Midcurrent Church: Recent Episodes
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| Hey Midcurrent,After a week of vacation with my family, I was back in church this past Sunday, and it was really good to be together again.My family loves this vacation that we take every July. But we also kind of dread it too, because as soon as we get home, we all feel like summer is about to end! You too may feel like summer is flying by. But we still have some time to enjoy, and we have some great opportunities together as a church.Ladies, there’s an IF:Table on August 9. This is a simple and effective way get to know other women by gathering together for a meal and some guided conversation. More information and registration can be found on the Church Center App or by clicking HERE.We’re also throwing an End of the Summer Party on August 29. This is a chance for the whole church to come together to hang out with old friends and make new friends too. There’s a pool, volleyball courts, food, and live music. More information and registration can also be found on the Church Center app or by clicking HERE.This Sunday, I’ll be wrapping up our series, Red Letters, by looking at one of the most obvious questions Jesus ever asked. It’s so obvious that it demands we take a closer look to see what it is that Jesus might really be getting at. Would love to see you there!Sunday at 9:00am or 10:30am.Thanks,Sten |
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Hey Midcurrent,
I have some sad news to share with you today.
Josh O’meara has submitted his resignation, and his last Sunday as a member of the MC staff will be on July 26. While his weekly responsibilities on our team will conclude on the 26th, Josh has kindly offered to lead worship on Sunday mornings during the month of August in an effort to help us bridge the gap between now and whatever comes next.
This all makes for a quick transition, yes, but Josh has had an opportunity presented to him to explore a new pathway in the trades that he would like to take advantage of believing it may be a great fit for him in this next season of his life.
This news and career shift for Josh may be unexpected for you, but we want you to know that we are fully supportive of him and this opportunity that he is pursuing. Over the past couple of months, we have been in fruitful discussion with Josh about the intricacies of his role, as well as the realities of a calling to full time vocational ministry in the church. And so while we are sad to see him go, we do trust that God has been helping him to discern what is best for him at this time in his life.
There are still a handful of details to iron out for both the short term and the long term future of the worship ministry at Midcurrent. We are working diligently to create a plan that will best serve our church, and we’ll be sure to keep you informed along the way.
For now, here is all you need to know. We love Josh, we’re cheering for him in this next chapter, and we are incredibly grateful for the ways he has lead our worship and production teams. He has taken both to new levels of faithful and effective ministry, and under his leadership, each team has had a significant impact on all of our efforts to create opportunities for real people and a real God to meet.
When you see Josh next, be sure to thank him for his tremendous influence at Midcurrent and wish him the best with this new opportunity he is exploring.
Thanks,
Sten
Hey Midcurrent,
With a week of heat here in western Wisconsin, I think it’s safe to say that summer has arrived and, believe it or not, so has the 4th of July! If you are anything like my family, you’ve got plenty of plans lined up for the weekend. Consider this your invitation to make Midcurrent a part of them on Sunday, July 5th.
I happen to think that hanging out at Midcurrent is always the best way to spend a Sunday morning (I might be a little biased), but here are TWO reasons why this coming Sunday will be extra special.
- Sam Yang, our new associate youth pastor, is preaching in the second week of our series Red Letters! I know Sam has been working really hard on what will be his first sermon ever. I’m excited for you to get to know him and learn from him as well. And I’m super glad that we have the opportunity, at this time in the life of our church, to develop the next generation of leaders, pastors, and communicators of God’s Word.
- I have the privilege of leading worship. I started out in ministry as a worship leader. And while I don’t do it much anymore, it’s always a joy to dust off my guitar, sit in with the band, and lead you all in worship of our awesome God.
I should also remind you that, THIS SUNDAY, we are temporarily pivoting to TWO services for the rest of the summer. We’ll eventually resume our three-service schedule in September, but we’ll host two services at 9:00am and 10:30am from now until then.
You can also catch us online at YouTube.com/MidcurrentChurch .
See you soon!
Sten
P.S. If you have not yet registered your family for the MC KIDS Family Picnic on July 14, you can do so RIGHT HERE!
Hey Midcurrent,
If you’re a dad (or have a dad, are married to a dad, or are friends with a dad) who loves to golf, then Midcurrent is the place to be this Sunday for Father’s Day! Thanks to our new neighbors at Back Nine Golf, we’re raffling away free sessions of golf in their brand new indoor golf simulator.
How do you win?? Great question!
When you arrive, there will be a place to enter into a drawing the name of any dad at Midcurrent that morning. At each of our three services, we’ll draw a name and one lucky dad will win!
The coffee will be hot, the band will be fired up, and the Dad’s Root Beer Barrels (my personal favorite) will be plentiful!! We’ll also be wrapping up our series Quiet Quitting by discovering that most of the messes we make in life are a result of the very same thing! I want us all to learn what it is so we can avoid it as much as we possible.
Would love to have you start your morning and your week off with us!
8:00a, 9:30a, & 11:00a | 200 First Street | YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
Sten
P.S. Let me remind you that we have only two more Sundays with our
three-service schedule before we temporarily pivot for the summer. Starting on July 5, we’ll shift to our two-service schedule at 9:00am and 10:30am before we ramp back up to three services again on the fall.
Hey Midcurrent,
As I sit down to write this, it is currently 6:57 p.m. on Tuesday night. I’m sitting in my office at church, and on the other side of the wall are 150 (very energetic) kids filling every single inch of this building and having more fun than should ever be allowed! What’s going on over here?? Great question. It’s ILLUMINATION STATION! We are shining a light on who Jesus really is for a whole week of Vacation Bible School at Midcurrent. We’re only halfway through, and it’s been amazing!
I’ll be honest with you… VBS is a huge endeavor, and it’s not cheap, especially when more and more kids come every year. And yet, from the very beginning, I was adamant that VBS be FREE for every kid who wanted to be a part of it. There was absolutely no way I was ever going to let money be a barrier to kids in our community learning about Jesus and how much Jesus loves them.
But as you all know, nothing is ever truly free. Someone, somewhere has to foot the bill. And that is why I am so grateful to be a part of such a generous church like this. So many of you give so faithfully to what God is doing here at Midcurrent. And that means that you have had a direct hand in making this week possible for kids in this community. Because when you give, a portion of every dollar goes toward the creation of unforgettable experiences like VBS, as well as every other experience MC Kids creates week in and week out.
Statistics show that the single strongest predictor of faith in the life of an adult is the experience that same adult had as a child in church between the ages of 5 and 17. Midcurrent, these years and these experiences for kids matter! And as a church, we are committed to doing everything we can to invest in their faith and in their future. And we couldn’t do it without you. Your generosity is truly making a difference!
So, on behalf of the 150 kids whose lives very well may be changed forever because of this one week, and because of you, let me say, THANK YOU!
I’d also love to see you this Sunday as we celebrate an awesome week of VBS and dive into Week 2 in our series Quiet Quitting.
8:00a, 9:30a, & 11:00a | 200 First Street | YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
Sten
Hey Midcurrent,
Yesterday was my three kids’ last day of school, which means that today is the first day of summer! Yes, technically the first official day of summer is not until June 21, but for every parent with kids in school, summer starts when school ends… am I right?? Either way, it’s summer in my book.
And if you were in church this past Sunday, you heard our newest staff member, Sam Yang (who crushed his first Sunday as our service host), remind you that summer shouldn’t be considered the off-season in the life of the church. It really is just the pre-season to all that we believe God is going to do this fall and in the year to come. With this in mind, I have two invitations for you today to stay engaged with your faith this summer.
- Small Groups: On Sunday morning, summer group options will be LIVE on the Church Center app (or the Sign Up tab at midcurrentchurch.org). We have a number of different group options and meeting times, all designed to help you take another step in your relationship with Jesus and in your relationships with others at Midcurrent.
- Sunday mornings: This Sunday, June 7, we’re kicking off a brand-new three-week message series called Quiet Quitting. Recent studies have identified an increase in working professionals who do only the minimum requirements of their job and put in no more time, effort, or enthusiasm than absolutely necessary. It’s been referred to as “quiet quitting.” So, for the next three weeks, we’ll borrow from this recent corporate phenomenon to learn about the dangers of a similar sort of apathy creeping into our spiritual lives. If your faith feels stagnant or your spiritual life is not what you hoped it would be, these three weeks could be the jumpstart you’ve been waiting for.
All in all, let’s stay connected this summer, believing that God is preparing us for a year like no other!
See you Sunday!
8:00a, 9:30a, & 11:00a | 200 First Street | YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
Sten
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| Hey Midcurrent,I have some exciting news to share with you. This week, we welcomed Sam Yang to the Midcurrent staff! Sam is our new associate youth pastor and will work alongside pastor Jonathan to continue making MC Youth the most irresistible place where students have a crazy amount of fun, are inspired to take life changing steps towards Jesus, and develop Jesus-like relationships with peers and caring adults.MC Youth regularly host up 100 students every Wednesday night, and we have been praying for many months now that God would send someone to Midcurrent to help us invest into this next generation of Jesus followers in greater ways. Sam is an answer to that prayer. He has an incredible heart for Jesus and students and has valuable ministry experience that will make him a great fit at Midcurrent.He’ll be at church this weekend, so this is your invitation to meet Sam in person on Sunday. I’d love for our whole church to give him a warm welcome to the MC family.We’ll also be in the second week of our series, As It Is in Heaven. If you’ve ever wondered what the relationship is between those who are in heaven now and those of us who are still here on earth, then I hope you’ll join is as we take a look at what Scripture has to say about it all.8:00a, 9:30a, & 11:00a | 200 First Street | YouTube.com/midcurrentchurchSten |
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| Hey Midcurrent,I have some exciting news to share with you today—our staff is growing!Over the last year, MC Youth has grown to over 100 students on Wednesday nights. Those in the church and ministry consulting world will tell you that a youth ministry that large can’t be run as effectively as possible with only one youth pastor. After this past year of growth, I think Pastor Jonathan would concur! That’s why we began a search this past year in hopes of hiring an associate youth pastor to work alongside Jonathan and continue making MC Youth the most fun, engaging, and influential place for teenagers to learn about Jesus.I’m pleased to tell you that our search is over, and we will soon be welcoming Sam Yang to the MC staff as our new associate youth pastor.Sam has an incredible heart for Jesus and for people. He is also a gifted musician and worship leader. In addition to his past worship ministry experience, Sam has spent the last year working in youth ministry and has recently felt God calling him to serve in youth ministry full-time.Sam’s first day at Midcurrent will be May 18. He brings a ton of talent and enthusiasm to the table, and he will be an awesome addition to our team and our church. We can’t wait for you to meet him and for him to begin contributing to all that God is doing here!Thanks,StenP.S. Speaking of MC Youth, close to 20 teenagers from Midcurrent will be going on a mission trip this summer to Kansas City to love and serve in the name of Jesus—and you can help! This Sunday morning, Nernie’s Bread will be on-site selling amazing sourdough creations. A portion of every purchase will go directly toward the total cost of the trip for each of these students. So come hungry and pick up some sourdough to support our students! |
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Hey Midcurrent,
Have you ever felt like God doesn’t hear your prayers—like He doesn’t see or care about what’s happening in your life or in the world around you? If so, I want to invite you to our brand-new message series starting this Sunday, April 12. It’s called Silence.
For the next four weeks, we’ll study the Old Testament book of Habakkuk to learn more about God—and what it means to have faith in Him—in the midst of some of the darkest moments we experience. If you, or anyone you know, has ever wondered where God is when it seems to matter most, this is a series you won’t want to miss.
And before we acknowledge some of these difficult moments in life, we’ll also take time in our worship service to celebrate one of the most uplifting moments in life and faith. This Sunday, we’ll be celebrating baptism and the public steps many people—right here at Midcurrent—are taking in their relationship with Jesus. At each service, we’ll watch and cheer as they make a public declaration of their new association with Him.
If this is a step of faith you’ve been considering, it’s not too late. You can learn more and register by clicking THIS LINK.
Whether you’re in the tub, or cheering on the other side, it will be a fantastic weekend to be at Midcurrent. We’ll save you a seat!
8:00a, 9:30a, 11:00a | 200 First Street | YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
Sten
Hey Midcurrent!
This past Sunday, I told the story of Jason from the book of Acts. His story is compelling because of his willingness to stand strong in the face of opposition to his faith in Jesus. After the service, a man introduced himself to me and thanked me for the message. His name, too, was Jason. He was facing an enormous amount of opposition related to a major project in his line of work. He told me that his experience at Midcurrent that morning encouraged him to stand firm in his faith and boldly move forward with the project he has been diligently working to unveil.
I am always amazed at how God orchestrates details like these and meets people in the exact ways they need most. And I am expecting God to work in similar ways this Easter at Midcurrent.
As a reminder, we have FIVE identical services on Saturday and Sunday:
Saturday: 3:30pm & 5:00pm
Sunday: 8:00am, 9:30am, & 11:00am
The 9:30am service on Sunday is appearing as though it could be uncomfortably full—from the parking lot, to MC Kids, to the auditorium. If you are a Partner at Midcurrent, or have called MC home for a while, we are asking you to consider attending either the 8:00am or 11:00am service on Sunday morning. If you do have flexibility in your schedule, it could go a long way in helping us create the most hospitable experience for all of our guests.
You can RSVP and track attendance for each service by visiting our registration page.
We are very much looking forward to the privilege of hosting you and any of your friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers. It’s never too late to extend an invitation to someone in your life to join you and your family at Midcurrent.
See you this weekend!
Sten
P.S. If you are considering taking a new or next step of faith in Jesus, I’d love for you to consider baptism. We’ll be celebrating baptism at all three services on April 12, and we would love to celebrate this step of faith with you. You can register or learn more about baptism by clicking HERE.
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| Hey friends,I hope you know you’re always invited, but just in case, consider this your invitation to spend Easter with Midcurrent!We have FIVE service times for what we anticipate being a very meaningful worship experience, and it would be our honor to host you and your friends, family, and neighbors at any one of them.Saturday, April 4 at 3:30pm & 5:00pmSunday, April 5 at 8:00am, 9:30am, & 11:00amWe’re using an RSVP system that will show only 200 auditorium seats available for each of our five services. RSVPs are NOT required, nor does this registration system guarantee an open seat. But it is intended to help you see which services will have the most open seating for the most comfortable experience for you and your guests.You are still welcome to attend any service that does not show available seating…just know that you may be attending a service that will likely be nearing capacity. Whenever you are able to join us, we look forward to celebrating Easter with you! You can RSVP for any of the five services by CLICKING HERE.God is doing great things at Midcurrent, and we are expecting Him to do more of the same this Easter.Thanks!Sten |
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Hey Midcurrent!
In light of the predicted snow storms on Sunday morning, along with the first weekend of Spring Break for both Hudson and River Falls school districts,we are going to proactively pivot and gather for our worship services at 9:30am and 11:00am only on Sunday, March 15.
I am excited to continue with the second week in our series Best Supporting Actor. We are going to look at the story of one of the New Testament’s unsung heroes. His name is not hard to pronounce, but he’s only mentioned by name four times, in the span of five verses, in one short story in the book of Acts.
And yet, he teaches us a vital lesson about what it means to follow Jesus.
See you at 9:30am and 11:00am only or online online at YouTube.com/MidcurrentChurch
Sten
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| Hey Midcurrent!Believe it or not, we are about one month away from Easter. This is one of a few times of the year when people’s spiritual curiosity, and even their openness to spiritual exploration, is on the rise.I have often believed that this is the perfect time of the year for Jesus followers to share their faith with others or to at least be praying for opportunities to have spiritual conversations with people in their everyday sphere of influence. The fancy word for all of this is evangelism. And it’s not uncommon for people to be uncomfortable at the thought of it. All too often, people feel like they are unqualified to influence others in a spiritual context.That’s why I am excited to start a new series this Sunday called Best Supporting Actor where we will learn about some of greatest influencers in the New Testament who you likely have not heard much about. Over the next four weeks, we’ll study a handful of relatively unknown characters in the Bible in order to discover how ordinary men and women helped to advance the gospel message of Jesus Christ in extraordinary ways.If you have ever wanted to be used by God in big ways, but don’t quite know where to start, this will be the perfect series for you. I would love for you to be a part of it all!8:00am, 9:30am, 11:00am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurchSten |
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| Hey Midcurrent!I want to take this opportunity to invite you to church on Sunday. This weekend, many people across the world will be celebrating Valentine’s Day. And on Sunday, we’ll kick off a brand new series that I’m calling, Love Is In The Air. It’s simply a three week series where I’ll share a few things that I think can help a marriage stronger.In almost 15 years of pastoral ministry, marriage is one of the things that people come talk to me about most. Perhaps you are at a place right now where your marriage could use a boost. If so, I hope you’ll join us.I also want to acknowledge the reality that not everyone at Midcurrent is married. If that’s you, that’s OK! I still think this could be a valuable series for you for a couple or reasons. First of all, you very well might get married someday, and this series could be a helpful foundation. Regardless, you likely know people who are married and are experiencing the ups and downs of married life. They may be in need of godly people who can support and encourage them…and that person could be you.So no matter where you are at, I hope you’ll join us as we dive into a handful of topics that I pray will be an encouragement to you, your marriage, and the marriage of anyone you know and love.See you Sunday at our new services times!8:00am, 9:30am, 11:00am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurchSten |
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| Hey Midcurrent!I have a brief update for you regarding our new three service schedule on Sunday morning. The transition over the last month has largely been a smooth one. We have, however, identified a few obstacles that are best addressed as quickly as possible. As a result, and in order to be as missional and hospitable as possible, we are adjusting our service times. Starting THIS Sunday, February 8, our new service times will be 8:00am, 9:30am, & 11:00am.For those of you who have flexibility in your schedule, we’d love to invite you to attend at 8:00am in order to help us ease some of the congestion that we’re experiencing, primarily, at 9:30am.It’s the same great environment of worship and teaching at all three services, and whenever you are able to attend, we’ll be glad to have you a part of what God is doing at Midcurrent.It all starts this Sunday, which is also Youth Takeover! Pastor Jonathan and the whole crew from MC Youth are taking over the service in what will be an awesome celebration of how God is at work in the lives of students at Midcurrent.See you then!8:00am, 9:30am, 11:00am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurchSten |
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| Dear Midcurrent,As you are well aware, it has been an incredibly emotional, troubling, and confusing few weeks across the border in Minnesota and in communities like ours all across the country. My heart aches for the state of our world. I’m sure yours does too. And I can promise you, God’s heart aches over what is unfolding as well.When national tragedies like this take place, I often feel the pressure to share what I think or to make a statement on behalf of Midcurrent Church. Perhaps some of you have found yourself wishing that I did.I want to be honest and start by saying that, generally speaking, I am growing increasingly uncomfortable with the “make a statement” culture that seems to be growing in our world. I don’t always find it fitting or helpful to expect that local business, community, and faith leaders “make a statement” in the immediate aftermath of national tragedies—events of which they were likely not a part and can only initially interpret through social media posts and unhelpful reporting from today’s media sources of all perspectives.Additionally, I often get a sense that too many people seeking a statement after a national tragedy (i.e., COVID, George Floyd, Charlie Kirk, Laken Riley, Renee Good, Alex Pretti, etc.) are looking not for genuine guidance on how to respond, but rather for validation of conclusions they have already reached. That’s not necessarily a situation I want to step into with the leadership God has entrusted to me.With this in mind, the only statement I want to make today is that what we are witnessing is so very sad. And that is not a reference to only one particular end of the problem. It’s a reference to all parts of the problem which is what I believe Jesus followers should be grieving most.And so, while I don’t have the kind of statement that is becoming more common at a time like this, I do want to write with an encouragement for those of us who follow Jesus.On the whole, I wish more of us truly exemplified what the New Testament writer, James, encourages of us—that we would be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. I am genuinely shocked at how quickly people of all perspectives can arrive at a place of absolute certainty about a headline they read in the news and how angry and unkind they can be while expressing it.I also wish Jesus followers felt more free to acknowledge that two (seemingly opposite) things could be true at the very same time rather than feeling tied to a single perspective that is voiced most loudly by the national figures with whom they are most aligned.I wish more Jesus followers could openly lament the tragic and unnecessary loss of a life regardless of how it played out AND openly lament the rising tension on the streets and the protests that have moved beyond peaceful.I wish more Jesus followers would boldly call for dignity to be restored to our immigrant neighbors who are scared and vulnerable AND to law enforcement officers who are being verbally assaulted only inches away from their faces.I wish more Jesus followers would advocate for the role and the presence of law enforcement officers AND freely admit the moments when law enforcement gets it wrong.I wish more Jesus followers could acknowledge the reality that decades of past immigration policies have created some real challenges in the United States AND that we have a responsibility to care for those in our midst who are scared, hungry, and vulnerable no matter the circumstances.These are all principles, informed by the teaching of Jesus, that should not change depending on whose team is winning.On that note, I want you to know that I am in conversation with some local partners who support Arrive Ministries and a few immigrant families facing added challenges due to the current climate in Minnesota. There may be a need for increased support—groceries, hygiene products, or financial assistance—in the weeks ahead. If specific needs arise that our church can help meet, I will be sure to share those with you so that you have the opportunity to contribute and put compassion into motion.I don’t know if any of this will lead to as many tangible solutions as we might wish for. But I do pray that all of it it would lead a lost and broken world to see its need for Jesus.I am praying that as more and more people embrace His call on their lives, the Kingdom of Heaven would become more of a reality here on earth. And I am praying that all of us at Midcurrent Church would do our part to make it so.Sten |
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Hey Midcurrent,
We are now full steam ahead into 2026, but I wanted to provide an update on the two challenges we extended to you as we closed out 2025.
