Amazing Sunday in the XtremeKids Class

What a joy it is to see children pray to receive Christ! This past Sunday the XtremeKids, 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders learned that they can look forward to heaven because Jesus forgives. Each class talked about the steps needed to become a Christian. After praying there were at least eight children that acknowledged that they had prayed for salvation. How cool is that? God is so good!

If your child has begun asking questions about salvation you can click here to download a copy of the ABC's that we used to explain the steps of becoming a Christian.

Mika McDaniel
Children's Minister
THF

Origins and Destiny

It's one of the great statements of belief in all the Bible -

By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. Hebrews 11:3 nas

One of the great conundrums of our time (for those who claim to believe in Jesus) is reconciling Biblical Faith and Science. It leaves most wondering if it's possible at all. What are we supposed to think? How are we supposed to believe? Are believers supposed to "check their brains at the door of the church?" Or, are we left to deny the foundations of our faith?

These are questions we will answer in our new series: Origins and Destiny, which will launch on January 25th. You may be surprised what we uncover. You'll be even more amazed as we find just how much the hunt for our beginnings affects our awareness and understanding of our ultimate destination.

Thanks Giving!

This past Monday morning I got to do one of my favorite things of the year...deliver the shoeboxes from Operation Christmas Child. It's a glorious thing to drop off those little cartons of compassion...kinda like dropping a message in a bottle and placing it in the ocean's current. You just know that it will eventually be found and read...that it will communicate the concern and Christlike care of the one(s) who packed it to some child that you and I may never meet (on earth that is). And yet, it could make eternal ripples. How simple...how profound.

With your help we were able to deliver 380 shoeboxes of hope and love...enough to cover the entire interior of a box truck three feet deep. Another 20 boxes came in later in the day or were delivered directly to the assembly point. To God be the honor and glory...400 shoeboxes packed with love and sent to all manner of places around the globe. Now, let's pray for their placement and delivery in homes and hearts that God is already preparing.

Thanks, church for answering the bell...for rising to the occasion in a tough economy at a challenging time for all of us. You inspire me.

A Season that Counts

In less than 2 weeks, the THF family will be participating in our Operation Christmas Child emphasis. God has provided us with an unique opportunity to reach impoverished children and families around the globe through our participation with the Samaritan's Purse organization. It's a great opportunity to launch your family into the holiday season by focusing them on outward extending rather than inward receiving. I can think of few causes more worthy.

You can find out more in the THF Mall or online at http://www.theheightsfellowship.org/connect/

Our church goal is 500 shoeboxes for the season. Let's blow the lid off this goal.

Pastor Mike

Deeper Thanks

Last night we hosted the very first "Deeper" event in the THF auditorium. One word: OUTSTANDING! I coulda easily substituted AMAZING or EXCEPTIONAL or INCREDIBLE. I'm so thankful for our prayer ministry, worship band, sound, and media folks. Those guys (and gals) continue to honor God with their ginormous talent and availability...and their desire to have God's glory reign down.

It was really fun for my wife and I because we were afforded the chance to "just be one of the peeps." Didn't have to worry about the next thing, next announcement, how I would speak in the next few minutes when I got up to share the message, etc. etc. Don't get me wrong, I love all those things, but it was great to be in a time of pure worship and prayer for the evening. We were encouraged, envigorated, and equipped for the days ahead. Thanks for the gift, from this very grateful pastor.

So what do you say, how about we do this again maybe in the Christmas season?!!

Pastor Mike

A Season of Thanksgiving

There are not enough words to convey my deep admiration and appreciation for the outstanding job the THF family did at last Friday's Fall Festival. How fun was it to combine creativity and effort for God's kingdom. We think over 1000 folks from the community attended the festival. The sheer creative genius of you guys is amazing to behold. A special thanks to Mika McDaniel and her staff for their effort and excellence. Be sure and look for new photos uploaded in the next day or so.

Get ready for a great time of worship this Friday night at 7 as we host our first "Deeper" meeting.

How Does God Feel About Our Prayers?

This from THF Member, Mike Hensley

I had never really thought about this. I know scripture tells us that we should pray. In fact, I Thessalonians 5:17 says we are to pray continually. Scripture abounds with references to prayer. But how does God feel when we pray to him? Usually I am so concerned about my needs and feelings I haven't even considered God's.

But John in Revelation the 5th chapter gives us some insight. John is seeing a vision of heaven and in verse 8 describes what he sees,

"And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints."

Our prayers are sweet smelling incense to God. When we pray he is surrounded by pleasant aromas. So how does God feel when we pray? I think it draws God to the believer. And that is VERY cool. So pray, church, and talk to God about your life and His.

Mike Hensley