General Church News (88)
Living Water Bible Fellowship
Facility Expansion Proposal
May 2019
GREETINGS FROM THE ELDER BOARDFROM THE ELDER BOARD
Dear members of Living Water Bible Fellowship,
Recently your Elder Board decided that our church needs to put a stronger emphasis on Christian Education and discipleship.
The purpose of this emphasis is to reach more people of the San Luis Valley with the life changing message of the Gospel and to guide them in a relationship with Christ that is constantly growing.
An important step in fulfilling this purpose was the acquisition of a director of discipleship and this step has been completed with the hiring of Pastor Bo Hutches.
The next step in fulfilling this purpose was to address current facility needs that directly impact our Christian Education and discipleship programs so the Facility and Finance Team/Building Committee began the process of investigating facility expansion. After a tremendous amount of prayer and work, the following is their facility expansion recommendation to meet current facility needs. This recommendation will allow for the construction of a two – story Christian Education/Community Building that will connect to our current building and is a multi – purpose addition.
Please note that this addition will be a ministry tool meant to bless families and our communities by fulfilling our church mission to, “lead people into a life – changing and ever – growing relationship with Jesus Christ.” It is not an exercise in vain glory.
As we look around our neighborhoods and our valley and we see so many problems, let it motivate us as a church to keep our redemptive focus. Let’s not drift in our mission to make disciples for Jesus, let’s keep looking for ways to love our neighbors and introduce people to Him.
The Board of Elders is in full support of this recommendation and whole heartedly thanks the Building Committee for their work. We also thank all of you for your commitment to further the Kingdom of Christ.
Sincerely,
LWBF Elder Board
PROPOSED CHRISTIAN EDUCATION/COMMUNITY BUILDING
FACILITY AND MINISTRY NEEDS ADDRESSED
Children’s Ministry - Lily Pad – Kidsplash – Waves – Etc.…
- 7 multi-sized classrooms and 2 large worship group rooms capable of handling over 250 children
- Office space, workspace and resource storage
- Large check-in and gathering area with secured entrances
- Fully equipped boy’s and girl’s restrooms
- Multi–purpose so it can be used for other community and ministry functions
Nursery Ministry
- 3 large rooms capable of handling up to 55 children
- Jack and Jill restroom shared by two rooms
- Changing table and a sink in all three rooms
- Office and storage space
- Secured entrance
Reign Youth Worship Area and Auditorium
- Large auditorium capable of seating 125 that includes a platform stage
- Sound and video booth with all needed equipment installed
- Office and storage space
- Large gathering coffee bar area with cupboards, serving counter, and sink
- Fully equipped men’s and women’s restrooms
- Multi-purpose so it can be used for other community and ministry functions
Kitchen/Pantry
- Two 8 foot serving counter windows that will serve the Main Gathering area and the Youth Worship Auditorium
- Secured separate walk-in pantry
- Will include a full-size ice maker and an upright freezer along with other appliances
Indoor Play Area
- Large indoor play area for children and parents that will border the Coffee Bar area and the Main Gathering Fellowship area
- Glass-walled for visibility with direct accessibility to the Outdoor Playground and Main Gathering areas
Main Gathering Areas and Coffee Bar
- A combined 2000 square feet of fellowship and gathering areas
- Multi-purpose in function that will allow use for multiple ministry and community functions
- Full-service elevator to second floor
- Storage space
Proposed facility includes Mechanical, IT Server, and Janitorial Rooms
Entire proposed facility is ADA compliant
East and West Parking lots will be paved
First Floor
Kitchen
Second Floor
Proposed Playground Area
Proposed Budget and Financial Plan
The proposed budget for the facility expansion is $3.8 million and will be paid for by a combination of a $2 million loan and a church wide building fund campaign of $1.8 million. Any donated monies in excess of the $1.8 million will be used to reduce the loan amount.
Details:
- The $2 million loan will have a 25-year term with a 5% annual interest rate.
- The monthly payment on the loan will be an estimated $11,700 and will not begin until the facility expansion project is finished.
- Currently, $3400 per month is being deposited into the building fund and can be used toward the monthly loan payment.
- Currently, the church is experiencing monthly revenues of $8600 in excess of what the budget requires. This can also be used toward the monthly loan payment.
- The building fund campaign will launch in the Fall of 2019.
- The current building fund balance is $200,000. Most of this total has been donated in the last 15 months.
- Building Fund monies will be deposited in an account managed by The Cornerstone Fund and will pay an interest rate of 1.75%. Cornerstone Lending will also serve as our primary lender on the $2 million loan.
- The building fund campaign will run for 3 years starting in the fall of 2019 and ending in the fall of 2022.
- Donations to the building fund which are gifts beyond regular church giving will include, but are not limited to, cash, pledges, and asset transfers.
Note: The Facility and Finance Team/Building Committee has gone through many different design changes and has invested a lot of time and prayer to keep the cost of this facility expansion in alignment with current church revenue and building fund donation capabilities. The proposed budget and financial plan are reasonable but will also involve faith and sacrifice on the part of our congregation.
ESTIMATED FACILITY EXPANSION TIMELINE
June 2 – Church business meeting to vote on the facility expansion proposal as presented by the Facility and Finance Team/Building Committee. As required by the church constitution the votes in favor need to be 75% or higher for the proposal to pass.
June/July 2019 – Loan application documents filed with Cornerstone Fund. Loan details finalized and approval established.
Early Fall 2019 – Building Fund Campaign launch.
January 2020 – Pre-construction phase begins. Certified architectural design development and blueprint finalization. All permit work completed in accordance with state and local building codes. All needed preconstruction documents completed.
June/July 2020 – Groundbreaking. Facility expansion construction begins.
September/October 2021 – Facility expansion project completion.
LWBF Site Plan
SUGGESTIONS and QUESTIONS!!
The Facility and Finance Team/Building Committee welcomes any suggestions and questions. Please contact the committee through email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling the church office at 719-589-6351.
Published in
General Church News
Dear Living Water Family,
With all that is happening in the world today, people are looking for hope! Thanks for all you do point others to Christ. Let’s remember that we have the most hopeful message the world has ever heard! Let’s prayerfully look for opportunities to share the good news about Jesus with people and invite them to put their faith in him as Savior and Lord. Let us live out our faith today, responding to the grace and love of Jesus by loving and serving others in his name. “You are the salt of the earth… you are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).
Here’s some of what’s happening at Living Water in the near future…
THIS SUNDAY
Worship services are at 9:00 and 10:45. Nursery offered both services. Children’s ministry for preschool – 5th grade in the Sprung Building at 10:45
We’re moving week by week through the 10 Commandments in our Exodus Sermon Series. This week we are looking at how to apply the 5th Commandment, “Honor your father and mother.” As our nation celebrates this Mother’s Day holiday weekend, what does it mean to honor our mother and father before God?
MOLDOVA MISSION TRIP last call!
Our missionary Dan Stafford visited us earlier this year and extended the invitation for folks to join him on a two week trip to the small country of Moldova September 26-October 9. May 15 is the deadline to lock in your spot! Contact Mission Director John Clark asap This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 832-725-0616 if you are interested in the possibility of being part of this team.
MARRIAGE NIGHT May 17
Build your marriage at this livestream event. Questions? Call/text Alison 321-356-4790 or Cheryl 719-588-0121. Scholarships available! Register at https://events.rightnowmedia.org/attendee/site/685
CHURCH WIDE FAMILY BBQ May 19
Invite people to worship and invite them to stay for the meal!
BUILDING PRESENTATION SUNDAY May 19
Our Facility and Finance Team and our Building Committee have been working hard to finalize plans for the proposed Christian Education / Community Building. We’ll have a presentation as part of the worship services on Sunday, May 19 and have packets prepared for you on the financial plan to take home as well as have design plans laid out after the services. Members of the Building Committee will be present to show you the design and answer your questions.
GOING AWAY FELLOWSHIP for Pastor Collin and Leila Brooks May 22
We’re gathering on Wednesday night May 22 to say thank and say goodbye to the Brooks as they depart to lead a church in New Mexico. Time is 6:30-8:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall.
SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING June 2
The Elders are calling on the church to gather on Sunday, June 2nd at 12:15 pm in the Sanctuary for a short Business Meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to vote to authorize the funding and construction of proposed Christian Education / Discipleship building. The original plan was to have a special business meeting in May, but the Building Committee needed to do some more work with the architect, which pushed back our timeline. So the new date for the Special Business Meeting is June 2nd.
SUMMER REGISTRATIONS:
- EAGLE LAKE DAY CAMP July 29 – August 2nd here at Living Water. Register at https://eaglelakecamps.com/camp/livingwater/ We have 21 kids already registered and we’re way ahead in planning over last year. If you want to sponsor a kid’s camp attendance, or you want to participate in serving the kids, or hosting Camp Staff, contact Jordan Curtis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT August 8-9 here at Living Water. This is an event that can help you in your leadership. The GLS is also a way that you can outreach to the community by helping community members get training on their leadership in their businesses and organizations. Community individuals or groups can register at “super early bird” rates till May 21st As a part of Living Water you have very reduced rates – the two day conference is $89 for you (use the code GLS19TEAM) when you register athttps://globalleadership.org/global-leadership-summit/
- GALLUP YOUTH MISSION TRIP July 12-19 there are still some opportunities for teens to join this trip. Contact Cliff or Cari Kincannon at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. soon!
- VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL August 12-16 here at Living Water. More information to come!
PLACES TO SERVE IN THE CHURCH:
- The Mission Team would love to have you serve our missionaries and get involved in organizing cross-cultural short term trips. Contact John Clark to talk about joining our mission team. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 832-725-0616
- Serve in the Nursery! With the school year coming to a close some of our younger staff members are finding summer jobs and aren’t as available to serve. Even if you don’t want to serve on a regular basis it would be great to have you on the Puddles Team as we have special events where we offer childcare. Please contact Anna Gearhart as she’d love to have your help! Background check required. 719-469-0114 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Youth Group is looking for a male small group leader. Contact Cliff or Cari Kincannon This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
2020 ISRAEL TOUR
Through Alan and Sandie Wehe, Living Water has a connection with a church that is organizing a 12-day 2020 Israel Tour April 18-29. It is hosted by Gene Binder of Cornerstone Church in Boulder, Colorado. If you are interested contact the Living Water church office (589-6351) and we can send you the pre-registration form with costs and details. Gene's personal contact number is 303-946-1090 if you have any questions. His email is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
GLUTEN FREE COMMUNION
From now on our communion wafers will be gluten free. After hearing that several folks can’t take the bread we are getting rid of our old supply and have ordered gluten free wafers. Next Lord’s Supper Sunday is June 2nd.
Thanks for reading!
Jeron
Published in
General Church News
Dear Church Family and Friends,
Wanted to thank you for letting me travel to Mexico! The picture below was taken with some of the folks who stayed for lunch after a worship service at the last church we visited. What I’ve noticed is that whether it’s in Peru or Japan or the Philippines or Alamosa, that when people love the Lord Jesus and love each other, worship is always sweet regardless of the musical style or the language spoken. I hope in the years ahead that we’ll start sending teams to Mexico to do VBS’s or projects to help our sister churches in the Great Commission. The area we traveled in and I hope we can work in in the future is very religious but also very hopeless without Jesus. Maybe we’ll even see some missionaries sent from our church on a long term basis? I’m so grateful for the work God has done in Alamosa at Living Water and am anticipating he’ll use us more and more in the future. Let’s continue to pour into each other’s lives as a church family and keep building each other up in Jesus. May our hearts burst with love for the lost and may the Lord stir up our passion and zeal to share the good news so that they might be saved – both here in the San Luis Valley and abroad. Please pray for Iglesia Biblica and other small churches who are standing strong for Jesus and his Gospel in spite of persecution.
