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WE ConnectJuly/August 2014

Finding Communityp. 7

The Power of Prayerp. 6

The Power of Prayerp. 6

18035 Oak St., Omaha, NE 68130 402.952.4473

www.WatersEdgeOmaha.com

Prayer Requests: visit weprayomaha.com Hospitalizations/Illness:

e-mail [email protected] Office Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The office will be closed on Fridays: May 30-August 82 www.WatersEdgeOmaha.com

StaffNick Baker, Director of Leadership Development

COURAGE

Nancy Christensen, Director of Children’s MinistriesMINDFUL

Ron Christensen, Director of Planning and AdministrationPATIENCE

Jennie Clements, AdministratorINTENTIONAL

Celeste Ellis, Director of MissionsTRUST

Amber Finnestad, Director of AssimilationFOLLOW

Craig Finnestad, PastorABIDE

Valerie McCormick, Director of CommunicationsHEALTH

AJ Sandoval, Director of WorshipCONSISTENT

Chad Schuchmann, Director of Student MinistriesFOCUS

Jill Schumacher, Director of Small Groups and VolunteersGRATITUDE

WE ServeOur church will leave the building on Sunday morning, August

10. Hundreds of us will serve at dozens of locations all over

our city. We will clean, organize, feed, paint, build, care, lead,

and love at schools, nursing homes, non-profit organizations,

and pretty much where ever else a need exists. WE invite you

to join us for this morning of serving and loving our city. Regis-

ter online beginning July 10 at WatersEdgeOmaha.com.

I was about five or six at the time. My grandpa would drive his burgundy Caprice Classic one block to the

south to pick me up. This would happen on Saturday morning. Usually around nine o’clock. We would go

to Food Land. All the stores were closed on Sunday in our little town. He wouldn’t purchase too much. Just

enough to make it to the early part of the next week. I would always get a candy bar. One of the highlights

of my week. Our next stop was the Laurens State Bank. He would get out thirty or forty dollars. It would last

him a week. Crazy. Sometimes we would hit Coast to Coast Hardware or George’s Drug.

Our last stop was always the Sinclair station. Grandpa would run over the long black cord. It would set off

a bell in the service area. In the heat of the summer and the frigid winters, an attendant would come up

with a smile on his face. Grandpa, in his best English, would request regular gas with full service. He wasn’t

much for change. Some people were trying unleaded, but it wasn’t for him. A product of the Great Depres-

sion, spending money wasn’t something he was very fond of, but I think he thought of full service as an in-

vestment. The attendant would fill the tank, check the oil, monitor the tire pressure, clean the windows, and

fill the windshield wiper fluid. A few dollars later (can you imagine that, a few dollars later?), grandpa would

drive a half mile to my house, drop me off, and I would resume my Saturday morning cartoon marathon.

Ten years later, I would be hanging out at grandpa and grandma’s. Watching the Cubs play baseball. Eating

kringles and lefse. It’s how Norwegians roll. Grandpa would have a date with grandma later that night. He

would have a thirty-mile round trip and only three-quarters of a tank of gas. Crisis. He gave me a card. I

think it was red and white. I would make the short trek to the self-serve gas pumps. It was a big slab of con-

crete with a huge collection of grain elevators on one side and a closed lumberyard on the other. I inserted

the card and filled the oversized gas tank with three or four gallons of gas.

Full-service gas stations disappeared in the 1970s and 1980s. Occasionally you may find one after that. But

not too often. Filling your car with gas no longer depended on a happy guy wearing a work shirt with his

name on a patch sewn one inch above the left pocket. It depends on you. Or a grandkid, if they are willing.

And so it is with God. You are responsible for your own spiritual growth. I am here to help. The church exists

to narrow the distance between us and God. But you are responsible for the growth in your relationship with

God and I am responsible for mine. In June, we have looked at how to grow in this relationship: succeeding

where we once have failed; setting time apart for God and making God a priority; reading the Bible and

practicing God’s teachings; praying upward, inward, and outward; and having others help you grow.

