A Letter to C3…

Why hello there C3…Here are a few things I want to share with you today.

1. I wanted to say thank you for allowing me to be in the position I am in. It’s such an honor to be a leader in this church. This summer I’ve had the opportunity to talk about all that has taken place here, and to be honest, it never gets old. I’m so thankful that God has called me to Cherryvale, KS, and I’m so thankful that He’s given me BIG dreams for His church in SE Kansas, and I’m so thankful that no matter how big my dreams are, HIS DREAMS ARE ALWAYS BIGGER!!! So, thank you…I know we’re just getting started!

2. For several months I’ve felt like I’ve been in survival mode. I know many of you have noticed because several have  asked “Andy, are you okay? You just don’t seem like yourself.” First off, thank you all for caring for me and my family enough to ask. Second, God gives us very clear teaching that we must rest and I was neglecting that teaching which led to me being in “survival mode.” However, this past week my family and I took the time to rest…and it was AWESOME! I stayed in my PJ’s for nearly 4 straight days (is that too much info?). Anyways, Long story short, I feel rested and rejuvenated and I can’t wait to partner with you all as we see Jesus spread like wild fire through our community and our region.

3. With all that said, I am so pumped for this fall. There could be some very exciting announcements and changes coming our way as we kick off this fall. As we prepare for the fall here are a few things I want to share with you.
- I want us to continue to be a church for people who don’t like church. I want us to reach the people that no one else is reaching. I want to us to teach people how to apply the scriptures in a way that it totally changes our lives. If you can help us reach the unchurched with the love and grace of Jesus, then please help…By the way…ALL OF US CAN HELP!
- My prayer is that as a church we will become so consumed by Jesus that we have to share who He is and what He’s done in our lives with those around us.
- I have a friend in the church who told me that he had a dream, and in the dream there was this huge open field, when all the sudden a little spark grew into a raging wild fire consuming everything in its path. He went on to tell me that he believes that’s what God is wanting to do through our church in this community, region, country,  world…and I couldn’t agree more. Please pray that Jesus will use us to spread His message and His love like a raging wild fire consuming everyone in its path.
- As the fall approaches and life begins to get back to “normal” for many of us, please continue to ask God to do big things in and through our church. In Lk. 11 Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray and in verse 8 He tells them to pray with “shameless persistence.” Asking. Seeking. Knocking. Asking. Seeking. Knocking. Please pray like this for our church. Asking God to do more than we could ever ask or imagine.

4. On Sunday August 21st right after church (lunch will be provided) we are going to have another of our 101 classes. If you would like more information on the church, who we are, why we do what we do, or if you would just like the opportunity to ask questions this is the class for you. If you would like to be a part of this class please email me at andy@cherryvalechristian.org so we can know how many to plan on for lunch.
Also, On Sunday August 28th we are putting on a service at the Cherryvale Nursing Home. We would love to have as many of you as possible come serve with us. More information on this coming very soon.

Alright, I’ve rambled enough…Thank you all for being the church you are! I can’t wait to see you all on Sunday!

Striving to Love God, Love People, and Serve the World

Andy

2011
08/09
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Accountability or Judgment

This past Sunday I got on a little bit of a soapbox about how judgmental we, as Christians, can be. To be completely honest I don’t regret anything that I said; however, after the service I had this feeling in my stomach that I might have caused some people to shy away from accountability for the fear of feeling like they are judging another person. Accountability is a vital part of the Christian community and is something that Jesus constantly practiced. So I wanted to share several distinctions between accountability and judgment.

Before I get into the list, the type of accountability I am talking about is done between Christians. There is no reason to expect someone who doesn’t claim to have any allegiance to Jesus to live as if they have wholly surrendered their lives to Him. With that said, here’s the list…

Accountability is done face to face, one on one (unless it’s a matter where you need to have another person with you.)
Judgment is often done away from the other person’s presence.

Accountability is wanting to see the person’s relationship with Jesus restored.
Judgment is wanting to see the other person destroyed.

Accountability is motivated out of love for the other person.
Judgment is normally motivated out of spite or ill-will for the other person.

Accountability doesn’t mean you are perfect
Judgment shows that we think we’re perfect.

Accountability seeks wisdom.
Judgment goes on a whim or what they perceive to be true. Then talk as if it’s 100% fact.

Every part of Accountability is humble. It’s all about vulnerability.
Judgment is rooted in pride and arrogance.