Here’s what’s happening at Living Water in the weeks ahead…
THIS SUNDAY
- We’re celebrating the Lord’s Sacrifice for our Salvation this Sunday by observing the Lord’s Supper.
- Our Exodus Sermon Series resumes with a focus on the fourth commandment “Remember the Sabbath Day…” Is this a timeless principle that we are supposed to observe or was it just meant for Israel? Are we offending God by not having a special day set aside for worship and rest or are we Christians not obligated to keep this Old Covenant law? Why do we gather for worship on Sundays and not Saturdays if the Jewish people rested and worshiped on Saturdays?
REACH OUT
We had a pretty typical Easter attendance with about 670 people in attendance on Resurrection Sunday morning. I want to encourage you to follow up with folks that visited our church. If you saw someone you know attending for the first time or who was here but don’t normally attend services, I would like you to reach out to them and follow up. Perhaps invite them to coffee or to a meal and see where they are with the Lord. See if they want to know more about connecting with God or maybe just hear their story, or answer their questions about our church. It’s a big deal for people to come to a worship service, but they need to hear from us that there is so much more! I’m sure that most people would appreciate you asking them about their experience and checking in with them about their beliefs and where they stand with Christ – could be the open door you have been praying for – don’t miss the opportunity!
MARRIAGE NIGHT May 17
Build your marriage at this livestream event. Questions? call/text Alison 321-356-4790 or Cheryl 719-588-0121.
CHURCH WIDE BBQ May 19
Our Family Team is hosting a church wide BBQ here at Living Water on May 19. Invite people to worship and then invite them to stay for the meal!
BUILDING PRESENTATION SUNDAY May 19
Our Facility and Finance Team and our Building Committee have been working hard to finalize plans for the proposed Christian Education / Community Building. We’ll have a presentation as part of the worship services on Sunday, May 19 and have packets prepared for you on the financial plan to take home as well as have design plans laid out after the services. Members of the Building Committee will be present to show you the design and answer your questions.
SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING June 2
The Elders are calling on the church to gather on Sunday, June 2nd at 12:15 pm in the Sanctuary for a short Business Meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to vote to authorize the funding and construction of proposed Christian Education / Discipleship building. The original plan was to have a special business meeting in May, but the Building Committee needed to do some more work with the architect, which pushed back our timeline. So the new date for the Special Business Meeting is June 2nd. In addition to the motion to accept the funding and construction plan, there will also be a motion to make some needed changes to our constitution (these will be posted around the church this Sunday).
PLACES TO SERVE IN THE CHURCH:
- Serve in the Nursery! With the school year coming to a close some of our younger staff members are finding summer jobs and aren’t as available to serve. Even if you don’t want to serve on a regular basis it would be great to have you on the Puddles Team as we have special events where we offer childcare. Please contact Anna Gearhart as she’d love to have your help! Background check required. 719-469-0114 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Youth Group is looking for a male small group leader. Contact Cliff or Cari Kincannon This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Greeters Training is May 5th. Being a greeter is a fun and easy way to serve – so much more than handing out bulletins! Contact Greg Bervig at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Dave Haage at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Our Community Group Ministry is already planning for the fall. We’re looking for host homes and leaders (you can lead but meet in someone else’s house, you can host and have someone else lead!). There is a leaders training taking place on Wednesday, May 8th @ 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Contact Bo Hutches atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
SUMMER REGISTRATIONS:
- EAGLE LAKE DAY CAMP July 29 – August 2nd here at Living Water. Register at https://eaglelakecamps.com/camp/livingwater/ We have 21 kids already registered and we’re way ahead in planning over last year. If you want to sponsor a kid’s camp attendance, or you want to participate in serving the kids, or hosting Camp Staff, contact Jordan Curtis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT August 8-9 here at Living Water. This is an event that can help you in your leadership. The GLS is also a way that you can outreach to the community by helping community members get training on their leadership in their businesses and organizations. Community individuals or groups can register at “super early bird” rates till May 21st As a part of Living Water you have very reduced rates – the two day conference is $89 for you (use the code GLS19TEAM) when you register athttps://globalleadership.org/global-leadership-summit/
- VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL August 12-16 here at Living Water. More information to come!
ONGOING MINISTRIES
Various Community Groups and Bible Studies throughout the week (call office or look on website for details).
Sunday Morning Children’s Programs: Lily Pad (Preschool-1st Grade) and Kidsplash (2nd – 5th Grade) meet at 10:45 in the Sprung Building
Tidal Waves Teen Study meets Sunday mornings at 10:45 in the Reign Building
Young Adult Group meets Tuesday nights at 6:30 pm (study at 7:00 pm) in the Fellowship Hall
Mothers of Preschoolers Group meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 9:00 am in the Fellowship Hall
Youth Group meets Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm in the Reign Building.
Children’s Bible Quizzing meets Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm in the Sprung Building
Men’s Prayer Breakfast meets Thursday mornings at 6:00 am in the Fellowship Hall
Thanks for reading and thanks for serving the Lord!
Pastor Jeron
Published in
General Church News
I so enjoyed the last few weeks of focusing on Jesus’ Passion. I hope this season has caused your relationship with Christ to be strengthened. Thank you everyone who volunteered and served over on Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It was a great season of worship! May the Lord be magnified greatly through the people of Living Water in the days ahead!
While I’m still on a spiritual high from Resurrection Sunday, I’m writing you today to give you some news that has saddened me. I learned last week and informed the Elder Board that Pastor Collin has taken another pastor position outside of the San Luis Valley. For those of you who are newer to Living Water, Collin came to us more than 8 years ago as a college student. He immediately started volunteering and as the leadership of our church got to work with him more and more, we all felt that he was a great asset to the ministry of the church. So as time went on, he came on staff part time and then when he graduated from ASU we were pleased to offer him a full time position at the church in the areas of worship leading, college ministry, teaching and preaching. I’m very grateful for his time of service at Living Water and I know we are going to miss him, but I also know that the timing is right for him and Leila to make this move, as Collin is ready to step into a lead pastor role.
Collin and Leila will be with us through the end of May. Please encourage them and congratulate them. Please pray for myself, Pastor Greg and the Elder Board as we prayerfully think through our next steps. We are believing that the Lord will guide our path as we keep our eyes on him and stay on mission.
I’ll be away from email for a while as John Clark and I leaving for Mexico till next Monday on a “Vision Trip” – we’re investigating with LWBF missionaries Dan and Melinda Nelson whether or not it would be good for Living Water to get involved in church planting in a region of Mexico that has very few evangelical churches. Please pray for us as we travel! I’m praying for you!
He is Risen!
Pastor Jeron
Published in
General Church News
Thursday, 11 April 2019 09:59
Rejoicing, Struggling, & Remembering What’s Essential
Written by Jeron Parkins
Over the last 6 months our church has thrived in various ways. Over the last 6 months our church has struggled in various ways. On the one hand our membership keeps growing. Many of you reading this Update have decided to tie into the body of Christ in a deeper way and I’m so thankful for you! And I’m happy to report that the majority of our members are serving in one capacity or another, seeking to use their spiritual gifts. On the other hand we still have people who are connected to our church but we hear after the fact that they went through a trial or tribulation alone. And we still have a lot of members and non-members who aren’t involved with others in a Bible study or a Community Group during the week. We are all too often still disconnected from one another. It grieves me to know that people are isolated and alone. Over the last 6 months financial giving has been incredible. Our church is so generous and it a reason to rejoice! Thank you especially recently for all the support given to the children (Waves quizzing, Reign youth group and Eagle Lake summer camp). Over the last 6 months, on the other hand, I haven’t heard of many conversion stories, and I haven’t heard of many people sharing their faith during the week. I rejoice that worship attendance has held steady but I long to see our church “on fire” to reach people with the gospel. One of the areas we’re struggling with is reaching college students, and we are also struggling in knowing how to mobilize our church to reach out and serve the community. On the thriving side of things, over the last 6 months our men’s ministry has really been healthy, in terms of numbers it’s the most interest I’ve seen in my time as pastor. Over the last 6 months our Family Team has been thriving and making a big impact on marriages and right now they are striving to help parents to parent well. On the struggling side of things, right now our Worship Team is struggling with how to move forward in a healthy way together as there are people going through hard life challenges, and there are some folks who are struggling with questions of doctrine and theology (you might of heard something of this, but the Elder Board is involved, and given the people involved I’m sure things will be resolved – if you have heard something that is causing you stress give me a call and we can talk about it). Over the last 6 months I’ve rejoiced to see a new vision for a Discipleship / Christian Education building come about and I’m excited for the possibility of it being erected in the future (Please pray for the team as they meet tonight to refine the plans!). At the same time I’m struggling with where our culture is going spiritually and how there seems to be a real lack of interest right now in God.
WHEW! Lot’s to pray about! Lots to give thanks for! Lots to depend on God for! And I haven’t even talked about everything going on!
What I’ve learned as a pastor is that the church will always have seasons of thriving and seasons of struggling. We can do everything right and sometimes ministries and programs still struggle; we can make lots of mistakes and sometimes things just grow and grow! No matter what, the church will always have things going well alongside things that need some work. The church isn’t a machine that just needs some scheduled maintenance now and then to keep it healthy. We are the church and we as people aren’t perfect. We are a group of people who have ups and downs and fears and struggles. We can’t control circumstance and we have an enemy who works against us and who would gladly see us give up on ministry or give in to division. And it would be easy to do so at times, because none of us has time for difficulties or conflict as we have enough problems at home (taking care of marriages, raising kids, dealing with career or health problems).
When I look to the future I don’t think much will change in our church. We’ll always have lots to worry about and lots to rejoice over! Ha! How do you like them apples? But through it all let’s keep the main thing the main thing – the good news! Jesus is alive and Jesus is coming back! It’s Easter season and Resurrection Sunday is drawing near. What a great season to remember what is essential and to remember our mission. We exist to lead people to a life-changing and ever growing relationship in Christ! A church on mission has a focus that doesn’t let it get too high or too low nor allow it to not be needful of one-another. A church on mission is too wrapped up in essential matters to get bogged down in secondary matters. A church on mission is where I want to be.
“Now I want to remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
Here’s some of what’s happening in the near future at Living Water:
THIS SUNDAY
- It’s Palm Sunday and in the Sermon on Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem I’ll be talking about Jesus’ amazing claims regarding his identity.
- There is another Parent Luncheon taking place at noon or shortly after in the Fellowship Hall this Sunday. Super excited to continue this new series. The sessions will be shorter than Date nights, food will be included as well as day care and a great topic will be covered. The first one was on how to encourage your children in faith. This luncheon will be on parent and children relationships. If you can RSVP that would be helpful - call/text Alison 321-356-4790 or Cheryl 719-588-0121
- This Sunday the Eagle Lake Camp Team is hosting a Bake Sale Fundraiser in the lobby.
- Children’s Ministry Camp Experience: Lily Pad and Kidsplash are hosting a special day for your kids this Sunday at 10:45 in the Sprung Building. Kids are encouraged to dress as knights, kings, princesses or peasants and enter into “Everland; Tales of the Rescued.” Consider coming to the first worship service as a family and then going to Tales of the Rescued” at 10:45
LADIES FELLOWSHIP this Saturday
You’re invited to a picnic! There will be a ladies fellowship on April 13th from 10:00-12:00 in the Fellowship Hall. Come and Connect!
EASTER SUNDAY
Make April 21 an Outreach Sunday! Postcards (see above) are being sent out to the community this week. Invite someone who doesn’t know Christ to join you at a service on Easter. Good Friday service is 7:00 pm on April 19th and the Sunday Services will be 8:15, 9:30 and 11:00 am on April 21. If you don’t have guests please make room for visitors and non-believers by worshiping at 8:15 am or 11:00 am.
