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Letter from the Director
News from CRC
Greetings in the Name of Jesus!
We are feeling blessed in so many ways here at the Center!
Men's Retreat Report
We just held our annual Men's Retreat last weekend with thirty men in attendance. Twenty men from Canby Christian Church came together, as a group, thanks to our dear friend Jeff Hartwell who promoted the event in his church.
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| Dr. Jeff Hartwell |
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Our guest speaker, Pastor Dee Duke, got us laughing with lots of great stories and lessons he learned from his father while growing up on their dairy farm. Dee challenged us to integrate daily habits of Bible reading and prayer so thoroughly into our lives that, just like the need to milk the cows twice a day, it becomes essential to our existence.
As a special free-time activity we offered "Gun Fellowship" target practice on Saturday afternoon, temporarily suspending our normal no firearms policy to offer a safe shooting event. Thanks to all who made this a success!
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Dave Howard shares his testimony with the Canby Christian men during a special evening fellowship session.
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A HUGE THANK YOU to Eric Peterson & Ralph Williams (yellow hat) who hosted the trap shooting event.
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Upcoming Retreats
Next month we'll hold our annual Women's Retreat. We currently have 62 ladies signed up to hear our guest speaker, Amy Schones. You will love Amy's personable and down-to-earth teaching style. Save a spot while there is still room!
After that,
CRC's
Memorial Day Weekend Retreat
is fast approaching.
You will love Billy Ford, pastor of Bouquet Canyon Church in Southern California, the son of Pastor Clay and Sheri Ford, who have spoken here at CRC several times. Billy was our favorite speaker at the Holy Spirit Conference we attended in Wisconsin last summer. Sign up now for this great family weekend!
We are also pleased to announce that Summer Family Camps are back this summer!
Koinonia Bible School
We've been very excited about CRC's
Koinonia Bible School
. At every turn we receive encouragement regarding this new ministry to young adults. Pastor Dee Duke just offered to teach his full course on Christian Leadership to our students. Donna, Kathy Moser's mother-in-law, just donated her pristine-condition Yamaha grand piano for worship! The
Bible School website is up and running and linked to the
CRC home page and our color brochure for the school will be here next week. Please feel free to help us spread the word. If you know a young adult, 18-25, who would love to grow deeper in their walk with God while gaining knowledge and experience, please tell them about Koinonia!
Good Shepherd Window
One of the most amazing answers to prayer that we have ever seen at CRC is the time when God healed a broken window! You can read the full story at the end of this newsletter.
Over its long life, the Good Shepherd window has begun to sag and buckle. Without skilled attention, it will eventually collapse under its own weight. An expert in stained glass restoration recently examined the window and offered to re-lead and reinforce it for us. The window will be removed next month and should be ready for re-installation by June. We are preserving this window for its inspirational beauty and for the wonderful story of answered prayer it tells.
CRC is facing some b
ig changes ahead!
After nine years at CRC, Peter and his wife, Lori, are changing roles! S
ince the
life-changing event of their daughter's cancer diagnosis, treatment, and remission, some of their priorities have shifted, which has led to Peter's decision to step down from his role as Food Service Director and Head Chef. Peter will now homeschool their children, Rianna (8) and Noah(10), while Lori moves to full-time, taking over the job of CRC registrar, once Mark has fully implemented the new system. Peter will continue to serve at CRC part-time, using his skills to maintain and repair vehicles and equipment. Please pray that God would send us just the right person to embrace the responsibility of Food Service Director/Head Chef
Ministry Opportunity!
CRC Head Food Service Director/Head Chef
Do you love to cook and create in the kitchen? Does spending $1,000 a week on groceries sound like fun? Can you lead a team of 3-5 people in preparing and serving delicious meals to our guests? Then perhaps God is calling you to be our new Director of Food Service! Without a doubt, this is the most appreciated ministry position at CRC. Full housing for a single person or a couple including rent, food, and utilities with monthly wages of at least $900 depending on skills and experience.Contact us for more information.
Social Media
CRC just opened accounts on
Instagram and
Twitter and would love to have you would follow us! If you've never visited
CRC's Facebook page or joined
Christian Renewal Center's Facebook group we invite you to connect with us there! Of course, our website remains our primary source of information to the on-line community. Check it out for information on our upcoming sponsored retreat programs, personal and guest group retreat reservations, as well as a lot of pictures and some of the history of the Center.
New Registration System Coming
For several years now, we have been praying about an economical way to improve and streamline our method of handling reservations. The Lord is answering our prayers! Mark Kinslow's friend Karl Kohler has donated his professional skills as a Microsoft Access systems designer to create a new reservations program for CRC! We will soon be testing this new system. In order to facilitate this change, we have split the job of registrar into two parts: Mark is now handling all reservations for guest groups and personal retreats while Betty Thomas is handling all CRC sponsored retreat events and caring for the guests attending them.
Last-Minute Group Retreat Savings
We have some exciting news for last-minute Group Retreats.
