Apex

Holiday Goodness!

2011-12-08T13:13:00.001-08:00

Dear Apex Family,

As we finish out the post-Thanksgiving week and start the Christmas rush, I wanted to bring you good news of how our annual Thanksgiving food box drive went and more...

We served 45 families with full Thanksgiving meals. I have attached some pictures from the festivities of different house churches.

Some of the quotes from families included: "Thank you so much." "We haven't had Thanksgiving in so many years." "We have never had a traditional thanksgiving meal."

I saw people with tears from the kindness shown! People's lives were truly blessed.

NOW...for the Christmas season...

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:20-22

This is what the season is about - celebrating Jesus - who saved us from our sins!
Let's all celebrate together!

WHEN: December 11, 2011
TIME: 1pm -
WHERE: Tommy, Meghann and Avery Peterson's house
8339 Mountain Destiny 89131

We will BBQ burgers and dogs for a little bit of a late lunch. Bring a dish or drink to share.
We will also be conducting a gift drive for low-income families at my office as well. Gifts can include just about anything for any age :)
If you prefer $ - we will happily shop with your $ :)
My agency will organize a "Santa Room" where the gifts will be displayed like a store. Parents will be able to shop for free in our store and wrap the gifts they choose for their children.

At the BBQ, we will break bread, read the Christmas Story, pray over the gifts to go out to others so that they may know Jesus too, and rejoice together at what a blessing our community is!

If you have questions - please call me at 461-3549.
Otherwise - see you at the BBQ.

In Him,
Nan Caldwell

September Gathering

2011-09-22T12:56:00.000-07:00

Hello Apex Family,

So, it's Thursday, do you need something to look forward to this weekend? Well, we've got something. Please join us at the Nyberg Casa (6345 Edna) for a get together this Sunday, September 25th at 12pm. There are a few of our younger Apexers who have decided to dedicate their lives to Christ and we get to celebrate baptism with them! Please join us for one of the simplest, but most profound events that we can share together as a community of believers - this is the good stuff.

Grilled meats and bottles of water will be provided, just bring a side to share and any other drinks you may want for your family. Don't hesitate to email back with any questions that you may have or if you or someone you know is also interested in baptism.

Thanks - Hope to see you this Sunday!

Until then...

August Gathering 8/21

2011-08-11T10:00:00.001-07:00

Hello Apex Family,

This is a quick note to get the plan out there for this month's get-together. While we would typically meet this coming Sunday, please note a change this month. We will not gather at Christ Lutheran this week, but are instead going to meet up next week, Sunday 8/21 at 5:00pm at the Peterson's home (8339 Mountain Destiny Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89131) for a potluck and special presentation by some of our kids. Again this year, Celia Citizen has been leading and teaching them and they have prepared and practiced a 'God's Kid's' musical to share with the rest of us. Please come out and connect with God and each other as the kids lead us to the simplest but most profound truths of life with Jesus - and watch them have a great time doing it, it's infectious!

Also, we are again putting on a 'Back to School Backpack Drive' for some of the neediest children in our valley as we get to support a few of the lower-income families/children through Nan's office and the foster care system in LV. We are in need of backpacks and school supplies to gift to them, hopefully showing them the love and grace of Christ and bringing some smiles in the meantime! Please bring any backpacks and/or school supplies to the Peterson's on the 21st, we can then divide it up - praying over it, the kids and the school year as we do so. If you would like to donate but will not be at the Peterson's that night, or if you have any questions, feel free to call Nan Caldwell at 702-461-3549 to make arrangements.

Just bring yourselves, a dish to share, and some school stuff for this summer evening in the backyard. Hope to see you there!

Until then...

Vacation Bible School Time!!!

2011-06-25T21:53:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder:
APEX VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

SON ROCK KIDS CAMP
WHEN: Sunday June 26 - Thursday June 30
TIME: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
PLACE: Nyberg Ranch
6345 Edna Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89146

Kids will be fed a light dinner; have craft time; games; Bible lesson; and singing.

SPECIFIC DETAILS (fine print)

We are offering a baptism class for any kids or adults who would like to learn more specifically about baptism and dedicating their life to Christ. Child attendance is with parent permission and parents are requested/encouraged to participate with their child. The class will be from 7:30 - 8:00pm so you are welcome to come the entire time or just for that part.
Kids not participating in the baptism class will be learning about Jesus as their rock, their friend, their provider, etc.
On Thursday we will have a party for the kids where they can swim (reminders will be sent but swimsuits are needed on Thursday only)
If kids have camping chairs they could bring for the week that would be great. Please put your child's name on them and bring them the first night. We have a few extras but not enough for all the kids.

Hope to see you there!
Nan Caldwell

The Point

2011-06-25T21:51:00.000-07:00

Hello Apex family,

I hope that you had a relaxing weekend and an excellent Father's Day!

If you are anything like me, you also have the tendency to either go into "common sense/self-sufficiency mode" and lose track of the Father in the whirlwind of life, or on the other end of the spectrum, to over-think, over-analyze, over-do and over-complicate my relationship with Him. Oswald Chambers reminds us that all Christ wants is...us - fully focused on Him, in relationship with Him and concerned primarily with nothing else. The rest falls into place from there. This is not passive, however, and requires much. Although concise, it is a consuming life-pursuit to surrender our whole selves to God - loving Him with all that we have, caring for ourselves with this kind of love and then giving it away to others compulsively (Matthew 22:37-40).