MEN’S GROUP
Join the guys on Thursday mornings at 6:00 am in the Fellowship Hall for a great breakfast and study from the book of James.
VISION TRIP
One of our missionary couples we support at Living Water is Dan and Melinda Nelson. They’ve been working at planting churches in Mexico. April 23-29 our Mission Director John Clark and I are traveling to the Guadalajara region of Mexico to tour various areas with them for the purpose of prayerfully considering getting Living Water more involved in church planting in an area in desperate need of a gospel witness. Please pray for our wisdom and discernment and safety and health in our traveling.
PLACES TO SERVE IN THE CHURCH:
- Youth Group is looking for a male small group leader. Contact Cliff or Cari Kincannon This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Worship Team is looking for musicians. Contact Collin Brooks at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Greeters Training is May 5th. Being a greeter is a fun and easy way to serve – so much more than handing out bulletins! Contact Greg Bervig at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Dave Haage at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Our Community Group Ministry is already planning for the fall. We’re looking for host homes and leaders (you can lead but meet in someone else’s house, you can host and have someone else lead!). There is a leaders training taking place on Wednesday, May 8th @ 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Contact Bo Hutches at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
SUMMER REGISTRATIONS:
- EAGLE LAKE DAY CAMP July 29 – August 2nd here at Living Water. Register at https://eaglelakecamps.com/camp/livingwater/ We have 21 kids already registered and we’re way ahead in planning over last year. If you want to sponsor a kid’s camp attendance, or you want to participate in serving the kids, or hosting Camp Staff, contact Jordan Curtis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT August 8-9 here at Living Water. This is an event that can help you in your leadership. The GLS is also a way that you can outreach to the community by helping community members get training on their leadership in their businesses and organizations. Community individuals or groups can register at “super early bird” rates till May 21st As a part of Living Water you have very reduced rates – the two day conference is $89 for you (use the code GLS19TEAM) when you register at https://globalleadership.org/global-leadership-summit/
- VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL August 12-16 here at Living Water. More information to come!
NEW BUILDING VISION UPDATE
Great progress is being made on the design plan for the proposed Discipleship / Community Building. We are getting more and more excited about the possible impact of this tool on our mission effectiveness. Please pray for the ongoing process and the Lord’s leading regarding this proposed ministry and outreach tool. The Committee is planning on giving out information to the church in late April and the Elders anticipate calling a special business meeting in May. Tentative Special Business Meeting date (and church wide BBQ!) is May 19.
Thanks for reading! Thanks for serving the Lord!
Jeron
Published in
General Church News
“I therefore as a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1). To be a Christian and to be part of Jesus’ church is an incredible honor. The Apostle Paul made an appeal to the Christians in Ephesus to live lives worthy of the salvation and eternal life they had been granted. None of us deserve a heavenly inheritance and none of us should rightly be associated with God. None of us has earned the right to be part of Jesus’ church. Let us respond to the incredible privilege and honor of being a Christian with a life well lived! What does a life look like which is worthy of the grace we’ve been given? We are to live “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).
1) Humility is where we start. The proper way to live for a Christian is to live in humility towards other Christians and those outside the church. Instead of living lives of pride and vanity and demanding that others respect us, we are to follow Jesus by respecting and honoring others even if they look down on us. Sometimes in a church you will feel like people don’t think you are important or valuable. We are called to respond with the divine quality of humility.
2) Meekness or Gentleness is another virtue or characteristic which should adorn our lives. A meek person is someone who knows where she or he stands in the Lord. They don’t need to be recognized nor assert their rights with people, but they are gentle with others out of love for others. In other words we exert strength by not letting the slights or insults of others keep us from seeking their good. Instead of responding with anger or attack towards our fellow Christians we are to be gentle and meek as Jesus was.
3) A life worthy of the new life we’ve been given is one lived with Patience. We live patiently with people who aren’t easy to live with. We are willing to put up with a lot of difficulty from them because we have the goal of seeing them thrive. When people wrong us or attack us we don’t respond with revenge but with the divine quality of patience. How has God treated our attacks on him? Our forgetfulness regarding his Word? As God has been patient with us sinners, we are called to be patient with our fellow church members.
4) Longsuffering or Bearing with Others is similar to Patience. We are part of a church family where everyone is imperfect. Your brothers and sisters in Christ have weaknesses. Our calling is to act like Christ to one another by bearing with the weaknesses and imperfections of our faith family. While we pray for them and encourage them to grow we tolerate their immaturity as they tolerate ours.
5) We bear with one another in Love. Love is seeking the welfare of others, the betterment of others. A church must have this divine quality in its members to be healthy. We all are in need of love. Our church members will provide us with a lot of opportunities to love. A worthy life of the gift of eternal life is lived when it is lived in love for others in the church and in the community.
Here’s some of what’s happening at Living Water in the near future:
DATE NIGHT This Friday
Join the Family Team this Friday night at 6:00 pm for a Date Night. Dinner is provided so come with your appetite. "Family Team’s mission statement is to develop Christ-centered families." Please RSVP to Cheryl or text/call me at 719-588-0121 or via of email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or here on this page.
Please REGISTER your kids at the below link so we can be prepared with enough childcare. Childcare link-
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0849AFAE2EAAF94-friday6
WORSHIP SERVICES
We’re in a mini-series on the 10 Commandments. Services are 9:00 and 10:45 am on Sundays. Kids ministry is during the 10:45 service in the Sprung building (the tent); come early to check kids in. Nursery available at both services; located in North hallway.
PARENT LUNCHEON this Sunday
If you are a parent you have a great job! But it’s also full of challenges! Our Family Team wants to offer some support so you are invited to join us on Sundays at noon March 31st, April 14th and April 29th for food, fellowship, encouragement and learning. Join us this Sunday in the Fellowship Hall after the 2nd worship service.
LADIES FELLOWSHIP April 13
You’re invited to a picnic! There will be a ladies fellowship on April 13th from 10:00-12:00 in the Fellowship Hall. Sign up for the event and childcare in the lobby at the welcome desk.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY CAMP EXPERIENCE APRIL 14
Lily Pad and Kidsplash are hosting a special day for your kids on Sunday April 14th at 10:45 in the Sprung Building. Kids are encouraged to dress as knights, kings, princesses or peasants and enter into “Everland; Tales of the Rescued.”
PREPARING FOR EASTER OUTREACH
Make April 21 an Outreach Sunday! Invite someone who doesn’t know Christ to join you at a service on Easter. Good Friday service is 7:00 pm on April 19th and the Sunday services will be 8:15, 9:30 and 11:00 am on April 21. If you don’t have guests please make room for visitors and non-believers by worshiping at 8:15 am or 11:00 am.
PLACES TO SERVE IN THE CHURCH:
- Youth Group is looking for a male small group leader. Contact Cliff or Cari Kincannon This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Worship Team is looking for musicians. Contact Collin Brooks at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Greeters Training is May 5th. Being a greeter is a fun and easy way to serve – so much more than handing out bulletins! Contact Greg Bervig at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Dave Haage at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Our Community Group Ministry is already planning for the fall. We’re looking for host homes and leaders (you can lead but meet in someone else’s house, you can host and have someone else lead!). There is a leaders training taking place on Wednesday, May 8th @ 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Contact Bo Hutches atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
REGISTRATIONS:
- EAGLE LAKE DAY CAMP July 29 – August 2nd here at Living Water. Register at https://eaglelakecamps.com/camp/livingwater/ We have 21 kids already registered and we’re way ahead in planning over last year. If you want to sponsor a kid’s camp attendance, or you want to participate in serving the kids, or hosting Camp Staff, contact Jordan Curtis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT August 8-9 here at Living Water. This is an event that can help you in your leadership. The GLS is also a way that you can outreach to the community by helping community members get training on their leadership in their businesses and organizations. Community individuals or groups can register at “super early bird” rates till May 21st As a part of Living Water you have very reduced rates – the two day conference is $89 for you (use the code GLS19TEAM) when you register athttps://globalleadership.org/global-leadership-summit/
- VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL August 12-16 here at Living Water. More information to come!
WAYS TO BLESS THE YOUTH:
- Potato Bar Lunch will be held on Sunday, April 7th in the Fellowship Hall, after the 2nd Service. Proceeds go to Reign Youth Group.
- Bake Sale Fundraiser for Eagle Lake Campers April 14th.
- Navajo Taco Lunch on Sunday, June 9th in the Fellowship Hall, after the 2nd Service. Proceeds go to the Youth Group Gallup Mission Trip.
CROP WALK
La Puente is having their annual CROP Walk on Sunday, April 7th and would love to have you join in this community wide event. Registration is 1 PM and the 5K Walk starts at 2 PM. This is a free event. However, donations are encouraged as funds raised will support hunger relief efforts, locally through La Puente's Food Bank Network and worldwide through Church World Service distribution. The event will close with a live band, face painting, alongside food and beverages. This is a kick-off event for La Puente's Hunger Education Week. For additional information, please contact La Puente's Community Education office at (719) 587-3499 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ONGOING MINISTRIES
Various Community Groups and Bible Studies throughout the week (call office or look on website for details).
Sunday Morning Children’s Programs: Lily Pad (Preschool-1st Grade) and Kidsplash (2nd – 5th Grade) meet at 10:45 in the Sprung Building
Teen Bible Study meets Sundays at 10:45 in the Reign Building
Young Adult Group meets Tuesday nights at 6:30 pm (study at 7:00 pm) in the Fellowship Hall
Mothers of Preschoolers Group meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 9:00 am in the Fellowship Hall
Wednesday in the Word at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall.
Youth Group meets Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm in the Reign Building. ***Small group leader needed***
Children’s Bible Quizzing meets Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm in the Sprung Building
Men’s Prayer Breakfast meets Thursday mornings at 6:00 am in the Fellowship Hall
Thank you for all you do to serve your brothers and sisters at Living Water,
Pastor Jeron
Published in
General Church News
Thursday, 21 March 2019 13:30
Devotion: Our Church and God’s Mission in the World
Written by Jeron Parkins
Hi Church!
I hope you are having a great week! It’s been hard for me not to smile at times with the warmer weather.
Below I have a devotional on what it means for you and I to be the church (what’s the purpose, what’s the point?), but if you just want to see what’s happening in the church skip below for some updates. Thanks for serving the Lord!
Devotion: Our Church and God’s Mission in the World
For a lot of people church is a place you go or something that you belong to that meets your needs. Sometimes we market the church as a place to come to find something that you need. For instance this Easter season we are sending out postcards inviting the lost or hurting in our community to come to church on Good Friday (April 19) and Resurrection Sunday (April 21); We are inviting them to come and find hope by attending one of our worship services. I plan on sharing about Jesus’ death and resurrection and am praying that they will put their faith and hope in Jesus as Lord and Savior.
This kind of strategy can and does bear fruit as people hear the gospel and are saved. But then what? What does God want to happen in an individual’s life once they come to faith and receive a living hope? In a consumer culture there is a tendency for people to feel that they have their own faith and that they are saved and that they don’t need the church. But that isn’t God’s plan or intention. To be a Christian and not part of a church is a complete misunderstanding of what it means to be a Christian. If you are a Christian and you aren’t involved in a church you aren’t doing Christianity right. When he saves people he not only makes them fit for heaven he makes them a part of the church. The church is the community of the redeemed. The church is the family of faith. The church is all the Christians in the world regardless of nationality or ethnicity, which has millions of local congregations. The church practically is a local group of people who assemble in Jesus’ name because they are now a part of Jesus’ family. The church is called the “Body of Christ” because we have been connected to Jesus’ life (over and over again we are told that we are “in” Christ) and his mission. We are as a church to be doing his work, complete his mission upon the earth.
