johnlaeger.com

Bored with Church?

Bored with church? Not getting anything out of it? Feel like you are just going through the motions? You are not alone and the problem is most likely not you. And if the problem is not you - then it's...yes, that's right - the problem is with the church.

What if what God wants the church to be is something so exciting and so beyond the realm of your thinking that you think it's impossible? But it's something so amazing that you'd do anything to be a part of it because you want to be part of something great...something that's making a lasting difference.

I believe we (Meadow Spring) are entering into one of the most crucial and important seasons of our history. And this is only magnified by how close we are to sealing a deal regarding the purchase of the REX (we are so close I can taste it!) These next few weeks may just determine the direction and impact we have reaching far into the future!

And I am so PUMPED!!

This Sunday is critical because:

• I will be giving an update on our dream and prayer of purchasing the REX.
• I will be starting a new series - "My Church Rocks"
• You will hear what God intends the church to be - and it isn't supposed to be boring, irrelevant, old-fashioned, or just for women & children.
• You will be inspired to be part of something you never dreamed you could ever be a part of.
• The music is going to totally rock (I know because I've seen & listened to the songs planned!)
• Communion will be part of our worship raising the meaning of your experience beyond imagination.

I can't emphasize enough the importance of being here. And I can't emphasize enough the importance of inviting as many people to come with you as you can! Especially your friends who don't go to church or are bored with the church. This Sunday WILL change their thinking!

Check out this video and then "share" it to your Facebook page to invite your friends to come with you!

 

Sunday Mind Dump

• Really AWESOME morning!
• I am honored to serve on the same staff as Rachel Carlson. Her heart for marriage, family, and kids really came out today.
• Rachel pulled no punches today and spoke boldly. Said some things we needed to hear!
• Great group of Meadowites too on this holiday weekend.
• Today is my parent's 56th wedding anniversary. They are truly a model for all marriages.
• Meadow volunteers are the absolute best! I can't say enough about how they so selflessly serve each week and sacrifice their time to serve others.
• I'm really pumped about the new series ("My Church Rocks") starting next Sunday. This could be the most challenging, inspiring, and motivating series we've done at Meadow.
• Starting next week, we are going to weekly communion. I am totally excited about this and believe it will raise the quality and meaningfulness of our worship to heights we can't even imagine.
• We would appreciate your prayers & suggestions because this will take some creativity and thought to make sure it stays fresh each week.
• Communion will be weekly for this next series. If it goes well and we can keep it fresh, we will continue it.
• Might take some time off this week to go fishing.
• We've hit a snag with the negotiations in our pursuit of purchasing the REX. We have a top dollar we can afford and we are close but not where the seller wants. KEEP PRAYING and don't lose hope!!!
• Offerings have been a bit low recently raising my stress level. I would appreciate your prayers. Let's ask God to keep us all faithful in our tithing and to give us wisdom in using the financial resources He brings us to do ministry.
• A disappointing conversation this week has turned into a step of hope and moving forward. I hope to be able to share more later.
• Friday's Flyball training with Buddy didn't go so well. So much depends on me and I just couldn't get my head in it. One more week and then I hope Buddy is invited to join the selected summer training.
• This morning during Rachel's message, I was reminded several times of how priviledged I am to be married to Sandy. I love her more each day.
• Did I say that I am totally stoked about the series starting next Sunday?
• You have to do everything possible to be here and invite your friends to come with you - especially friends that may have given up on the church. Ask them to give it one more chance and come to Meadow.
• I am convinced your sense of personal "wow" will be magnified a thousand times because of this series.
• If you haven't seen the video trailer - check it out here ... "My Church Rocks"
• Send it to your friends when you invite them.
• Can't believe my son is getting married in less than two weeks.
• KEEP PRAYING about the REX!! God is in this and is teaching us all patience. And pray for me that I won't "count my chickens before the hatch"!
• That's it for now. Later.
• Oh...one more thing - I'd appreciate your thoughts on anything I've said. Comments & feedback are welcome!