. . . do you love Me? . . . Tend My sheep —John 21:16

Jesus did not say to make converts to your way of thinking, but He said to look after His sheep, to see that they get nourished in the knowledge of Him. We consider what we do in the way of Christian work as service, yet Jesus Christ calls service to be what we are to Him, not what we do for Him. Discipleship is based solely on devotion to Jesus Christ, not on following after a particular belief or doctrine. “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate . . . , he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26). In this verse, there is no argument and no pressure from Jesus to follow Him; He is simply saying, in effect, “If you want to be My disciple, you must be devoted solely to Me.” A person touched by the Spirit of God suddenly says, “Now I see who Jesus is!”— that is the source of devotion.

Today we have substituted doctrinal belief for personal belief, and that is why so many people are devoted to causes and so few are devoted to Jesus Christ. People do not really want to be devoted to Jesus, but only to the cause He started. Jesus Christ is deeply offensive to the educated minds of today, to those who only want Him to be their Friend, and who are unwilling to accept Him in any other way. Our Lord’s primary obedience was to the will of His Father, not to the needs of people— the saving of people was the natural outcome of His obedience to the Father. If I am devoted solely to the cause of humanity, I will soon be exhausted and come to the point where my love will waver and stumble. But if I love Jesus Christ personally and passionately, I can serve humanity, even though people may treat me like a “doormat.” The secret of a disciple’s life is devotion to Jesus Christ, and the characteristic of that life is its seeming insignificance and its meekness. Yet it is like a grain of wheat that “falls into the ground and dies”— it will spring up and change the entire landscape (John 12:24). - Oswald Chambers

I am so excited to still be on this journey with you all. Let's not stop reminding each other to whom we belong!

Have a great week...

Chris

May Gathering

2011-05-12T07:25:00.000-07:00

Hello Apex Family,

I hope that this finds you having a good week. Just a note to remind you that we will gather up at this coming Sunday May, 15 at 5:00pm for a time of prayer and communion at Christ Lutheran Church (111 N. Torrey Pines). Come ready to share and to seek God together.

Until then...

Easter Sunrise Gathering - 2011

2011-04-25T09:44:00.000-07:00

The Empty Tomb

2011-04-25T08:03:00.001-07:00

Hello Apex Family,

Today is the day that we remember the most important event in history, and acknowledge the power of life that it brings to us, now and forever - He is risen!
Come meet with us 5:40am today at Lone Mountain Park to celebrate...

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid, Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee: there they will see me." (Matthew 28:1-10, NIV).

...Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:16-20, NIV).

Happy Easter!

Good Friday

2011-04-22T07:09:00.001-07:00

Hello Apex Family,

Today we remember the crucifixion of Jesus - a day of profound literal and spiritual darkness.

It was about the sixth hour, and darkness came
over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun
stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was
torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice,
"Father into your hands I commit my spirit." When he
had said this, he breathed his last.
The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised
God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man." When
all the people who had gathered to witness this sight
saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went
away. But all those who knew him, including the women
who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a
distance, watching these things. (Luke 23:44-49, NIV).

Let us soberly remember and try to appreciate what Christ endured on our behalf during these three days of disconnection from the Father.

Holy Thursday

2011-04-22T07:08:00.000-07:00

Hello Apex Family,

Today we remember the examples of communion and communing that Jesus gave on the eve of his crucifixion...just a foretaste of the sacrifice and love that was soon to come.

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you." (Luke 22:19-20, NIV).

...Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin, and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." "Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hand and my head as well!'" Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13:3-17, NIV).

Palm Sunday

2011-04-17T12:36:00.000-07:00

Hello Apex Family,

It is Palm Sunday, of course, and so today we begin to remember the events that were set into motion that week long ago, propelling Jesus from a teacher and miracle worker to Substitute and Redeemer as He would assume our place on that cross one week later.

It all started rather triumphantly...

Matthew 21:1-11

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on
the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying
to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once
you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by
her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says
anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them,
and he will send them right away."

This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the
prophet:

"Say to the Daughter of Zion,
'See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'"

The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed
them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed
their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. A very
large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while
others cut branches from the trees and spread them on
the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those
that followed shouted,

"Hosanna to the Son of David!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Hosanna in the highest!"

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was
stirred and asked, "Who is this?"

The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from
Nazareth in Galilee."

...and so it began.

April Gathering

2011-04-07T07:35:00.001-07:00

Hello Apex Family,

Just writing to remind you all that this coming Sunday, April 10th, we will be opening up the sanctuary of Christ Lutheran Church (111 N. Torrey Pines) to gather at 5:00pm. Join us if you can to share in a simple time of prayer and communion as we anticipate the celebration of Easter in a few weeks. As always, let's come ready with something to share - a prayer, a reading, an encouragement, a need or a verse that is meaningful to you.

Until then...

Easter Basket Time

2011-03-28T15:38:00.001-07:00

Dear Apex Family,
I can't believe Easter is upon us! In just a few short weeks we will celebrate our Risen Savior! How wonderful!
This is also a time when we can show others the hand of Christ through our giving...

We will be doing this through our annual Easter Basket Drive. If you and/or your house church would like to provide an Easter food basket to a family (families) please email Nan Caldwell @ nancy726@hotmail.com or call/text her at 461-3549

You will be given details of the family or families and provide them with an easter meal and anything else you see fit!

EASTER (and the Apex Sunrise Service) is on April 24, 2011.
Baskets will be delivered the week of April 18 so they would need to be ready for pick up or delivery (whatever works for you) by April 17/18.

Please let me know if you have questions or how many families you want to sponsor!
Your dedication and commitment to serving is greatly appreciated!

