tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37538446572061796112024-02-18T19:51:07.281-08:00FUSION (Chico, CA)a community filled with faith, hope and love through Jesus ChristJeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-84354043079554520342011-12-07T18:17:00.005-08:002011-12-07T18:17:05.661-08:00December 2011 Rhodes Family Church Planting Update<style>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Dear Family and Friends,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Merry Christmas from the Rhodes family! It is hard to believe that we are already at the end of another year! This year went by quickly and brought about a lot of change for our family! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To sum up, we began the year with our newest family member Titus! It is hard to believe that he will be one year old at the end of this month! He has been an amazing blessing in our lives and it is as if he has always been there! In January we were given a facility to meet in for free for Fusion, which was an answer to prayer and has made it so much easier for us as a church. It has been great having a place to call our own. Gabriella also turned 6 this year and is doing an excellent job in first grade. Josiah just turned 5 and is looking forward to going to Kindergarten next year. Our new house has been great so far. We love the neighborhood and are looking forward to getting to know our neighbors better.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As the year comes to a close so does the financial support we have from Converge. In our last few newsletters we have appealed to you all about continuing to support us this coming year as well. We have received many positive responses and are excited to see how God is using you all to fill our needs. We are about half way there and are still in need of your help. If you have not yet let us know if you are able to continue your support, we would love to hear from you. Any amount will help make us closer to our goal. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy just got some additional hours at the Jesus Center and the additional income is helping us quite a bit, but it is still not enough for us to make all our bills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not ready to give up on Chico and the people here. God has uniquely designed us for this task and we are ready and willing to serve here for as long as He allows us. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We decided when we started this church plant that we were going to trust God to build his church. We were going back to the basics of being a community filled with Faith, Hope, and Love. We don’t have a lot of bells and whistles. Our goal is to preach the message of Christ and make disciples. We have grown our church one relationship at a time. Doing church this way has made it much harder and slower than we ever could have imagined and we are unwilling to compromise our beliefs to get more people in the door. This is what God has placed on our hearts and we are going to stay on this path. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need your help to keep the doors open! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you have any questions or would like to know more about what is going on here we would be more than happy to talk to you. We are more than willing to share with you in an open and honest way. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you have already committed to continue giving to us please begin sending your support directly to Fusion at 1354 East Ave. Ste R #180 Chico, CA 95926.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will send you a reminder in the mail. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Blessings! </div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">email: pastor.jdr@gmail.com </div>Jeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-53638597360376048272011-10-03T16:25:00.001-07:002011-10-03T16:25:41.578-07:00October 2011 Rhodes Family Church Planting Update<style>
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</style> <div class="MsoNormal">Dear Family and Friends,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Fall is here is here and we have some relief from the heat. September was an exceptionally hot month. With the new season upon us we also find ourselves entering a new season in Fusion and in our family life! The last few weeks have been exciting for us and much change is afoot. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Gabriella has been playing soccer and she has a game every Saturday. This has opened up some new family fun for us. Josiah is enjoying the big open field to run around in with other little brothers from Gabriella’s team. Titus enjoys crawling around on the grass and being outside. Elizabeth is enjoying seeing her little one follow in her footsteps by playing soccer.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Jeremy has been able to get part-time job at the Jesus Center as the volunteer coordinator. This was a big answer to prayer, but is also an adjustment. This means that he has limited hours to work on Fusion related things, but it has allowed many members of our congregation to step up and take on leadership responsibilities. This way Jeremy can concentrate on all the specific senior pastor responsibilities.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Another change in our lives us that we were notified at the end of September that we need to find a new place to live by the end of October. Our landlord has decided to sell this house. We enjoyed living here these past few years and will miss it, but God has already supplied a new home and we are waiting for all the repairs to be finished so we can move around mid-October. This new place is around the corner from Gabriella’s school, where Josiah will be going in the fall, and we are all very excited to walk to school and have young families as neighbors. Please pray that we will be a light to the neighborhood and that many new relationships will be formed as a result. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Fusion has been very blessed! We have been running an ad in the Chico News and Review and we are seeing many new people as a result! We have had returning visitors for the past few weeks. We also had seven new adults and three new kids on Sunday. We are bursting out of our small meeting place. If these new people return we are going to need to add an additional service, which is an amazing problem to have! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">These ads have been really speaking to the community and it is very exciting to see the response. Our name is having more of a presence through our ads, facebook, and website and people are starting to come and see what all the buzz is about. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Thank you so much for all of your prayer and support. We are getting a good response from many of you about supporting us beyond December. Please prayerfully consider doing the same if you have not made a decision yet. The economic climate in Chico is bad and so I have only been able to find part-time work for low pay. We will need your support going forward. As always we know that God will provide for us as he always has! If you have not yet sent in your support for October please do so at this time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Blessings! <sup></sup></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><style>
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</style> <div class="MsoFooter" style="tab-stops: 183.0pt center 3.0in right 6.0in;">Email: <a href="mailto:pastor.jdr@gmail.com">pastor.jdr@gmail.com</a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div><div class="MsoFooter">Blog: <a href="http://rhodes-project.blogspot.com/">http://rhodes-project.blogspot.com/</a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div><div class="MsoFooter">Church Website: <a href="http://www.fusionchico.com/">www.fusionchico.com</a> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>Jeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-57487163571177406912011-08-01T15:45:00.000-07:002011-08-01T15:45:06.245-07:00August 2011 Rhodes Family Church Planting Update<style>