If you missed some of this series, I encourage you to pick up copies of the messages, weekly video devo-

tions, and study guides on Sunday morning or Sunday evening. All the resources are available online as

well. Start where you are. Start today. Begin a lifelong, growing, flourishing, friendship with God.

And if you need some inspiration to get started, I invite you to read these stories. They are real people who

serve with you, gather with you in your small groups, and sit beside you on Sundays. They are great stories

about some great people and an even greater God.

The best is yet to come…

WE Connect : July/August 2014 3

WE Grow

You are responsible for your own spiritual growth. I am here to help. The church exists to narrow the distance between us and God.

4 www.WatersEdgeOmaha.com

WE Youth

On July 5th, Fifty-Six youth and adult volunteers from TWE will travel to Brighton, TN for a week of serving others in need through

home repair projects and growing together in their faith through worship, small groups and shared experiences. WE invite you to pray

for us as we travel, serve and experience God’s love and faithfulness.

Saturday, July 5• Travel Day! – WE depart Omaha and begin our travel to Brighton, TN.

• PRAY for students and leaders as they engage and one another in the vans and for safety as we travel

Scripture to Pray: Psalm 5:11-12

Sunday, July 6• WE arrive in Brighton and get settled into the school. WE also meet our crews and learn about our projects for the week.

• PRAY for excitement and energy in meeting those we will serve with.

Scripture to Pray: Colossians 3:1

Monday, July 7• WE head to work. It’s our first day at our sites. We’ll meet those we are serving and get started on our projects.

• PRAY for opportunities to engage those we serve with Christ’s love.

Scripture to Pray: Matthew 5:16

Tuesday, July 8• WE are learning how we work with others and are moving forward on our projects. Things are really starting to take shape.

• PRAY that WE begin to experience God’s plan and purpose for us on this trip.

Scripture to Pray: 2 Timothy 1:12

Wednesday, July 9• This morning, WE put in a strong effort to reach midway on our projects. This afternoon we spend some time with each other.

• PRAY for openness and understanding as we continue to grow closer to each other.

Scripture to Pray: Psalm 133:1-2

Thursday, July 10• WE have a full day’s work ahead of us! Tonight, we have some great opportunities in our worship service.

• PRAY for opportunities minister to and share with one another as we reflect on our faith and praise God for his faithfulness.

Scripture to Pray: Hebrews 13:15

Friday, July 11• Today is the last day WE work on our projects. WE also celebrate all the ways WE’ve seen God at work this week.

• PRAY for students to encourage one another as we strive to complete our projects.

Scripture to Pray: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Mission TripPrayer Guide

Youth


WE Youth

Saturday, July 12 • WE begin our travels home with a couple stops for fellowship and sharing.

• PRAY for our students as they reflect on their week of service to others.

Scripture to Pray: Psalm 66:5, 8-9

Sunday, July 13

• WE return home! It’s our last day of travel and God’s work in our lives has just begun.

• PRAY for our students to have courage to share their faith through the stories of their experiences on this trip.

