johnlaeger.com

Sunday Mind Dump

• Solid morning today.
• I think the message really connected with a number of people today who are or have recently experience tragedy of some kind.
• Thanks for the DQ gift cards! Wow! I think I'm going to get a blizzard (or 2 or 3 or 4 or...) today!
• We got a new pup. Named her Lucy. She's a Mini-Aussie Doodle. Happy Birthday to my wonderful wife!
• Had a great initial Imagine Phase 2 Team meeting today after church to walk through and discuss things we'd like to see done in the next phase of our remodel.
• WE NEED YOUR INPUT!! What do you want to see happen in the next phase of our remodel?
• Shari Kvam's performance today of "I Miss You" by Avril Lavigne was smoking AWESOME!
• Met some new people today invited by friends. I love that!
• Had Pizza Ranch chicken for lunch - wow...that's how chicken is supposed to taste!
• We've got some HUGE plans for December! Hold on because we are going to rock this church and community!
• I've already written the first message for the Christmas teaching series and I have to be honest...December won't get here soon enough!
• I am so TIRED of this election? Frustrates me that the men and women (regardless of what party they are from) put out propaganda like they do and then want us to have faith in them? How many of the political ads would not be shown if they had to be completely true?
• Okay...I'll get off my soap box!
• Wait...make sure you vote! I believe it is our responsibility to vote and to vote according to Biblical truth.
• It is such an honor to serve with our staff. We are so ready with our current staff to grow - let's keep it coming!
• I am so proud that the storm that is about to hit our east coast is named after my wife. Most hurricanes you don't remember. Sandy will be remembered.
• Next Sunday's communion service will be an experience you will never forget! You have got to do everything possible to be here!
• Have you signed up to get baptized yet? If you haven't been baptized since becoming a follower of Christ - I can't encourage you enough to get baptized! What are you waiting for?
• We are still having trouble with the uploading process of our service videos so until we can get it corrected, we will not be making them public.
• The audio is still available on iTunes and on our web site.
• Like I mentioned this morning, it would be best to make sure your young kids are in MeadowKIDS next Sunday due to the content of the message. No, it is nothing vulgar but there will be some graphics that would be disturbing to young minds.
• So impressed with the generosity of Meadow in giving to Abby and her family! Final numbers are not in yet, but preliminary figures are telling us that it is far more than we ever imagined!
• My daughter's coming home for the night. I always look forward to having her at home!
• Here's my question for you that I'd like your input and opinion on ... "In your opinion, what are some of the hot topics in our community that you would like practical and wise insight on from the Bible?"

Sunday Mind Dump

• Rather intense morning talking about the election and politics.
• I think some were expecting (or wanting) me to endorse a specific candidate or issue. I didn't and I won't.
• John P was gone today and I am so proud of the music team volunteers for stepping up and leading worship and not skipping a beat (pardon the pun!)
• It was MEA weekend and it affected our attendance a little but not too bad.
• Sandy is still out of town and yes, I miss her a lot!
• We didn't get married to be apart like this. I know it happens now and then, but we got married to be together.
• Our permanent sign is finally up and it looks great!
• I am totally amazed at the buzz I heard and seen just from putting the sign up.
• Next week my message is on "Overcoming Tragedy". If you know someone who has recently experienced tragedy in their life - bring them!
• I'm tired. I haven't been sleeping good at night. Never do when Sandy is gone.
• Over $500, 6 kids bags, and an offer for doing a benefit for Abby came in today! Wow! This is absolutely amazing! Still one more week to collect!
• Still working on getting the HVAC units figured out. Getting frustrated with them ... just sayin.
• I am really enjoying teaching the Foundations class on Wednesday nights. Although I think I am learning more than any of those taking the class.
• Finished reading Andy Stanley's latest book - Deep and Wide. This book WILL affect Meadow and take us to the next level in being a healthy ministry.
• I started journaling again in my quiet times and it is really helping things to "stick" better.
• Just being honest, but sometimes my quiet times and prayer life seem to get stuck in neutral.
• As frustrating as they are and as much as I make fun of them, I do enjoy watching the presidential and vice-presidential debates. Yes, I think they get out of hand, but I do learn from them.
• Soooo looking forward to Wednesday when Sandy gets home.
• I've been thinking through and working on my teaching series for December and I am totally pumped about it!
• Oh...and November 25 is going to be a Sunday you will never forget!
• Here's a cool statistic...since going to two services, we have experienced 45% growth! Wow!
• Attendance was down today but not giving. Once again, I am totally impressed with how Meadowites give!
• I'm still adjusting to doing two services. I need to learn how to do better at building community before each service and in between the services.
• I started back in at the gym on a more regular basis. Sheesh...I am out of shape!
• Only 3 more days and Sandy will be home.
• I am really enjoying ministry and life right now. My church so rocks!
• I can't think of a better group of people to be identified with than Meadowites!
• November 18th is baptism Sunday. I always look forward to these Sundays. If you haven't been baptized as a follower of Christ - you really need to! Talk to me!!!
• Here's my question that I'd really like your input on... I'd like to hear from more of you on what, in your opinion, is the perfect Christmas Eve Service. Message me, email me, whatever - I'd just like to hear!
• Later!

