Paragraph of the Week

2009-03-14T14:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

“When it rains, it pours”. In the past couple of weeks, three teenage young men came to Jesus Christ, asking forgiveness for their sin, and placing their faith the Savior. This past week we heard of a young dad who placed his personal faith in Jesus as his Savior while the congregation was singing “Mighty to Save”. Just before our Saturday evening congregation was getting ready to meet another man came up to me and told of how a friend of his also became a Christian recently. And then this past Wednesday a man walked into the church wanting to meet with the pastor and I had the privilege to share the simple plan of salvation with him and he prayed to ask Jesus to forgive his sins. It is a process for all in coming to Christ (emotional, intellectual questions and issues that need to be addressed) and then one major decision of the individual’s will, “will I place my trust in Jesus to be my Savior?”

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2009-03-05T11:26:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

For the past several months we have had a growing and enjoyable experience getting to know some of our neighbors. One younger couple in particular, has given us the privilege of being in their home and sharing our on going relationship with the Lord. They have been coming for several months now to church and next week we will begin to meet (just the four of us) for an every other week Bible Study. Sandy and I are really looking forward to this continuing relationship as they have lots of great questions. We will meet in our homes, right across the street from each other.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Oh, and by the way, this coming Monday a pool (or is it billiard?) table is going to be delivered to our home. This is a gift (can’t beat the price) coming to us from a church member’s boss. The table is in great shape. We will have it transferred to our home and re-felted. Then our beginning plans are to invite the men on our street to join in for a pool tournament………this will probably occur next winter when the grass quits growing, the days get begin getting shorter again and I have time to practice.

Paragraph of the Week

2009-02-28T14:55:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Last evening Sandy and I went to Seattle to see the Broadway production of “The Lion King”. It was colorful, creatively presented, and with great music. We really enjoy live theatrical productions yet rarely go, so it was certainly a treat. With the “Circle of Life” song ringing in our ears, it occurred to me that I am closer to my 80 year old mother’s age than I am to any of our four adult children…….And, so to speak, I am moving in her direction. J

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2009-02-19T11:03:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Before I left for Texas and Florida last month my blood pressure was noticeably going up. Some day I know I will be going up, but until that day I would like my blood pressure to wait for me. There was a lot happening just before vacation and as soon as I got out of Dodge for a needed respite, the blood pressure came back down to earth. But when I got back home, it started rising again. I saw my doctor whom I have seen for about 15 years and we agreed that my blood pressure, which has “been like an eighteen year old all along,” was acting abnormal. He told me the difference now is that I am really 57 years old. He prescribed some meds but when I told him that for the last several months, due to weather, long working hours, and personal sickness, I hadn’t been running. He told me to get back into that good ole exercising schedule, trying that first before going to the drugs. I have been back to running and walking everyday and J haven’t yet touched one pill prescribed as the blood pressure is back to normal. Just a side note: I might begin looking for the best drug deal I can make, anybody offering? J

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2009-02-14T12:58:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Some years ago, on one of those rounded numbered type years, my high school back in Michigan sent out a directory of where all my fellow 1970 graduating class lived. Now you have to understand I graduated in a large class of hundreds upon hundreds from Cousino High School in Warren, Michigan. I found out that I was the only one living in Washington State. So getting visitors out in the Pacific Northwest is a treat and because of the distance, we usually know when someone is coming. All this to say that on Thursday of this past week, three of us on our church staff were sitting in the office discussing current events and also that the copier at church was not working properly. I saw for a moment a fellow coming to the church door and asked who that might be. I was told that perhaps it was the copy guy. I got up to open the office door to our lobby and there stood my good friend, going al the way back to my 7^th. grade, one who I went to college with, church with, and even took to his audition for God’s Volunteers……..Doug Timm. What a surprise indeed. We only had an hour and a half and I probably talked his ear off. Doug and Deidre live in Big Sky, Montana. Doug, besides other things, pastors there. It was really cool to show Doug our church building and home. When our house was just in the dreaming stage, Doug entered into our dreams when we were visiting them in Big Sky. Our radiant floor idea came from those talks. Isn’t it neat to have friends that even though you haven’t seen each other for some time, your conversation doesn’t miss a beat and takes off right where you left it., just as if it had ended a few minutes ago.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2009-02-07T12:41:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

We are moving……..to the Central Standard Time Zone……..and only from Monday nights to Thursday mornings. Actually, Sandy moved there a long time ago and I just got there last week. You see, I am a natural night owl and Sandy, while always an early bird, wakes up at 5 am Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. It doesn’t make sense anymore for me to stay up late, wake Sandy when I go to bed and for her to wake me when she gets up “in the middle of the night”. Soooooooo I am going to try going to bed at 9 pm (pacific coast time but 11 pm Central time) and get up at 5 am (pacific coast time but 7 am Central time). After the first week, I found it isn’t bad after the first five minutes. Getting to bed at 9 is a challenge though with some evening appointments at church.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2009-01-29T12:49:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Sandy and I were down in Texas to celebrate our Son’s 30^th birthday. While down there, we were hoping to have lunch at school with our kindergartner, Lindsay. I asked her about doing this the night before and she didn’t think they had school the next day. I asked her why and she told me it was the King’s birthday. I couldn’t figure her out and asked why again. She said she didn’t think they were having school because it was the King’s birthday……….I thought about that and then it came together. I told her that Monday was Martin Luther King’s birthday and on Monday there was no school but the next day we could have lunch together. We went to Sonics, picked up the food, headed over to her school and quickly had lunch together. Hope you enjoy the picture below.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2009-01-14T12:05:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

This past weekend I kicked off a short sermon series in the book of Judges. This was an introduction to the book and period as the other pastors will throughout the year when I am gone, take certain judges (Gideon, Samuel, Ehud, etc.) and present related messages. As I prepared for last Sunday’s introductory sermon I was reminded of how the people of Israel disobeyed more and more as Joshua and the other elders of the nation began to die off. I also was reminded of an old story how about this time a man was found in the hills of Ephraim, way back in the woods, making whiskey. Interestingly enough his name was also Joshua. The authorities dragged him in and asked him if he was the Joshua that made the sun stand still. He immediately denied that but did admit to being the Joshua that made the moon shine still.

While of course, that story is not true, it is true that Sandy, Brent, Kristin and I are heading these next couple of days to Texas to celebrate with Lance, our oldest, on his 30^th birthday, as well as with Katie, Debra, and our two grand daughters, Lindsay and Leslie. Then next week I will be going on to Florida to play some Super Scrabble with my Mom.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

*Thought I could get by with two paragraphs since I will not be writing for a few weeks. J

Paragraph of the Week

2009-01-08T12:07:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I just began reading through the Bible again and of course early on in Genesis we read about Noah and the great flood. My, did God ever rain (He Reigns too) down on Washington State this week as well. It was about 13 or 14 years ago that we experienced what was called “a one hundred year rain” when we received 4 inches in one day. Well, we received over 5 inches in a 24 hour period this time. Add to that all the snow melt and run off from up in them there mountains and many people ended up running for higher ground. Sandy and I only had to drive through the “water over road” places a couple of times. Each time was about 40 to 50 feet long, about three inches deep, and water moving at a rapid rate across the road. We were a bit disappointed as we did not see any salmon crossing the road as known to happen up here in the P.NW. A couple families in our church were evacuated, just playing it safe. A few other families stayed put thankfully turned out fine. Many of our church families made their homes available for evacuees though most evacuees end up going to their relatives. We also had some from our church go and fill sandbags down by the river. Perhaps there will be some clean up opportunities in the days ahead that our church people will volunteer for.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2008-12-31T08:09:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

A couple of weeks ago, Ralph Harvey (a neighbor about a mile down the road from us and one of our church members), was driving to work about 4 in the morning. His eyes got real big as he came across a good size, white bear on the main country road about half the distance between our homes. The bear ran with his car for about 20 or so yards. Now I find that really cool. Sandy and I will keep our eyes open on future walks. Jim and Della, it is the road we walked together about a month ago when you were visiting. I also know that some of you reading this are living in Big Sky, Montana (where Grizzlies and Black bear abound), so I had to embellish the story a little bit. All of the above is true except of course for the bear being a polar bear……..maybe this black bear ran into a big can of paint? Or something? Like my imagination?

Everyone have a great beginning to a New Year.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2008-12-24T17:30:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

This past week I have done something (I might add that Sandy joined me in doing so), that I don’t know if I have ever done before in my entire life. Certainly I have not done this in the past twenty plus years while living in Washington. We shoveled the snow off from our drive and in front of our home on three different occasions in just a one week period of time. If we had had the time, we could have done it one more time but figured that this last one would just melt. Yes, the snow came in separate storms in increments of 2 ½’, 61/2’, 3’ & 2’. For just the third time in the history of Christ Community we cancelled services this past weekend. Tomorrow is Christmas and we are experiencing a special and rare event for our part of the Pacific Northwest. We are actually having a White Christmas this year. We can see Mount Rainier from our home. It is so picturesque. This week we feel like we are living in the picture.

Out of Paragraph,

Merry Christmas to All,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2008-12-13T10:10:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

In our Weekend Services we have been looking at the “Colors of Christmas”. We began with the “Hanging of the Greens” as the evergreens at Christmas time communicate the ever-green or ever-life that can be had through Jesus Christ. Last weekend we looked at the color of blue. Yes it can be a blue Christmas for many who are hurting for various reasons due to loss, sickness or sin but blue is also a color of royalty and the King of Kings has come. His presence is the greatest present any one can receive. Later tonight and tomorrow we will be looking at scarlet red for the grace of God is offered to all. Receivers of His grace (unmerited favor) relish in it, but from God’s viewpoint it is a violent grace as the price has been paid in full. Next weekend the color will be white. We often hear of individuals dreaming of a white Christmas. No , Bing Crosby (born in Tacoma) will not be singing for us, just as Elvis did not sing about a blue Christmas last week. But the good news is we don’t have to dream of a white Christmas anymore. It is ours through Christ Jesus.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2008-12-06T11:47:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

For those family and friends who still live in the Mid-west where I grew up I just want to let you know that yesterday I cut the grass. It will probably be the last time though until March, at least that is the plan. We even still have flowers growing out in the front as the few times we have had frost, hasn’t hit them yet. Just thought you might want to hear that. Also, today I turnrd 57 and came to the realization that I am only a teenager away from being 70……………. J I wonder how many more times I will be cutting the lawn?

