The THF media crew is always cooking up new ideas to make God's truth and the church's outreach accessible. Recently, we have made several major upgrades to our live streaming capabilities and are now able to offer our live stream to several mobile devices including the iPhone, iPad, Windows Mobile Phone, etc. You now have the capabilities to take THF Celebrations with you everywhere you go right in the palm of you hand.
Also in this upgrade we are able to expand our abilities past streaming to just a PC, you can now watch from your Mac as well so that no matter what mobile device or computer you might have, you still have to ability to join us as we celebrate together at The Heights Fellowship.
To make this experience as easy as possible we have integrated a new URL to make it easier and faster for you to to navigate to us from your computer or mobile phone. THFLIVE.org is the quickest way to catch us on Sunday mornings on our live stream.
Available Devices:
iPhone
iPad
iPod Touch
Windows Mobile Phone
PC
Mac
Android (Coming Soon)
Go check it out!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year
There is a lot of weirdness attached to New Years' celebrations around the world. It's uncanny - see also, insane - what people in other nations and cultures do to ring out the old and ring in the new...
Bolivians - change their underwear. Admirable, yes...and certainly advisable. But if you only do it once a year... Just sayin,' Bolivia.
The Danish (the people, not the pastries) break dishes on their neighbor's porch and jump off chairs to squish evil spirits. Seriously, Denmark!
People from the foreign nation of Minnesota - smash bananas. Must be reflective of the abundance of banana plantations in the greater Minnesota vicinity.
Of course, we have our own domestic weirdness - tossing salt, eating black-eyed peas, or even worse, hog jowls.
I find that all these oddities have a few things in common:
1) They look to dispense with a past of failure or pain
2) They seek to secure a bright future
3) They look for love or romance
4) They hope to find fortune
Funny! God answers all four ... and without the weirdness. In Jesus, and Jesus alone - apart from all other religions and "-osopies," we find forgiveness and redemption, future and hope, forever love, and the favor of a divine inheritance. And the coolest thing is that God tells us it begins the moment we trust Jesus with our eternity...
if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 nkjv
What is it you're resolving to do this new year? What do you want to change, to add, to start? Welcome to 2011. It's your year. So, may all things in your year be new in Jesus. Come check out our series and worship this Winter and Spring at THF to see how that lives out.
Bolivians - change their underwear. Admirable, yes...and certainly advisable. But if you only do it once a year... Just sayin,' Bolivia.
The Danish (the people, not the pastries) break dishes on their neighbor's porch and jump off chairs to squish evil spirits. Seriously, Denmark!
People from the foreign nation of Minnesota - smash bananas. Must be reflective of the abundance of banana plantations in the greater Minnesota vicinity.
Of course, we have our own domestic weirdness - tossing salt, eating black-eyed peas, or even worse, hog jowls.
I find that all these oddities have a few things in common:
1) They look to dispense with a past of failure or pain
2) They seek to secure a bright future
3) They look for love or romance
4) They hope to find fortune
Funny! God answers all four ... and without the weirdness. In Jesus, and Jesus alone - apart from all other religions and "-osopies," we find forgiveness and redemption, future and hope, forever love, and the favor of a divine inheritance. And the coolest thing is that God tells us it begins the moment we trust Jesus with our eternity...
if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 nkjv
What is it you're resolving to do this new year? What do you want to change, to add, to start? Welcome to 2011. It's your year. So, may all things in your year be new in Jesus. Come check out our series and worship this Winter and Spring at THF to see how that lives out.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Knots and Knotheads: A Holiday Tradition
One of the great holiday movies of all time is Christmas Vacation. What a bizarre collection of zaniness from all the characters in the good ol' Griswold family. And like most humor, the thing that makes any comedy funny is our ability to relate to it.
So let's be honest. I wonder how many of us catch our breath during the holidays, because you know at some point you're going to have to deal with or to be around _____________ (you fill in the blank). I heard one author say that many of us have more than just a few knots in our family tree. Some might even make the case that it's not the "knots" we are so worried about - it's the knotHEADS. We all deal with a certain amount of...how do I say this delicately...strangeness in our family system. And while this knowledge dispels the notion that our situations are unique, it does register a pretty clear signal that we are ALL human. And, it makes a definite case for grace in our lives and in our familial dealings.
A few months ago, the THF men were sharing in our weekly men's fellowship (Thursday mornings 6:30 am - THF mall, men) about the descent of Jesus. It got me to thinking. Have you ever pondered to human background of the King of Kings? Let me ask the question another way: If you were going to save the world, what kind of pedigree would you look for in a Savior? Now line that ideal up with reality...
Be a part of a THF family journey this holiday season as our family probes into the background of Jesus. It's a series we're going to call "Knots and Knotheads." And not only will it make a "case for grace," it will make a place for His grace in your life and in your living. See you here, Sundays 9:01 and 10:46.
