johnlaeger.com

Important Info for Meadow Spring

With our big move comes a big change in our address and phone number. Please change Meadow's address and office phone number to:

• 511 N. Walnut Street
  Chaska, MN 55318 
• 952-361-3470

Many of you send in your tithes and offerings via bank bill pay or e-check. Make sure you change the address and phone info so everything will be mailed to the right address now. If you use a postage paid envelope, those will be forwarded to our new address until we get new envelopes made.

See you this Sunday! It's gonna be AWESOME!!

From my wife ... yes, she's awesome!

‎14 years ago Meadow Spring was born.

A church that started reaching people where they were… not asking people to change to walk through the church doors. Just come as you are. You will be accepted, valued and included. Come, into our rented facilities, temporary classrooms, ministry led on wheels by an army of volunteers.

And people came. And people changed their lives. And people stepped up to our wacky style of ministry because it’s not about the building… it’s about the church, which is people. People of Meadow.

Our rented doors have been open for 14 years and now we move into our permanent home. We can plant our roots and take what we have started and continue to grow … grow the church, allow people to learn, use their gifts, challenge them to stretch their faith, these amazing people we lovingly call Meadowites.

Lives have been changed. Lives will be changed. I smile just thinking of our future… what God can do now through these amazing people full of big ideas, big hearts and desire to share that refreshing relationship with Christ.

Did I say I'm excited ♥

Sunday Mind Dump

• Yes, I am tired - REALLY tired - but its a good tired (if there is such a thing!)
• This morning was, well ... different.
• Great accoustic worship this morning led by our new worship director John Pennucci.
• The work we got done yesterday in the move was absolutely mind-boggling due to the the awesome group of Meadow volunteers that showed up! Wow! Did they work and work hard!
• Rachel said MeadowKIDS rooms are 95% done and ready!
• Next Sunday will NOT come too soon! I probably won't sleep all week!
• Just met with a pastor of a portable church who is taking several of our cabinets on wheels. I'm glad we can help another church be better equipped to be portable.
• We still have more cabinets (wooden) on wheels. If interested, let me know. If no one claims them, they will be turned into firewood.
• This week I'll be spending a lot of time getting settled into a new office area in the new building. It will be really awkward because of the environment and room, but we'll make it work!
• We officially received our "Certificate of Occupancy" from the City of Chaska! We are totally clear to start meeting there next Sunday.
• The lobby floor looks awesome!
• With our totally stripped down look today, one little boy came in and said, "What happened to my church?" Ha! You gotta love the honesty of kids!
• Loved the questions that were asked this morning during the service. It's obvious people are looking forward to the move and to the growth we believe God will be bringing!
• My messages next week will be based out of Nehemiah - SOOOO looking forward to it. It's one of my favorite books in all the Bible.
• We are having a work night this Wednesday from 6-8. Come on down and enjoy time with other Meadowites and help get the building all clean!
• My daughter is moving out this week. Not gonna lie - I'm gonna miss her. She brings so much life to this house with her bright and creative spirit (plus she can whip up some awesome desserts!)
• I was one of the lucky ones to be a "tester" for the new Pizza Ranch this past week. They officially open tomorrow and I have found my new place for pizza!
• Next Saturday I get to officiate at a wedding for two super friends who make a great and caring couple. God's already using them and will keep using them together to do significant things.
• The music the last three weeks has been really good, but I'm so looking forward to the full band on stage again next week!
• "Jam Session" is this Thursday night. If you've ever even thought of being in the MeadowBAND or singing with the band - come on down and jam with us. Starts at 6 PM in the new auditorium.
• Just got word that Rachel is putting something together in MeadowKIDS that she has always wanted to do but couldn't because we were portable ... uh oh.
• Headline news statement on TV ... "Voters are already tired of the campaign." ... ummm really?
• Anybody else tired of the heat and humidity?
• I spoke with a Chaska Police Officer the other day who asked how the new building is coming. How did he hear? Who knows ... but the buzz is spreading!
• My mind is now dumped.
• Later.

The BIG Plan for the BIG Move!

We are only a few days away from the biggest move ever in the history of Meadow Spring Church! And not only is it the biggest move, it is the most exciting move ever!!