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2008-11-28T13:42:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

As all of you know this is “Thanksgiving Week”. As some of you know I had a lump taken out of my arm a few days ago. I first thought it was a new muscle but then realized I had no reason to even pretend I was using some new, unknown before muscle. Any ways, the doctor dug out a 1 inch by ¾ of an inch tumor. We are thankful that it has been determined not to be cancerous. He patched me up pretty good with but only 5 stitches. This past Wednesday he was going to possibly take out the stitches but wanted to wait a few more days. I told him I had 4 baptisms to do that night so they gave me a special, plastic covered patch and covered it up. I felt like a hockey player. They patched me up and sent me immediately out on the ice in order to take care of some business……I’m sorry, bake that baptisms.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

By the way, we did have our first ever church family pre- Thanksgiving Service this past Wednesday and 155 attended, a total of six were baptized, we ran out of food and a real good mix of Saturday evening and Sunday morning people came. I guess you could call it a success.

Paragraph of the Week

2008-11-21T10:30:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

If someone were to describe our church I know without a doubt within the first or second comment our congregation will tell you about our care groups. Each group is like a little church. Community and relationships are found here. This is not to say relationships are not found through shared opportunities of serving others and ministering to others, but in the care groups, which meet at the church before and after our Saturday evening and Sunday morning services is a key DNA of our church. Community is defined two ways 1) The community that is developed in each group and 2) our community outside our building where we are mixing in with those who do not come to our church. Here is just some of our care group examples of the latter, from this past year: Hosting a blood drive for the community, Hosting Youth for Christ Parenting Workshops at a local elementary school, hosting Bingo games once a month at a local Retirement Center, Collecting blankets for babies, Serving meals at a family shelter, Helping a single mom in the neighborhood, Leading a Good News Club at an elementary school, Volunteering at the Tacoma Rescue Mission, Greeting neighbors and taking welcome baskets to them, Helping CareNet, Collecting school supplies for homeless children, Providing stockings for foster kids, Supporting soldiers’ wives who are deployed, Giving food bags to people in the community who come to the church in need and Hosting a “Free Market” clothing day for our community.

During the Thanksgiving Season of the year, I especially wanted to share with you some of what I am thankful for. While being “in the world” while not being “of the world” is a great adventure.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2008-11-15T13:00:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

This past week I saw a young boy in our church named Jacob play football. Another, Jordan, score two of his young team’s 5 soccer goals. I have over the years watched several young boys and girls play sports, give theatrical performances and recitals. Jake and Zach play football for Roger’s High School now and it was a thrill watching them beat Puyallup High School last week. They are two of so many who have grown and developed their skills over the years. Many years ago my Grandpa asked my brother for his autograph after a little league game. I am keeping the tradition going as I have secured all of the above mentioned and so many more autographs over the years. I figure if even one of them makes it big, It will pay for my retirement.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2008-11-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

For years now I have been telling people that I was named after Abraham Lincoln…….. Right? And for that matter, if you think about it, I was named after all the other United States Presidents as well. J

Yesterday, our Associate Pastor of Worship, P.J. Tangedahl…..with little expression given, let me know that he was also named after Barack Obama………..ouch! J

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2008-10-30T10:39:00.001-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I have two books that I would highly recommend. 1) By Mark Batterson’s book titled: In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day published by Multnomah, 2006.

2) Jerry Bridges book titled: Respectable Sins published by NAVPRESS, 2007.

Both of these books are a good read and Jerry Bridges’ book would also make a for a good small group study.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2008-10-16T11:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Sandy and I have been thrilled, for the past three weekends, to have one of our neighbor families attending our services at Christ Community. We also have been personally ministered to by those in our church who went out of their way at church to welcome our neighbors, never realizing that they were our friends. Thanks especially to Janel and Jessica, as well as to those we are not aware of. This past week I used my old skateboard from Jr. High days as an illustration in the sermon – a red Rinky Dink Surf Board, that is probably worth some money on eBay but I don’t want to cash in as in these days, I wouldn’t know where to place the money. I think I will leave my small investment directly in one really old skate board. Anyways, our neighbor’s elementary aged son who was not with them this past week and loves skate boards. I understand he would like to come over and see it. We have some pie waiting and are hoping for a good conversation while getting to know them all better.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Please Pray - We are beginning to look seriously about going to two worship services on Sunday mornings again. This is not in place of our Saturday evening service schedule as Saturday evenings will continue. The specific prayer would be that our Sunday morning congregation (which is nearing full capacity right now) would: 1) not lose heart in doing so as it will take more willing workers. (A lot of baby boomers attend this service and some perhaps are being tempted to put their lower reserve of energies elsewhere) and 2) that we do not lose our D.N.A. of so many years, “an all service church”. We do not want to simply have people come to worship services, soak in, and leave till next week. This is a tougher road to walk as a church these days due to so many Christians getting tangled up in Christian Consumerism. It is so rampant.

We are about: Serving one another, Worshipping together, Outreach, Relationships with one another and Discipling others is what we are about and this is not going to change…..at least on my watch.

Paragraph of the Week

2008-10-10T11:29:00.001-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Wow, what a week this has been. Early Monday I became ill, having lost about 5 to 7 pounds thus far. I now weigh what I did when I graduated from high school in 1970. I am still trying to get back to normal. Monday evening our ministry staff went on a long needed retreat together and I came back Wednesday afternoon when our daughter Debra arrived from Texas. On Thursday, Sandy, Debra and I drove down to Portland for a good friend of the family’s wedding who grew up at Christ Community. Brent and Kristin met us at the wedding as did Tim (who came by train) along with his just announced fiancée, Kristin (who also came by train where in fact they became engaged). By the way, after they are married Debra will be able to say, “This is my sister Kristin and my other sister Kristin”. We drove back late last night and here I am on Thursday…….:-) Correction, make that Friday, in the office for a few minutes but need to get back home to finish up my study for Saturday and Sunday’s sermon………..We are presently going through the book of Philippians and I recognize that we “are not to be anxious about anything” is right around the corner. J

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

FYI – Thank you for those who responded about continuing to receive your free subscription to Paragraph of the Week. If you have already responded or would care not to receive these short snippets each week, you need not do anything more. If you would like to continue to receive and have not let me know, well, I thought I would ask one last time. Just a reminder to all, that you can go to www.GordieBauslaugh.blogspot.com if you would rather, and catch up that way.

Paragraph of the Week

2008-09-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I rarely recommend a movie for anyone to go see. I am always very cautious about causing another Christian to stumble. Not to say we go and see many movies. In fact, as Sandy and I sat down in the theater to watch the movie I am about to strongly recommend, I asked her when the last time we were at the theater. Neither of us came up with a definitive answer. Here is the movie of which I hope is showing in your area. It is called: Fire Proof. If you live in the Puyallup (largest city in the United States that begins with the letter "P" and ends with the letter "p") then you should know that it is showing at the South Hill Mall right now. If you are married, go see it with another couple. It is very well done and communicates in very real ways, our need for The Mender and Savior of our lives.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

FYI - I realize I gave a mixed message last week. I will try and correct it this week. If you would like to continue to receive these weekly paragraphs, please let me know. If you are choosing to no longer receive these paragraphs, you will not need to do anything.

Paragraph of the week

2008-09-23T13:14:00.001-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I am looking forward to our sermon series coming up in 2009. During the year, I am jotting sermon ideas down and collecting them for the fall of the year, as I am privileged to go out to a cottage near the ocean for a few days of planning each year. In 2009 our church will be going through our Statement of Doctrinal Beliefs. We will also compliment this with some narrative studies from the book of Judges, my favorite O.T. book. Our pastors on staff will be preaching from Judges, each taking a different judge for their presentation, preaching on weeks that I will not obviously be speaking. I am looking forward to these times as those who attend CCBC, will receive notebooks that compliment our ongoing series: “Foundations of the Faith”. If you have come across some supplemental, illustrative resources, please pass them my way.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

*FYI – If you would like to continue to receive these paragraphs of the week. Please let me know. Those I hear from, I will discontinue sending them to you. You will not hurt my feelings if you choose to no longer receive your “free subscription”. If you should choose to pay, well, I won’t mind that either. I recognize so much is coming at each of us, especially over the computer, each week. By the way, I also automatically place them on a blog. My blog address is: www.GordieBauslaugh.blogspot.com

Paragraph of the Week

2008-09-06T17:07:00.001-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I have recently asked and received from our church elders to prayerfully investigate some possible “multi-site” places of ministry. It is so “Book of Acts” like. This past week I was out in some small towns south of Puyallup. I was in Eatonville, Elbe, Ashford and Mineral. I met with three pastors, real kindred spirits that I had never met before. I was trying to discover if 1) there are evangelical churches out in these potential mission posts and 2) are they really reaching out to the community (Romans 15:20). The first highlight of the day was praying with and for each of them in their congregation’s ministry of reaching their community. The second highlight was getting a lead, which I will be checking out in the near future, in another town. The third highlight was something that I have only done once ever before and then it took place in Madison, South Dakota. I was given the privilege of ringing the church bell in the belfry by pulling the rope above me. No, it did not lift me back up off of my feet as you sometimes see in the movies.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2008-08-31T18:49:00.001-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

This past week I attended the Washington State High School baseball championship game of where our Roger Rams were playing. It was good to see their blue uniforms, especially the one worn by our son Lance. Lance isn’t the best player on the team but there he stood in the batter’s box, quite tan from all of the ball playing outdoors. He was the first batter up in the bottom of the ninth with the game all tied.

(This will be an “extended paragraph” to say the least)

Lance hit a clean single and the following batter, who really worked the pitcher, scooted one through the infield and Lance had to stop at second base.

I got a kick out of watching their manager pull a “sports themed” cereal box out of his duffel bag and had the players pass it around, each signing it for the player on first.

I looked at my watch knowing that I had to pick up our daughter, Debra at the airport but I figured I could squeeze a few more minutes out as she would need time to collect her luggage at baggage claim.

The third batter up hit another single. Lance made a wide turn at third and realized he was going to be nailed out at home plate so he scurried back head first to third. It was a close play but the third baseman allowed the ball to get by him. Lance and the third baseman were trying to get up and also get each other out of their way at the same time. Lance beat the throw to home and scored the decisive winning run. Man was it exciting.

My sister Linda and her husband Gene were in town and saw everything with us. We were all really acting crazy and whooping it all up together. It was really good to have them here for this.

Lance was talking a mile a minute and was yelling to everyone and anyone in excitement. I got a kick out of hearing him ask the coach if this was it or were there others yet to play. I don’t know if he was thinking if other state champions playing each other or what. But the coach told him this was it.

…..We’ll if you know our family very well; you are probably wondering if I have lost it all or what. After all, Lance will be 30 years old this coming January.

…..Yes indeed, what a dream. And that is probably what I get for eating a good portion of warmed up “Bauslaugh Spaghetti” while watching a Mariner’s game shortly before bed.

