Sunset Worship & Creative Arts Ministry

Worship Update 3/11

2011-03-11T10:20:00.000-08:00

From Jay

Genuine
One of my favorite shows is American Pickers. Two men travel across the country looking for antiques in people’s barns, basements and attics. Sometimes things that look like trash, rusted, dirty and broken, are priceless items. Often the first thing that has to be figured out is if an item is genuine or not. An antique coin or clock or old baseball card can be faked, and it takes a trained eye sometimes to see it.

There is no mark on you that I can look at to determine if your faith is genuine. You might wear a cross and carry a Bible, but that is not the proof of His mark on you. No, it’s much deeper, it’s down to the very core of who you are… a place only He can see. In fact you might appear broken and rusted on the outside, and your faith could be as genuine as its gets.

Your faith is the most valuable thing you own. Strip all else away, all the temporary things in your life, even your life itself, and your faith in Jesus and who He is will carry on through eternity. Have you considered your faith lately? Have you taken a moment and just rested on it, counted on it, and thanked God for it? He gave it to you, and sustains it in you.

“Though you have not seen Him, you love Him;
and even though you do not see him now, you believe in Him
and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,
for you are receiving the end result of your faith,
the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9)

Opportunities To Serve

Musicians Needed!
We are always looking for musicians who want to get involved. If you sing or play, contact us! Right now we are particularly looking for piano players, but even if you play the harmonica or spoons, we want to hear from you! Contact Jay at jaymckenney@sunsetpres.org, or Tyler at tylerbraun@sunsetpres.org

Sunset Choir
The Sunset Choir will be taking part in the Easter service again this year. The choir is open to everyone, just come to practice on Tuesday night at 7pm in the choir room. In order to be ready, we ask that you begin attending prior to the March 15th if you would like to sing on Easter with the choir.

Artful ideas needed!
As we are service planning for the series studying 2 Corinthians we are looking for ideas that use the arts on the theme of reconciliation; works of art, literature, music. Please post ideas on the Sunset worship Facebook page by clicking here or email them to janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Upcoming Events
March 21-25, Beaverton Spring Break
April 10, Infant Baptism/Dedication
April 10, Family Series
April 10, Pathways & Connections
April 15, Family Unity Night (FUN), 6:30p
April 24, EASTER

Worship Update 3/4

2011-03-04T10:35:00.000-08:00

From Jay

Understand first
At various times in my life I have found myself saying a lot... “They don’t get it.” “He or she doesn’t understand me.” Have you ever felt that inside? To be truly understood, to be truly heard, to be truly known, is very rare in this life isn’t it?

I can’t control someone listening to me, can’t make them understand, and can’t crawl into their brain and see if they have an agenda or if they are sizing me up or if they are thinking about what is for dinner tonight.

The reality is, most of the time, it’s me that doesn’t get it. It’s me that hasn’t taken the time to seek to understand. It’s me that puts my desire to be understood, ahead of understanding another, and therefore I’m doing the very thing that I despise. I want to change that about me. I want to begin to give the gift of really hearing people and finding out where they are coming from. I have a long way to go. In fact, I think I have nowhere to go but up. 

James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry…”

Sunset Lay-Offs Announcement
If you didn’t receive the News & Views with this information on 3/1, please email to Rick Anderson rickanderson@sunsetpres.org.

Opportunities To Serve

Musicians Needed!
We are always looking for musicians who want to get involved. If you sing or play, contact us! Right now we are particularly looking for piano players, but even if you play the harmonica or spoons, we want to hear from you! Contact Jay at jaymckenney@sunsetpres.org, or Tyler at tylerbraun@sunsetpres.org

Sunset Choir
The Sunset Choir will be taking part in the Easter service again this year. The choir is open to everyone, just come to practice on Tuesday night at 7pm in the choir room. In order to be ready, we ask that you begin attending prior to the March 15th if you would like to sing on Easter with the choir.

Artful ideas needed!
As we are service planning for the series studying 2 Corinthians we are looking for ideas that use the arts on the theme of reconciliation; works of art, literature, music. Please post ideas on the Sunset worship Facebook page by clicking here or email them to janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Upcoming Events
March 6, Divin’ In Class starts
March 13, Daylight savings begins – Pancake Breakfast between services
March 21-25, Beaverton Spring Break
April 10, Infant Baptism/Dedication
April 10, Family Series
April 10, Pathways & Connections
April 15, Family Unity Night (FUN), 6:30p
April 24, EASTER

Worship Update 2/18

2011-02-18T10:31:00.000-08:00

From Jay

Free Samples
When I was in high school my friend Tom Beal and I would go to Nordstrom for free samples of cologne. I remember one day we hit the jackpot, and there was a very cute, nice girl working who I think had a crush on Tom and ended up giving us dozens and dozens of samples of our favorite brands. And this was when they were in those little glass bottles that actually had a pretty good amount in each one.

I also remember once when I was there with several friends. When we cut through the women’s fragrance section I picked up a sample bottle and sprayed the back of my friends coat with 10 plus sprays of a very feminine smelling perfume. Seemed funny at the time, but I was the one that had to follow him around the rest of the time and smell it.

Paul had a life changing encounter with Christ. Paul didn’t know Him and was persecuting His followers, but Christ forgave him, turned His life around, and gave Him a new reason to exist… to spread the truth about who He was and how to know Him. As a result, Paul’s life became about that mission. In a sense he spent his life with a new bottle of cologne going around and spreading its aroma, the aroma of Christ.

You didn’t know Christ. And while you were still a sinner, He died for you, forgave you and drew you to Himself. He has given you a new reason to exist. He has given you His Spirit, a sweet smelling and saving aroma to those He is saving. And He wants you to spread it.

Opportunities To Serve

Musicians Needed!We are always looking for musicians who want to get involved. If you sing or play, contact us! Right now we are particularly looking for piano players, but even if you play the harmonica or spoons, we want to hear from you! Contact Jay at jaymckenney@sunsetpres.org, or Tyler at tylerbraun@sunsetpres.org

Helping Hands Food DriveSunday, February 27th
This is the first Helping Hands food drive this year. There are only 2 All Church Food Drives this year, so let’s make the most of both of them!

Food Items Needed:
Cereal - Rice - Canned Fruit – Juice (No glass jars) - Canned Fish and Chicken.
Thank you for your support in past food drives. Your generous donations allow Helping Hands provide 3 to 5 days of groceries for families in need.