Which is what? What is the mission of Jesus? The Bible is the story of God’s mission in the world. The Bible gives us high points in the outworking of God’s plan in relation to people. The mission of Jesus as explained in the Bible is ultimately about bringing the rule of God or the reign of God upon the world. You know the teaching of Genesis, that the eternal, uncreated God, made the heavens and the earth. He made people to rule the earth on his behalf, to bring forth beauty and culture and cause the world to thrive, but Adam and Eve failed and what humanity did bring forth were structures and systems of living that were bent and broken because of sin. But God didn’t depart his creation nor leave humanity to experience the consequences of sin. Through what the Bible calls “covenants” the Lord Almighty has worked in history to restore the rule of God upon the earth. His covenant with Noah let the world know that he was still working with humanity to fill the earth and bring forth life, he made a covenant with Abram which promised that all the families of the earth would be blessed, he made a covenant with Israel (which we are currently studying in our sermon series on Exodus) whereby they would be a light to the nations, showing forth and declaring the excellences and character of God. As a kingdom of priests and a holy nation living at the crossroads of the world (connecting Africa and Europe) the superpowers of the day were meant to see Israel and be confronted with the glories of a holy God – the rule of God was meant to be extended through Israel to the world. Israel struggled to be that treasured possession, the “divine son,” and model nation for the world’s redemption, so God made a covenant with David and his descendants to lead God’s people in God’s ways and extend the reign of God upon the earth. David’s kingly descendants also struggled to uphold their calling to live as a “Son of God,” a divinely appointed leader who represented God, and the prophets looked forward to a day of an ultimate David’s arrival, and they anticipated that with the ultimate king’s coming, the promises given to Abraham, Israel and David would be fulfilled and the world would be changed. They also spoke of a new covenant which God would bring about, which would make the old covenant obsolete. The New Testament is the story of how this New Covenant came about, through the arrival of the “Better Adam” and “Son of God.” Jesus has in fact come. He is our leader and lord. We are part of the church he has made. We are the New Covenant people through our faith in Christ, and we have been given the same mission as Israel. We are to be a kingdom of priests and holy nation so that the world will come under the rule of God. Ultimately the kingdoms of this world will be swallowed up by the reign of God. Ultimately God’s rule will once again be firmly established upon the earth when Jesus comes back. We want to see as many people as possible come under the saving and loving rule of Jesus before the end comes.
If Living Water is your church you are part of a local congregation of redeemed people who exist to fulfill the plan of God to redeem the lost and bring about a world that lives under the reign of God. We don’t come to church to consume, we are the church meant to display a great and glorious Lord to the world. We don’t attach ourselves to a church for the religious services it offers, we are the church sent out and empowered by Almighty God to announce the present and coming reign of the king and to call the world to align itself with and come under the reign of Jesus Christ. We exist as a church to lead people to a life changing and ever growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
We do this by being a people who love and serve one another as Jesus loved and served us. We do this by being a distinct and holy people who live by God’s standards and morals. We do this by serving and loving our community and by announcing through our lifestyles and by our words that Jesus is King and inviting people to come under his loving and eternal reign.
We are the church and we are part of something eternal and grand and glorious – the Kingdom of God! When we live individual lives separate from one another and base our lives upon the values and pursuits of secular culture which doesn’t live under the reign of God, we find ourselves weakened and we find it hard to fulfill our mission. We are the church and when we love Jesus more than anything and when we understand that he is our king who loves us, and that we have been made part of his eternal and glorious kingdom, we can organize ourselves in his name as his church, and together we can grow mature and we can fulfill our mission as each part does it’s work. We are all ministers and servants of Christ! As we all seek God’s glory together as a united people, we are changed and the world is transformed as the gospel is spread and life after life comes under the reign of the king. This is the highest calling and most important work you will ever have on planet earth! We are called to live as the church, the community of the redeemed!
Updates on what’s happening at Living Water:
THIS SUNDAY
- We’re starting a mini-series this Sunday on the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). These “10 words” have had a massive impact on our nation and the world and they have ongoing relevance to the church and our lives. I encourage you to memorize this section of Scripture (you can do it!).
- Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser in the Fellowship Hall, after the 2nd service. Proceeds go to support Waves Bible Quizzing group. Join Waves at their next Quiz-meet on April 6 at 9:00 am at the Nazarene Church in Monte Vista. Come cheer on the kids!
PREPARING FOR EASTER OUTREACH
Make April 21 an Outreach Sunday! Invite someone who doesn’t know Christ to join you at a service on Easter. Good Friday service is 7:00 pm on April 19th and the Sunday services will be 8:15, 9:30 and 11:00 am on April 21. If you don’t have guests please make room for visitors and non-believers by worshiping at 8:15 am or 11:00 am.
NEW BUILDING VISION UPDATE
Great progress is being made on the design plan for the proposed Discipleship / Community Building. We are getting more and more excited about the possible impact of this tool on our mission effectiveness. Please pray for the ongoing process and the Lord’s leading regarding this proposed ministry and outreach tool. The Committee is planning on giving out information to the church in April and the Elders anticipate calling a special business meeting in May. Tentative Special Business Meeting date (and church wide BBQ!) is May 19.
DATE NIGHTS
Join the Family Team for Date Nights on Friday, March 29th and Friday, May 17th at 6:00 pm here at the church.
PARENT LUNCHEONS start March 31
If you are a parent you have a great job! But it’s also full of challenges! Our Family Team wants to offer some support so you are invited to join us on Sundays at noon March 31st, April 14th and April 29th for food, fellowship, encouragement and learning. More information to come.
PLACES TO SERVE IN THE CHURCH:
- Youth Group is looking for a male small group leader. Contact Cliff or Cari Kincannon This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Worship Team is looking for musicians. Contact Collin Brooks at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Greeters Training is May 5th. Being a greeter is a fun and easy way to serve – so much more than handing out bulletins! Contact Greg Bervig at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Dave Haage at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Our Community Group Ministry is already planning for the fall. We’re looking for host homes and leaders (you can lead but meet in someone else’s house, you can host and have someone else lead!). There is a leaders training taking place on Wednesday, May 8th @ 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Contact Bo Hutches atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
REGISTRATIONS:
- EAGLE LAKE DAY CAMP July 29 – August 2nd here at Living Water. Register at https://eaglelakecamps.com/camp/livingwater/ We have 21 kids already registered and we’re way ahead in planning over last year. If you want to sponsor a kid’s camp attendance, or you want to participate in serving the kids, or hosting Camp Staff, contact Jordan Curtis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT August 8-9 here at Living Water. This is an event that can help you in your leadership. The GLS is also a way that you can outreach to the community by helping community members get training on their leadership in their businesses and organizations. Community individuals or groups can register at “super early bird” rates till May 21st As a part of Living Water you have very reduced rates – the two day conference is $89 for you (use the code GLS19TEAM) when you register athttps://globalleadership.org/global-leadership-summit/
- VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL August 12-16 here at Living Water. More information to come!
WAYS TO BLESS THE YOUTH:
- Spaghetti Dinner on Sunday, March 24th in the Fellowship Hall, after the 2nd service. Proceeds go to support Waves Bible Quizzing group.
- Potato Bar Lunch will be held on Sunday, April 7th in the Fellowship Hall, after the 2nd Service. Proceeds go to Reign Youth Group.
- Bake Sale Fundraiser for Eagle Lake Campers April 14th.
- Navajo Taco Lunch on Sunday, June 9th in the Fellowship Hall, after the 2nd Service. Proceeds go to the Youth Group Gallup Mission Trip.
WOMEN’S MINISTRY TEA April 13th – More information to come!
FALL FELLOWSHIP
Living Water is organizing an RV camping trip Labor Day weekend. Join your church family with lots of activities to choose from including bible study and worship. For info, emailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 719-588-8748
ONGOING MINISTRIES
Various Community Groups and Bible Studies throughout the week (call office or look on website for details).
Sunday Morning Children’s Programs: Lily Pad (Preschool-1st Grade) and Kidsplash (2nd – 5th Grade) meet at 10:45 in the Sprung Building
Teen Bible Study meets Sundays at 10:45 in the Reign Building
Young Adult Group meets Tuesday nights at 6:30 pm (study at 7:00 pm) in the Fellowship Hall
Mothers of Preschoolers Group meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 9:00 am in the Fellowship Hall
Wednesday in the Word at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall.
Youth Group meets Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm in the Reign Building. ***Small group leader needed***
Children’s Bible Quizzing meets Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm in the Sprung Building
Men’s Prayer Breakfast meets Thursday mornings at 6:00 am in the Fellowship Hall
CROP WALK
Got the following information from LaPuente - registration forms are on the lobby table: “Please join us for our annual CROP Walk event on Sunday, April 7th. Registration for the event will begin at 1:00 PM and the walk will start at 2:00 PM. The event includes a 3 mile walk and along the way 'hunger educators' will discuss hunger issues that exist not only in the SLV but also in our nation and world-wide. Before the walk begins we will have two guest speakers that will, again, touch on hunger-related topics, and then close out the event with a live band, games, face painting, prizes, and food and drinks! To participate, you can register by visiting https://www.crophungerwalk.org/alamosaco or show up by 1:00 PM during the event day to register.
This is a free event, but we encourage registering/ setting up a team prior to the event. This walk is also a fundraising opportunity with 75% of the proceeds going to CWS, which is an umbrella organization that disperses its funds to hunger relief efforts around the world, and then the other 25% will go back to our local food bank. Our main objective is to walk together as a community and stand in solidarity with those that are experiencing hunger at this very moment, so we are hoping for a large turnout and the fundraising piece is an added benefit. We are asking each participant to help fight hunger by donating food items or funds to hunger relief efforts. For additional information, please call La our Community Education office at (719)-587-3499 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.”
God bless!
Pastor Jeron
Published in
General Church News
- We’re celebrating the Lord’s Sacrifice for our Salvation this Sunday by observing the Lord’s Supper.
- Our Exodus Sermon Series resumes with a focus on a key section of the Old Testament; This Sunday we begin looking at the giving of the Ten Commandments and the Law (Old Covenant). This is foundational teaching if we want to understand Jesus’ New Covenant and our relationship with the Lord. Over the coming Sundays leading up to Easter we’ll be wrestling with questions like: “What is the Law? Is the Law still in effect for Christians or are we just called to love God and people since the Old Covenant is passed away? Paul seems to say we have been set free from the Law and no longer under its authority, but Jesus seems to say that the Law hasn’t been abolished; what does God want from us?” Are we expected to keep the 10 commandments or are we just supposed to follow the Spirit’s lead under the New Covenant?”
- There is a Potluck immediately after the 2nd worship service in the Fellowship Hall – come and enjoy fellowship with your church family. Bring food to share if you can.
- Our Annual Business Meeting begins approximately 1:15 pm. At this meeting we vote on the annual budget and church officers and hear yearly reports from church staff and team leaders. Thanks the Facility and Finance Team and Nominating Team for their efforts in preparing for this meeting.
NEW BUILDING VISION UPDATE
Great progress is being made on the design plan for the proposed Discipleship / Community Building. The Committee is planning on giving out information to the church in April and the Elders anticipate calling a special business meeting in May. Please pray for the ongoing process and the Lord’s leading regarding this proposed ministry and outreach tool.
BAPTISMS March 10
Baptism is a sign of one’s repentance and faith. It is an act in which you publically declare your trust and allegiance to Jesus. Ideally it should happen soon after a person has made the decision to follow Jesus. Have you started following Jesus but haven’t yet been baptized? The next baptisms will take place Sunday, March 10. Please contact Pastor Jeron (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 589-6351) if you are ready to obey Jesus in this area, or if you have questions.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT OUR YOUTH (and eat with your church family!)
- Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, March 10th in the Fellowship Hall, starting at 12:30. If you want to enter your chili into the competition (no cost to enter), contact the church office by Wednesday, March 6. Come and enjoy a lunch and help support sending kids to Eagle Lake Day Camp. $5 per person or $20 for the family.