Out of 2 Months worth of “Paragraphs of the Week”,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2008-08-17T09:27:00.001-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

This past week Sandy and I received one of, if not the highest compliment, from a government agency. We are being audited by the I.R.S. going back to 2005, 2006 & 2007 concerning our charitable/church giving. It was during these three years that our church family experienced an over and above giving program called “The Experience Faith Project”. As a result of many (who will hopefully soon will also be called upon by the I.R.S.), our entire church building is now paid for and we soon will be laying new parking lot spaces before asking the congregation to give again towards future additional building. The Lord continues to bless Christ Community with growing attendances, even during the summer months. As well, we are now beginning to conduct an investigation into potential, down the road, multi-site locations. It is kind of like living in the book of Acts.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2008-08-09T11:50:00.001-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

During our family reunion out east we celebrated my mom’s 80^th birthday in some very special ways. Some may not know that our mom’s mom (my grandma Reynolds) died of breast cancer when my mom was in high school. While some of her older siblings had already left the house, my mom quit high school to take care of the other younger siblings. She has been a self learner all along and has taught Sunday School for the past 60 years. She presently has approximately 30 to 35 ladies in her Sunday School class. Anyways, our younger sister Patty contacted the Hazel Park, Michigan High School principal. This is where my mom had attended school in the 1940’s. The principal sent a wonderful, personal letter to my mom which was read out loud. Then out came the honorary, Hazel Park High School diploma. Signed by the board members and high school principal at the time she attended (I guess they have these on file). Then out came the school’s graduation cap and tassel. We all stood and applauded her as she melted in tears. What a moment.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2008-07-14T11:02:00.001-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

We incredibly live in the middle of a wildlife preservation. Unlike a zoo, we are the ones who are in the glass cage, looking out at the animals. Presently we have a father and mother quail leading about 12 little chicks every so often around our home. There are two families of deer that total 3 brand new fawns and this week Sandy noticed two, no make that three, no make that four little faces hiding down under the black berry bushes on the east edge of our property. They were little kittens, domesticated kittens that obviously have been raised in the wild. That night we watched for the mother and sure enough she came back to feet them. They are really fun to watch as they bundle up at night and as we look with the binoculars we find a ball of fur with four heads (two white and two gray) sticking out in all sorts of contorted places. We seem to look out their way first thing every morning. Of course we are preparing ourselves for what might very well happen……Mr. Coyote or Mr. Bobcat (do bigger cats eat their smaller relatives?) or how about Mr. Eagle swooping down? Whoo??? Yeh, Mr. Owl might be around too.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2008-07-05T12:48:00.001-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

This past week Sandy had her cardiac angiogram take place at the University of Washington. The doctor who performed this procedure stated that he hopes his arteries look like Sandy’s. They are as clear as a whistle. Her chest ex-rays also came back showing nothing irregular. This is great news as this eliminates any idea that Sandy could drop with a heart attack. It does not yet give us the answers concerning what is causing her chest pain that goes all the way back to her shoulder blade when she walks for more than a football field. We have another appointment with the cardiologist, up at the U of W next month. So……..what did Sandy and I do for July 4^th? We walked around our country block which turned out to be 8 miles long. Sandy’s chest hurt at times but we finished the hike without complications. Sandy even found a one dollar bill on the trip. J

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2008-06-29T10:03:00.001-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

It has been 7 months now since our church has been holding Sat and Sun worship services as well as ministry opportunities that surround these two services. After 56 years of going to church, my body rhythm is still trying to figure this all out. Possibly, the ideal is, I think, to tell myself not to do too much on Saturdays, which is a real adjustment because there are so many exceptions that come into play (funerals, weddings, church workdays, cutting my own grass, invites to play golf etc….). But I find it is difficult to be really prepared personally, physically, emotionally and concerning my ministerial responsibilities on Sat. nights unless I choose to discipline my choices during the day. After Saturday evening, I go back to church on Sunday. I often ask myself, when is my Sabbath. I guess you can tell by this writing that I am still trying to figure this all out……..:-)

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2008-06-21T17:33:00.001-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I thought it would be a good idea to inform everyone about Sandy’s health status and future tests planned. She still has a slight pain in her chest and shoulder, going back to her back when she does much walking. We went to the University of Washington this past week and they are recommending an angiogram which will take place on July 1. We both appreciated the doctors that we met with and are fully in agreement for this to take place. Why sit around and wait for (anticipate) something to happen. We do not want to chase any ghosts and would like to eliminate any potential problems. Thank you to so many who have told us you are praying.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2008-06-15T12:01:00.001-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

This past weekend was the weekend in Washington when you didn’t need a fishing license to go fishing. Since I haven’t fished for years and would have to admit that I was never really sure of what I was doing when fishing, a long time friend took Sandy and I fishing on Lake Saint Claire. Now I have been out on Lake Saint Claire many times over the years, even ice fished on it, but that was a different lake, with the same name, back in Michigan. Well, Sandy caught the first and biggest of the two fish caught. She pulled in a 14 inch, just over 2 pound rainbow trout. I pulled in the second fish, also a trout. I have to tell you though that mine looked like a PT boat next to her Destroyer. It was good eaten’ last Monday evening at the Gordon Bauslaugh’s.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

FYI – Tomorrow morning Sandy has an appointment with a team of doctors at the University of Washington concerning her heart to get a second opinion.

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2008-06-07T13:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Yesterday I phoned my mom in Florida to tell her that Sandy and I just had an incredible experience. We had just been given the opportunity to tour Air Force One. We enjoyed this brief tour immensely as we walked through this history making jet. It was Friday (our day off together) and we wanted to do something special. It was raining outside but still wanted to get out of the house. We heard that Air Force One was in town and found out they were giving tours at the Boeing Field. So we took them up on it……….What I haven’t told you is that it has been parked up here since 1996. Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon all flew on it as well as Kissinger and others. We had a great time at the Boeing Museum.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2008-05-31T13:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

This past week we went to see the cardiologist to talk about all the tests Sandy has had. Amazingly all these hi-tech tests show up nothing related to the heart. Besides the fact that Sandy’s regular doctor that she has seen for years has set up an appointment with an inner ear doc, the cardiologist 1) is setting up an appointment with another cardiologist at the U. of W. to get a second opinion and 2) started her on a half pill of nitroglycerin per day in order to find out if these take away the heart pain when we walk up a mild hill near our home. So far they have, telling us there is a heart related issue that we are dealing with. These pills give Sandy a huge, huge headache. We need to walk though, even with the headache, in order to complete this doctor’s experiment. Otherwise there is no reason to take these pills. Please pray for Sandy as she is overwhelmed with all of this.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2008-05-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

It is finally summertime in the Pacific Northwest. Summer comes a little slower here compared to the Midwest but it also lasts longer into the autumn season. With summer’s arrival I am pleased to say our Saturday evening congregation is being tested on their commitment to Saturday evening services. I mentioned to them to have others thank them for good weather Saturdays as God is testing them in their attendance. J We had a good attendance last evening, though I think a nap for everyone, before coming is a good idea. This being Memorial weekend, after our services this morning, Sandy, Brent, Kristin and I are heading to Leavenworth, Wa. for the rest of the day. We will stay there and then play golf on Monday before coming home. I am looking forward to the brief R & R.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2008-05-17T16:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

What a privilege we have living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Last evening (Friday) Sandy had a group of ladies over to play bunko (Which I think use to be illegal though today it is a fun table game and not for money). We have been experiencing 80 degree temps so I drove to a picture postcard mountain lake, only a few miles from our house and put the finishing touches on our weekend sermon. Fish were jumping. Eagles flew over. People were boating and swimming. And I had a really neat time with God.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2008-05-03T10:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Whenever there is a new birth in our church family, we communicate this with a flower in the front at our worship times. Yellow carnations are for recognize spiritual births (there were six up front this last weekend, PTL) and a red flower when a family of the church has a new arrival in their own home. Tonight and tomorrow there will be a red flower showing - as our Worship Pastor, P.J. and his wife Mandy, have adopted a little 2 year old boy named Zachary. This has been in the works for some months (from our perspective), but since forever (from God’s perspective). Interestingly enough, one of our other Pastors, John Golling and his wife Sandra, have been Zach’s foster parents for most of his life. Who knew this past summer that when our pastoral search committee was looking for a worship pastor at Christ Community that we were also looking for parents (and a sister) for little Zach.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2008-04-27T09:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

A week ago I attended a Multi-Site Seminar in Seattle that attracted people from around the world. I met a man from Traverse City, Michigan. I shared with him that I was named after Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay (If you are not a Detroit Red Wing fan hang in there with me on this). He stated that when Gordie Howe was living up in Traverse City before his wife Colleen became ill, Gordie Howe. I told him how at 9 years old I had written a letter to Gordie Howe and shared the gospel in the letter. The only problem was that I was too intimidated to give it to him at the time. Then about 15+ years ago, here in Tacoma, I had the opportunity to meet him briefly and share with him that I was probably one of the oldest guys around named after him. I told him what happened when I was 9 years old. I then gave him a gospel tract that I always carry with me and asked him that when he had some quiet time in his motel if he could read it. Gordie Howe told me they were believers though they didn’t attend church much. (I always hoped they were). Well, this fellow I met last week told me that Gordie Howe attended their church while in Traverse City. He told me that Gordie Howe and he had gone out for breakfast together and also went to a Christian Concert. He told me that his belief was that Gordie Howe is a Christian. I hope this is true and if it is, Jesus scored again.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2008-04-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Thought I would give you a glimpse of what my Saturday evenings are like at Christ Community, at least what tonight is going like. I walked in the church at about 4:30 pm. I immediately made copies of my sermon notes so that the “Power Point” people could have a copy to follow along and place up on the screen behind me as I speak. I then had the privilege, along with some other leaders of our church, to hear two young boys share their salvation story. To hear their young, clear stories, is really invigorating. I wish everyone could have heard……maybe someday we will video tape them for all. Both boys are going through our kids’ baptism, basic beliefs class and will be baptized next Sunday evening at a church wide worship service. I then went down to my office with Sandy as Jason and Anecia Robinson wanted to re-commit their wedding vows on the tenth wedding anniversary. Again what a privilege, and then to pray with them and their three young children…..WOW! Then it was time for a worship service, two youth came forward proclaiming their salvation and wanting to get baptized. This wasn’t a total surprise as our youth pastor and wife have met with them as well as coming forward with them. Then a young boy came forward with his mom and with tears shared how earlier in the service he asked Jesus to forgive his sins. After the service a young couple with no children told me that they found out this week that they are expecting their first child. Right now they are telling their care group. As I type this I am listening to the kids sing their hearts out in the room next door and in a few minutes I get to hear some more testimonies of those who came forward…..You know what, there are some real package benefits of being a pastor.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

And tomorrow morning we get to do it all over again.