Sunset Choir
The Sunset Choir will be taking part in the Easter service again this year. The choir is open to everyone, just come to practice on Tuesday night at 7pm in the choir room. In order to be ready, we ask that you begin attending prior to the March 15th if you would like to sing on Easter with the choir.

Artful ideas needed!
As we are service planning for the series studying 2 Corinthians we are looking for ideas that use the arts on the theme of reconciliation; works of art, literature, music. Please post ideas on the Sunset worship Facebook page by clicking here or email them to janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Upcoming Events
February 18-20, Wildfire Winter Camp – Pray for our middle school ministry this weekend!
February 27, Food Drive for Helping Hands
March 1, DivorceCare starts
March 3, Resolving Everyday Conflict Study starts
March 6, Divin’ In Class starts
March 13, Daylight savings begins
March 21-25, Beaverton Spring Break
April 10, Infant Baptism/Dedication
April 10, Family Series
April 10, Pathways & Connections
April 15, Family Unity Night (FUN)
April 24, EASTER

Worship Update 2/11

2011-02-11T11:47:00.000-08:00

From Jay

POSITION
My wife and I tan very differently. We both love being outside, we both love the sun. She wears 5000 SPF sun block capable of walking on the surface of the sun while not being harmed. I never wear any (I know, I am dumb). She is usually doing yard work, or has a visor on; I am looking for every opportunity to face the sun. The lines when I mow are wavy because I’m looking up instead of where I’m going. At the end of a long day, we will both go in and look completely different as far as the effects of the sun. We were both out there for the same amount of time, but because of how we positioned ourselves, totally different results.

Two people can sit in the same worship service for the same amount of time and leave with very different results. The same God is there for both, the same Spirit. One comes open, with a heart positioned towards listening for His voice, through (and sometimes despite) whatever happens that day. The other comes wearing 5000 SPF on the heart; capable of… well, you get the picture.

The light of Jesus is shining, right now, onto you and into your life. What is the position of your heart? Is it facing Him, positioned toward Him? Or is it turned away… and are you letting all kinds of walls block you from experiencing the warmth of His love?

Psalm 27:8
My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
2 Corinthians 4:18
"So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone,
but the things we cannot see will last forever."

Sunset News
If you did not receive last week’s or this week’s News & Views from the Commission, via email or mail, please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org.

Opportunities To Serve

Helping Hands Food Drive
Sunday, February 27th
This is the first Helping Hands food drive this year. There are only 2 All Church Food Drives this year, so let’s make the most of both of them!

Food Items Needed:
Cereal - Rice - Canned Fruit – Juice (No glass jars) - Canned Fish and Chicken.
Thank you for your support in past food drives. Your generous donations allow Helping Hands provide 3 to 5 days of groceries for families in need.

Artful ideas needed!
As we are service planning for the series studying 2 Corinthians we are looking for ideas that use the arts on the theme of reconciliation; works of art, literature, music. Please post ideas on the Sunset worship Facebook page by clicking here or email them to janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Upcoming Events
February 14, Valentine’s Day
February 18-20, Wildfire Winter Camp
February 27, Food Drive for Helping Hands
March 1, DivorceCare starts
March 3, Resolving Everyday Conflict Study starts
March 6, Divin’ In Class starts
March 13, Daylight savings begins
March 21-25, Beaverton Spring Break

Worship News 2/4

2011-02-04T09:49:00.000-08:00

From Jay

Competent
I debated writing anything this week. There is a lot of noise, a lot of things to read, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to add to your pile. So if you decide to read this in the midst of all the communication you are receiving from Sunset, than I guess this is for you. 

Are you a competent person? Here is how competence can be defined:

- properly or sufficiently qualified or capable or efficient
- adequate for the purpose
- having sufficient skill, knowledge, ability, or qualifications

Your mind may race to your job field, or your schooling, or your interests… but think about it more in terms of your overall life. Are you competent to live and live well? Are you competent to love? Are you competent to make a difference?

I must state now, in this writing, my incompetence. I am not properly or sufficiently qualified to lead my family, serve in a church, or even write this devotional each week. I am not competent to make a difference. I am not adequate for the purpose. I don’t have the sufficient skill, knowledge, ability, or qualifications.

My competence comes from Christ and Christ alone… it comes because He loves me and forgives me and pulls out the best in me. It comes because He is my Creator and the author of my life. He is faithful and steadfast and His motivations are pure. His Spirit lives in me and I have access to His strength at all times. He is my rock and my salvation. He and He alone can make a difference through my life.

Your competence comes from Christ as well. He is competent to make a difference through you. Lean into that and into Him today.

John 15:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you,
you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Sunset News
A communication was sent this week from both the Sunset Commission and from Pastor Ron. If you did not receive a copy of this communication via email or mail, please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org.

Opportunities To Serve

Artful ideas needed!As we begin service planning for the new series studying 2 Corinthians we are looking for ideas that use the arts on the theme of reconciliation; works of art, literature, music. Please post ideas on the Sunset worship Facebook page by clicking here or email them to janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Upcoming EventsFebruary 13, Family Series and 5:30pm service CANCELLED
February 14, Valentine’s Day
February 18-20, Wildfire Winter Camp
February 27, Food Drive for Helping Hands
March 1, DivorceCare starts
March 3, Resolving Everyday Conflict Study starts
March 6, Divin’ In Class starts
March 13, Daylight savings Begins
March 21-25, Beaverton Spring Break

Worship Update 1/28

2011-01-28T11:09:00.000-08:00

From Jay

The dawn is coming
I am a true Oregonian. I love most everything about this state from a scenery and seasons standpoint. I even love a good Oregon rainy day. If there is one thing that can get to me though, and this isn’t specific to just my home state, it is the darkness of winter. The length of the darkness from sunset to sunrise I can find hard to deal with. There is something about an early sunrise that inspires hope, speaks of renewal, and whispers of action. When you wake up and it is still dark, everything in me says, GO BACK TO BED, NOTHING TO SEE HERE! 

If you are like me, this is sometimes how it has felt to be a part of the family at Sunset lately. I love this church. I love these people. As the weeks have turned to months and we have faced the void of information and clear direction, maybe you are like me and the sheer length of it has been more than a little hard to deal with. And regardless of how the night settled upon us, I find myself craving and leaning and straining for the sun to rise. I keep remembering that saying, “It is always darkest right before the dawn”.

I believe the dawn is coming.

