Sunday Reflections - June 24, 2016

IT’S A GREAT SUMMER AT DEER FLAT!

Hello Deer Flat Family,

I’ll get right to it.  I’ve got a few things worth your consideration…

#1. A Bit of Time For Yourself? I hope you’re going to have a chance to run away for just a bit and catch some rest for your body and soul. I have been enjoying the long days and beautiful sunsets. A bit of vacation is always a plus. I have kept all of our traveling people in my prayers. Get away, and then get back here… because I miss you when you’re gone!

#2. Camps Are Starting – Monday kicks off Middle School Camp. There’s still time to get your kids signed up. These will be life changing experiences for all who attend. Memories will be made that will last forever, and so will the spiritual investment. Please keep these children and students, workers and camps in your prayers. We love seeing our children and youth encounter God!

#3. EXTREMELY IMPORTANT VOTE JULY 10 – As many of you know, we have a very important vote happening in just a couple of weeks. This will determine the direction for our future. I am asking that you prayerfully consider this significant next step for Deer Flat. The relocation of our Children’s Ministry plays a key role in our future with all of those young families we expect will come through our doors. Nothing will be more convenient than for a person to walk into the Church, have the sanctuary on one side, and the children just across the lobby on the other side. This new project will also include doubling the size of the lobby, additional restrooms, a more than adequate kitchen, and an incredible place for the children. Your vote will help us discover God’s will. Your vote will need to include a commitment. We are going to need a 75% positive vote and $2 million in pledged commitments. Cost of the overall project: $3 million.

The entire leadership team of Staff and Board believes that this is the right next step for Deer Flat. It is all driven by need. Each part of this project is so legitimate and it makes such good sense to do this. We are confident that God will provide the need to do this, just like He’s done for 108 years. Thank you for your steadfast faithfulness, generosity, and prayerful partnership in this important decision. And, thanks for helping make this an amazing summer!

Loving You and Him!

Pastor D

Sunday Reflections - June 13, 2016

AND A GREAT DAY WAS HAD BY ALL!

Deer Flat Family,

I can’t begin to tell you how you all blessed me yesterday! Your commitment to be at Deer Flat Church was nothing short of dedication. I was so touched by the turnout of my church family! THANK YOU!

It was an awesome day indeed! What fun I had sharing the breath-taking story of those early pioneering families who birthed the church that you and I have been so blessed by. I learned some wonderful things and had a chance to meet some new people as well.

One of the “down line” of those early pioneers was in church yesterday. He told me about the fact that his mother moved to the area when she was six. He shared how they took their earthly possessions and loaded them in their wagons.  Because those wagons were so full, the majority of those families walked from Nebraska to the sagebrush fields of S. Idaho. Talk about sacrifice and determination.

Because of that pioneering spirit and a heavy dose of daring faith, there was no looking back. These are critical ingredients for us to take into the future as we undertake the next step in God’s unfolding plan for Deer Flat Church. The building of a Children’s Ministry Center, doubling the current lobby, adding restrooms and an amazing kitchen will be no small task. 3 million dollars is no small amount.

But this is where a God who can do the impossible comes in. Nothing is too difficult for Him. How daring is your faith? How much do you trust Him? We have some BIG DECISIONS to make in July. Would you commit to really be praying about what part God would have you play? Would you have purposeful conversation with your spouse, family, or friends about what God could be saying to you? Yesterday’s responsiveness by the congregation was so wonderfully positive. I’m believing God is going to do something GREAT for His church and His people. Thank you for your partnership! I LOVE MY CHURCH!