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2008-04-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Weather wise it hit 82 degrees yesterday in the Pacific Northwest where we live. Some people believe it rains a lot here. The sunshine has been wonderful. I have had a major head cold this past week and what a delight to let the sunshine on me this week, trying to bake my cold away……..But, talk about the sun shining this week, let me tell you about the Son shining this week as well. I was told this Sunday morning at church that a little girl by the name of Annabel (8 years old) prayed a prayer of personal faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior. I talked with her in church this morning and she is really quite clear about what she did in her bedroom all by herself. (She and mom prayed later when she told her mom what she had done). Then……..this morning, right after the morning message I headed directly to the men’s restroom to wash my hands (I don’t do this every week but with my cold and all) in order to meet and greet people afterwards. As I was about to come out of the restroom I meet Robert, a new friend of mine who has been coming to our church for about 3 months now, tells me that this morning with the assistance of our Associate Pastor John Golling, his brother Billy (about in his 40’s) became a Christian. Later, in the church lobby, I meet Billy and he shares with me what he did, that he asked God to adopt him into His family. He is almost so touched and overjoyed that he can hardly speak. Today, my new brother Billy stepped out of darkness and into God’s beautiful Son light! In the Pacific Northwest, Our God Reigns!

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2008-04-05T08:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

We had the privilege in attending our nephew’s wedding this past week. Doug (Gene and Linda Moore’s oldest) and Vania’s wedding ceremony was very God honoring. This was a unique wedding service as worship took priority in many varied creative ways. I have read that when a couple give’s a lot of thought into their wedding, it is a sure sign into how they will treat each other in their marriage. Linda and Gene, your “kid’s” did real good! (as their grandma B. would say). You are blessed.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Let me just add how neat it was to see Betsy and her very good friend at the wedding as well. And just to show you that the world is smaller than we realize, it was also a joy to see Garry Friesen. Dr. Freeze read a beautiful prayer to the newly weds that he had personally wrote out.

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2008-03-23T09:42:00.001-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

HE HAS RISEN! HE HAS RISEN AGAIN! AND AGAIN!

What I mean by that is that I am typing this between our two Easter Services. Last evening we celebrated the Resurrection morning during London, England time. In a few minutes we celebrate the Resurrection morning on Pacific Coast Time. Everyone comes with such expectations on Sunday morning but I think with just a little bit more of an anticipation to Praise our Living Lord on Easter morning. I wasn’t sure how it would go, having our first Saturday evening Easter Service (glad it didn’t continue on to be a sunrise service), and then again meeting on Sunday morning. But I have to tell you it has caused me to have more anticipation to meet with the Redeemed this morning. HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

FW: Paragraph of the Week

2008-03-15T17:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Anyone know anything more about the following attachment?

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

From: Taylor, Mark [mailto:mark.taylor@weyerhaeuser.com]
Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 9:16 AM
To: Bauslaugh, Gordon; Junkert, Cindy; Golling, John
Subject: FW:

______________________________________________

From: Lambdin, John

Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 8:32 AM

To: john.lambdin@gmail.com

Subject:

A documentary to be released in theaters April 18^th. Looks good. Don’t miss it. J

http://www.expelledthemovie.com/playground.php

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2008-03-08T17:17:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I don’t know about you but I love closure. So as not to leave you wondering about my lost driver’s license I need to tell you that my new picture taken at the Washington State License Bureau came in the mail last week. The very next envelope, from Northwest Airlines contained my old one. J I must have lost it on the plane going from Seattle to Detroit and while they didn’t phone me that they found it, it is nice to know that it was in good hands the whole time. The lost (in this case) has been found and I am grateful.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2008-03-01T17:43:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Brent and I just got back from visiting my mom in Florida. There were lots of highlights such as golf and seeing alligators on the golf course and in my mom’s back yard. But for me the most interesting and annoying part of the trip happened either while I was still in Seattle or in Detroit switching planes, I don’t know which, let me explain. I realized when getting on my Northwest Airlines plane in Detroit that I never placed my driver’s license back in my wallet. I was given permission to go back out to the gate and tell them. I agreed to do so but only if the plane would not leave without me since not having my license, I didn’t see myself having the opportunity to get on another plane. They could not help me at the desk except give me a phone number to call so I had to wake up Sandy at about 4:30 am in Seattle to make the calls as the plane was ready to go. For two and a half hours I rechecked my wallet, pockets, and black carry on bag about 5 times each. To end a long story, my license is gone though TSA and Northwest Airlines are keeping their eyes open. At least it was not my credit cards and I now have a temporary driver’s license (I feel like a 16 yr. old kid again). Any one reading this who has any knowledge of what else I should do concerning any related identity theft issues that I could still address, please let me know. And if you ever see my picture on the late news, let me know, as it is somebody else using my mug.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2008-02-17T09:44:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I am leaving this evening for Florida and some sunshine. I have more vacation time than Sandy and encouraged me to go. She will not be going with me this year to visit my mom as she is saving her vacation time for a family reunion that will be held this summer and to go and help her parents in June with an auction that they are holding. In fact, another woman from our church is going to go with Sandy on a road trip to Kulm, N.D. to assist as well. But listen to this as it is really cool news, Brent will be joining me in Florida at grandmas for some golf and some good r & r. Tell me, what dad wouldn’t be honored to have one of his children choose to join him for a few days off? I’m also glad that my parents chose to retire in Florida many years ago as I am sure that doesn’t hurt the situation. By the way, Brent also presently has some extra vacation time than our daughter-in-law, Kristin.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2008-02-09T20:51:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Friday is our day off so Sandy and I went up to Northwest College to hear Janet Huckabee speak. We were really impressed. She is full of class, humor and very knowledgeable. She handled the questions thrown at her and had good rapport with those attending. Afterwards, as Sandy and I shook her hand I told her to keep threading the needle between grace and truth. I then referred to John 1:14. She came back to me with the comment that she really appreciated that while others wanted to meet her as well. As another believer, I can genuinely say, that I believe she gets it…..I believe her husband does as well.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

A little trivia. Do you know what Janet Huckabee’s middle name is?

It is McCain. J It was her maiden name and since she didn’t have a middle name she took her maiden name as her middle name.

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2008-02-02T14:42:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

We would appreciate your prayers for Sandy and me. Sandy recently had a couple of tests on her heart, as well as stress test. Her heart seems to be running fast (I tell her that it is only when I am with her but she doesn’t buy it). This Monday the doctor is having an ultra sound take place on her neck since as they stopped her from continuing the stress test and then within two weeks she will have a cat scan take place on her heart. On top of all this, this has been one of the craziest weeks of ministry that we have ever had for various reasons. Perhaps as a result my blood pressure has also sky rocketed (the highest being 160 over 115). We are hoping that it has to do with some cold medicines that I was taking when this week began. I have been told for several years that my blood pressure is like an eighteen year old, since I have been running for years, three times a week. But now it is taking some interesting leaps. Again, we would appreciate your prayers.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2008-01-23T16:36:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Rejoice with us! We moved into our church building in July of 1995 with a $470,000.00 loan. This month our church paid off the mortgage in just 12 and ½ years. The past three years our church was giving “over and above” for future improvements that include paving the way (literally as we look at our church parking lot expansion) for future building plans. One of our goals was to also pay down on our mortgage. The congregation gave just over $420,000 in our three year, “Experience Faith Project”. As we wait for permits to come, we went ahead and paid off on the building and will be making the same monthly payments back into a similar fund, to build it up for the developing future plans.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2008-01-19T12:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Thought I would share a note I had personally been given at church recently, by the writer.

Dear Pastor Gordie,

I don’t know how to say this, well I guess I should just come out and say it! Thank you. Yeah that’s what I’m trying to say, you and this church have made me feel welcome. I always thought I was antisocial till I came to this church. I’ve never really belonged anywhere. For as long as I’ve lived (I’m 15) I’ve tried to fit in. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve changed how I dress or how I talk. When I started coming to CCBC I immediately realized that this was a place that I could have friends that really cared about me. It’s a place where I belong.

Thank you,

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2008-01-12T20:35:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Last evening one of our young girls at church, 9 years old, 4^th grader Paris Gibson, took a spill and was taken to the emergency room. She accidentally fell at home and hit her head on the bed head board. She lost lots of blood. I called her concerned parents at the hospital as they waited for treatment. This morning I called their home and Paris answered the phone and told me she was doing very well though it hurt when she crinkled her forehead. But the reason I write you about this is at the end of our really neat conversation, this gracious and quiet (at least with me….the pastor) young girl, spoke up before we could say good bye as she wanted to “thank me for praying”. A nine year old……wow!

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2008-01-05T20:05:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

It was a real treat for us having Lance and Katie visiting us from Texas. (Not to mention Brent and Kristin from Washington as well). But it was also a treat for the birds around our house. Lindsay, Leslie, Sandy and I made some Christmas presents for the birds. We took some fir tree cones, dried them out, spread peanut butter on them and then rolled them in bird seed. We then tied them with string on a metal post which I had stuck solidly in the ground. The birds loved their feast and we enjoyed watching them. The girls listened closely as I was telling the girls that the birds, in bird language, were thanking Lindsay and Leslie. We’ll, two nights ago, some other type of animals (raccoons? Possum? Coyotes? Skunks?) also enjoyed themselves by knocking the metal post out of the ground and eating the left overs…….Any one want to tent out in our back yard? I’ll leave the sliding door unlocked for you.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2007-12-29T11:53:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

This past week, on Christmas Eve Day, I called our grand daughters (four year old Lindsay and 2 year old Leslie), pretending to be Santa. I told them I was checking my list twice and that I had Lindsay and Leslie Bauslaugh on my list. I asked them if they had been good girls. They assured me that they had. I asked them what they were hoping to get and if they would be leaving me some milk and cookies when I came to their house. Lance then asked what time Santa thought the girls should go to bed. I of course gave a “Ho Ho Ho” (stalling to think of an appropriate answer). I told him that, “They should go to bed when Mommy and Daddy thought it was time”. It was really special playing the voice of Santa for them. They really seemed to fall for it with complete confidence that they had talked to Santa. It was a real kick for me…………They arrived in Washington the evening of Christmas Day and stopped by the church the next day. We were talking and Lindsay told me that she had talked to Santa on the phone. I asked her what they had talked about and she said that Santa sounded like Pa Pa Gordie. J Please, no one tell Leslie, okay?

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2007-12-22T12:02:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

This past week Sandy and I were in the Chicago area, more specifically at Wheaton, Illinois. It was good to see the area that was our old stomping grounds, before coming here to Puyallup. Those were significant years that saw the birth of three of our four children. Speaking of children, we were in Wheaton to attend the graduation of our daughter Debra from Wheaton Graduate School. Her degree was in Religion and American Living. We were thrilled to see hear surroundings and to soak in her accomplishments. Pray for her as she is planning for now to stay in the Wheaton area. She is looking for employment, especially a position that includes a much desired health package.