I believe God cares for us. I believe He is teaching us things that can only be learned in an in-between time like this one. I believe God has not abandoned us. I believe in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. I believe in the healing power of God. I believe in the unity of the Trinity, and for God’s power to accomplish unity in His church. I believe in reconciliation, restoration and renewal. I believe God can rebuild, rework, and retool. I believe God is not tired, worn out or weary. I believe He is still the essence of life, of love, of hope, of grace, of justice, of truth. I believe He is still in the business of saving lives, and still desires to partner with you and me in His great mission.

Like the rising sun that shines
From the darkness comes a light
I hear Your voice and this is my awakening

Opportunities To Serve
Artful ideas needed!
As we begin service planning for the new series studying 2 Corinthians we are looking for ideas that use the arts on the theme of reconciliation; works of art, literature, music. Please post ideas on the Sunset worship Facebook page by clicking here or email them to janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Upcoming Events
January 30, Overflow Play Day
February 6, No 5:30p service due to Super Bowl
February 13, Family Series for MS/HS Parents
February 14, Valentine’s Day
February 18-20, Wildfire Winter Camp
February 27, Food Drive for Helping Hands
March 1, DivorceCare starts
March 3, Peacemaking class starts
March 6, Divin’ In Class starts
March 13, Daylight savings Begins
March 21-25, Beaverton Spring Break

Worship Update 1/21

2011-01-21T14:39:00.000-08:00

From Jay

The power of the gospel
Recently I was involved in helping interview someone for a ministry position in a small ministry located in the Portland area. This person had a long history with evangelical church ministry and service. There were lots of boxes to check off in the interview, including going over the basic questions of faith.

When I asked what it meant to be a Christian, there was a long, confusing response filled with some Christian sounding words and concepts, but void of clarity. I then asked how he understood someone comes to be saved… same type of reply. I kept trying to rephrase my question, suddenly realizing that I was literally crawling out of my skin to hear him say a few simple things back to me. That he had been lost, and spiritually dead in his sin. That the reality of Christ’s sacrifice for that sin had become real to him at some point, and that the gift of grace had been received. That he was forgiven. That he knew where he was heading based on the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and not any power of his own.

But it never came.

Over the next couple of days, I began to realize a couple of things. The first one is that the simplicity of the message of the gospel is also mysterious and a revelation. And the second is that I became more grateful for its power in my life.

For those of us who rely on the hope of the gospel, it is medicine to our souls when we hear it. We rejoice from the inside out because the wonder of it remains.

Take a moment today, and contemplate what has been revealed to you about the truth of Jesus Christ. That you were lost… that you’ve been found… that you are forgiven.

If the message isn’t clear to you, ask God to reveal Himself to you, until it is.

1 Corinthians 1:18: The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.

Opportunities to Serve
Artful ideas needed!As we begin service planning for the new series studying 2 Corinthians we are looking for ideas that use the arts on the theme of reconciliation; works of art, literature, music. Please post ideas on the Sunset worship Facebook page by clicking here or email them to janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Upcoming Events
January 26, Alpha class starts
January 30, Overflow Play Day
February 6, Super Bowl Party
February 13, Family Series for MS/HS Parents
February 14, Valentine’s Day
February 18-20, Wildfire Winter Camp
February 22, DivorceCare starts
February 27, Food Drive for Helping Hands
March 3, Peacemaking class starts
March 6, Divin’ In Class starts
March 13, Daylight savings Begins
March 21-25, Beaverton Spring Break

Worship Update 1/14

2011-01-14T12:12:00.000-08:00

From Jay

Relentless love
Ever since I worked in construction, my spine has been temperamental. I remember I used to come home after hard manual labor and couldn’t take a full breath because something was just “off”, and I would have to lie face down on the ground, and then Allison would walk up and down my back. I would have her stop at a certain spot and say “there”, and she would hop a little (sometimes a lot) and then I was back in proper alignment and could take a full breath again. Having someone step on me, walk all over me, and even jump on my back was unpleasant but worth it. This happens less now that I sit at a desk all day, but every once in a while she still does this for me.

Sometimes I wince when I feel God messing with me to bring me back to proper alignment with Him. Sometimes I want to say “Get off my back Lord.” His pursuit of me is relentless. His pursuit of you is relentless. He will allow everything you know to be shaken. Everything, except what you know to be true of Him, and His promises, and His love, and your future in Him. Over and over again, He brings me back to that core knowledge in my spirit, stripping everything else away.

I believe God does the same thing with His church. When we just want everything to work, and to avoid pain and unpleasantness, God will allow anything and everything to bring us to the point of stripping everything away till all that remains is Himself, and His truth, and His promises, and His love. I long for our church to be able to take a deep breath soon and to thank God together for bringing us to a point of health. For now, I thank Him for His relentless pursuit of us, both individually and as a church body. I pray that you and I learn to continue to lie down before Him and be okay with Him messing with us in whatever way He sees fit.

Opportunities To Serve
Artful ideas needed!As we begin service planning for the new series studying 2 Corinthians we are looking for ideas that use the arts on the theme of reconciliation; works of art, literature, music. Please post ideas on the Sunset worship facebook page by clicking here or email them to janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Mission ConneXion Northwest 2011Friday & Saturday, Jan 21 - 22, Our Church!
www.missionconnexion.com
We are hosting one of the largest conferences to take the gospel to the nations. Plan now to attend and/or volunteer. Admission is free, content is powerful! Volunteers check back page of Sunday’s bulletin to be contacted.

Upcoming Events
January 26, Alpha class starts
February 6, Super Bowl Party
February 14, Valentine’s Day
March 3, Peacemaking class starts

Worship Update 1/7

2011-01-07T14:36:00.000-08:00

From Jay

Your new gift
The other day I was at a party, celebrating an announcement of a new life that was to be born several months from now. It was a gorgeous house, great food, great company. There were people there from all different churches. Within minutes, the topic of Sunset and where we are as a church came up and I was asked about it. Ever happen to you?

It is always humbling to listen to how people see it, hear it, view it from the outside… people not a part of our Sunset family. It is interesting to hear them say they actually read our facebook page, etc.
Something happened that night that changed my perspective big time. A couple that was there began to minister to me. They had been through a very painful situation at a church, similar in many ways to Sunset. The husband told me that he had received an “Honorary Phd” with all that he had learned. The wife had been on staff, led worship and the church had been their family.

They were able in a very short time to minister to me, to encourage me, to love me, in a way that others could not, or cannot, because this couple had been there.