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</style> <div class="MsoNormal">Dear Family and Friends,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">It’s August and that is back to school time here in Chico. Gabriella starts 1<sup>st</sup> grade on the 10<sup>th</sup> and the college gets going on the 22<sup>nd</sup>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">We are thankful for a restful summer! Gabriella participated in a musical where we were able to get to know even more parents in the area! Josiah also got to have a fun camp experience at a Sports Day Camp. Titus is growing quickly and is already 7 months old. We were able to go camping for the first time as a family and had family visit us. August is when things start getting busy again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Fusion took a big step this month; they had their first Sunday with the pastor gone. I was gone over a Sunday for the first time since we had Sunday gatherings. The young man who filled in for me was someone who has been apart of our team since day one. He did a great job! He has been my ministry assistant for the past year and this was his first shot at teaching. He would like to pursue ministry professionally and this was the first step in that process.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">I have spent this summer connecting with the fire department as well. I have been spending my Monday mornings at a different firehouse each week. I even got to experience a training exercise where they did a controlled burn in Bidwell Park. I am excited to see how God is going to grow the relationships that are starting there. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">We are excited for the trajectory for Fusion. The future looks bright and we are thankful for all that God is doing in our Church. We have seen God’s hand in the relationships that we have been able to develop along with the organizational partnerships. We look forward to continue to partner with the Jesus Center and Habitat for Humanity of Butte County.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We praise God for you! If you have not yet sent in your support for August please do so at this time. And if you are able to increase your support in anyway, please feel free to do so. We love you all very much. Please send us your prayer requests so that we can also pray for you. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Blessings! <sup></sup></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</style> <div class="MsoFooter" style="tab-stops: 183.0pt center 3.0in right 6.0in;">Email: <a href="mailto:pastor.jdr@gmail.com">pastor.jdr@gmail.com</a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Church Website: <a href="http://www.fusionchico.com/">www.fusionchico.com</a> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-91049487573389798002011-07-11T13:12:00.001-07:002011-07-11T13:12:31.204-07:00July 2011 Rhodes Family Church Planting Update<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">Dear Family and Friends,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">July is finally here and with it comes the Chico heat. Although it doesn’t seem to be as hot as the previous years it is definitely warm enough to blow up the kids pool and have lots of fun summer water play! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Summer is very slow in Chico. The heat seems to slow down every ones pace and people tend to do everything they can to escape it. We learned when we first moved here that summer is not the time to make any big plans but to enjoy the slow pace before it kicks back up in the fall when all the university students return. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">With that in mind we have some wonderful plans for the fall. We will begin a advertising campaign in the Chico News and Review which is a weekly paper that is very widely read. We are also praying about starting a free tutoring program for students who need a little extra help with their studies. Please pray with us as we continue to brainstorm new ways to reach the community. Jeremy is focusing on getting more active with the fire department as the Chaplin. He is also looking for possible part time employment to help supplement our income. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">We want to thank all of you for your prayers for Gabriella and we are pleased to report that she is doing much better! Praise God!! The doctor has given her a clean bill of health with no follow up appointments necessary at this point! We are thrilled with the results and we are seeing a little girl who almost always had dark circles under her eyes feeling full of energy and of life! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">We ask that you continue to pray for Jerry who is adjusting to life without his wonderful wife Kay. He is showing an amazing strength and we are so blessed to have him here with us. Also please pray for our financial situation. We continue to fall a little short each month. It is great to see the wonderfully creative ways God is providing for us during this time! Thank you to those of you that have answered Him and sent extra money when you are able. We are deeply thankful for you! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> You may not be here in Chico with us, but we still consider you part of our planting team because without you we wouldn’t be here. We praise God for you! If you have not yet sent in your support for July please do so at this time. And if you are able to increase your support in anyway, please feel free to do so. We love you all very much. Please send us your prayer requests so that we can also pray for you. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Blessings! <sup></sup></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes</div>Jeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-76303495586599940912011-06-06T12:10:00.000-07:002011-06-06T12:10:31.481-07:00<style>
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</style> <div class="MsoNormal">Dear Family and Friends,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Will we see an end to this rain anytime soon? We have been blessed with a late summer I am not looking forward to the heat. Despite the weather, all the other signs of summer are present. Most of the CSU students are gone and all of the churches have started gearing done for the summer. Summers in Chico are very slow but I am looking forward to all of the outdoor activities the summer brings.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">We are very sad to let you know that one of the people that helped Fusion get up and running has gone home to be with Jesus. Kay Liston was a dear friend and helped us in so many ways, she was a master of behind the scenes ministry and she will be missed. I had met Kay back in 2003 as I started working at my fist full-time ministry position. She was on staff at the church was working at and she was an immense blessing. When her husband retired they moved up here to Chico and I was ecstatic. Her husband Jerry is still with us, he also has enabled the ministry of Fusion to take place.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Even though there is sadness there is also great joy. A young couple in Fusion is getting married in June. They are excited to start their life together.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">We have also seen growth in Fusion over the past month. People are finding a home with us. Some for the first time in years are attending church. We are excited to see the people that God is bringing to Fusion.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">My hope is to see many of the people that we have been praying for and loving on come to Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have had many more opportunities to meet non-Christian families as Gabriella has started school and been involved in dance class. We are hoping that God can use our relationships to reach these people.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Please continue to pray for Gabriella as we try to discern how to help her with her GI issue.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Thank you for all of your prayers and financial support. We do pray for all of the prayer requests that we receive so if you have any needs let us know so that we can lift them up in prayer.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">The ministry of Fusion would not be able to continue without your support thank you so much.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Blessings! <sup></sup></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</style> <div class="MsoFooter" style="tab-stops: 183.0pt center 3.0in right 6.0in;">Email: <a href="mailto:pastor.jdr@gmail.com">pastor.jdr@gmail.com</a><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Church Website: <a href="http://www.fusionchico.com/">www.fusionchico.com</a> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span> </span>Jeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-43538481179324437722011-05-02T11:22:00.000-07:002011-05-02T11:22:08.160-07:00May 2011 Rhodes Family Church Planting Update<style>