Merry Christmas to All,

Our of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2007-12-08T20:01:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I want to tell you about our amazing ministry staff that God has brought together at Christ Community. We are so blessed to have a team that works so well together. John Golling (7 years) is our minister of shepherding our care groups, administering our committees and directing our new marriage mentoring program. John Gruber (5 years) is our minister to youth and their parents. Bobbie Marcy (1 ½ years) is our director of children’s ministries. P.J. Tangedahl (4 months) is our minister of worship. Cindy Junkert (18 years) and Carrie Moultrie (1 ½ years) are our ministry assistants. We are obviously blessed and never sooooooo blessed as we see this team covering the basses as we now begin services on Saturday evenings as well as on Sunday mornings. I think it was Einstein (what happened to the “I before e, except after c” rule?) who was asked, if as a genius, did he know the answer to any question that could be asked of him? He of course said he could not but did say that within approximately 5 minutes he could probably locate someone who could answer any particular question in that given field of expertise…….That is similar to how I feel about our staff. Any question that is asked of me at CCBC, I have a staff member I can go to and they will come through every time. We are blessed!

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2007-12-01T17:14:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Our first weekend of having two worship services turned out to be very exciting. We are not going “public” with our Saturday evening service until January in order to get use to it and also making sure we are covering the bases of children’s ministries and have proper sizes and rooms for our adult care groups. Our two services last weekend were 46% and 54% of our total weekend attendance. I realize this is only one weekend so far but we are encouraged with a near 50/50%. Both services also had a very good “critical mass” so visitors will still feel very welcome.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2007-11-24T11:50:00.001-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Sandy and I just got back from Washington D.C. with our feet on the ground and running full speed. Our church hosted the N.A.B. area churches Thanksgiving Service this year and our “SNL” (we are not calling it that), begins tonight. The wedding of Major Harry and Mrs. Rachel Hung was a wonderful experience and ours was a tremendous honor to take part in it. This is a wonderful Christian couple whom God has brought together and whom I am sure has some amazing things planned for in the future. The wedding took place on Fort Meyer, where the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Pentagon Generals live. The wedding specifically took place at the Old North Chapel (about two par 5’s from the Iwo Jima, Marine memorial). The wonderfully planned out wedding reception took place in the General George Patton officer’s club. Earlier in the week, Sandy and I received a tour of the White House, U.S, Capital, Library of Congress and all the monuments and memorials, even going up to the top of the Washington Monument and phoning our children asking the infamous question……”Can you hear me now?” There are tons of stories to tell but way too many for this bloated paragraph. It was a trip Sandy and I will never forget. Thank you Harry and Rachel.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2007-11-10T17:17:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

We are just about to celebrate CCBC’s past (20 years of ministry together on South Hill, Puyallup/Graham), the present (our three year over and above Experience Faith Project as the congregation has given “so far” over $410,000) and the future with our moving one of our Sunday morning worship services to Saturday evenings. People are on their way right now so that we can celebrate and have a prayer time together. Stories will be shared from the past, the present (as we give our “present” to God J) and anticipation for new ways of reaching our community for Christ in the days ahead. We are planning to stop after each of the three segments and have prayer together.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2007-11-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

We spent a wonderful evening last night at the Tacoma Dome as the Pacific Northwest Franklin Graham Festival kicked off. There is a brief concert each evening and last night the main performer was Steven Curtis Chapman before Franklin Graham gave the salvation message. Sandy was on the main floor as counseling was going on, collecting the decision cards, and I was in a room off the main room sorting the decision cards. First time I have done the behind the scenes activities as I would rather be counseling but how neat to see the cards and the different ages of people who came to Christ. Many were adults. Another neat feature of what was going on is we had the opportunity to meet some Wheaton College students (undergrad and graduate) who came in on a financial grant to help with the festival. Some of them knew students who knew our daughter Debra. One other opportunity I had was to relax between responsibilities and talk with the fellow who led John Kitna (Detroit Lion’s Quarterback) to the Lord just a few years ago. Both this fellow I talked with and John Kitna had been real party animals until the first became a Christian, made a complete change, and the other wanted to know more.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2007-10-25T12:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Sandy and I are rejoicing with the little ministry opportunities our Lord is giving us in our new little community. We have been in our home just a little over one and a half years now and not only do we have a former neighbor, from our former neighborhood, one street over who has attended our church a couple of times already, one of our neighbor’s, adult married children are meeting with Sandy and I weekly for marriage counseling. Our church MOPS ladies are ministering to another neighbor (this actually was going on before we moved in) and then this past Sunday another couple was in our worship service. This couple said to me, after the service, that they knew I was a pastor but didn’t realize it was at this church until they walked in. The community mailbox is in front of our house. I will be strategically planning my trips to get our mail when certain others are as well.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

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2007-10-20T14:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

It is just impossible to explain how the last 4 to 6 Sunday mornings have gone. Life has really picked up in the fast lane at Christ Community. As soon as I step into the church it seems like it is a continual conversation with different people till I go home5 hours later. The only break is a few minutes after the worship services begin until I begin preaching. It is a wonderful, yet exasperating experience, as the conversations are with many and usually very short with each individual. And the topics range from such things like: service logistics, to “Hello Pastor Gordie” from 4 year olds, to someone with tears whose grandpa is in the hospital, to another’s funny pun, to praying with two others (a dad and his son) as the son is heading to Iraq. But last Sunday, I think one of the most significant conversations, though one of the shortest was when a young Christian gal (not use to speaking our Christian lingo) said to me, “Pastor, I just want to thank you this morning for your speech”. I thought that was so real and so great.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Oh, it also crossed my mine if she thought I was running for office or something. J

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2007-10-13T11:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

This past Monday our son Brent did what none of his brothers, dad, and I believe none of his uncles have ever done. He was out golfing and made a hole-in-one. I was pretty honored to get a phone call right after he called his new wife Kristin. I don’t think I have ever answered the phone the way I did that day when he called me. I knew that He was out golfing with his best man from his wedding. So I answered with a, “so did you get a hole-in-one?” He said that that was exactly why he was calling. It was a 151 yard, par 3 (with a blue flag, making it about 161 yards) that he had never played before. For you non-golfers, to place this in perspective, imagine 1 & ½ football fields and this little ball going into a little cup. If you would like to congratulate Brent and you already have his email address, go for it. I probably shouldn’t give his email address out, so if you don’t have it, just hit reply and I can forward it, or hit “reply all” as he also gets this paragraph of the week. Congratulations Brent!

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie (also known as Brent’s Dad)

Paragraph of the Week

2007-10-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

We are not legalists at our church but I am now asking our entire church membership, and new members when joining, to read Max Lacado’s book titled: It’s Not About Me. I highly recommend it. Not only is it good reading (the book is divided up into two sections, the first being about God and the second being about our response), but it is exactly what I have been preaching on all my years in the ministry. And did I say it was short? I read it in two hours. Of course, Max Lacado’s style of creative writing also makes for a quick read.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

By the way, the way we will do this is by placing several copies in the church library with a one week check out policy.

Paragraph of the Week

2007-09-29T08:42:00.001-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Since we have moved out to the country we see lots of different kinds of birds. I have taken up a new hobby of bird watching and record the birds that I have seen, from our house, in a book. This past week I saw a very rare bird indeed. It is called a Sandy Eagle. A Sandy birdie is rare enough but a Sandy Eagle is almost unheard of. Our son Brent, our new worship pastor P.J. and I saw it together, though P.J. had the better experience. You see, he was in a golf bunker about 20 yards from the green, laying 2 on a par 5 and he chipped it in from the sand….thus a “Sandy Eagle”.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2007-09-22T13:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

This is the fourth fall that I have been allowed to go to the coast for a few days and download what direction the Lord might be giving me for sermon themes for the next year. I thought you might be interested in what ended up on paper. We will be studying such themes and books as: Prayer; Beyond the Grave; A Study in Ephesians; The Staying Power of God’s Word; Living Proof Sharing; A Study in Philippians; A Study in Titus; Christ & Relationship vs. Religion & Legalism; The Colors of Christmas and Selected Psalms.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

OOps!

2007-09-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

Sorry to all about a brief communication that was sent accidentally to all the paragraph of the week people. I really do not know how that happened.

Gordie

FW: Jesus Around the World

2007-09-13T13:03:00.000-07:00

I would suggest she involve her care group and not the whole church. My personal feeling.

From: Christ Community [mailto:christcommunity@comcast.net]
Sent: Thursday, September 13, 2007 9:28 AM
To: Gordon Bauslaugh (Gordon Bauslaugh)
Subject: FW: Jesus Around the World

Ok Gordie - what would you like me to do with this now?

From: Jennifer Seyler [mailto:ljseyler@comcast.net]
Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2007 3:03 PM
To: Christ Community
Subject: Re: Jesus Around the World

No, the co-op is not still going. However, I am still homeschooling, and I need some help with studying all the countries of the world! So I thought I'd organize a little unit study on the side.

Thanks,

Jennifer

----- Original Message -----

From: Christ Community

To: 'Jennifer Seyler'

Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2007 8:58 AM

Subject: RE: Jesus Around the World

Jennifer,

Gordie would like to know if your co-op is still going? We understood the co-op was not together anymore. Is this true or not? Let me know and I'll pass the info. on.

CJ

Paragraph of the Week

2007-09-12T11:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Driving home from South Dakota where we dropped Tim off at Seminary with all of his worldly possessions, we had plans of stopping at the Montana/North Dakota border or at the Montana/Idaho border and get out of the car so that Sandy could stand on one side and I on the other. That would have been the first time ever that all six of our original Gordon Bauslaugh family members would have at the same time been in a different State of the Union. We are now officially empty nesters. Still very busy yet blessed, and enjoying the bliss. Busy, Blessed and Bliss, three other great states to be in.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2007-09-05T12:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

We are just back from our 8 day trip to South Dakota and them there parts in between. We arrived with lots to do plus an enjoyment of the Labor Day Holiday (sounds like an oxymoron doesn’t it?). So it wasn’t until this past Tuesday morning that I finally drove our 1996 Dodge Neon. Now you need to know that this car was bought when Lance (our oldest) was in high school for the purpose of our children having a cheap little car to get around in. Brent (our youngest) is now 23 years old. Most of you probably recognize that a Neon’s life span compared to more expensive vehicles is like a dog’s life to a human’s. Well our little Neon has 165,000 miles on it. Yes the paint is peeling off (I think it might be because I have the tendency to drive a bit fast at times) and one hubcap is gone and I am not planning to replace it. So you hopefully get the picture of this working wonder. Well, we (the Neon and I) pull out of the garage and I realize that the fuel tank is on empty, make that below empty. I thought that strange though I couldn’t remember when I had last put fuel in it, having been all the way to South Dakota since I had last filled the tank. So I headed straight to the nearest gas station about 5 miles away. I pulled out onto the highway and got up to what I felt was normal speed, looked to see how fast I was going and was surprised to find out I was going zero miles an hour. I then realized that our Neon thought it was still on vacation and none of the gages were working. I thought I better still get to the gas station though and fill it up as then I would at least know I had a full tank. I stopped at the Safeway grocery store cheaper gas station and filled it up and put less than 2 and ½ gallons in it. Boy, Safeway gasoline is really good stuff because once I started the car up again, all the gages worked great.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

The day the Neon finally dies will be a happy yet also sad day. Happy? Because we will finally be able to get a replacement car. Sad? Because we will have to pay for it.