God and Country is happening in just over two weeks. This is a piece that has been a part of 4^th of July celebrations in the Nampa, Caldwell area for a lot of years. This year is a big task and has a variety of very exciting venues to it. It includes the Louis Palau Evangelistic Association with Andrew Palau speaking.  There will also be a BMX Extreme Sports Exhibition, Concert, Freestyle Motocross Exhibition, food booths, fireworks and more. ENTRANCE TO THE EVENT IS FREE! During that evening of celebration, there will be a very clear and intentional presentation of the Gospel to all attending. At the close, there will be an invitation given. They are asking the churches of the Treasure Valley to provide people who would be glad to pray with anyone wanting to receive Christ.  A training class is planned for those who have an interest in being used during that invitation. Thursday evening the 16^th or 23^rd at 7 pm at City Pointe is when the training takes place. Would you prayerfully consider being a part of this important moment in someone’s life? GOD AND COUNTRY IS HAPPENING THIS YEAR ON JUNE 29^TH. 

People are the only treasures that we can lay up for ourselves in heaven. Your investment in someone’s eternity is HUGE. If you’ve never had a chance to be with someone who is giving their life to Christ, this is your moment to support them, pray with them and love them into the Family.

The Deer Flat Family is the most amazing group of people I know in the Treasure Valley and beyond. The heart to serve, give, share, pray and love is what sets Deer Flat apart from so many others who make a profession, but make no difference. Let’s make our lives count for something greater than ourselves!  See you Sunday!

Pastor D

Sunday Reflections - June 1, 2016

THE KIDS ARE COMING! THE KIDS ARE COMING!

That’s right, the kids are coming. In just over a week, we are going to have hundreds of children spending a week at Deer Flat Church. It’s time for VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL!  Every year we plan BIG. This year is no exception.

Julie and her amazing team have been preparing for a life changing week in the lives of all who come through our doors for this special event. This year’s theme is: SURFIN VBS!

If you haven’t registered your kids, grandkids, neighbor kids or your friends kids, you can do it very easily by just going to deerflat.org and click on the VBS promo.  WE WANT YOUR KIDS!

This is one of the major priorities of Deer Flat. We take investing in the children very seriously. This is one of the greatest things that we will ever do. Partnering with parents as they endeavor to get their children ready for Heaven is a calling for us. If we can introduce people to Christ while they are young, the fruit coming throughout the rest of their life is only measurable in eternity.

Throughout the year, week after week, the Children’s Ministry of Deer Flat plays a critical role. Week after week, children continue to invite their friends, experience life changing moments with Jesus, make new friends, and learn the Bible. They are being consistently equipped for their future. I couldn’t be more proud of the quality of ministry happening in both the Children’s Ministry arena and the Student Ministry arena. Julie and Martin have both developed strong ministry teams who make such great contributions. We are so blessed!

ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT SUNDAYS IN THE HISTORY OF DEER FLAT IS HAPPENING JUNE 12^TH. Don’t miss this one. Make it a priority.  Don’t let anything get in the way. ONE SERVICE – 10:30 AM. A full slate will happen for the children, nursery and Middle Schoolers. You’re going to hear the amazing story of Deer Flat, and then take a look 108 years later. This will be a great morning to invite a friend!

Personally, I can’t wait to share with you some very exciting details coming to Deer Flat Church. As we head into summer, let me just say, “THANK YOU” for staying so faithful in your giving and generosity. We closed out May meeting our budget. Summer is always a bit more challenging, but we’ve had almost 3 years of keeping the summer just as strong as the rest of the year.

I say it all the time, I mean it all the time: I LOVE MY CHURCH!  You guys are THE BEST!  See you Sunday!

Pastor D

Sunday Reflections - May 26, 2016

A SPECIAL LORD’S DAY AWAITS YOU AT DEER FLAT

Hello Deer Flat Family,

If you’re like me, you find yourself speeding into this holiday weekend, and then right into summer. I’m trying to figure out where the brake pedal is so I can step on it and slow things down a bit. Time seems to be passing me at a rate that I don’t like. I saw some roses that I wanted to stop and smell but the calendar was screaming at me, so I just glanced and said, “I’ll be back shortly.” If you’ve got just a few minutes you can spare, I’ll get you caught up on some things I think you’ll want to know.

#1. One Worship Service This Sunday – 10:30 am  Bring the family and enjoy a great morning where we get to have the whole church family together.