Looking for something to do because of the weather?

It rained this morning and this afternoon and evening. Tomorrow it's supposed to be hot (90 degrees) and humid with more severe storms in the evening. Your outdoor plans have been shattered. You're going stir crazy. What to do?

Try this.

Try church - more specifically, try Meadow Spring. Trust me, you won't regret it tomorrow. Rachel Carlson, our Family Pastor, will be speaking and the music by our live band will knock your socks off. Your kids will have a blast, we have free gourmet coffee and free bagels and pastries, AND you will stay dry and cool for the whole experience!

If it's been awhile since you've been to church - try it.

If you've been thinking about checking Meadow out - tomorrow is a great day to do just that.

We meet at 9:30 am in the Marcus Movie Theatre located in the Shakopee Town Square. For more info and directions check out our web site at MeadowSpring.org.

I hope to see you tomorrow...dry, cool, low humidity, comfortable stadium seating, great (and free) refreshments, awesome music, powerful message, and fun kids program.

Sunday Mind Dump

• Wow ... was the band ever on target this morning! I'm always impressed with our worship, but this morning was REALLY awesome!
• Had a lot of people gone this morning - smaller crowd but overall another great morning.
• Solid offering considering the number of people here. I'm so humbled but how giving Meadowites are! Wow!
• Had two groups of Meadowites over today for bbq burgers and to talk about Imagine and our dreams for the REX. What a great time! I love spending time with Meadowites!
• Rachel Carlson is preaching next week and I am so looking forward to her message on the family, parenting, and marriage. It is the one subject she is so passionate about.
• I really hope we hear back from the seller this week on his response to our counter offer. I believe we are so close to making a deal, I can taste it!
• I keep thinking about no more set up/tear down and what all we will be able to do with leaving things set up permanently ... IF we make a deal and purchase the REX.
• I have to be careful and not "count my chickens before they hatch" on this whole REX deal. I really do feel good about what's happening, but it's not a done deal until we have signed on the dotted line!
• I love it when people use our text prayer line both on Sunday mornings and during the week.
• Can't believe my son is getting married in 3 weeks. I'm feeling very old.
• Not only am I pumped about Rachel speaking next week, I'm pumped about taking some time off during the week. I'm really tired and will be putting some time in on the lake wetting a line.
• The next series starting June 3 is "My Church Rocks" and it's gonna be a series like no other at Meadow as we are challenged and inspired about the church on a level most do not think is possible.
• I know a teaching series on the church sounds kind of boring, but trust me...this is going to rock your world. I've never done a series like this!
• Sandy just mentioned that tonight is a lunar eclipse. I think I'll see it from the comfort of my bed with my eyes closed.
• Speaking of Sandy...I think I'm in love with her - no - I KNOW I'm in love.
• We are planning on being in both the Chaska River City Days Parade and the Shakopee Derby Days Parade - we haven't done the parades in a few years and I'm stoked about it again!
• BTW...we are looking for a large flatbed trailer and truck. If you have one or know of someone who does - let me know.
• I just finished watching the rerun of this week's "America's Got Talent" - good show but does anyone else think there's too much emphasis on Howard Stern?
• I'm beat and my brain is fried. Later.

When a good kid goes bad...

As a parent, it is the height of heartbreak, stress, frustration, and even anger. Your child begins to make choices against your will and chooses behavior and a lifestyle that's contrary to what you want and how you raised him/her.

What makes it more frustrating is that you don't know what to do. You want to sit down with your child and have a real face-to-face talk and convince them to make better choices. But you know that won't work because right now, they aren't listening to you.

This Sunday I am speaking on "When a Good Kid Goes Bad". I will be talking about common traits of a wayward child and I will be giving practical advise based on Biblical truth of what a parent can do.

It is not a hopeless situation. There can be a happy ending.

I hope you will join us this Sunday at Meadow. We meet every Sunday at 9:30 am in the Marcus Movie Theatre located in the Shakopee Town Square Mall. For more info go to www.MeadowSpring.org.