Accountability is always done in private.
Judgment is done in public.

Holding someone Accountable is something that is earned through a relationship.
Judgment is carelessly thrown around.

Accountability is sought after.
Judgment does not seek permission.

Accountability does not desire to share other’s struggles with anyone else.
Judgment shares any and all information with others just as a topic of conversation.

I don’t want us to shy away from accountability, but I want us to be sure we are going about it the right way. I believe the Apostle Paul gave us a key piece of advice in 1 Cor. 13:1-3 where he says that we can do anything, but if we don’t have love, it’s pointless.

2011
04/19
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Uncomfortable

I hate being uncomfortable. I hate being in crowds that are too big, I hate long trips in annoying pants, I even get annoyed after a few days growth with the feeling of my measly beard. I hate speaking to a group of people and losing my train of thought right in the middle of the message. I hate seeing people when I know that in some way I’ve wronged them.
However for a long time I’ve known when it comes to our relationship with Jesus there are seasons that we are going to be uncomfortable. We all want to think that God is just calling us to do what we can do, and leave the rest for someone else. It’s like we think He wants us to be a part of some new sect of LazyBoy Christianity. As long as I can do it from where I am without exerting too much effort, I’m all in.
The main problem with this is as long as we are just focusing on what WE CAN DO, we’ll never know what HE CAN DO! In fact, I honestly can’t think of a single time in scripture to where followers of Jesus were called to be comfortable. Instead, Jesus told His disciples to Go (Mt. 28:18-20)! And once they went, with the exception of John, they all died a martyrs death. I think of Paul, a man who has possibly brought more people to Jesus than anyone else in history. He was ship-wrecked, beaten, left for dead, thrown out of cities, imprisoned time and time again (2 Cor. 11:23-28). But these guys understood something that I know from time to time I miss. They knew that the message they were giving was so important that it didn’t matter how uncomfortable they were, they knew it had to be done. They lived with a sense of urgency. They knew the consequences that NOT sharing this message would have.

I believe that it’s time for the Church to start being uncomfortable in several ways. But at the top of the list I hope we are uncomfortable with the fact that people are dying and heading to a Christ-less eternity. I pray that we become so uncomfortable with this fact that it causes us to lose sleep. It causes us to GO. To have the hard conversation. To love the one who frankly “doesn’t deserve” our love. To serve recklessly. To  never give up on people. To do things that make us uncomfortable (in relation to our identity in Jesus) for the simple reason that Loving God. Loving People. and Serving The World is not a comfortable thing to do. But it’s definitely worth it.

2010
11/04
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To: C3 From: Duncan Ellis

As many of you may know, Duncan and his family have been coming to the church for the past several months. During that time Duncan has surrendered his life to Jesus. However, because of some things that happened in his past Duncan has been sentenced to nearly 4 years in prison. With that said, Duncan has written a letter to you and a prayer for you. And he’s asked me to share it with you all.
Here’s what he said…
“I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for your support. Thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you all for being there for my family. Thank you for all my family to join your family in Christ.
It’s not going to be easy. But we will make it with your help, lots of prayer, and Jesus Christ in our hearts and His Spirit guiding us.
I would also like everyone to know, I will not go back to my old ways! I will continue to grow and learn what God’s will and way is for me, my family, and my fellow Christians. I will walk down God’s path! We will fight Satan together! We will win! Praise the Lord!”
Duncan Ellis
Duncan also wrote the following prayer and asked me to share that with you as well.
“Father in Heaven as we speak to you today, thank you for giving Your wonderful Son for salvation. Without your gracious love, it would not be possible for us to have a road to You. Thank You Jesus for the love and great sacrifices you gave so that I may go to Heaven and see my Father and His great Kingdom!
Father in Heaven, in Jesus’ name I thank you for bringing me out of the devil’s pit. As I lay down in front of you, I beg for your forgiveness! As I forgive those who trespass against me. Thank you for this church! Thank you for this family! Be with us as we unite and grow as one! God bless each and every one!
Thank You Father!
Amen”

We all know the feeling of being abandoned. We all know what it feels like to be alone. My prayer is that we are a church for the abandoned and the alone.  That we can be a place where the broken can find a place to be accepted and where the heart of Jesus is communicated in such away to let us know we are not alone.

Please keep Duncan and his family in your prayers.

2010
11/02
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What If The Pharisees Had Facebook?

