Church Requel Blog - Writings of Mark Pierce

The Good, The Bad & The Snuggly

Good Friday morning Church Requel!

It's great to be back writing to you on Friday morning from my dining room. I look out my window and can think of each one of you - praying for many of you as I consider your specific needs. We are an interdependent church! Not independent... none of us can go it alone. Not dependent entirely either. Interdependent! Dependent fully upon God and upon one another, yet also - through God's strength - providing support and love to one another.

Sermon This Sunday: "The Good, The Bad & The Snuggly." All of which leads me to our topic for Sunday from Luke 8:9-17.  I have really enjoyed my prep time for this week's talk. I had lots of questions as I studied...

When is right living wrong? How can wrong living be turned right? Shouldn’t we live the best life we can? How are we as an imperfect people “just” before a perfect God? Does God grade on a scale, assuming none of us can live up to his standards? And what could living as children possibly have to do with all of these questions?

We’ll do our best to answer all these questions. Maybe you could be thinking about this passage too between now and Sunday. If you do study these verses, think about one more question: Why did Luke place the story of Jesus and the children immediately after the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector? I see a connection. Do you?

Speaking of children... This Sunday will be the first Sunday of the month and that means our children will be very much involved in our worship plans. As you can see from the photo on the left, Leia Walker will be joining her mom, Brandi, and Grandma Cindy in leading our worship singing. I loved watching Leia in rehearsal last night. Even while practicing Leia raises her hand in praise to our Lord Jesus!

Lincoln Pierce will be delivering our announcements this Sunday. As his grandpa I can tell you that he is very excited about this and has been practicing!

Lincoln's brothers, Grayden and Cohen, will be serving behind the scenes alongside their dad, Jonathan, in the tech booth.

Anna Scott has prepared to play her flute during our offertory! Doesn't that sound super special?

Thanks to all the parents who have worked with their children - making it possible for them to participate each month in our worship. Thanks also to Brandi Walker, who works a little "above and beyond" to schedule our children and give them a positive church experience.

This Sunday - AFTER the sermon - we'll invite ALL the children to come up front with Pastor Mark to talk about "The Good, The Bad & The Snuggly." Let's find out together what learned!

Thanks Cindy! And while I'm thanking people - I need to extend a special "thank-you" to Cindy Lou Thoman, who is such a vital part of our congregation. It's been just over a year since she experienced God's calling to teach our young teens every week. As the grandfather of a teenager in our church, I really appreciate the special attention our kiddos receive from her.

On the first Sunday of the month, when she's not teaching, Cindy sings on the praise team. The photo on the right is the evidence of her work on leading the worship music just right! In case you think getting up front and leading the music doesn't take lots of effort - read all of her notes she has on just one song! Thanks Cindy for your dedication!

Coming Up - Splash Park on July 8th! One week from tomorrow we will gather together up at the Kroc Center Splash Park located at the YMCA -  527 East Liberty Street in Ashland. This will be our third or fourth year to go up for some water fun. If you like to enjoy a special time with your Church Requel friends, you won't want to miss this!

So what happens? We have rented a super-duper nice pavilion close to all the water (but far enough away that you won't get wet if you don't want.) Our young children need no prompting! They can't wait to get to the water fun. But if you're older and you're not interested in "wet," - no worries! You can just hang out.

We will bring a speaker and jam some Beach Boy music. You can bring a lawn chair if you want something more comfortable than a picnic table at which to sit. Or you can bring a beach towel if you want to soak up some of the sun's rays. The lawn up at the Kroc Center is always beautiful and immaculate. Everyone should bring a sack lunch and something to drink.

This is a great event for the entire church family - old and young alike! If you have young children in your home or in your neighborhood or you have grandchildren - what a great opportunity for very little expense! If you're just young at heart with no youngsters nearby (and you all are - I know!) then just come and hang out with your church family. We meet at 11am and we depart a mere two hours later, ready for our afternoon siestas!

Even If... Finally - a note to all who are struggling right now. Struggling with physical issues. Struggling with relationships. Struggling with finances. Struggling with hope and faith. Be encouraged. God is with you, even when you cannot feel Him or know He's there.