See you Sunday!

I'm All In...

You've got to read this story...

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I want to share my story, and how Meadow has brought me into a more refreshing relationship with Jesus Christ. 

I really appreciate the down to earth , easy to understand, messages. My children have a much more positive view of God from how Meadow teaches the Bible. My kids and husband are the reason I switched from my previous church to Meadow. My kids needed to enjoy church and have their souls nourished from God's Word. My husband is not a Christian and needs to meet God in a different enviroment than my previous church.

Your series on God versus religion still comes to my mind. For me that series helped me feel more comfortable at Meadow. After much prayer, and my desire to see my husband know Jesus and my kids grow in their faith, I am committed to being all in at Meadow. I know that is where God wants me now. My husband and kids absolutely love this church, especially the music and the casual feel.

And ever since I have started tithing, and made a committment to the Imagine fund, God has been changing my heart to trust Him more and I am shocked at how God has provided for my family since then.

I'm even more convinced that Meadow Spring is where God wants my family to be.

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What's your story about how Meadow has guided you into a refreshing relationship with Christ? I'd like to hear it!

 

I love how God is working in Meadow

Lives are being changed at Meadow! Check out the email I just got:  

I just watched and listened to yesterday's message. And loved it. You were dead on with what all parents needed to hear.

Also, it dawned on me when you mentioned to have Jesus restore the joy of our salvation that since I have been attending Meadow that is exactly what Jesus has done for me. I have been able to still be a Christian yet have fun laughing with my family and friends and not be boring. Fun meaning it is OK to laugh, it is OK to let this joy show. Not fun as in drinking and swearing but fun as in letting the JOY of the Lord just flow out of me.

My boss has even mentioned to me that she has noticed that I just seem happier, less stressed etc. I have to give God all the glory he has restored the joy of my salvation.

I love how God is working in Meadow.

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If you have a story of how God is using Meadow in your life, I'd love to hear it!

Sunday Mind Dump

• CRAZY morning. Several unplanned "issues" came up that sort of threw some of us off a bit, but thanks to our volunteers and staff - it all came together and the service went pretty well!
• I am so proud of all our volunteers...from those who come in early for set up, to those who serve in MeadowKIDS, to the band and tech teams, to those who stay late for tear down, to those who assemble programs and make coffee and set out bagels...our volunteers totally ROCK!
• Finally, after three attempts, we got to see The Avengers. GREAT movie!
• I feel really good at what is happening with the negotiations with the REX. It appears the seller really wants to work with us and our creative package/offer. 
• KEEP PRAYING!!!
• The openness of our office area is really starting to bug me. There are several private conversations I've wanted to have, but can't because anything said is heard by anyone else in the office area.
• Anybody else think this weather is AWESOME!?
• Today was the third Sunday we've had the elementary kids come in for our worship time. I'd like to know what you think? Should we make it a regular deal?
• Next Sunday my message is "When a Good Kid Goes Bad" and I will be talking boldly about the issue of when a child chooses to live a life contrary to what parents want them to live.
• We started the "My Church Rocks" promo today.  The video is REALLY great and I am always more and more impressed with the quality of what our tech team turns out.
• You can watch the video here.  My Church Rocks trailer
• I think Mother's Day is becoming less and less a day to take mom to church. Just my gut feeling, but growing up, it was a big day to go to church. I don't think its that way anymore with over 70% of our community not regularly in church.
• If you haven't "liked" the Meadow Spring Facebook page - you need to in order to keep up with all the latest news and happenings. You can get to it here... Meadow Spring Facebook
• Yesterday was fishing opener and I still have to finish getting my boat ready and my fishing license. Probably will do that this week sometime.
• Hands down...our set up and tear down teams are the hardest working and selfless volunteers we have at Meadow.
• Very strong offering today. This is great because anything beyond what we need for expenses is going into our Imagine Fund to help with the purchase and move to the REX (IF we get the REX!)
• Kids fixed lunch today for Sandy ... chicken tacos, strawberry shortcake, mmmmmmmmm!!!
• I am so pumped about the REX and I need to be careful. Too many times things like that that appear to be moving in the right direction - something happens and they come to a drastic stop.
• It is so easy to start thinking "WHEN" we move to the REX - gotta be cautious!
• We decided this week to put our band in the Shakopee Derby Days parade. We haven't done that for several years. It will be great to get in it again.
• AND...we are looking into being in the Chaska River City Days Parade. We don't want to tax our volunteers too much but if we move to the REX, exposure in Chaska would be prime!
• Well...time to go get flowers to plant outside with Sandy. It's her Mother's Day tradition (my Father's Day tradition is ... a nap.)
• Later!