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With 50 days left in the year, and in anticipation of our new three service schedule, our goal was to add 50 new volunteers to our ministry teams that help us create the place where real people and a real God meet. We didn’t quite reach the 50 mark. But here is the good news that is still worth celebrating wildly. 39 of you raised your hand to join our team and to serve our church in a big way! It really is a joy for us to be serving in ministry alongside of you. So let me just say thank you to all of you who partner with us to point people to Jesus every single week. And it’s never too late join in on the action. You can see and sign up for any of our ministry teams by clicking HERE.
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An incredibly generous donor agreed to match up to $35,000 in year end gifts. We issued the challenge to all of you to give generously, and you responded in encouraging ways by contributing $28,000 to the work that God is doing at Midcurrent. What is even more encouraging is that when all was said and done, this donor still gave the full $35,000 meaning a grand total of $63,000 was collected as 2025 came to a close. That’s $63,000 that will contribute directly to lives being changed through the work of God that continues to grow here in our church!
Both of these are such fun updates to share. And I also want to make that I let you know that when you give of your time and your resources, you are not simply helping to maintain an organization, you are helping to move our mission forward as we strive to reach more people for Jesus and teach people to live more like Him!
So let me say thank you to you, Midcurrent, for the way you responded to the challenge!
See you Sunday for week 3 of Kingdom Come!
8:15am, 9:30am, 10:45am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
Sten
Hey Midcurrent,
Happy New Year! I hope that 2026 is off to a great start. One of the things I am most looking forward to in the new year at Midcurrent is a local partnership that we first began just over two years ago. In the fall of 2023, along with two other local churches, we began a partnership with Together For Good–an organization that empowers the local church to walk alongside vulnerable kids and families in crisis. Essentially, Together For Good works with local churches to provide safe homes for kids so their parents can pursue the stability they need in order to love, care, and provide for their family best. Through short term hosting, parent support and advocacy, and wrap-around care, we have a chance to be the hands and feet of Jesus for vulnerable families, here in the St. Croix Valley, in real and practical ways.
Two years ago, we raced to the starting line of this vital work in our community only to encounter a handful of obstacles that made launching this Minnesota-based organization in Wisconsin extra challenging. But now, I am excited to announce that Together for Good is poised and ready to serve vulnerable families in western Wisconsin. There’s only one thing left that we need….YOU!
If your memory of Together for Good is fading from two years ago, or if your are new to Midcurrent within the last two years, and this opportunity is one that ignites a spark inside of you, I want to invite you to an informational meeting at noon on Sunday, January 18. Representatives from Together For Good will join us to cast more of the vision for this initiative in western Wisconsin and help you learn how you can become a vital part of it. So mark your calendars, and plan to join us on the 18th as we prepare to love and serve our community in life changing ways!
Before I sign off, I want to thank you for your patience as we transition to THREE services on Sunday morning. We recognize that it does create some additional challenges. With the growth we are experiencing, those challenges are to be expected, and we so appreciate your grace for us as we do everything we can to be as missional and hospitable as we can every single Sunday morning. If you have flexibility in your schedule, you can help us to be the best host possible by attending the 8:15 service (only 45 minutes earlier than our previous early service) or the 10:45 service (only 15 minutes later than our previous late service).
And whichever service you choose, I’ll look forward to having your join us for the second week in our series, Kingdom Come. We’ll drop into chapters 8 and 9 of the book of Matthew in order to discover the power of the Kingdom of God. What is it? Does it still exist? Do we have access to it? We’ll talk about it all on Sunday.
8:15am, 9:30am, 10:45am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
See you there!
Sten
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| Hey Midcurrent,If your life is anything like mine, all of your free time, free nights and free weekends are filling up fast with family gatherings, school concerts, work parties, etc. It seems to be how things go this time of year. That’s why I want to make sure to give you plenty of time to build Christmas at Midcurrent into all of your holiday plans.In an effort to create the most comfortable experience for you, all while ensuring that we have plenty of space for your friends and family as well as all the guests we anticipate welcoming through our front doors, we have FIVE service times this year.Tuesday, December 23: 2pm, 4pm, & 6pmWednesday, December 24: 2pm & 4pmWe’re experimenting with an RSVP system this year that will show 200 auditorium registrations available for each of our five services. RSVPs are NOT required, nor does registration guarantee you an open seat. But it is intended to help you see which services will have the most open seating for the most comfortable experience for you and your guests.You are still welcome to attend (even without a registration) any service that does not show any available registrations…just know that you may be attending a service that will likely be nearing capacity. If you have flexibility in your schedule, the early returns are showing December 23 at 2pm to have the most availability which will allow for greater levels of hospitality at some of the other service times. If you already know of your family’s plan, RSVP today! Registration can be found at midcurrentchurch.org/christmas.And just know that whenever you are able to join us, we look forward to celebrating Christmas with you!We’ll sing some Christmas songs you know and love, I’ll share a message of hope for us all, and we’ll conclude our time together in candle light! This is also the perfect time to invite your friends, neighbors and coworker of yours. Never underestimate the power of a simple invitation.Hope to see you there!Thanks,Sten |
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| Hey Midcurrent,I don’t know about you, but I love December! I really do believe that it is one of the most wonderful times of the year. There is something about the lights, the trees, the traditions, the decorations, and the music that puts a smile on my face. And if you’re anything like me, then I’ve got some good news for you. We’ll have all of that going on this month at Midcurrent! The trees and lights and decorations are set, and we’ll start to sing many of your favorite Christmas classics.This Sunday, we’re also kicking off a new three week series that will simply be an exploration of the birth of Jesus as it is told in the first couple chapters of the book of Matthew. The stories never change, but I am convinced that behind each of the stories are countless easy-to-miss details that will make the good news of the Christmas story come to life in a whole new way.If you want to get a jump start, I’ll be looking at the first 17 verses of Matthew chapter 1. You might be surprised to learn that this long list of hard to pronounce names may actually provide for you the encouragement that you need most of all!One final reminder, too! This coming Sunday is your last Sunday to return Christmas presents for the families we’ve sponsored through Operation Help. If you can’t make it on Sunday, you have till Monday the 8th at 1:00pm to bring all unwrapped presents (with their tag) back to Midcurrent! Thank you so much for helping to make Christmas special for these families!Looking forward to having you kick off the Christmas season with us on Sunday!9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street in Hudson // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch Thanks,Sten |
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| Hey Midcurrent,By now, you are likely aware that Midcurrent is growing! Last week I announced that, come January 2026, we are adding a third service on Sunday morning. You might also be glad to know that we’re hosting five Christmas services this year.December 23— 2:00, 4:00, & 6:00December 24— 2:00 & 4:00It’s all really exciting stuff. And I also want to mention something about our growth at the current moment. We are continually blown away by the amount of brand new people we see walk through our front door every week. And while it’s not always possible to know how each and every person found their way to Midcurrent, we do know that in today’s world, it’s becoming more common for people to switch from one church to another church for a variety of reasons. To be honest, we’ve seen people come and go from Midcurrent, and I’m sure we have people at Midcurrent today that have come from other area churches as well. Maybe that’s you. Maybe you moved and are new to the area…or maybe your kids have become more invested into various programs here…maybe there is a small group of friends who you want to be in community with…or maybe there was some kind of tension of conflict in your former church that has lead you to Midcurrent. Whatever the reason, we want you to know that we’re SO glad you are here. At the same time, I also want to offer a helpful “Church PSA” for anyone who may find themselves in a season of transition from one church to another.If that is you, here’s what I would encourage of you.1. Leave well. To the degree that it is possible and/or appropriate, reach out to your former church leaders and thank them for the work they do and for all of the ways they served you and lead you. Express your appreciation for the time you spent together, and let them know of the transition you are anticipating. 2. Speak graciously. We take no joy in hearing anyone speak ill of any former church of which they were a part. Certainly, we are saddened to learn of any discouragement you may have experienced, but we also want to make sure you know that (as often as possible) we here at Midcurrent have a “Big C” Church mentality. What that means is that we don’t look at any other area churches as competition. Ultimately, they are our colleagues and partners in the work God has called us to. Our goal is to champion them as best as we can. We would love for you to do the same. 3. Pursue Jesus. As much as possible, do your best to run toward something rather than running away from something. We are so happy anytime we learn of the encouragement that people find at Midcurrent. At the same time, your experience here for the long haul will be best if it is a relationship with Jesus that you are pursuing here most of all. Don’t get me wrong, our doors are always open, but our ultimate hope is that the people who walk through them are drawn to the unique way that God is at work here and to the calling He has placed on Midcurrent Church. To put it simply, we want you to be for what God is doing at Midcurrent rather than against something that was done at any other church from which you came.
I don’t know the story behind every person’s journey to Midcurrent. So this may or may not apply to you. But I can’t help but believe that this will set all of us up well for many years of fruitful ministry still to come.Thanks,Sten |
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| Hey Midcurrent,When it comes to Sunday morning church attendance, we’ve heard it said before that the only person who likes a full house is the pastor.Guilty as charged!! I love it when the building is packed on Sunday. The place comes alive. The singing is louder. The jokes land better (my jokes need all the help they can get). And the energy is palpable.But, I am willing to admit that I might be the only one who really loves when it’s really crowded. Because when parking is limited, the kids check-in line is long, and open seats are lacking, it can take all of the fun (and personal space) out of showing up to church every week. And if you’ve been at Midcurrent recently, you have likely experienced all of the above.This is something we have been monitoring closely especially in light of research that suggests when a church is 80% full, the average visitor concludes that it’s too full for them. That means that with 50 open seats still available in our auditorium (which is actually quite a lot), a visitor would conclude that there is no room for them and/or their family at Midcurrent. Folks, we cannot let that happen…especially when our one single goal is to create a space for real people and a real God to meet! And on more than one occasion in the last couple months, we’ve blown well past the 80% mark.As a result, we’ve come to the exciting conclusion that the most missional and hospitable way to accommodate our current growth trajectory is to add a THIRD service on Sunday morning, starting on January 4, 2026.It’s a massive undertaking for sure. But we are more than confident because we realize that we already have more than enough of one of the secret ingredients that we’ll need to pull it all off: YOU!In order to welcome more people through our doors, we’re asking more of you to join us as we join God in the work He is doing right now at Midcurrent!If you currently serve on a Sunday morning ministry team, your team leader will be reaching out soon to share more about what this transition will look like. If you don’t currently serve on a Sunday morning ministry team, consider this your invitation to join our efforts to roll out the red carpet to our community. And with a three services, there has never been an easier time (or more important time) to sit in one and serve in another!I’ve asked our team to let me know how many/which new volunteers they will need to help sustain our current growth on Sunday morning. Here’s what they said would be ideal.Josh—Worship and Production 1—Sound and Audio3—Keyboard1—Bass1—Drums1—Electric guitarBecki—First Impressions 4— Cafe3— Welcome Desk6— Greeters6— UshersPam—MC Kids4— Nursery4— PreK4— Kindergarten–2nd grade4— 3rd–5th grade8— Youth helpersThat’s 50 volunteers…and there’s 50 days till the end of 2025. So we just need ONE new volunteer everyday for the rest of year. Will you be one of them? Email Josh, Becki, or Pam to let them that they can count you in!josh@midcurrentchurch.orgbecki@midcurrentchurch.orgpam@midcurrentchurch.orgMore details to come. Exciting things are on the way. We’d be so thrilled to have you be a part of it all!Thanks,Sten |
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| Hey Midcurrent,I’m happy to share only good news with you today! All carpet tiles throughout the building will be replaced on Thursday. And we have located the issue in the old sewer main! There is some kind of obstruction in the old pipes (not in our plumbing or anything associated with the work done during our build out) that exists somewhere between Midcurrent and the lower level of Riverfront Athletic Club. The best news of all is that the repair work will not take place from within our space, meaning there is a high probably that we will not experience any more disruption to our ministry schedule.This is such great news! It means we can get back to a singular focus of creating space where real people and a real God meet, and joining God at work in the hearts and lives of many who are being drawn to Him at Midcurrent.This couldn’t come at a better time as we have just launched a new series called Inner Order Outer Peace designed to help us organize our lives around the things that matter most. MC Youth is experiencing some remarkable momentum right now. And, this Sunday night we are hosting our first ever NIGHT OF WORSHIP. There is a lot going on the world, there has been a lot going within the walls of Midcurrent lately, and there is likely a lot going on in your own life right now. This night of worship will be a chance to set it all aside and to devote one hour to intentional worship, prayer, and reflection. It’s at 7pm on November 2. Josh and his team have been hard at work to create a special evening for you, and we’d be glad to have you spend the evening with us. There will be a movie night for kids PreK–5th grade as well as childcare in the nursery for any kids under 3 yrs old (use THIS LINK to register only kids that will require nursery aged childcare).God is on the move at Midcurrent and we look forward, with great anticipation, to what He will do next!Thanks,Sten |
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| Hey Midcurrent,After both MC Youth and in-person worship services were canceled last week, and the IF:Table was relocated, I’m sure you are wondering what in the world is going on over here. So let me fill you in.I’ll start by telling you what is NOT the problem. All of our restrooms, and all the pipes and plumbing completed by our contractors during our buildout three years ago, are running free and clear–just as they should be!! There are no issues there.Here is the issue. Six years ago, long before we ever even dreamed of moving into this space, the lower level of this building got retrofitted to eventually be used as leasable space for new tenants. At that time, there was an old cast iron sewer main which was supposed to be discontinued from service in favor of a new PVC sewer main for the building. I am going to struggle to relay all the exact details, and so in order to make a long story short, I’ll just say this. The new PVC sewer main was put into place, but the old cast iron sewer main was not as “discontinued from service” as it was supposed to be, and now there is some kind of problem causing it to back up into our facility through old pipes in the floors and walls. All of this is the responsibility of our landlords who have been onsite all week with subcontractors replacing carpet squares and sheet rock, as well as cleaning and sanitizing the entire facility. Unfortunately, as of right now, they cannot find the root cause of the issue, therefore proposing a solution has also been difficult.So, we are weighing options as they are presented to us, and we are determining how viable each event, ministry, and program is on a day-to-day basis taking into consideration the condition of our facility, the progress of the repairs, and the schedule of the work being done.There is a chance that more events and programs will be impacted in the coming week, and so we will use this email data base, as well as our social media channels, to keep you up to date. And if there is news to share, we’ll share it! So stay tuned.And whenever you are onsite next, it is important that you know that the entire facility has been thoroughly and adequately cleaned and sanitized. I can assure you of that!In the meantime, please by praying for a quick resolution to these issues. And most of all, pray that the movement of God that we are experiencing at Midcurrent would not be hindered in anyway.More to come…Thanks,-StenP.S. Jonathan and company will get a little creative tonight, but MC Youth is ON!!! |
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| Hey Midcurrent,I want to say thanks to all of you who joined us this past Sunday as we celebrated EIGHT years of God’s faithfulness at Midcurrent and witnessed 21 people going public with their faith in Jesus. This second Sunday in October is easily one of my favorite Sundays every year!But now we turn the page. And in week number one of year number nine, I have an exciting announcement to make. Drum roll please….We have hired a new FULL TIME director of MC Kids. Her name is Pam Schott. Pam has been the kids ministry coordinator, for a ministry very similar to MC Kids, at a large church in Fargo, North Dakota for the last four years. Additonally, she has 20+ years of experience as a special education paraprofessional. And most of all, she has a contagious love for Jesus and an uncontainable passion for kids. She will be a major asset to our team and will help lead MC Kids into brand new territory. Pam’s first day on our team will be on Monday, November 3 and she will be excited to welcome you and your kids to MC Kids the following Sunday, November 9.Please be praying for Pam and her transition over the next couple weeks, and be praying for the future of MC Kids and all of our continued efforts to make it the most fun, safe, and caring place for kids to learn about Jesus.One last note before I sign off. This week is your LAST CHANCE to sign up for small groups that are set to begin the week of October 19. There’s options for men, women, and mixed groups to take an another step in their relationship with Jesus and with others right here at Midcurrent too. Head over to the Small Groups tab on the Church Center app or click THIS LINK to sign up for a small group today.Thanks!-Sten |
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Hey Midcurrent,
In 2004, a little social media network known as Facebook launched on college campuses for the first time. I can vividly remember a friend of mine declaring, “I GOT FACEBOOK!” and I literally had no idea what in the world she was talking about. Eight years later, in 2012, Facebook went public and its IPO transformed it from a glorified on-campus directory to the world’s most valuable company and a global leader in communication and information sharing.
Facebook isn’t the only company to hit its stride at only eight years old. Airbnb was founded in 2008, and by 2016, it was valued at $30 billion dollars and had disrupted the travel industry world wide. Netflix started in 1997 as a DVD-by-mail company, and by 2005 (just 8 years later) it had over 4 million subscribers, and was profitable for the first time ever, paving the way for its eventual streaming dominance.
What’s my point?? Great question. Here’s my point. Unimaginable futures can unfold for any organization at just eight years old. And that’s why I am beyond excited for Midcurrent Church to turn EIGHT YEARS OLD this Sunday, October 12!
Now, I am not promising some meteoric Facebook-like rise this next year. What I am saying is that eighth years is worth celebrating. And we can begin this next year believing that God can do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine.
So, consider this your invitation to join us on Sunday as we celebrate eight years of God’s faithfulness to us and ask for His blessing on every year still to come. Our celebration will include 21 people going public with their faith through baptism. I promise, your heart will be encouraged to witness how God is moving at this church and in the hearts of many people following after Him!
See you Sunday at 9:00am or 10:30am. We’re anticipating a full house so don’t be late!!
Thanks!
-Sten
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| Hey Midcurrent,The calendar has officially flipped to October, and that has all of us on our toes! September has actually been an unusually momentous month, but in our first eight years as church, it has typically been the month of October that we see a real return to rhythm, routine, and reengagement at church. So we are preparing ourselves to be the best host we can as fall continues to set in here in the St. Croix Valley.For those of you who do settle into more of your routine this time of year, I want to give you a snapshot of the month of October here at Midcurrent. Sunday, October 5–I’ll be wrapping up our series, Begin Again, exploring one final theme from the book of Deuteronomy. After church, I’ll also host the first of two October Meeting Midcurrent information sessions. If you are new to MC and want to learn more about what makes us tick, this is the place for you. * Sunday, October 12–This second weekend of October is my favorite. It’s the anniversary of the first Sunday service we ever held as a church. This year we are celebrating 8 YEARS of God’s faithfulness and leading here at Midcurrent. And every year we celebrate with baptisms. We already have 17 people who are ready to go public with their faith in Jesus and I could not be more excited. There is still time for you to sign up and take this next step in your faith too. * Sunday, October 19–We’re hosting an IF:Table for all the ladies at Midcurrent. You’ll gather with other women, share a meal, and be guided in simple conversation that will be sure to leave you feeling encouraged. Also, the week of the 19th, we’re launching small groups with some book study and Bible study options this fall. Details are on their way so make sure to stay tuned! * Tuesday, October 21—Together For Good Volunteer Training. Our partnership with Together For Good is finally ready to launch. All we need now are host families and parent advocates ready to walk alongside vulnerable kids and families in their time of greatest need. Your first opportunity to attend a required volunteer training is here at Midcurrent from 5:30-9:00pm. To register, visit www.tfgood.com/wisconsin and scroll down the information section about this local training. * Saturday, October 25–Fellas, mark your calendar for a Men’s Breakfast. We’ll meet here at church for a hearty breakfast, a challenging message, and some honest conversation with other guys about following Jesus in the world today. * Tuesday, October 28–We’re experimenting with a Tuesday night Meeting Midcurrent* option. This is yet another chance for you to learn more about what God is up to at Midcurrent.