We are about to start a new series in 2 Corinthians. Listen to these words from the first chapter:

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.

Have you ever looked at the hard stuff in your life that you have personally faced this way? To see your experiences as a gift that you are now able to help others with the comfort of God?? We wouldn’t choose it before we go through it, but the way God can redeem the hard times in our lives is a miracle only He can pull off. If you call Sunset home, you have a new gift to offer people that you may not have possessed before. Praise God.

Opportunities To Serve
Artful ideas needed!As we begin service planning for the new series studying 2 Corinthians we are looking for ideas that use the arts on the theme of reconciliation; works of art, literature, music. Please post ideas on the Sunset worship facebook page by clicking here or email them to janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Mission ConneXion Northwest 2011Friday & Saturday, Jan 21 - 22, Our Church!
www.missionconnexion.com
We are hosting one of the largest conferences to take the gospel to the nations. Plan now to attend and/or volunteer. Admission is free, content is powerful! Volunteers check back page of Sunday’s bulletin to be contacted.

Upcoming Events
January 9, Communion Sunday
January 16, Pathways & Connections class starts
January 16, Choir & Orchestra Sunday plus Infant Baptism/Dedication
January 26, Alpha class starts
February 6, Super Bowl Party
February 14, Valentine’s Day
March 3, Peacemaking class starts

Worship Update 12/17

2010-12-17T10:05:00.000-08:00

From Jay

Blackberry Bushes
When I was little there was a field near where I lived with massive blackberry bushes that towered over our heads. My brothers and I would take a sheet of plywood and a machete, then carve out paths through it and make big rooms of clearing in the middle. I remember how hard it was to hack through those twisted sharp branches, and how consuming they were, and how endless they seemed. I also remember how quickly they grew back, crowding and choking out the paths we had cleared.

This is what it feels like sometimes for me as a Christian when I go to “seek His face”. It feels like blackberry bushes of self, and chaos, guilt, and sin, and setbacks, and tiredness, and confusion and a million other things crowd out my clear view of Him. After a couple of weeks of hacking through the brush of life I’ll come into a few days of clearing, and I’ll meet Him there. And there is rest… there is healing… there is hope. My personal experience though is that it is always short lived, and it simply will be on this side of heaven, the blackberries will keep growing.

This week we are going to sing Came To My Rescue. I drink these words in today as I seek another meaningful glimpse of the face of my Savior.

Falling on my knees in worship
Giving all I am to seek Your face
Lord all I am is Yours
My whole life I place in your hands
God of mercy humbled I bow down
In Your presence at Your throne
I called… You answered
And You came to my rescue and I
I wanna be where You are

Opportunities To Serve
Holiday Ushers - Christmas is fast approaching. We have three Christmas Eve gatherings where we’ll need ushers. If you are available to usher at any of these services, please email alantmitchell@comcast.net

Christmas Eve, Friday 12/24; 3, 5 and 10pm

Upcoming Events
December 24, Christmas Eve Services, 3pm, 5pm, 10pm
December 25, Christmas Day
January 1, New Year’s Day
January 9, Communion Sunday
January 16, Pathways & Connections class starts
January 16, Choir & Orchestra Sunday and Infant Baptism/Dedication
February 6, Super Bowl Party
February 14, Valentine’s Day
March 3, Peacemaking class starts

New Bible Study Begins in January
RECONCILED: Pursuing Relationship with Christ and Community is the title of our study starting after
the first of the year. Just as we did with Nehemiah, 2 Corinthians will be our book of focus for the whole
church study. Our research writing team has done an outstanding job of writing this study just for
Sunset. It’s designed that we all will grow deeper in our understanding of God’s Word and how it applies to our lives individually and to the whole church at Sunset. Make plans now to be a part of this
intriguing study. For more info or to register click here.

Worship Update 12/10

2010-12-10T13:57:00.000-08:00

From Jay

First Priority
As someone who cares deeply about what happens on a Sunday and about protecting a space where you can come and connect with God, this weekend makes me lose sleep. All of us are waiting for some sort of announcement that, as I write this, we are not even sure is going to come and if it does we don’t know what it is. And no matter what it is it will be hard for everyone. Meanwhile we are in our second week of advent celebrating the “Joy” candle. That should be fun.

Sometimes when things are really hard we throw this verse around. Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”

I think what trips us up is our expectation of “for the good”. You and I can fill in “for the good” with whatever version of “good” that suits us. But the “good” was not a blank for us to fill. The “good” is defined in the next sentence…

“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son…”
~ Romans 8:29

That’s the good work… that you and I would become like Jesus.

Does God want Sunset to succeed, and His name to be lifted up here? Yes, but that is secondary to His desire to shape the image of his Son in your heart and in mine.

And so whenever and whatever we find out together, and as your mind races with however you are prewired to react, remember that in these moments, God’s first priority is that you and I would become more like Jesus as a result.

Food & Toy 2010 will take place the week of December 14, culminating with Delivery Day on Saturday, December 18. Throughout the week, cookies will be baked, toys will be wrapped, and food will be packed. Please check here for more information about Food & Toy or to volunteer.

Reclaim the story of Christmas through Assist-A-Family. The Christmas trees are in the Lobby with names of families that you can adopt for this Christmas. Full instructions are found in the mailer you received at home recently. If you didn’t get a mailer or need another, stop by the Book and CD desk for the flier that describes this year’s opportunities.

Opportunities to Serve

Holiday Ushers - Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching. We have three special events where we’ll need ushers. The events and dates are below. If you are available to usher at any of these services, please email alantmitchell@comcast.net

Christmas Eve, Friday 12/24; 3, 5 and 10pm

Upcoming EventsDecember 12, Choir Concert, 6:30pm
December 24, Christmas Eve Services 3pm, 5pm and 10pm
December 25, Christmas Day
January 1, New Year’s Day

New Bible Study Begins in January
RECONCILED: Pursuing Relationship with Christ and Community is the title of our study starting after
the first of the year. Just as we did with Nehemiah, 2 Corinthians will be our book of focus for the whole
church study. Our research writing team has done an outstanding job of writing this study just for
Sunset. It’s designed that we all will grow deeper in our understanding of God’s Word and how it applies to our lives individually and to the whole church at Sunset. Make plans now to be a part of this
intriguing study. For more info or to register click here.

Worship Update 12/3

2010-12-03T10:59:00.000-08:00

From Jay

Unexpected Cold Front
I adore the snow. Every single year I am optimistic that we will have a foot of snow at some point and that it will shut down normal life for a week. Even though it’s only happened like that maybe 3 times in my memory over the last 20 plus years, I still always believe that this is the year.