Update on REX

I thought I would give a quick update on what's happening with our desire and pursuit of purchasing the REX movie theater in Chaska for our first permanent home.

First...KEEP PRAYING!!!

Two weeks ago, we submitted an offer and this week we received a counter offer from the seller. Good news is that we are in the same ballpark and the seller has a desire to work with us. Bad news is that the counter offer was beyond what we could afford.

Let me remind everyone that as badly as we want to purchase this building, we will not if it means putting Meadow in a financial position beyond what we can afford now. The staff and Leadership Team are very committed to holding the line on this - even if if means choosing not to pursue the REX anymore.

In response to the seller's counter offer (which we can't afford), we (the Leadership Team) met and decided on a response - a counter to the seller's counter. This response will be submitted to the seller sometime today (Friday) or over the weekend.

So where are we at? We will wait to hear back from the seller on our latest offer which could be early next week or could take a couple weeks. In the mean time KEEP PRAYING!!!

One positive is that the seller has offered to meet with us face to face to discuss the deal. This is very positive and we will be taking him up on that in the near future.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me at john@meadowspring.org. I can't share any of the details of the negotiations, but I will share as much as I can without jeopardizing the process.

In the meantime ... KEEP PRAYING!!!

If you like to talk on the phone...

If you like to talk on the phone, have I got a perfect volunteer ministry for you! Yes, there is an opportunity just waiting for you at Meadow where you can make a HUGE difference just by dialing a few numbers and talking.

Here's the deal, I am NOT good at talking on the phone. The shorter the phone conversation, the better in my opinion. BUT...I want to get better at staying in touch with everyone at Meadow. I want to know what's happening, what I can be praying for, questions people might have, etc.

I am looking for 8-10 individuals who will help me contact everyone at Meadow by phone just to see how they are doing and if there is anything we can be praying about. You will be given about 10 people to call and talk to a couple times a year. It's a very simple ministry but requires some great listeners and phone conversationalists.

If you would like to know more about this new ministry, please contact me via phone (612-616-7982) or via email (john@meadowspring.org).

This Coming Sunday...

I am totally looking forward to the third week in "The Perfect Kid". Here is a sneak peek at the beginning of my message:

"When your kids come home, what kind of home do they walk into? Our kids are in a battle all day long and between school, friends, home, work, dating, soccer, dance, etc., they need a place where they can come and drop their armor at the door and be safe and be themselves. It needs to be a place where they know they will be accepted not judged, protected not attacked, loved not rejected."

Invite a friend to come with you. It's Mother's Day so bring your mom too!

 