Are you spontaneous, impromptu, or extemporaneous? Then you'll love our discounted prices and new policies for short-notice reservations made less than 30 days in advance. Love our food and want us to cook for you? Groups who book less than a month ahead are eligible for special rates! Prefer to do your own cooking? Book less than 30 days ahead and reserve a lodge for just $60 per person for two nights! Check out our rates page and call for availability.
God bless you. We hope to see you soon!
Tim Hansen
CRC Director
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A year that will change your life begins September 15, 2017
Koinonia is...
Brand New! This is Koinonia's first year of operation. You will be in the first class of students, laying the foundation for all those who will follow.
Intimate Jesus had 12 disciples. We are anticipating 8-12 students for our first year.
For Young Adults age 18-25.
Participatory Engage in hands-on ministry here at Christian Renewal Center, in our local community, and on a two-week missions outreach to the Philippines.
The Fulfillment of a Dream A new expression of what we have been doing for years at CRC, bringing renewal to the Body of Christ.
Apply Now
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Women's Retreat
With Amy Schones
Friday-Sunday
April 21st-23rd
Come away and be refreshed and renewed in your walk with God at CRC's Women's Retreat! Lay aside your busy life, slow down and fellowship with other women around God's Word. You'll enjoy this inter-generational retreat that is sure to encourage you and recharge your batteries as you worship with other women, hear the inspiring testimony of our speaker, eat scrumptious meals, and
have time to just relax with a good book and a delicious drink from the Lamppost or hike the nearby Silver Falls.
Amy Schones is a homemaker who lives on the Oregon Coast with Paul, her husband of thirty-eight years, who is a commercial fisherman; and her teenage daughter whose life began in a village in Ethiopia. She is mom of three married sons, and "Nana Mim" to her sixteen grandchildren. Amy is an Christian author and writes a monthly newspaper column called, "Reflections by Amy". She is grateful to God for the relationships He has blessed her with as a women's bible study teacher and women's ministry leader. She has found personal freedom that's found in Christ, and shares with women straight from the heart. She has a passion for prayer that can be summed up in this verse: " Come unto Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28.
Registration: Friday between 5:00-6:30 pm at The Lamppost
Retreat begins with dinner at 6:30; retreat ends after lunch on Sunday.
Suggested donation: (2 nights, 6 meals): $120/person. Deposit $30.
"Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised." - Proverbs 31:30
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Memorial Day Weekend
with Billy Ford
May 26 - 29
Rev. Billy Ford grew up in a Christian household, his dad a Baptist pastor and his mom a Christian author. While studying in college to be an engineer and wrestling with doubts about his faith, everything changed when he was taken hostage by a dangerous criminal. God miraculously rescued him and soon began to work powerfully in his life. Sensing a call to full time ministry, Billy took a position as an intern in his church, focusing mainly on youth ministry. After serving as a youth pastor for ten years, he became the senior pastor of Bouquet Canyon Church, a nondenominational church in southern California, where he has served the past twelve years.
Billy has now had the opportunity to share
Christ on five continents. He has a passion to help people experience God personally and live Holy Spirit empowered, world-changing lives. He and his wife, Denise, have five children.
His topic for the weekend will be from the book of Daniel, looking at how Daniel and his friends faced great adversity, but were still used by God to transform a pagan empire. America is not so Christian anymore, so we can learn a lot from the story of these young men in Babylon. His messages will be entitled:
1. The Perspective of the
Worldchanger
2. The Purity and Partnerships of the Worldchanger
3. The Power of the Worldchanger
4. The Provisions of the Worldchanger
5. The Proclamation of the Worldchanger
You'll just love our Memorial Day Weekend Family Retreat! - Great times of fellowship and worship, a full children's program and more! Just the break you needed! A great time of refreshment. Don't miss it.
Join us for three nights/four days and come be refreshed and recharged in God's love. You'll enjoy this inter-generational retreat that is sure to encourage you and recharge your batteries as you will hear an inspirational speaker, eat scrumptious meals, and have fun hiking the Silver Falls, riding our zip line, and joining us at the Lamppost for a good book, espresso, or special treat.
"O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" -Psalm 34:8
Registration: Fri. 4:00-5:30pm Friday at the Lamppost
Retreat begins with dinner at 5:30. First session to follow 7:15 pm.
Retreat ends after breakfast on Monday. Checkout by 10:00am.
Suggested donation:(3 nights, 8 meals)$150/adult,$75/ages 7-12 $35/ages4-6, age 3 & under free.
Deposit: $150/family, $75/couple, $50/single.
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Personal Retreats
Come away and seek the Lord!
Did you know that CRC offers Personal Retreats?
Personal Retreats are available for individuals and families looking for an environment that fosters personal communion with Jesus.
Pray and read the scriptures in our chapels, walk our grounds, enjoy solitude and quiet. You can join us for any or all of the meals we are serving, or fast and pray. These retreats are offered year-round on a donation basis as space permits.
If you are looking for quiet, you will find plenty of that during the weekdays, especially in the fall, winter, and spring. If you enjoy lots of company and sharing meals in our Main Lodge, check to see if there is space available on a weekend.