In Him,
Nan

Marriage Building

2011-03-28T15:35:00.001-07:00

The ApexChurch marriage seminar was a smashing success by any measure! Thanks to Nan for putting it all together, to the Odell's for making the trip and sharing their knowledge/wisdom, and to all who showed up to receive and to share together.

March Gathering

2011-03-09T10:26:00.000-08:00

Hello Apex family,

This is a friendly reminder that we will be opening up the sanctuary of Christ Lutheran Church (111 N. Torrey Pines) at 5:00pm this coming Sunday 3/13 for a simple time of prayer and communion. Just come ready to circle up, seek God together and to share whatever makes sense - a prayer, a verse, a need, a reading, an encouragement...

26 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. (I Cor. 14:26, NIV).
Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday evening!

Until then...

Prayer Gathering

2011-01-20T10:20:00.000-08:00

Hey all. We will be meeting at the Christ Lutheran building on 111 N. Torrey Pines @ 5:00pm this Sunday (1/23) for a time of prayer & communion. Hope to see you there!

Tommy

Christmas Room Donations

2011-01-06T09:49:00.000-08:00

Dear Apex Family,
I am sorry this is delayed in getting to you but I wanted to send out HUGE thank yous for a successful season of donations and support.
Attached are pictures of the "Santa" room that was set up for families to do their Christmas Shopping for the kids and it was a monumental success! The feedback I have received and witnessed myself was overwhelming!

Here are a few:

"Muchas Gracias! for the gift card - it helped to make my Christmas merry!!!" - Jessica

"The Santa room is so nice. I REALLY appreciate it!"

"There was not going to be any gifts this year until now!"

"Thank you so much!!!"

From my co-worker, Alyssa:

One of my teen girls got to pick out gifts for younger siblings and really enjoyed the room. She left with the gifts very excited and said “I feel like Santa Claus!”

"I haven't had a Christmas gift in 3 Christmases since my dad died."

I am sure there are SO many more that I haven't even heard. I don't know how many families shopped because workers could take their families in as they chose. But, I do know that at least 25 teens/families received gift cards of $10 - $40!

What an amazing God we serve and I am hopeful that each person who received your donations felt God's love overwhelm them and continue to overwhelm them into 2011!

Thank you again for your support and generosity!
Nan Caldwell

It's Christmas Time!

2010-12-13T20:22:00.000-08:00

Hey all. It’s been awhile since we all hung out together. Meghann & I would like to invite you to an Apex Christmas Party at our house on December 18th @ 5:00pm. Please come hang out as we deck the halls and be merry and gay. It will be a potluck* so bring something to share if you can. We will also be showing the usual Christmas movies starting with Christmas Vacation and then on to Napoleon Dynamite, of course. We hope you can make it as we look forward to celebrating the birth of our Lord with you.

Our address is: 8339 Mountain Destiny Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89131.

Until then...

Vacation Bible School!

2010-08-11T09:03:00.001-07:00

Yes, it is time for our ANNUAL VBS PROGRAM for all kids ages 2 and up.

Over the next 2 weeks your kids can learn about God as their BFF in our backyard camp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's the scoop:

PLACE: CELIA CITIZEN'S HOME
8226 Moapa Water Street
H: 645-5638; C: 596-6733

DIRECTIONS FROM 95 N: Exit Durango Right; Turn Right on Racel to Suncrest Trails. Inside the gate, turn Right - house at the end of the street.

DATES: WED/THURS: August 11/12
THURS/FRIDAY August 19/20

TIME: 6:30pm-8:30pm

IMPORTANT INFO:
1. We will serve a light dinner each night.
2. We will be having supervised swimming during the first 30 minutes each night. Please send your child with swim gear and a towel. We will NOT change clothes so send a coverup for the suit or shorts/tshirts to put on over.
3. IF your child is a non-swimmer, we will have other water activities for them to participate in outside the pool (slip n slide; wacky water sprayer; etc) so please send them in water gear as well.
4. If you can't make it every night - NO WORRIES...come when you can. The kids will have a ball!
5. If transportation is an issue, please notify NAN CALDWELL (461-3549) and I will try to work something out.

The kids will be learning about God, memorizing scripture, making new friends, singing songs, playing games and making crafts. It is a great time for all!
AND feel free to invite your friends...or forward this to anyone left off the list.

See you WEDNESDAY at 6:30. There will be a short registration and then the fun begins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Summer Gathering 6/25

2010-06-21T14:35:00.000-07:00

Hello Apex Family,

It's Monday, so we should probably having something to look forward to - Apex can help with that! This coming TGIF, June 25th, we would like to invite you to gather with us at the Peterson home (8339 Mountain Destiny Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89131) at 6:30pm as we join Friday night HC for a summer celebration. Celia Citizen has been pouring into some of our kids and they have developed a God's Kids musical to share with our community. They have worked very hard (today was the final rehearsal), and are learning a bunch about God and about being together in His name. Please come and let our kids teach us, encourage us and lead us to worship. The plan will be to gather around a potluck meal (bring a dish and drinks for your family) and then to enjoy the God's Kids show at about 8:00pm. And remember, this is the Gathering for both June and July due to summertime craziness.

It should be a fun night, and there could be faces old and new in the house. Most of all, it is an opportunity to get together and celebrate that we belong to a Father who loves us beyond what we could know, that we are all His kids and that nothing matters more than this!

Have a blessed week until then...