So when we had the unexpected cold front a couple weeks back, I thought, “Here we go!!” Apparently it is just waiting until Christmas morning. I’m cool with that.

I had another unexpected cold front of a different kind hit me this week. I was in a meeting about Sunset’s focus this year of “Reclaiming the Story” (think Advent Conspiracy…). The bottom line of this is that because Christ came, we go. We want to embrace the real meaning of Christmas. Since He came and changed everything for us by His love, this should change the way we celebrate Christmas, and the way we love the surrounding community. This is the real story of Christmas.

I sat there realizing that while I agreed with this intellectually, my heart this year had not caught the vision. In fact, my heart felt cold towards it.

I went back into my office and pleaded with God to change my perspective, to warm me up to His heart, to catch the vision, and to have it move from my head to my heart.

The reality is, even though I have known Christ my whole life, I easily can become preoccupied with “stuff”. This year I have been thinking so much about what I would be buying my family and how I would afford it that it has consumed the majority of my thoughts regarding Christmas.

But I don’t want that. I want to lead my family well. I want to teach my girls about Christ, and the incarnation, and relationship, and love. I don’t want to miss this opportunity to continue to expand on my response to God’s love and have it reach outward… beyond my little world and out to neighbors and people in need. I want to seize the opportunities that a church like Sunset provides to care about people that need both resources and Christ. I want to Reclaim the Story.

Food & Toy 2010 will take place the week of December 14, culminating with Delivery Day on Saturday, December 18. Throughout the week, cookies will be baked, toys will be wrapped, and food will be packed. Please check here for more information about Food & Toy or to volunteer.

Reclaim the story of Christmas through Assist-A-Family. The Christmas trees are in the Lobby with names of families that you can adopt for this Christmas. Full instructions are found in the mailer you received at home recently. If you didn’t get a mailer or need another, stop by the Book and CD desk for the flier that describes this year’s opportunities.

Opportunities to ServeHoliday Ushers - Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching. We have three special events where we’ll need ushers. The events and dates are below. If you are available to usher at any of these services, please email alantmitchell@comcast.net

Christmas Eve, Friday 12/24; 3, 5 and 10pm

Upcoming EventsDecember 12, Choir Concert, 6:30pm
December 24, Christmas Eve Services 3pm, 5pm and 10pm
December 25, Christmas Day
January 1, New Year’s Day

Worship Update 11/19

2010-11-19T09:56:00.000-08:00

From Jay

Joy in worship
Does it seem to be missing lately? Joy in our corporate worship together? I had dinner with a friend last week who expressed to me that very feeling here at Sunset. We discussed a lot of angles, possibilities, song styles, circumstances, etc.; but at one point I had to look him in the eye and say, “A lot of what you may be feeling is because I have lost a lot of joy lately and I’m up there singing.”

I love the passage in Ecclesiastes about there being a time and a season for everything. I have to tell you, I am craving to have a time for joy and thanksgiving in our corporate worship. Not in our current earthly circumstances, but in our eternal and spiritual reality.

I am getting my talk ready for this Wednesday’s Thanksgiving Eve service, and I am camping in Ephesians 1. The amount of joy contained in two paragraphs is unreal. What we have in Christ, what we have been blessed with, and what we have to look forward to is mind boggling and evokes joy.

I lose my joy, I lose my hope, usually it’s when I lose sight of the reality that is revealed to me in God’s Word. Like a bad pair of windshield wipers over time, without realizing it my vision becomes hazy, clouded, and impaired. And then I read a passage like Ephesians 1 and it’s like I got a brand new pair of triple bladed deluxe windshield wipers… suddenly I remember what it is like to see clearly again.

If you have a few minutes give Ephesians 1 a read today and think about how much you have to praise God for.

Hope In Someone Greater
Get ready for an evening of inspiration, worship, and reflection on the hope we have in Jesus. Jeff Johnson is an amazing musician and worship leader who has ministered all over the world. His celtic style and beautiful arrangements make this a wonderful multi-generational opportunity on Thanksgiving Eve. Jay McKenney will speak on hope, and with Jeff, will provide a family time of thanksgiving to start the season together.

Jeff Johnson is joined by Brian Dunning. Their songs have been featured on many best selling contemporary instrumental compilations including those released by Windham Hill (Celtic Christmas, Winter Solstice) and Hearts of Space (Celtic Twilight). Their music is often connected with the novels of Stephen R. Lawhead and they have had music featured in films such as Martin Scorcese’s Gangs of New York. To read more about and hear samples of their music click here.

Jeff and Brian are excited to be bring along Oregon violinist Wendy Goodwin. Wendy has distinguished herself as a versatile and creative presence in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Goodwin is a popular session player and guest performer with artists ranging from pianist, Michael Allen Harrison to singer-songwriter, Michelle Tumes. She lives in downtown Portland with her husband, Andy, and daughter, Vienna. For more information: www.effesenden.com

You won’t want to miss this inspirational night of hope, worship and reflection, so please join us!

Food & Toy 2010 will take place the week of December 14, culminating with Delivery Day on Saturday, December 18. Throughout the week, cookies will be baked, toys will be wrapped, and food will be packed. Please check here for more information about Food & Toy or to volunteer.

Reclaim the story of Christmas through Assist-A-Family. The Christmas trees are in the Lobby with names of families that you can adopt for this Christmas. Full instructions are found in the mailer you received at home recently. If you didn’t get a mailer or need another, stop by the Book and CD desk for the flier that describes this year’s opportunities.

A Time For Celebration
Sunday, Dec 12, 6:30 pm, Sanctuary
Come join us for this year’s Sunset Choir and Orchestra Christmas Concert. This interactive service will feature music from many different eras, representing how Christians have celebrated the birth of Christ for over 1500 years! Invite your friends and family, as this is a concert you won’t want to miss! The concert is free. A free-will offering will be taken.

Opportunities To Serve

Holiday Ushers - Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching. We have three special events where we’ll need ushers. The events and dates are below. If you are available to usher at any of these services, please email alantmitchell@comcast.net

Thanksgiving Eve, Wed 11/24; 7pm
Christmas Choir Concert, Sunday 12/12; 6:30pm
Christmas Eve, Friday 12/24; 3, 5 and 10pm

Upcoming EventsNovember 24, Thanksgiving Eve Service 7pm, info above
November 25, Thanksgiving Day
December 12, Choir Concert, 6:30pm
December 24, Christmas Eve Services 3pm, 5pm and 10pm
December 25, Christmas Day
January 1, New Year’s Day

Worship Update 11/12

2010-11-12T10:11:00.000-08:00

This week we wanted to share a few highlights of ways you can
celebrate the holidays with friends, family & your church family!