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</style> <div class="MsoNormal">Dear Family and Friends,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Things are warming up as the seasons roll on. The weather forecast states that it may reach 90 this week! Yikes already!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Thank you for your prayers for Fusion. It means a lot that we have people praying for us. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">This is an exciting time as we move forward. We are partnering with a local Church group to do some campus ministry in the next year. We are working together with university students to reach people who do not know Christ. We are attempting to be more intentional in reaching out. We are not going to start a worship service on campus we are going to work toward serving the campus… I am excited about this and will let you know more details as we begin working on this new part of Fusion.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">We are also looking to start two more small groups using leaders from Fusion and people who are not connected to Fusion. This is a great outreach opportunity. Please pray that these groups will reach many new people.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Please pray for our family. Gabriella is going through some medical tests to determine what is wrong with her gastronomical system. They are giving her laxatives and we need to get x-rays. This involves us driving to Sacramento to see a specialist. Please pray for her, as we do not know what is going on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">We were able to receive our full salary this past month! Thank you so much for your generosity.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The ministry of Fusion would not be able to continue without your support thank you so much.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Blessings! <sup></sup></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><style>
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</style> <div class="MsoFooter">Email: <a href="mailto:pastor.jdr@gmail.com">pastor.jdr@gmail.com</a><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span></span></div><div class="MsoFooter">Church Website: <a href="http://www.fusionchico.com/">www.fusionchico.com</a> <span> </span></div>Jeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-78081546419496913512011-04-04T10:03:00.001-07:002011-04-04T10:03:54.658-07:00April 2011 Rhodes Family Church Planting Update<style>
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</style> <div class="MsoNormal">Dear Family and Friends,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">It is sunny, everything is in bloom, and there is still a cold chill in the air… Spring is wonderful in Chico!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">We truly have been blessed through the trying times. God has confirmed over and over again that we are doing the right thing. We have been seeing God working in the lives of unchurched people that we are spending time with. I have a friend who is seeking right now, please pray that I have more opportunities to share Christ with him. A young woman who refuses to attend any church returned for the second week in a row. After the gathering she shared with me that she hates church but loved our gatherings, she told me that she even blogged about our gathering the previous week. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I have recently partnered with a friend of mine who is former Muslim from Kuwait. <span> </span>We are working together to reach a growing Muslim population in Chico. He recently shared his testimony with us and that can be found on the website <a href="http://www.fusionchico.com/sermons/message3-13-11.mp3">http://www.fusionchico.com/sermons/message3-13-11.mp3</a> if you click on the link or enter it in your Internet browser the audio will automatically begin playing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Gabriella is coming to the end of her first year in school. It is amazing to see her learning so many new things and reading on her own. Josiah has had a hard time adjusting to Elizabeth needing to spend so much time with his little brother. Josiah keeps asking when Titus will be old enough to play with him. Gabriella and Josiah both love their little brother and always ask to hold him. Titus is growing fast he is 3 months old and wearing 6 month clothes. He is smiling and laughing, every Sunday when the message starts and he hears his Dad’s voice he gets really still. It makes me think about when we hear the voice of our Heavenly Father how we get really still and feel safe.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">If you could pray for one thing for the ministry, pray that the Churches in Chico will wake up. The believers here are asleep. There are so many hurting people in need of Jesus and there are only a handful of believers reaching out. Fusion is a community that gathers to equip believers and scatters them back out to do the ministry. I recently asked the mid-week Bible study what I value most. They answered, discipleship, outreach, and service. I cannot wait until they value those things well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Please remember us in your prayers because we are still in a very hard place financially. Many of you have been able to give above and beyond your normal giving and I thank you. Please remember to send in your support each month and share your prayer requests with us we do pray for those as we receive them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Blessings! <sup></sup></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes</div><style>
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</div><div class="MsoFooter">Email: <a href="mailto:pastor.jdr@gmail.com">pastor.jdr@gmail.com</a><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></div><div class="MsoFooter">Church Website: <a href="http://www.fusionchico.com/">www.fusionchico.com</a> <span> </span></div>Jeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-20539552535639394222011-03-01T13:21:00.000-08:002011-03-01T13:21:22.979-08:00March 2011 Rhodes Family Church Planting Update<style>
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</style> <div class="MsoNormal">Dear Family and Friends,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Great things are happening in Fusion!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">People that have been unemployed are finding employment. I am seeing others step into leadership for the first time and we are seeing new people connect with our ministry. Right now I am really pushing the idea of being fishers of men as we are going through the book of Mark. In the first chapter of Mark verse 17 Jesus calls Simon and Andrew saying, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” (Paraphrase ESV). In Greek Jesus is saying I will fashion you to exist as fishers of men. Fashion shows intension and art, you do not fashion something to be purely adequate. He also shows us the purpose for our existence, which is to do evangelism. We are given a purpose for our existence it is in following him and bringing him glory. <span> </span>Exciting stuff!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Please pray! I have an opportunity after two years of ministry, to have dinner next week with a young man who does not know Christ. He was far from God when we met and he has been inching closer through our relationship. He believes that all roads lead to God. Also before he met me he thought pastors were creepy, angry and mean. Pray that he does not flake on our dinner and he is able to see Christ through me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">We are functioning as a family of 5 and loving it. Josiah and Gabriella love Titus and every morning they run up and give him a kiss and a hug. We are able to spend one-on-one time with each of them so that they understand Dad and Mom still love them very much. The Rhodes family is thriving in this season. Last week we were able to see some snow falling in Chico, which Gabriella thought was something special. The weather was not cold enough for the snow to stick but the mountains 20 min from Chico are covered with snow.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Please remember us in your prayers because we are still in a very hard place financially. We have recently seen God redefine our ministry here in Chico. We are called to more than plant a Church but work with others not involved with Fusion to see God transform Chico. I work with many local Christian leaders to function as the Church in Chico not just local congregations. Also, God has placed me in a unique place to work with disillusioned Christians who will not come to any church. This new ministry is very time consuming and tiring. I know that this work is very close to the heart of God. My concern is that if I am able to get a part time job that it will take time away from these new ministries. If you know of anyone who is interested in supporting some missionaries in Chico let us know. If you are able to give more in this new year that would also be very helpful. Do not worry Fusion is growing and I am not taking time away from Fusion for this new work.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Please remember to send in your support each month and share your prayer requests with us we do pray for those as we receive them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Blessings! <sup></sup></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes</div><style>