Exciting Chaos!

This past quarter has been filled with some of the most exciting chaos I have ever been a part of! And I believe every minute of it was blessed by Jesus! Here is just a sample of things that have happened in the last three months:

• We purchased, remodeled, and moved into our new building!
• Our average Sunday attendance has gone from 109 (April-June) to 127 (July-Sept)!
• We have gone from one service to two and our average attendance since going to two services is 178!
• 36 people accepted the “90 Day Tithe Challenge”!
• 6 people trusted Christ!

On September 30, I spoke on tithing and 36 people accepted the “90 Day Tithe Challenge”! I also spoke how when we tithe, God blesses beyond what we can even imagine. I thought you might like to hear this great story from Bill & Jennifer Fuller on how God has showered them with blessings because of their tithing.

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Some people say “that’s just a coincidence” when we share how tithing has blessed our lives.  I don’t think so!  There have been too many blessings for them to be “just a coincidence!”  Here are just two examples:

I (Jen) moved to Minnesota in February of 1998 – divorced, on disability, an income of $700/month.  I began to tithe (I had never tithed before).  In August, I decided to return to college and earn my   degree.  I was accepted at Crown College and received enough student aid and grants to cover ALL of   my expenses – except for the $200 deposit that was required for my computer.  When I moved to Minnesota, I shipped a lot of things via UPS.  Some things were broken and I filed a claim.  The Saturday before classes began, I received a check for $200 to pay for my computer!

When John announced the “Imagine Campaign” for the purchase of the Rex Theater, Bill and I waited for “the number” to come to us.  When I shared with Bill the number that God had given me, he was shocked.  We prayed about it, stepped out in faith, and blessings began to flow.  I decided to forego a week-long conference in Texas and apply those funds to “Imagine.”  Within weeks of that decision, I was awarded a scholarship for the conference, my company offered to pay for the hotel, and I found a sale on airfare!  In addition, I received a very nice bonus at work!  God returned to me what I had offered to Him – and more!

Coincidence?  No.  Blessings?  YES!   We encourage you to step out in faith and see what blessings God has in store for you!

*  *  *  *  *

See? God IS faithful in showering us with blessings when we are faithful in our tithing! If you have not been tithing, I challenge you to start! Take that step of faith and start receiving God’s abundant blessing!

And remember there are four ways to give at Meadow:

1. On Sunday using the envelope in your program
2. Mailing it in using the postage paid giving envelope in your program.
3. Using your bank’s “bill pay” feature to have your giving automatically mailed to the church.
4. Online via our web site at www.MeadowSpring.org.

Thank you again for your giving. God IS using it to impact and change lives! I can’t say that enough!