Hope In Someone GreaterGet ready for an evening of inspiration, worship, and reflection on the hope we have in Jesus. Jeff Johnson is an amazing musician and worship leader who has ministered all over the world. His celtic style and beautiful arrangements make this a wonderful multi-generational opportunity on Thanksgiving Eve. Jay McKenney will speak on hope, and with Jeff, will provide a family time of thanksgiving to start the season together.

Jeff Johnson is joined by Brian Dunning. Their songs have been featured on many best selling contemporary instrumental compilations including those released by Windham Hill (Celtic Christmas, Winter Solstice) and Hearts of Space (Celtic Twilight). Their music is often connected with the novels of Stephen R. Lawhead and they have had music featured in films such as Martin Scorcese’s Gangs of New York. To read more about and hear samples of their music click here.

Jeff and Brian are excited to be bring along Oregon violinist Wendy Goodwin. Wendy has distinguished herself as a versatile and creative presence in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Goodwin is a popular session player and guest performer with artists ranging from pianist, Michael Allen Harrison to singer-songwriter, Michelle Tumes. She lives in downtown Portland with her husband, Andy, and daughter, Vienna. For more information: www.effesenden.com

You won’t want to miss this inspirational night of hope, worship and reflection, so please join us!

Food & Toy 2010 will take place the week of December 14, culminating with Delivery Day on Saturday, December 18. Throughout the week, cookies will be baked, toys will be wrapped, and food will be packed. Please check here for more information about Food & Toy or to volunteer.

Reclaim the story of Christmas through Assist-A-Family. The Christmas trees are in the Lobby with names of families that you can adopt for this Christmas. Full instructions are found in the mailer you received at home recently. If you didn’t get a mailer or need another, stop by the Book and CD desk for the flier that describes this year’s opportunities.

A Time For CelebrationSunday, Dec 12, 6:30 pm, Sanctuary
Come join us for this year’s Sunset Choir and Orchestra Christmas Concert. This interactive service will feature music from many different eras, representing how Christians have celebrated the birth of Christ for over 1500 years! Invite your friends and family, as this is a concert you won’t want to miss! The concert is free. A free-will offering will be taken.

Opportunities to Serve
Holiday Ushers - Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching. We have three special events where we’ll need ushers. The events and dates are below. If you are available to usher at any of these services, please email alantmitchell@comcast.net

Thanksgiving Eve, Wed 11/24; 7pm
Christmas Choir Concert, Sunday 12/12; 6:30pm
Christmas Eve, Friday 12/24; 3, 5 and 10pm

Upcoming EventsNovember 24, Thanksgiving Eve Service 7pm, info above
November 25, Thanksgiving Day
December 12, Choir Concert, 6:30pm
December 24, Christmas Eve Services 3pm, 5pm and 10pm
December 25, Christmas Day
January 1, New Year’s Day

Worship Update 11/5

2010-11-05T10:34:00.000-07:00

From Jay

We are not alone
A friend lent me a book that I started reading today about preventing and overcoming church conflict. Dozens of examples and stories from churches have been crafted into one story, to show common ways a church family enters into serious conflict.

What we are going through at Sunset is a new experience for me. For some of you it is new as well. Others of you have seen this before in former churches you attended, some of you more than once. What struck me immediately as I began reading this book was how similar the situations and examples mirrored Sunset’s, as if the writer had somehow been spying on us before he wrote his book.

The explanation for this is that human nature is human nature, and it is played out similarly in churches all the time. Different names, different timings, different specifics, but the players are all human like you and me. We are not alone.

I have learned and am learning a lot about myself through what we are experiencing together right now. One huge one is that I am learning to be less judgmental towards people’s reactions. There are literally thousands of complexities in someone’s life, from their childhood, parents, friends, experiences, beliefs, circumstances, education, and even down to how they slept the night before that go into how they respond to a current crisis. I have to let people be people. I can only control my response, not someone else’s, not yours.

I think where you and I can come together on the other side of an initial wave of response, is looking out for each other, and to extend grace to one another, and love.

1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 10:24
No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

We are not alone. We have God, and we have each other.

Opportunities To Serve

5:30p Volunteers neededIf you are a regular attender of the 5:30 gathering we would love to have you come and serve once a month. We are looking for people to help with in the following roles. Ushers and PowerPoint operators. For more information or to sign up contact janetfraser@sunsetpres.org

Serve Once A Month – With a Great TeamWe are in need of ushers for the 11am service. If you are available and willing to serve once a month as an usher, it’s a great opportunity to get your feet wet in ministry. Interested? Please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org or 503.292.9293 x3083.

Communion HelpWe are looking for people willing to serve once a month helping with communion. Specific positions needed are prep, servers, and clean-up. If you are interested and willing to serve, please email to carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org or call 503.292.9293 x3083.

Come support and bolster the immune system of the weekend services. Help us inoculate them with powerful prayers.
Each week, a few of us gather to pray over the weekend services. We typically meet on the night of the service rehearsal, which is generally on Thursday. We'd love to have you join us, whenever it might fit in your schedule. Come once, monthly or weekly.

What to expect: We enjoy a devotional time together first, with the whole service team, at 7pm. That lasts about a half hour. Then we break off for a time of prayer that lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. Join us?
Occasionally the day/time varies. With that in mind, contact Melinda melindalgroth@gmail.com to verify the schedule.

Upcoming Events
November 6, Marriage Simulcast – Love & War
November 7, Daylight Savings Ends
November 24, Thanksgiving Eve Service 7pm, A Celtic Thanksgiving
November 25, Thanksgiving Day
December 12, Choir Concert, 6:30pm
December 24, Christmas Eve Services 3pm, 5pm and 10pm
December 25, Christmas Day
January 1, New Year’s Day

Worship Update 10/29

2010-10-29T16:04:00.000-07:00

From the archives of Jay McKenney

Jump
I have very fond memories of rock jumping in my teenage years. My favorite spot was in Sandy on the Bull Run River. My friend Brian Remsburg had a Christmas tree farm near there, and he showed us this awesome spot on the river near the dam.