Last night during our rehearsal, Cindy and Brandi practiced a new song by MercyMe called "Even If." The lyrics were so affirming:

It's easy to sing
When there's nothing to bring me down
But what will I say
When I'm held to the flame
Like I am right now

I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone

Coming back to the topic at the top of this letter, no one can do this alone. You are not alone. You are part of a church family that loves and cares for you. Even better, you are loved by a Heavenly Father Who will never forsake you. When you are not able, know that God can. Our hope is in Him alone.

Love you all much! Hope to see you Sunday morning! - Pastor Mark

Persistent Prayer & Justice

Good Friday morning Church Requel!

As I write this to you this morning, I am close to completing my Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure. So far I've biked from Findlay to Tiffin to Upper Sandusky to Bellefontaine. This morning I am making the 61 mile journey to Kenton. Tomorrow morning, if all goes well, I will return to Findlay - where Mary Kay will be waiting to take me home!

This has been my 9th GOBA that I have participated in over the years. This year I was joined with 1500 other bicycling enthusiasts. Every night we tent camped in a different location. It's like a moving city! I really am loving it!

But I also love it when I'm with you - and in a couple days we'll be together again at Church Requel! YAY!

Special Artist Sunday - Natalie Grant. Brandi, Missie and Trish will lead all of us in worship songs all written by or made famous by Natalie Grant. Our countdown video will feature "Hurricane." Brandi will sing an opener, "Live For Today." Our worship songs will be "Your Great Name, " "King Of The World," "In Better Hands," and "Be One." This trio of ladies will also sing another special song, "Clean," also by Natalie Grant. Thank you so much ladies for your preparation for our worship experience Sunday!

 Our sermon Sunday will be titled, "Persistence, Prayer and Justice." In Jesus’ famous sermon about the persistent widow and the corrupt judge, we learn about what God expects of our prayer life. What is the connection between our desire for justice, our avoidance of revenge, and our need for faith? We’ll try to connect all the dots as we study Luke 18:1-8. If you have ever struggled with just giving up on your prayer life, then this talk is for you! Jesus wants us to pray and pray some more, when things are going right!

Splash Park - July 8th! Our next fun summer Church Requel event will be here before you know it! On Saturday, July 8th we will all gather at 11am at the Splash Park in Ashland, Ohio for two hours of wet fun.  Plan to meet at 11am at the Kroc Center Splash Park, 527 East Liberty Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805. Bring a sack lunch and a towel with you when you come. This event is FREE and fun for kids of all ages. Check out this photo from last year's Splash Park event:

Indians Game Signup Begins Sunday! We have gone to an Indians game together for several years now. It's always so much fun! This year we are heading up to Cleveland on Friday night, September 8th. The game begins at 7:10pm. The night will also feature dollar dog night AND fireworks after! 

So why are we talking about this in June when the event is not until September? The tickets are priced at $21 each and we have to pay them ahead of time. So we need you all to make your decision to go now AND to pay up now so that we can finalize the transactions with our Cleveland Indians agent.

Brandi Walker is heading up this fun event, so please let her know if you are planning to go and then get your money to her as soon as possible.

Finally, as I wrap up this week's newsletter, I just want to thank all of you for giving me this week to restore and refresh. My legs may be tired, but my spirit is not! I'm looking forward to our time together this Sunday morning!

Love you all much! - Pastor Mark

Apocalypse Sunday Morning!

Good Friday morning Church Requel!

Did that title get your attention? Ha! Ok... I'm not predicting the actual Apocalypse this Sunday - though with all the predictions out there, I'm sure someone must be predicting this Sunday to be THE day - I AM planning to teach you what Jesus has to say about the topic. So here's what we're calling Sunday's sermon -

Seems to me this should be a pretty well-attended worship experience. You DO want to know the details, right? Brandi and I really enjoyed preparing this talk for you! It's going to be pretty special.

Big Praise Team Sunday! And speaking of "special," our praise team Sunday morning promises to be pretty special too. I had the privilege of running the sound for them last night. Seven dedicated singers came prepared and worked hard - and looked like they really enjoyed themselves too! Thank you Aaron, Brandi, Brian, Makayla, Chris, Tamara and Bessica! 

They will be leading worship songs you all know and love: "Heart of Worship" by Matt Redman, "Forever Reign" by Hillsong, "This I Believe" by Hillsong, and "All The People Said Amen" by Matt Maher.

