Thursday Memo

Hi Five Oakers,

Three quick things I want to share with you. It's late and I need to head to bed.

#1- The Leadership Summit was great today. Many of you are there with us. I have several important take-aways adn the day was filled with valuable insights and inspiring ideas. The last talk by Craig Groeschel was not only really good (about generations) but also extremely funny. I'm looking forward to the Five Oaks luncheon tomorrow at the Summit and getting a chance to debrief with the people at my table. Sunday evening we'll also have a debrief at Kent O'Grady's home. An email with more information will go out to all attendees. Here are some of my favorite quotes from the Summit:

• “Many leaders incorrectly assume their most valuable asset is time — it’s their energy and ability to energize others.” (Bill Hybels)
• “No one wants to follow a sourpuss.” (Condoleeza Rice)
• “The signature of mediocrity is not unwillingness to change. The true signature of mediocrity is chronic inconsistency.” (Jim Collins)
• “God values maturity. If you’re not dead, you’re not done.” (Craig Groeshel)

#2- Dan Lukas is leading worship this weekend we'll be singing one or two of his songs. Heard one of them this week and I'm really looking forward to him leading us in it.

#3- The message this week is on Luke 17:20-37 where Jesus teaches on the second coming. Jesus describes how to be ready for his coming. What he calls for us to do to be ready is both dangerous and difficult. How's that? Come and see.

Hoping to see you this weekend,

Pastor Henry

Wednesday Memo

Hi Five Oakers,

I have three things to share with you.

#1- Jerry Meras and his Miles4Meals team departed this morning. They'll drive straight through to CA and take off Saturday morning on their bikes. Twenty-one days, a hundred miles per day all the way back to MN! Pray for them. They're being hosted each night by churches all along the way. And they are raising money for Feed My Starving Children to be packed at our event in March. Follow them on Instamap and contribute here.

Here's the team this morning and the trailer with the bikes firmly strapped in.

#2- Check out the Bible HIStory Game for families put out by Rob Rinow of Visionary Family. Many of you attended the Visionary Parenting Conference led by Rob, and we're offering the Visionary Marriage Conference this fall.

#3- Here's a video of Gabby Douglas being interviewed by her pastor (EFree Church in Des Moines). I know the pastor from a yearly round-table meeting I attend in CA. 

God bless you all, Pastor Henry