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</div><div class="MsoFooter">Email: <a href="mailto:pastor.jdr@gmail.com">pastor.jdr@gmail.com</a><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></div><div class="MsoFooter">Church Website: <a href="http://www.fusionchico.com/">www.fusionchico.com</a> <span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Jeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-7671524150201408002011-02-07T10:42:00.000-08:002011-02-07T10:42:46.839-08:00February 2011 Rhodes Family Church Planting Update<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">Dear Family and Friends,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We had the first Sunday meeting in our new place!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A big thank you to everyone who was able to give toward supplies. The place was in some disrepair. We had to replace the floor, paint the walls, paint the ceiling, replace some ceiling fixtures, replace the baseboards, hang some curtains and change the heating vents. It was a lot of work but some great bonding took place as we did all the work ourselves.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For the first time we were able to set up and leave the equipment out when we were done. We also had a lot of fun in extended fellowship afterwards. We are very blessed to have a location that we can use on a daily basis. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We also marked our first anniversary meeting on Sunday mornings!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We look forward to another year of God working through the ministry of Fusion.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Elizabeth is recovering quickly and Titus is doing very well. Gabriella and Josiah are enjoying having a baby brother. Gabriella wants him to stay a baby forever and Josiah wants him to grow up and play with him. We are enjoying having a baby in the house again. We are adjusting to being a family of five but loving every minute of it!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thank you for your support over the past two years. We have seen God work in amazing ways and we have been able to share and celebrate with you. We would not be able to get this work done with out your generous support. If you have not yet sent in your support for February please do so at this time. Thank you again! God bless!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Blessings! <sup></sup></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><style>
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<div class="MsoFooter">Email: <a href="mailto:pastor.jdr@gmail.com">pastor.jdr@gmail.com</a> </div><div class="MsoFooter">Church Website: <a href="http://www.fusionchico.com/">www.fusionchico.com</a> </div>Jeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-65562588192303753052011-01-03T10:48:00.000-08:002011-01-03T10:48:17.768-08:00January 2011 Rhodes Family Church Planting Update<style>
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</style> <div class="MsoNormal">Dear Family and Friends,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Titus Rex Rhodes is here!!! He was born on December 27 1:22am and weighed 9lbs 2.5 oz, 21.5 inches long. He was newsworthy you can fin the story in the Chico newspaper.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.chicoer.com/ci_16955525?source=rss_viewed">http://www.chicoer.com/ci_16955525?source=rss_viewed</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Elizabeth and the Titus are doing well. Elizabeth is recovering quickly and Titus is learning how much he is loved. Gabriella is in love with her little brother and is holding him every chance she gets. Sometimes grandparents have a hard time getting Titus away from Gabriella. Josiah has held his little brother a couple of times but he is content to sit back and watch him. They both love their little brother dearly and are a great help for their Mom.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We were very blessed in this advent season as a family and as a Church. We celebrated our first Christmas as Fusion and since we are a mobile Church, setting up and tearing down each week, we could not do a Christmas or Christmas Eve gathering so we got creative and released a YouTube Christmas message. It is just under 9 min. long and there is a link to it on our website <a href="http://www.fusionchico.com/">www.fusionchico.com</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Please pray for us in this New Year as we are taking a drop in support. If you know of anyone who would be interested in supporting us please let us know or if you are able please pray fully consider increasing your giving. We would greatly appreciate it and we know God will bless you. We are confident that God will supply our needs whether it is by new support or by Jeremy securing part-time employment.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fusion has been blessed with the opportunity to meet in an office space for free. We are very excited about this opportunity but we need your help. The place is in desperate need of Paint and new flooring. Our people are willing to work but we need some funds to cover the purchase of paint, painting supplies, flooring and hardware. We are a small church and due to the economy many of our members are unemployed. If you can help us with a one-time donation towards paint, flooring and supplies we would very grateful as a community.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thank you for your support over the past two years. We have seen God work in amazing ways and we have been able to share and celebrate with you. We would not be able to get this work done with out your generous support. <span> </span>If you have not yet sent in your support for January please do so at this time. Thank you again! God bless!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Blessings! <sup></sup></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes</div><style>
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</style> <div class="MsoFooter">Email: <a href="mailto:pastor.jdr@gmail.com">pastor.jdr@gmail.com</a><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></div><div class="MsoFooter">Blog: <a href="http://rhodes-project.blogspot.com/">http://rhodes-project.blogspot.com/</a><span> </span></div><div class="MsoFooter">Church Website: <a href="http://www.fusionchico.com/">www.fusionchico.com</a> <span> </span></div>Jeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-86956920506328889972010-12-02T11:01:00.000-08:002010-12-02T11:01:19.300-08:00December 2010 Rhodes Family Church Planting Update<style>
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</style> <div class="MsoNormal">Dear Family and Friends,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Merry Christmas!! We are so excited about this Advent season and what God is going to do. It is a busy month for our family. We have Josiah’s 4<sup>th</sup> birthday, the impending birth of baby #3 and of course Christmas. It is going to be an exciting month! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy has started meeting weekly with a group of men that have been really searching for a place of accountability. This group has been an amazing blessing to Jeremy and the others involved as well. God has used them to love each other, lift each other up, pray for one another, and just be each others friends! Elizabeth got a chance to see the bond they had all created one evening when they came to the house to pray for her pregnancy. She was overwhelmed with the love they showed her and one another. This is just one way that God has revealed to us His desire to build relationships and change lives rather than just have a place where people go on Sundays. It goes so far beyond that and it is so exciting to see it played out in our lives. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This month we will be starting three home groups led by different people involved in Fusion. These groups will be discussing the Advent season and meaning of Christmas. We are so excited about what God is going to do through these groups. It is going to be an opportunity to reach out to a different group of people and for more relationships to develop. One of our groups is held in the home of a woman whose roommate is not a believer so we are praying that she will stick around and be a part of the discussion. What an exciting opportunity for her to come to know Christ right in her own home! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This last month we have really felt a battle going on here in Chico. A spiritual battle that is affecting a lot of the people we know. We have several couples we know going through marital problems, job problems, and relationship problems. Elizabeth is also having a hard time with the end of her pregnancy. <span> </span>It seems that the enemy is trying to derail us from what God is doing. We ask that you pray with us against this attack and that healing can occur in the lives of these people so that we can continue down the path that God has called us! I guess we are doing something right if Satan is trying to stop us! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Last month we asked for help with purchasing some Bible Software and that need has been fulfilled!! We are so blessed and excited that God met this need for us! Thank you so much. We still need additional funds so if you are able we would greatly appreciate any additional financial support. If you have not yet sent in your support for December please send that in as soon as you can. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We are so thankful this Christmas season. We are thankful for all of you and your support and of course thankful for our savior coming to the earth to set us free!! We pray you all have a wonderful Christmas and don’t forget what this season is all about. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Blessings! <sup></sup></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> <style>
