Dell Delivers

By this time probably everyone has heard about Dell's recall of 4.1 million laptop batteries and Apple Computers recall of over 1.8 million batteries. Both of the recalls involved batteries manufactured by Sony. Like Dell, Apple recalled the lithium-ion batteries because of potential overheating problems that could result in a fire. Dell's recall was preceded by the circulation on the internet of a video of one of its laptops spectacularly bursting into flames.

And in case you were wondering, it's a bad deal when your computer goes up in flames. It gives the phrase, "a hot computer," new meaning! I wouldn't want to be working in Sony's quality assurance department right now.

I learned about Dell's battery recall on Sunday, August 13 from a breaking online news story. Dell's recall site was up and running on Monday, August 14 and I confirmed that Jason's Inspiron battery was included in the recall. I submitted an online request for a battery replacement and received a confirmation email from Dell on the 17th informing me that I could expect to receive a new battery within 20 business days. I was impressed, realizing that Dell was trying to process 4.1 replacement orders.

So you can realize my surprise when I received an email from Dell on the 21st indicating that my new battery had been shipped and that I could expect to receive it within 7-10 business days. Now I was amazed.

My amazement turned to shock on the 22nd when the DHL driver delivered the new battery! Wow! One week from first contact to the delivered product. Dell took a negative and turned it into a positive by managing expectations. In a competitive market where so many talk about customer service, but so few actually follow through on their promises, Dell delivers!

Growing Together

Steve Lizzio

Steve Lizzio was with us yesterday and today to help equip our Adult Bible Fellowship leadership teams. Steve is Pastor of Adult Ministries at Hope Church and Founder and Director of ABF Resources.com. We had a great time with Steve this weekend. You can click on the picture above to see a short slideshow of our time together.

Steve has a passion for building community and equipping adults. He probably knows more about mid-sized groups than anyone alive. Today he taught sessions on The Importance and Characteristics of Healthy Mid-Sized Groups, Growing Adult Disciples, and The Ten Deadly Diseases of Mid-Sized Groups.

The thing that I appreciate the most about Steve is not just his knowledge and competence, but his passion for Christ and for helping people grow. Steve's enthusiasm and heart for God are contagious. His stories were engaging and his love for life refreshing. How exciting to sit in a room with 40 other people - learning, sharing, and growing together.

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have a sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22

Who Speaks for Pluto?

Tell me it's not true. In the age of athletes being suspended for illegal steroid and drug use, we now learn that Pluto is not a planet - it has been an imposter all these years.

The resolution of a planet definition, the first of its kind in the astronomical history, was adopted today after days of fierce debate and effectively kicked Pluto out of the planet group in the solar system. According to the new rules for a planet adopted at an International Astronomical Union meeting in Prague, Pluto doesn't make the grade for a planet: "a celestial body that is in orbit around the sun, has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a ... nearly round shape, and has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit."

Pluto is automatically disqualified because its oblong orbit overlaps with Neptune's. Instead, it was defined as a "dwarf planet", but no longer a planet.

"We just gonna kick Pluto out? Who speaks for Pluto? Who's gonna take up for Pluto?,"says Dutch Cummings, Coca-Cola Space Science Center.

So now there are eight. Is nothing sacred? Who will be next? Will Mars be relegated to a cheap candy bar? Will Mercury and Saturn be reclassified as automobiles? Will Earth become extinct? Who speaks for Pluto?

Perspective

We spent two days in Chicago earlier this month. It was just about the only time we could fit in this summer between baseball, summer youth group trips and work schedules. What a fun and refreshing time we had.

We took in the Navy Pier, the Brookfield Zoo, the Hancock Observatory, lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, and a White Sox game. Although the Sox played poorly and lost, they went on a hot streak after the game we went to, winning six out of the next seven games! And of course, no Pagel family vacation is complete without a competitive game of miniature golf. (I won!) If you are in the Chicago area, I highly recommend Lost Mountain in Woodridge. You can click on the picture above to see a short slideshow of our time in Chicago.

It's good to get away occasional in order to spend time together as family. It's easy to get busy and to take one another for granted. Times like this remind me how blessed I am - I have a fantastic wife and four great sons! I've got wonderful friends and a supportive church family. It's good to take a step back for some much needed rest, refreshment, relaxation and perspective.