Paragraph of the Week

2007-08-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

In a couple of days our son Tim will be leaving for Sioux Falls, South Dakota as he will be attending our North American Baptist, Sioux Falls Seminary. It has just about been a year and a half since he collapsed with a brain aneurism. This past Sunday he played the piano and sang a new song that he created having to do with all that he has been through. If you cross paths with him in the future ask him to play and sing it. Many in our church were wiping tears of course leading the way were his mom and dad. He titled it: I Didn’t Say Goodbye

It happened one day not too long ago

I didn’t even know

I’d never be the same again

You shook me up you took me for a ride

Head on I collide into another way of understanding you

When I was helpless and unaware

You showed your loving care

You had your eyes on me all the time

And many others they were on there knees

Crying Jesus please, and you weren’t through with me

The day I didn’t say goodbye

Now all I need is to believe

To rest in the arms of the one who rescued me

And by your side I will go on

And all the others they will see

You’re the reason I’m alive

And why I didn’t say goodbye

I’ve seen the way you work I’ve seen you move

Nothing more could prove

You’re the one in control of it all

Now there are times I still don’t understand

Why my life was shaken, but my faith was strengthened

The day I didn’t say goodbye

One thing I’ve learned we’re not safe in your hands

But we are secure

What fear in me can contend with your love

There is nothing in this whole world

Holy, holy are you Lord God almighty

You’re the one I will obey

I will delight upon your law your love

As you give and take away

According to your will your way

Thank you all for praying (as you can see, you are in the song).

Please continue to pray for Tim as he begins his studies.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2007-08-17T11:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

A couple of months ago Sandy and I purchased Super Scrabble. Once you have played Super Scrabble you will not want to go back to just regular Scrabble. In this new version of Scrabble you have a bigger board, more letters (big pointers, more s’s, more of everything). You also quadruple point squares and more. Like I said, you won’t go back. But just the other evening, as we were playing, Sandy noticed that in comparison to the labeled amount of letters as listed (she had a Q and was determining if there were any more U’s left), turns out that we had too many U’s. So at the end of the game we made some across the board (forgive the pun) comparisons. Turns out we had 13 letters missing and 13 extras of different letters. We were short 7 letter A’s, 2 letter G’s, 1 R, 3 T’s, but we also had 4 extra D’s, an extra H, N, an X, 2 extra P’s and 3 extra U’s, plus an extra blank. So I wrote Hasbro a letter (actually more than just “one letter”), asking them to help us out. We will see if they respond. I hpe thy cme through as I am runng ou of oher letrs in odr to finish tis -mail.

Out of paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2007-08-09T10:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I have not written this paragraph of the week for a while as it has been very hectic around our place for the past several weeks. Brent and Kristin’s wedding was really God honoring as I know their marriage will be as well. Family members have come and gone and even though I never left Washington State I feel like I have been away from a regular weekly schedule for some time now. This week we have V.B.S. going on at church along with some major decisions about to be made by our church elders concerning future space issues. Our church is growing and we have no more classroom space left to place people during our second worship service. Pray for us as these are huge issues with years of long lasting ramifications. Thanks so much.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2007-07-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

We are looking forward to lots of family and friends coming in to Puyallup these next two weeks for Brent and Kristin’s July 21 wedding, beginning today with my mom arriving this afternoon. You always know when you are talking to an out of stater by how they pronounce Puyallup. We hear everything. And with such straight faces as people try to say it so confidently. But all anyone has to remember is this: Puyallup is the largest city in the United States of America that begins with the letter P and also ends with the letter p. J Go figure and just remember. J

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2007-07-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Our church really believes in the family worshipping together and investing into lives across generations. A couple of years ago we went to two morning worship services on a Sunday morning, with a third hour set up fully for discipleship opportunities. In each of the three hours there are discipleship care groups, nursery and kid’s ministries going on throughout the building. It couldn’t happen unless our congregants saw the importance of attending a 1) a care group, 2) a worship service and 3) taking on a personal ministry on Sunday morning. Well we have begun something new these last couple of months. At the beginning of each service the children, before being dismissed for children’s ministries worship with the youth and adults in the auditorium for the first 15 minutes. This isn’t that new for the first hour as parents are already attending. But it is somewhat new for the second worship service. You see, some of the parents are already in their care groups after having already attended the first service. So, as of this past Sunday, we are asking others in the worship service to connect with the parents of these kids and “adopt” their children to sit with them in the first part of their worship service. Wow, the beginning response has been very encouraging. I am blessed with the four children (they are all good kids) that will now be sitting with me. Hey, roll back the clock, it will be like 20 years ago as Sandy and I go “Back to the Future”.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2007-06-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

We are in the process at church of obtaining group disability insurance for each of the pastoral staff. Due to the cyst recently found in my head, the insurance company asked if the neurologist and neurosurgeon could give them a copy of my report. I got a charge out of the neurosurgeon’s report as it was sent to our family doctor. The neurosurgeon is a South African had has a strong English accent. He stated to, “Dear Dr. Pullen, I have seen your patient Gordon Bauslaugh. As you know, he is a pleasant and right handed fellow.” I got a kick out of his phraseology. But then I thought, that is a wonderful description of grace and truth (John 1:14). “Pleasant” would be the grace expressed and “a right handed fellow” communicates forth rightness, thus the truth. Then I thought, wow, wouldn’t it be a great description by the rest of society to see Christians as a pleasant and right handed people. Wow again.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2007-06-20T12:51:00.001-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Having grown up in Michigan and lived my whole life in the mid-west until moving to Washington, I am still amazed how late summer comes to the Pacific Northwest.

Here we are with the longest daylight hours of the year and each year since we have moved to Washington State, I have noticed summer doesn’t arrive here until the days start getting shorter. Now, I am not complaining. There is no prettier place to be living between July 1 and Oct. 1. Winters are not that bad either. For those of you coming to Brent and Kristin’s wedding I am predicting blue skies. As the song title says it best: The Bluest Skies I’ve Ever Seen Are In Seattle. And we live just outside Seattle. I am really looking forward to the next three months of sunshine.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2007-06-13T18:31:00.001-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I have several memorable gifts given to me over the years that are now in my office. Several church members coming home from their travels have been very kind. I will not name them all but some that are just a few feet from where I am typing include, miniature clay pots (4 inches high), similar to the ones that held the dead sea scrolls for so many years. Another is a miniature “Fiddler on the Roof”. On my wall is an autographed picture of Gordie Howe. Our daughter Debra was on a mission trip some years ago and brought back a figurine of a little, rotund, Mexican since “El Gordo” means big/large. And the most recent addition, and sitting on my desk, is a can of Pepsi (spelled in Arabic) from Malorie Junkert who just came back from Egypt. Malorie is a college student and daughter of our church Ministry Assistant (for 18 years now), Cindy Junkert. Thanks Malorie. By the way, I have placed a little sticky note on the can which states, “not for consumption”. This is a reminder for anyone in my office or if I should get thirsty and forget.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2007-06-07T13:42:00.001-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Sandy and I knew that having 4 children less than 5 and ½ years a part, that when they got to this age life would be going in many directions. Today, Lance is beginning a long road trip by himself from Texas to Washington. Debra is in Wales. Tim is preparing to head to Sioux Falls, South Dakota for Seminary and Brent graduates tomorrow from the University of Washington with his fiancé Kristin as they are preparing to get married on July 21. I used to tire my Mom out as it was said of me once that I never let the dust settle. Our kids are making me sneeze.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2007-06-01T10:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I know we all have weeks like this J……………

We are presently going through a “Life of Christ” series on Sunday mornings. God’s timing is always perfect. Next Sunday, June 10, we are in Luke 10:38-42 where Jesus visits Mary, Martha and Lazarus and where Martha is so caught up in preparations (the responsibilities of life). Well, between now and that Sunday, we have Bill and Pam Farrel (staff members with David Jeremiah) at our church (and at our home tonight) putting on a three day marriage seminar. On Saturday, just after the seminar has finished, Sandy and I will be attending a wedding where Brent is best man. Following the wedding, our new Worship Pastor and wife will be coming into town and staying with us for four days as they nail down housing (their ministry begins August 1). Sunday of course is Sunday (preaching twice and leading a new members class the third hour). Tuesday morning I am hosting one of our church members at our South Hills Referrals Group Meeting (small business owners) as he will be giving a presentation on Identity Theft. At 2:00 pm the same day I have been asked to do a grave side memorial service as one of our church member’s 90 year old mother passed away. That evening I will be in downtown Puyallup presenting a scholarship award to a Bethel High School senior on behalf of South Hills Referrals. My older sister comes into town this week as well and Friday morning we will all attend Brent and Kristin’s graduation from the University of Washington. Sunday is Sunday again though this particular Sunday I will be giving three messages as in the afternoon I am honored to give the “Charge to the Church” at our associate pastor’s ordination service. Just following the ordination service, Sandy and I will get in the car and drive to Seattle for my younger sister’s graduation from Central Washington University where she has been asked to give a commencement speech………..As Jesus said to Martha, I can hear our Lord’s words to me, “Gordie, Gordie”.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2007-05-24T10:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Our church this week voted to call P.J. Tangedahl to come and be our Worship Pastor. He and his wife Mandy and their little daughter Anna presently live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where P.J. just this past weekend graduated from our North American Baptist Seminary, now called Sioux Falls Seminary. I would describe our congregational meeting as “a serious, oneness of spirit”, as we are stepping out again by faith in financial matters. Every time we do this, balanced with counting the cost which includes looking at the bigger picture as well as our personal financial giving, God blesses. We want to reach more people for Christ and make them disciples which will means even reaching more people for Christ. We look forward to ministering with the Tangedahls. God has put together a wonderful church staff at CCBC. We are blessed. We sometimes find ourselves saying, “This is the best church this side of heaven”. Pray for us that we do not mess up God’s good work.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2007-05-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I recognize we all have different tastes when it comes to choices in life. When you find a good restaurant or new product for let’s say, washing windows or something, you tell others. This past Christmas I received a CD that I just really enjoy and would like to pass on to you. The talented singer is Steve Amerson and I am guessing some of you have heard of him. The CD is titled: So, You Want To Be Like Christ? The selection of songs that he sings is divided under different headings. 1) Intimacy: Deepening Our Lives, 2) Simplicity: Uncluttering Our Minds, 3) Silence and Solitude: Slowing our Pace, 4) Surrender: Releasing Our Grip, 5) Prayer: Calling Out, 6) Humility: Bowing Low, 7) Self-Control: Holding Back and 8) Sacrifice: Giving Over. Then he closes with a closing song titled: Lord of My Life. I highly recommend this CD to you.