Details and registration for everything happening at MC this month can be found on the Signups tab on the Church Center app or at midcurrentchurch.orgPhew…that’s a lot. And so let me remind you– our goal isn’t to make you busy. Our goal to create spaces and opportunities for real people and a real God to meet. Hoping you’ll take advantage of one or more of these opportunities.Thanks!-StenP.S. Ladies, registrations for the November Women’s Retreat are flying in. The early bird pricing deadline has been extended to THIS Friday night at midnight. So grab a spot for you and a friend today! |
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| Hey Midcurrent,Today, I share with you an update that is almost two years in the making! It was in the fall of 2023 that we introduced to you a brand new partnership with Together For Good. Together For Good is an organization that creates pathways for the local church to come alongside vulnerable children and families within the community in a loving and Jesus-like way. The goal is to ensure that no struggling family ever walks alone.While we as a church were quick to the starting line (which was really encouraging, by the way), the launch of this organization in Wisconsin hit a few unexpected road blocks. But I am pleased to say it is finally ready to launch, and we are one of three local churches partnering together to make this initiative a reality in western Wisconsin. Through emergency crisis hosting, respite care, as well as ongoing relational support and parent advocacy, we’ll have an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus in real practical ways during some of the most pivotal and fragile moments any family could ever experience.We look forward to sharing more information in the weeks to come, but right now I have just one important detail to share with you—a “Save The Date” for Tuesday night, October 21.If you raised your hand a couple years ago to be a host family or parent advocate–or if you think you might be interested in this opportunity–mark your calendar for a training on October 21 right here at Midcurrent. Alternative training options will be available at later dates in other locations, but this may be the most advantageous as it is the first training offered so close to home!This Foundational Volunteer Training on October 21 will be from 5:30-9:00pm with dinner served. To register, visit www.tfgood.com/wisconsin and scroll down the information section about this local training.Is the training a big commitment? Yes it is. But it is also a big calling to step into the gap for kids and families who need to see the love of God in action. And I am so grateful to be a part of a church who continues to rise to the challenge.Looking forward to what’s to come!Thanks!-Sten |
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| Hey Midcurrent!I want to start by saying thanks to all of you who joined us for our Fall Kick Off! Our staff is still in awe of all the excitement and all of the people we had the opportunity to host on Sunday morning. What a fun, meaningful, and momentous way to kick off the fall at Midcurrent.Whether you are brand new to MC, or you have been around from the beginning, I wanted to share some next steps that might be helpful for you as you kick off a new season in your own life.1. Digging Deeper. On Sunday, I began a brand new series on the book of Deuteronomy highlighting the importance of looking back in order to take new steps forward and in the direction ofwhatever God has in store for us next. Below are a handful of verses from the entire book of Deuteronomy, and the rest of the Bible, that add some extra insight into the significance of remembering God’s faithfulness. * Deuteronomy 4:9; Deuteronomy 5:15; Deuteronomy 8:1-2; Deuteronomy 8:18; Psalm 77:11-12; Psalm 143:5; Isaiah 46:9; Luke 22:19
Consider reading these verses this week and praying that God would reveal more and more of Himself and his faithfulness to you.1. Midcurrent Connections. This is a three-week, low risk–high reward environment that will help you get to know others at MC better. Starting next Thursday, September 25, we’ll meet three weeks in a row for simple conversation designed to lead you on a pathway toward faith-filled friendships. This is a highlight of the year for us, and often is for those who attend. Childcare is provided! 2. Meeting Midcurrent. If you are new and wanting to learn a little bit more about who we are as a church, Meeting Midcurrent is specifically designed for you. In 60 minutes or less, I’ll answer your questions about our mission, our vision, and everything that makes Midcurrent tick! And if you’re interested in Partnership at Midcurrent, Meeting Midcurrent is step #1 along that pathway! This October, there are two opportunities for you to consider–Sunday October 5 and Tuesday, October 28.
If you are interested in details and registration for Connections or Meeting Midcurrent, click THIS LINK.See you Sunday for Week 2 of our series Begin Again!9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street in Hudson // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch-Sten |
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| Hey Midcurrent!This is the moment our staff has been waiting for…it’s Fall Kick Off!! We are so excited to invite you to Midcurrent this Sunday for the official launch of our fall season of ministry. Our services are still at 9:00am and 10:30am, but you’ll want to arrive a few minutes early to snap some family photos, build your own fall snack mix, get your kids’ face painted and more! We’ll also be kicking off a brand new four-week message series called Begin Again. We’ll study some of the major themes of the book of Deuteronomy in order to learn more about how we claim the promises God has made to us and step into more of the life He has called us to.As we officially shift toward the fall season at Midcurrent, there are two things in particular I want to highlight for you today.1. MC Connections: This three-week, small group-like environment is STEP #1toward faith filled friendships at Midcurrent. And it’s for our whole church too–not just those of you who are new! Each week, you’ll be guided through simple yet meaningful conversations that will help you get to know and encourage others more. MC Connections begins September 25th. Childcare is available. Register today by clicking this link!2. MC KIDS: We have been anxious to share a pretty exciting update with you. This fall, we will begin a search for a full time director of MC KIDS. We first have to say a massive thanks to Carley Maley who stepped in to be a long-term interim director. And with her current season of life and family, current trends in attendance, as well as our aspirations for even greater ministry to kids and families, it was clear to all of us that this is the time begin the next phase of growth and investment into our entire MC KIDS ministry. Carley is so excited for the future of MC KIDS and looks forward to not only passing the baton, but also setting up the next leader for success. We’ll post the job description soon, begin collecting applications, and hope to fill the position before the end of the of year. Do we know who will emerge as a the right candidate?? No, we don’t. But here’s what we do know. MC KIDS has always been, and will continue to be the most fun, safe, and caring place for kids to learn about Jesus. If you are the right person, or know the right person for the job, keep an eye out for a job description and application that will be available very soon!That’s all for now. Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday. It won’t be the same without you. Invite a friend too. Won’t be the same without them either! 9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street in Hudson // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch-Sten |
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| Hey friends!I wanted to use today as an opportunity to say THANK YOU to all of you for such a warm welcome back to Midcurrent this past weekend. It was great to see you, great to be together again, and I was very encouraged by all of your kind words and all of the ways you expressed your excitement and gladness for the time Erica, the kids, and I spent together this summer. We had an amazing summer away, and we are also glad for a return to rhythm and routine and the church that has been a home to our family for the last eight years.This weekend is Labor Day weekend, and no doubt there are many places for you to be. I’d love for Midcurrent to be one of them on Sunday morning. I am going to share with you something that God revealed to me this summer while I was away. It’s something that I believe could have one of the most transformative effects on our church in the coming year. And I’d love to tell you all about it.9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street in Hudson // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch-Sten |
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| Hey Midcurrent!Ready or not, here I come!! After three months away on a summer sabbatical, I’ll be back with all of you this Sunday morning.And while it feels like I already have so much to do and so much to say, I need to start by saying a massive word of thanks to all of you–especially to our MC Partners and those who invest into Midcurrent week in and week out. THANK YOU for allowing my family and me this great gift to rest and recharge after eight years of working hard to bring Midcurrent to life! A huge thanks to Jonathan as well for his strong and steady leadership this summer and to Becki and Carley for all of their incredibly hard work along the way.I’m sure many of you will be excited to hear all about our summer away, and I fear that there simply won’t be enough time to answer all of your questions. So let me take this opportunity to fill you all in at once by saying this:We got a lot of rest, made a lot of fun memories with our family, drove a lot of miles in the car…and we all heard from God in some ways we really needed and in some ways we didn’t expect.I could say more, but I’ll save it for Sunday morning. In fact, I’ll take the next three Sundays to share with you some of the lessons God was teaching me this summer. I really do believe they are lessons that will encourage every one of you as well. I’d be so glad for all of you to be there for it.I’d be so glad to see you Saturday night as well for our End of Summer Party. Let’s celebrate what an amazing summer it has been!! RSVP HERE so we can plan food and fun for everyone! Full details will be sent to those who register.Looking forward to all that is to come at Midcurrent!-Sten9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street in Hudson // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch |
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| Hey Midcurrent!What a summer it’s been at MC! From a record-setting VBS and our very first MC YOUTH Mission Trip, to MUUUCE, Men’s Breakfast, Pictionary Night, IF Tables, the MC FAMILY Kickball Tournament, and an incredible lineup of guest speakers and worship leaders — this place has been full of life!As the summer season begins to wind down, we want to finish with a BANG— and you’re invited! How? We’re throwing a Party! Here are the details: END OF SUMMER PARTY August 23rd (next Saturday) from 4:00–7:00 PMHosted at the Arlich’s in HudsonWe’re gathering to celebrate an amazing summer and to welcome back Sten and Josh!feel free to come and go as you please during this time frameHere’s what’s in store:** Full-size sand volleyball court * Yard games * Bounce House * Swimming pool & kids’ games (Swimming is for kids/youth and parents supervising littles — also, we’ll have a lifeguard on duty) * Live music from MC’s own (see lineup below) * Hotdogs & lemonade
Bring: A lawn chair, your smile, and a friend or two. (Feeling competitive? Bring your A-game for volleyball or bags/cornhole)Parking: Bethel Lutheran Church is letting us use their lot — we’ll have a shuttle running to and from the party. Address and details will be emailed to everyone who registers. Music Lineup:4:30 – Jonathan Lee (Lonny)5:00 – Behr Chapeau5:30 – Josh Latting6:00 – Debut of the new Anna Elfstrom Band RSVP today HERE so we can plan food and fun for everyone! Full details will be sent to those who register.Let’s make this an evening to remember — I hope to see YOU there!Also, I hope to see you at Midcurrent THIS Sunday as we’ll have the opportunity to hear from the one and only Phil Print for one more encouraging message -Jonathan9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street in Hudson // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch |
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Hey Midcurrent Family,
I just got back from the MC YOUTH Colorado Springs Mission Trip, and I wish you could have seen our students in action. You would have been so proud.
Throughout the week, we served people on the verge of homelessness by painting homes used for transitional housing. We served at a local pantry by sorting supplies, handing out food, filling rice bags and more. Our youth were incredible—full of joy, compassion, and the love of Jesus. It was a beautiful reminder that we are made to serve one another.
As we look ahead to the fall, I’d love for you to take a moment and pray about where and how God might be inviting you to serve—whether here at Midcurrent or out in the community. We believe everyone has a part to play. If you’re interested in the serving opportunities at Midcurrent, you can check out this serve link: MIDCURRENT SERVE LINK
Two other things:
1. This Sunday is going to be Special!
We’ll be highlighting the MC YOUTH Mission Trip with a short recap video and we’ll also get to hear from one of my all-time favorite people and communicators—Phil Print. I had the privilege to work with Phil for 6 years, and if you didn’t know, he’s Pastor Sten’s father-in-law !
Phil will be speaking the next three Sundays and trust me—you won’t want to miss it. It’s also a great opportunity to invite a friend!
2. Final chance for a free helpful resource!
Over the past few weeks, Pastor Remy has preached some incredibly helpful and practical messages on Reconciliation. He nailed it! If you’ve missed them, you can go back and watch them on our YouTube channel youtube.com/@MidcurrentChurch.
And if you’re working through how to forgive yourself, Remy is offering a free download of his book, Starting Over, here: Starting Over Link (It’s free until tomorrow evening).
Excited to see you all on Sunday
-Jonathan
9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street in Hudson // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
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| Hey Midcurrent,We have some exciting news to share with you!As many of you know, our Worship Director, Josh, has been away for a season to focus on his mental health. During this time, he returned to California to be surrounded by family and strong support. We’re thrilled to share that Josh has made incredible progress, and we’re elated to announce that he’ll be stepping back into his role at Midcurrent starting August 18th!This is truly an answer to prayer, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome him back. Please continue to pray for Josh as he prepares to re-enter ministry.On behalf of Josh and Midcurrent, we also want to express deep appreciation for all those who stepped in to help lead in his absence. It’s been a beautiful picture of the body of Christ coming together, and we are so grateful for each of you.This also feels like the perfect time to say… mark your calendars!Why? Because on August 23rd, we’re throwing an End of Summer Party at the Arlich’s home! It’ll be a night of hotdogs, swimming, sand volleyball, games, live music from Midcurrent musicians, and time to reconnect before fall. It will also be a special opportunity to celebrate Josh’s returnand Sten’s return from sabbatical. You won’t want to miss it!More details on the party are coming soon, but for now—join us in welcoming Josh back and praying over this exciting new chapter.With great gratitude,Jonathan and the Lead team |
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| Hey Midcurrent,I hope you’re enjoying the start of summer!As you may know, our lead pastor Sten is on sabbatical for the summer… which means there’s a new sheriff in town! In all seriousness, I’m genuinely excited and honored to help lead during this season.I wanted to share a story in light of our last sermon series, Missed Calls. Back in college, I had a professor who brought a giant cheese ball tub to class—you know, like the ones you see at Costco (feel free to Google it if you’re lost). But instead of cheese balls, it was filled with random items. He invited a student to pick one out, and then explained how that item symbolized a “God story” – a moment in his life when God showed up in a powerful way. The professor then went on to share the story that item symbolized.I’ve never forgotten that cheese ball tub. I love the idea of something tangible that sparks a story, something that reminds us of God’s faithfulness. But more than that, I love the idea of having a life full of those kinds of stories.That’s my hope for you. That’s my hope for us at Midcurrent. That we’d be people, and a church, overflowing with stories of how God has shown up in our lives.That idea was part of the inspiration for our last sermon series, Missed Calls. We looked at people in the Bible who missed a moment or opportunity with Jesus—who missed what could have been an incredible God story. My hope is that we’d learn from their experiences so we don’t make the same mistakes.So here’s my encouragement to you this week:Think about what it means to fill your life with God stories—because they seem to happen the most when our eyes are open, our ears are listening, and our hearts are willing to follow Jesus… even when it’s costly or uncomfortable.I hope you gain another story or two this week On the topic of opportunities… we’ve got some exciting things planned for this summer. There are some brand-new events coming and some returning “fan favorites” too. We’ll be sharing our full summer calendar soon, but here’s two you can jump into right now: THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 8th – IF: Table6:00–7:30pm @ Midcurrent (RSVP HERE)It’s a relaxed, meaningful evening to connect, talk about life and faith, and build real community. Don’t miss it!SATURDAY MORNING, JUNE 21st – MEN’S BREAKFAST9:00-10:30am @ Midcurrent (RSVP HERE)We will have great food, a time to connect, a couple of worship songs, and a special message.Can’t wait to see you at MC this Sunday,Jonathan9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street in Hudson // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch |
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| Hey Midcurrent,As I write to you today, I am less than 24 hours away from a summer sabbatical that has been a year in the making. I am so grateful to our church and our leadership for offering to me this time to rest, recharge, and allow God to renew my vision for our church for years to come! I am grateful to our staff–Jonathan, Carley, and Becki– for their support and for what I know will be their steady leadership at Midcurrent.As I prepare to step into this summer season, I realize I have ONE wish for all of you while I am away. It’s not that you would stay engaged this summer. My one wish is that all of you would consider how you might even increase your engagement this summer. My prayer is that you wouldn’t just be asking yourself whether or not you will attend church this summer, but rather how you can be the church in greater ways. These next three months will provide a perfect opportunity for more of you to do everything you can to help us create spaces for real people and a real God to meet… to welcome the visitor, to pray with those who are hurting, to encourage those who are feeling defeated, or to even celebrate with those who are seeing God’s hand at work in their life. I truly believe that each of you has a special role to play as we seek to make significant spiritual truth accessible to everyday people on Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights, and beyond!Your first opportunity to step up to the plate is this Sunday. It’s going to be great, I just know it!9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street in Hudson // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurchSee you in August!!Thanks,StenP.S. If I had one other wish, it’s that you would do everything you can to make VBS a smashing success! You can register every kid you know, sign up to volunteer, or donate vital supplies by clicking THIS LINK! Thanks for helping to make this an unforgettable week in life of every kid in this community! |
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Hey Midcurrent,
Not long ago, we informed you of some health challenges for our Worship Director Josh O’meara. We mentioned that we would have an update in May, and I wanted to provide that update for you today.
This spring, Josh began experiencing some unexpected mental health related obstacles. It was clear that Josh’s best path toward health and recovery was with his family in California, and we did our best to provide that space and time for him.
Josh is a great fit on our team as well as a tremendous asset to our ministry and church family, and we are hopeful that he will resume his responsibilities. At the same time, we are in the midst of some exciting growth and momentum, and we do need each position on our team filled as we head into the fall of 2025.
As a result, we have determined that we will hold Josh’s position as Worship Director for him until July 1. If Josh does not believe he will able to resume his responsibilities at that time, then, sadly, we will begin a search for a new Worship Director.
If Josh does confirm his readiness to resume his role by July 1, we will then offer him a return-to-work date of August 18 which will coincide with my return from sabbatical. This unique timeline will allow our team to welcome Josh back into the mix in the most smooth and supportive way possible.
We invite you to continue praying for Josh, as well as for the continued movement of God’s Spirit here at Midcurrent.
Let me also say that I am hopeful to see you this Sunday. It’s Mother’s Day, Child Dedication, as well as my last Sunday before a brief summer sabbatical. Should be a great morning…won’t be the same without you!
9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street in Hudson // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
Thanks,
Sten
Hey Midcurrent,
I want to take a moment to invite you to our upcoming Annual Meeting on Tuesday, May 13 at 6:30pm.
What is the Annual Meeting? Great question! Ultimately, this will be a true celebration for those of us who call Midcurrent home as we take time to highlight how God has been at work in the past year and look forward to how we believe He will be at work in the year to come. We’ll also be proposing a 2025-2026 budget for the exciting year of ministry that we believe to be ahead of us.
Everyone is invited to attend this short celebration, however only current and active MC Partners will be able to vote to approve the annual budget.
Childcare is provided. To RSVP, click this link.
Looking forward to Sunday and Week 2 in our series, One Small Step.
9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street in Hudson // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
Thanks,
Sten
Hey Midcurrent,
I am writing to you today to provide an update about an incredibly important member of our team here at MC—our Worship Director, Josh O’Meara.
You’ve likely noticed Josh’s recent absences on Wednesdays and Sundays over the last month. He is currently navigating some significant and unexpected health challenges. We are doing our best to give him the space and support he needs to return to full health and strength. Josh is recuperating with his family in California. While we don’t yet have a time frame for his return, we anticipate his absence to continue through the month of April, and we hope to share an update in May.
In less than a year, Josh has already made a huge impact on the MC family. We love him, miss him, and are praying for him. We invite you to do the same. Your prayers for God’s work at Midcurrent to continue during Josh’s absence are also greatly appreciated.
Before I sign off, I can’t help but want to remind you about the significance of Easter at Midcurrent which is now less than two weeks away. In anticipation of many guests, we are hosting FOUR Easter services.
- Saturday, April 19 at 4:30pm
- Sunday, April 20 at 8:00am, 9:30am, & 11:00am
Registration is not required, but you can help us prepare best for this exciting weekend by submitting an RSVP for whichever service you and your guests are planing to attend. You can RSVP with THIS LINK or by clicking the Sign Up tab on the Church Center App. If you call Midcurrent home and are looking for an opportunity to help us be as hospitable as possible over the Easter weekend, we’d be glad to have you consider the 8:00am worship experience on Sunday morning as we expect many of our visitors to attend on Saturday at 4:30pm as well as Sunday at 9:30am. One way or another, we’ll be excited to celebrate with you, your friends, family, and guests.
Thanks,
Sten
Hey Midcurrent,
2025 is off to an amazing start, and there is still plenty more to look forward to in the coming months. And because we don’t want you to miss out on any of it, here are a few important dates I want to put on your radar.
April 19 & 20–EASTER AT MIDCURRENT: We are hosting FOUR identical Easter services for what we anticipate being an incredibly exciting weekend at Midcurrent. Service times are:
Saturday, April 19–4:30pm
Sunday, April 20–8:00, 9:30, & 11:00am.
Registration is NOT required, but you can help us be the best host possible if you RSVP for the service you plan to attend by clicking THIS LINK or clicking the Sign Up tab on the Church Center App.
MAY 11–Child Dedication: We plan to make Mother’s Day just a little more special with Child Dedication. Child Dedication celebrates the beginning of a child’s journey to know and follow Jesus and specifically highlights the role that parents play in raising their kids to do just that. Information and registration is available online and on the Church Center App.
June 23-26–VBS at Midcurrent: We could not be more thrilled to host our second ever VBS. This year’s theme is perfect for all of us here in the upper Midwest. It’s TRUE NORTH: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World. Mark your calendars and be on the lookout for registration details that will go live very soon!
Easter is now less than a month away and often times it’s the perfect time to think about the people in your life who you want to know about Jesus. At the same time, telling people about your faith in Jesus can be intimidating. We totally get it, and we want to help. That’s why we’re beginning a brand new message series, this Sunday, that is designed to take a big concept (what we call “evangelism”) and break it down into three simple and easy steps. It all starts this Sunday.
9:00am and 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/MidcurrentChurch.