Alone

A new study by sociologists at Duke University and the University of Arizona indicate that the number of Americans’ who say they have no one with whom to discuss important matters has more than doubled. A trend toward isolation surfaced in the last U.S. census figures, showing that one-fourth of the nation's households (27.2 million) consisted of just one person, compared with 10 percent in 1950.

In addition, the study found that the average American had only two close friends in whom they would confide on important matters, down from an average of three in 1985. The number of people who said they had no such confidant soared from 10 percent in 1985 to nearly 25 percent in 2004; an additional 19 percent said they had only one confidant--often their spouse.

These findings are in keeping with what Harvard sociologist, Robert Putnam, advocates in his book Bowling Alone. He argues that our society’s health is being threatened by the erosion of relationships, networks, and interactions, what Putnam calls social capital. Not unlike financial capital or human capital, social capital is created by human interaction, which is often fostered by clubs, organizations and other forms of interactions. Higher social capital translates into better education, lower crime rates, better health, lower suicide rates and greater productivity.

Social research has its place, but we don't need it to understand that we have been created as relational beings. We have been created for relationship - with God and one another. God Himself is relational, existing in the form of the trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

This is why it's not acceptable for a follower of Christ to "go it alone." We are made for community and connection. And so at New Covenant we provide Living Room (mid-sized group) and Kitchen Table (small group) environments where people can learn, interact and connect with others.

At New Covenant we are committed to become a family of growing disciples. A church that creates space for one more person. A caring community where no one stands alone.

God sets the lonely in families. Psalm 68:6a

Breakfast with the King

Josh and Jon started back to school today, so we celebrated by having breakfast together. The boys selected Burger King for "Breakfast with the King." We had a great time discussing their senior year, college plans and what book we want to read together this year.

The conversation was engaging, the food enjoyable but our environment left a lot to be desired. The restaurant had a leak in the ceiling with some seats being roped off with an extension cord. The decor hasn't been updated in years and there was only one other customer in the dining room. The food was good but I don't think we'll return.

The experience led to an interesting discussion about the importance of environment in communicating Biblical truth. We have been entrusted with the good news of the gospel. Every believer and every church has been commissioned to share this message with others. The message of Jesus Christ matters. However, it's important that we communicate it in an attractive way.

Our methods must be culturally relevant and up-to-date. Our buildings must be pleasant and inviting. Our relationships must be welcoming and caring. Attending to these things creates an attractive environment that doesn't distract from, but rather enhances the communication of our message.

How tragic it is when the greatest message of all time is communicated in a haphazard or shoddy way. The greatest message demands our best. It requires messengers who are authentic, who have firsthand knowledge of the Jesus of whom they speak. Messengers whose lives have been transformed by the gospel. Messengers who are in love with Jesus and daily enjoy breakfast with the King.

Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. John 21:12

The Best Is Yet To Come

Yesterday was my 15th anniversary for being at New Covenant. I arrived in Cedar Rapids by myself on August 12, 1991, prepared to embark on a new adventure. I returned to Syracuse on Labor Day to drive Sharon and the boys to Cedar Rapids. We lived in the the Snodgrass's mission house until October 1 when we closed on our home on 544 Greenfield Street. The picture above was published in the Gazette to announce my hiring.

Wow, a lot has changed in the last 15 years at New Covenant!

• Betty was the only secretary in the office.
• There were three other Pastors, all of which left during the next two years!
• There were two Sunday morning worship services in the Activity Center.
• The church didn't own a computer and there was no email or internet.
• There was one adult Sunday School class.
• Vince Grondahl was the Chairman of the Elder Board and Randy Hartman was the Chairman of the Deacon Board.
• All the church finances were handled by the Deacon of Finance from his home.
• Mark Forstrom was hired one year later as Youth Pastor.

Over all the years, some things haven't changed.

• Donuts and coffee served in the kitchen between the worship services.
• The blue chairs and the four "pillars of the church" in the Activity Center.
• The cute little Angels performing in the Christmas program.
• New Covenant's commitment to the gospel and sound Biblical teaching.
• Kids everywhere!