Brandi has also prepared a special song to sing for you while you are taking communion. It's called "Spirit of The Living God" by Vertical Worship.

And - of course - it will be Father's Day on Sunday! YAY! So we will open with a pretty cool countdown video called, "Cards For Dad." Mucho Humorous! I suggest you come early so you don't miss a moment!

Community Night Of Worship - Tuesday at 7pm. And speaking of not missing a moment - make sure you make plans to come to the Renaissance Theater this coming Tuesday evening... and here again I would suggest you come early so you can sit with your other Church Requel friends. All the area churches will be gathering together and will be led by local worship leaders, including our own Brandi Walker!

Here is a pretty cool video about this special worship event:

Night Of Worship 2017 from Crossroads Community Church on Vimeo.

Splash Park - July 8th! Our next fun summer Church Requel event will be here before you know it! On Saturday, July 8th we will all gather at 11am at the Splash Park in Ashland, Ohio for two hours of wet fun.  Plan to meet at 11am at the Kroc Center Splash Park, 527 East Liberty Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805. Bring a sack lunch and a towel with you when you come. This event is FREE and fun for kids of all ages. Check out this photo from last year's Splash Park event:

Indians Game Signup Begins Sunday! We have gone to an Indians game together for several years now. It's always so much fun! This year we are heading up to Cleveland on Friday night, September 8th. The game begins at 7:10pm. The night will also feature dollar dog night AND fireworks after! 

So why are we talking about this in June when the event is not until September? The tickets are priced at $21 each and we have to pay them ahead of time. So we need you all to make your decision to go now AND to pay up now so that we can finalize the transactions with our Cleveland Indians agent.

Brandi Walker is heading up this fun event, so please let her know if you are planning to go and then get your money to her as soon as possible.

Personally, I'm planning to take my son and his 3 boys with me and making it a fun guys night out. Who is special in your life that you might want to invite?

An Update on Jenny Repp. Yesterday I drove down to Columbus and spent a few hours with Dave and Jenny Repp. I was pleased to find Jenny sitting up in her bed. She looked so much better than the last time I visited her. She could talk to me, but I struggled to understand. Dave translated most of it for me. I told Jenny that there isn't a day that goes by that we don't all keep praying for her. She wanted me to tell all of you "Thank-you!"

Please keep being faithful in your prayers for Jen. Specifically, let's pray for the doctors to have wisdom in their recommendations. Pray for Dave and Jenny's finances. It will soon be a full five months of hospitalization and their Medicare coverage may be running out. Pray for encouragement for them. One thing Jenny said to me, which I could completely understand, was this: "There is NO REST." She is tired. They're also frustrated with the last month's set-back from a spell of pneumonia.  They feel like they were further ahead a month ago than they are now. Mostly, of course, pray for healing. When I saw her yesterday she still had the trach vent and feeding tube in. Pray for her to grow stronger each and every day.

And - if you get the chance - please write a card or note to Jenny and let her know you are praying and thinking of her. They showed me a bag full of cards they have received. One person - who wishes to remain anonymous - has been faithfully writing almost every day. So thank you all for the faithful prayers and support you've given so far. Don't falter in your faithful support. They need it now more than ever.

Here is the address you can use to send a card or letter: OSU Medical Center - Ross Building, 410 West 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210. Room #4020.

I asked Dave about visitors coming down. They are always desirous of seeing you all - but do call Dave first before going. Some days are better for visitation than others. Also there are very limited visiting hours. She is still in a critical care unit. So check before going.

Keep praying for Jack Nichols, Amie Medina, and Loni Nauman as well. Also pray for Nancy Roop and her family as Larry's mom suffered a stroke this past week and is not expected to survive. Such sad news - our hearts and prayers go out to all who need it right now.

Love you all much! - Pastor Mark

More Than Clean [Video Sermon]

Challenges in our lives demonstrate our need of a Savior and draw us to Christ. But what about when things are going well in our lives? What keeps us in need of Jesus? Today we learn the story of the grateful Samaritan and the surprising purpose of thanksgiving in the lives of authentic Christ-followers.

More Than Clean from Mark Pierce on Vimeo.

Follow along with the online sermon notes or download the PDF fill-in-the-blanks sermon outline.