Summer Gathering

2010-06-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

Hello Apex Family,

Hope this finds you having a peaceful week. As you know, this weekend would typically be the time for our monthly Gathering. However, we wanted to let you know of a change in schedule for the next few months. As of now, the plan is to consolidate June and July Gatherings into one on Friday evening June 25th (details to follow later). This is due in part to the travels of many in July, due to the camping trip next weekend and especially b/c Celia Citizen has been working hard with some of our kids on a new 'God's Kids' musical that will be performed that Friday night the 25th. We thought it would be very cool and meaningful to center our time around that event!

Thanks for your understanding in advance, as schedule changes can be difficult. But, the hope is that we can all get together to commune with God, hang out with each other, share a meal (of course) while both supporting and learning from our kids.

So there will be no official Gathering until then and none in July, but hopefully plenty chances to be together informally all summer. Details will come re: specific time on 6/25, location (likely at the Peterson home) and as to what to bring - so please look for that and save the date!

Until then...

May Gathering

2010-04-28T14:18:00.000-07:00

Hello Apex Family,

OK, so here's the plan for this Sunday 5/2. We will meet at 12:00pm at the Carder Ranch (Dave and Amy's, just south of Craig and Conough) for a potluck lunch - bring a dish(es) to share and drinks for your family, paper/plasticware will be provided.

After communing over lunch, Dave will share with us/report back regarding impressions and pictures from his recent Haiti trip. You won't want to miss a time of being together, especially as Dave leads us in looking at what the Father is doing there, and how He may continue to engage our community in His work outside of Las Vegas.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Until then...

Easter Morning

2010-04-03T14:04:00.000-07:00

Hello Apex Family,

As you know, Easter is this coming Sunday, April 4th, so in keeping with tradition we will be having our Sunrise service at Lone Mountain Park (at the west end of Craig Rd.)! It looks like sunrise is to be at 6:23 am, so let's get together at around 6:00 am or just after in the little half-circle amphitheater at the north end of the park. We'll quietly reflect and celebrate the Resurrection together as the sun comes up.

Afterward, we will convene just down Craig road to Conough, at the Carder Ranch, as they have again graciously offered to host a potluck breakfast. Amy has mentioned in past years that people can drop off food at the house prior to the service if desired.

So, bring your coffee and a dish to share and we'll enjoy being together with the risen Christ among us.

In the meantime, have a blessed and meaningful Holy Week!

Easter Basket Time

2010-03-02T21:07:00.001-08:00

HELLO APEX FAMILY!

It is that time of year again where we sponsor families for Easter food baskets.
Please let me know home many families your house church would like to sponsor - or if you want to sponsor one individually that is great too! Just let me know!

I am shooting to have them all available for delivery to the families the week of 3/29 so please let me know soon so I can get you your info soon!

Email me directly at nancy726@hotmail.com or call me at 702-461-3549

Thanks!
Nan

February Gathering Plans

2010-02-18T12:44:00.000-08:00

Hello Apex Family,

Just wanted to let you know of some plans for this weekend's monthly Gathering. Let's get together Sunday 2/21 at 12:00pm at Lone Mtn. Park (at the west end of Craig Rd.) for a BBQ and some time together. Apex will provide burgers and dogs, please just bring a side to share and some drinks for yourself/family. Also, please bring a favorite verse/thought/update to share with each other as we circle up to talk and pray for a few minutes. Afterward, anyone who wants to can play, hike, climb, etc.

Looking forward to the time with you and with our First Love - see you there!

February Gathering Info.

2010-02-11T10:07:00.000-08:00

Hello Apex Family,

Good morning! Just a note to let you know that we are rescheduling this month's Gathering due to Valentine's Day falling on the second Sunday - so that those who want to spend intentional time with family, friends and loved ones can do so. Let's plan on getting together instead on the following Sunday 2/21 - we will then gather and share in the name of our First Love.

Another email will follow in the next week or so with the announcement of plans (time, place, etc.) - please look for that. It will be very good to come together family reunion style - hope to have you with us!

In the meantime, have a peaceful day and know that He has daily bread for you today.
Chris

Help for Haiti

2010-01-21T09:38:00.000-08:00

Hello all. Please note that Apex has decided that all offerings given to Apex from January 1st, 2010 until April 30th, 2010 will be given directly to funding the relief effort in Haiti. Each house church will make sure to call for an offering each night their house church meets and we will make sure we ask during our monthly Gathering as well.

These people desperately need help. I know that if you're watching the news, it seems like a lot of people/nations are giving a lot of money already. Believe me, it will not be enough. Please know that God will put to good use any amount you are able to give. And of course your donation is tax deductible.

Thank you.

lovetommy

Hanging out...

2010-01-11T09:26:00.000-08:00

...with God and with each other on a sunny afternoon.

January Gathering Adventure

2010-01-08T07:41:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone,

This Sunday please come join Apex for an afternoon in the desert wilderness walking/reclining at the old railroad trail used to build Hoover Dam. The railroad ties and rails have been pulled up and the walk has virtually no incline to be concerned with. Six railroad tunnels can be walked through for anyone wanting to go the full distance with is 2.6 miles one way.

For those more inclined to sit back and enjoy the desert and Lake Mead views....Bring your chairs to set out next to your car for an unobstructed panorama.

The plan is to start gathering in the parking lot/trail head at 12:30PM then begin our walk at 1PM.

The Historic Old Railroad trail is located 4 miles past Boulder City on Hwy 93. Take Hwy 93 past Boulder City like your headed to the Dam. At the bottom of the hill with Lake Mead in view turn left on Lakeshore Drive and continue briefly on till you will see the parking area on the right just below the Alan Bible Visitor Center. (If you reach the toll booth to enter Lake Mead recreation area you just went a little to far.)