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The Good Shepherd Window
-Excerpted from When God Gives a Dream
by CRC Co-founder, Eunice Hansen
One of the stories Allan loves to share with our guests is the story of the beautiful stained glass window in Good Shepherd Lodge. That building actually gets its name from the window depicting Jesus, our Good Shepherd, holding a lamb in His arms. Allan, who is always looking for a good bargain, heard about an auction to be held at the Benedictine Center in our neighboring town of Mt. Angel. He went to the auction to see what kind of bargain he might find.
Having always appreciated the beauty of stained glass windows he was delighted to find one for sale. At St. Paul's in Lynwood when we built the main sanctuary we had been able to put in 13 beautiful windows-one for each of the apostles and the 13th one was of Christ praying in Gethsemane. The members of the church had given generously to be able to get these windows and everyone enjoyed them.
Now when Allan saw a stained glass window of the Good Shepherd he could hardly wait to bid on it. The bidding began and was not going very fast. Evidently not too many of those present were able to make use of such a large window. When the bidding stopped with Allan's bid of $300 the auctioneer stopped and said, "Just a minute, I have to check with the sisters to see if they are willing to sell it for only $300." When he returned he said, "The window goes to the gentleman who bid $300! "
Next the auctioneer brought out the pieces of another window that had been the same size and style but had fallen apart when being moved. These windows, he explained, had been in storage for over
40 years. Since they hadn't found any use for them in all that time, the Sisters felt it was time to get them moved.
Now the auctioneer asked, "Who would like to start the bidding on these beautiful pieces of stained glass?" Someone bid $15. Then Allan, who was feeling guilty for having gotten the Shepherd window for only $300, bid $50. The auctioneer said, 'That's the kind of bidding I like! Sold for $50!"
The Good Shepherd window was in need of repairs. Allan figured that among the broken pieces there would be some matching pieces with which to make the repairs. The new lodge which was being built at this time was the ideal place for a window of this size. The window which was ten feet tall, would fit perfectly in the stairway wall between the first and second story.
Lynn Christensen, an expert in stained glass work was contacted to repair the window, replacing the broken area and re-grouting other parts to make it strong and solid. Since it was for the Center she offered to do the work for only $100. However, When she asked what we were going to do with all the extra glass and heard that we had no use for it, she said she'd do the repairs in exchange for the left-over pieces. Lynn, as a teacher of stained glass, had made a study of the history of stained glass. She told us that this particular style of work had either been done in Europe or else an artist from Europe had been brought over to this country to do it. The window had originally been in a Catholic Church many years before. We were never able to find out its exact age, but it was surely over 100 years old.
After the window was repaired she asked Allan if he knew how much the window was worth. He was dumbfounded when she said, "Your window is worth between $8,000 and $10,000!"
One day a few years later some young campers were having a pillow fight in the Good Shepherd Lodge. One girl got smacked in the face with a pillow. To retaliate she took off her tennis shoe and threw it at the boy who had hit her. He ducked and the shoe went flying on through the air, hitting the window, knocking a piece out.
News of what had happened soon reached Allan. When he saw the hole, which was about 10 inches in diameter, he was sick. Picking up the broken pieces he knew they could never be glued together.
This unusual type of glass would be impossible to duplicate.
Richard Lang, a pastor friend who was present, invited the young people together with him to pray about the window. Naturally the youth were devastated to see what their rough-housing had done and they were quite willing to pray if that would help.
Allan, though a strong believer in prayer, could not see how prayer could mend a broken window. He says, "They prayed, and I pouted!"
But God, our gracious heavenly Father, answered their prayers! Interestingly enough, just a short time before this, I had been cleaning out the trailer where Allan's mother had kept her stained glass supplies.
(She had been taking lessons in stained glass from Lynn.) The next morning I suddenly remembered that among the pieces of ordinary stained glass, I had seen a few pieces of the glass that had been used in repairing the Good Shepherd window.
"Allan, why don't you check out the trailer to see if perhaps there is something there that might work?" I asked. Very doubtful that there could be anything suitable, he went to look. There it was! The exact
piece he needed, matching perfectly the surrounding design. How did it happen that Lynn had not taken every piece with her? Had God, who knows the future caused her to overlook this piece?
After breakfast Allan invited the young people to come over to the Lodge. It was Saturday morning-camp was over and they were all getting ready to go home. Was he going to scold them and make them feel even worse? When they were all seated on the steps, staring at the gaping hole he said, "l want to show you something." He brought out from behind his back the piece that he had found-the piece that perfectly matched and would fit in the hole. "Wow! Where did that come from?" they all exclaimed.
And so it was that their prayers had been answered. Instead of going home under a cloud, they could feel the warmth of God's love and concern even for repairing a broken window. It was a reminder
to all of us that God's love is not only available to answer prayers for a broken window but how much more His love is available to heal and restore the brokenness in the lives of His children.
Shortly after the window was repaired we took the precaution we should have taken earlier and covered the window both on the inside and outside with clear plastic.
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While you're at CRC, make sure to visit The Lamppost. It's such a joy to see guests share and laugh over a latte, pray together, or just peruse the bookstore. We look forward to seeing you here during your next stay. |
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You can find out more about how CRC began with co-founder, Eunice Hansen's, book
'When God Gives A Dream'
Available in The Lamppost.
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