- Spaghetti Dinner on Sunday, March 24th in the Fellowship Hall, after the 2nd service. Proceeds go to support Waves Bible Quizzing group.
- Potato Bar Lunch will be held on Sunday, April 7th in the Fellowship Hall, after the 2nd Service. Proceeds go to Reign Youth Group.
- Navajo Taco Lunch on Sunday, June 9th in the Fellowship Hall, after the 2nd Service. Proceeds go to the Youth Group Gallup Mission Trip.
DATE NIGHTS
Join the Family Team for Date Nights on Friday, March 29th and Friday, May 17th at 6:00 pm here at the church.
PARENT LUNCHEONS start March 31
If you are a parent you have a great job! But it’s also full of challenges! Our Family Team wants to offer some support so you are invited to join us on Sundays at noon March 31st, April 14th and April 29th for food, fellowship, encouragement and learning. More information to come.
PREPARING FOR EASTER
Who are you going to invite to Easter services this year? We’re sending out 10,000 postcards inviting the community to join our church family on Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, but most people respond best to personal invitations – those who don’t normally go to church very much appreciate being asked to go with friends. The Good Friday service is 7:00 pm on April 19th and the Sunday services will be 8:15, 9:30 and 11:00 am on April 21. If you don’t have guests please make room for visitors and non-believers by worshiping at 8:15 am or 11:00 am.
SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES
- EAGLE LAKE DAY CAMP July 29 – August 2nd here at Living Water. Register at https://eaglelakecamps.com/camp/livingwater/
- GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT August 8-9 here at Living Water. Register at https://globalleadership.org/global-leadership-summit/
- VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL August 12-16 here at Living Water
FALL FELLOWSHIP
Living Water is organizing an RV camping trip Labor Day weekend. Join your church family with lots of activities to choose from including bible study and worship. For info, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 719-588-8748
ONGOING MINISTRIES
Various Community Groups and Bible Studies throughout the week (call office or look on website for details).
Sunday Morning Children’s Programs: Lily Pad (Preschool-1st Grade) and Kidsplash (2nd – 5th Grade) meet at 10:45 in the Sprung Building
Teen Bible Study meets Sundays at 10:45 in the Reign Building
Young Adult Group meets Tuesday nights at 6:30 pm (study at 7:00 pm) in the Fellowship Hall
Mothers of Preschoolers Group meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 9:00 am in the Fellowship Hall
Wednesday in the Word at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall.
Youth Group meets Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm in the Reign Building.
Children’s Bible Quizzing meets Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm in the Sprung Building
Men’s Prayer Breakfast meets Thursday mornings at 6:00 am in the Fellowship Hall
God bless!
Pastor Jeron
Published in
General Church News
Exciting Times
I don’t know if it is because it’s been 30 above zero instead of 30 below zero lately, but I find myself with a light-heartedness and joy. Specifically, I’m hopeful and excited about the future of our church! As a preacher I’m excited because on several fronts over the coming months Bo and Collin and I are going to be covering some very important ground. In our Exodus series we’re moving towards another climax of the book, the giving of the law and reception of the Mosaic Covenant. This is massively important for the Christian to gain an understanding of as the Mosaic Law and the Old Covenant are foundational to understanding Jesus’ teachings and the New Covenant. I’m excited about how things are lining up with Good Friday and Easter in the context of talking about the law as I think we have the opportunity to grasp the gospel and the amazing grace of God (Who are you going to invite this year to Good Friday and Easter services?). Preaching wise in the coming month we’re going to have a couple special messages, one on Parenting (Feb 24) and one on how to grow in the faith (March 17) that I think will bless our church. Ministry wise we’ve had a great 6 weeks with lots of participation and a hunger for the Lord and a deep desire to do his will. With Pastor Bo taking a new role in the church as Director of Discipleship, and Pastor Collin laying out a future direction for our worship team, with our new Elder Board and Deacon Board getting ready to hit their strides in the second year of the new organizational structure, with the Family Team connecting with lots of couples, and the thriving Men’s Ministry and the new direction of the Outreach Team I’m very encouraged! It’s not like everything is going perfect (that’s reserved for a place called heaven, right?) but our church is very healthy on multiple fronts and I’m very thankful. I’ve also found myself looking ahead more and more to the possibility of a new Discipleship/Community Building to serve our children and future generations and what that would mean for how we could use the Sprung Building for outreach. My daydreaming about the possibilities has increased lately as the architects have worked on some design upgrades and we’ve had more than $40,000 of new building fund designated gifts come in – looking forward to the upcoming business meeting on March 3rd as more details are shared.
You guys, as we start itching for Spring let’s pray for the Lord to continue to keep his hand on our church – he’s given us a great run of grace over the last few decades – let’s itch for a healthier and healthier church and ask the Lord to bring it about! Pray for the Lord draw us closer to himself and may we know him better. Pray that he would empower us to share the gospel more and more and that we would be able to see many people come to new life in Jesus. Pray that he would grace us to love and serve one another more intentionally and may we all grow in unity and maturity as each part does its work.
Here’s some of what’s coming up at LWBF:
PARENTING SERMON February 24
One of the high points in life is when we are entrusted with the blessing of a child. At the same time the gift of children is one of the most challenging responsibilities we can ever take on! Very few of us feel equipped! What does God expect of parents? What is the parenting task from a biblical point of view? Successful parenting certainly entails more than mere technique and can’t be reduced to only having strong feelings of love and good intentions towards our children. What’s the plan? Join us on Sunday, Feb 24th as we open the scriptures and talk about biblical parenting.
BABY DEDICATIONS February 24
At Living Water we offer a time for parents to make a public statement of their desire for God’s grace upon their children and to dedicate them to the Lord. If you have an infant or toddler that you would like to be dedicated to the Lord in one of our worship services, please contact Pastor Jeron at 589-6351 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Anna Gearhart (Puddles Director) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Our next time for dedications will be Sunday, February 24
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING March 3
Join us on Sunday, March 3 for a potluck lunch and then our annual business meeting where we share reports from the past year, pass the new budget and make important decisions for our future.
BAPTISMS March 10
Baptism is a sign of one’s repentance and faith. It is an act in which you publically declare your trust and allegiance to Jesus. Ideally it should happen soon after a person has made the decision to follow Jesus. Have you started following Jesus but haven’t yet been baptized? The next baptisms will take place Sunday, March 10. Please contact Pastor Jeron (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 589-6351) if you are ready to obey Jesus in this area, or if you have questions.
PARENT LUNCHEONS start March 31
If you are a parent you have a great job! But it’s also full of challenges! Our Family Team wants to offer some support so you are invited to join us on Sundays at noon March 31st, April 14th and April 29th for food, fellowship, encouragement and learning. More information to come.
COMMUNITY GROUPS
Contact Pastor Bo with any questions you have about joining or starting a group. 719-529-1204 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES
- EAGLE LAKE DAY CAMP July 29 – August 2nd here at Living Water. Register at https://eaglelakecamps.com/camp/livingwater/
- GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT August 8-9 here at Living Water. Register at https://globalleadership.org/global-leadership-summit/
- VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL August 12-16 here at Living Water
FALL FELLOWSHIP
Living Water is organizing an RV camping trip Labor Day weekend. Join your church family with lots of activities to choose from including bible study and worship. For info, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 719-588-8748
ONGOING MINISTRIES
Various Community Groups and Bible Studies throughout the week (call office or look on website for details).
Sunday Morning Children’s Programs: Lily Pad (Preschool-1st Grade) and Kidsplash (2nd – 5th Grade) meet at 10:45 in the Sprung Building
Teen Bible Study meets Sundays at 10:45 in the Reign Building
Young Adult Group meets Tuesday nights at 6:30 pm (study at 7:00 pm) in the Fellowship Hall
Mothers of Preschoolers Group meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 9:00 am in the Fellowship Hall
Wednesday in the Word at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall.
Youth Group meets Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm in the Reign Building.
Children’s Bible Quizzing meets Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm in the Sprung Building
Men’s Prayer Breakfast meets Thursday mornings at 6:00 am in the Fellowship Hall
God bless!
Pastor Jeron
Published in
General Church News
Rates of depression and suicide among our young people have risen over the years. Prescriptions of anti-anxiety meds and anti-depressants have risen as well. I imagine the same holds true for adults. There are a lot of theories as to why this is happening. The most popular one that I’ve heard is that with the rise of the smart phone, social media and endless screen time is that our relationships and our physical connections to one another have suffered. God has wired us for close human relationships and we have a need for one another that is not being met, and our mental health is taking a hit. Family time is lacking and young people simply don’t respond to a text message from parents telling them that they are loved the same way they do to a physical hug and physical time with family and friends. At the same time of course, there are fewer children learning about the Lord in our society and fewer boys and girls growing up in homes where there is a biblical faith, hope and love expressed and lived out. These life transforming and supporting beliefs are caught and absorbed by children in homes as siblings and parents and grandparents live in rhythms of grace and model what it means to have a living hope.
There are likely many societal and cultural realities that also contribute to growing anxiety and suicide rates but the good news is that God has given us a family of faith and taught us values and lifestyle patterns that if implemented can in many cases keep us healthy. Let me talk like a doctor giving a prescription for health: First of all you have a wonderful church family. Make time for the friendships and relationships that God has provided you in the church. Open your home to others. Reject the current cultural trend that you don’t need anyone or that you don’t need friends. Find ways to love your brothers and sisters in practical ways and you will not only support them but you will feel better about yourself. Second, uphold your faith and your beliefs through the simple act of participating in worship services or community group involvement or if you are a family, have regular times of family worship (Scripture study, prayer, singing, etc.). It might be easier to sit in front of the screen and binge on movies or shows but we were made for interaction with others and in a corporate or small group setting or a class you are put in a position of encouraged and supported in healthy ways of living. As a family carve out time together which doesn’t include a smart phone and do things where you are actually interacting. Third, we don’t do well without a purpose. Christ Jesus has given us a mission worth living for and it’s not simply to pay a mortgage. Love and serve unbelievers and community members in the name of Jesus Christ. Reach out and help others. Seek to share the good news. Are you living in ways that are healthy and glorifying to God? What changes do you need to make?
DATE NIGHT February 8
The Family Team’s next Date Night will be Friday, February 8th. The Valentine Day holiday puts a lot of expectations on marriages that might not be healthy. Our focus will be to talk about biblical love and serving our spouse in love in ways they can appreciate. Childcare available. RSVP to Cheryl O’Dowd This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 588-0121
MEMBERSHIP CLASS This Sunday 10:45
Want to learn more about this church? Ready to become a member of Living Water? Attend the Membership Class this Sunday in the Cross Building. Meets from 10:45 till noon Sunday, February 10 and 17. RSVP to Pastor Bo 719-529-1204 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
YOUNG ADULT/COLLEGE STUDENT MEAL February 10
The Senior Saints Group are doing the cooking and ask all college students and young adults to join them in the Fellowship Hall to fellowship and enjoy a meal after the second worship service on Sunday, February 10th.
BABY DEDICATIONS February 24
At Living Water we offer a time for parents to make a public statement of their desire for God’s grace upon their children and to dedicate them to the Lord. If you have an infant or toddler that you would like to be dedicated to the Lord in one of our worship services, please contact Pastor Jeron at 589-6351 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Anna Gearhart (Puddles Director) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Our next time for dedications will be Sunday, February 24
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING March 3
Join us on Sunday, March 3 for a potluck lunch and then our annual business meeting where we share reports from the past year, pass the new budget and make important decisions for our future.