Sunday Mind Dump

• I am so enjoying ministry right now!
• One of my favorite things to do after church on Sundays is to read all the Facebook status updates and comments from people about their experience at Meadow.
• Today was a good demonstration of how the music is just as powerful if not more powerful in ministering to people.
• A guy updated his Facebook status today during church and a friend asked him why he was Facebooking during church. He replied that Facebooking is actually encouraged at Meadow! Love it!
• Sandy is leaving this Wednesday for a week in Seattle with her mom. I'm glad she gets to spend time with her mom, but I'm already missing her.
• The 10:30 service as PACKED! Looks like starting 15 minutes earlier DOES make a difference.
• People are starting to hang out longer and more between and after services. This is something we have been praying for and want to see happen.
• For 14 years, we had to hurry and tear down and people had to leave as soon as the service was over. This is a hard habit to break, but its happening.
• Totally enjoyed grilling some burgers and hanging out with some awesome Meadowites today after the service.
• Served breakfast at the Simpson House Saturday morning. VERY humbling experience to semi-connect with people who don't know where they will be sleeping.
• Spent time today watching Dwight open the doors for everyone coming to Meadow! Wow...what a ministry! Seriously, to have him greeting and opening the door for people is HUGE!
• Still having issues with a couple of the HVAC units. We are ordering some parts that hopefully will fix the problem of them not coming on. It was FREEZING in the lobby again today!
• Okay...I have been told by the sign company that the main outdoor sign will be going up this Friday. Pictures to come!
• We are stepping up to the plate in helping a young girl (Abby) who has lukemia and her family. It's awesome to see how Meadow is seeing this need and going after meeting it!
• Fasten your seatbelts because we are putting some things together for December that are going to rock your socks off - possibly reaching more people than we ever have before!
• This past week I got some fantastic feedback and input from people on goals for Meadow over the next 12 months. What is impressive is so many of the goals were the same - even without people talking to each other about them!
• I am convinced our MeadowKIDS volunteers are the best around. Their dedication and love for our kids is off-the-chart.
• I love watching the kids come bounding out of MeadowKIDS after church! Obviously they are loving it!
• Got a TON accomplished at the work day on Saturday! Thanks to all who came and helped.
• "How Not to Freak Out Over the Election" is my message next Sunday and I am sooo looking forward to teaching on a subject few churches are willing to even touch.
• We are having trouble with the video service we upload our services to. The sound is cutting out after a few minutes and the issue is not on our side. Be patient as we work on it. The audio only is working fine via iTunes.
• Here's what I'd like your input and comments on ... I know its only October, but we are talking about December and Christmas Eve. What, in your opinion, is the perfect Christmas Eve service? How would your friends who don't attend church answer that question?
• I'd really like to hear your comments and opinions.

5 important facts I want you to know about

Fact #1:  Beginning this Sunday (October 14) the second service will start at 10:30 am.

Fact #2:  This Sunday, my message is "What Would a Hero Do, Pt 2?" I will be speaking on what we need to do to avoid the fog of confusion and hesitation to act when in overwhelming situations. If you would like to read ahead on the passage I will be using, read Luke 10:25-37.

Fact #3:  On Sunday, October 21, I will be speaking on "How Not to Freak Out About the Election". Unless you've been hiding underneath a rock, you are full aware that we are knocking on the doors of one of the most important elections in U.S. history. This message could not be more relevant! Invite someone to come with you! Note: I will not be endorsing any particular candidate or issue so no need to get your underwear all wadded up thinking Meadow is going all political!

Fact #4:  We are wrapping up the remodeling from Phase 1 of our building and we are moving full steam ahead in planning out Phase 2. I am forming a "Phase 2 Planning Team" to meet and determine the specifics of Phase 2, seek and interview construction companies, and seek and interview potential capitcal campaign companies to assist us. If you are interested in being on this team, email me at john@meadowspring.org.

Fact #5:  December is going to be the greatest month of outreach. Start praying now. More details later!

Mind is Going CRAZY!

It's 4 am and I can't sleep because my mind is going crazy with impossible outreach projects ... impossible for man that is! Would you dream with me and answer a question? 

What if...?

I believe God is growing in my mind and heart the need to make December the greatest outeach month we've ever had at Meadow. I think He wants us to tackle projects that are only possible if Jesus provides and enables. Reaching more people. Caring for more people. Showing grace to more people. Etc.

Dream and think with me. What if...?

• How many people do you think we should ask God for to bring into His kingdom in December?
• What outreach projects do you think we should or could tackle as a church?

Again, I'm not interested in easy ideas that can be accomplished without God. I'm interested in ideas and numbers that - if God doesn't show up, it is destined to fail!