Thanks,
Sten
Hey Midcurrent,
These late winter months, leading into spring break here in the St. Croix Valley, are typically a little quieter in the life of our church. That’s why it has been both surprising and encouraging to see that these have been some of the fullest and most momentous weeks in the (almost) eights short years that Midcurrent has existed. God is really doing big things in our church and in the lives of individuals and families who walk through our doors week in and week out.
And there is no better time than right now to consider getting more involved in the work God is doing here. That’s why I want to take a moment to highlight our upcoming MC Partnership class. Partnership at Midcurrent is the equivalent to what some may refer to as church membership. It’s just that we don’t think membership paints the right kind of picture for our relationship with the local church. Membership in the world today is often about the benefits you receive as a member of an organization. But we don’t think that’s what membership in the local church was ever meant to be. It’s far more about how we can contribute, as partners, to the work God is doing in and through the local church.
If you’ve already attended Meeting Midcurrent and are interested in pursuing the path to Partnership, then let me invite you to attend an MC Partnership informational meeting on Sunday, March 30 directly following the 10:30 service.
Lunch and childcare will be provided. You can register HERE if you think this is your next step of faith at Midcurrent.
And no matter where you are this Sunday, we hope to see you in-person or online for Week 3 in our series Vital Signs.
9:00am and 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/MidcurrentChurch.
Thanks,
Sten
Hey Midcurrent,
If you live in the greater St. Croix Valley, you’re probably reading this after you just finished shoveling yourself out of all the snow. There is quite a bit of it out there, but here’s the truth. No amount of snow can dampen our spirits at Midcurrent right now. God has been working and moving in exciting ways in these first couple months of 2025.
If you have stayed relatively well engaged in the life of the church recently, you have heard me mention that our 2024-2025 fiscal year is set to end on May 31. And because of the enormous growth we have experienced across all of our ministries, we still have a little ground to cover to meet our budget.
And with that in mind, I wanted to let you know of an incredibly pivotal opportunity in front of us. A very generous couple from Midcurrent has offered to match up to $15,000 of new and increased giving commitments to Midcurrent between now and May 31. What that means is this. If you choose to begin giving back to God’s work at Midcurrent for the first time, or if you increase your current recurring giving commitment, all of those gifts of generosity will be matched up $15,000.
It is an absolute joy to be a part of such a generous, faithful, and sacrificial church. And together, I believe we have an opportunity to not only meet a budget, but to make sure we continue to create the right opportunities for real people and a real God to meet.
If you are ready to take a new or next step of generosity at Midcurrent, you can do so by clicking HERE.
Hope to see you for Week 2 in our series Vital Signs. Pastor Jonathan will help us to make sense of some of the more challenging situations we encounter in life.
9:00am and 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/MidcurrentChurch
Thanks,
Sten
Hey Midcurrent,
We are starting a brand new message series this Sunday called Vital Signs. Typically, “vital signs” is a medical term used to measure our basic physiological functions–respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, etc. Each measurement has a way of helping to determine the overall health of a human being. That is all well and good when it comes to physical health and vitality, but what about spiritual health? Are there spiritual vital signs that indicate a healthy and growing spiritual life? While a little harder to detect maybe, I think the answer is YES.
And that’s what our next message series is all about. We’ll examine four different areas of our lives in order to discover some of the spiritual vital signs we should be most concerned about if we want to be growing and maturing in our faith. If that’s your goal right now, or if you have ever wondered what it looks to grow in your spiritual life, then I hope you’ll join us for this four-week series.
It all starts this Sunday, March 2.
9:00am and 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/MidcurrentChurch.
Thanks,
Sten
Hey Midcurrent,
I wanted to send a special invitation to you to join us at Midcurrent on Sunday. If you have been around for the last few months, you know there is a contagious momentum right now and a real sense of God’s movement in our lives and in our church. If you haven’t been able to join for the past few months, consider this your open invitation to swing on by again–no apologies or explanations necessary.
We’ll be wrapping up a series on the Old Testament book of Esther, and here’s what I can tell you. If you’ve ever felt like you are heading in the wrong direction in life, or faith, or career, or marriage, or anything else, this will be a perfect Sunday for you to be at Midcurrent. The overarching story of Esther provides for us a very encouraging message as it relates to any of the less-than-favorable trajectories in which we might be headed.
We’ll also take time within our worship experience to celebrate communion together as a church as a way to remember what Jesus has done for us.
9:00am and 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/MidcurrentChurch.
Thanks,
Sten
Hey Midcurrent,
Let me say thank you to everyone who joined us for our first ever YOUTH TAKEOVER Sunday at Midcurrent! It was a full house and quite possibly one of my most favorite worship experiences here at Midcurrent in these first 7+ years. The entire morning was a huge success! But I don’t say it was a success because of the record attendance. I say it was a success because it highlighted, so perfectly, our commitment to raising up the next generation of Jesus followers in the world.
If you have hung around Midcurrent for any length of time, you know that we invest heavily into the environments and opportunities we create for both kids and youth. Why? Because we believe kids and youth today are leaders tomorrow–in the church and in the world. That goes for students all across the St. Croix Valley…and students all across the world as well.
With that in mind, I am excited to share with you today a new partnership we have formed with Doulos Discovery School in the Dominican Republic. In 2002, Doulos was founded with one single goal–to raise up servant leaders from all social classes to address the spiritual, social, and economic challenges of their country for the glory of God. The abbreviated mission they list on their website sums it up well in just four words: Servant Leaders – Kingdom Impact.
You should know that a portion of every dollar you give back to God at Midcurrent will now go directly to Doulos to support the work God is doing there. Half of our annual contributions as a church will be directed toward their general operating budget to be used however it is need most to support their ministry. And the other half is funding the education of four Dominican students at Doulos–Brianna, Jessly, Nehemias, and Diego.
What does this mean for you?? Great question. Here are a handful of ways you can be involved with our support of Doulos:
Pray for the school and specifically for servant leaders and kingdom impact.
Pray for Brianna, Jessly, Nehemias, and Diego.
Begin a recurring giving plan at Midcurrent which will help fund God’s work here in Hudson, WI as well as God’s work at Doulos in the Dominican Republic.
Keep an eye out for future MC missions trips to Doulos (likely not until 2026 at the earliest).
Consider being the MC representative to one of our four students. Midcurrent (with the help of your generosity) will fund the scholarships for these students, but we are looking for four families to correspond with them, send birthday/graduation gifts, and other forms of encouragement throughout the year. We’ll pair these students up with the first four families who reach out to me to indicate their interest.
What a joy it is to be a part of a church that so passionately invests into the next generation of Jesus followers. I do believe that the local church, and the Kingdom of God across the world, is in good hands. And we have so many of you to thank for playing a part in it all.
See you Sunday for the first week in a brand new series through the Old Testament book of Esther. I think you’ll be surprised at what this short book can teach us about God’s work in our lives and in the world around us.
9:00am and 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/MidcurrentChurch.
Thanks,
Sten
Hey Midcurrent,
I want to extend a special invitation to all of you to join us this Sunday for YOUTH TAKEOVER.
At Midcurrent, we believe that youth today are leaders tomorrow in the church and in the world. And every Wednesday night, we have the opportunity to invest into upwards of 70+ of those future leaders in the greater St. Croix Valley. And you might be encouraged to know that MC Youth is so much more than pizza and crazy fun games (although there is plenty of both). Every Wednesday, students have the opportunity to worship Jesus, learn more about following Jesus, and take next steps of faith in a real relationship with Him.
We consider it a great privilege to witness those amazing next steps every single week. And this Sunday, we’ll highlight a number of them and also celebrate baptism for students who are ready to go public with their faith in Jesus.
In addition, students will be serving and leading just about every aspect of the morning from the front doors to the platform and everywhere in between.
If you need a dose of encouragement about youth today and the state of the church tomorrow, then don’t miss this Sunday at Midcurrent!
Let me also say a quick work of thanks to those of you who give faithfully to God’s work at Midcurrent. The impact of your generosity will be on full display this Sunday, and we could not be more excited to give you a glimpse of the lives that are being changed thanks to a great God and your regular support.
See you Sunday.
9:00am and 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/MidcurrentChurch.
Thanks,
Sten
Hey Midcurrent,
If you have 30 extra seconds today, I am asking you to say a quick prayer for all of the students at MC Youth. This weekend, pastor Jonathan, Josh, and a team of incredibly dedicated adult volunteers are taking 56 teenagers to WINTER RUSH–an unforgettable weekend retreat designed for students to have a crazy amount of fun all while they worship and learn about Jesus in life changing ways.
These teenage years are often critical years when students take new and next steps of faith that impact their life, their families, their communities, and their church for years to come. And at Midcurrent, we really do believe that teenagers today are leaders tomorrow in the church and in the world. So we could not be more excited for the weekend they are about to experience, and I would be so grateful if you could take a minute to pray that they might meet God this weekend in powerful and even life changing ways.
And while we are on the subject of future leaders in the church, let me remind you to mark your calendar for YOUTH TAKEOVER on Sunday, February 2. Fresh off of their time away, the youth of Midcurrent will lead just about every aspect of our worship experience that morning. From the cafe crew, to greeters, to the band, and worship leaders, MC YOUTH will takeover for the morning and lead us in what I anticipate being one of our most memorable worship experiences of 2025–capped off with students going public with their faith in Jesus through baptism.
It’s going to be a memorable Sunday…but first we’ll wrap up our current message series, God Is That You? This Sunday, we’re going to read a fascinating story from the Old Testament in order to discover a vital principle that will help us to know where it is that God is truly leading in our life. It’s maybe my favorite week of the four-week series, and I’d be glad to have you join us.
9:00am and 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/MidcurrentChurch.
Thanks,
Sten
Hey Midcurrent,
There is a lot happening at church in the next ten days, and I do not want you to miss a single moment of it all. So pull your calendars out, and allow me to fill you in on all the details.
–Thursday, December 19, 6:00pm: MC Kids Movie Night featuring THE STAR
–Sunday, December 22 at a special time of 10:00AM ONLY:
FOR OUR CITY gift-basket packing event. In place of our normal Sunday services, we’ll gather together as a church to show our appreciation for local heroes and special members of our community. If you didn’t catch the Amazon Wish List in time, no worries. Bring some K-Cups, tea bags, packs of gum, granola bars or any other snacks on Sunday morning to help fill these baskets to the brim!
And then…drum roll please…there’s Christmas at Midcurrent. We have four services this year:
Monday, December 23: 4:30pm and 6:30pm
Tuesday, December 24: 4:30pm and 6:30pm
As of now, both 4:30pm services are looking to be quite full! If you have flexibility in your schedule (especially if you call Midcurrent home) we’d be glad to have you consider–or even reconsider– either of the 6:30pm options with the most availability at 6:30pm on 12/24. Registration is not required but you can RSVP HERE to help us prepare to be the best host possible.
Josh and the band have an incredible evening of music prepared. I have the privilege of sharing how the good news of Jesus impacts each and every one of our lives still today. We’re telling the inspiring and heart warming story of one of our very own church members. And of course, we’ll conclude the night by candle light singing Silent Night together. Tell everyone you know…and whatever you do, don’t miss out on this special worship experience at Midcurrent.
And don’t forget that on Sunday, December 29, Midcurrent will be ONLINE ONLY at 9:00am and 10:30am at YouTube.com/MidcurrentChurch.
Thanks,
Sten
P.S. If you have not yet had a chance to consider Midcurrent as the recipient of any year end gifts you plan to make, I’d be glad for you to learn more about some of the ministry initiatives of which would benefit from your support. You can read about it all HERE.
Hey Midcurrent,
Before the craziness of Christmas and the New Year, I want to make sure to put something vital on your radar and that’s our upcoming group discipleship opportunity. This will be a special opportunity for you to grow in your understanding of God and to take another step in your relationship with Jesus.
Starting on Thursday, January 9th, we’re hosting a nine week video series called The Story of God. This is a group-discipleship opportunity where we’ll travel chronologically from Genesis to Revelation, in order to discover Jesus on every page of the Bible.
No matter where you are on your faith journey, this nine week study will help you discover how and where you join Jesus in that big story.
Registration is live on the Church Center app or by clicking THIS LINK.
And while you are online, don’t forget to RVSP for Christmas at Midcurrent. We have four services all lined up for what we believe will be a special time together.
Monday, December 23 at 4:30 & 6:30pm
Tuesday, December 24 at 4:30 & 6:30pm
Registration is NOT required, but if you know when you plan to attend, we’d be glad to have you let us know so we can prepare our team to be the best host possible. As of now, December 24 at 6:30pm looks to have the most availability to provide you the most comfortable visit to Midcurrent. But whenever you can join us, we’ll be glad to welcome you through our front doors this Christmas.
Hope to see you this Sunday too as Pastor Jonathan brings a close to our series What a Gift!
9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
Thanks,
Sten
Hey Midcurrent,
Thanksgiving has come and gone which means all sights are set on Christmas. Whether you start listening to Christmas music and decorating your house before or after Thanksgiving, it’s safe to say it’s all underway now. It certainly is at Midcurrent. The whole church is decorated for the season, and we can hardly wait for the special worship experience we have planned for Christmas at Midcurrent just a few short weeks away. We’ve already started planning just about every detail of what we believe will be the most special Christmas ever. You do not want to miss it! And if you have friends, family, neighbors, classmates, or co-workers who you’ve ever thought about inviting to Midcurrent, trust me when I tell you this will be the most perfect time for them to join you.
We have four identical worship experiences planned.
Monday, December 23 at 4:30 & 6:30pm
Tuesday, December 24 at 4:30 and 6:30pm
Registration is not required, but if you know which service you’ll attend, we’d be glad to have you RSVP so that we can prepare ourselves to be the best host possible. You can RSVP at midcurretchurch.org/christmas.
And because these two days will be so momentous, we decided to create a unique and special opportunity for the Sunday prior. So on Sunday morning, December 22, in place of our normal worship services, we’ll gather together as a church at a special time of 10:00am only to pack gift baskets for those who serve our community in meaningful ways. We’ll be packing gift baskets for teachers in every school of our district, for ER doctors and nurses working on Christmas, and for local nursing homes. This will be a fun way for us to demonstrate that we are FOR OUR CITY! You can help provide the contents of these gifts baskets by purchasing items from this Amazon Wish List.
All in all, it’s going to be a great month at Midcurrent! See you Sunday for Week 2 of What a Gift.
9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
Thanks,
Sten
P.S. This Sunday is your last chance to return your gifts for Operation Help’s Christmas Campaign. If you need an alternative time to drop off your items, Becki Reed will be at church on Friday, December 6 from 8am to noon. Thanks for your generosity!
Hey Midcurrent,
I want to take just a brief moment to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving. No matter what you have planned, I pray that it is a meaningful time of rest and connection with those that you love. Let me also encourage you to find some way this week to show appreciation for and return kindness to the people in your life who have impacted you in meaningful ways. You might also find a way to express your gratitude to God as well.
As a church family, one of the opportunities we have to return kindness to others is to shop for Christmas presents for families in our community who are in need of extra assistance this year. We have sponsored 25 kids for Operation Help’s annual Christmas Campaign. Most tags were taken this past Sunday, but there are still a few left for you to grab this week. You’ve still got time to go shopping and return your gifts back here to Midcurrent so we can transfer them all to the right place at the right time.
Hope to see you Sunday as we begin a brand new three week message series called What A Gift. When Jesus was born, three wiseman traveled a great distance to present three seemingly obscure gifts to the new born king. During our December series, we’ll explore how each of these gifts (gold, frankincense, and myrrh) reveal something special about the true identity of Jesus. Whether they knew it or not, the gifts these wiseman brought told the story of God and the part that Jesus played in it. Each week, we’ll discover what each gift reveled about who Jesus was and why God sent him from heaven to earth.
Can’t wait to celebrate the Christmas season with you!
9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
Thanks,
Sten
We are incredibly excited for you to be our guest for Christmas at Midcurrent! We have a very special worship experience planned that we know you will enjoy. And we are incredibly confident that it will be the perfect opportunity for you to invite any family, friends, neighbors, or co-workers to join us at Midcurrent.
Registration is NOT required in order to attend any of our four Christmas services. But if you know which service you plan to attend, we’d be glad to have you RSVP below so we can prepare ourselves to be the best host possible.
Hey Midcurrent,
This coming Sunday is the beginning of the week of Thanksgiving. And Thanksgiving is often the kickoff to a month-long Holiday season where the pace of life picks up and most calendars are filled with extra parties, family gatherings, to-do lists, errands, and kids concerts at school. It really is a wonderful time of year, but it can be an exhausting time of year as well.
That’s why we are going to change the pace at church this Sunday, press pause on our normal rhythms, and provide a space for you to rest and recharge for all that is ahead. Josh, Jonathan, and I are going to team up to lead an extended time of worship, reflection, and response to God’s goodness and faithfulness. And, as a part of this special worship experience, we will also participate in Communion together as a specific way to remember and give thanks to God for what he has done for us.
Additionally, you’ll see a Christmas tree in the lobby this Sunday filled with gift tags. This year we have partnered once again with Operation HELP’s Christmas Campaign to provide Christmas gifts for kids in our community whose families are in need of extra assistance this time of year. We sponsored 25 kids and split their wish lists into 80+ tags for you to take over the next TWO Sundays. Gifts range in size and price so feel free to grab one or two…or three or four!! Either way, this is our opportunity as a church to be a huge blessing to kids and families in the St. Croix Valley.
See you Sunday for what we believe will be a special time together!
9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
Thanks,
Sten
Hey Midcurrent,
One week ago, I concluded my email to you by saying how much I was looking forward to gathering together as a church to lift high the name of Jesus. Well gang, we certainly did gather together as a church this past Sunday!! Outside of holiday weekends, we welcomed more people through our front doors than ever before. The building was full of people, yes, but more significant is the fact that our entire staff agreed that every single space was full of God’s Spirit in a special way.
I am particularly glad for such a momentous morning because of the fact that more of us got to stand alongside the moms and dads who brought their kids forward for Child Dedication. We dedicated 10 kids over both services, and I could not be more excited for these families who are declaring their intention to raise their kids to know and follow Jesus. And I am so glad for a church family that commits their support to these kids and to the next generation as well.
Right now, we are invested in more kids and teenagers than ever before. And that might mean that Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights can get a little crazy. And that might also mean that budgets get stretched thin. But it also means that the future of our church and our community is bright. And that is something to celebrate and thank God for today.
This Sunday, we’re finishing our series Upon This Rock. If you’ve ever wondered what a life of discipleship is really all about, then make sure to join us for this last look at the life of Peter who was one of Jesus’ closest and most trusted disciples.
9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
Thanks,
Sten
Hey Midcurrent,
The dust is beginning to settle from what has been a long, loud, and tiresome election season. I’m not suggesting that the division we are experiencing is over, but the 2024 Presidential Election is. And so I wanted to take a moment to speak to it all briefly today.
Roughly 50% of our country voted for one candidate and roughly 50% voted for the other. And yet I cannot help but feel compelled in this moment to remind 100% of Jesus followers—whether your candidate won or lost— that our hope for this life and the next is in Jesus and in Him alone.
So as we move forward together, let’s be gracious with one another, and most of all, let’s keep our gaze fixed on the one who truly came to save us.
His name is Jesus.
I’m looking forward to coming together as a church this Sunday to lift His name high above all else.
Thanks,
Sten
Hey Midcurrent,
It’s hard to imagine that just seven years ago…Midcurrent Church was a group of 30 people committed to creating a different kind of church in the St. Croix Valley. God has truly done unimaginable things in those short seven years…and this Sunday we got a glimpse of it all. From 12 baptisms to the seven stories of real everyday people experiencing God in the life of our church, it was really special to celebrate SEVEN YEARS with so many of you on Sunday.
And yet, as great as all of that was, here’s what we have to remember. This is not the end. We have not crossed any sort of finish line. We have not “arrived,” nor is this the time to take our foot off of the gas pedal. I concluded our time together on Sunday with a look at the creation story in the book of Genesis. What we learned is that the seventh day was not marking the end of creation as much as it was marking the beginning of the Kingdom God would establish here on earth.
The same is true for us. Our 7th year of ministry is not marking the end of the beginning, but the beginning of the future God has in store for the life of our church and the impact we will have. And if the next chapter is going to be as fruitful and effective as the first chapter, it’s going to take a brand new commitment from all of us.
I shared a handful of practices that we need to set on repeat in our lives and in our faith. Let me highlight three in this email today.
SERVING. Now is the best time be a part of what God is doing, and we’d love to link arms with you in this next chapter. You can read a description of all our ministry teams, and sign up for one, HERE.
GIVING. In addition to a great God, we have so many of you to thank for supporting the work God has done here since 2017. If you have not yet begun a recurring giving plan to Midcurrent, can I encourage you to consider how you might take a small step to honor God with your finances and contribute regularly to His work at MC? One time and recurring gifts can be set up HERE.