BAPTISMS March 10
Baptism is a sign of one’s repentance and faith. It is an act in which you publically declare your trust and allegiance to Jesus. Ideally it should happen soon after a person has made the decision to follow Jesus. Have you started following Jesus but haven’t yet been baptized? The next baptisms will take place Sunday, March 10. Please contact Pastor Jeron (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 589-6351) if you are ready to obey Jesus in this area, or if you have questions.
PARENT LUNCHEONS
If you are a parent you have a great job! But it’s also full of challenges! Our Family Team wants to offer some support so you are invited to join us on Sundays at noon March 31st, April 14th and April 29th for food, fellowship, encouragement and learning. More information to come.
BIBLE STUDY FOR TEENS
Teens from 6th-12th grade are invited to meet on Sunday mornings at 10:45 in the Reign Building for an interactive Bible study
MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS
Meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 9:00 am in the Fellowship Hall
COMMUNITY GROUPS
Contact Pastor Bo with any questions you have about joining or starting a group. 719-529-1204 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES
- MISSION TRIP TO GUATEMALA Our Mission Team is inviting you to consider traveling to Guatemala June 29-July 6, 2019. Contact Eric Palmer Eric Palmer atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
- EAGLE LAKE DAY CAMP July 29 – August 2nd here at Living Water. Register at https://eaglelakecamps.com/camp/livingwater/
- GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT August 8-9 here at Living Water. Register at https://globalleadership.org/global-leadership-summit/
- VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL August 12-16 here at Living Water
FALL FELLOWSHIP
Living Water is organizing an RV camping trip Labor Day weekend. Join your church family with lots of activities to choose from including bible study and worship. For info, emailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 719-588-8748
FOOD BANK
We have the privilege to serve our community with non-perishable food items in times of need, thanks to the church family. At this time the food banks food supply is low. Here is a list of items that go quickly:
pasta spaghetti sauce mac & cheese
dry cereal dry milk peanut butter
sugar soup corn meal
flour canned meat canned fruit
pork n beans cooking oil oatmeal
rice canned ravioli
If you would like to help, drop off non-perishable food items in the lobby.
Thanks for reading! Pastor Jeron
Published in
General Church News
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Yesterday several of us traveled to the Conejos County Courthouse to see a boy get adopted by a family of our church. It was a wonderful moment and I think everyone teared up when we saw the kid start to cry as the judge told him it was official.
Do you know, Christian, that you too have been adopted? “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). God has made all those who trust in Jesus members of his family. “But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith” (Galatians 3:25-26).
We have great privileges because we have been adopted by God and made his children (list taken from Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem):
- We are able to speak to God and relate to him as a good and loving Father
- We have a Father who understands us and takes care of our needs
- We have a great inheritance in heaven because we are heirs of God
- We are disciplined in love as God’s children for our benefit and for his glory
- We are able to share in Jesus’ sufferings and glory
- We have a family of faith, which helps us through this life with acts of service and love
- We have dads and moms, brothers and sisters that we serve alongside in the mission of Christ
- We have a family who we can learn from on how to navigate and live life
How does someone become a part of God’s family? People are saved and adopted into the family of God when they repent of their sins and place their trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord. God works in people to bring them to saving faith and he uses his children to communicate the good news regarding the opportunity to be saved and adopted. We as his children are the primary means of bringing the gospel to lost people so that they have the opportunity to repent and turn to Jesus and become sons and daughters of God.
Ponder the passion of the Apostle Paul in gospel sharing: “I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law… that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law… that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:19-22).
May we all become more zealous and intentional about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ so that more people might become saved and adopted into the family of God.
Here’s some of what’s happening in the near future at Living Water…
NEW DISCIPLESHIP / COMMUNITY BUILING PROPOSAL UPDATE
You may or may not know that in recent years we had put a lot of labor and expense and discussion with the wider church in coming up with a design plan for developing our campus. In the last several months the Elder Board has made the decision to begin looking into the construction of a particular building in that plan to be used for Christian Education, Discipleship and Community engagement. The building committee had a good meeting last Thursday as we discussed and made suggestions to the original layout of the proposed building. The refinements have now been sent on to the architects and we are awaiting their efforts. The next steps will be to determine cost estimates, finalize plans for financing the project, and put together a complete informational package on building design, costs, and financing to be made available to the church by (hopefully) early April. We hope to have the church vote to move forward and approve the project at a special business meeting in early May.
COMMUNION THIS SUNDAY 9:00 and 10:45 am
Let’s prepare ourselves in the coming days to participate in the Lord’s Supper this Sunday. Has it been awhile since you’ve spent time with the Lord? Confessed your sins? Unburdened yourselves of your fears and anxiety? Let’s use this scheduled monthly time of worship as a motivation to privately examine ourselves and our walk with Jesus before coming to celebrate and remember his great act of love at worship services.
Just a reminder that during the time of communion we shut the doors to minimize the traffic in and out of the sanctuary to maintain our focus on the Lord. You can of course leave the sanctuary if need be, but we ask you not to re-enter until the completion of the Lord’s Supper so that others aren’t distracted from their worship.
THANKS PARENTS!
The folks in Lily Pad and Kidsplash are thankful for all the parents who came to last Sunday’s “Take your Parent to Children’s Ministry Day!” You will be getting some follow-up communication soon.
DATE NIGHT February 8
The Family Team’s next Date Night will be Friday, February 8th. The Valentine Day holiday puts a lot of expectations on marriages that might not be healthy. Our focus will be to talk about biblical love and serving our spouse in love in ways they can appreciate. Childcare available. RSVP to Cheryl O’Dowd This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 588-0121
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT LIVING WATER
- Waves Bible Quizzing meets from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the Sprung Building. This is elementary aged kids with the goal of helping them know the Word of God.
- Reign Youth Group meets at 6:30 pm in the Reign Building. This group is for teens from 6th grade through 12th grade.
- Wednesday Night in the Word meets from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Last night was the introduction so the class really gets going this next Wednesday, February 6th. Childcare available, please RSVP to Anna Gearheart if you need childcare atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
MEMBERSHIP CLASS February 10 and 17 at 10:45
Want to learn more about this church? Ready to become a member of Living Water? Attend the Membership Class in February. Meets from 10:45 till noon Sunday, February 10 and 17. RSVP to Pastor Bo 719-529-1204 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
YOUNG ADULT/COLLEGE STUDENT MEAL February 10
The Senior Saints Group are doing the cooking and ask all college students and young adults to join them in the Fellowship Hall to fellowship and enjoy a meal after the second worship service on Sunday, February 10th.
BABY DEDICATIONS February 24
At Living Water we offer a time for parents to make a public statement of their desire for God’s grace upon their children and to dedicate them to the Lord. If you have an infant or toddler that you would like to be dedicated to the Lord in one of our worship services, please contact Pastor Jeron at 589-6351 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Anna Gearhart (Puddles Director) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Our next time for dedications will be Sunday, February 24
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING March 3
Join us on Sunday, March 3 for a potluck lunch and then our annual business meeting where we share reports from the past year, pass the new budget and make important decisions for our future.
BAPTISMS March 10
Baptism is a sign of one’s repentance and faith. It is an act in which you publically declare your trust and allegiance to Jesus. Ideally it should happen soon after a person has made the decision to follow Jesus. Have you started following Jesus but haven’t yet been baptized? The next baptisms will take place Sunday, March 10. Please contact Pastor Jeron (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 589-6351) if you are ready to obey Jesus in this area, or if you have questions.
PARENT LUNCHEONS
If you are a parent you have a great job! But it’s also full of challenges! Our Family Team wants to offer some support so you are invited to join us on Sundays at noon March 31st, April 14th and April 29th for food, fellowship, encouragement and learning. More information to come.
BIBLE STUDY FOR TEENS
Teens from 6th-12th grade are invited to meet on Sunday mornings at 10:45 in the Reign Building for an interactive Bible study
MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS
Meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 9:00 am in the Fellowship Hall
COMMUNITY GROUPS
Contact Pastor Bo with any questions you have about joining or starting a group. 719-529-1204 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES
- MISSION TRIP TO GUATEMALA Our Mission Team is inviting you to consider traveling to Guatemala June 29-July 6, 2019. Contact Eric Palmer Eric Palmer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
- EAGLE LAKE DAY CAMP July 29 – August 2nd here at Living Water. Register at https://eaglelakecamps.com/camp/livingwater/
- GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT August 8-9 here at Living Water. Register at https://globalleadership.org/global-leadership-summit/
- VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL August 12-16 here at Living Water
FOOD BANK
We have the privilege to serve our community with non-perishable food items in times of need, thanks to the church family. At this time the food banks food supply is low. Here is a list of items that go quickly:
pasta spaghetti sauce mac & cheese
dry cereal dry milk peanut butter
sugar soup corn meal
flour canned meat canned fruit
pork n beans cooking oil oatmeal
rice canned ravioli
If you would like to help, drop off non-perishable food items in the lobby.
“Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).
Thanks for reading!
Jeron
Published in
General Church News
Once we have trusted in Jesus we should expect changes to come into our life. Growth is expected. Biblically the developmental process is compared to infants growing up into adults. Unfortunately there is a tendency for us as Christians to stay immature in our faith. What are some of the marks of an infant Christian as compared to an adolescent Christian and an adult Christian? Knowledge of God is one important mark. New Christians or Christians who haven’t matured don’t have much personal knowledge of God. They don’t know what God has revealed about himself in the Scriptures nor do they have a relational and experiential knowledge of God. Mature Christians know what the Bible teaches about God and they know God personally. We are to be lifelong learners, always seeking a growing relationship with our Lord and Savior. Another mark of maturity is the ability to say no to sin and to practice righteousness – obedience to the Lord should become progressively greater. While some sins are easily recognized there is also a long process of learning what the Lord wants – holiness and obedience is a learned skill brought about through Scripture study, prayer and the church’s ministry to us while at the same time a learned dependency upon the Lord. Fruitfulness is also a mark of maturity. The best way to describe fruitfulness is to list characteristics that were originally seen in Jesus but now have become part of the Christian: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. The greatest mark of maturity is Christ-like love. “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35). “So now faith, hope and love abide, these three, but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.. Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law” (Romans 13:8-10). “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know god, because God is love” (1 John 4:7-8).
So how do we grow in Christ? How do we grow in maturity? How do we become the Christian Jesus saved us to be? Let me be very clear. God is the starting point and the source of all Christian growth. From our regeneration at the beginning of our journey with the Lord, to our glorification upon our arrival in heaven it is by the grace of God that we are changed. “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6). We grow by being dependent on the power of God.
But we have a role to play in our development as well. Our spiritual growth also requires our effort. The sad fact is that there are Christians around who have not developed, who are still drinking milk instead of eating solid food because they haven’t made the effort to grow or who haven’t been in a setting where they can grow. First, you and I grow by taking the truth and applying it to our lives. “Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14). Knowing biblical facts is good, but growth really happens when we take the truth and intently live it out in our real life settings. We are to train ourselves in godliness, which implies developing habits and routines that put us in position to grow. “Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love” (2nd Peter 1:5-7). How do we grow? Let me sum up this first point by telling you to go into training. Train yourself for godliness.
Second we grow as we are connected to the church, the body of Christ. We are to learn how to be Christians not only from the Scriptures but from our fathers and mothers, our brothers and sisters in the faith. We are to follow the example of those who are more mature than us in the faith. “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Really, all of us have a role in serving and maturing others in the church. Spiritual gifts are divine enablement for the growth and benefit of others: “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Corinthians 11:7). What is vital is that you are connected with other believers and that as a group you are seeking one-another’s maturity. Jesus commanded us to make disciples and we can’t do this from a distance. We grow as we pour into one another, as we feed each other the word, as we pray for each other and minister to each other. If you are unconnected to the church you will find it very difficult to grow – you need other believers as examples, mentors, teachers, encouragers, pray-ers, servants in your life if you are to grow! We become disciples by walking with more mature disciples. How do we grow? Let me sum up by telling you to join a community group and connecting yourself and your family with those people closely, or to say it another way – connect your life with others in the body of Christ who are intent on growing in the Lord and together intentionally seek to know the Lord and apply his truths to life together.