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</style> </div><div class="MsoFooter">Email: <a href="mailto:pastor.jdr@gmail.com">pastor.jdr@gmail.com</a><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span></span></div><div class="MsoFooter">Church Website: <a href="http://www.fusionchico.com/">www.fusionchico.com</a> <span> </span></div>Jeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-64968500964263379552010-11-01T10:38:00.000-07:002010-11-01T10:38:12.013-07:00November 2010 Rhodes Family Church Planting Update<style>
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</style> <div class="MsoNormal">Dear Family and Friends,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here in Chico it is either cold or hot. We went from 95-degree days to 60-degree days the following week. On morning I left home and it was 35 degrees outside, I had to chip my car out of a block of ice, which is normal for December unusual in October.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We are continued to be blessed by making inroads in to people’s lives. We are starting to see some amazing connections take place. God has brought many of the Pastors in Chico together for prayer and fellowship.<span> </span>There is a real spirit of unity coming. I also have connected with other men in town that are ministering as missionaries in the community. It is good to connect with them and share stories of the ways we see God at work in our community.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Well last night was Halloween. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Halloween is a huge party in Chico… I was out in my uniform with the Fire Chief late last night. Please pray for the young people in this town and that God will direct me to find ways to share the love of God with people that really need Him. Also pray for the emergency services because in addition to trying to bring order to the chaos they were being followed around by representatives of the ACLU to ensure that the police did not harm criminals. There were also multiple stabbings this weekend in the midst of the parties. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Please pray for us as God continues to shape Fusion into a community of faith, hope and love. <span> </span>We believe that God has big plans for Fusion. We view our gatherings as a place for community growth and development so that we can be scattered out again. Everyone that comes to Fusion is a missionary to his or her families and jobs. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">THANK YOU for your support. Without your prayers and financial support we wouldn’t be where we are today. Thank you for allowing God to use you in Fusion. You are as much a part of the church as those that come to our Bible Studies and gatherings. God has met our equipment needs through donations. Thank you for your help.</div><div class="MsoNormal">One thing that would help, as my time is limited is any additional giving you could do toward the purchase of Bible software would greatly help me. For specifics call 530-518-0505 or email me pastor.jdr@gmail.com</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you would like to commit support to us you may do so by contacting the Converge office at (209) 830-6222 or going online at <a href="http://www.sunergeo.org/donate.html">www.sunergeo.org/donate.html</a>. Thank you all for your prayers and support. We couldn’t do this without you! If you are currently supporting us and have not yet sent in your support for October please do so at this time. Thank you!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Blessings! <sup></sup></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><style>
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</style> <div class="MsoFooter">Email: <a href="mailto:pastor.jdr@gmail.com">pastor.jdr@gmail.com</a><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span></span></div><div class="MsoFooter">Church Website: <a href="http://www.fusionchico.com/">www.fusionchico.com</a> <span> </span></div>Jeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-3447046840573372732010-10-04T10:39:00.001-07:002010-10-04T10:39:51.972-07:00October 2010 Rhodes Family Church Planting UpdateDear Family and Friends,<br />
<br />
We want to partner with Jesus to build in faith, hope and love all over the city of Chico. We believe that God has big plans for Fusion. We view our gatherings as a place for community growth and development so that we can be scattered out again. Everyone that comes to Fusion is a missionary to his or her families and jobs. <br />
<br />
Fall is here! We have relief from the heat and everything is back in full swing. I am back working as a mentor at a local public High School. I have the same student that I had last year and I am privileged to see him take some concern for his grades and put some effort into school. Please pray for him as he is not a Christian and does not come from a Christian family, we have had a couple of spiritual conversations. I also find myself as a guest reader in Gabriella’s kindergarten class. This has been a great way to develop a relationship with the teacher and other parents. Elizabeth has been able to have lunch with a few Moms in the class, one whom is planning on coming to Fusion in the near future.<br />
<br />
There is always joy and sadness in the same month. Elizabeth lost her uncle this past week. He has passed away after a battle with cancer. We rejoice that he is a believer and finds himself free from pain in the arms of Jesus, but please pray for our family as they mourn his passing. Also pray as they travel to the services in North Carolina. This is hard for Elizabeth because the doctor has told her that she cannot travel across the country at this point in her pregnancy. <br />
<br />
We eagerly await the new life that God is bringing into our family. Josiah is happy that he is going to be a big brother and he has named his new little brother T. Rex. Gabriella is really interested in the baby thing and very curios of the process of labor and delivery. She is also learning that being the only girl has its perks.<br />
<br />
Please pray for us as God continues to shape Fusion into a community of faith, hope and love. <br />
<br />
THANK YOU for your support. Without your prayers and financial support we wouldn’t be where we are today. Thank you for allowing God to use you in Fusion. You are as much a part of the church as those that come to our Bible Studies and gatherings. We do have some additional equipment needs. If God leads you to give toward that need please email me for specifics.<br />
<br />
If you would like to commit support to us you may do so by contacting the Converge office at (209) 830-6222 or going online at www.sunergeo.org/donate.html. Thank you all for your prayers and support. We couldn’t do this without you! If you are currently supporting us and have not yet sent in your support for October please do so at this time. Thank you! <br />
<br />
Blessings! <br />
Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes<br />
<br />
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</style> <span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Email: <a href="mailto:pastor.jdr@gmail.com">pastor.jdr@gmail.com</a></span>Jeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-73963662763401230962010-09-03T10:06:00.001-07:002010-09-03T10:06:59.442-07:00September 2010 Rhodes Family Church Planting UpdateDear Family and Friends,<br />
<br />
Fall is almost upon us! We have seen Gabriella start kindergarten and excel in here new environment. We have seen Josiah adapt well to being without his sister in the morning. We have seen students come back from summer break. It has been a busy month here in Chico! <br />
<br />
This August we had our 5th Sunday workday again. This time we had about double the man/woman power so we finished all the work with time to spare so we had some great fellowship. We were able to love the Boys and Girls Club through much needed cleaning, even the kids cleaned up their area. One of the blessings of our location is the foot traffic. We see people from all walks of life wander by on Sunday mornings; they occasionally stop in and worship with us. This last 5th Sunday we saw an older woman stop by. She was hungry and we had plenty food so we gave her something to eat and even more to take with her. She was overwhelmed by the love that was shown her and could not find words enough to say thank you. These moments are the times that I feel God’s presence among us as a community. <br />
