made us appreciate not only our Small Group, but the Horizons Church body as a whole.

Our neighbor had driven our youngest daughter, Kasey, to EQ (horse riding) training along with her daughter earlier that night. There was an unfortunate accident and Kasey passed-out and fell from a stationary ATV and landed directly on her head. When the owner got off the ATV and went to her, she wasnt breathing and he had to perform CPR to save her life.

Our neighbor tried calling us, but we didnt hear the phone at first--when we tried to call back, she couldnt get our call because it had been pouring rain and her phone was soaked. When she had Kasey in the ambulance, one of the EMTs let her use their phone. She just basically told us there was an accident and Kasey was being rushed to Mercy hospital.

We immediately left and asked everyone to pray, although we knew very little, it didnt sound good. When we got to the hospital they wouldnt let us see Kasey right away, they were doing a CT among other things. They thought they would need to air-lift her to Childrens Hospital, but the weather wouldnt allow an airlift that evening any time soon.

The waiting in the small room next to the emergency ward was unbearable. Unbeknown to me, our entire Small Group and several of the guys from the Hunting & Fishing Ministry had gathered in an outer waiting room. Finally a doctor came in to talk to us. He had just looked at the CT and said there was brain damage and they needed to rush Kasey to HCMC because they are a level one head trauma center.

Our hearts sunk.

He said we could go back and see her then. Theresa is a nurse and has amazing composure during times of crisis. Me, I turn into a puddle. Once I rounded the corner and saw Kasey laying there motionless and muddy, still laying on the emergency board they strapped her to, well, I lost it. Her head was swollen and Theresa knew we didnt get the whole story from the doctor who talked to us earlier. It turns out her skull was fractured.

The weather still didnt permit an airlift to happen, but they had to get Kasey to HCMC as soon as possible. Compounding the problem, because of the storm that night, all the local ambulances were busy due to a high amount of car accidents. They finally tracked down a Health East ambulance from the other side of St Paul. Theresa was able to convince the two, very young ambulance EMTs that she should ride with them to HCMC. Which turned out to be fortuitous since these guys didnt even know how to get to HCMC.

I left the emergency room and was heading through the lobby to get in my car to pick up our older daughter and go to HCMC. I was surprised to see all the people from the Small Group and Hunting & Fishing Ministry out in the main lobby. After many tearful hugs, I got in the car and eventually made our way to the hospital

Kasey ended up having brain surgery that night at midnight. They removed two large pieces of her skull so the pressure and swelling wouldnt crush her brain stem. Then they also inserted probes down the middle of her brain that monitored the temperature and oxygen levels of her brain. There was also a tube that was meant to drain the fluid that was creating the pressure in her head.

The neurosurgeon came to our waiting room after four hours of surgery and said three times during our conversation that Kasey may not live. I dont remember anything else he said after the first time I heard him tell us that.

Eventually they moved Kasey to the Pediatric ICU, which was to become our home away from home for the next month. My oldest daughter, Teddi was set to graduate in a week, and her graduation party was two weeks away. My son, Tyler was a year behind her, and we had to figure out how to not ignore them while we had to be at the hospital.

The next few weeks were intense and stressful, had it not been the support and prayers of our Small Group and the church body of Horizons, well, I hate to think where wed be. Between our neighbor, who got us to go to Horizons in the first place, and our Small Group they totally handled my daughter Teddis graduation party. Totally. People came and cleaned up the house, the yard, everywhere.

We were in the tail end of some remodeling and I hadnt quite finished a three-season porch I had gutted. Some men from the small groupand our old small group--as well as some of the guys from the Hunt & Fish Ministry came and finished the work for me.

We were told to come to the graduation party at a certain time and not to worry. Honest-to-God they did a better job with the whole day and party than we could have if we had tried our hardest. I remember when we showed up at our house around 11:30 for the noon party, I saw a fellow from the first Small Group we were a part of. He waved as he brought bags of ice to the backyard on a two-wheelerthen I never saw himthat was his chore. The food was handled by many people each bringing something.

I was unaware the smoked turkey and barbeque beef had run out at one point, our neighbors husband who is a dear friend of mine and was with me the night I gave my life to Christ, well, he just went to Costco and bought several huge trays of deli meat. Didnt say a word about it and wouldnt take a penny.

As we were about to leave to go back to the hospital, (this was the first time we had been away from Kasey together), I saw a couple I never metnor I have I seen them since. They came in the door and introduced themselves as the cleaning crew.

While we were at the party people volunteered to sit with Kasey in stages, so each person or couple took an hour, or an hour-and-a-half and were there to calm her and let her know we would be coming right back. Kasey was awake, mostly, but she was very disoriented and would get easily upset if Theresa or myself wasnt close by. I think most of that time she was just plain scared. Come to think of it, so was I.

Nearly every part of the day someone from Horizons was there to sit with us, to pray with us, or to just sit with Kasey while Theresa and I got something to eat. I have amazingly special memories of people coming with coffee in the morning, or take-out food later in the day. Cookies and snacks appeared constantly. Gas cards and other gift cards came so Teddi and Tyler could still get around and eat while we were at the hospital a vast majority of the time.

I would put an entry on our CaringBridge site sometimes when things looked a little bleakKaseys brain or body temp would spike, or a certain medicine that worked earlier wasnt working and she would throw-up or be in pain. People must have broken laws on our behalf to get to the hospital as soon as they did.

There are just times where the whole process just plain wears you out, but Theresa and I would look at each other and know that we were covered in prayer. We could feel it. It lifted us up in some very dark moments. We know and believe this with out a doubt.