Scripture to Pray: Ephesians 6:19-20

Students Anna Allen

Kobe Bosley

Anna Buchanan

Emily Dobesh

Nathan Dukart

Brooke Ehlert

Jackson Ehlert

Brett Favre

Elijah Fowler

Andrew Gibson

Ashlee Gibson

Christopher Gibson

Camdon Griffiths

Joslyn Griffiths

Abby Hamilton

Molly Harford

Emmily Hawk

Abby Hicks

Megan Hicks

Aubree Howard

Abigail Janousek

Leaders, College Volunteers* & Camp Staffers** Brenda Davenport

Stacey Dobesh

Lisa Ehlert

Celeste Ellis

Jordan Ellis*

Zach Ellis**

Teresa Fowler

Jeremy Hamilton

Carri Harford

Kevin Hicks

Grace Manthey*

Jason Mears*

Chuck Peters

Chad Schuchmann

Evan Welsh*

Reilly Kortus

Rose Manthey

Sam Manthey

Tanner Marino

Evvie McCarthy

Patrick McCoy

Camryn Mortrude

Tate Nech

Caitlyn Perman

Zach Peters

Taylor Pitzer

Maggie Polland

Dylan Ritter

Aaliah Schaefer

Karley Schwartz

Baylee Seaman

Nolan Sorrell

Bailey Tupper

Ally Vaughn

Gillian Weibel

Hannah Woods

MissionariesYouth

WE Pray


My journey to a deeper prayer life started when our oldest daughter was

murdered. Prayer and going to church were not a priority then. We went to

church, but were not doing much to practice our faith. After her death it seemed

that there was little in life that mattered, and worldly things had no value. As time

moved slowly forward, God was assuring us that our daughter was now safely in his

hands and we could visit her often by being in church. This started a journey of seeking God

in all areas of our lives.

Each day now starts with God’s Word and in prayer. I also read the daily devotional “Jesus

Calling.” The day just doesn’t seem right if I miss my morning quiet time. Prayer is now the

stabilizing factor of each day. My life has been enriched by prayer and I know that it is

through grace that God carries me through the trials of each day.

My prayer life is always evolving. By continuing to seek Him, I have the courage to pray with

others and in groups.

Through prayer I have been lead to have a heart for praying for others. Sometimes all I have

to offer is prayer, yet God keeps reminding me that through my prayers I am offering Him to

others.

I have found joy in my life when I did not think it could ever exist again. There are still trials in

my life, but through prayer and by reading God’s Word I can meet the challenges of each day.

One of my life verses is James 4:8 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”. As you

face life’s trials, I pray that your perspective on life will change as mine has, and that you

may also seek to draw nearer to God. Through prayer, and by reading God’s Word, may you

find new joy in each new day.

PrayerChanged My Perspective on Life

How

Liz Fleming


WE Community

At The Water’s Edge, we are not just a church WITH small groups we are a church OF

Small Groups! We believe that a small group provides the optimal environment for the

life-change Jesus intends for every believer. Whether it’s a group of individuals, cou-

ples, men, or women, a bible study group, a Sunday school class, or a small group, we

offer different types of groups to help meet the need for community. One of our groups

that exists to facilitate the community experience for others is our Women’s Ministry.

In addition to offering gatherings like Girls’ Night Out, quarterly brunches, women’s

small groups, and Bible studies to help women experience community, we planned our

first annual Women’s Retreat this past April. It was an awesome, life-changing event

for many of the women who attended and helped develop a deep, caring community!

My life is full of wonderful little communities: my neighborhood, my family, various

groups of friends from over the years, work colleagues, parents of my children’s

friends, fellow volunteers from different organizations, social media “friends,”

church… The connections keep growing. Do I really need to voluntarily add one more

community? Um…yes.

I need to be in a community of women whose main purpose is to know and love God

more. Because when two or more of these women get together, God is there, and that

experience allows me to be better in all my other little communities. That we have a

great time, too, is just a bonus! When these women encourage me to love God more,

somehow I’m able to love everyone else more, too. (Though these get-togethers mean

that my family has to fend for themselves some nights, they’re actually thankful for

this community of women.)

These are two reasons I was glad to be a part of the women’s retreat last April. While

I may not remember everyone’s name and I didn’t get to chat with everyone, I recognize

their faces, and I know that we’ve had a shared experience; that we laughed together,

cried together, were vulnerable together and empowered together. I may not know all

about them, but I know we share many of the same insecurities, doubts, dreams, and

chocolate cravings just because we’re women. I love, too, that the retreat attracts

women of all ages and personalities and women whom I may not meet otherwise be-

cause they are in different “communities” than I am. They, like me, are still God’s little

girl, and I grow just by being in their company and hearing their stories.

I am already so excited for next year’s retreat and some of the events that the women’s

ministry team has planned before then. There are AMAZING women in our church and

community! I can’t wait to meet them and see how God is loving them. And I’m thank-

ful for them because just by being there, they help move me to a better place.