Over the 15 years I've also changed. I've gained some weight and have added some white hair! I'm hopefully a little wiser and a more experienced servant leader. My job description has changed, and I've served with three different Senior Pastors. And of course, Sharon has been a great partner that has supported me through the years.

It's exciting to be involved at New Covenant during this season of time. We have an awesome staff team, tremendous Deacon and Elder Boards, and a compelling mission and vision for the future. As great as the past 15 years have been, I'm convinced that the best is yet to come!

Building Homes and Enjoying Life Together

A New Home

Our youth group returned last evening from their missions trip to Mexico. 47 students and 13 adult sponsors spent the last ten days, 60 hours of which was spent riding in an unairconditioned bus, on a trip to Mexico to build houses for needy families. We partnered with Casas por Cristo to build three homes in Juarez.

Josh's team is pictured above in front of the three room house that they built in three days for a family of eleven! You can click on the picture above to see a short slide show of the team as they returned. You can also go to New Covenants website to see additional pictures of the mission trip.

The debriefing time last evening was powerful, as our teens shared from their hearts regarding the impact this trip had on their lives. The mother at Josh's work site made the entire team a meal cooked on a skillet over a fire made from the leftover scrap lumber. Tears were shed as the keys to the new home were turned over to the families during the dedication ceremonies.

How do you measure the value of a missions trip? By the dollars that it cost to send the team? By the number of houses built or people who come to Christ? Or by the lives transformed?

The futures of three families in Jaurez, Mexico were forever changed by a team from Cedar Rapids, Iowa who before last week, they had never met. The families faith was strengthened and given new hope by a gift they didn't deserve and could never repay.

60 teens and adults returned with hearts that were pierced by the goodness of God, thankful for His many blessings. Blessings they didn't deserve and could never repay. Hearts full of appreciation for shelter, food, clothing, family, and the new level of community they developed with one another. New relationships that grew out of building homes and enjoying life together!

Never Quit Dreaming

#1 Seed DesMoines Lincoln and #8 Seed Kennedy

Wednesday was a perfect day! The sun peaked through the overcast sky after an early morning thunder storm as we traveled with the Dunhams to DesMoines to watch Linn-Mar take on Davenport Central and Kennedy play DesMoines Lincoln in first-round games in the State Baseball Tournament. The weather cooperated, the games were decided in the last inning, and all four teams left their hearts on the field. I have seen better played baseball before, but I've never seen two more exciting games played with more effort.

You can click on the picture above to see a slideshow of the day. But be forewarned, there are over 100 pictures and it may take you awhile to get through all of them. It will be well worth your while as these two games represent all that is good about baseball - competing, giving your best, teamwork, playing with heart, split-second plays decided by inches, never giving up, coaching strategy, executing under pressure, the exhilaration of coming through in the clutch, and the pain of not making the play.

Two teams continue on in their pursuit of a State Championship and two teams lost, but all four are winners. They all played the game with dignity, sportsmanship, and heart. Players struck out, walks were issued and errors were made at key junctures of the games. On a hot, muggy Iowa July day, four teams dared to dream. Kennedy and Davenport Central pulled off 7th inning heroics, and Lincoln and Linn-Mar returned home to dream of another day.

It was a perfect day. We experienced a great double header in beautiful Principal Park, Sharon and I enjoyed the company of the Dunham's and Karen Schultz, and we were able to cheer on our teams as they competed at the highest level of baseball in the state.

Congratulations Linn-Mar Lions for a great season. And good luck Kennedy Cougars, Eric Schultz and Robert Dunham in your quest for a state title. You have competed in the game of baseball this summer, but the lessons that you have learned in the process will live long past the memory of your won-loss record. In your pursuit of victory you have learned that failure makes your stronger, that a dream is worth pursuing, and that teamwork lightens the load and enriches the journey. You have reminded us all to never quit dreaming!

The Old Man and the Computer

The Pew Internet & American Life Project issued the results of a new study on blogging last week. Among other things, the Report indicates that:

• Eight percent of internet users, or about 12 million American adults, keep a blog.
• Thirty-nine percent of internet users, or about 57 million American adults, read blogs.
• Eight-four percent of bloggers are 49 years of age or younger!