One of Steve Amerson’s songs that he sings is titled: I’m Amazed. Here are the lyrics to this song.

In God’s heart there’s space

That I was made to fill

I find amazing grace

When I’m found within His will

He’s reserved a sacred place

In the midst of every day

He is waiting there for me

Inviting me to stay

Chorus

And every day I’m amazed

That God would spend each day with me

I’m overwhelmed by His ways

That He could feel such love for me

To Him I’m worth saving

And my heart is aching

To know Him in His righteousness

And understand His ways

Everyday, in every way, I’m amazed

In my heart there’s space

That only God can fill

And He covers my disgrace

With the blood that Jesus spilled

He invites me to a place

In the midst of every day

He is waiting there for me

Inviting me to stay

Chorus

Way Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

FW: Paragraph of the Week

2007-05-10T12:15:00.000-07:00

See what happens when you leave Detroit. But a Bauslaugh will always let you know right away. J

Thanks Steve.

Gordie

From: Bauslaugh, Steve [mailto:BauslaughS@PlymouthChristian.org]
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2007 12:04 PM
To: Gordie Bauslaugh
Subject: RE: Paragraph of the Week

You forgot one team. The Detroit Shock- womens WNBA champs. The coaches are Bill Lambier and Ricky Mahorn

-----Original Message-----
From: Gordie Bauslaugh [mailto:gobaus@comcast.net]
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2007 2:45 PM
To: Christ Community
Subject: Paragraph of the Week

Dear Family and Friends,

Many of you who receive this paragraph are, like my self, no longer living in Detroit. While this is not necessarily a bad thing… and for several reasons, we have accepted some surrogate sports teams along the way. Yes, I can get excited about the Seattle Mariners and the Seattle Seahawks but I can only imagine what it is like living in The City of Champions, these days. (For those who are not from Detroit, the “City of Champions” title came about when from 1935-37 all the major sport championships were owned by Detroit teams. even Joe Louis, who grew up in Detroit was the Heavy Weight Boxing Champion). Not only were the Detroit Tigers in the World Series just a few months ago they are hot again this year. The Detroit Red Wings are moving closer to the Stanley Cup residing once more in “Hockey Town” and the Detroit Pistons haven’t lost a game yet in the NBA playoffs. Yes, these are minor issues as they compare to all of life yet they bring joy to us Detroit Drifters. And I didn’t even mention the most consistent Detroit team of them all, the Detroit Lions.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie (Howe) Bauslaugh

Paragraph of the Week

2007-05-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie (Howe) Bauslaugh

Paragraph of the Week

2007-05-04T15:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

A few minutes ago, Sandy and I, went out to the front of our church property and repainted the letters on a plaque commemorating our building dedication in 1995. You see, this Sunday is our church 20^th. Anniversary of having Sunday morning services and we wanted to get a few pictures up on the screen in the auditorium. What makes this picture of the plaque and trees significant is that the trees were dug up from our church property when they were seedlings at ground breaking in 1992. When they were replanted in 1995, they were 3 feet tall. Today they are 35 feet tall. The plaque says, “Grow Where You are Planted”. These trees are symbolic of how God has already blessed and an encouragement for what still lies ahead.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2007-04-26T09:45:00.001-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Lately I have had a lot on my mind in reference to the cyst found within my head. That is a play on words if some of you are not so inclined to read in that weird kind of a direction. With that in mind (I’m sorry, there I go again), I would like to give a follow-up to you since so many of you are praying and have told me so. Sandy and I saw the neuron-surgeon yesterday and He told us that this type of cyst is common (not necessarily the size but the kind) and that I have probably had it since birth. (I told him that I had two other sis’ but only one of them was from birth). He assured me that this cyst poses no problems, that this kind of cyst they see all the time and is not malignant; if it grows and begins to affect me in any way that they could drain it and that it was something that is not that difficult. He thought that taking another MRI down the road is a good way to watch it. He also said that I could consider it as an extra cushion of fluid for my brain. I figure it is kind of like an extra little air bag. As the doctor was leaving, he did tell us that this cyst does not restrain me from doing any activities except washing dishes. He of course said this for Sandy though I thought about slipping him a five dollar bill until I remembered that we do have dish washer.

In all seriousness, please take a moment to praise God, from whom all blessings flow, with us. After the doctor left, Sandy and I took time right in the doctor’s office to do the same.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

*One last interesting note: We first met and became friends with the neuron-surgeon Dr. Britz, through our son Tim’s experience this past year. He did the coiling procedure on Tim and is so personally greatly thrilled with Tim’s clean bill of health. He told us that he is moving this August, after 16 years hear in Seattle at the University of Washington and at Harbor View Hospital Trauma Center. We congratulated him as he told us that he will be heading for Duke University to head up a new department of the medical school. I told him that I thank God for him and for what He has done through him, as well as how He will use him in the future. We told him how much we appreciated all of Dr. Britz’s preparation to get to this point in order to help others.

We have been blessed by God with really good doctors all along the way.

Paragraph of the Week

2007-04-09T17:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

This “Paragraph of the Week” comes a bit earlier due to 1) Sandy and I are about to leave to visit my mom for a week’s vacation in Florida and 2) We just left the neurologist appointment concerning the cyst in my brain that was detected by way of an MRI a week ago. The cyst is believed not to be a “bad boy” (doctor’s words) but it is a “big boy” (my words, as it is comparatively the size of a ping pong ball) and it is located quite deep in the brain. The neurologist suggested the next step is to set up an appointment with a neurosurgeon. We told him we would do so though we also told him we have already received a preliminary opinion from Tim’s neurosurgeon at Harbor View. The neuron-surgeon has already seen my pictures and is suggesting we have another MRI in two years. We asked the neurologist his opinion before we shared the neuron-surgeon’s opinion and he was suggesting another MRI in six months. Since I am not experiencing any symptoms (aside from the ringing in the ear on the other side of my head in relationship from the cyst, unrelated probably to the found cyst), they want a comparison track record. I shared that waiting is not a good thing to do if this could be malignant. They cannot assure me totally that it is not, but they say they see others like this and this is not a malignant type. If they find out that it is not growing, to do surgery (drain it) at this point could 1) cause other difficulties because of it being so deep and 2) It could just fill up with liquid again. Who knows when this cyst began. As a kid when a wooden ladder fell on my head? In a car accident in the early 80’s when we were plowed into and Sandy and I hit heads really hard? Or in 1989 when I was knocked out in another car accident where a pick-up truck plowed into me.

I will be setting up an appointment with Dr. Britz (the neurosurgeon) this week and praying. Thanks for your continued prayers.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2007-04-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

This past week we had a “Celebration of Life” party for our son Tim. Tim turned the big 25 (oh oh, I am twice that with 5 more years to spare) this past Saturday and with all that he has been through we asked him to invite a few families over. It was very simple yet a deeply significant time with all that Tim has gone through in this past year. We are so grateful to God for His mercy shown us and to all of our church family for the support given us in so many different ways.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

PS – As you know I have this ringing in my ears that several of you have basically said, “Get over it, it is just what happens when you get older”J. But before I would allow myself to move in that direction, I wanted to check it out as it seemed to come on all of a sudden. We’ll to make a long story (that hasn’t a last chapter yet) short, I had an MRI and they detected a cyst in my head. I will be seeing a neurologist on Monday just a few hours before we leave on vacation for Florida. I solicit your prayers. Thank you so very much.

Paragraph of the Week

2007-03-29T15:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

After 20 years at Christ Community we still have “firsts” that can occur. On March 14 little Lily Ann Gruber came into the world and into our lives. Lily is the first PK born while her dad is still a pastoring at CCBC. Our Associate Pastor of Youth and Parents, John Gruber, is the thankful and proud dad, as well as husband of Mama Gruber (Nichole). Lily is the 12^th. Pastors kid in our church history but the only one to be born here while dad is still ministering. All I can say is, “Hi Lily, Hi Lily, Hi Lo”.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2007-03-21T18:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

A few weeks ago I wrote that I would share with you about a developing “story”. I think it is now time to share with you. Several years ago a Hispanic family attended our church. Cindy, their oldest daughter, as a young girl asked Jesus to forgive her sins and be her Savior in our backyard in a 5 day club for kids that our nephew Doug Moore led. Doug was only 15 years old at the time and helped us that summer leading several kids’ clubs. When Cindy was about ready to graduate from high school, she made some poor choices and became pregnant. Another lady of the church and I went to her with lots of love and truth. We lost track of the family as they began attending different Hispanic churches. Now 8 years later, Cindy and Aaron, their two girls and 9 month old son (Aaron is the father of all three) are back in our lives. They have come back to Jesus with very soft hearts. Sandy and I meet with them every Saturday morning for discipleship and semi-marriage counseling. And on this Friday, the 23^rd. of March, I get to officially tie the knot for Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Beltrand.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2007-02-22T19:47:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

We have some, soon to be, new members in our church with a little bit of historical past tied to them, at least in these here parts of the country. Lee and Susie Moore have been attending our church now for several months. They are a delightful and enthusiastic couple for our Lord. They are in their 70’s and while having all kinds of kids, grandkids and great grandkids, they still have the energy of some 30 and 40 year olds, yet also the freedoms to minister that other younger couples might not have with all their busy, younger family schedules. The Moore’s’ joy in the Lord and His Word is very edifying. Well, Sandy and I were over at their home a few weeks ago and we were privileged to see some pictures of their present family and from the past. Susie’s great, great grandfather was, in fact, Mr. Longmire who homesteaded up at Mt. Rainier. If you drive into this national park, you will come to a lodge and a ranger station at this same old location. You can see it listed on a map of Mt. Rainier National Park. Susie’s grandmother was also the second woman ever to climb to the summit of Mt. Rainier. I find that pretty neat. And who knows, we might have some more history yet to be made from others attending our church. Who knows what all these young kids and youth at our church will be and do the future? Our ministry is great.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

FW: Paragraph of the Week

2007-02-22T16:49:00.000-08:00

Oops! J

From: Calvary Baptist [mailto:pastorbob@nventure.com]
Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2007 4:32 PM
To: Gordie Bauslaugh
Subject: Re: Paragraph of the Week

Does "multi-sit" mean it will have more than two seats?

Bobby

----- Original Message -----

From: Gordie Bauslaugh

To: Christ Community

Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:00 PM

Subject: Paragraph of the Week

Dear Family and Friends,

These have been very busy days. Please let me share with you some prayer requests that are up and coming at our church.

Our Multi-Sit Exploration. (one church, many locations)

Our Facility Addition. (working with county government is always an exploration in itself)

Our Worship Pastor Staff Search

Our Incarnational Living

Our Soon to Develop Marriage Mentoring Ministry

Assimilating Newcomers into becoming Discipleship Makers

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Next Week, Wow do I have a developing story for you.