- Tara Kampen

CommunityFinding

through Women’s Ministry

“I am already so excited for next year’s

retreat and some of the events that the women’s

ministry team has planned before then. There are

AMAZING women in our church and community!”

God’sWord

Finding Comfort in

Marv Riley


WE Scripture

Marv Riley is one of the spiritual leaders of The Water’s Edge. He and his wife Linda have been servants and leaders since our early days at Russell Middle School. I remember one night in 2007, I went to the ICU at Lakeside Hospital, to be with Marv as he died. He didn’t die that night, and to the amazement of all the medical people, he was released from the hospital about a week later. Earlier this year, Marv was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer which has now spread to his liver.

I have known Marv for eight years and have always admired his commitment to Scripture. I recently talked to Marv about Scripture and how God has spoken to him over the years.

When did you start daily reading the Bible regularly and applying God’s principles to your life?It was about ten years ago. I took a Disciple Bible Study class and read through the Bible in a year. Since then I have read the Bible daily.

What is it like when you read the Bible?Amazing. Over the years I have experienced that as I sit before God I have a closeness that is incredible. I know that I am loved. God speaks to me as I read and pray.

How do you decide what to read?I mix it up. Sometimes I read what my Saturday morning men’s group is reading. Sometimes I’ll hear something in church and investigate it further. I also find great value in reading individual books in the Bible.

What are some things you do when you are reading the Bible?If something speaks to me, I stop and highlight it and reread it. It’s not a race. I pray as I read through the Scriptures. I always remember that God is speaking to me.

What are some of the things you have learned from reading the Bible over the years?God hears our prayers and answers our prayers. So many prayers have been answered when I read the Bible and pray.

I still have fears. But God helps me overcome fears. I receive encouragement from others, remember Scripture’s promises, and remember God is always with me.

God speaks differently each time I read a passage. He meets me where I am. It’s a wonderful thing!

How has Scripture shaped your view of death?I’m not afraid to die. I have almost died twice and have experienced the grace of additional years. I get sad thinking about saying goodbye to my loved ones, but ultimately know that the same God who gives me eternal life will care for them and help them care for each other.

I want to thank Marv for sharing and for his continued commitment to our church and to each of us. I encourage you to pray for Marv and his wife, Linda, at this time in their life.


WE Sabbath

Busyness is synonymous with our daily lives as it is with most of our friends. This lifestyle is normal and no longer an exception. We have three children and each is involved in multiple sports and numerous activities. My husband and I both work and many times our life is beyond busy—it is crazy! Dealing with the busyness and making sure our children are balanced with God, family, and activities is challenging.

I have always been a person who has a hard time saying “no” when someone asks me to help or volunteer. Last year in one of Craig’s sermons, he mentioned, “Say ‘no’ to the good things, so you can say YES to the GREAT things”. This has been something John and I now try to do. It isn’t easy, but it is possible. The guilt that comes with saying “no” goes away and is replaced by blessings when we say “yes” to the GREAT things.

Three years ago we joined an amazing small group and made it a priority to attend every week. This decision has changed our lives and is our anchor to The Water’s Edge. We feel connected, supported, and loved by each person in our small group. We also felt it was important to be involved with Sunday services. Our family volun-teers monthly at the Guest Table and Frog Pond. Serving and growing at The Water’s Edge provides our family a sense of balance and purpose.

Our kids are blessed by having mentors and other adult leaders who care about them. Baylee, who will be a freshman, is blessed to have Chad Schuchmann, Stacey Dobesh, and Julie Oesterle in her life. Nancy Chris-tensen invests in Addyson, who will be in 6th grade, and her gift of working with small children. Kyler has some very patient 2nd grade Frog Pond teachers who share their faith with him weekly.