Here’s some of what’s happening at Living Water in the near future:
TAKE YOUR PARENT TO CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DAY – January 27
You’ve heard of take your kid to work day? Well on Sunday, January 27th all the children involved in Lily Pad and Kidsplash are going to have a chance to bring their parents into the Sprung Building to check out what they are doing and learning. Parents you’ll be getting more information but please plan on being at Living Water on Sunday, January 27th and learning about our children’s ministry. We want to come alongside you and help you bring your kids up in the nurture and instruction of the Lord.
WEDNESDAY IN THE WORD Starts January 30 – Understanding the Trinity
What is God like? Who is God? Does your view of God line up with what the Scriptures teach? This winter’s topic in Wednesday Night in the Word will be a study of the one God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Why do we Christians believe in the Trinity and what is it that we believe about it? Plan on Joining us at 6:30 on Wednesday Nights in the Fellowship Hall. Childcare provided, but please RSVP to Anna Gearheart if you need childcare atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
DATE NIGHT February 8
The Family Team’s next Date Night will be Friday, February 8th. The Valentine Day holiday puts a lot of expectations on marriages that might not be healthy. Our focus will be to talk about biblical love and serving our spouse in love in ways they can appreciate. Childcare available. RSVP to Cheryl O’Dowd This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 588-0121
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT LIVING WATER
- Waves Bible Quizzing meets from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the Sprung Building. This is elementary aged kids with the goal of helping them know the Word of God.
- Reign Youth Group meets at 6:30 pm in the Reign Building. This group is for teens from 6th grade through 12th grade.
- Wednesday Night in the Word meets from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall.
MEMBERSHIP CLASS February 10 and 17 at 10:45
Want to learn more about this church? Ready to become a member of Living Water? Attend the Membership Class in February. Meets from 10:45 till noon Sunday, February 10 and 17. RSVP to Pastor Bo 719-529-1204 orThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
BABY DEDICATIONS February 24
At Living Water we offer a time for parents to make a public statement of their desire for God’s grace upon their children and to dedicate them to the Lord. If you have an infant or toddler that you would like to be dedicated to the Lord in one of our worship services, please contact Pastor Jeron at 589-6351 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Anna Gearhart (Puddles Director) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Our next time for dedications will be Sunday, February 24
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING March 3
Join us on Sunday, March 3 for a potluck lunch and then our annual business meeting where we share reports from the past year, pass the new budget and make important decisions for our future.
BAPTISMS March 10
Baptism is a sign of one’s repentance and faith. It is an act in which you publically declare your trust and allegiance to Jesus. Ideally it should happen soon after a person has made the decision to follow Jesus. Have you started following Jesus but haven’t yet been baptized? The next baptisms will take place Sunday, March 10. Please contact Pastor Jeron (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 589-6351) if you are ready to obey Jesus in this area, or if you have questions.
COMMUNITY GROUPS
Contact Pastor Bo with any questions you have about joining or starting a group. 719-529-1204 orThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
PLACES TO SERVE
Ephesians 4:16 says “from him the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” You have a role in ministry. If you are looking for a place to tie into the body and contribute here are some of the areas where you can plug in and serve (there are others areas not listed so if you have a particular passion for an area of service give Pastor Jeron a call and we will talk!).
Worship Team (currently looking for qualified drummers, pianists) Pastor Collin Brooks –This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 720-427-2344
Décor Team – Melanie Jeppesen This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 719-496-7177
Outreach Team – Amy Scavezze This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 588-5753
Mission Team – John Clark This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 832-725-0616
Women’s Ministry Team – Beth Dillon This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 850-1406
Men’s Ministry Team – Larry Gardner This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 715-966-0616
Kitchen Team – Kay Curtis This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 588-9517
Safety Team – Randy Atkinson 588-2809
Family Team – Dennis & Cheryl O’Dowd This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 588-0121
Nursery – serve infants and toddlers and their parents during a worship service or during the week. Contact Anna Gearhart at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 469-0114
Children’s Ministry Life Guards – Sometimes the teachers of Lily Pad and Kidsplash need help and so they call on their “Life Guards” to assist with the children. Contact Becky McGee at 580-2834 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you can help Sunday mornings during the 10:45 service (worship at 9:00 am service, serve at 10:45 service)
Lily Pad – There are lots and lots of preschoolers – 1st Grade aged kids that are hungry for the Word of God and need to know of God’s love. Serve them through teaching or through activities during the 10:45 service (worship at 9:00 am service, serve at 10:45 service). Contact Becky McGee at 580-2834 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Kidsplash – There are lots of 2nd Grade – 5th Grade aged kids who need to meet Jesus and need to grow as disciples of Jesus. Serve them through teaching or through activities during the 10:45 service (worship at 9:00 am service, serve at 10:45 service). Contact ChrisAnn Zook at 719-850-9900 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Guest Services – As a church we always want to make people feel at home when they come to our worship services. We have lots of slots available for you to greet people at our doors or to serve people through the simple gesture of handing out bulletins and smiling. Contact Dave Haage at 719-298-2635 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Making Waves Bible Quizzing – Join other volunteers (on a regular basis or as a substitute) on Wednesday nights in helping kids learn and apply the scriptures. Contact Rosemary Bertin at 588-6304 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tidal Waves Bible Study – Sunday mornings at 10:45 am. Contact Krista Culver at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CHURCH APP
Living Water now has an App that you can download for Apple and Android Mobile Devices. You can use the app for such things as registering children for Puddles, Lily Pad and Kidsplash.
Thanks for reading!
Pastor Jeron
Published in
General Church News
“Beloved, we are God’s children now…” 1 John 3:2
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” Ephesians 2:9
“Love one another with brotherly affection…” Romans 12:10
In various places around the world people have to choose between their biological family and God’s family. In America we rarely have to make such a decision, but for those who don’t grow up in countries like ours with a Christian heritage, to follow Jesus is seen as a rebellion and a hatred of the family. Around the world people hear the call of Christ and choose Christ with the understanding that allegiance to Jesus has to take a higher priority than their biological family and so they find themselves cast out or rejected by their blood relatives. Jesus never denies the importance of the family or our responsibilities to take care of our family and to honor our parents, but the family is never placed higher than the kingdom of God. What Jesus promises those who see his worth and follow his call is a new family: “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my names sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29). The hundredfold family is the church.
I think we often undervalue the truth that the church is our family. The church is the people of God who have been brought together by their faith in Christ. We have been connected with a group of people who are to be family for us. A family that serves one another, a family that suffers for one another. A family who prays for one another and a family who loves us enough to tell us the truth.
How is your relationship with your church family? Do you have a sense of family at Living Water, a connection with brothers and sisters who love you and care for you? You should. But all too often here’s what “church” looks like: “In too many cases we have turned congregations into silos packed with countless minivans full of individual families, coming to receive instruction and then to return to their own self-contained units” (Russell Moore writing in The Storm-Tossed Family). Church is not a building we go to, or an event we attend. The local church is supposed to be our family. “Our churches are often filled with unmarried or divorced or widowed men and women who believe that they are without family because there is no one to stand beside them in the church directory picture” (Russell Moore).
When I think about the kind of church I want Living Water to become, I want us to be a church where you know you have a community that you belong to, where you have a sense of belonging. When I look to the future I envision a church which people talk about each other as family and a church in which we love each other like a healthy family should. We have a new identity in Christ and we have a new heritage. We have a Father and we have brothers and sisters, dads and moms. We are called to serve one another in love. We have a church.
Church is not an event, nor is it a building. It’s a family. How do we actualize this truth, turn this biblical understanding a reality? If you are currently don’t have anything approaching what I’ve described above, start by acknowledging that you need to make a change. It probably means looking at your priorities and making changes which will bring you into relationship with the family of God. If you have no fellowship, no real relationships with other Christians, admit that you aren’t doing Christianity right. Perhaps part of your issue is that you were hurt by a Christian in the past or hurt by a church. It happens, and I’m sad if you were hurt by someone. Maybe in your hurt you’ve chosen to this point not to risk being hurt again. I understand that tendency and strategy. Love however, always entails risk, and experiencing the blessing of family means putting yourself in a position to care about others. Make up your mind to follow Christ and once again embrace his church. This doesn’t mean that you aren’t cautious and that you don’t use discernment, but it does meant that you choose to love again and you choose to serve again and that you choose to let people into your life again. A simple way forward, if you don’t know anyone at Living Water, is to join a Bible study or a Community Group. Or if you are the type who likes to be busy and accomplish stuff with others, join a ministry team. But if you know Christians in the church, start going to lunch with them, start inserting them in your life. Be a dad or a mom to younger Christians. Be a sister or a brother to a church family member who is hurting. Be a mentor to a “kid” at the church. Choose to live as part of a family.
Here’s some of what’s happening at Living Water in the near future…
POTLUCK and CONGREGATION MEETING January 13
On July 22 at our worship services we called on our congregation to pray for the Elders, asking for the Lord to give us wisdom and direction for the future of our church. We as a group of Elders had become convinced that the Lord wanted us to lead this church into a work of expanding our facilities. But we really wanted to hear from the Lord so we called the people of this church to prayer. If you’ve been one of those people praying for the Elder Board, thank you! We have had a wonderful series of meetings and times of prayer which has led us to a conviction about our next steps. The Elders are now ready to share their heart with you about the future. Please come Sunday, January 13 for a potluck lunch in the fellowship hall, followed by a special Congregational Meeting. The meeting itself will likely start between 1:00 and 1:15 pm. The Elder Board has become focused on is the prioritization of Discipleship Training and pursuit of Christian Education at Living Water. We want to share with you several things in connection with this emphasis, including the proposal of the construction of a Christian Education Community Building. As a faith family, let’s get together and talk about our future.
PRAYER AND FASTING EMPHASIS CONTINUES
I’m hearing some great reports about our current prayer emphasis! If you haven’t heard, we’re in the midst of a 21 day emphasis on prayer and fasting. Get started by downloading the Guidebook to your phone or Kindle athttps://converge.org/21-days-prayer-fasting and then scroll down to appropriate link. Start this week! We’re asking the Lord to lead our church to reach the lost and make disciples in 2019 and we are crying out to him for help to see breakthroughs in personal holiness.
PRAYER MEETING January 23
As part of the 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting lets meet together the evening of January 23rd at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall for a corporate time of praying together for our church, community and nation.
TAKE YOUR PARENT TO CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DAY – January 27
You’ve heard of take your kid to work day? Well on Sunday, January 27th all the children involved in Lily Pad and Kidsplash are going to have a chance to bring their parents into the Sprung Building to check out what they are doing and learning. Parents you’ll be getting more information but please plan on being at Living Water on Sunday, January 27th and learning about our children’s ministry. We want to come alongside you and help you bring your kids up in the nurture and instruction of the Lord.
WEDNESDAY IN THE WORD Starts January 30 – Understanding the Trinity
What is God like? Who is God? Does your view of God line up with what the Scriptures teach? This winter’s topic in Wednesday Night in the Word will be a study of the one God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Why do we Christians believe in the Trinity and what is it that we believe about it? Plan on Joining us at 6:30 on Wednesday Nights in the Fellowship Hall.
DATE NIGHT February 8
The Family Team’s next Date Night will be Friday, February 8th. The Valentine Day holiday puts a lot of expectations on marriages that might not be healthy. Our focus will be to talk about biblical love and serving our spouse in love in ways they can appreciate. Childcare available. RSVP to Cheryl O’Dowd This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 588-0121
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT LIVING WATER
- Waves Bible Quizzing meets from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the Sprung Building. This is elementary aged kids with the goal of helping them know the Word of God.