CONNECTING. One of the most important activities for you to set on repeat is connecting with others here at MC in smaller groups where true vulnerability and accountability can take place. That’s what MC Circles are designed for. These seasonal, smaller sized groups are so important to our lives as Jesus followers. You can see a list of each group meeting this fall HERE.
The best is yet to come!
Thanks,
Sten
Hey Midcurrent,
This past Sunday, I witnessed something I always find encouraging…phones coming out to take pictures of the content and big ideas up on the side screens. In both services, I saw phones snapping photos of the list of the FIVE people we all needs in our lives. Here’s the list our guest speaker, Scott Nelson, shared with us:
Soul Sharpeners (spiritual)
Vision Casters (inspirational)
Tail Kickers (motivational)
Heart Healers (interpersonal)
Strategic Thinkers (practical)
It is our goal at Midcurrent that, over time, you would have these kind of people in your life. And while we cannot promise you that we will fill every one of these slots, or that we will find you your new best friends for life, we can promise you opportunities that will allow you to take another step along the pathway toward faith filled connections and friendships.
One of those opportunities is something we call MC Circles. These are seasonal, short term opportunities for you to move from rows on Sunday into Circles throughout the week. And beginning the week of October 20, we are launching a five-week session of MC Circles following along with our upcoming message series, Upon This Rock, all about the life and teaching of one of Jesus’ closest followers named Peter.
You can see and sign up for any of these smaller sized groups by CLICKING THIS LINK!
And before I sign off, I have to remind you that this Sunday we are celebrating 7 YEARS OF MIDCURRENT! We’ll take a fun look back at the last seven years, but more than celebrating Midcurrent, we’ll be celebrating what God has done in this place. And there is no better better way to celebrate what God has done than with baptism. If baptism is a next step of faith you’re ready to take, there’s still time jump into the mix. Info and registration for baptism can be found HERE.
If you have been a part of MC at all for the past seven years, we want to invite you join us on Sunday.
9:00am and 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
Thanks,
Sten
Hey Midcurrent,
I love when the calendar flips to September, school starts again, and life at church returns to some of its normal rhythms. But the honest truth is, a lot of churches (at least in our part of the country) don’t truly start picking up steam until October. Cabins are closing up for the year, fall sports are winding down, and everyone is getting a better handle on whatever their “new normal” is for a new school year.
This has always been the case at Midcurrent, which means I am equally excited (if not more so) about the calendar flipping to October. As it does, there are a couple things I want to share with you today.
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If life has been a little crazy or extra busy or particularly whatever…now is the perfect time to pick back up at church wherever you left off. So consider the month of October your “Guilt Free–No Shame–Enthusiastic Invitation” back to Midcurrent! No matter where life has taken you lately, we’d be so thrilled to welcome you back into the very places we are creating for real people and a real God to meet.
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October will be full of opportunities for you to take another step in a relationship with Jesus and with others at Midcurrent. Here’s what’s on tap:
October 6: Special guest speaker and author, Scott Nelson. Scott is a brilliant and trusted colleague of mine who will share with us the 5 PEOPLE we all need in our lives. I guarantee you will be encouraged to get the right kind of people around you after you hear from Scott.
October 13: Midcurrent’s 7 Year Anniversary and Baptism. We will celebrate all that God has done at Midcurrent since 2017 and there is no better way to do that than with Baptism. If you have said YES to Jesus, baptism is the perfect next step to go public with you faith in Him. Details and registration can be found by clicking HERE.
October 20: MC Circles will begin the week of the 20th alongside a 5 week message series about the life of Peter–one of Jesus’s closest followers–called Upon this Rock. MC Circles are seasonal short term opportunities to move from rows on Sunday into circles throughout the week with others who desire to take next steps of faith. Open groups will go live on Sunday.
October 20: Also on Sunday the 20th is our next Meeting Midcurrent. If you are new to Midcurrent and want to learn more about what makes us tick, this meeting is for you. Lunch and childcare are provided. You can register HERE.
It’s gonna be a great month at Midcurrent. Looking forward to having you be a part of it all! It all starts this Sunday!
9:00am and 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
Thanks,
Sten
Hey Midcurrent,
We are just about one month away from one of my favorite Sundays every year–our anniversary. On October 13, Midcurrent will turn SEVEN years old! And not only do I love thinking back on the start of God’s work here, but I love that this is also a day when we celebrate baptism at Midcurrent. There’s no better way to celebrate what God is doing in our church than by highlighting how God is working in the lives and the hearts of people who walk through our doors.
Baptism isn’t a magical ceremony nor does it provide a “One Free Entry Through the Pearly Gates” coupon. But it is a significant next step for anyone who has put their faith in Jesus. Simply put, baptism is a public declaration of a new association with Jesus.
And if this is the next step for you and your relationship with Jesus, then we’d love to stand alongside of you. The baptism pool will be set on October 13 (yes, it’s a portable and inflatable hot tub!!) and our entire church will be ready to cheer wildly for those who are going public with their faith in Jesus.
More information, and registration, can be found online HERE.
See you Sunday for Week 3 in our series SHOW UP.
9:00am and 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
Thanks,
Sten
P.S. There is still time to sign up for MC Connections!! It’s starts Thursday and it is the best and most fun way to get connected at Midcurrent. So sign up HERE today!!
Hey Midcurrent,
There’s a recurring comment I hear often these days. Whether it’s from people who have been at Midcurrent for the last seven years or even just the last seven months, they all tell me the same thing about the people they see walking through the doors on a Sunday morning:
“I don’t recognize them!!”
Now for the record, this is a good problem to have! It means people are coming from far and wide in hopes of meeting God in the space we create every Sunday morning. It also means we have a great opportunity to strengthen the connections we have with those sitting next to us or passing us in the lobby on Sunday morning. I really think the strength of our church rests in the strength of our genuine connection to one another.
That is exactly why we created MC Connections. This is a fun, four week environment designed to help other people know your name and to help you know the name and the story of someone sitting next to you. And if you are new to Midcurrent, this is the perfect place for you this fall. But I also want to make something clear. MC Connections is not for new people only. We don’t want new people only meeting other new people at church. We want new people to meet core members and attenders of the church. We want new people to get to know those who helped start Midcurrent Church seven years ago as well as those who have strengthened Midcurrent Church at every other stage along the way. We don’t want a church of “new vs. old” or “us vs. them.” We want to be ONE church that comes together every week in the name of Jesus. MC Connections is one way to do just that. And it starts Thursday, September 19.
Each week, we’ll share a meal, probably a few laughs too, and be guided in a simple conversation that is designed to help us get to know one another better. And childcare is provided!
The more the merrier! So sign up HERE today!!
Hope to see you Sunday for Week 2 in our series SHOW UP.
9:00am and 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
Thanks,
Sten
Hey Midcurrent,
Despite the fact that I wish every season was summer break, the inevitable happened today. My kids went back to school. And with Labor Day weekend upon us, it really only means one thing. Summer is over. They say all good things come to an end, and I guess that is the reality we can’t escape with these precious months of summer here in the midwest.
But here’s the great news. All the good things that God is doing at Midcurrent aren’t coming to an end. In fact, in many ways, they are just about to begin (again).
This Labor Day weekend, I’ll be finishing our series Our House to talk about one of the most powerful tools we have available in our spiritual tool belts. It’s vital to the life and the growth of our church, and it’s absolutely necessary to help us overcome whatever hurdles come our way — as a church and as individuals. Join us on Sunday to hear more.
Then next Sunday, September 8, is our Fall Kick Off. It marks the beginning of our fall calendar of ministry which has all been designed with you in mind. It will also be a whole lot of fun. From the sidewalk to the stage, and everywhere in between, we have a morning planned that you do not want to miss. More details to come.
See you this Sunday!
9:00am and 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
Thanks,
Sten
Gentlemen, registration for the September Men’s Breakfast is live. Click HERE for more info!
Hey Midcurrent,
I know we’re only about halfway through summer, but our team has had our sights set on fall for quite some time now. There’s no way to predict anything with certainty, but all signs point to this fall be a momentous one.
And having added three new members to our staff within the last few months, these summer months are crucial times of team building and scheduling, as well as overall preparation for what we anticipate will be an exciting season in the life of our church. And the truth is, we won’t be able to create the most hospitable spaces for real people and a real God to meet this fall without more of you linking arms with us to be the best host possible every time we open the doors of our church.
If you have been contemplating a next step in your involvement at church, this is your invitation to join in the fun, and this is the best time to express your interest. Raising your hand now will give our entire team plenty of time to get to know you and get you up to speed on the work we are doing together all throughout the church so that we can hit the ground running as the calendar flips to September.
You can see a list of all the places to serve and express your interest by clicking this link. Someone from our team will be excited to reach out to you ASAP!
Thanks Midcurrent! It’s such a joy to be a part of a church who understands that we are not spiritual consumers, but spiritual contributors to God’s work in and through the local church.
Looking forward to being back with you all this Sunday for Week 3 of Summer in the Sand!
9:00am and 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
Thanks,
Sten
Hey Midcurrent,
If you’re anything like me, the month of July feels like a huge breath of fresh air. Summer is in full swing. The kids are out of school. You may have just returned from a week of vacation or are anticipating one coming up soon. All in all, the month of July can feel like a nice break from the pace of life most of us keep.
That break is such a great thing! And at the very same time, my hope is that we don’t take a break from our faith or disrupt any of the momentum that we are experiencing in the life of the church and in our own spiritual lives as well.
That’s why we have created opportunities specifically for men, women, and families this July. Here’s a quick run down of what’s coming up.
- Men’s Breakfast–July 13: Gentlemen, this is the perfect way to connect with other guys, take another step in faith, and learn more about what it means follow Jesus as a man in the world today.
- IF:Table–July 21: Ladies, this is your chance to gather together, share a simple meal, and dive deeper in guided conversation with other women at Midcurrent.
- Feed My Starving Children–July 29: This is an excellent opportunity for nearly all ages to gather this summer and help kids in need by packing meals that will be sent all over the world to kids struggling with food insecurities.
Details and registration can be found on the Sign Ups tab on the Church Center App or at midcurrentchurch.org.
Let’s keep this train rolling!
See you Sunday for Week 2 of Summer in the Sand!
9:00am and 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
Thanks,
Sten
Hey Midcurrent,
I want to thank you for the investment you are making into the next generation of Jesus followers and leaders in the church and in the world. We are fresh off a full week of high energy fun and learning for kids in this community. We had 75 kids signed up for our first ever VBS–an action packed summer adventure camp just for kids!! It is so fun to be a part of a church that is making this kind of investment into our future.
We can’t talk about our investment into the next generation without acknowledging Lexi Neuman and the incredible impact she has had all over this place! On Sunday, we took a moment to honor Lexi as she transitions from part time staff member to full time mom. So today, we say THANK YOU to Lexi, and we also say WELCOME to Carley Maley!
Carley grabs the reigns this week as our interim MC Kids Director. Her huge heart for Jesus and extensive experience and training in the world of education make Carley the perfect person to pick up right where Lexi left off. Trust me when I say that your kids will love the experience Carley and her team continue to create every single Sunday morning!
That’s all for now!
Hope you’re planning to join us this Sunday, July 7, for Week 1 in our brand new series called Summer in the Sand. Pastor Jonathan will kick off this five week series that is designed to teach us valuable lessons from wilderness journeys in the Bible.
Don’t forget: ONE service this Sunday…9:00am only. See you then!
Thanks,
Sten
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| Hey Midcurrent,If you’ve been at church in the past couple days, then you’ve seen that the whole place is underwater. And no, I’m not talking about any problems because of the rising St. Croix River out our front door. I’m talking about the fact that our entire facility has been transformed into an under water world of adventure for the 75 kids that singed up for SCUBA–an action packed VBS experience at Midcurrent!We’re half way through this amazing summer adventure camp, and I can tell you that kids and adults alike are having a blast! If you call Midcurrent home, you should be proud of the experience that was created for kids in this community. And if you support Midcurrent financially, you should know that your generosity has helped make this whole thing possible. Let me express my sincere thanks for your support and partnership!I also need to mention that the success of an experience like VBS is because of the foundation that our MC Kids Director, Lexi, has built for all of the ministry we lead for kids. And this Sunday is Lexi’s last on our team as she is transitioning from part time staff member to full time mom. The great news is that Lexi and her husband John aren’t going anywhere and are still excited to call Midcurrent “home.” But I would still be so thrilled for you to join us on Sunday as we thank and honor Lexi for the incredible impact she has had at Midcurrent.It’s fitting that, as we honor Lexi on Sunday, we’ll also get a sneak peak of the week she just helped to create. At both services, kids who attended VBS will get to perform a song on stage at church so that our whole church can get a glimpse of the awesome week we just had.VBS parents–check your kids into MC Kids as usual on Sunday morning, and the classroom teacher will bring them into the auditorium when it’s time for them to take the stage!!There are many reasons to be at Midcurrent this Sunday, and I hope to see you then!9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street // youtube.com/midcurrentchurchThanks,Sten*** |
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| Hey Midcurrent,Last fall, we unveiled an exciting new partnership that we (along with two other Hudson churches) are starting with an organization called Together For Good. Together For Good creates pathways for the local church to come alongside vulnerable children and families in their greatest time of need. Together, we will we work to ensure that these families never walk through crisis alone.It has been a while now since you have heard any news about this new partnership, and you may have started to wonder, “What’s up with Together For Good?” So I wanted to provide an update today.We are still excited about this partnership and are eager to begin walking alongside vulnerable families in our community. However, helping Together For Good launch a brand new ministry site in Wisconsin has had a slightly longer “on ramp” than we initially projected. The good news is that because of your overwhelming support and response, we are off to a really great start!The greatest priority at the moment is working with Together For Good, along with Faith Community Church and Hill City Church, to ensure that funding is first secured to add a social worker to the team at Together For Good who would serve western Wisconsin specifically. This is ultimately the next domino that needs to fall. If you have an interest in contributing to that priority, you can reach out to me, and I can help you to direct your generosity toward that effort.And as next steps present themselves for us as a church, we will be sure to keep you in the loop as we strive to love and serve our community in the name of Jesus!Thanks,Sten |
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| Copyright © 2024 Midcurrent Church, All rights reserved.You attended Midcurrent ChurchOur mailing address is:200 First StreetHudson WI, 54016Want to change how you receive these emails?You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. |
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Hey Midcurrent,
The book of Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a season for everything. And that is so very true at Midcurrent right now. We are currently in a season of great growth, but also a season of change.
Less than a year ago, we added Jonathan to the pastoral team at Midcurrent.
Becki Reed just recently joined our team as my wife Erica stepped back from some of the formal roles she volunteered to fill for the last seven years.
And in this month of May, we said goodbye to Brian Smith and also welcomed Josh O’meara to our team.
I’m writing today to let you know of one more change we are anticipating this summer. June 30th will be Lexi Neuman’s last Sunday as our MC Kids Director. What you may not know is that later this summer Lexi and her husband John are expecting their first child. And Lexi has prayerfully decided that she will transition from a part time member of our staff to a full time mom. While we will miss Lexi a great deal, we could not be more excited for this next season in her life. And we are also thrilled to know she’s not planning on going anywhere. When the time is right, she is looking forward to jumping back into MC Kids as a classroom teacher investing into the next generation of Jesus followers.
Lexi will leave some big shoes to fill, but I could not be more confident in the one who is stepping in to fill them. Starting on June 16, Carley Maley will begin grabbing the reins from Lexi as our interim MC Kids Director. If Carley’s name sounds familiar, it’s most likely because she is pastor Jonathan’s wife. And it’s important for you to know that Carley is not assuming this role because that’s what a pastor’s wife is supposed to do. Carley is incredibly passionate about ministry to kids, and her masters degree in education plus her huge heart for Jesus make her a perfect fit for this role at this time. And we were so thrilled to see her raise her hand for the job.
Change is never easy, but I truly believe God is in all of the details and is working all things out for the good of those walking through our doors week in and week out.
Looking forward to what God has in store for us next. Glad to have you along for the journey.
See you Sunday for Week 1 of our brand new message series, Verified: The Authentic Traits of Jesus Followers.
9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street // youtube.com/midcurrentchurch
Sten
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| Hey Midcurrent,I know you’ve got your hearts set on summer, the end of school, and a day on the beach or at the lake, but there’s two important dates in the next seven days that I do not want you to overlook.1. Sunday, May 19: This will be Brian Smith’s last Sunday as a part time member of our staff before he transitions to a full time member of the greater MC Family. Join us on Sunday as we send Brian off with all of our thanks and appreciation. There will be a place for you to leave a card as a way to express your appreciation as well. 2. Tuesday, May 21: We’re holding our annual meeting on Tuesday night at 6:30pm. This will be a short and uplifting celebration as we highlight all that God has done in the last year. We’ll also look ahead to how we believe God will continue to be at work in the year to come. All are invited to take part in this celebration, however only current and active MC Partners will vote to affirm a 2024-2025 budget as well as new nominations to our Lead Team. And as a special bonus, everyone will get a chance to meet, and be lead in worship by, our new worship leader, Josh O’Meara. Childcare is provided. RSVP here!
Don’t forget about our 3rd week through the Old Testament book of Jonah. We’ll learn a valuable lesson about how God is often at work in our lives. Really hope to see you there!9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street // youtube.com/midcurrentchurchSten |
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Hey Midcurrent,
It has been so exciting to unveil our plans for our first ever VBS at Midcurrent–an action packed summer adventure camp for kids in this community. I have seen with my own eyes the plans coming together for this week and trust me when I tell you, your kids do not want to miss it!
This really is a significant week in the life of our church this summer, and as a result, there are THREE things I want you to know about VBS.
- Registration is LIVE. In order to invest well into the next generation of leaders and Jesus followers in the world, VBS at Midcurrent is FREE in 2024 and open to all kids 4 years old through incoming 5th graders. To learn more and to register your kids for the best week of their summer, CLICK HERE.
- We need you. Your kids and grandkids definitely do not want to miss this week, and the truth is, you might not want to miss it either! Lexi and her team are eager to partner with up 50 volunteers of all types of ability and availability. From grade level leaders, to registration, hospitality, decorating and beyond, there is a spot for everyone, and it’s going to take all of us to give these kids a week they’ll never forget. Click THIS LINK to let Lexi know where you are ready to dive in.
- Everyone can contribute. VBS will be an “all hands on deck” effort from Midcurrent. One of the easiest and most effective ways you can set us up for success is contributing to our growing collection of supplies needed to make this a memorable experience for everyone involved. We have a wish list on Amazon and would be so thrilled to have you check a few items off the list. You can access that list HERE.
Thanks in advance for helping create a space for kids in this community to meet God in real and life changing ways!
See you Sunday for Week 2 of our new message series through the Old Testament book of Jonah.
9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street // youtube.com/midcurrentchurch
Sten
Over a year ago, Brian Smith shared with us his intention to “retire,” as we have been saying, and to step down from his role as our worship director in May of 2024. And as much as we wished that day would never come, it has indeed arrived. Sunday, May 19, will be Brian’s last day as our worship director, at which point he will shift from a part time member of our staff, to an everyday member of the Midcurrent family. That’s the great news! He’s not going anywhere, and (after a couple months to catch his breath) he is looking forward to being an enthusiastic volunteer on some of the very teams you all serve with every week.Brian has created an incredible foundation on which we will continue to build, and we look forward to celebrating him on May 19 for the countless ways he has contributed to the work God is doing here at Midcurrent. Please mark your calendars, and plan to join us then to thank Brian for all he has done!This transition leaves one main question, “What’s next?” Or maybe the better question is, “Who’s next?” And with that, we are beyond thrilled to finally be able to announce that Josh O’Meara will be joining our staff on May 20.Josh will graduate in May from the University of Northwestern, in St. Paul, with a bachelors degree in music ministry, worship, and creative arts. In addition, Josh has been an engaging worship leader on campus and in various churches from California to Minnesota. We are confident Josh will excel in leading powerful worship experiences that contribute greatly to the spaces we create for real people and a real God to meet. And we can’t wait for you to meet Josh as well!Looking forward to what God has in store for us in our next chapter together!See you Sunday for Week 1 of our brand new message series through the Old Testament book of Jonah.