Yikes, I'm the old man. I would have responded to the Pew Survey on blogging but my telegraph was down and the Pony Express no longer stops at my house. For all you younger "whipper snappers" who use all that "new fangled" electronic media like telephones, television and the internet, here are a few ways you can make your blog reading more enjoyable.

• You can subscribe to blogs using a web-based blog reader like Bloglines. Bloglines is a free online service for searching, subscribing, creating and sharing news feeds, blogs and other web content. Bloglines makes it easy for me to follow 30 plus blogs, telling me when blog authors have added new articles or content that I haven't yet read.
• If you use a web portal like MyYahoo or MyMSN, you can subscribe to many blogs on your home page using RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds. My blog has icons at the bottom of the right hand column you can use to subscribe to my RSS feed, pushing new content to you home page shortly after it is published.

Wow, I've got to go. I didn't realize that it's past my nap time. I need to get a glass of warm milk and some rest. This typing wears me out. Until next time boys and girls!

Champions

We traveled to Dubuque last night to watch Linn-Mar play Hempsted for the right to move on to the 4A Baseball State Tournament. The Lions came away with a 9-1 victory, giving them their first State Tournament appearance since 1995! You can click on the picture above to see a short slideshow.

Linn-Mar will face Davenport Central at 2:00 next Wednesday in DesMoines. Win or lose, it has been a great year. The team has shown class and good sportsmanship, proving themselves to be champions. Go Lions!

From Boys to Men

Josh and Jon

Today is Josh and Jon's "golden birthday", they turn 18 on the 18th of July! Wow, where has the time gone. What awesome young men they have become. We celebrated by eating at one of their favorite restaurants, the Texas Roadhouse.

As I reflect back on the past 18 years, here are some of the things I most appreciate about Josh and Jon:

1. Their hearts for God.
2. They willingly serve others.
3. They enjoy spending time with their family.
4. They are content with what they have.
5. They are appreciative.
6. They are conscientious and work hard.
7. They are honest and dependable.
8. They love to have fun.
9. They aren't embarrassed by their dad and mom.
10. They make good choices, including their friends.
11. They seek out the advice and input from others on important decisions.
12. They are responsible.
13. They seek to make an impact on the lives of others.
14. They desire to grow in their relationship with Christ.
15. They laugh at my jokes.
16. They are good friends.
17. They enjoy baseball!
18. They love their dad and mom.

Our family pictures remind me that my boys are growing older. Some people mark time by the calendar, believing that chronological age makes a man mature. Others believe that life experience makes a person wise. And although I know that my boys are growing older, I'm the most proud because they are also growing up.

I know that my boys are growing up when they think of the needs of others before their own ... when they are thankful for what they have been given ... and when they are generous with their resources.

The calendar on the wall reminds me that today is Josh and Jon's 18th birthday. But the quality of their lives demonstrates that they are growing from boys to men. They are becoming great men of God. Happy Birthday Josh and Jon!

The Ultimate Team

The Cobra Kai Ultimate Team

I spent yesterday in Ames at the Iowa Games with Jon and a group of his friends from the youth group. Jon entered a team, the Kobra Kai, in the Ultimate Frisbee competition. They played five games and finished 3-2, a good outing for a team that has never played together before. You can see a slideshow of the team by clicking on the above picture.

The Kobra Kai learned a lot about Ultimate yesterday. Jon and his friends play for recreation and fun. However, yesterday, they faced some teams that play competitive Ultimate at a club level with offensive and defensive plays. They learned that 43 year old men can "smoke" them, that young legs can't make up for team work, and the importance of stamina and endurance. Did I mention that the heat index was over 105 yesterday!

In spite of the suffocating heat and humidity, it was a great day. They are already talking about "next year" and new strategy so that they can put together the Ultimate Team!

It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This!

Palo Baptism

What do 400 pieces of chicken, four watermelon, nine tables full of food, 350 people, the sun setting over Pleasant Creek Lake and 41 baptisms add up to? One incredible evening! You can click on the picture above to see a slideshow of the picnic and baptism.

Baptisms are a time to celebrate the transforming power of God at work in the lives of people. It reminds us that New Covenant is a family of growing disciples. And that boys and girls, teens and adults alike all need Jesus.