<br />
Please pray for us as God continues to shape Fusion. We view our gatherings as a place for community growth and development so that we can be scattered out again. Everyone that comes to Fusion is a missionary to his or her families and jobs. We want to partner with Jesus to build in faith, hope and love all over the city of Chico. We believe that God has big plans for Fusion.<br />
<br />
Again we always want to reiterate how thankful we are for each of you. Without your prayers and financial support we wouldn’t be where we are today. Thank you for allowing God to use you in Fusion. You are as much a part of the church as those that come to our Bible Studies and gatherings. We ask that you pray with us that God will continue to nurture the relationships we are building and help us to build new ones as well. Fusion is about relationships and we are so excited to see whom God has brought in our path. <br />
<br />
If you would like to commit support to us you may do so by contacting the Converge office at (209) 830-6222 or going online at www.sunergeo.org/donate.html. Thank you all for your prayers and support. We couldn’t do this without you! If you are currently supporting us and have not yet sent in your support for September please do so at this time. Thank you! <br />
<br />
Blessings! <br />
Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes<br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoFooter">Email: <a href="mailto:pastor.jdr@gmail.com">pastor.jdr@gmail.com</a> </div><div class="MsoFooter">Blog: <a href="http://rhodes-project.blogspot.com/">http://rhodes-project.blogspot.com/</a> </div><div class="MsoFooter">Church Website: <a href="http://www.fusionchico.com/">www.fusionchico.com</a> </div>Jeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-40249065625004893112010-08-02T12:52:00.000-07:002010-08-02T12:52:23.675-07:00August 2010 Rhodes Family Church Planting UpdateDear Family and Friends,<br />
<br />
Well the heat is cooling to a comfortable mid- 90’s and school will be starting this month. We will see our oldest Gabriella off to kindergarten and we pray that she will be a light in her school even at her tender age. Also pray for Josiah, as he will miss his sister as she starts school.<br />
<br />
Last month we had a Church Picnic at Fusion. We had a blessed time of fellowship as well as worshipping in a local park. We had great food, great music and a great message. We also closed our day with homemade ice cream. We continue to look for ways to live our faith out in public.<br />
<br />
We are focusing on infusing the vision that God has given us into our people. We view our gatherings as a place for community growth and development so that we can be scattered out again. Everyone that comes to Fusion is a missionary to his or her families and jobs. We want to partner with Jesus to build in faith, hope and love all over the city of Chico. We believe that God has big plans for Fusion.<br />
<br />
Please send me your prayer requests I do pray for those as I receive them. As the economy continues to struggle we know that are supporters are struggling so we ask that you prayerfully consider increasing your support or supporting us for the first time. We are willing to do what it takes to make the ministry in Chico happen and we can’t do that without your faithful support! <br />
<br />
If you would like to commit support to us you may do so by contacting the Converge office at (209) 830-6222 or going online at www.sunergeo.org/donate.html. Thank you all for your prayers and support. We couldn’t do this without you! If you are currently supporting us and have not yet sent in your support for August please do so at this time. Thank you! <br />
<br />
Blessings! <br />
Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes<br />
<br />
Email: pastor.jdr@gmail.com <br />
<br />
Church Website: www.fusionchico.comJeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-61499152117023645632010-07-05T15:32:00.000-07:002010-07-05T15:32:25.682-07:00July 2010 Rhodes Family Church Planting UpdateDear Family and Friends,<br />
<br />
We have great news!!! Elizabeth is pregnant with our third child due in December! All of us are very excited!<br />
<br />
The summer is finally here in Chico. The last of the rain fell the first week of June and now the heat is on! This is our second summer here and we love it. There is plenty of sun and plenty of ways to say cool. The kids love swimming at the gym and wading in the creek.<br />
<br />
This summer we have been blessed to see people get more involved at Fusion. More people have gotten involved with the Children’s ministry and we have more people getting involved with outreach ideas. The folks that are brainstorming ideas for outreach understand our vision and are really excited about seeing us grow in numbers and together. The congregation has gotten really good at inviting new people as well. Also we are seeing more people get involved with serving at the Jesus Center. We are encouraged for the future of Fusion and Chico. Continue to pray that we follow God’s vision for his church.<br />
<br />
Jeremy enjoys being Chaplin of the Chico Fire Department. He has a uniform and travels around to different stations visiting the men and women that serve the community. He has slid down a fire pole and already been to scene. He has been able to build a good relationship with all the firefighters. Please pray for this ministry.<br />
<br />
Please send me your prayer requests I do pray for those as I receive them. As the economy continues to struggle we know that are supporters are struggling as well and as a result we have a lost a couple so we ask that you prayerfully consider increasing your support or supporting us for the first time. We are willing to do what it takes to make the ministry in Chico happen and we can’t do that without your faithful support! <br />
Please note: If you are not receiving this newsletter in email form and would prefer to do so please give me your email address so that we can save money on postage.<br />
<br />
If you would like to commit support to us you may do so by contacting the Converge office at (209) 830-6222 or going online at www.sunergeo.org/donate.html. Thank you all for your prayers and support. We couldn’t do this without you! If you are currently supporting us and have not yet sent in your support for July please do so at this time. Thank you! <br />
<br />
Blessings! <br />
Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes<br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoFooter">Email: <a href="mailto:pastor.jdr@gmail.com">pastor.jdr@gmail.com</a> </div><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Church Website: <a href="http://www.fusionchico.com/">www.fusionchico.com</a></span> Jeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-4755069107659914712010-06-01T12:42:00.001-07:002010-06-01T12:42:03.675-07:00June 2010 Rhodes Family Church Planting Update<meta content="" name="Title"></meta> <meta content="" name="Keywords"></meta> <meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta> <meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta> <meta content="Microsoft Word 2008" name="Generator"></meta> <meta content="Microsoft Word 2008" name="Originator"></meta> <link href="file://localhost/Users/elizabethrhodes/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">Dear Family and Friends,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We had another baptism in May. A young lady came to faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized. While serving at the Jesus Center Jeremy was able to have a spiritual conversation with her and at the end she wanted to accept Christ. She was then baptized on May 16<sup>th</sup>. We have been so blessed to see God at work in the ministry here in Chico.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On May 30<sup>th</sup> we had a service project at the Boys and Girls Club. We did not have a message or music but rather worshiped through our hard work. The Boys and Girls Club were blown away by the good work that we did. It was great to work along side the people who have invested in Fusion and made it their Church home. Serving the community is a big part of our vision and the way that we can make it a priority is by doing it on Sunday morning. I was touched by the wiliness of our people to serve in the name of Jesus Christ.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy has also been made the Chaplin of the Chico Fire Department. He has been taken around to all the Fire Stations to meet the men and women whom he will be ministering. Jeremy is available for their professional and personal needs as well as on call for times that he is needed on scene. This is a great opportunity to meet a number of people who need Jesus in their lives. Please pray for this ministry.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Please send me your prayer requests I do pray for those as I receive them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Please also continue to pray for our financial support. We are making ends meet, but the money we have in our reserve is slowly going down as we wait for the additional commitments of support that we need. If you would like to commit support to us you may do so by contacting the Converge office at (209) 830-6222 or going online at <a href="http://www.sunergeo.org/donate.html">www.sunergeo.org/donate.html</a>. Thank you all for your prayers and support. We couldn’t do this without you! If you are currently supporting us and have not yet sent in your support for May please do so at this time. Thank you! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Blessings! <sup><o:p></o:p></sup></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="MsoFooter">Email: <a href="mailto:pastor.jdr@gmail.com">pastor.jdr@gmail.com</a> </div><div class="MsoFooter">Church Website: <a href="http://www.fusionchico.com/">www.fusionchico.com</a> </div>Jeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-26324110815391687542010-05-30T08:25:00.000-07:002010-07-05T12:18:29.923-07:005th Sunday Serve-a-clean-tasticMy wife told me that I need to think of a name for this part of our ministry. This is my working title...<br />