We are celebrating, this Sunday, what is quite possibly my favorite thing in the life of the church: baptism.Baptism is a public declaration of someone’s new association with Jesus. If you’ve made the decision to follow Jesus, baptism is one of the most meaningful next steps you can take. And for every other follower of Jesus, it’s a major cause for celebration…and we are celebrating at both services this Sunday! If you call Midcurrent home, it would be so meaningful to have you in the house as we cheer wildly for those who are taking this huge step of faith!We are also bringing to a close our April message series, Let’s Talk About It. We’ll talk about some of the specifics that make Christianity unique when compared to some of the world’s other major religions. Our conversation will actually set up our baptism celebration quite well. All in all, this is a day I am really looking forward to!One quick reminder about our upcoming MC Circles.** For four weeks, starting the week of May 5, you’ll have the opportunity to circle up in a group with others at tMidcurrent to further discuss Sunday messages from our May series through the Old Testament book of Jonah. Plenty of space still available! You can sign up for an open group HERE!See you Sunday!
We have ONE simple goal that is the driving force behind just about every single thing we do. It is our aim to create spaces and opportunities where real people and a real God meet….and to help people take another step in a real relationship with Him.
Today, I want to highlight a number of those next steps that are available for you to take another step in a relationship with God, as well as others at Midcurrent seeking to do the very same thing.
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MC Youth 5th Grade Preview Night: Wednesday, April 24th. If you have a current 5th grader, they are invited to MC Youth to get a glimpse of the world that is waiting for them this fall. More information and registration is available HERE.
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Men’s Breakfast: Saturday, April 27. Gentlemen, this is your change to connect with other guys at Midcurrent and to be encouraged in your faith no matter where you are on that journey right now. Details and registration HERE.
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BAPTISM: Sunday, April 28. This happens to be my personal favorite. Simply put, baptism is public declaration of a new association with Jesus. If you have made the decision to follow Jesus, baptism is the perfect next step to take, and it is a major cause for celebration for our church. Nothing would make us happier than to be cheering you on in this huge step of faith. Details and registration HERE.
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MC Circles: We believe life is better in circles than in rows. And for four weeks, starting the week of May 5, you’ll have the opportunity to circle up in a group with others to further discuss Sunday messages from our May series through the Old Testament book of Jonah. You can see a list of available groups HERE!
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Porch Potting Class: Sunday, May 19. Ladies this one is for you! We’re hosting a tutorial class, and a laid back evening with other women, to make your own porch pot! Details and registration HERE. Fellas, if you need an extra Mother’s Day gift for the special lady in your life, sign her up for this!
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Child Dedication: Sunday, June 2. ***Save the date and stand by for details and registration.
This Sunday, we’ll continue in our series, Let’s Talk About It, addressing the painful reality of human suffering in the world. What does it mean? Why does it happen? What does it say about God? We’ll talk about it all.
For the last seven years, we been asked the same one question: Is there VBS at Midcurrent? And for the first time in seven years, the answer is YES!You may be incredibly excited to hear this announcement. Or, you might be wondering, “What is VBS?!” Great question. Technically, it stands for Vacation Bible School. And while that might not sound like the most riveting week of summer break to your kids, rest assured it will be an action packed, adventure filled week of faith and fun that your kids do not want to miss! It will be MC Kids on steroids!So here’s what I’m asking of you:1. Save the date. This five-day summer adventure is set to take place every night at Midcurrent on June 23-27. Registration will be LIVE very soon. 2. Join the team. Lexi and her team will need about 40-50 people to help host this unforgettable week for kids in this community. You do not have to be a current MC Kids volunteer. This is a one-time opportunity for our whole church to rally together to make a significant investment into the next generation of leaders in the church and in the world, and there are roles for everyone! We’ll need grade level leaders, station leaders, as well as volunteers for registration, security, hospitality, production, decoration and beyond. If you’re ready to make a mega impact on kids in this community this summer, fill out THIS FORM to let Lexi know she can count on you!
Hope to see you this Sunday for Week 2 in our series Let’s Talk About It. What are we talking?? Faith and science. Do they mix? Do they compete? Can you believe in both? We’ll talk about it all.9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street // youtube.com/midcurrentchurch
It was such a joy to celebrate Easter together. We welcomed more people through our doors than ever before!
As exciting as that was, our hope is that Easter wouldn’t be one of the only times you connect with us. Our calendar will be full this spring–not just with events to keep you busy, but with intentional opportunities to take another step in a relationship with Jesus and with others here at Midcurrent. Here’s a glimpse of what’s to come.
1. New Message Series: Let’s Talk About It. A recent Barna Group study compiled a list of the most common questions and objections people today have about Christianity. The list included questions about hypocrisy, science, conflict and human suffering, and how one religion could claim to have all the answers. These are great questions, and ones Christians do not need to be afraid to discuss. So rather than ignoring it, we figured…let’s talk about it. And we’d love to have you be there for it!
2. MC Partnership: April 14. If you’ve already attended Meeting Midcurrent and are interested in pursuing the path to Partnership (aka church membership), we invite you to attend this MC Partnership informational meeting. Lunch and childcare will be provided. Register HERE.
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Men’s Breakfast: April 27. Fellas, this is a chance to circle up together for some friendly competition, a hearty breakfast, and an encouraging message on following Jesus as men in the world today. Details and registration will be live this coming Sunday.
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Baptism: April 28. From Alpha, to MC Youth, to Easter and beyond, God has been working powerfully in the lives of many people at Midcurrent. Baptism will be a celebration of it all! More information and registration can be found HERE.
5. MC Circles: May. We believe life is better in rows than in circles. This May, you’ll have a chance to circle up with others at Midcurrent for 4 weeks in groups that will further discuss our May message series on the Old Testament book of Jonah. Details and registration will be live on Sunday, April 14.
It’s going to be great spring at Midcurrent. It all kicks off this Sunday. See you then!
9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street // youtube.com/midcurrentchurch
Hey Midcurrent!
Yes, it is still March and there is snow on the ground (here in western Wisconsin), but Easter is here!
We could not be more thrilled to host three Easter services this Sunday morning, March 31 at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00.
Registration is NOT required, but if you know your plan for the day, we’d be glad to have you RSVP here so we can plan to be the absolute best host for every guest who walks through our door. If you call Midcurrent home and have any flexibility in your schedule, I’d encourage you to consider attending at 8:00 or 11:00 as the 9:30 service looks to be the most popular at the moment.
I would also love to encourage you to be thinking of the people in your everyday life who might appreciate an invite to join you. Our MC Kids Director, Lexi, just came across a study that found that 82% of people would attend church if they were invited. Midcurrent, what if 4 out of every 5 friends or neighbors of yours learned of the impact that the Easter story could have on their lives and in their hearts? It could be a life changing invite. Save or screenshot the image below and send it to anyone you’d love to join you for Easter at Midcurrent.
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Easter Sunday // 8:00, 9:30, & 11:00 // 200 First Street in Hudson // youtube.com/midcurrentchurch
We have said from Day 1 that we believe youth today are leaders in the world tomorrow. And so we want to do everything we can to invest into the next generation of leaders. That doesn’t apply only to students who attend Midcurrent, but to every student in the very community that we call home. That is precisely why we have opened the doors of Midcurrent to host one of three Courage Retreats that an organization called Youth Frontiers is running in the Hudson School District this spring.
On April 2, every 7th grade student in the district will attend a Courage Retreat designed to inspire students to use courage to do the right thing, and to make responsible decisions, despite their fears. Students will be lead through engaging community-building activities designed to break down social barriers and help foster stronger relationships among students.
I have been told the power of these retreats is palpable and contagious, and we are excited to partner with Youth Frontiers and the Hudson School District to invest into these 7th grade students.
And if you are interested in personally investing into the life of a future leader, the district is looking for adult small group leaders on April 2 from 8:15am-2:30pm. You can fill out an interest from with the district by CLICKING THIS LINK.
Hope you are enjoying the warm spring weather if you’re here in western Wisconsin. See you Sunday for Week 2 of Enemies of the Heart.
The calendar has officially flipped to March, and (this year) that can mean only ONE thing: Easter is almost here!! I know it feels way too early for Easter, but whether it’s late March or mid April, Easter is one of the most exciting days in the life of any church, and that is certainly the case at Midcurrent.
We are expecting more guests than even before, and in order to be the absolute best host we can be, we are holding THREE identical worship experiences on Easter Sunday, March 31 at 8:00am, 9:30am, and 11:00am.
Registration is NOT required in order to attend any of our three services. But if you happen to know which service you plan to attend, we’d be glad to have you RSVP so we can prepare ourselves to be the best host possible for what we expect to be our biggest Easter ever!
If you are ready to RSVP, you can do so on the church center app or by clicking this link. Please submit the registration for yourself only, then indicate the total number of adults as well as the ages of any kids you plan to check into MC Kids (birth-5th grade) in the Questions section of your registration.
This will be the perfect opportunity for your friends and family and neighbors, and we hope you will begin praying now about who you will invite to join you for Easter at Midcurrent!
Until then, I’ll plan to see you this Sunday as we begin a new message series, Enemies of the Heart.
Hey Midcurrent,
Since the very beginning, we have had one goal: To create spaces where real people and a real God meet.
In order to figure out how we do that best, this past Sunday, we looked at one of the very first times in Scripture that God’s people created a physical space to meet with Him.
The goal was to build a tabernacle, and it was built when everyone who could contribute to the project, did. I can’t help but think that the same is true for us. I can’t help but think that God’s purposes at Midcurrent will be fulfilled best when everyone who can, does.
And I really believe everyone can do something to serve the God we love and the church we are building as place for many to meet with Him.
On Sunday, I shared that I was praying for 24 more of you to begin serving at Midcurrent. Within 24 hours, eight of you responded. That means I am now praying for 16 more.
If your ready to link arms with us, CLICK HERE and join the team that’s right for you!
See you this Sunday as we bring as close to our series, Back to the Basics.
One of the things of which I love to remind people is that God is for us…not against us. And because God is forus, I want to the world around us to know the we, Jesus followers, are for them too. And I also want to St. Croix Valley to know the Midcurrent is for our community!
That’s why I am excited about an upcoming event that we have an opportunity to host at Midcurrent. Operation HELP and Hudson Area Backpack and Food Programs, along with Grace Place (New Richmond) and Our Neighbor’s Place (River Falls), are teaming up under the banner of River Valley Charities to bring “Coldest Night of the Year” to St. Croix County. This winter walk is all about raising funds and awareness for local programs that offer support to those experiencing hunger, homelessness, and hurt.
On February 24, 2024, the streets of downtown Hudson and Lakefront Park will come alive for this event which will be the first ever in northwestern Wisconsin! Those who participate will be walking in solidarity alongside more than 150 communities across North America, all with the same goal in mind: to help provide shelter, food, and emergency financial assistance to our neighbors in need.
As this event will be happening right out our front door, we have been asked to help provide a gathering space before and after the walk. And because we want to be the best neighbor we can be to the city of Hudson and surrounding communities, we knew we had to say YES!
If you want more info about Coldest Night of the Year, visit this link.
And if you are at all interested in teaming up with us to be the best host possible, reply to this email to let me know.
One last thing–I hope to see you for Week 2 of our new series, Back to the Basics. We’ll talk about how something so simple can be the key to an effective spiritual life.
9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
For as long as I’ve been a pastor — almost 15 years now — there’s one request that I often hear from long-time Jesus followers. When it comes to the preaching and teaching in church, some will often desire that it be “deeper.” They have been following Jesus their whole life, are familiar with all of the stories in the Bible, and quite knowledgable about Scripture in general. So, often times they have a desire for more advanced preaching on theological matters and Biblical interpretation.
Now let me be clear, I think that is an admirable desire. There can be some really powerful discussion and learning when we explore faith and following Jesus in this way. And there is certainly a time and place for that in church. And yet, as I step back and evaluate the state of Christianity in the world today, I’m not sure it’s advanced theology that we’re missing. I’m not sure that the world around us is skeptical about Jesus or Christianity because of our inability to articulate the finer intricacies of Old Testament themes and how they reappear in particular New Testament passages of Scripture. What I think is missing is a recommitment to some of the basic pillars of following Jesus. And that’s what we’ll focus on in our brand new series, Back to the Basics. We’ll spend the next month discussing the fundamentals of faith. If we can get these right, I think our faith will flourish and make a difference in the world around us.
I have often said that the deepest thing we can do is to take simple truth from Sunday and apply it to our lives on Monday. Our new series will provide opportunities to do just that every single week. I hope you’ll be a part of it all.
See you this Sunday for Week 1.
9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
I have some fun news to share about a check we just got to write!
During the month of December, we gave you the opportunity to express generosity beyond the walls of this church to organizations doing God’s work both locally and globally. One of those organizations was a sister-church in Chilé. Iglesia del Pacto in Antofagasta, Chilé is new church that is making a big impact in their region by offering local outreach events and providing basic needs, even basic medial care, for those in their community. As a result of their work, their growth, and the response to their outreach, they are in need of new sound equipment, medical equipment, generators, etc.
Remy Diederich, a pastor and also a friend of Midcurrent, has been supporting the work of this church and had a goal to gift them with $20,000 on his next visit in 2024. We were invited to help contribute to that goal. I am so encouraged to be able to share that, in just one month, you all contributed a total of $3500 toward that goal. On top of that, our Lead Team decided to match that total meaning we sent a check for $7000 which was the final push that helped to exceed the $20,000 goal.
First of all, I want to thank you for your generosity! And second, I want you to know that when you give to Midcurrent, you are helping to support God’s work both near and far. Every penny that you give back contributes directly the changing of lives here at this church, in this community, and across the world!
So well done, Midcurrent. I love to be a part of such a generous church. You faithfulness is making a difference!
If you’ve spent any time around here, you know that we care a TON about the next generation. Since the very beginning, we’ve had kids filling up every inch of whatever space we have called home. And we think that’s great! Because we believe that kids and youth today are leaders tomorrow–in the church, in the community, and in the world. That’s why I am so incredibly grateful for (and massively impressed by) Lexi and Jonathan and the teams they lead to invest into the next generation of Jesus followers.
And because we believe so strongly about the investment we make into kids and youth, I want to ask a favor of you. Would you take a moment to pray for MC Youth?
Pastor Jonathan and his team are set to take 23 teenagers, this weekend, to WINTER RUSH–a weekend retreat at Trout Lake Camp. Weekends like this have the potential to be defining moments in life and in faith. This will be a weekend where our teenagers will have the opportunity to grow deeper in relationship with each other, and deeper in their relationship with Jesus.
So would you be praying for them? Pray for safety as they travel. Pray for the adults who lead them. Pray that God’s Spirit would be so present throughout the entire weekend. And pray that these teenagers’ hearts would be open to all that God has in store for them.
And if you are not a teenager, then unfortunately you can’t go on the retreat, but we’d love to have you hang out with us on Sunday morning for Week 3 in our series Cut It Out!
We’ll save you a seat!
9:00am and 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
We have fully and officially turned the page on 2023. But I still feel compelled to take a moment to pause and to reflect on the year behind us. It was an amazing year full of growth, life change, friendship, connection, community, generosity and so much more. As I reflect on all of it, I just want to express my thanks to all of you who played a vital part in it. It truly is amazing and inspiring to see what we can accomplish together, in the name of Jesus.
Part of closing out the last year is sending out 2023 giving statements to those of you who generously contributed to God’s work here at Midcurrent. All 2023 statements have been sent out this week via email or regular mail. If you have not received your giving statement in the next few days, you can access a digital copy online by visiting midcurrent.churchcenter.com. Simply Login, and then click your initials in the upper right hand corner. Click on My Giving, followed by Giving Statements, then click the arrow to the right of your 2023 statement to download it for your own tax purposes. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your incredible support of all that God is doing here. I think the best is yet to come and that we will have many more opportunities to create spaces where real people and a real God will meet in powerful ways.
One of the most perfect places for real people and a real God to meet is at a course we are hosting called Alpha. Starting Thursday, January 11, we’re going on an 11 week journey to explore some of the biggest questions about life, faith, and meaning. And it’s a not too late to sign up. CLICK HERE to learn more and to begin your Alpha adventure!
Finally, if you’re anything like me, you’d really like to decrease the amount of time you spend scrolling on social media. If that’s the case, I’d really love to have you join us for Week 2 in our January series, Cut It Out, where we’ll discuss what God’s Word might have to say about all the time we spend online. What does God think about it? Does he even say anything about it?? Great questions… come find out more on Sunday!
Let me start off by wishing you a Happy New Year. 2023 was an amazing year at Midcurrent, and I truly believe there is much more in store for 2024.
In fact, we’re hosting what I believe could be the biggest catalyst to the strengthening of your faith this year. It’s called Alpha, and it starts on January 11. Alpha is an 11 week journey that explores the biggest questions about life and faith. Each week there will be a meal, free childcare, a thought provoking video teaching, and open and friendly discussion around the most important topics.
We believe Alpha will help you build the most solid foundation for your faith or perhaps provide the best introduction to faith and spirituality for those in your life who might be asking some of these same questions. Either way, this is an opportunity that you do not want to miss. We believe it’s a such a powerful series that it would be our dream for everyone who calls Midcurrent home to someday complete the whole Alpha journey. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to pastor Jonathan at jonathan@midcurrentchurch.org. And if you are ready to register, CLICK HERE to begin your Alpha adventure!
I also want to extend a personal invitation for you to join us this Sunday as I kick off a brand new message series called Cut It Out. January is often the time of year when we cut out all of the food and all of the habits and activities that prevent us from the healthy life we desire. This is a great way to start a new year, and I would suggest we take the same approach to our faith and spiritual life. Join us for the next 4 weeks as we’ll be challenged to cut out all of the habits, mindsets, and attitudes the prevent us from experiencing life the way God intended.
9:00am and 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/MidcurrentChurch
2024 won’t be the same with out you. We’ll save you a seat!
Today I want to express my thanks to each of you who were able to join us for Christmas at Midcurrent. For all who showed up, invited friends and family, and volunteered on one of our ministry teams, you were a part of history at Midcurrent as we welcomed more people though our front doors on one weekend than ever before. Almost 700 people joined us to celebrate Jesus–the light of the world that broke into the darkness for you and me. I think I speak for many of us when I say that it was a wonderful time to be together and special celebration for the entire MC family.
If you joined us for one of our three worship experiences, you saw the story of God’s work in the life of our friend, Ray. If you weren’t able to be with us, you can watch Ray’s story here!
When you choose to give back to God at Midcurrent, this is precisely what you are contributing to–life change. God is working here, not just in Ray’s life, but in the lives of so many men, women, teenagers, kids, and entire families. If you are looking to support the work God is doing at Midcurrent, and our vision to create spaces where real people and a real God meet, you can do so right here. Whether it’s a one time gift, a new recurring gift, or a 2023 year end gift, just know that we are grateful for your generosity and that God is blessing it in real and powerful ways.
I know it’s hard to imagine that Christmas is over, but it is. And if you’re wondering, “what’s next?” then do not miss this Sunday. Pastor Jonathan will help us examine a handful of ways that we can, and often do, respond to Jesus, the newborn King.
9:00am and 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/MidcurrentChurch
I know we haven’t even made it through one full week of December, but I am already thinking about Christmas at Midcurrent. In what has been the most momentous year in the life of our church, we are anticipating more guests this Christmas than ever before. As a result, we are thrilled to host THREE identical Christmas services.
Christmas Eve Eve, December 23, at 4:00pm and 6:00pm
Christmas Eve morning, December 24, at 9:00am only
Just as always, you can expect a warm and friendly welcome, inspiring music from the band, an encouraging message, and an entire experience to which you can invite your friends, neighbors, and co-workers with confidence.
As we anticipate all of the excitement, we also want to ensure that we can be the absolute best host possible. You can help! If you already know which service you and your family are panning to attend, would you RSVP on the Church Center App or by clicking here?
Registration is NOT required, for you or any quests of yours, in order to attend any of our three Christmas services. But if you are able to let us know of your plans, it would help us immensely as we prepare to make Christmas at Midcurrent the most hospitable and irresistible place to be in the St. Croix Valley this Christmas.
Hope to see you Sunday as pastor Jonathan is up for Week 2 in our series, Missing Peace.
9:00am and 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
Hey Midcurrent,
If you track with the holiday shopping schedule, my guess is that you are aware of the big three: Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday.
What you may or may not be aware of is that, in the last few years, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving got a special day of its own too. But it’s not about deals or shopping. It’s actually all about giving. In fact, it’s called Giving Tuesday. It even has its own website, and if you visit the page online you’ll read that Giving Tuesday was created to be a “global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.”
When it’s working right, I think the same is true of the local church. When the local church is operating as God intended, I believe it can be the movement that unleashes the power of people and organizations, in the name of Jesus, to transform their communities and the world.
And so this Giving Tuesday, I’d love to invite you to consider an expression of generosity toward God’s work at Midcurrent.
As 2023 comes end, I took a moment to highlight how God has been at work at Midcurrent and to look ahead to the coming year. I’d be grateful if you took a moment to read that update and to pray about how you might join God in God’s mission to change the world… starting right here at Midcurrent.
You can read that year end update here.