If you want to read more about the old railroad trail please go to:

http://www.nps.gov/lame/planyourvisit/hikerr.htm

Looking forward to seeing you all this Sunday afternoon. If anyone would like to car pool just reach out and touch someone and if anyone has extra room please let us all know by email.

Thank you,

Jeff Stoddard

Christmas Time

2009-12-16T21:28:00.000-08:00

ApexChurch and Haiti

2009-12-14T16:16:00.000-08:00

Hello Apex Family,

Below is an excerpt from the GLOW Newsletter that tells more of the story that I shared at our Christmas Gathering yesterday. It was very humbling for us to be in Haiti with Phil and to witness the overwhelming need there - but also inspiring to see the powerful presence of our God there. A presence that He allows us to intimately share in when we stop to see what He is up to as we commit to being used. Apex has already been able to send some financial support to aid in this child's recovery, and there is so much more that can be done to tangibly feed, educate, and care for God's people there. We are a church that can help do this very thing - especially given the way we are organized and operate. Let it be known if you want more information, if your family and/or House Church would like to sponsor a child or send funds toward Haiti, if you have any questions about any of the outreach/serving that our community is doing, and especially if you know of any particular needs or serving opportunities that we could partner in - here or abroad.

Blessings,
Chris

_____________________________________________________________________________________
Divine Appointments

Phil Snyder - www.glowmi.org

Divine appointments are not unusual in Haiti. In fact they are so common that I refuse to adhere to any hard schedules. People who have repeatedly been to Haiti with me often joke about how I don’t know what we’re going to be doing until we’re actually doing it. I always have a number of things in mind of course, but I refuse to be anything but 100% flexible. In my opinion it is that flexibility which leads us into some of the most interesting situations.

One such divine appointment happened to us last month as we were touring Haiti with a group from Las Vegas. I had plans to go to Gadere that day but at the last minute Mr. Feronnel advised me that because of the mud we probably would not make it so I changed plans. Instead of getting an early 7 a.m. start we shared a leisurely morning together, had breakfast, then left the hotel late to go and see what we would see.

It was about 8:30 in the morning as we drove towards Grande Godet. About 1 mile before the school something very unusual came out of the brush on the side of the road. It was a small group of people pushing a wheelbarrow. Seeing somebody pushing a wheelbarrow is not unusual, to see human legs hanging out the front of the wheelbarrow is. I hit the brakes on the Ford Ranger and backed up to take a closer look. There was a young man lying in the wheelbarrow! The boy was about 16 years old, he had a plaster cast around his thigh, above his knee and below his hip. He was obviously in very much pain. I questioned the people with him to learn that he had been involved in a hit-and-run accident nearly one month ago. He had been to the hospital in St. Marc and from there was sent to the hospital in Port au Prince where the doctors put this flimsy cast on his leg and sent him home. The boy was from a very poor family of course, and they had no money for follow-up medical care. It was obvious to me that this boy was on his way to becoming permanently handicapped or perhaps even dead for lack of treatment for a broken femur.

I’ve had opportunities to intervene in the healthcare of many such people, people suffering from inadequate healthcare on the slow road of suffering and death. I’ve learned one important lesson from my many encounters with those who are suffering, that lesson is: don’t waste even one minute. I drove the extra mile to Grande Gode school and picked up Pastor Damil. I brought him back to the scene in order to confirm my personal evaluation that this boy needed help and he needed it now.

We are fortunate to know Dr. Duverseau, an orthopedic surgeon in Port-au-Prince, and we put a call into him right away. This was Thursday, November 12, an appointment was scheduled for Saturday.

The doctor confirmed the seriousness of the boy’s condition and recommended him for surgery as soon as possible. There were some phone calls back and forth trying to establish costs for the surgery which would include putting a metal rod in the boy’s bone and who would perform the surgery. Medical care can be very scary in Haiti and I did not want to send this boy to the butchers. The doctor put my mind at ease confirming that he would do the surgery himself but he couldn’t give me even a ballpark figure on what the costs might be.

I stared at the ceiling in bed that night struggling with the value of one’s health. But as far as my own convictions ran it was a no-brainer, it didn’t matter how much it cost, I couldn’t possibly walk away. But still I had to struggle with the difficulties we face in this dampened economy, wondering if we will even make our school budgets next month. The Las Vegas group who had met the boy with me were already back home by now. I e-mailed them and told them what we were facing, asking them if they would back me up. They were unanimously in agreement to go forward with the surgery.

Recently, these last couple of days, I’ve been getting e-mails from Haiti with reports and pictures confirming that the surgery went well and that the boy, Rene St Jean, has an excellent chance for a full recovery. We’ll continue to look out for him, keeping him in Port-au-Prince with my goddaughter Dina who will feed him, see that he gets to his doctor’s appointment twice a week and gets the medications that he has to have to the fight infection and pain. He’s not all the way out the woods yet but he’s got everything working in his favor thanks to divine appointments and people who care.

With all that could be reported on this month I chose to share this story with you. I would not be in Haiti if it were not for your generous support and encouragement. Behind this boy’s story is 1000 more stories, many we will never hear because our intervention displaced the tragedy. Be encouraged by this as you celebrate the holidays with your families and friends. This is your joy as well as mine!

Mark Your Calendar - “I Survived”

A personal account of the Phil Snyder December 2005 kidnapping

will air on the BIO Channel Sunday, January 17th 9 p.m. ET

December/Christmas Gathering

2009-12-08T07:06:00.000-08:00

Hello all. Please join us this Sunday, December 13th, at Noon at the Peterson's for a potluck Apex Christmas Gathering. Please bring some food item to share.