We had to hike about a mile down the river, passing 2 or 3 other medium sized jumps until we got to the big daddy of them all. We called it “the cliff”. Climbing to the top was a challenge. It basically felt like rock climbing it was such a steep ascent. On the top where we would jump was a tree growing out from the side of the cliff that provided about a 1 foot platform to stand on. I remember standing a LONG time there the first few jumps, trying to gain the courage needed to let go of the tree and leap out into nothing. The trick to the jump, was that you couldn't just sort of jump. The cliff wasn't straight down, it came out a few feet in the middle, so you had to jump out enough to clear that hump in the middle. And of course, if you were a guy, like any good jump you had to remember to keep your legs close together when you hit the water. 

Luke 14:28-30
“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’”

Jesus is challenging His disciples to pick up their cross and follow Him. In that time people who were carrying their crosses were on their way to be crucified. So a challenge like that was not a half hearted, sort of maybe, if you feel like it proposal. This was all in… this was be ready to die for your devotion to Jesus. This invitation was to a full on jump.

I think the danger for someone like me, who has known Christ their whole life, is that when I was young I didn't even know what it meant to count the cost. I just knew I loved Jesus and that He loved me.

Sometimes today though I feel like if you saw me, you’d see that I have jumped off the cliff, but I didn't jump quite far enough and I am clinging to the base of that tree, legs dangling, scared out of my mind. What I long for is to jump all the way off, with reckless abandon. At times I am confused when that longing doesn't transfer into action; or I’m frustrated with myself when it feels like I am still just content to remain up on top by the tree instead of living the adventure of a surrendered life.

“Jesus, while I still can jump, teach me to jump all the way for You.”

Opportunities to Serve

5:30p Volunteers neededIf you are a regular attender of the 5:30 gathering we would love to have you come and serve once a month. We are looking for people to help with in the following roles. Ushers and PowerPoint operators. For more information or to sign up contact janetfraser@sunsetpres.org

Serve Once A Month – With a Great TeamWe are in need of ushers for the 11am service. If you are available and willing to serve once a month as an usher, it’s a great opportunity to get your feet wet in ministry. Interested? Please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org or 503.292.9293 x3083.

Communion HelpWe are looking for people willing to serve once a month helping with communion. Specific positions needed are prep, servers, and clean-up. If you are interested and willing to serve, please email to carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org or call 503.292.9293 x3083.

Come support and bolster the immune system of the weekend services.
Help us inoculate them with powerful prayers.
Each week, a few of us gather to pray over the weekend services. We typically meet on the night of the service rehearsal, which is generally on Thursday. We'd love to have you join us, whenever it might fit in your schedule. Come once, monthly or weekly.

What to expect: We enjoy a devotional time together first, with the whole service team, at 7pm. That lasts about a half hour. Then we break off for a time of prayer that lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. Join us?
Occasionally the day/time varies. With that in mind, contact Melinda melindalgroth@gmail.com to verify the schedule.

Upcoming EventsNovember 6, Marriage Simulcast – Love & War
November 7, Daylight Savings Ends
November 4, Be a Peacemaker Class
November 24, Thanksgiving Eve Service 7pm, A Celtic Thanksgiving
November 25, Thanksgiving Day
December 12, Choir Concert, 6:30pm
December 24, Christmas Eve Services 3pm, 5pm and 10pm
December 25, Christmas Day
January 1, New Year’s Day

Worship Update 10/22

2010-10-22T14:31:00.000-07:00

From Jay

Unlovable
I think one of greatest fears in my life is my own flesh. The capacity of my brain and heart for wickedness astounds me, even after, or maybe especially after, 36 years. While I am very aware of the power of Christ in my life and the things He has changed and is changing, I am painfully aware of the areas where I still blow it and struggle.

If we hooked a computer to your brain and for a week saw every thought, every hidden emotion, every suppressed response, every temptation battled, every fear, insecurity and buried issue what do you think people would think of you? I know what people would think of me.

The catch is that I often put the same response others would have towards me on God. Deep down my heart, at times, betrays what my head knows… it says things like, “Knowing what He knows, God couldn’t love me.” “God is disappointed with me.”

And then, I find myself beginning to respond to others in that unlovable way. Responding defensively, being short, and showing a lack of love.

It is at times like those that I have to stop the easily said Christian sounding lines about God’s love, and actually dwell His love… meditate on it… sit with it. Knowing what He knows, God loves me. Knowing what He knows about you, and He knows IT ALL, He loves you. Deeply, completely, loves you.

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)

He did this for you before you were even born, before you could decide if you were unlovable or not. And He would do it again today.

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. (John 15:9)

When we grasp this, even a little, when we operate as loved people, it changes the way we respond and reach out to others. Sunset can be a place where we, as a body, increasingly realize at a heart level how much we are loved… and then love each other and this community in response to that. Remain in His love.

Opportunities To Serve

5:30p Volunteers neededIf you are a regular attender of the 5:30 gathering we would love to have you come and serve once a month. We are looking for people to help with in the following roles. Ushers and PowerPoint operators. For more information or to sign up contact janetfraser@sunsetpres.org

Serve Once A Month – With a Great TeamWe are in need of ushers for the 11am service. If you are available and willing to serve once a month as an usher, it’s a great opportunity to get your feet wet in ministry. Interested? Please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org or 503.292.9293 x3083.

Communion HelpWe are looking for people willing to serve once a month helping with communion. Specific positions needed are prep, servers, and clean-up. If you are interested and willing to serve, please email to carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org or call 503.292.9293 x3083.

Come support and bolster the immune system of the weekend services. Help us inoculate them with powerful prayers.
Each week, a few of us gather to pray over the weekend services. We typically meet on the night of the service rehearsal, which is generally on Thursday. We'd love to have you join us, whenever it might fit in your schedule. Come once, monthly or weekly.

What to expect: We enjoy a devotional time together first, with the whole service team, at 7pm. That lasts about a half hour. Then we break off for a time of prayer that lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. Join us?
Occasionally the day/time varies. With that in mind, contact Melinda melindalgroth@gmail.com to verify the schedule.

Upcoming Events
October 24, Special Meeting with EPC, 7:15p in the Sanctuary
October 29, Family Unity Night (FUN)
November 6, Marriage Simulcast – Love & War
November 7, Daylight Savings Ends
November 4, Be a Peacemaker Class

Worship Update 10/15

2010-10-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

From Jay

Be present
Yesterday I was not the servant leader I desire to be. Not even close. I wanted to be supportive, loving, and encouraging to the people I serve with. Truth be told I was quiet, sluggish and paralyzed. It was the lowest morale day I have felt in my own spirit in six years at Sunset. The best that I can say for yesterday is I was present.