With gratitude,
Sten
P.S. We are kicking off the Christmas season at Midcurrent this Sunday with a brand new message series, Missing Peace. Hope to see you at 9:00am or 10:30am, or at YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
You may have heard us say a few times now that this has been one of the most momentous seasons in the life of our church. It’s true. And as I think about all that is unfolding, one thing comes to mind. Gratitude. I am grateful to God that He continues to meet people here at Midcurrent in real and powerful ways. And I am grateful for all of you.
You may have been around from the beginning, or you may have been around for only the last couple weeks or somewhere in between. Regardless, here’s what I know to be true. None of this would be possible without you. None of what we are experiencing at Midcurrent would be possible without each of you who has showed up, invited a friend, served on a team, given generously, prayed faithfully or taken some kind of risk to help contribute in some way to the work that God is doing here.
This place is making a difference, friends. And I know that I, for one, am so glad to be a part of a church that cares so deeply about doing anything and everything we can to ensure that Midcurrent is always a place where real people and a real God meet.
With that, I want to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving. I hope that day is full of lots of food, friends, family, football…and hopefully a great deal of gratitude as well.
It’s a busy weekend I know, but don’t forget to come hang out with us on Sunday. Wouldn’t be the same without you.
9:00am and 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
Sten
P.S. Ladies, DO NOT miss your chance to kick off the Christmas season here on Sunday night for a wreathe making workshop. You can get more details and register by clicking this link.
Hey Midcurrent,
I want to extend a special invitation to you today to join us this coming Sunday as we will take the entire morning to introduce you to an organization called Together For Good. Together For Good creates pathways for the local church to come alongside vulnerable families in Christ centered ministry. And I am thrilled to share with you that Midcurrent is one of three churches in western Wisconsin, working together, to bring Together For Good to this side of the St. Croix River.
When we started Midcurrent six years ago, we knew we wanted to reach into our community in a way that left a lasting impact for generations to come. We believe our partnership with Together For Good will be a giant step in that direction.
On Sunday, we’ll look at what God’s Word has to say about our care for vulnerable families, we’ll see video testimony of the work Together For Good does as well as the impact it has on communities just like ours, and we’ll learn about the part we can play in all of it.
If involvement with Together For Good, through Midcurrent, is something that you think might be of interest to you, then make sure to join us on Sunday. Please also mark your calendar for Tuesday, November 21 at 7pm. Our three Wisconsin churches will be gathering together at Faith Community Church, along with representatives from Together For Good, to learn more about how we serve vulnerable families here in the St. Croix Valley.
Hope to see you there…and on Sunday too.
Hey Midcurrent,
My kids saw a Christmas commercial on TV the other night, and all of them screamed out loud, “It’s not even Thanksgiving yet! Why are these people talking about Christmas?!” I’ll be honest, it was a proud dad moment. Because the reality is, this might be one of the most controversial topics in the world today. When is it really acceptable to start celebrating Christmas?
If you couldn’t tell based on the pride I felt in my kids’ proper response to this all-important matter, I am firmly in the “after Thanksgiving” camp. But like it or not, the world around us is starting to turn its attention toward Christmas. So I figured I’d take a moment to talk Christmas as well.
We’re incredibly excited to announce that we’ll be hosting THREE services to celebrate Christmas this year at Midcurrent. In keeping with our Christmas Eve Eve tradition, we’ll host two services on Saturday, December 23 at 4:00pm and 6:00pm and one identical service on Sunday, December 24 at 9:00am only.
I tell you this now so that you can build Christmas at Midcurrent into any plans you are making this year with friends and family.
We believe the good news of Christmas is one of the greatest stories we get to tell, and we also believe that this year we will have the opportunity to share it with more people than ever before in the history of our church. And if that is going to happen, we’ll need as many of you as possible to partner with us. If they have not yet, our staff will soon be sending out invitations for you to serve on one of our teams for Christmas at Midcurrent. And our prayer is that you could sit in one service and volunteer in another. Together, we believe we can be the greatest host for every guest who walks through our doors this Christmas.
We’ll roll out more details for Christmas at Midcurrent in the coming weeks. But for now, please make note of the exciting weekend we have planned.
12/23 @ 4:00pm and 6:00pm
12/24 @ 9:00am
In the meantime, I’m closing out our series Winning the War in Your Mind this Sunday, and I’d love to see you there!
This past weekend at Midcurrent was certainly a highlight of the year.
For starters, we held our first ever Men’s Breakfast with just about 50 dudes who gathered together for a hearty breakfast as well as a challenging, and inspiring, talk about integrity. I think I speak for just about every one of those 50 guys when I say it was a morning we won’t forget. There was also a brave group of guys who came out early for some flag football in the cold. And in case anyone is wondering…yes, my team beat pastor Jonathan’s team in the first game. Just sayin’…
Then on Sunday, we dedicated eight kids to the Lord! It truly is encouraging to see parents publicly declare their intention to do everything they can to raise their kids to know and follow Jesus. I love, too, the commitment the whole church makes to support, champion, and cheer for these families, and these kids, along the way. I am so grateful for a church that continually invests into the next generation of Jesus followers!
We also had our largest attended weekend (excluding Christmas and Easter) in the short history of our church. More than 400 men, women, and children walked through our doors on Sunday morning. Now, let me be honest. I have said from Day 1 that I don’t have attendance goals. Bigger is not necessarily better. But here is what I have also said from Day 1. As long as we have friends, family, or neighbors that do not know Jesus, then we’re not big enough. So I am celebrating, wildly, the opportunity we had on Sunday for more than 400 people to meet Jesus, or to begin following him more closely, right here at Midcurrent.
If you call Midcurrent home, thanks for all you have done to help this to be the place where real people and a real God meet. You prayers, generosity, and hospitality, as well as your serving and inviting is making a real difference. We couldn’t do it without you!
Hope to see you Sunday for Week 3 in our series, Winning the War in Your Mind.
We’re rapidly approaching a monumental milestone in the life of Midcurrent Church. Next Sunday, October 15, we are celebrating our 6 year anniversary! It was October 15, 2017, that we opened our doors for the first time ever at Camp St. Croix. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to see how far we’ve come. And if you are reading this email, it means that you have played a part in contributing to God’s movement here in the St. Croix Valley. So let me express my sincere thanks to you for all the prayers, all the sacrifice, all the hard work, and all of the generosity. It wouldn’t be the same with out you. And we are looking forward to celebrating with as many of you as possible.
And there is no better way to celebrate what God has done at Midcurrent than through baptism. If you think baptism might be a step of faith you are ready to take, we’d love to stand along side of you, cheering for you along the way. Head over to the sign ups tab on the Church Center app or get some more info here!
Let me conclude by giving one last plug for MC Connections, Week 3, on Thursday, October 5. This whole thing was designed to make Midcurrent a place where someone knows your name and where you know the name and the story of the you sitting next to you. And if it’s even possible, Week 2 was even more legit than Week 1, and I have no reason to believe that this trend won’t continue with Week 3. You can get all the important details and register on the Church Center app or with this link right here.
Really hoping to see you this Sunday as we bring our series, Extraordinary Ordinary People, to a close.
9:00am and 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/midcurrentchurch
Hey Midcurrent,
You’ll be glad to know that I did indeed decide to get on my return flight home after a week of fishing in the mountains of Montana. It was a great dose of medicine for my soul. And now I’m back and ready to roll for what I believe could be the most momentous season in the life of our church. And our team is ready roll.
Brian has been as steadfast as ever in his leadership with our worship team. Lexi (who just got married!!) is an All Star and is continuing to see here role and her influence in MC Kids expand. Erica (yes, I am a little biased because she’s my wife) leads quite possibly the most hospitable First Impressions Team. And Jonathan is truly the most perfect addition to this team at the most perfect time.
Midcurrent, as fall rolls around, here’s what I believe to be true. It’s go time!!
Trust me when I say that our staff is all geared up for the new year ahead. All we need is YOU to link arms with us to make Midcurrent even more of the place where real people and a real God meet in powerful ways. If you have not yet found your way onto a team to begin serving here at Midcurrent, do not wait any longer.
Jonathan would love to add TWO more female small group leaders at MC Youth. Lexi and her team see up to 100 kids a week and YOU might be the person who helps position that team to welcome even more kids into the most fun, caring, and safe place for kids to learn about Jesus. And there’s plenty of other roles in the band, production booth, first impression, MC Kids check-ins, cafe and beyond that you could fill as well. To see a list of all the teams where you could contribute to God’s work at Midcurrent this year, check out this link here!
Lastly, I know it’s Labor Day weekend, but I’d be so glad to see you this Sunday as I bring a close to our series Holy Habits.
9:00am and 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/MidcurrentChurch
August is off to a great start! For starters, our staff just attended a two-day leadership conference called the Global Leadership Summit. I think I can speak for all of us when I say we were filled with encouragement, wisdom, and valuable learning for the season of ministry ahead. It was a special time for our […]
Hey Midcurrent! I wanted to take a moment to let you know how fun this summer has been so far. Typically, summer attendance takes a dip in this part of the country. And while that has proved true this summer at Midcurrent, here’s what has also been true. We have welcomed so many first time visitors through […]
Hey Midcurrent! I know it’s not officially summer yet, but it’s about as close as we can get. It’s almost June. Temperatures are rising, and the outdoors are calling. If you’re anything like my family, you’re already dreaming about all the fun you’ll have this summer. And as you start planning your summer schedule, I […]
Hey Midcurrent!
I’ve got some exciting news to share with you. Last night, our MC Partners officially (and unanimously) confirmed Jonathan Maley as our new associate pastor of youth and discipleship!
I won’t get into all the details right now, but I will say this: This is a big deal!
With MC Youth primed to take-off in this community, and with Midcurrent growing in general, we are at a pivotal moment in the life of our church. And I truly believe that adding Jonathan to our team will help us seize that moment in a profound way.
Jonathan will begin at Midcurrent on June 13, which means this will be a summer to remember. I hope you are planning to be a part of it as much as you can!
We can’t wait for all of you to meet Jonathan, his wife Carley, and his two kids, Junie and Walker. Until then, can I ask that you be praying for Midcurrent and the Maley family? I think God is up to something really special among us right now, and I’d be grateful to have more of you lifting all of it up in prayer to Him.
Lastly, I know this weekend is the unofficial start to summer, and we’d be glad to have you spend it with us!
9:00am and 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/MidcurrentChurch
Thanks,
Sten
P.S. Don’t forget to sign up for our afternoon together at Feed My Starving Children on June 10. Details and registration can be found HERE!
I got an email this week from someone expressing their gratitude for the church we have created here in the St. Croix Valley. She shared how much her family actually looks forward to church every Sunday, which was a true answer to her prayers. She then shared a few magical words that I’ll tuck away for a rainy day. She said:
“It’s a true testimony to being a place where real people and a real God meet.”
Friends, that is music to my ears! That is the very place we pray we would be for more and more people in our community. So the fact that all of you are picking up on that and actually experiencing it to be true for you, and your families, and spouses, and kids, and friends, and neighbors…well, it puts a little extra pep in my step.
Our commitment to creating a place where real people and a real God meet is truly what makes us tick, and it’s actually what we are talking more about in our current message series called This Is Us.
We’ve been experiencing so much growth, Easter attendance was off the charts, and so I figured now might be a good time to call a timeout and talk a little but more about what it is we are all about at Midcurrent.
We’ve got two weeks in the books where we talked all about our invitation to real, everyday people as well as our confidence in a real, loving, active and faithful God. This Sunday, we’ll put the spotlight on our efforts to create the spaces and opportunities where those two meet.
I’m really looking forward to it. We’ll also celebrate child dedication which is an awesome opportunity to stand alongside moms and dads whose desire is to raise their kids to know and follow Jesus.
It’s gonna be a great morning…would love to see you there!
If you haven’t heard or seen yet, the St. Croix River has flooded right up to our door step. The river view from my office gets better and better every single day!!
Ok…all jokes aside, it is a pretty crazy scene out in front of church and we have lost a number of parking spaces you typically utilize on a Sunday morning. BUT HAVE NO FEAR! There is still plenty of parking available, and access to our front door is not impeded in any way.
And we are in a series too important to miss! It’s called THIS IS US. Whether you are new to Midcurrent, or have called this place home for a while, this series was designed to teach everyone more about the heartbeat of Midcurrent. I think you will enjoy the series as well as any friends and neighbors you have considered inviting to church with you.
There is still First Street parking to the north, and all of the River City Center parking lot (think River Front Athletic Club) is available to us.
So leave yourself an extra minute or two, wear your walking shoes, and started practicing your speed walk. But whatever you do, do not miss week 2 of THIS IS US.
Easter at Midcurrent was so special this year. So let me say THANK YOU to each of you who joined us. You truly were a part of a historical Sunday at Midcurrent.
For starters, you were there to take part in a celebration of the greatest event in the history of the world. The day that Jesus defeated death changed everything for you and me, and it was the day that re-wrote history as we know it. I can’t tell you how exciting it was to be together.
You were also a part of our very first Easter in our new home at 200 First Street. This building has been such a tool in our effort to create spaces for real people and a real God to meet. Sunday was no different.
And then, to top it all off, we welcomed more people through our doors than ever before in our short five-and-a-half year history. 550 people walked through our front doors. That’s 550 people who had the opportunity to learn that God truly is in the business of turning tragedy into triumph.
The growth we have experienced has been so exciting and has created one of the best problems in the world. We need more staff!! Currently we are looking to hire an administrative assistant as well as a director for MC Youth. Both job descriptions are available at midcurrentchurch.org/jobs You can help by praying that God would send the right people our way…or by sending the job description to someone you think should apply. We are excited about the next chapter of ministry at Midcurrent!
That’s all for now. Hope to see you this Sunday for Week 1 in our new series, This is Us. This is a great series to invite your friends and neighbors as we’ll talk all about the heart beat of Midcurrent Church.
We can’t wait to celebrate Easter at Midcurrent and would be thrilled to have you join us on April 9 at 9:00 or 10:30.
We know walking through the doors of a church can be intimidating, which is why just about everything we do is designed with you, our guest, in mind!
As you arrive, you’ll find a friendly crew of greeters ready to welcome you through our doors, point you in the right direction, or direct you to a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Then, in just about 60 minutes you’ll experience inspiring music, genuine prayers intended to help connect you to the heart of God, as well as a Biblical message you can understand and apply to your everyday life.
If you’ve got kids, we’ve got them covered too! Midcurrent Kids offers an energy-filled morning of interactive music and singing, hands-on crafts,and kid-friendly teaching. And while your kids are in the care of our incredible team of trained and background checked volunteers, you can take in the whole Easter service that was designed with you in mind.
Above all, we want you to know that we don’t believe church is for church people only. It’s not for perfect people, or religious people, or people who know all the right answers. We believe church is for real everyday people just like you. And more than anything, we want to create spaces and opportunities for real people and a real God to meet.
You don’t have to dress a certain way, or look a certain way, or talk a certain way. You’re invited to Easter at Midcurrent just as you are!”
I’m certain that you’ve heard us say it before, but the ONE thing we are all about is creating spaces for real people and a real God to meet. We truly hope Midcurrent is a meeting place for you and God every time you walk through our front door. At the same time, we also want to do whatever we can to help you take another step in a real relationship with Him.
Not long ago, we decided that at this time in the life our church, MC Circles were the best way we could do just that. MC Circles are seasonal, short term opportunities for you to move from rows on Sunday into circles together throughout the week. The goal is that you would MAKE PROGRESS in a particular area of your life and MEET PEOPLE who you may ultimately choose to do life with.
Over the course of the entire year of 2022, we saw 125 people make their way from rows into circles. Just this month, we launched our first round of 2023 MC Circles, and I am stoked to share that another 75 people have circled up to start the new year off right.
Midcurrent, that is worth celebrating!
It is so fun to be a part of a church that continually pursues a relationship with God and with one another. I truly believe God will honor each step we take. So keep on circling up!
Hope to see you Sunday for Week 2 of I DO!
9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/MidcurrentChurch
Hey Midcurrent,
I’ve got some real exciting news to share with your today about one of the most important environments we create every single week: MC Kids.
Lexi Vossen has just accepted the offer to join our staff as the new MC Kids Director!! Her training in the world of early childhood education, plus her heart for God and her commitment to the way He is moving at Midcurrent, make Lexi the perfect fit for this new season of ministry ahead.
Lexi’s fingerprints are already all over MC Kids from her time as a volunteer, an intern, as well as an interim director, and we could not be more excited to permanently add her to our team. And we could not be more confident of the new trail she will blaze as well.
And in the midst of some of the change happening in MC Kids recently, you can rest assured that one thing will always be the same. We believe kids today are leaders tomorrow and we will do everything we can to raise up the next generation of Jesus-following leaders in the world.
When you see Lexi next, make sure to give her a high five and an official welcome to Midcurrent!
And make sure to join us this Sunday as we begin a brand new message series called I Do. We’ll take the month of February to learn more about how we strengthen one of the most important relationships in the world– marriage. I recognize not everyone at Midcurrent is married. But I also recognize that those who are not quite possibly will be married someday, while others of you still play a vital role of support in the marriages of friends and family close to you. As a result, I think it will be really helpful for all of us to learn more about what it takes to make a marriage thrive.
9:00am & 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/MidcurrentChurch
Hey friends,
As I reflect on this past year, I am truly in awe of all that God has done within this place that we call Midcurrent! Each year in our short five year history has been significant, but there is no denying it–2022 was special.
- We saw continued growth at a time when church growth across the country had slowed down.
- In true Midcurrent fashion, we dedicated another 25 kids to the Lord.
- We celebrated five years of existence and witnessed five more people going public with their faith through baptism.
- We helped connect roughly 125 people in spring and fall MC Circles.
- We celebrated all that God did in our first home at Camp St. Croix.
- We moved into a new home at 200 First Street in downtown Hudson.
- We hosted roughly 450 people for our first Christmas Eve Eve in our new home.
- We created more spaces and more opportunities for real people and a real God to meet.
- We celebrated seeing more people finding true connection and calling Midcurrent home.
And we couldn’t have done it without you. Your faithfulness and generosity is truly making a difference at Midcurrent and in the St. Croix Valley.
I know the end of 2022 is just a few days away, but if you are still looking for a place to make a year-end contribution, there is really no better place than Midcurrent. I truly believe your investment into God’s work at Midcurrent is the best investment you could ever make.
Year-end contributions can be made safely, quickly and easily by visiting: midcurrent.churchcenter.com/giving.
This year truly was monumental. And we have a very good God, and all of you to thank for that. I could not be more grateful.
Happy New Year!
Sten
P.S. Don’t forget that we will not be holding regular worship services on Sunday, January 1, but rather we will be gathering at 10:30am only to pack gift baskets for teachers in our community. Bring all snacks, supplies, K-Cups, coffee cups, bottled waters, etc. as we put together a giant THANK YOU to teachers for the part they play in raising the next generation of leaders in the world.
Hey Midcurrent,
I’m sitting in my office, looking out over the St. Croix River, and watching more snow fall–the beginnings of what is supposed to be a lot more snow!! And I am praying for clear skies on Friday because we have such a special evening in store for you, your friends, your family, your co-workers, and your neighbors.
I hope you are making your plans, now, for which service you will attend. The building will decked out. The music will be top notch. We’ve got a powerful video telling to story of real, everyday people here at Midcurrent. I’m excited to share a message of hope that I think we all just might need right now. And of course, we close the service by candle light singing Silent Night.
Our Christmas Eve Eve worship experiences are at 5:00pm and 7:00pm on Friday, December 23.
A full hour of fun and engaging MC Kids programming will be available at both services. If your kids are bring friends or cousins to MC Kids, they can enter their family into our Check-Ins data base ahead of time with this form here, which will make for a fast and easy check-in process when they arrive.
The countdown is on!! And I am looking forward to see you, and celebrating the birth of our Savior with you on Friday night.
See you soon!
Sten
P.S. Don’t forget that we will NOT hold regular worship experiences on Sunday, December 25. But we will join back together for our Teacher Appreciation packing party at 10:30am only on Sunday, January 1.
Hey Midcurrent,
The next 30 days include some of the most anticipated days of the entire year. And I want to make sure you know what those special days will look like here at Midcurrent. So let me fill you in on three dates.
1. December 23–Christmas Eve Eve.
You might be wondering if I meant to write, “December 24–Christmas Eve.” No, I did not. Years ago we began a new tradition for celebrating Christmas at Midcurrent by holding Christmas Eve services on Christmas Eve Eve. There are two identical services at 5:00pm and 7:00pm on December 23. Our band will sing songs that are sure to warm your soul. We’ll celebrate how God is working in the lives of those who call Midcurrent home. I’ll boil down the good news of Christmas into one simple truth that I think you, and every one of your neighbors and co-workers, need to hear. And, just as we do every year, we’ll light up the room with candles only to bring the service to a close. It’s a “Don’t Miss” experience at Midcurrent, and we hope to see you there!