<br />
<br />
Here I sit on a Sunday morning usually I would be finishing up work on the message, but this morning there is none. I think that this is harder for me than anyone else. I love to bring God's word every Sunday, it is my passion so a Sunday like this is hard for me in preparation. Why is there no message or music today? TODAY WE SERVE!<br />
<br />
We as fusion take the 5th Sunday of the month and devote it to serving at the Boys and Girls Club (our regular meeting place). Why? Vision. This is one of the distinctives of our vision and a passion of my heart. <b>Matthew 20:<span class="verse-num woc" id="v40020026-1">26 </span><span class="woc"><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvstudybible.org/search?q=Matt+20%3A26%2CMatt+23%3A11%2CLuke+9%3A48"></a>It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,<span class="footnote"> </span></span> <span class="verse-num woc" id="v40020027-1">27 </span><span class="woc">and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,<span class="footnote"> </span></span> <span class="verse-num woc" id="v40020028-1">28 </span></b><span class="woc"><b>even as the Son of Man came not to be served but <a class="cf" href="http://www.esvstudybible.org/search?q=Matt+20%3A28%2CJohn+13%3A4%2C13-15%2CPhil+2%3A7%2C2+Cor+8%3A9"></a>to serve, and <a class="cf" href="http://www.esvstudybible.org/search?q=Matt+20%3A28%2CIsa+53%3A10%2CDan+9%3A26%2CJohn+10%3A15%2C11%3A51-52%2CRom+4%3A25%2CGal+1%3A4%2C2%3A20%2C1+Tim+2%3A6%2CTitus+2%3A14%2C1+Pet+1%3A18-19"></a>to give his life as a ransom for many.” </b>Most of all we serve in response to Jesus. We serve because he served. We desire to live like Jesus and live the call that God gave us in the moment he saved us. So this Sunday is the beginning of a significant piece of our Church. Why are we doing it on Sunday? Because is insures that this is a priority. This is our way of loving the place we meet at in a tangible way. </span><br />
<span class="woc"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="woc">So here I sit thinking of what could be... will what we are doing change the world? I do not know. Will the Boys and Girls Club be clean? A part of it. Will Jesus be lifted up through our service? YES!</span><br />
<span class="woc"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="woc">We gather to serve today. Should it be such a strange idea?</span>Jeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-17044578857898315082010-05-26T09:28:00.000-07:002010-07-05T12:21:07.657-07:00a kind word...I have found out lately what a kind word can mean to a hurting person. The value of speaking and being a person of peace is amazing and so simple. It all starts with how you view people around you.<br />
I recently was told by a young lady that one day while she was working she was having a rough day, everything was coming apart around her and she was in a fog. She said that the sound of my voice, the kindness in my demeanor and the gentle words of encouragement I gave her helped her out immensely. Nothing profound, nothing from my training just kindness. Although she saw me, I cannot help but think that the voice that she heard that brought peace was that of Jesus Christ. Sometimes Jesus works in and through us as we do the routine of our day. Sometimes the most gentle of words can change a person's day and that is of eternal value because every person has eternal value.<br />
<br />
There is question here: How do you treat the people you encounter? How do you speak and act toward people who work at coffee houses and restaurants? Do you treat them with value? Do you treat them as if the bear the image of God? Or do you treat them as means to your end, a good customer experience?<br />
The people of the Kingdom of God are not consumers but agents of healing and change. We MUST at all times live that way and then the littlest of things will be done in the name of Jesus Christ.Jeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-31040638797545739822010-05-03T12:37:00.000-07:002010-05-03T12:37:23.066-07:00May 2010 Rhodes Family Church Planting Update<meta content="" name="Title"></meta> <meta content="" name="Keywords"></meta> <meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta> <meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta> <meta content="Microsoft Word 2008" name="Generator"></meta> <meta content="Microsoft Word 2008" name="Originator"></meta> <link href="file://localhost/Users/elizabethrhodes/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">Dear Family and Friends,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We baptized two people on Easter! We were blessed to celebrate our first Easter at Fusion by baptizing two members of our congregation. We know that God is working in the community of Chico and we will see many more people following Jesus and being baptized.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One of the things that has marked the ministry here in Chico is one of the first things that we did when we moved here. And that is serving the community. We have worked at the Jesus Center, Love Chico, Special Olympics and many others. This continues to be the case. We continue to serve at the Jesus Center on a regular basis. Many of the people who would not come to Church continue to join us. This has been a way to have amazing spiritual conversations while loving the homeless and hurting. Please pray that these conversations can turn into people following Jesus.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Pray with us as we take May 30<sup>th</sup> and do a service project together. We will still be meeting at Boys and Girls Club but we will gather to worship through working together rather than through music and the word. I know God will do amazing things as we love on the Boys and Girls Club in the name of Jesus.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy has also been made the Chaplin of the Chico Fire Department, which is another amazing service opportunity for Fusion. This month he will be taken around to all the stations and meet the firemen. We are very excited about the relationships that will be forged through this. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Please also continue to pray for our financial support. We are making ends meet, but the money we have in our reserve is slowly going down as we wait for the additional commitments of support that we need. If you would like to commit support to us you may do so by contacting the Converge office at (209) 830-6222 or going online at <a href="http://www.sunergeo.org/donate.html">www.sunergeo.org/donate.html</a>. Thank you all for your prayers and support. We couldn’t do this without you! If you are currently supporting us and have not yet sent in your support for May please do so at this time. Thank you! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Blessings! <sup><o:p></o:p></sup></div><div class="MsoNormal">Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="MsoFooter">Email: <a href="mailto:pastor.jdr@gmail.com">pastor.jdr@gmail.com</a> </div><div class="MsoFooter">Church Website: <a href="http://www.fusionchico.com/">www.fusionchico.com</a> </div>Jeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-48426933799529650282010-04-05T11:40:00.000-07:002010-07-05T12:25:49.319-07:00I wrote and prayed early Easter morningI am feeling strange today- too many distractions on Easter.<br />
God please calm my distractions... help me focus, focus on you not anything else. You are my first love and the knowledge and relationship with you should permeate all that is done today and everyday...<br />
numbers, finances, children's programming, set up... focus<br />
focus on God<br />
<br />
like the sun, may I see everything by You<br />
may you be my worldview, my filter<br />