Sunday Mind Dump

• I LOVE my church!
• There is just something totally awesome about the acoustic worship we do at Meadow from time to time. Always seems to come at the right time in my life too.
• I am convinced we have the most dedicated volunteers on this planet - so selfless in their serving!
• What's happening with the REX you ask? We got an email from the seller's realtor and we should be getting a formal response to our offer tomorrow or Tuesday. KEEP PRAYING!!
• Had two people trust Christ this morning! Woo Hoo! THAT is where its at!!!!!!!!
• Automate the Important is really catching on. We have more than 3x the number of people signed up for online giving now than we did a few weeks ago.
• I'm starting to realize the importance of having an office with four walls and a door. There are times I just need to get alone and be quiet and it can't happen with the way we have the offices set up now.
• Buddy is really doing well with Flyball and I am enjoying it too. He only has a couple more classes left and hopefully he will be invited to practice with the team over the summer.
• It's hard to explain but Sunday afternoons I am just toast and need a good nap and night's sleep...it's called the "holy hangover". Sometimes it even lasts into Monday.
• I REALLY hope and pray the seller accepts our offer. We so need our own building. Growing relationships is so key to a growing church and our not having a permanent building works against that - especially on Sundays.
• Started riding my bike again for the summer. Always hard to start up - hard on my butt!!
• I am so thankful for the staff at Meadow ... Rachel, Keldon, Pat, and Lisa are a team I love serving with!
• The closer we get to the start of "My Church Rocks" on June 3rd the more pumped I get. God is really convicting me as I study and write for this series. It could be the most significant series at Meadow this year!
• Fishing opener is next week. I usually don't go out on opener. Too many crazy people who are out more to party than to fish.
• We have got the greatest realtor working with us on the REX. If all realtors were like her, we wouldn't have had a housing market collapse!
• Vision Forward group is meeting on Monday nights and working on freshening up our values, mission statement, vision statement, and strategy. This is a group of men and women who love Jesus and love Meadow - it is a real privilege to team up with them on this.
• Heading to see Avengers in 3D - gotta go. Later! 

Mark Your Calendars!!

We've got a great summer planned at Meadow - lots of FUN for the whole family!! So get your calendars out and block off the following dates. More details will come as we get closer to the actual events!

• Sunday, June 3        "My Church Rocks" series starts
• Friday, June 22        Bowling Night
• Sunday, July 1          Party Sunday
• Sunday, July 15        Barking Good Time BBQ
• Sunday, July 29        "Five Lies of the Devil" series starts
• Sunday, July 29        Chaska River City Days Parade
• Sunday, August 5     Shakopee Derby Days Parade
• Monday, August 6    MeadowKIDS VBS

We want to pray for you

It doesn't matter if you are a regular attender of Meadow Spring or not - we want to pray for you. You may have never even come to Meadow - we want to pray for you.

If you have something going on in your life and you want people to pray for you - we want to pray for you. If you know someone who needs prayer - we want to pray for them.

We have a special text number - 952-373-1445 - that you can text 24 hours a  day, seven days a week with any prayer request. That request will be received immediately by a group of people who will pray for you right then.

All requests are confidential and you don't even need to give us your name. We just want to pray for you.

I invite you to put this number in your phone contacts because if you don't need prayer today, you will need it someday and you can just pull up the number, text your request, and know people are praying for you.

So...how can we pray for you today?

Text to 952-373-1445

Guest Post by Nicole Peterson

In our emphasis on "automating the important", I asked Nicole Peterson to tell why she gives online.

Here's her story...

I started using on-line giving as soon as it became an option.  I am self-employed and when I deposit, my earnings varies just as much as the amount of my earnings. I like the flexability of tithing from my business deposits.  I have made on-line giving a part of my business acoounting routine.  

Before on-line tithing I would find checks written to church that had been in my purse for weeks on end or I wouldn't know if I had missed giving until I got a report from church.  

This works best for me.  It's just another way to keep God in the center of my life, since tithing is all about my relationship with God anyway.  Thanks for having on-line giving as an option, it really works best for me.

Thanks Nicole!

There are four ways to give at Meadow:

1. On Sundays when you attend
2. Using the postage paid envelope you receive in your Sunday program
3. Using your bank's "bill pay" feature to automatically schedule a bank check to be sent to Meadow
4. Online

Online giving is very easy, safe, secure, and confidential. You can give via direct connection to your bank account or by using your credit or debit card. You can set up a one time contribution or a regular scheduled recurring contribution. You can change the amount anytime you want and you can change the frequency anytime you want.

It really is easy.

I encourage you to try it. Here's the link: Meadow Online Giving