Feel free to share your ideas on Facebook here. Your ideas and thoughts might just grease the gears in someone else's brain for other ideas!

Sunday Mind Dump

• Place was PACKED again today! Highest attendance since our Grand Opening!
• Wow! I am so pumped with what God is doing at Meadow!
• If you're looking for a church where God is moving and changing lives - Meadow is THAT church!
• I am so proud of our volunteers. I can't say enough good about all they do.
• The band was off-the-chart this morning - both in the worship and the performance song by Foo Fighters.
• Yes, we did a Foo Fighters song in church! And it was AWESOME!
• Grilled up some jumbo shrimp for lunch today - mmmmmmm!!!
• I keep getting more people emailing me saying they are taking on the 90 Day Tithe Challenge. Wow...LOADS of people are going to get real blessed by God in these next 90 Days (Malachi 3:10)
• MAJOR thanks go out to Shakopee Fire, Carver Fire, and Chaska Fire for bringing trucks and firefighters to the service today. It was VERY cool!
• Here's a link to the firefighter tribute video we showed today. National Firefighter Memorial Sunday Tribute Video. Feel free to post it on your page and share it with friends.
• We are still have issues with a couple of the thermostats in the building. It was FREEZING in the lobby today!
• Don't forget...next Sunday the second service moves to a start time of 10:30 am! First service will stay at 9:00 am.
• What the Packers lost again? :)
• We are forming a "Imagine, Phase 2 Team" to start work on how we will accomplish Phase 2 of our remodel of the building. If you are interested in being on this team, let me know!
• Offering was really good today! So impressed with the giving of Meadowites!
• "How Not to Freak Out About the Election" is my message in two weeks. I am really looking forward to it!
• I love my wife and love doin life with her - just sayin. She is awesome!
• We had a GREAT first class of Foundations this past Wednesday. This class is going to rock!
• I "hope" our sign goes up this week...hope...hope...hope.
• Had a fantastic financial goal setting meeting today after church. I was totally encouraged by how much everyone was on the same page!
• One of our objectives with a new building is to see the level of community and interaction among people go up. I think its happening - slowly but its happening.
• We seem to be running about 50-55 minutes for the service. Hmmm...we use to run 60-65 minutes. What do you think ... what is the ideal length of a service - especially for the friends you are inviting?
• I'm out. Later.

I am still PUMPED about Sunday!

I am still PUMPED about last Sunday!

More people responded to the "90 Day Tithe Challenge" than ever before! This has NEVER happened! 35 people accepted the "90 Day Tithe Challenge"! There is going to be a whole lot of overwhelming blessing going on in these next 90 days! I am so excited about it!

It's not too late for you to accept the challenge. It is a simple and faith stretching challenge but one that is daunting. However, I believe you have the faith to take it on!

Here's the challenge ... for the next 90 days (Oct, Nov, Dec), you are challenged to put God first in your money and give a full tithe. (10% of your income). I know 10% sounds like a lot but isn't it funny how 10% is very little when checking out sale discounts but it seems like a huge amount when applied to our giving!

I invite you to take on this challenge and begin to experience the overwhelming blessing God wants to flood your life with!

There are four easy ways to give at Meadow:

    1. On Sunday by using the giving envelope in your program.

    2. Mailing in the postage paid giving envelope.

    3. Using your bank's "bill pay" to have your giving sent to the church.

    4. Giving online here at Meadow Online Giving

So...are you up for the challenge? Go for it!

Phase 2 Planning Team

We still have a few things to accomplish to finish up Phase 1 of remodeling our new building (outdoor sign, lobby chairs & tables and decor, youth room) ... BUT, we want to get rolling on Phase 2! We don't want to wait!

We are forming a Phase 2 Planning Team. This team will meet a couple times a month and will primarily tackle:

1. Determing "what's next" in the remodeling plan? What exactly will Phase 2 entail?
2. Write up an RFP (Request for Proposal) to be submitted to design/build companies.
3. Meet and interview design/build companies and submit recommendation to Leadership Team.
4. Determine cost scope for communication in capital campaign.
5. Discuss capital campaign & interview potential capital campaign companies to partner with.

If you are interested, email me at john@meadowspring.org.