the Way, Truth, Life<br />
<br />
calm my heart<br />
You today, tomorrow, all days.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This prayer I prayed Sunday morning during my prep time. A half hour later we arrived at our facility to find that we were locked out. The person assigned to let us in forgot to come and we scrambled to find a place for the gathering, they have since apologized for their mistake. <br />
God still showed up as we crammed people into the place where we were scheduled to have a potluck and baptism after our gathering. I thank God for the immediate application to the prayer and the people that were baptized. Praise God that he does not dwell in buildings but in the hearts of his people.Jeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-55859599444522605602010-03-30T14:24:00.000-07:002010-03-30T14:24:47.756-07:00April 2010 Rhodes Family Church Planting UpdateDear Family and Friends,<br />
<br />
April is here, springtime and Easter season are upon us. We will celebrate our first Easter as Fusion Church on April 4th. It is an exciting time in the life of Fusion. On Palm Sunday we had a guest worship leader and 68 people joined us for worship. We are praying that the ones who came without a church home will connect with us and join us again! It was a great experience to see so many new faces and get a chance to share the vision with them. <br />
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Please join us in prayer as we continue to build our core group. We are so amazed at how God has brought different people to Fusion. When we thought things would go one way, He would give us a big surprise and a bigger blessing instead. One of the most exciting things about the people we have right now is their heart to serve. As soon as the service is over everyone takes time to help tear down and clean up. It is just one of the ways we have seen the vision of Fusion tangibly lived out in the lives of our church family. <br />
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We ask that you pray with us for our gatherings each Sunday. This Easter two people will be baptized and we will be following that by sharing a meal. This will be our second Sunday spent sharing a meal and we feel this is an important part of community, breaking bread together. Please also continue to pray for our financial support. We are making ends meet, but the money we have in our reserve is slowly going down as we wait for the additional commitments of support that we need. <br />
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If you would like to commit support to us you may do so by contacting the Converge office at (209) 830-6222 or going online at www.sunergeo.org/donate.html. Thank you all for your prayers and support. We couldn’t do this without you! If you are currently supporting us and have not yet sent in your support for April please do so at this time. Thank you! <br />
<br />
Blessings! <br />
Jeremy and Elizabeth Rhodes<br />
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</div><div class="MsoFooter">Email: <a href="mailto:pastor.jdr@gmail.com">pastor.jdr@gmail.com</a> </div><div class="MsoFooter">Church Website: <a href="http://www.fusionchico.com/">www.fusionchico.com</a> </div>Jeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-87468087146341923202010-03-21T08:01:00.000-07:002010-03-22T14:41:34.442-07:00struggle, struggle but never break free!I learned this morning that the reward is in the struggle with scripture. Many times I set out to conquer scripture to explain it plainly, how many times have I missed God in the process... <br />This morning as I was finishing up my message a man who was a missionary kid on his way out of a coffee house said to me "May the peace of the LORD be upon you." As his words washed over me I saw all of the ministry that I had done over time in perspective.<br /><br />The struggle with scripture... the struggle with God through Christ, that is the process by which we are refined and our hearts connect with God. <br /><br />May your truly struggle with God in the quiet times of your life...Jeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-70174530678350975842010-03-01T10:57:00.000-08:002010-03-01T10:58:38.115-08:00March 2010 Rhodes Family Church Planting UpdateDear Family and Friends,<br /><br />February was a very exciting month for us! Fusion began meeting weekly at the Boys and Girls club on Sunday Mornings. We meet in their gym and the children meet in a youth room adjacent to the gym. We have a great band that consists of college guys and Elizabeth leads vocally. <br /><br />We have had the privilege of several of our supporters spending Sunday morning with us. Thank you so much to those of you that came. It means a lot to us knowing there are people that believe in what we are doing here. <br /><br />We are spending these first morning gatherings building a solid core group and then we will do some marketing and have an official launch for the Church. We are very excited about who God is bringing into our midst! We have some people that are still a little on the fence and we ask that you pray with us that they will jump over onto our side! We also have several very committed college students and we are extremely thankful for them. <br /><br />Our Thursday night Bible Study is also growing. The time and energy we have spent building relationships here is coming to fruit and it is exciting to see these people start participating in the Fusion movement. <br /><br />We ask that you pray with us for the families that we have become friends with here to come to our church. There are several couples that we know that do not currently have a church home and we are praying they will join for a Sunday and see what we are all about. We also need prayer for additional financial support. We are still short on what we needed to raise for this New Year. The Lord is still providing for us as He always has. We pray that new supporters would come forward to fill the gap that we have. <br /><br />If you would like to commit support to us you may do so by contacting the Converge office at (209) 830-6222 or going online at www.sunergeo.org/donate.html. Thank you all for your prayers and support. We couldn’t do this without you! If you are currently supporting us and have not yet sent in your support for March please do so at this time. Thank you! <br /><br />Blessings! <br />Jeremy and Elizabeth RhodesJeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753844657206179611.post-16006700596043633362010-02-28T07:57:00.000-08:002010-02-28T08:01:21.488-08:00Hallelujahwhich means praise Yahweh...<br /><br />I heard many people say that they love the old song that has become popular again Hallelujah. As a pastor I am curious about this, is it the tune or the words? Lets look at the words and start this discussion...<br /><br />"Hallelujah"<br /><br />Now I've heard there was a secret chord<br />That David played, and it pleased the Lord<br />But you don't really care for music, do you?<br />It goes like this<br />The fourth, the fifth<br />The minor fall, the major lift<br />The baffled king composing Hallelujah<br />Hallelujah<br />Hallelujah<br />Hallelujah<br />Hallelujah<br /><br />Your faith was strong but you needed proof<br />You saw her bathing on the roof<br />Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you<br />She tied you<br />To a kitchen chair<br />She broke your throne, and she cut your hair<br />And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah<br /><br />Baby I have been here before<br />I know this room, I've walked this floor<br />I used to live alone before I knew you.<br />I've seen your flag on the marble arch<br />Love is not a victory march<br />It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah<br /><br />Hallelujah, Hallelujah<br />Hallelujah, Hallelujah<br /><br />There was a time you let me know<br />What's really going on below<br />But now you never show it to me, do you?<br />And remember when I moved in you<br />The holy dove was moving too<br />And every breath we drew was Hallelujah<br /><br />Hallelujah, Hallelujah<br />Hallelujah, Hallelujah<br /><br />You say I took the name in vain<br />I don't even know the name<br />But if I did, well really, what's it to you?<br />There's a blaze of light<br />In every word<br />It doesn't matter which you heard<br />The holy or the broken Hallelujah<br /><br />Hallelujah, Hallelujah<br />Hallelujah, Hallelujah<br /><br />I did my best, it wasn't much<br />I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch<br />I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you<br />And even though<br />It all went wrong<br />I'll stand before the Lord of Song<br />With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah<br /><br />Hallelujah, Hallelujah<br />Hallelujah, Hallelujah<br />Hallelujah, Hallelujah<br />Hallelujah, Hallelujah<br />Hallelujah, Hallelujah<br />Hallelujah, Hallelujah<br />Hallelujah, Hallelujah<br />Hallelujah, Hallelujah<br />HallelujahJeremy Rhodeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04858437452512976557noreply@blogger.com2