John and I are continually blessed every day with our children, family, and church family. God has his hand on us, and we have our trust in Him. - Kendi Fraser-Seaman

Rest in a Busy LifeLearning to

Seaman Family

PastBehind

Leaving the


WE Share

Larry Ortegren has a past. His recent past is serving on the

set-up and tear-down team for the last five years. He and his

wife, Gail, have participated in a small group during much of that

time. Larry is a prolific inviter for people to come to The Water’s

Edge and is excited to share with others the same grace he is receiving.

Larry has another past as well. It started when he was 12 years old. His

parents had parties and he drank the leftovers. He liked the effect the alcohol

had on him. Within a year or two he began smoking. During this time, Larry and his

family were active in a church, but he describes it wasn’t meaningful.

As a high school student, Larry was active and successful in athletics. He also began

experimenting with drugs—something that became a habit in college. Although Larry

didn’t intentionally hurt anybody, he understands now how his actions had negative

consequences for many.

After a night of partying, Larry was getting ready for work. He was in his mid 20s at the

time. He was required to wear steel toed work boots, but remembered losing them the

night before. His co-workers knew Larry had a problem and had an intervention.

The next day Larry entered a treatment program. It was a difficult thirty-day experience

for him. He had to examine himself. He had to begin the process of getting past his past.

And he has been sober and clean for 28 years!

As Larry began this journey he didn’t want help or think he needed help. As the journey

continued, he began to learn that recovery wouldn’t be possible without help—from

God and from others. The Serenity Prayer became part of his daily life. About five years

ago he and his wife visited The Water’s Edge. Larry loves The Water’s Edge because we

laugh a lot and he loves to laugh. He has felt super comfortable since his first visit. Most

importantly for Larry, The Water’s Edge stresses a relationship with Jesus Christ more

than a rule-based religion.

Looking back, Larry is glad he went through his struggles with addiction. It didn’t defeat

or define him—it developed him. He enjoys the opportunity to help others struggling with

addiction and serve those continuing on the recovery journey.

Larry Ortegren


WE Kids

Vacation Bible School has become something our family looks forward to

every summer. Our oldest son went to his first VBS in 2009 when he was

four years old, and I served as his Crew Leader. Over the past five years,

I’ve gone from being a Crew Leader, to an Assistant Director, Director, and

now Curriculum Director. My husband, Chris, got involved in 2011 when

our middle son was old enough to attend. He also started out as a Crew

Leader and now helps with Elementary Games. I absolutely love watch-

ing him act like one of the kids when he’s out there singing the songs or

running around with water balloons! Last year our youngest son was able

to be part of VBS for the first time by dressing up in the little cow costume

and greeting kids as they came in. This year, we are thrilled that he is old

enough to attend!

The thing I love most about Vacation Bible School is the joy and excite-

ment it brings to our family and all the people involved. Every year, I see

so many families come together to teach our children about the love

of God and help them develop their relationship with Him. I am always

amazed to watch the interactions within the groups of children and to hear

the stories they share. I also love watching the children develop long-last-

ing relationships with the adults who help every year. From the minute

the kids walk in the door, they have a smile on their face and that lasts

the whole night. We all leave every night feeling so energized and singing

God’s praises! Watching the children

have so much fun and become closer

to God keeps me coming back

every year.

- Diana Ringleb

Vacation Bible School

July 13 - 156:15 - 8:30 p.m.

@ Russell Middle School (172nd & Q St)

Cost: $10 per child

Ages: 4 years old through Middle School

Register atWatersEdgeOmaha.com

VBSIt’s Not Just for the Kids!

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit #1937Omaha, NE

18035 Oak St. x Omaha, NE 68130

Return Service Requested

People Like That

You have People Like That in your life. The co-worker

who is so critical. The neighbor who is always negative.

The family member who manipulates. The angry guy in

traffic. We all have some difficult people in our lives.

Some of us have lots of difficult people in our lives.

The Bible is full of stories of People Like That. This July

at The Water's Edge, we’re going to learn to better deal

and live with—and show love to—People Like That.

July SerieS

July 6 Hypocritical People

July 13 Critical People

July 20 Manipulative People

July 27 Needy People

August 3 Angry People

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