Merry CHRISTmas!
So let's be honest. I wonder how many of us catch our breath during the holidays, because you know at some point you're going to have to deal with or to be around _____________ (you fill in the blank). I heard one author say that many of us have more than just a few knots in our family tree. Some might even make the case that it's not the "knots" we are so worried about - it's the knotHEADS. We all deal with a certain amount of...how do I say this delicately...strangeness in our family system. And while this knowledge dispels the notion that our situations are unique, it does register a pretty clear signal that we are ALL human. And, it makes a definite case for grace in our lives and in our familial dealings.
A few months ago, the THF men were sharing in our weekly men's fellowship (Thursday mornings 6:30 am - THF mall, men) about the descent of Jesus. It got me to thinking. Have you ever pondered to human background of the King of Kings? Let me ask the question another way: If you were going to save the world, what kind of pedigree would you look for in a Savior? Now line that ideal up with reality...
Be a part of a THF family journey this holiday season as our family probes into the background of Jesus. It's a series we're going to call "Knots and Knotheads." And not only will it make a "case for grace," it will make a place for His grace in your life and in your living. See you here, Sundays 9:01 and 10:46.
Merry CHRISTmas!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Gratitude Experiment
It is amazing how complex life is...and how simple it can be. Consider a few thoughts:
If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back and a roof over your head, you are richer than 75% of the world's population.
If you have "milk money," or any spare change, lying around somewhere, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
If you awoke this morning with more health than sickness, consider yourself more blessed than over 1 million folks who won't survive the week.
Two weeks ago, we launched the "Gratitude Experiment," where we found ourselves challenged in this season of Thanksgiving, to find out how truly blessed we really are. Our word gratitude, has at its core a grip and an understanding of another term: GRACE. And grace understands that it has benefitted from and received favor (from God and others).
How much thought have you given to the idea of being among God's favored ones. It's true, you know? The Bible identifies us human-kind, as the recipients of God's kindness. God is an extreme grace-giver, in fact. Consider:
The Bible is the Word of God's grace (Acts 20:32)
We stand in grace (Romans 5:2)
Psalm 45:2 even said that God's grace was poured out on the lips of King David!
Bottom line: You are a graced man (or woman), my friend.
And the expression back is gratitude - a recognition of that. So as we celebrate pilgrims and turkeys and freedom (and even a Cowboy victory) this season, let us continue to stand in that place of gratitude to the Maker, Sustainer, and Savior of us all.
Gratitude Experiment - part 2, this Sunday. See you there, 9:01 or 10:46 am.
If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back and a roof over your head, you are richer than 75% of the world's population.
If you have "milk money," or any spare change, lying around somewhere, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
If you awoke this morning with more health than sickness, consider yourself more blessed than over 1 million folks who won't survive the week.
Two weeks ago, we launched the "Gratitude Experiment," where we found ourselves challenged in this season of Thanksgiving, to find out how truly blessed we really are. Our word gratitude, has at its core a grip and an understanding of another term: GRACE. And grace understands that it has benefitted from and received favor (from God and others).
How much thought have you given to the idea of being among God's favored ones. It's true, you know? The Bible identifies us human-kind, as the recipients of God's kindness. God is an extreme grace-giver, in fact. Consider:
The Bible is the Word of God's grace (Acts 20:32)
We stand in grace (Romans 5:2)
Psalm 45:2 even said that God's grace was poured out on the lips of King David!
Bottom line: You are a graced man (or woman), my friend.
And the expression back is gratitude - a recognition of that. So as we celebrate pilgrims and turkeys and freedom (and even a Cowboy victory) this season, let us continue to stand in that place of gratitude to the Maker, Sustainer, and Savior of us all.
Gratitude Experiment - part 2, this Sunday. See you there, 9:01 or 10:46 am.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Christmas Comes Early at THF
Christmas comes THIS SUNDAY - November 14th - at The Heights Fellowship! 2010 marks the sixth year THF has partnered with Samaritan's Purse International Relief for our holiday focus - Operation Christmas Child.
Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’s love. The Heights Fellowship is connecting with Samaritan’s Purse to provide an opportunity for people of all ages to be involved in a simple, hands-on missions project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas—Jesus Christ, God’s greatest gift. Along with shoe box gifts, millions of children are given Gospel booklets in their own language. In 2009, the International Operation Christmas Child effort distributed 7.9 million shoe box gifts worldwide and distributed them to children in over 100 countries around the world.