Many of those who were baptized this evening talked about the importance of community and the support and encouragement of their small group. It was awesome watching small group leaders, dads, and grandfathers assist with the baptisms. It all added up to one incredible evening. It doesn't get any better than this!

Let's Celebrate!

We enjoyed the 4th of July yesterday along the west bank of the Cedar River. We joined thousands of others downtown, enjoying the beautiful summer evening and a spectacular fireworks display. You can click on the picture above to see a slideshow of the evening.

Downtown is definitely the place to be on July 4. It's as if the entire community decides to celebrate together. The experience that we collectively share gives us a sense of connectedness and community.

It was a perfect evening to gather downtown for a fireworks display. It was a perfect evening to gather as a community to celebrate!

Baseball At Its Best

The Linn-Mar baseball team played at Cascade last Wednesday. I almost didn't go to the game as it had rained off and on all day and I thought the game would be cancelled. I'm glad I went as I got to see a great "come from behind" victory in the second game, with Jon getting a key hit.

Visiting Cascade's baseball field was worth the trip alone. It's quaint features and home-town charm brought back memories from my days growing up in a small town in Iowa. Wayne's Feed Service, Cascade Telephone Company, McDermott Oil and other local merchants proudly support the team with advertising on the outfield fence. The thirty foot sun screen in center field adds a unique touch. And we were even graced with the aroma of a near by cattle lot!

But best of all are the locals who show up to watch the game. They aren't there to watch their sons or to cheer on a "can't miss" prospect. They're there because it's Wednesday and the team is playing baseball tonight. They show up to cheer on the team. They have been showing up like this for years and have watched many of the boys parents play on the same field.

It's good to go to places like Cascade on an Iowa summer evening. It reminds me that life is really all about community. That the power of baseball is that it appeals to all generations. And that it takes a team to win.

I haven't thought much about growing old. But after my trip to Cascade, I hope that in my golden years that I can still get to a game, sit in the front row with my friends and cheer on the local team. This is baseball at its best!

A New Journey

Tim and Brooke

We enjoyed celebrating with Tim Owens and Brooke Olsen (my niece) as they were united in marriage on Saturday. You can click on the above picture to see a short slideshow of the wedding and reception.

Weddings are a wonderful time to come together as family to celebrate God's goodness and provision. Marriage is God's idea - it's not good for man to be alone. A wedding marks the end of one season of life and the beginning of another.

Tim and Brooke, we rejoice with you as you begin your new journey together.

Congratulations

All Metro Track Team

Josh was honored last week by being selected to the first team All Metro Track Team. Josh is the first person in the third row from the front. The Distance Medley that Josh ran on set a new school record this year and ran at both the Drake Relays and the State Meet.

Also selected from Linn-Mar were John Rehnstrom, Ben Harris, Wes Shetterly, Steve Olson, Zack Braff, and Clark Weaver as co-Coach of the Year. Congratulations Josh!

Friends Class

The Friends Class concluded today. We had a great group of people and had alot of fun! You can click on the picture above to see a slideshow of the class. Several people were absent this week so I was unable to get their pictures taken.

I always enjoy watching where people get involved after the Friends Class. Welcome these new folks to our church family and spend time getting to know them. You will be blessed! And join me in helping to create space for one more person!

Global Day of Prayer

Nagaland Choir

We had a great evening at the Memorial Stadium, joining 500 million Christians worldwide in the Global Day of Prayer. You can click on the picture above to see a short slideshow of the event.

The Nagaland Choir started the evening off, singing one song in their native language and one in English. Bobby Magallanes, the head coach of the Kernels baseball team, opened the event in prayer. We were led in prayer by ten pastors from area churches and six international pastors/leaders who led us in prayer in their native language. The event concluded with a combined African-American Choir from Mt. Zion, Oakhill Jackson and Word of Faith churches.

Personally, I have never been part of such a multi-cultural event in Cedar Rapids. The nations were well represented, as we were reminded throughout the evening that Christ commanded us to make disciples of all nations! I'm proud to be part of a church and a community that takes that commission seriously.

It was a great day, a global day of prayer.