BUT...this move will not happen on its own or by a few people! We need every hand possible to help with the move...every hand means YOUR HANDS!! :)

Here's the plan:

Thursday & Friday...If you have some time, come to the office center in the mall and help pack things up. If you have boxes, bring them! We'll start at 1:00 PM on both days! (Can you let me know if you can make it?)

Saturday... We will be starting at 8:00 AM at the church office center in the mall. We will be moving EVERYTHING from storage and the office to a moving truck then unloading the truck at the new building and putting things where they belong! Woo Hoo!

BONUS... For all those who make it and stick around on Saturday, we'll be ordering in pizza for lunch and you will be part of the first church pizza feed in our new building! There is no cost to you. It's just a small way we can say thanks for helping!

Sunday Mind Dump

• What a fun morning with a great message! Thanks to Rachel and our MeadowKIDS ministry!
• I know I say this a lot, but we have the most givingest church around! I am totally amazed!
• Not gonna lie...without the stage, stage lights, projection, sound system - it is really weird. Glad there is only one more Sunday like this.
• SOOOO looking forward to August 5th when we have our first service in our new building!
• My heart really goes out to the families of the victims and those still recovering from the horrific massacre at the movie theatre in Aurora, CO.
• We got the sound system working in the new auditorium! Woo Hoo!
• Projectors have been hung from the ceiling, light bar and lights have been hung ... it all coming together!
• Lobby floor is about 1/2 way done too!
• It hasn't been all roses in the remodel. Little things keep popping up that need to be done and paid for ... ahhgghh!
• We were planning on installing the flooring ourselves but discovered we had bit off more than we could chew and need to hire a professional to install it. Rats!
• I'm tired. Really tired.
• Although I'm really excited about finally moving into a permanent home, leaving Marcus Theatres is bittersweet. It's been our home for the last 10 years. I will miss it (but not enough to stop me from moving!)
• The most difficult area to adapt to will be the office area. I'm really having a hard time wrapping my brain around having my office in a room with a tierd floor, high ceiling, and no walls to divide up the different offices. The tough part of this is that remodeling the offices is the most unexciting remodeling part. However, it's critically important.
• Had some new guests today - I wonder what they think of Meadow with the "stripped" down environment.
• Can't...keep...my...eyes...open
• Next Saturday is the BIG and HUGE moving day!! We need every possible hand to help!! We are starting at 8 AM at the current office center - BE THERE!!
• I'm already looking forward to next Sunday as we have a unique time of sharing on our last Sunday at Marcus. Invite a friend as we look forward and back at what God has done and will be doing.
• Time to kick back in my recliner.
• Later
• Oh...one more thing - we've got the most incredible volunteers at Meadow!

What a great day of accomplishment!

Wow! Thanks to all the awesome Meadow volunteers, we really got a lot accomplished at the new building today. We are winding down to being ready to move-in!!! Here's just some of what we got done today:

• Hung the light bar from the auditorium ceiling
• Hung the video projectors from the auditorium ceiling
• Installed the stage lighting
• Removed seats for an aisle next to the wheelchair ramp
• Cleaned hallway
• Dusted and washed all windows and doors
• Finished prepping the lobby floor
• Started laying flooring in the lobby
• Painted
• A few other odds and ends

Things are really coming together nicely!!

Now...tomorrow (Sunday) is a VERY important day. At 1:00 PM, we need all the help we can get to move a few things from the hallway to storage. It won't take long if we have plenty of help. (Lots of hands makes for a short time!)

Why is this so important? We need to make room for our big moving day next Saturday!!

So...1:00 PM at the new building in Chaska - come on over and lend a hand!!