2. December 25–Christmas Day
Christmas actually falls on a Sunday this year. And rather than bringing you all back to Midcurrent less than 48 hours after our Christmas Eve Eve services, we’ll press pause on our Sunday morning schedule and invite you to spend Christmas morning at home with your family and friends. You have my permission to stay in your pajamas till at least 2:00pm! And at that point….you might as well just leave them on all day!
3. January 1–New Years Day
New Year’s Day also falls on a Sunday this year. We recognize that New Year’s Day looks different for many of us. But we don’t want to let two Sundays pass us by without being together. So here’s the plan. We’re holding
Teacher Appreciation Day at Midcurrent. In place of our regular worship experiences, we’ll be packing gift baskets for teachers in our local schools. We believe kids today are leaders tomorrow, and we want to express our thanks to our local schools for the part they play in raising up the next generation. More details on how you can help will available this Sunday at Midcurrent!
This Sunday is also Week 2 in our current series, All I Want For Christmas. I’ll suggest another item for the top of your wish list this year. Hope you can make it.
9:00am and 10:30am // 200 First Street // YouTube.com/MidcurrentChurch
Sten
Hey Midcurrent! Thanksgiving is now less than 24 hours away (or maybe it’s already passed if you don’t open your email first thing Wednesday morning–anxiously awaiting my midweek update). And I know for many of us, this week is one in which we are extra mindful of all that we have to be thankful for. I’m glad for that. […]
This past Sunday, I delivered the one message you’ve all been waiting for–the one message people look forward to all year long. It’s the most requested topic at Midcurrent today. You have all been begging me, and pleading with me to talk about this one thing in church. And so I finally gave the talk that everyone was asking for. What talk is that? The […]
Hey Midcurrent! One of the exciting things about hitting the five-year mark as a young church plant is that we have hit the point in time where church membership is now an option for those of you who truly call Midcurrent home. And here at Midcurrent, we refer to membership as partnership. Why partnership instead […]
Hey Midcurrent! Consider this midweek email your VIP invitation to a very special celebration this Sunday. Midcurrent is turning FIVE!! It’s hard for me to believe, but five years ago this very weekend, we opened the doors of Midcurrent Church for the first time ever. It almost brings tears to my eyes to think of all that has happened […]
Hey Midcurrent! In his message on Sunday, Pastor Sten said that we can be completely surrounded by people, and still feel lonely. Have you ever found that to be true? I know I have. No matter what season or walk of life we find ourselves in, all of us have the desire to be truly known and accepted. […]
Hey Midcurrent! I know you’re probably asking yourself, “Grand Opening??? Hasn’t the new building been open for the last month?” And you’d be right, it has been. But this Sunday will be special. Here’s why: We have all the kinks worked out in our new home. We now have a second service which will create more room, more comfort, and more […]
You’ve heard by now that, starting on September 11th, we’ll be adding a second service on Sunday morning. We’ll soon be gathering at 9:00am and 10:30am. I for one am thrilled about the next step and next season in our life as a church. But I recognize some of you may have questions or concerns. So […]
After five years of setting up and tearing down every single Sunday, and about five months of construction in downtown Hudson, the time has finally come for us to open the doors to a home of our very own. And we could not be more excited! This Sunday will be our FIRST service at 200 First Street […]
Hey Midcurrent, This past Sunday was a bittersweet moment as we held our very last service at Camp St Croix–the very first place we ever called home. It was a day full of emotions, logistics, and details, and I’m not quite sure any of it has really sunk in for me yet. I’m sure it will all hit sometime […]
Hey Midcurrent! If I had to guess, I’d say most of you are asking the very same question right now. When do we move into the new building? Am I right? Is this not the ONE thing you really want to know? Well, I am excited to rollout for you the timeline we anticipate for […]
Hey Midcurrent! It’s not every day that a 5-year church plant gets to call a permanent space “home,” and yet, that is exactly what we will be able to do before the end of the Summer! I can hardly wait to see the front doors of Midcurrent swing open, not only to the beautiful St. […]
There’s a lot of talk about our new building these days…and rightfully so! It is coming along in ways that surprise even me. I stopped in this week to see sheet rock up on every single wall giving shape to the very rooms and hallways we will soon be filling up every week! Words cannot […]
Hey Midcurrent, It finally feels like summer is in the air! I don’t know about you but I can hardly wait for everything that comes along with that – walks outside, swimming, ice cream and barefoot kids running around. There’s something about summer that is magical for every age, but especially for kids. One of my […]
You may have noticed that it is pretty full at church these days. In fact, you may be wondering, “Do they even realize how full and crowded it really is?” Here’s the answer: yes, we do. We see it, and feel it, and experience it every Sunday. We know we are packing chairs into every […]
Hey everyone, Midcurrent was alive this past Sunday! Could you feel it? Not only did we celebrate that Jesus was alive, but we also witnessed a powerful video story of the new life in Christ that is being born in the lives of people right here in our own community and in our own church. […]
As if you needed a reminder that this year is flying by fast…here is your reminder that Easter is just a few days away!! With all of the growth we’ve experienced over the last few months, and in anticipation of all the guests we expect to walk through our doors this weekend, we are excited […]
Pastor Sten hit it out of the park again this week. He taught us more about the events of the first Easter weekend and made such a helpful parallel for us to understand about our own lives. The Saturday between Jesus’ crucifixion and his resurrection was relatively uneventful. As Sten described it: The day without […]
Hey Midcurrent, If you have been around for the past month or so, you have experienced all the fullness, energy, and excitement of our Sunday morning worship experiences. The whole MC staff keeps saying the same thing, “It has been so fun!” It’s true. It really has been so much fun. And all the momentum […]
Hey Midcurrent, I’m writing to you today regarding a significant milestone in our life as a church. This June, Midcurrent will be officially welcomed as a full standing, member congregation of the Evangelical Covenant Church! So then, you might ask, what exactly have we been for the last four years?? Good question! I promise you, […]
Hey Midcurrent! A few days have already passed, but I am still smiling at the thought of all we celebrated on Sunday. We had the opportunity to dedicate 15 kids to Lord! That’s 15 kids we dedicated to God’s care and to God’s service in the world. And that’s a total of 12 families that […]
Hey Midcurrent! I almost have to pinch myself whenever I say this out loud, but I could not be more thrilled to announce that construction has officially begun on our new home downtown! It’s not the most glamorous of work, yet–mostly demolition, clean up, and project preparation. And we won’t have a firm timeline in […]
A reflection on Sunday’s message: Recently at Midcurrent, we’ve been talking about “Seizing Your Divine Moment”. The 6 weeks of this series are helping me understand more deeply about the times I have asked for God’s guidance in a decision. Often, it’s when I’ve felt weary and unsure of where to go next, finding myself […]
Hey Midcurrent,
With each passing day in 2022, we are one day closer to a potential start date for construction on our new building downtown. As a result, let me give you a few updates on where things stand.
Fundraising Goal
As we unveiled this exciting new project in the fall of 2021, we estimated an initial fundraising goal of over $500,000. In the weeks and months that followed, we worked hard to select the right general contractor (Leading Edge and our very own Lukas Rivard, if you haven’t heard!!) and were then provided a more accurate bid of just about $600,000 which we then set as our new fundraising goal. No one likes to see a price tag go up, but I do not believe God is deterred by a few extra bucks…and we shouldn’t be either.
Current Progress
As of today, there have been 72 unique donors (59 from within the Midcurrent community) who have pledged $520,000 to the construction of our new home. Midcurrent, that is so worth celebrating! And yet if I’m honest, we’re not where we hoped we would be. In 2021, we had a total of 132 unique donors contribute to God’s work at Midcurrent which means there is still a great opportunity for a HIGHER percentage of those of us that call Midcurrent “home” to participate in this campaign and push us over the finish line. If you have yet to contribute to the future home God is leading us toward, or are feeling compelled to give above and beyond what you already have, you can do so quickly and easily by clicking this link, and selecting the “Raise ‘Em Up” fund from the drop down menu. I cannot wait to see how God will use this new tool of ours to reach many more people for Jesus. The best is yet to come gang!
Next Steps
It is likely that we will begin construction sometime between February 1 and March 1. Whenever that day comes, we will make sure to let you know the exact moment we anticipate the first nail being pounded.
Thanks!
This past Sunday we all learned an important lesson: Four of a Kind beats a Full House every singe time. And, no, I wasn’t giving out Poker tips. I did, however, teach on a touching passage of scripture from the book of Mark. Four friends carried their paralyzed friend to Jesus. And when the house where He teaching was too crowded to get inside, they cut a hole in the roof and lowered their friend down in front of Jesus. And because of their faith (these four friends) Jesus heals the paralyzed man and forgives him of his sins.
Midcurrent, sometimes it’s the faith of our friends–the people we invite and allow into our lives–that determines the fulness of our future. We all need people in our lives who are going to carry us when we can’t stand on our own.
It’s because of this that we have launched a new season of what we are now calling MC Circles! We believe life is better in circles throughout the week than it is in rows on Sundays. Everyone needs a circle and so the questions is, who is in yours? Registration for Spring Circles is now open on the Groups tab of the Church center app or by visiting:
https://midcurrent.churchcenter.com/groups/spring-2022-mc-circles.
Choose from groups meeting monthly or weekly…kicking off in February.
We are absolutely better together. So there’s just one thing left to do: let’s circle up!
At our Christmas Eve Eve services we shared a video letting everyone know just what our Christmas wish is this year!
Hey Midcurrent,
The week after Christmas is a weird one. It’s hard to remember what day it is, and it can be hard to get back into the groove. On top of that, many people experience what is referred to as the post-Christmas blues. All the excitement and activity is over, and oftentimes a feeling of sadness sets in. And while all of that can be very real, I am still smiling about the most special and memorable Christmas we had at Midcurrent.
On what was the last Christmas we will spend in the first place we called home, we welcomed more people through our doors than ever before. That’s almost 350 men, women, and children who heard that Jesus came into the world the way He did to send the whole world a message. That message is this:
There is no place He hasn’t been. There is no situation He can’t transform. There is no person He doesn’t love. So let me say thanks to each and every one of you who prayed, served, invited, tuned in, and showed up for Christmas Eve Eve at Midcurrent. It was such a joy to celebrate, together, the good news of Emmanuel–God is with us.
I look forward to being with all of you this coming Sunday, onsite or online, for Week 1 in a brand new message series, First and Ten. We’ll kickoff 2022 by exploring a game changing question Jesus asked over 2000 years ago. Our answer to that question very well may determine the year that lies ahead for us.
Hope to see you then.
10:30am // Camp St. Croix // YouTube.com/MidcurrentChurch
I don’t know about you, but this time of year is CRAZY for me. December is always nuts when you work in a church. On top of that, I’m helping lead the Raise ‘Em Up building campaign through some vital stretches of the process right now. And on the home front, we’re busy planning all the details for Christmas with family. We’re wrapping mountains of presents and shipping packages all over the country. And we’re trying to fit in all of our favorite Christmas-time traditions. I’m tired just writing about it.
That’s why I love Christmas Eve Eve at Midcurrent. We get a chance to stop, pause, take a breath, and all come together to celebrate the greatest gift that we could have ever been given. I can’t wait to celebrate with you. And let me tell you, we have some memorable moments all lined up for the evening. You will not want to miss it! And I hope you are already thinking about who you will invite to join you for our last Christmas in the very first place we called home.
I’ll be honest, I have some big goals for this Christmas at Midcurrent. I want more people to walk through our doors than ever before. You can help make it a Christmas to remember for the friends, family, neighbors and co-workers in your life. Send a text or make a phone call, or save the Eve Eve invite that is posted on Facebook to send on to whoever it is you’d like to join you next week.
Thursday, December 23 // 4pm and 6pm
Camp St. Croix // YouTube.com/MidcurrentChurch
Can’t wait!
Hey Midcurrent!
I just walked out of a meeting about the current state of our next home and our Raise ‘Em Up building campaign. And as the saying goes, there’s some good news and some bad news. I’ll start with the good news.
We have selected a general contractor!! Typically, I wouldn’t expect all of you to get too excited about the selection of a general contractor. But our general contractor is someone I think you should be very excited about…because he is one of our very own. I could not be more pleased to let you know that Lukas Rivard, and his company Leading Edge, will be leading the project for us! Lukas and his partners have done some exceptional work right here in our own community, and I could not be more thrilled to have them on the job for us.
Now here’s the other news. It’s not necessarily bad news. It’s just not the good news. So, whatever kind of news it is, here’s what’s up. With Leading Edge in place, we are inching closer and closer to a commitment date–when the first nail is pounded and there is no going back. At the same time, our fundraising has plateaued about $150,000 short of our goal. If our next home is going to be a reality for us in 2022, we need to close that gap as quickly as we can.
So I have two requests:
- If you have not yet contributed to our Raise ‘Em Up campaign, I want to invite you to consider doing so before the year is up. There could not be a better time to contribute as your gift could be the gift that pushes us across the finish line and gives Leading Edge the official “green light” to start raising up those walls.
- If you have already contributed to the project, I want to humbly ask that you take another look. Ask God if He is maybe leading you to take a leap of faith by adding to your contribution. Erica and I did this a few weeks into the campaign. At the outset, we had both decided on a number that already felt like a big sacrifice for our family. We even drained a growing vacation fund we had stashed away for the last 10 years. And yet, a few weeks into the project, we looked at each other and almost simultaneously admitted that we knew God was asking us to give even more. So we doubled the initial contribution we were already planning on. And let me tell you, I have never been more excited or more content to give away so much money because I could not be more confident of what God wants to do in Midcurrent’s new home. The best is yet to come, friends! I’d be so deeply grateful to have you in on it all.
Ok…one more request. Come hang out with us this Sunday for Week 2 in our series, Unexpected. You might just learn about the gift God wants to offer you this Christmas.
10:30am // Camp St. Croix // YouTube.com/MidcurrentChurch
I’m sitting in Dunn Brothers as I write, and it is full-on Christmas in here. I love it! They’ve had the Christmas cups for a while now (clearly they are in the pre-Thanksgiving-Christmas-celebration camp), but now they have all the trees and ornaments and hanging wreaths. Ready or not, Christmas is coming!!
And in partnership with Operation HELP, we are excited to bring a special little slice of Christmas to families in our own communities who are in need of a little extra assistance this time of year. If you grabbed a tag either of the last two Sundays, you’ve only got a few more days to do your Christmas shopping because this Sunday, December 5th, we are collecting all the gifts back at Midcurrent–unwrapped and with the original tag you picked off the tree.
Thank you so much for your generosity. You all are always so quick to respond to needs in the community and in the world. I love leading a church full of people with hearts like yours!
Not only are we collecting those gifts this Sunday, but we are also beginning a brand new message series called Unexpected! We’ve all heard it before, “big things come in small packages.” While this very well may be true, when we examine the stories and details surrounding the birth of Jesus, we’ll discover that some of God’s greatest gifts to us are delivered in the most unexpected ways.
If you have ever experienced an interruption, slowdown, setback, or detour somewhere in your life, I hope you’ll join us for Week 1 in this new series. Those detours could very well be a gift from God to you. Can’t wait to tell you more.
10:30am // Camp St. Croix // YouTube.com/MidcurrentChurch
I recently read a question that helped me label something that I didn’t know was missing a label. We all know that some labels are superfluous and can make things complicated, but this one sunk in for a few days and has really helped: “Do you have a rich inner life?”
About a month ago at the MC Women’s Breathe Retreat, I gave thanks for this same thing, but I called it something different at that time; It went like this: “I am thankful for conversations in my mind and heart, that I can now attest are between God and I.”
I have often wondered what other people’s thoughts look or sound like, the ones that the rest of us can’t hear or see. It’s simply reality, but also perplexing, that we’ll never completely understand how someone else dissects, decides, or untangles things in their mind. I like this newfound name for that experience, “inner life.”
This week at Midcurrent, Sten finished up the 5-week series called Dan the Man, which has focused on the topic of integrity. We’ve been learning how Daniel faced major conflict in his life and the choices he made in the name of his God and his beliefs. The writings in this book have given us a glimpse into Daniel’s inner life.
Are your inner thoughts conversational in nature?
Do your questions achieve some answers?
Do you have more words or more visuals?
Do you give God some room in there?
Perhaps your focus can get scattered, like mine does (frustratingly so!). When we’re tired, overwhelmed, stressed-out or faced with fear and conflict, we may not have the gumption to make the right choice all of the time. Our patience wears thin and our tolerance runs out. So how do we maintain our integrity in these circumstances? Easier said than done!
[The first thing I picture is my sweet and sour 2-year-old, pushing Mommy right to the very edge before saying, “I sorry Mommy, I lub you” with his ‘nice touches’ brush of the hand on my leg. Aghh!! I’ll never regret maintaining my integrity in parenting when that little apology eventually follows.]
Sten told us the secret! Prepare for those inevitable, exhausted moments by practicing your
conviction and faith consistently. Practice, practice before you perform! Behaving with integrity
under pressure will come most naturally if you show up in your life prepared.
This is the opportunity:
What practices need to be added to your inner and outer life, in order to show up prepared for life’s challenges? How can you condition your own automatic reactions that will remain aligned with your beliefs?
And thankfully, Sten also reminded us that our habits don’t need to be perfect in order to be consistent and create our strengthened mindset.
As we finished up 5 weeks about ‘Dan the Man’, here’s my short reminder to take with me:
Conviction, Faith then Consistency = Integrity with Ease
Dear God, Help us to create a rich inner life and relationship with you as we contemplate the obstacles of human life. Help us understand that self-discipline is not an inconvenience, but a dedication to our striving to emulate the character of Jesus.
Incorruptibility.
Read that again.
I can’t say it’s a word I’ve pondered before, but wow— what magnitude.
This Sunday, Pastor Sten helped us consider the real role of integrity in our lives, and most of all, its role
when it is inconvenient and it will certainly cost us in some way. He helped us understand that there is
an important difference between intention and integrity. Perhaps we almost always “mean well,” but
are we truly convicted and ready to sacrifice if we have to? Are we incorruptible in our faith?
This past weekend at Midcurrent, we heard more about the story of Daniel and his friends, as they
continued to face the conceited control of King Nebuchadnezzar. Quick recap: In the event where the
King erected his own 90ft golden statue and demanded everyone bow to it when the trumpets played or
be burned in the fire, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were convicted that they will not worship any
other figure but their God. When they refused to bow to the King, he indeed ordered his soldiers to
throw them all into the burning furnace. Upon doing so, the King acknowledged a 4 th man had joined
them and all were untouched by the flames.
There was another in the fire. You know who it was.
The catch is, we can’t always be sure our convictions will result in a miracle such as this. Shadrach,
Meshach and Abed-Nego weren’t certain either, but they trusted God so deeply, that if these flames
were their destined conclusion, they were at peace that it would be in His glory and by His guidance.
They knew that God could save them if He so chose to, but that even if He didn’t, their faith in His plan
remained steadfast. These men displayed integrity in their beliefs, no matter the obstacle. They had
resolved their loyalty long before they were tested. In this, we can see that difference between
intention and integrity is the readiness to sacrifice for our resolutions.
We know it’s pretty easy to justify our behaviors – we’re experts at it. When the risk is low, or no one
would ever know, or we had to defend ourselves to avoid pain, our peers don’t often fault us for making
choices to dip out or shy away from the hard stuff. In fact, our peers tend to enjoy the company, so we
can all feel justified in poor choices together! Strength in numbers!
But again, there’s a catch: no one but you can hold yourself accountable to acting with integrity and
unfortunately, we probably won’t have these raving fans cheering us on when we’re quietly reflecting
on our own lives in the end. Our relationship to God is our own to honor and maintain.
Ok, what kind of sacrifice are we talking?
Does it matter? (No.)
Integrity is not circumstantial.
Be it embarrassment, financial loss, isolation or giving up control, no consequence is worthy of
trading for your heart. We know what Jesus would do. We have been shown the way and now
we must live bravely in his confidence.
So, what do we do when we’re afraid?
Rejoice in His companionship through the hard times.
Seek our faith community that will support us in the image of Jesus, and remain humble to the
challenges God knows and intended to place on our path.
Thankfully, there are also musical artists that have helped us find the words:
“Another In The Fire” by Hillsong United is a great resource to help us wrestle this topic:
There’s a grace when the heart is under fire…
…And should I ever need reminding how good you’ve been to me, I’ll count the joy
come every battle, ‘cuz I know that’s where you’ll be.”
https://spoti.fi/3rbH0me
Have you made a promise you’ve been pressured to break?
Have you witnessed corruption and later wished you would’ve done something about it?
Are you prepared to make sacrifices for your beliefs when truly challenged?
Dear God, please help us to recognize what we’re here to learn and when we must contest the
circumstances. Show us how to stand firmly in your name. Amen.