8339 Mountain Destiny Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89131

Also, please bring any toy donations you may have for our Apex toy drive.

Thank you and we hope to see you there! Please pass this on to anyone I may have missed.

Tommy

October Gathering Details

2009-10-10T14:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Apex Family,

Here are the follow up datails for the Gathering:

We will meet on Sunday around 11:45 am at the following location:

Centennial Point Subdivision
Located off Grand Teton

95 North
Exit Durango and go Left
Turn Right on Oso Blanco
Left on Elkhorn
Right on TeePee
Left on Grand Teton
Right into Centennial Point Subdivision

GATE CODE: KEY 040369

RIght inside the gate is a park where we will meet.
Katrina lives just around the corner.

HERE IS WHAT I ENVISION HAPPENING:
We will all meet at the park. Around noon - some of us will go to Katrina's and clean/repair
Others will remain at the park with the kids and supervise/play with them. If you have a preference, please email a response only to me so that I can make certain we have adults in each place.

I will be bringing the cleaning supplies but I need a couple of additional buckets if possible.

Please come or bring your kids already having had lunch. However, there will be drinks and snacks available at both locations.

IN ADDITION: if anyone wants to make a freezer meal for the family to have - that would be great. Although they have adaquate resources for food, they are not able to prepare healthy, home-cooked meals at the present just because they are weak, etc. It would be a nice treat for them to be stocked with meals they can just pop in the oven or microwave and eat...just a thought.

LASTLY: Katrina and the kids will not be present while we are there. Portia will be there resting and recovering. Jeff will be bringing some tools to make a couple of minor repairs. The rest of us will just be scrubbing. As you are moving throughout the home, feel free to silently pray up the house for their health, safety and relationship with our Lord!

Thanks for all your support. Please email or call me with questions - 461-3549.

See you all Sunday!
Nan

October Gathering of House Churches

2009-10-06T20:54:00.000-07:00

Hello Apex Family,

PLEASE SAVE THE DATE AND TIME - and more info to follow:

October 11, 2009 will be our next Gathering of House Churches.
We will be doing a service project of cleaning for a family in need.
We will meet around noon - some will clean and others will do activities for the kids at a nearby park.

DETAILS TO FOLLOW LATER THIS WEEK AS TO WHERE TO MEET, etc.

Also, please be in prayer/discussion among your HC if you want to do Thanksgiving Food Boxes and how many families your HC would like to sponsor. The sooner I have this info, the better so I can get the details to you...I will also need to coordinate with a partner to donate the turkeys. Last year, several HC's also delivered the food to the families and it was a great time of reaching out and ministering to those in need.

Call me if you have questions about any of this - 461-3549 Or email Nan at Nancy726@hotmail.com

See you all Sunday - look for more details in a couple of days!
Nan Caldwell

September 13th Gathering

2009-09-10T09:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody,

Linda and I apologize for the late notice but the Stoddards' had a computer crash this week.

Areopagus will be hosting this months gatherning on Sunday the 13th of September at 4405 Flowerdale Court. Please come and join us 11AM to 3PM for swimming and relaxing; barbequeing and eating. The pool should be about 86 degrees which Linda has determined to be the perfect temperature for whatever water activity you choose.

Entree for Adults and kids will be provided along with water to drink. Please bring your favorite beverage and if you choose a pot luck side dish or dessert.

We would appreciate as many of you that can RSVP us by Saturday so we can have some idea of how much Barbeque food to prepare,,,,

A reminder to bring your swim suits, towels, sun screen along with your appetites.

Our address is 4405 Flowerdale Court, Las Vegas, NV, 89103 - email nevjef@aol.com.

We hope to see you all this Sunday!

Jeff & Linda Stoddard

Backpacks Filled with Love and Prayers

2009-08-25T07:04:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Apex Family,

Our BACK-TO-SCHOOL backpack drive was another HUGE success....we were able to provide 25 kids with complete backpacks and school supplies for their year.

Please pray for these kids, all the teachers and our kids as they began their school year yesterday.
Pray that each time these kids reach for their backpack or school supply that they feel God's hand on them. And pray for them to have a kid that befriends them that is a lover of Jesus who can show them that love. And pray for our own kids to be that friend and lover of Jesus to all the kids they come into contact with. And that our schools are filled with teachers who know Jesus and love Him too; and extend that love and kindness to all the kids!

Have a great day.
Thanks for loving the kids in my office. They were all so pleased with their treasures.
In Him,
Nan Caldwell

PS - here are the names of the kids if you want to pray by first name:

Lindsay (10)
Cierra (9)
Skye (6)
Elijah (7)
Stephanie (9)
KG (9)
TG (10)
Rosie (11)
Alexis (8)
John (13)
Deyvionn (8)
DeyJanah(7)
DeySauni (6)
Darian (8)
Hunter (16)
Tyler (13)
Kwame (12)
Kwave (11)
Kwavon (9)
Donovan (16)
Mathew (10)
Mickael (5)
Anna (6)
Tyvon (11)
Matt (10)

In Loving Memory Of...