Sunday Mind Dump

• REALLY felt weird today with the stripped down service ...no stage, no stage lights, no sound system, no projection since its all being moved to the new building.
• All in all - everything went really well. Thoughts?
• I've been missing a boatload of fire calls lately due to being in the middle of meetings, phone calls, etc. regarding the new building.
• Once again I am amazed at the level of giving Meadowites bring - wow!
• Looking forward to John Pennucci starting this week. My gut is telling me we are about to enter into an awesome season of ministry and worship led by him.
• We've owned our own building just over two weeks and it is amazing what volunteers have accomplished!
• This is going to be a HUGE week for the new building as we paint the lobby, install the flooring, install stage lights in the auditorium, and start work on the MeadowKIDS and MeadowYOUTH areas.
• Saturday, July 28th is the next big day for moving. We are renting a truck and will be moving EVERYTHING else! ... It will take several trips even with a big truck, but it will go fast with lots of help!
• I am totally looking forward to next Sunday as we open up the doors and take a look at what makes our kids so awesome at Meadow!
• If you have experience laying laminate flooring (planks that click together) - I want to talk to you. You can be a HUGE help this week at the new building.
• I've been struggling lately in my quiet times. Not sure what it is, just seem to be hitting wall.
• Quarterly statements will be going out this week. Watch your mail.
• I am totally loving ministry right but not gonna lie...I'm tired. I'm not a good project manager and it's taking a toll. Thinking about a vacation, but personal cash flow is a little scarce right now.
• It's only July and I'm already tired of all the political stuff going on gearing up for the election this fall. I say we just flip a coin and get it over with. Anybody agree?
• Did I mention that Saturday, July 28 is a HUGE day for moving and we need ALL THE HELP WE CAN GET!!!    
• Starting August 5th, my messages will be from the book Nehemiah and I PUMPED!
• My dad just called. I still want to be like him when I grow up.
• I've had several non-Meadow people mention our move to the new building which is awesome because it just means the buzz is spreading.
• Well...my mind is dumped for now.
• Thanks for being you!
• Later.

Big...HUGE Plans for This Saturday!!

Saturday is a HUGE day for us and we need YOUR help to move from our current location to our new building! Will you be able to make it and help!

We are renting a truck to move all our staging, sound equipment, lighting equipment, tech equipment, and anything else that's ready to move! We need as much help as possible! If you have two hands, two legs and breathe the good 'ol Minnesota air - you're qualified!!

Will you help?

We will be meeting at our current offices at 8:20 am THIS Saturday. We will load the truck then head over to our new building where we will unload it! Woo Hoo!!

Can you help?

How much time are we talking? Maybe a couple hours. We'll have you done and out of here just in time to enjoy the rest of the day!

So...are you coming?

The Plan for Tuesday!

Wow! Oh wow! I have been so impressed with the volunteers who have been showing up to get our new building ready for August 5th! We've accomplished SO MUCH!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Our next workday is this Tuesday (7/10) evening from 6-8 pm. And everyone who comes will be in the main auditorium dusting and cleaning. (We did some cutting of concrete in there and it is a MAJOR dust mess!)

Bring rags, buckets, mops, dust brooms, and your vacuum. We need to vaccum the dust and dirt off every seat in there and off every nook and cranny!!

See you tomorrow evening at 6 pm!!

If you have any questions, email me at john@meadowspring.org!

Sunday Mind Dump

• This was probably one of the best Sundays in a long time, and I don't think I'm alone in thinking that.
• Music was tight today! Wow!
• I felt good about my message - especially after last week.
• Another great offering - I think Meadowites didn't get the memo that summer giving is supposed to be down.
• Big crowd too...another piece of evidence that Meadowites just don't get it because summer attendance is supposed to be down too! Sheesh!
• Had a great time hanging out with the band, tech, and staff team today after church with a delicious BBQ and with John & Michele Pennucci. Thanks to Tim & Rachel Carlson for opening up their home. It was perfect!
• The magic number is now 3. Only 3 more Sundays at Marcus then we move to the new building!
• Heard today that one of our MeadowKIDS is concerned about our move. She doesn't want to move to one of those "church-like churches". Ha! Love it!
• It's just been over a week since we closed on the new building and I am so blown away by the volunteers who have shown up to work and get things done. We have really accomplished a lot in a few days work!
• Had a woman come up to me with a big smile on her face. She got an bonus at work and will be able to complete her Imagine commitment earlier than expected! Wow - what an awesome God thing!
• Today was Keldon Ellis' last Sunday. It has been great to be part of his journey of discovering God's will for him and his calling. I'm excited for what is next in his life.
• I'm working on a "to do" list for this week at the new building. Keep your eye on my blog and Facebook page for workday times and things to do.
• I do know the next workday is this Tuesday evening from 6-8 pm. We'll be cleaning the auditorium. Bring dust rags, vacuums, mops, and buckets.
• If you have some time during the day this week, let me know. We'll get you into the building to whack away at the "to do" list!
• Due to our move and the transition to our new building, we are not participating in the Chaska River City Days Parade or the Shakopee Derby Days Parade. We are also not having VBS this summer due to the move. But watch out for next year!
• We are at the point with several of the "to dos" where we need professionals outside the Meadow family to come in and do some work...like electrician, plumber, flooring and other. I'm pumped about this as it will be done right and in a timely professional manner.
• Next three weeks will be "stripped down" at Meadow because we are moving the stage, stage lighting, and sound system to the new building. I'm actually looking forward to it! Plus, it will make it even more special and awesome when we start services in the new building with the full band again.
• I'm writing a special series for August based on the book of Nehemiah. It will be extremely relevant for us in our move and remodel of the new building. I invite you to read it.
• What are your thoughts on how we've been having weekly communion? Should we continue it? Should we back off and do it more frequently but just not every week?
• Later.