I remember when my friends or relatives went through tough times and I would tell themif you need anything, just let me know. I never, or rarely was taken up on that offer when I gave it. I would have done almost anything for friends that were hurting. If you pushed me, I couldnt tell you what Id do, but I just knew I wanted to help in anyway possible.

I was never good at asking for favors. I was never good when people did unexpectedly nice things for me.

Im different now. I have experienced what happens first-hand when the body of Christ comes together and acts out what it tells us in the Bible. To be selfless. To be humble. To help others and use your talents that God has given you for their benefit. To give freely of your time and money, and not expect anything in return. We were a part of a miracle and our Small Group was smack in the center of that.

Forum: Small Groups

Starting Point

btbovee — Thur, 26 Apr 2007 15:54:28 GMT

My wife and I went to starting point for a number of reasons. The first reason was to get reengaged with our faith. The second was to meet people at Horizon's so that we could become more involved at the church. The final reason was to get to know the bible better so that we can live our faith better.

I feel as though we have accomplished all three objectives and in a very enjoyable way. We looked forward to Thursday night because we would see our new friends, keep our faith a priority in our busy lives through a set meeting and we could learn more so that we can be the best Christians we can be. An added bonus was that they provided child care for our two children which made it easy for us to attend.

Our group leaders, Tanya and Jim were incredible. They made us feel welcomed and always encouraged questions. More than that, they were tremendously fun to be around and were very compassionate with regards to our questions and struggles with our own faith.

I would highly recommend starting point for anyone that wants to explore their personal questions and struggles with their faith or if you just want to meet people at Horizon's and explore the bible some more.

Brian B.

Forum: Starting Point

Starting Point Experience

tpeters — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 18:13:45 GMT

Starting Point has been such a wonderful experience in my life. Not only did I learn more about the Bible I was able to engage in wonderful conversations and exciting debates.

I would Highly recommend this to everyone!

-Teri S.

Forum: Starting Point

Starting Point Experience

tpeters — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 18:10:33 GMT

I would encourage anyone who is looking for a comfortable way to explore the Bible & share other peoples views & questions. - This is the place to go!

-Scott S.

Forum: Starting Point

Easter Sunday

larryphelps — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 21:31:37 GMT

On Easter Sunday, I met a lady at the door after one of the services who told me her story as she was trying to hold back the tears.

She said she has been looking for a church for several years, but never felt comfortable anywhere. She got up Easter Sunday morning, dressed in her favorite sportswear, and headed out to find a place to go to church. She felt compelled to stop at Horizons instead of doing her usual drive-by.

When she parked her car and came to the door, she was amazed that we had a race car out front, and even more amazed at what was inside the building--because everywhere she looked everything was about racing, including the message.

She was blown away (and so was I). She looked like she could be one of the cast of our production because she was decked out from head-to-toe in NASCAR gear. What were the chances that she stopped that particular Sunday dressed as she was? The only explanation was that God orchestrated it.

She told me that she has finally found her church home.

Larry

Forum: Sunday Mornings

I thought I was a Christian

misheets — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 04:36:13 GMT

The only reason I agreed to come to church that day was because my wife was nagging me and she said they played great music. Actually she had said quite a bit about the music, they had a great band and played live music, electric guitar and everything! She had found an ad in the yellow pages that said Are you bored with Church and looking for something more?or something like that.and she went by herself the first time. Horizons wasnt very big back then, they met at Blaine High School Auditorium.

I didnt think I needed a church. I believed in God and Jesus, I thought that made me a Christian. What else did I need to know? I didnt have the greatest opinion of church going people at the time, I really thought most of them were hypocrites who just liked to look down their noses at others.

From the moment I walked in the door, something was different. The people were real and genuine. They wore regular clothes (not fancy suits and dresses so they could feel better than others). They had real smiles and hearty laughterand a look in their eyes. What was that look? I sat with my wife towards the back and slipped down into the chair to wait out my sentence but then the music started! WOW, what was this? These guys were good! Man o man, I love live music. I think I was on my feet, clapping and I didnt even know the words! Ill be honest, I dont remember Jimmys sermon that day, but I remember the passion he had. I remember how he spoke plain English and talked to me so that I could understand what he was saying even though I wasnt a Biblical scholar (or had even picked up a Bible in years).

The next Sunday rolled around and I agreed to go back again with some hesitation, I remember thinking that it would probably be different. I just thought the previous week was too good to be true. If the music hadnt been so good, it would have been much harder to convince me to go that second time, I was quite the skepticbut off we went. There was Don, out front and greeting everyone as they walked up the sidewalk. TJ and Larry were right inside the door, everyone was the same as last week! There was something going on here, something strange, but something wonderful! I sat a little closer this time, enjoyed the music even more and heard something in one of the songs that struck a deep nerve. Then another one in Jimmys message. I felt a little like the Grinch that day, my heart just grew 10 sizes. I told my wife in the car on the way home that she would NEVER have to nag me to go to church again, I found home. I found something I could believe in.

That was almost 9 years ago. I have not missed a Sunday since when I was in town. I walked up to Rich on my third Sunday right after service and just asked if I could help. He put me to work and Ive been in the Performing Arts ministry ever since. I been involved in many parts of Horizons and have been truly blessed in each experience. I have been baptized here and have found a much, much deeper meaning of being a Christian. Most important, I have a living, loving relationship with my Father, my savior, my Lord Jesus. I can never repay what Horizons has given me but can only hope to help others find what I have found here. God is at work in this place and I am very lucky to be a part of it. Ive seen many lives changed and have even witnessed some miracles especially through the power of prayer.

You know something, just thinking about what God has done in me is a miracle in itself. This ol doubting Thomas is one of His biggest cheerleaders today, you have no idea how big that is!!!

Mike S.

Forum: Sunday Mornings