Facebook. Myspace. Twitter. This social networking thing has gotten way out of control. It’s unbelievable how many people take part in these social networks. Personally, I have a facebook page (personal page and  church page), a twitter account, and a blog. It is beyond me why I think people would want that much Andy Turner.
For those who are not in on the social networking scene, let me explain how it works. Basically you write down what you are doing or thoughts that you have and you click “share.” Immediately everyone who you are “friends” with knows exactly what you are doing or thinking. Some times these “statuses” are very funny, some are absolutely ridiculous, and some can even be thought provoking. People use this network for a variety of reasons, some will just share what they are doing, others will flirt with that special someone, some will use it to advertise, and still others will use for a political agenda. It’s unreal the type of stuff you can find on facebook.
But have you ever wondered what people from back in the day would have written about? Just imagine what Abraham Lincoln would have posted. Or what about Martin Luther King Jr.? Unreal. What about Jesus? Or what about the Pharisees? You know the rule followers. The people smashers. The flat out haters. If the pharisees had facebook in the first century what do you think they would have written about? For the next several weeks that’s what we are going to talk about. You know what the scary thing is? What they would have written may sound eerily familiar to what’s in our hearts.

This sermon series came about from a blog I read by Perry Noble.

2010
03/04
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Sunday Reflections – February 7, 2010

Yesterday was a great day at c3. There is just something about seeing lives changed by the power of the gospel. In Hebrews 4 it says that the word of God is living and active. I believe that’s what we saw yesterday – the living and active word of God penetrating and changing lives. That’s good stuff!
Here are a few of the things that stand out to me about yesterday….

- God is in the process of doing a major overhaul on many of our lives at c3 (Eph. 3:20-21)
- This month is going to be powerful. I believe with everything in me that God is going to respond to our fasting and praying in a BIG way! If we ask, He answers. If we seek, we find. If we knock, He opens the door. If you are down to fast this month…BE READY…you are going to be attacked by the evil one, BUT IT WILL BE WORTH IT!
-  There are certain things that God EXPECTS us to do (Mt. 6)
- Satan is already attacking and trying to distract us from what God’s doing. Before church yesterday was interesting to say the least. Thankfully because of who Jesus is, the gates of Hell cannot overcome His truth!
- God hears our prayers. Last week I prayed a lot of lives to be changed this Sunday. For decisions to be made this Sunday. And GOD DID IT!
- I am humbled to serve with such a compassionate church!
- I believe that as we talk about surrender this month, that there are still many who need to COMPLETELY surrender to what God has for  us. Remember, He has a plan and He has a purpose – will we surrender to that this month? Surrender is a necessity if you want to see Jesus!
-  I realized I am OLD! During our Grudge Bowl I found out that I am not near as quick as I once was and my arm is not near what it was a few years ago…not to mention the fact that I can barely move today!
- Our high school students should be hired by the Big 12 schools to recruit for their football programs! After seeing the recruiting job they did yesterday for the Grudge Bowl I believe they could recruit anywhere…
- The Super Bowl was a good game and I was happy to watch it with some good friends.

To finish off our month long fast we are going to have a 24 Hr. Prayer on Saturday the 27th into the morning of Sunday the 28th. There will be a sign-up sheet available this Sunday. If there is a certain spot you want to sign up for feel free to email me ( andy@cherryvalechristian.org ) and I will get you on the list immediately. We are throwing some new stuff into this 24 Hr. Prayer…just a word of advice 30 minutes really may NOT be enough time.

I am pumped for this Sunday to see what God has in store for us. This week my prayer is that God will continue to change lives and that there will be even more decisions made for Him this weekend.

I hope you all have a great week and I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday!

2010
02/08
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The Basics

Back to the basics. Have you ever wondered what Jesus expects our Christian lives to look like? Personally, I have thought about it quite a bit in my life. Does Jesus REALLY expect us to be baptized, pray, fast, give, study, worship, etc. Or is that just something He would LIKE for us to do, but not EXPECT us to do? As I’ve looked at the scripture I’ve come to a very clear conclusion. Yes, Jesus loves it when we worship, study,  and pray. BUT if we claim to be Jesus followers, He also EXPECTS us to do those things. There are several situations all through the gospels where this is made very clear. In fact, during the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6 Jesus says “WHEN you give…” “WHEN you pray…” and “WHEN you fast….” I don’t know about you, but to me those are words of expectation. If Jesus didn’t expect us to do those things, but instead just likes for us to do them, He would have said “IF you pray…” “IF you give…” and “IF you fast…”
The simple fact that Jesus expects this out of us as Christians is the entire purpose of our sermon series called “The Basics.” Jesus has called ALL of us to a life of worship and surrender, but as soon as we accept Him as the King of our lives not only do we have that call, but we also have that expectation.