#2. Our Next CUFI Guest – Dr. Dany Tirza.  Col. Tirza is an outstanding leader in Israel. He was the designer and overseer of the Security Wall in Jerusalem. A decorated soldier and a key player in the Security of Israel. He will be speaking on Tuesday evening, June 14^th. Because we are in our Vacation Bible School week and our facilities will be changed for accommodating all the kids and the theme for the week, Treasure Valley Worship Center at 50 Spicewood Drive in Meridian will be hosting this event. It begins at 7 pm, and as always, it will be an unforgettable evening. Please mark this on your calendar and include a friend!

#3. AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT SUNDAY IN THE LIFE OF DEER FLAT CHURCH – JUNE 12. We will be having ONE SERVICE AT 10:30 with the whole church family. 108 YEARS LATER is our theme, and I will be sharing with you a look at our future and what it entails. This is a very important Sunday and I’d like to ask you to be sure to be there. Would you join me in reaching out to help spread the word so that no one misses. I am anxious to tell you about how God has been at work and what is laying just ahead. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE don’t miss this important Sunday!

#4. Check out the opportunities to help at Vacation Bible School and Summer Camps – Interested in serving? Why not consider these two opportunities. Simply contact the church office by phone or email: 208.459.3845 or deerflat.org

I can’t wait to see you this week. It’s going to be great!

Loving Him and loving you!

Pastor D

Sunday Reflections - May 19, 2016

AN EXCITING SUMMER AWAITS YOU AT DEER FLAT

HELLO DEER FLAT FAMILY!

I know it’s hard to believe but Summer is knocking at our door. This is one of the greatest times of the year. Long warm days, vacation, grazing through the fruit season, camping, BBQ’s, Vacation Bible School, and so much more. Let me tell you about just a few of the things coming this summer at Deer Flat.

#1 – VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL – This begins on June 13^th. This week is one of the most powerful and fun filled weeks in the life of the church, because it is all about the kids. Hundreds of kids will file through our doors to learn about the God of the Bible. They will make friends, have fun, laugh and learn. We will spoil them and they will “nag” you to bring them back. So bring your kids, invite your neighbors, bring your grandchildren, pick up some strays - and let us blanket them with love and make a deposit in them that will last for eternity. Julie and her team are ready to go.

#2 – JUNE 12th “108 YEARS LATER” - Whatever you do, don’t miss this special Sunday! We are 108 years old this year. THIS PARTICULAR SUNDAY WE ARE GOING TO ROLL OUT A PHENOMENAL GLIMPSE OF OUR FUTURE. I will be making an announcement about a major thing that God has lead us to. I promise you, this could lead us into the greatest days in the history of Deer Flat Church. I’m asking you to make this date a priority and not let anything get in the way. This is a super important day for the church family. We’ll celebrate about what God has been doing and then take a look at some amazing possibilities worth our consideration!

#3 – DARING FAITH – Have you ever believed God for the impossible? That takes some real dedication and ridiculous faith. During June, we’ll be taking a look at some people who were faced with overwhelming odds and see how their faith paid some huge dividends. This is going to be a great series for us as a congregation.

#4 – SUMMER CAMPS – Some of the most significant high memory making moments in the lives of people were the experiences that they had while attending a summer camp while they were young. This summer provides that same opportunity for all who attend our summer camps at Camp Cascade.  Children through seniors in high school will have a chance to make friends, enjoy the outdoors, and be exposed to great spiritual moments as they attend these special weeks set aside for the various age groups. You can get all of the information about these camps for your children and students by simply going to www.deerflat.org. This will be an investment you’ll never regret - and a quality of camp that you’ll really appreciate.

As you can see, there is a tremendous summer that awaits us at Deer Flat.  I can’t wait to see you this Sunday. Why not include a friend in these special opportunities! I Love My Church!

Pastor D

PS – If you would like to honor those who serve in law enforcement, the Annual Canyon County Police Officer Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 20th at Canyon Hill Church park in Caldwell beginning at 2 pm. To all who serve - we thank & appreciate YOU!