- Reign Youth Group meets at 6:30 pm in the Reign Building. This group is for teens from 6th grade through 12th grade.
- Wednesday Night in the Word meets from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall.
YOUTH GROUP WINTER CAMP February 8-10
February 8-10 the Reign Youth Group will be going to the “White Out” at Hesperus Camp (just west of Durango). It’s open to 6th-12th graders and it requires a $50 registration deposit. Please contact Cari Kincannon for more information: 505-350-8748 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
MEMBERSHIP CLASS February 10 and 17 at 10:45
Want to learn more about this church? Ready to become a member of Living Water? Attend the Membership Class in February. Meets from 10:45 till noon Sunday, February 10 and 17. RSVP to Pastor Bo 719-529-1204 orThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
BABY DEDICATIONS February 24
At Living Water we offer a time for parents to make a public statement of their desire for God’s grace upon their children and to dedicate them to the Lord. If you have an infant or toddler that you would like to be dedicated to the Lord in one of our worship services, please contact Pastor Jeron at 589-6351 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Anna Gearhart (Puddles Director) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Our next time for dedications will be Sunday, February 24
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING March 3
Join us on Sunday, March 3 for a potluck lunch and then our annual business meeting where we share reports from the past year, pass the new budget and make important decisions for our future.
BAPTISMS March 10
Baptism is a sign of one’s repentance and faith. It is an act in which you publically declare your trust and allegiance to Jesus. Ideally it should happen soon after a person has made the decision to follow Jesus. Have you started following Jesus but haven’t yet been baptized? The next baptisms will take place Sunday, March 10. Please contact Pastor Jeron (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 589-6351) if you are ready to obey Jesus in this area, or if you have questions.
COMMUNITY GROUPS
Contact Pastor Bo with any questions you have about joining a group. 719-529-1204 orThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
PLACES TO SERVE
Ephesians 4:16 says “from him the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” You have a role in ministry. If you are looking for a place to tie into the body and contribute here are some of the areas where you can plug in and serve (there are others areas not listed so if you have a particular passion for an area of service give Pastor Jeron a call and we will talk!). Over the next few weeks there might be some of these Teams or Ministries represented with tables in the lobby or the fellowship hall.
Worship Team (currently looking for qualified drummers, pianists) Pastor Collin Brooks –This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 720-427-2344
Décor Team – Melanie Jeppesen This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 719-496-7177
Outreach Team – Amy Scavezze This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 588-5753
Mission Team – John Clark This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 832-725-0616
Women’s Ministry Team – Beth Dillon This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 850-1406
Men’s Ministry Team – Larry Gardner This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 715-966-0616
Kitchen Team – Kay Curtis This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 588-9517
Safety Team – Randy Atkinson 588-2809
Family Team – Dennis & Cheryl O’Dowd This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 588-0121
Nursery – serve infants and toddlers and their parents during a worship service or during the week. Contact Anna Gearhart at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 469-0114
Children’s Ministry Life Guards – Sometimes the teachers of Lily Pad and Kidsplash need help and so they call on their “Life Guards” to assist with the children. Contact Becky McGee at 580-2834 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you can help Sunday mornings during the 10:45 service (worship at 9:00 am service, serve at 10:45 service)
Lily Pad – There are lots and lots of preschoolers – 1st Grade aged kids that are hungry for the Word of God and need to know of God’s love. Serve them through teaching or through activities during the 10:45 service (worship at 9:00 am service, serve at 10:45 service). Contact Becky McGee at 580-2834 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Kidsplash – There are lots of 2nd Grade – 5th Grade aged kids who need to meet Jesus and need to grow as disciples of Jesus. Serve them through teaching or through activities during the 10:45 service (worship at 9:00 am service, serve at 10:45 service). Contact ChrisAnn Zook at 719-850-9900 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Guest Services – As a church we always want to make people feel at home when they come to our worship services. We have lots of slots available for you to greet people at our doors or to serve people through the simple gesture of handing out bulletins and smiling. Contact Dave Haage at 719-298-2635 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Making Waves Bible Quizzing – Join other volunteers (on a regular basis or as a substitute) on Wednesday nights in helping kids learn and apply the scriptures. Contact Rosemary Bertin at 588-6304 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tidal Waves Bible Study – Sunday mornings at 10:45 am. Contact Krista Culver at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CHURCH APP
Living Water now has an App that you can download for Apple and Android Mobile Devices. You can use the app for such things as registering children for Puddles, Lily Pad and Kidsplash.
Thanks for reading!
Pastor Jeron
Published in
General Church News
THANKFUL AND EXCITED
It was approximately 5,745 days ago (I don’t know how the whole leap year thing works out) that my family and I drove into a cold San Luis Valley on a snowy night in early January and began our new life in Colorado. This week I’m thankful for my 15th anniversary of being a pastor at Living Water and these years have truly been the best part of my life. The Lord has been so good to the Parkins; we are so thankful for this church and for the blessings He has given. Thanks for loving us and allowing us to journey with you in your lives!
Yesterday (even in spite of the cold) I was so eager to come to the church office and start another year. I think a lot of this has to do with you because this church has for the last 15 years always been eager and ready to step out in faith. And you guys, we have such an opportunity in this valley to make a difference! People are suffering greatly and so many people don’t know the Lord so it just feels like we have been set up “for such a time as this” to be used by the Lord in 2019. Let’s not shrink back or be passive! May we be bold and step out in faith in Jesus’ name! Let us pray intently and fervently for the Lord to lead us in 2019. Have you been thinking about starting a Bible study or Community Group? Start it! Have you been looking for an opportunity to reach out to a coworker with the gospel? Begin! Have you been leaning towards volunteering in a certain area? Sign up! This is the time to serve the Lord! As a church we made a lot of changes in 2018 and I expect to keep pushing down the gas pedal in 2019.
There’s a great scene described in the beginning of the book of Acts where Jesus gave his disciples their mission: “You will receive power when the Holy spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). They (and we!) were to bring the gospel to the world, both near and far. But then he ascended into heaven and they were standing and staring at the sky: “And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heave as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven?’” (1:9-11). I love this! They are staring at the sky, in a daze, and the angels basically say, “Hey, why are you standing and staring? You’ve got work to do! “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (1:11). Jesus is coming back (which is our great hope!) but while he is away we need to get busy! He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) and we are to be serving in his name - working on the same mission - until he comes again. Let’s not be a church in 2019 that stands back in a daze while the world falls apart. Let’s step out boldly in Jesus’ name in the power of the Spirit and reach our valley for Christ!
Here’s some of what’s happening in the near future…
COMMUNION SUNDAY 9:00 and 10:45 am
Let’s prepare ourselves in the coming days to participate in the Lord’s Supper this Sunday. Has it been awhile since you’ve spent time with the Lord? Confessed your sins? Unburdened yourselves of your fears and anxiety? Let’s use this scheduled monthly time of worship as a motivation to privately examine ourselves and our walk with Jesus before coming to celebrate and remember his great act of love at worship services.
Just a reminder that during the time of communion we shut the doors to minimize the traffic in and out of the sanctuary to maintain our focus on the Lord. You can of course leave the sanctuary if need be, but we ask you not to re-enter until the completion of the Lord’s Supper so that others aren’t distracted.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY resumes this Sunday (Jan 6) during the 10:45 service
OUTREACH TEAM MEETING January 8
On Tuesday, January 8th at 7pm you are invited to come to the Outreach Team’s monthly meeting (front foyer of main building) and get an overview of the service projects we have planned for this year. We’ll also be discussing our agenda for a March Outreach to the local trailer park and how we will love and serve our neighbors who live there. Contact Amy Scavezze at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have questions.
THE MEASURE OF A MAN GROUP starts January 10th
Men you are invited to join other guys for a study about what it means to be a man who follows Jesus Christ. Greg Bervig will be leading this group starting Thursday morning, January 10th from 6:00 to 7:00 am in the Fellowship Hall. Breakfast served. Contact Greg Bervig This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to let him know you that you need a book.
POTLUCK and CONGREGATION MEETING January 13
On July 22 at our worship services we called on our congregation to pray for the Elders, asking for the Lord to give us wisdom and direction for the future of our church. We as a group of Elders had become convinced that the Lord wanted us to lead this church into a work of expanding our facilities. But we really wanted to hear from the Lord so we called the people of this church to prayer. If you’ve been one of those people praying for the Elder Board, thank you! We have had a wonderful series of meetings and times of prayer which has led us to a conviction about our next steps. The Elders are now ready to share their heart with you about the future. Please come Sunday, January 13 for a potluck lunch in the fellowship hall, followed by a special Congregational Meeting. The meeting itself will likely start between 1:00 and 1:15 pm. The Elder Board has become focused on is the prioritization of Discipleship Training and pursuit of Christian Education at Living Water. We want to share with you several things in connection with this emphasis, including the proposal of the construction of a Christian Education Community Building. As a faith family, let’s get together and talk about our future.
PRAYER AND FASTING EMPHASIS CONTINUES
We’re in the midst of a 21 day emphasis on prayer and fasting. If you haven’t started yet, no worries! Download the Guidebook to your phone or Kindle athttps://converge.org/21-days-prayer-fasting and then scroll down to appropriate link. Start this week! We’re asking the Lord to lead our church to reach the lost and make disciples in 2019 and we are crying out to him for help to see breakthroughs in personal holiness. The devotion from today set before us the three ends to fasting: “For we practice it either as a restraint on the flesh, to preserve it from licentiousness, or as a preparation for prayers and pious meditations, or as a testimony of our humiliation in the presence of god when we are desirous of confessing our guilt before him” (John Calvin).
TAKE YOUR PARENT TO CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DAY – January 27
You’ve heard of take your kid to work day? Well on Sunday, January 27th all the children involved in Lily Pad and Kidsplash are going to have a chance to bring their parents into the Sprung Building to check out what they are doing and learning. Parents you’ll be getting more information but please plan on being at Living Water on Sunday, January 27th and learning about our children’s ministry. We want to come alongside you and help you bring your kids up in the nurture and instruction of the Lord.
WEDNESDAY IN THE WORD Starts January 30 – Understanding the Trinity
What is God like? Who is God? Does your view of God line up with what the Scriptures teach? This winter’s topic in Wednesday Night in the Word will be a study of the one God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Why do we Christians believe in the Trinity and what is it that we believe about it? Plan on Joining us at 6:30 on Wednesday Nights in the Fellowship Hall.
YOUTH GROUP WINTER CAMP February 8-10
February 8-10 the Reign Youth Group will be going to the “White Out” at Hesperus Camp (just west of Durango). It’s open to 6th-12th graders and it requires a $50 registration deposit. Please contact Cari Kincannon for more information: 505-350-8748 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
MEMBERSHIP CLASS February 10 and 17 at 10:45
Want to learn more about this church? Ready to become a member of Living Water? Attend the Membership Class in February. Meets from 10:45 till noon Sunday, February 10 and 17. RSVP to Pastor Bo 719-529-1204 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
COMMUNITY GROUPS IN 2019 – Now is the time to start!
“How will I follow Jesus better this year than I did last year?” This is a question that we as Christians should ask ourselves around this time of the year with 2019 right around the corner. Another question we might as ask is, “How will I help others follow Jesus this year?” Both these questions are really asking about discipleship, which is our following of Jesus and helping others to do the same. We encourage you to ask yourself these questions and hope you find that Community Groups are the answer to both these questions. We can follow Christ better by being in fellowship with other believers that help us and hold us accountable in our walk with the Lord, giving us opportunity to help them as well. As you look to 2019, prayerfully consider joining a Community Group. Contact Pastor Bo with any questions you have about joining a group. 719-529-1204 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thanks for reading!
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” Psalm 121:1-2
Published in
General Church News