More Than Clean [Podcast]

Challenges in our lives demonstrate our need of a Savior and draw us to Christ. But what about when things are going well in our lives? What keeps us in need of Jesus? Today we learn the story of the grateful Samaritan and the surprising purpose of thanksgiving in the lives of authentic Christ-followers.

Follow along with the online sermon notes or download the PDF fill-in-the-blanks sermon outline.

Click to Listen!

Podcast: Subscribe in iTunes | Play or Download in new window.

Huge Quintuple Of Days For Church Requel

Good Friday morning Church Requel!

The next 5 days are huge for our church. I don't know exactly how we scheduled these pentamerous days together like this. It will probably remain a quinary mystery. But I say we celebrate these quintuple dates! Ok... enough of the five synonyms. What's going on? 

Tonight - Kelly’s Putt Putt. Our first summer FUN event is coming up tonight! We’ll all meet at Kelly’s Dairy Bar and Miniature Golf located at 1280 S. Main Street. This will involve fun for kids of all ages so make sure y’all come! Old fashioned burgers, fries, milkshakes, ice cream, miniature golf, and lots of family fellowship together! We’ll start at 5:30 pm. I will see you there!

Important UPDATE! I received this notice this morning about a special benefit Kelly's Dairy Bar is running to help kids in need: IN COOPERATION WITH SOKS TO KIKS BENEFIT... Bring down a new pair of socks for elementary age kids and receive a free round of mini golf. Bring in a new pair of shoes for elementary age kids and receive a single person season pass for mini golf. Let's help kids in need!!

Saturday - Neighborhood Meal. We serve our neighbors a warm, healthy, free meal tomorrow night. We will need volunteers to arrive by 4 pm and plan to serve util 6:30 pm. We would also appreciate your donations of desserts to share. Please help us be God’s hands and feet as we share His love with those around us.

Sunday - Makayla's Grad Party. We will celebrate Makayla's high school graduation immediately after church downstairs in the fellowship hall. Stick around to let Makayla know how much you love her! Sheri tells me that the meat has been provided. If anyone wants to bring food bring veggies, chips or other side dishes. Stick around after church to let Makayla and her family know how much you love her and support her!

Sunday's Worship -  Brandi, Missie and Trish will lead our worship singing Sunday with FIVE worship songs. (Notice I didn't use the words quintuple, quinary or pentamerous, though you know I was tempted.) Our trio of worship leaders also plans to sing a special song, "Jesus Loves Me," by Chris Tomlin, right before we take communion together.

Our sermon Sunday comes from Luke 17:11-19, which I've entitled "More Than Clean." Challenges in our lives demonstrate our need of a Savior and draw us to Christ. But what about when things are going well in our lives? What keeps us in need of Jesus? Sunday we will learn the story of the grateful Samaritan and the surprising purpose of thanksgiving in the lives of authentic Christ-followers.

Watoto Children’s Choir. We will be hosting the Watoto Children’s Choir next Tuesday, June 13 at 7 pm. Many of you watched with wonder as they sang for us two years ago. This children’s choir has travelled extensively since 1994, sharing a message of hope for Africa’s orphans and widows. Please join us for a vibrant worship experience.

I believe Paul has all the host families he needs for that evening. However, he wrote me yesterday and asked if there were two or three people who would be willing to help out with the merchandise tables before and after the concert. If you are available to help please contact Paul at 419.571.9920.

That's a pretty busy next 5 days, don't you think? We have one more June event to be reminded about...

Community Night Of Worship. Join us for a Community Night of Worship at the Renaissance Theatre downtown.  On June 20th all the area churches will join together as regional worship leaders, including our own Brandi Walker, leads us into a night of praise to our Lord. The event begins at 7pm, but I would advise our church to get there early so we can all sit together. This event is free and all are welcome!

Keep Praying! I received some mixed news this week about Jenny Repp. Dave called me and told me that Jenny has been fighting infections and has been back on the oxygen much more because of it. He told me it's been a pretty tough couple of weeks. Yet he also sounded hopeful and positive. No one thought this battle would be this long or hard fought. Let's pray for endurance for Jenny and the entire Repp family. Let's also stay faithful in praying for Aimee, Loni, and Jack. 