2009-08-13T00:08:00.000-07:00

THOMAS CITIZEN
Thomas Raymond Citizen, beloved husband, father, grandpa and friend, went to his heavenly home Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009. Tom was born July 19, 1944, in Omaha, Neb., and was raised in southern California, where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Celia Stites. They married in 1963 and celebrate 46 years of marriage this month. Throughout his life, Tom loved the outdoors, camping, fishing and hiking. He was a sports enthusiast, playing basketball, tennis, golf and softball. Music was always an important part of his life. He played the clarinet and guitar, directed many church choirs and loved to sing with his wife. Tom also loved the pursuit of knowledge. He received his bachelors in psychology from Westmont College in Santa Barbara. In 1967, Tom and his wife, Celia, moved to Portland, Ore., where they began their family. Tom worked for the Oregon State Bar for eight years. In 1979, Tom felt God calling him into full-time ministry. He and his family moved back to southern California, where he received his masters degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1982. Tom loved being a pastor, serving and loving people. He loved to teach the truths of the Bible and talk with people. He pastored at 1st Baptist Church of Temple City, Calif., Fellowship Baptist Church in Las Vegas, and 1st Baptist Church of Lemoore, Calif. Tom and Celia returned to Las Vegas in 2000 to be near their children. Tom and his family soon learned that he had early onset Alzheimer's. His faith in God as his Savior continued to sustain him through his joys and trials. He was very proud of his family and loved being grandpa. Tom was preceded in death by his biological father, Jack Green; his adopted father, Ted Citizen; and his mother, Katherine Citizen. He is survived by his wife, Celia S. Citizen; daughter, Kristi Andrade and her husband, Robert; son, Douglas Citizen and his wife, Cheryl; six grandchildren, Ashlea, Bayley and Carter Andrade, and Emma, Loredana and Jack Citizen; sister, Sharon Gebur and her husband, Bill; and niece, Michelle Gebur Ponce and her husband, Rick. There will be a memorial service at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at Christ Lutheran Church, 111 N. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89107. Flowers may be sent to Christ Lutheran Church, Saturday, Aug. 15, after 2 p.m., or anytime to 8226 Moapa Water St., Las Vegas, NV 89131. Donations may be made in Tom's memory, to Samaritan's Purse or Keep Memory Alive.

August Gathering

2009-08-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

Hello Apex Family,

So, there has been a 'play called at the line of scrimmage' (if you will) and a last minute change of plans for the weekend.

Please note that Friday night HC would like to host a BBQ Sunday night 8/9 (that's tomorrow) at 5pm at Tommy and Meghann Peterson's house - 8339 Mountain Destiny Ave., LV, NV, 89131.
Please bring a side to share and drinks for your family. We will still put together backpacks for kids, pray some together and possibly have a little worship time - and of course eat and catch up with each other. Feel free to call Meghann with any questions - 325-5065.

This replaces the prior plan to meet at Christ Lutheran Church. However, we will gather there next week to honor the memory of Tom Citizen and to be with his family and friends.

Thanks again for your understanding and sorry for any inconvenience b/c of the changes. Hope to see you there Sunday!

This n That

2009-08-02T13:57:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Here are some ANNOUNCEMENTS for APEX:

1. We have a family in need of school clothes for their kids. If you have anything you are planning to donate elsewhere please consider giving to this family. Here's the info:

BOY - age 9
Shoes -5 1/2 - 6
Shirts-10-12 - XL boys
Pants - 11/

GIRL - age 7
Shoes: 1
Shirts: 7/8
Pants:7/8

GIRL - age 5
Shoes - 12 1/2
Shirt: 6/6X
Pants: 6/6X

BOY - Age 3
Shoes- 11
Pants - 4T/5T
Shirts- 5T

IF you have donations email me or Amy Carder (carderd@earthlink.net) or call me - 702-461-3549 - we are happy to pick up from you and deliver to the family.

NEXT:
School BackPack Drive - please purchase any back packs and school supplies and bring to the August gathering. If you are not going to be at the gathering, please call me and I will arrange pick up. If you want to sponsor a particular child/children - that can be arranged as well.
The support is for needy kids in the area.

3. VBS:
VBS is scheduled for any kid who wants to come AGES 2 and up.
August 10 - 14
6:30 - 8pm
Nyberg House - 6345 Edna Ave 89146

IF YOU WANT TO HELP OUT - PLEASE LET US KNOW ASAP.

GATHERING:
More info to follow but the next Gathering will be August 9, 2009 at 5pm.

Have a fabulous week. See you next Sunday! :)
Nan

Serving Opportunity 7/11/09

2009-07-07T16:01:00.000-07:00

Hello Apex Family,

Just wanted to pass along an FYI regarding a great outreach/ministry/serving opportunity that is coming up this Saturday 7/11. It is being facilitated by another missional church community in LV that we have come to know. There are already some from Apex that are planning to help and would love to have you too if you can. Please see the note below and the link for directions. Feel free to contact Tommy (tjpetereson@dhimortgage.com) with any questions, etc.

If anyone would like to help, we will be distributing over 250 backpacks to the homeless this Saturday morning. Meet at the Costco on MLK (http://www.costco.com/Warehouse/WarehouseDetails.aspx?WarehouseNumber=563) at 7:30AM this Saturday, 7/11. We will also be distributing extra water bottles and ice.

Please let me know of any questions!
Thanks!
Kelly Winquist

July Gathering

2009-07-02T11:32:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! We are moving the July Gathering to July 19th. We will be having the Gathering at Doug & Cheryl Citizens’ house @ 5:00 pm. This will be Tom & Celia Citizen’s last official Apex Gathering as they will be moving to CA at the end of the month so please come and wish them well. They have been a part of the Apex community for a very long time and their daily presence here will surely be missed.

Cheryl is planning on having a Taco Bar set up but if everyone could bring a side dish or drinks that would be great.