Sunday Reflections - May 5, 2016

THE MOST INCREDIBLE VOLUNTEERS ARE FOUND AT

DEER FLAT CHURCH

HELLO DEER FLAT FAMILY,

Week after week after week we are all recipients of the kind people who meet us, greet us, assist us, serve us, love on our children, invest in our students, rock our babies, sing and lead us in worship, and so much more.  There’s no way we could do what we do without our priceless volunteers.  To all of you who serve, whether it be frequently throughout the year or every week, THANK YOU FOR INVESTING IN ALL OF US AND OUR FAMILIES!

Perhaps you’ve noticed the number of new people who keep coming through our doors.  What a blessing!  Thank you for inviting your friends.  With is growth comes the need for MORE VOLUNTEEERS.

The greatest area of need currently is in our CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES AREA.  If you love kids, if you can only give one Sunday a month, if you have a heart to rock a baby and pray over their destiny, if you can be a “hall hero” and meet and greet kids, if you have a heart to teach and assist, then PLEASE contact Julie Walker, our children’s ministry leader or her capable assistant Larissa Esparza.  Catch them this Sunday or give them a call at the office.  208 459-3845.  You would make their day

!

With our Vacation Bible School just a month away, we could use a number of volunteers as well.  We expect some 300 children each of those days in June.  I ask that you prayerfully consider availing yourself to the Children of Deer Flat Church.

On a second note…

#1. A Great Sunday this Sunday as we honor the Mom’s and take another look at what God’s Word has to say regarding us being majorly included in God’s Kingdom.

#2. STANDING WITH ISRAEL SUNDAY – May 15^th.  This is one of those Sunday’s you don’t want to miss.  For sure you’re going to want to bring a friend!

I know it’s hard to believe, but in just a few weeks we’ll be into summer.  I am so glad to tell you that we have a phenomenal summer planned for Deer Flat.  I’ll be telling you more about it soon.  I can’t wait to see you this Sunday!

Loving You and Him,

Pastor D

Sunday Reflections - April 28, 2016

COME AND MEET THE STOOPS

Hey Deer Flat,

I am so thrilled to have Ryan, Katy, Eli and Lilly-Pearl with us for the weekend. We introduced them a few weeks ago on the big screen, but they will be with us in person beginning this evening.

Ryan’s responsibilities will be overseeing a large age group from College age through 40, which catches all of our Young Families. He will also be doing all of the usual pastoral duties that go along with Shepherding people. He and Katy bring many wonderful pluses to the table. They will be joining us full time by mid-June.

There is a “DROP BY AND SAY HI” event for all Young Families and College age this evening in the LOBBY at Deer Flat from 6:30-8:30 pm. I hope you can take advantage of this chance to welcome them and let them meet you. They will also be with us through Sunday. I am excited about them having a chance to meet you and experience what a great flock God is building at His church. 

All of us on Staff at Deer Flat feel so fortunate to serve here. We find so much fulfillment and joy being a part of such a great congregation. We are of all people most blessed! God is doing so many great things among us and we are enjoying some of the most significant days in the history of our church. Each of you are helping make that happen. Your heart, spirit, faithfulness, generosity, encouragement and prayers all combine to make Deer Flat a true New Testament Church, where God is at work among us, transforming and growing us to be more like Jesus. THANK YOU FOR BEING A PART OF SUCH AN OUTSTANDING FLOCK!

We begin a NEW SERIES this Sunday. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE “GRAFTED IN”?  This is a fascinating look at God’s plan to include us in His Kingdom. I think your heart will be very touched, your mind will be very challenged, and your soul will be well fed. Get ready to be exposed to one of the greatest mysteries of the Bible.

I can’t wait to see you this Sunday. It’s a perfect time to invite a friend!

I LOVE MY CHURCH.

Pastor D

PS: There is a group of us who meet for prayer each Sunday morning before the services in Room 13. I’d like to invite you to join us any time from 8-9 am. Your prayers make a HUGE difference!