Paragraph of the Week

2007-02-22T14:03:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

These have been very busy days. Please let me share with you some prayer requests that are up and coming at our church.

Our Multi-Sit Exploration. (one church, many locations)
Our Facility Addition. (working with county government is always an exploration in itself)
Our Worship Pastor Staff Search
Our Incarnational Living
Our Soon to Develop Marriage Mentoring Ministry
Assimilating Newcomers into becoming Discipleship Makers

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Next Week, Wow do I have a developing story for you.

Paragraph of the Week

2007-02-08T09:47:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

For a couple of months now I have had the opportunity to finally get back into a regular disciplined scheduloe of stretching, lifting a few weights and running. (Have you seen those muscle bound guys with those exercising advertisements on T.V.? I don’t think I will ever look that way again. J). Anyways, it has been really foggy around here lately but just before dusk two evenings ago, it was beginning to lift. So I was able to get outside and jog, which I prefer much more over the stationary bike in the house. The best part of jogging is the walk home afterwards. It is so good for the mind, even though I do take my cell phone with me. Now that we have moved out into the country, the walk home is especially appreciated. When I am walking home, I usually take a detour of about 20 yards up a country road just to see what is in an open field adjacent to a lake. Try to imagine what I experienced at dusk as the fog had just lifted and no one else was around. In the distance I began to see a large body looking at me that usually is not there. Here sitting upright as still as could be (about 150 yards away) was a huge elk. We stared at each other for about 3 minutes and then I decided to walk back up the road where I had been jogging, then making a left through some trees for about 20 yards I went. I then came upon the same field but coming from the right flank. Wow. Now I am looking at a herd of elk numbering about a dozen and a half. As they took notice of me some began standing up. One began moving with a loping gallop. I looked to my left and right to make sure no other elk were closer than these……You know the big screen TV’s are really getting popular but nothing could compare to this. I thanked the Lord right then and there for the blessing I just received. I will admit though that I didn’t close my eyes in case I needed to make a run for it.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2007-02-01T13:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I can’t believe all the helpful responses I received last week as many were guessing what in the world an air intinulator was. So, I just felt this week I needed to give the “Rest of the Story”. First of all, while I was able to successfully order an air intinuator over the phone, it is actually called an attenulator. Hey, I’m just a “hooked on phonics” type of guy. It turns out an attenulator is a 13inch x 10 ½ inch x 5/8 inch, two layer, piece of metal. It is often needed in a propane run, tank less water heater, to obtain a proper mix of combustion. The attenulator successfully secures a larger air intake for proper combustion……. Wow, I just wowed myself reading this back. Please, no questions about what I just wrote. But I would appreciate any advice about ringing in my ears. Any suggestions on how I can get rid of some ringing in one of my ears? Hey, I’m not too proud to ask……. I’m also member of AARP.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2007-01-25T14:08:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

As far as I am concerned, one of the “man made wonders of the world” is the septic lid that I constructed last year at our former home in order to get a passing inspection before selling it. You see, I’m not the best at using my hands and making things. In fact, I took an aptitude test in Jr. High and my mechanical ability score was not even in double digits. Well this week’s experience almost matches my septic lid creation. You see, our Bosch tank less water heater was beginning to sound like someone’s car speakers with the bass turned way up when ever we had a high demand for hot water. It was explained to me on the phone by a local technician whom Bosch, based out of Vermont, had suggested for us to have come out, that since we were on propane, it was the local technician’s belief that we were in need of an air tinuator. Without changing the pitch in my voice over the phone, and still hopefully sounding somewhat “in the know” I responded by saying, “oh”. It was then agreed by this local technician that I should call Bosch back, asking them to send out the air tinuator to my address since it was still under warranty. I was willing to do so, though I don’t think I have ever ordered an air tinulator before. Only problem is, to successfully do this, they would need the serial number from our tank less water heater. Not an easy request as the very long, yet tiny numbers and letters, are on the side of this metal box deal and there was only enough room for my head to fit between it and the garage wall. This than caused my eyes to be only ½ inch away from the numbers that I needed, thus causing all to blur up. In hind sight what I really needed was a very smart preschooler, whose size head could fit perfectly and who could read back to me the numbers and letters in proper order…… So I went and got a mirror. Not a bad idea though it was still too difficult in such tight quarters to properly read all these numbers and letters backwards. I called Bosch again and across the entire country, over the phone, they gave me instructions on how to dismantle the front cover of this water heater while the flame was still lit and running full bore. As far as I was concerned it was like being behind the controls of an airliner and someone was trying to talk me down safely. We’ll we succeeded and I ordered the air tinulator. It should be coming in the mail in the next few days. I’m really looking forward to seeing what it is I actually ordered as I’m really not too sure what an air tinulator is or does. I hope it isn’t too big as we only have a two car garage.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2007-01-15T15:01:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Each Year our church leadership evaluates and shares with our congregation on how we did as a congregation with the goals we selected for the previous year. We then vote on the new year’s recommended goals. Last evening, at our annual, congregational meeting, our new goals for the next year were agreed upon. I thought you might like to see what was decided upon.

Incarnational Living – To create ongoing systems of encouraging care group members, in their own individual, incarnational living, during 2007.

Reminder: Last years goal was educational and our definition for “incarnational living” is: Each being Christ like in a continued, close proximity, with an identified audience.

Marriage Mentoring – Develop and administer an ongoing marriage mentoring ministry by September 1, 2007.
Multi-Site Ministry – A) To include the congregation in our exploration together concerning what a “multi-site ministry” could look like at CCBC, by April 15, 2007.

B) (Only upon an affirmative confirmation by a congregational vote.) To begin implementing a “one church, many congregations” philosophy of ministry by September 1, 2007.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2007-01-11T12:25:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

The NCAA football bowl games were really sad this year, at least from my perspective. The only good game was a great game and that would be the Boise State game (it doesn’t matter that they played Oklahoma, all will remember it as the Boise State game). But back to the disappointments, such as Michigan’s second half in the Rose Bowl and the blowout the Gators put on the Buckeyes. I guess the coaches of Ohio St. should have dressed more than 25 players. (I heard that the other 25 dressed themselves). I actually was pulling for Ohio State as it would perhaps make Michigan look better. As it turned out, Ohio State played sooooo bad, it did make Michigan look better. But let me tell you about the good in all of this. Dr. Bennett has been my allergy doctor for several years, even having done surgery on my breathing passages about 4 years ago and he is a graduate from Ohio State. You can only imagine the good time we have had over the years, ribbing one another. Anyways, he called me up the day of the championship game and wanted at least a Big Ten fan with him watching the game on big screen with his staff and friends. What he did was set up a big screen in the O.R. and we had a great time. Friendship is so important in wanting to see people come to Christ. He took the loss well and after most had left 1) I assured him of my genuine sorrow for him and 2) Couched it with saying it was probably the 2^nd. most painful experience I have had in that room.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2007-01-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I found myself thinking this morning about our financial decisions of the past and present. So I thought I would make a short list of 10 financial blessings and principles that the Lord has given us over the years:

* Giving to the Lord first – Both Sandy and I were taught this at an early age. We’ve also recognized that giving begins after the tithe.

* Living within our budget – I am thankful for a wife who supports this.

* The University of Illinois – When our daughter was born with a heart defect we were hit with an incredible financial bill. The University of Illinois gave us a $10,000 grant to assist in this payment.

* A mortgage loan given to us – Village Green Baptist Church in Illinois made a loan to us in 1981. If it wasn’t for this timely loan, we might still be in an apartment.

* Jason Thompson and car insurance – In 1989 I was t-boned by a 15 year old who had stolen his parents’ pick-up truck, totaling our family wagon. Our wagon had 100,000 miles on the odometer at the time of accident. Their insurance company provided us a brand new van, paid in full.

* Driving our personally owned vehicles until they won’t go anymore – This has eliminated many months of car payments over the years.

* Pastoring in churches who responsibly provide for their pastors – Village Green and Christ Community here in Washington have always included a retirement amount in our salary package and at least a yearly addition for cost of living.

* Making a strong commitment to paying extra each month on home mortgages – We have been blessed to have been able to do this for about half our marriage.

* Living in the United States of America – Where the government still believes in separation of church and state. As a result, ministers receive a housing tax break (this positive component of separation of church and state you do not hear of much in the media).

* Being members of God’s family who help one-another when in need – After our health insurance did it’s part with our son’s health issues this past year, our church family, from many locations, have covered all the out of pocket amounts.

We’ve been blessed!

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Paragraph of the Week

2006-12-27T15:37:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

It was 9 months ago that our now 24 year old son Tim had a brain aneurism. It was six months ago that a coiled procedure took place to close this weakened vessel off. It was three months ago that Tim officially graduated from college as he received an extension for his assignments to be completed. It was last week that he had a six month follow-up angiogram to evaluate properly what took place in June. Today we met with the neurosurgeon and were told that all is so good that Tim has no further tests for the next year. He suffers no ill effects from all of the above and Tim now is looking forward to becoming a worship pastor for which he believes he is called to become,…… somewhere, sometime……..but I believe we all recognize God has it all under control and in His timing.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

Psalm 23:4

Paragraph of the Week

2006-12-22T09:52:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Well, this month I hit the age of 55 – and I’m still alive. Hey my dad retired at the age of 55 after 30 years at Chrysler. For some of you, you look back at this age and perhaps think, oh to be so young again. And it is young……for those of you who are older. Sandy and I were reminded of this just this past week when we visited Eve, from our church, who is 93. I also visited an older man in the hospital this past week who, already needing help breathing, before he ended up now with pneumonia. Earlier this month we had two very good friends over to our home, John and Carolyn, who have been members of our church since 1989. John was just diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease. For some reason when I entered the ministry full-time at the age of 25, I looked ahead and thought to myself, Lord willing there are 4 quarters (like a football game) of 10 years each ahead. Guess what? I just entered the 4^th. quarter. J My hope and prayer is to still be on the field at the end of the game.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie

PS – My dad was still in the game after retirement by being involved in different ministries through his church. My plan is to also be involved in ministry as long as I am able – voluntarily. None of us can retire from ministry now can we?

Paragraph of the Week

2006-12-07T12:59:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I thought you all might be interested to see a little fellow we call “Bob the Cat” that came walking through our back yard a few weeks ago. This was on a Sunday afternoon and our youth pastor and wife were having dinner with us. This picture was taken just after Bob snarled completely down a mouse he/she just found. The picture was taken from about 15 feet up on our deck and about 15 to 20 feet away from Bob. We estimated that Bob is about 2 and ½ feet long (no tail anyways so we can’t add that to the length), about 25 pounds and about 18 inches tall. Come and visit us as we would love to try and introduce you to some of Bob’s family and friends.

Out of Paragraph,

Gordie