Their address is:

10222 Clarks Creek St.
Las Vegas, NV 89131

Churches without the church

2009-06-07T23:02:00.000-07:00

Churches without the church
Foreclosures have forced some churches to meet in homes or cafes. Now, others are joining in – willingly.

read this

Churches without the church

Camping

2009-05-31T09:48:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Apex Family! Hope this finds you enjoying your weekend!

Thus far, we have 28 people confirmed to go camping with us - there is still space for others to join if you still would like to attend for one night, both nights, or just for the day...

The details are:
Mt. Charleston, Hilltop campground. Sites are #9 and 10 - right next to one another.

Dates are June 12-14
Price per family for the camping will be about $16 (subject to change depending on # of families). The $16 is for both nights so if you are only attending one night it is $8.
If this is an issue or prevents you from attending, please let me know! We will make arrangements.

It has also been decided that the June Apex Gathering will take place on the Mountain during this time. The plans will be for the Gathering to be on SATURDAY June 12 at the above-listed campsite. Gathering time will be around 2pmish. We will plan to have a time of communion and prayer together.

If you want to join the days festivities with the campers, we will likely be hiking in AM prior to lunch - around 9 or 10 am; and then having lunch around 12 or 1pm.

If you plan to join for lunch, please let me know and so I can include you in the meal planning - or just bring a picnic lunch for your family.

PLEASE RSVP to Nancy - (nancy726@hotmail.com) if you want to attend with the # of people who will be going with you.
I will send a separate email to those I have confirmed for camping with meal planning info once I have the list complete - later this week for sure.

Looking forward to a fun weekend!
Nan Caldwell

In Case You Missed It

2009-05-31T09:30:00.000-07:00

Gathering 5/17/09 – Prayer Guide

Begin by asking God to clear your mind and inviting Him to commune with you…

Take some time for confession and the asking of forgiveness…

Spend a few minutes in praise, adoration and thanksgiving…

-Lift up His names, His gifts, His attributes and His promises

Allow yourself to look around and find Him in the beauty of the creation that He molded for you…

Enter a time of intercession and request regarding…

-His work in the world and Kingdom at large

-The hurting, grieving, ill, lost and broken in your sphere

of influence

-Your “enemies” – those who have harmed you, have

betrayed you and taken you for granted – ask for the

love and humility to lift them up and forgive them

-His movement and mission in our city and through the

Church of Las Vegas

-The health, purpose and growth of our Apex community

-The leading and deepening of your House Church

-God’s protection and presence in your own family and

household

-His daily bread for you today as you seek to be the

hands, feet and voice of Christ

-The cry and desires of you heart

Be still and take a few moments to listen for and to Him…

Go and take communion – depart in Spirit and in power, knowing that you have a community to journey with, that you are loved by the Father, and that Christ has been raised in you…

Past Gathering

2009-05-20T18:31:00.000-07:00

Sunday 5/17 (Lone Mountain Park)

We spent time sharing lunch together, hanging out and some devotional time in guided prayer.

Here are some pics:

May Gathering - The Scoop

2009-05-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

Hello Apex Family,

Just a note to let you know that we are planning to meet together for our monthly Gathering this coming Sunday 5/17 at 12:00pm at Lone Mountain Park. We will share lunch together as well as some brief devotional time in the Word and some guided prayer. Please bring a side to share and drinks for your family. There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, etc. waiting for you if Tommy does his job correctly:)

Looking forward to a casual but meaningful time with you all.

See you Sunday!

May Gathering

2009-05-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

This is just a quick note to let everyone know that our May monthly Gathering will be moved from 5/10 to Sunday 5/17 due to Mother's Day on the 10th. There will be more to come in the next week or so on the details of our next time together.

In the meantime, enjoy time loving on the Moms connected to our community and honoring or remembering what God has taught us through them!

Blessings

Apex Easter 2009

2009-04-12T22:49:00.000-07:00

Chris asked us "Why do we gather together on Easter, when we don't really do much of anything else all year long?" It is a valid question. I went to Canyon Ridge Christian Church on Saturday night and so many people I love, came up to me and asked how I was doing, where have I been?. I briefly chatted and then told them that I still am a member of the Apex community. "Is that thing still going?" they asked. And I say, "Yes it is."

We gather, because we have made a commitment to Jesus, and a commitment to each other, that no matter what life throws at us, no matter where we are at, no matter what we are doing, no matter, no matter, we will be there for each other in what ever way we need. We just have to ask. Know and be known. Love and be loved.

When I was hurting, you were there for me. When I was thirsty you were there for me. When I was hungry, you were there for me. My tribe, my people, my community, my Apex.

Sunrise Service on Easter

2009-04-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

Hello Apex Family,

Easter is just around the corner and in keeping with tradition we will be having our Sunrise Service at Lone Mountain Park next Sunday April 12! It looks like sunrise is to be at 6:11am, so let's get together at around 5:45 - 5:50 in the little half-circle amphitheater at the north end of the park (just to the right of where we were last year) and we'll celebrate the Resurrection as the sun comes up.

Afterward, we will convene just down Craig road to Conough at the Carder Ranch (Amy or Dave do you want to send out your address?) as they have graciously offered to host a potluck breakfast again. Amy also mentioned that people can drop off food at the house prior to the service if desired.

So, bring your coffee and a dish to share and we'll enjoy being together with the risen Christ among us.

In the meantime, have a blessed and meaningful Holy Week!

Welcome to the new Apex website!

2009-04-02T10:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new Apex website. Since Apex is a simple community, we figured it would be best to have a simple blog-style website.