Our annual Christmas partnership with Operation Christmas Child began In 2005, when THF families delivered 143 filled shoeboxes to the Samaritan's Purse drop off location. In 2006, we delivered exactly 200 boxes...our goal. In 2007, our goal was 300 and we delivered 460 boxes! What an amazing thing! In 2008, we collected just under 500 boxes. In 2010, we want to continue this bold emphasis.
Every box represents a precious boy or girl in need of a Savior. You can participate in Operation Christmas Child as a family, as an individual, or as a Small Group.
Click HERE to find out more
Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’s love. The Heights Fellowship is connecting with Samaritan’s Purse to provide an opportunity for people of all ages to be involved in a simple, hands-on missions project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas—Jesus Christ, God’s greatest gift. Along with shoe box gifts, millions of children are given Gospel booklets in their own language. In 2009, the International Operation Christmas Child effort distributed 7.9 million shoe box gifts worldwide and distributed them to children in over 100 countries around the world.
Our annual Christmas partnership with Operation Christmas Child began In 2005, when THF families delivered 143 filled shoeboxes to the Samaritan's Purse drop off location. In 2006, we delivered exactly 200 boxes...our goal. In 2007, our goal was 300 and we delivered 460 boxes! What an amazing thing! In 2008, we collected just under 500 boxes. In 2010, we want to continue this bold emphasis.
Every box represents a precious boy or girl in need of a Savior. You can participate in Operation Christmas Child as a family, as an individual, or as a Small Group.
Click HERE to find out more
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
A Celebration of the Backslidden
It's not a four letter word, but its impact among those of us who know Jesus and claim His church as our family is equally impacting: BACKSLIDDEN. No one wants to admit he's backslidden. She surely doesn't want to be named among the backsliders.
But the dirty little secret of our culture is that come this weekend, we'll all be backsliders. So THF wants to celebrate that with you. I'm talking about TIME CHANGE - From Daylight Saving Time back to Standard Time. (What'd you think I meant?)
It's a pretty cool concept. DST originated almost a century ago, during World War I. The idea was to save energy for our production during the war effort by taking advantage of longer daylight hours in the months between April and October. The idea was legislated by the US Congress in 1966 when they standardized the idea and established the dates - April to October. In 2007, the US Government acted again to lengthen DST by four weeks (creeping its beginning back into March and extending its duration into November). It was believed that change alone would save upwards of 10,000 barrels of oil per day. Pretty impressive!
The fact is that most people know little about DST, and care even less - except as it affects their sleep patterns. (Who doesn't hate losing that hour in the Winter?) But this weekend is SPECIAL - it's the one time during the year we all get to backslide - for an hour at least - and enjoy the indulgence of "an extra hour of sleep." Go ahead, set those clocks back and rest easy. Your God will still be on the job.
THF hopes you'll remember that and then join the celebration of the backsliders on Sunday morning at 9:01 and 10:46 Central STANDARD Time. You'll be the better for it all the way around. See you here.
But the dirty little secret of our culture is that come this weekend, we'll all be backsliders. So THF wants to celebrate that with you. I'm talking about TIME CHANGE - From Daylight Saving Time back to Standard Time. (What'd you think I meant?)
It's a pretty cool concept. DST originated almost a century ago, during World War I. The idea was to save energy for our production during the war effort by taking advantage of longer daylight hours in the months between April and October. The idea was legislated by the US Congress in 1966 when they standardized the idea and established the dates - April to October. In 2007, the US Government acted again to lengthen DST by four weeks (creeping its beginning back into March and extending its duration into November). It was believed that change alone would save upwards of 10,000 barrels of oil per day. Pretty impressive!
The fact is that most people know little about DST, and care even less - except as it affects their sleep patterns. (Who doesn't hate losing that hour in the Winter?) But this weekend is SPECIAL - it's the one time during the year we all get to backslide - for an hour at least - and enjoy the indulgence of "an extra hour of sleep." Go ahead, set those clocks back and rest easy. Your God will still be on the job.
THF hopes you'll remember that and then join the celebration of the backsliders on Sunday morning at 9:01 and 10:46 Central STANDARD Time. You'll be the better for it all the way around. See you here.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
A Reason to Celebrate
Harvest time has always been jubilant time. In the agricultural economies of our heritage, it was the payoff. It's what people worked for so long and so hard. We carry that tradition of joy with us into the present.
At THF we have an annual celebration of the harvest called Fall Festival. This October 31st, from 6:30-8:30 pm on the THF campus, we will celebrate again and we want our community to celebrate with us.
You are invited. This celebration is free and the fun is for everyone. You can follow the link for Fall Festival on this page to find out more.
At THF we have an annual celebration of the harvest called Fall Festival. This October 31st, from 6:30-8:30 pm on the THF campus, we will celebrate again and we want our community to celebrate with us.
You are invited. This celebration is free and the fun is for everyone. You can follow the link for Fall Festival on this page to find out more.
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