The Plan for this Saturday

In less than a week, we have pretty much demoed the lobby to the point of being ready for installing the new flooring! Woo Hoo! A HUGE thank you goes out to so many for making this happen.

Our next work day is this Saturday and here's the plan...

Lobby: We will be using a concrete grinder to smooth out the floor for final preparation for new flooring. It's gonne get MAJOR dusty so when we are done grinding, we will be cleaning!

Restrooms: A good cleaning from top to bottom.

Main Hallway: Carpet needs a good vacuuming and poster cases need cleaning.

Auditorium: We will be building a floor extension for the tech booth, installing a row of chairs, and cutting off bolt studs.

As you can see, there is plenty to do and something for everyone who shows up! Even if you only have a half hour or hour, stop by and lend a hand!

We're starting at 8 AM! See you Saturday!

 

This Week at the New Building

Have some time this week to help out at the new building? Even if you only have a half hour or hour - that would be awesome! Here's what's on the "to do" list for this week:

• Tuesday, 6-8 pm: Cleaning
• Thursday, 6-8 pm: Tearing up carpet and tile to prepare for new tile, preparing walls for painting
• Saturday, 8 am: Beginning to work in the MeadowKIDS area, installing seats in the auditorium

If you have cleaning suppplies (brooms, vacuums, dusting, rags, cleaner, etc.) bring them!

There is more to do and we will do it as we check these things off the "to do" list. And again, even if you only have 30 minutes and can help - that would be awesome!

If you have questions message me on Facebook, Twitter, or email me at john@meadowspring.org.

I hope to see you at the new building!

Sunday Mind Dump

• Felt really off this morning...like I was hitting on 6 of 8 cylinders.
• REALLY tired. Two days of demolition work at the new building are taking its toll. But it does feel good.
• Got a TON accomplished at the new building. Here are some before and after pics of the lobby.

 

 

 

 

• What a great crew of Meadowites came out on Saturday and Sunday to help with the demolition.
• Carpet? Tile? Carpet? Tile? Carpet? Tile? ... I am NOT an interior decorator!!!!
• Great offering today...I am so impressed with the giving at Meadow!
• Attendance was down a bit today - probably because of the 4th of July holiday week.
• Looking forward to John Pennucci leading worship next Sunday. I have a feeling the music is going to totally rock! You really don't want to miss it!
• This past week was CRAZY intense ... closing on, closing off, closing on, closing off, closing on... FINALLY it was all finalized on Friday after starting on Wednesday.
• Someone commented they are sad we are leaving Shakopee. Truth is, only our building is moving from Shakopee. We will still have a presence and ministry to people here!
• Rachel and Lisa are out of town this week on vacation. Guess it's time to party!
• Not sure what we're going to do on the 4th, but whatever it is, it will probably involving grilling some meat.
• Looking for someone with experience laying carpet and/or tile. If you are that someone or know of someone - please contact me.
• Also looking for a good electrician that has a soft spot for the church - contact me if someone rings a bell.
• Pray that the Imagine pledges will come in. The rate of remodeling depends on the funding that comes in.
• Congratulations to Steve and Nicole Peterson and the dedication of Lainey this morning.
• We've been doing communion every week - I'd like your thoughts on how you think its going. I'm fearful that it's not staying fresh.
• If you would like a tour of the new building, I'd love to walk you through it and explain what we will be doing. Just let me know.
• Next workday at the new building will be this Tuesday from 6-8 pm. The goal is to clean up the mess we've created and prep the floor for either carpet or tile.
• My mind is far from dumped. See you Tuesday.