2010
02/04
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Sunday Reflections

Wow! What a day we had at c3 yesterday. After Heather and I left the church she asked me if I was excited or pumped about everything that took place yesterday morning. I thought about her question for a minute and then I responded that I was just completely in awe of everything God is doing. After that conversation I had the opportunity to go with a group of about 22 c3ers to a homeless shelter in Joplin. Long story short, there we were able to see God in such a clear way.We walked in humbled by what God had done that morning and we left completely in awe of His love. In case you missed it I will try my best to summarize what took place yesterday.

1. God can do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine. Every time I hear Isabelle’s story I am completely blown away. Honestly I think I would be blown away if this story involved a 30 year old missionary, but when you think about this girl being only 8 years old, it’s beyond words. The fact that this 8 year old girl has now raised enough money to build an entire village for orphans in Haiti is way more than I could ever imagine. But thank God it’s NOT bigger than Him.

2. People gave from their hearts. The Redfords walked into the church yesterday about $1000 short of Isabelle’s 7th home, but when they left they were more than a $1000 closer to Isabelle’s 8th home. I set a challenge of $1000 for our church, so we could finish off the 7th home. However, nearly $2100 was given to help with this mission.

3. I am so lucky to be able to serve with the people of c3. I can’t believe God has allowed me to have a front row seat for all He’s doing in Cherryvale. Last night I was extremely encouraged by all the people who gave up their evening to go serve at a homeless shelter.

4. People are striving to have the heart of God. I noticed to this NUMEROUS times yesterday. Yesterday we asked the question “does your heart break for the things that break the heart of God?” and people answered with a resounding YES! Man, words cannot express how that makes me feel. If we are going to become more like Jesus we must strive to have a heart like His.

Yesterday was one of those days where I sit back and say “thank you Jesus.” There is no other way to describe what took place yesterday other than to say that we saw the heart of Jesus.

Ps. Isabelle has a blog that is updated often. If you are interested it is http://artsfororphans.blogspot.com

2010
01/25
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Memory Lane

For our Christmas Eve services this year our theme is going to be “Memory Lane.” Christmas is so much about our memories. Our memories of family, friends, traditions, food, and obviously Jesus. Last night I was at my dad’s show and during the Christmas portion they told a story I’ve heard before about opposing soldiers in WWII. Last night the story made me think of the church. If the birth of Jesus can bring opposing forces together in WWII shouldn’t it be able to do the same with our enemies (friends, family, Church, etc) today?

I can’t think of a better memory to make this holiday season than reconciling a relationship that has been non-existent for some time. Whether that relationship is with a parent, grandparent, former friend, former spouse, or even Jesus.

When you look at the life and the purpose of Jesus it’s impossible not to see the reconciling spirit He lived His life with. I don’t know of anything that would bring more glory to Jesus than if all of us would be willing to come together with our “enemies” to reconcile for the simple reason that reconciling us to God is the main purpose of Jesus coming to this earth (aka – the Christmas Story).

I’m excited for both of our Christmas Eve services. This year we will have one service begin at 6 p.m. and the other will start at 11 p.m. So come hang out with us as we take a stroll down Memory Lane.

2009
11/27
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Annual Thoughts

It never fails. Every single year beginning on Thanksgiving (while watching football) and running through the rest of the holiday season I have this re-occuring thought. Why are we more generous, more thoughtful, and more thankful during this time of year? Are others pain and suffering any less real the other 11 months of the year? Don’t get me wrong, I love seeing the generosity that is shared during this time of the year, but I can’t help but wonder what it would look like if we kept this same view all year around. Would there be fewer in need? Would more people know they are loved?  What would it look like? I have a feeling it would look a lot like the church found at the end of Acts 2.

I don’t know how much truth can be found in this thought, but it just makes me wonder what would happen is being thankful, thoughtful, and generous became who we are and not just something we do.

Just a re-occurring thought – Happy Thanksgiving.

2009
11/26
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