Hope to see you all this Sunday morning at 11am. - Love you much! Pastor Mark

The Work Of Faith [Video Sermon]

When do faith and work belong in the same sentence? More often than you might suppose! Jesus gives His Nike talk in Luke 17: “Just do it!” What should I be doing? That is the topic of today’s talk - where Christian faith and Christian work cross paths.

The Work Of Faith from Mark Pierce on Vimeo.

Follow along with the online sermon notes or download the PDF fill-in-the-blanks sermon outline.

The Work Of Faith [Podcast]

When do faith and work belong in the same sentence? More often than you might suppose! Jesus gives His Nike talk in Luke 17: “Just do it!” What should I be doing? That is the topic of today’s talk - where Christian faith and Christian work cross paths.

Follow along with the online sermon notes or download the PDF fill-in-the-blanks sermon outline.

Click to Listen!

Podcast: Subscribe in iTunes | Play or Download in new window.

June Events at Church Requel

Good Friday morning Church Requel!

June has officially arrived! Yay! Long days. Plenty of sunshine. Warmer temps. And tons of fellowship with our Church Requel friends. I love arriving at church early on Sunday mornings and raising all the windows to let the air flow through. Come early and stay late. Drink that extra cup of coffee. Wear those shorts and t-shirts.

Kiddos Lead This Sunday. We will enjoy many of our children participating in worship this Sunday. Leia will join her mom, Brandi, leading in worship this week. Lincoln will help collect the offering. Grayden and Cohen will serve in the tech booth. 

Also a first for this weekend - Aaron Parsons will share our announcements. We've discovered Aaron to have a wit and funny disposition that most of us never suspected. So I for one can't wait to hear him describe what's coming up.

Sunday's Sermon - "The Work Of Faith." We continue our study of the Gospel of Luke and turn to chapter 17. This is a part of Scripture we don't often read or think about. There is a sentence where the disciples ask Jesus for more faith. Stop for a moment and think how you might respond. Imagine how you think Jesus might respond. I bet you'll be surprised when you actually read what Jesus says.

For the sermon, I plan to break down the passage into 5 tasks we should always be working on in our Christian journey. I hope it will be encouraging to you and yes, I hope it will increase your faith!

Lots More Summer Plans Right Around the Corner! Here are the plans we have for June...

Kelly’s Putt Putt. Our first summer FUN event is coming up this coming Friday, June 9th (one week from tonight)! We’ll all meet at Kelly’s Dairy Bar and Miniature Golf located at 1280 S. Main Street. This will involve fun for kids of all ages so make sure y’all come! Old fashioned burgers, fries, milkshakes, ice cream, miniature golf, and lots of family fellowship together! We’ll start at 5:30 pm. Be sure to mark your calendars.

Neighborhood Meal. Our next opportunity to serve our free neighborhood meal is Saturday, June 10th. We will need volunteers to arrive by 4 pm and plan to serve util 6:30 pm. We would also appreciate your donations of desserts to share. Please help us be God’s hands and feet as we share His love with those around us.

Makayla's Graduation Party. One week from this Sunday we will celebrate Makayla's high school graduation immediately after church downstairs in the fellowship hall. Stick around to let Makayla know how much you love her!

Watoto Children’s Choir. We will be hosting the Watoto Children’s Choir on Tuesday, June 13 at 7 pm. Many of you watched with wonder as they sang for us two years ago. This children’s choir has travelled extensively since 1994, sharing a message of hope for Africa’s orphans and widows. Please join us for a vibrant worship experience. Paul Lintern is needing a few host families. If you are interested in helping please contact Paul at 419.571.9920.

Community Night Of Worship. Join us for a Community Night of Worship at the Renaissance Theatre downtown.
On June 20th all the area churches will join together as regional worship leaders, including our own Brandi Walker, leads us into a night of praise to our Lord. The event begins at 7pm, but I would advise our church to get there early so we can all sit together. This event is free and all are welcome!

Keep Praying! I received some good news this week about Jenny Repp. Dave called me and told me that he had a 5 1/2 hour conversation with Jenny one day last week. She is slowly but surely getting stronger and breathing better. No one thought this battle would be this long or hard fought. Let's pray for endurance for Jenny and the entire Repp family. Let's also stay faithful in praying for Aimee, Loni, and Jack. 

Hope to see you all this Sunday morning at 11am. - Love you much! Pastor Mark