When I was young, I loved to run. One of my greatest memories of running was that my dad was present at the majority, if not all, of my races. I really don’t know how he did it. Full time construction worker, involved in his church, father of four, but somehow he was there.

When I dislocated my knee, and my running dreams stopped short, again, my dad was there. He was holding my head as I screamed in pain on the basketball court with my knee not where it should be. He was there at the hospital. Through good times and bad, my father was present, because we are family. As much as it meant to me that my dad was there when I could run, it meant more to me that he was there when I was broken and in pain.

Some of you are torn up with what is going on at Sunset. Some of you have strong feelings one way or the other about it. Some of you are so sick over it that your reflex is to just stay away for a while until things settle down. I want to encourage you, if this is your church family, to be present. It’s part of what it means to be a church family. We face things together… when life is good and there is a sense of oneness, and when life is confusing, it changes by the hour, and people are in pain. Be present.

Opportunities to Serve

5:30p Volunteers neededIf you are a regular attender of the 5:30 gathering we would love to have you come and serve once a month. We are looking for people to help with in the following roles. Ushers and powerpoint operators. For more information or to sign up contact janetfraser@sunsetpres.org

Serve Once A Month – With a Great TeamWe are in need of ushers for the 11am service. If you are available and willing to serve once a month as an usher, it’s a great opportunity to get your feet wet in ministry. Interested? Please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org or 503.292.9293 x3083.

Communion HelpWe are looking for people willing to serve once a month helping with communion. Specific positions needed are prep, servers, and clean-up. If you are interested and willing to serve, please email to carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org or call 503.292.9293 x3083.

Come support and bolster the immune system of the weekend services.
Help us inoculate them with powerful prayers.
Each week, a few of us gather to pray over the weekend services. We typically meet on the night of the service rehearsal, which is generally on Thursday. We'd love to have you join us, whenever it might fit in your schedule. Come once, monthly or weekly.

What to expect: We enjoy a devotional time together first, with the whole service team, at 7pm. That lasts about a half hour. Then we break off for a time of prayer that lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. Join us?
Occasionally the day/time varies. With that in mind, contact Melinda melindalgroth@gmail.com to verify the schedule.

Upcoming EventsOctober 24, Special Meeting with EPC, 7:15p
October 29, Family Unity Night (FUN)
November 6, Marriage Simulcast – Love & War
November 7, Daylight Savings Ends
November 4, Be a Peacemaker Class

Worship update 10/8

2010-10-08T10:48:00.000-07:00

From Jay

That they may all be one

Last Sunday I sat in a church informational meeting and listened to people take sides on an issue. Honestly there was a moment when my head and heart just sunk as I listened to how people talked to one another. Don’t get me wrong, my heart sinks to think about ways that I have spoken to other human beings, my family included. But it hurt… really bad… to hear it at church in our sanctuary. It felt like what the military calls “friendly fire”.

John 17:20-24
“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.

“I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!

Such perfect unity… that phrase jumps out. Does that mean we agree on every issue we face? No. But I do believe it means there are some things, no matter what we face, that unite us as brothers and sisters in Christ. There is a foundation in Him, in who He is, in what we believe to be true about Him together, that is stronger than our differences, stronger than our emotions, stronger than our humanity. And it is to those foundational beliefs, and that relationship with an unchanging God, that we should cling to together when everything else seems up for grabs.

Sunset can be that kind of place. We can be the kind of body that experiences that perfect unity. And it is because He lives in you and me. That they may all be one.

Opportunities to Serve

5:30p Volunteers needed
If you are a regular attender of the 5:30 gathering we would love to have you come and serve once a month. We are looking for people to help with in the following roles. Ushers and powerpoint operators. For more information or to sign up contact janetfraser@sunsetpres.org

Serve Once A Month – With a Great Team
We are in need of ushers for the 11am service. If you are available and willing to serve once a month as an usher, it’s a great opportunity to get your feet wet in ministry. Interested? Please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org or 503.292.9293 x3083.

Communion Help
We are looking for people willing to serve once a month helping with communion. Specific positions needed are prep, servers, and clean-up. If you are interested and willing to serve, please email to carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org or call 503.292.9293 x3083.

Come support and bolster the immune system of the weekend services.
Help us inoculate them with powerful prayers.
Each week, a few of us gather to pray over the weekend services. We typically meet on the night of the service rehearsal, which is generally on Thursday. We'd love to have you join us, whenever it might fit in your schedule. Come once, monthly or weekly.

What to expect: We enjoy a devotional time together first, with the whole service team, at 7pm. That lasts about a half hour. Then we break off for a time of prayer that lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. Join us?
Occasionally the day/time varies. With that in mind, contact Melinda melindalgroth@gmail.com to verify the schedule.

Upcoming Events
October 17, Informational meeting 6:45pm Sanctuary
October 24, Special Annual Meeting
October 29, Family Unity Night (FUN)
November 6, Marriage Simulcast – Love & War
November 7, Daylight Savings Ends
November 4, Be a Peacemaker Class

Worship Update 9/10

2010-09-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

From Jay

Doom and gloom vs life and hope

It gets old doesn’t it? Doom and gloom. We hear enough of it in the news and experience enough of it in our own lives. At church we desire to be real and so to not address pain and suffering would be weird. But, where is the hope? How can we have the right balance between the reality of doom and gloom in our world and lives, and the hope and life and love and joy of Jesus Christ, who is alive and well, and lives in us?

One of the things our church does pretty regularly is a time of prayer and healing. People come to the front and pour out their requests in prayer to God usually with someone else praying with them. I have come to cherish these moments and have been humbled more times than I can count listening to people’s prayers and situations.
If Jesus was attending our church during one of these, would He come up and pray? What would He pray about? Even though the Bible reveals some of Jesus’s prayers, I usually don’t think about Him in those terms, that He prayed to God, that He had desires and requests. I tend to just think about my requests of Him.
What if we could be the answer to Jesus’s prayers and desires for someone else? What if the light, and the hope, and the love that balances the doom and gloom is supposed to come from us? Here is a little of one of Jesus’s prayers to His father God from John 17.

15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. 18 Just as you sent me into the world; I am sending them into the world. I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. (That is you and I.) I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. 25 O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do: and these disciples know you sent me. 26 I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.

Choir Announcement from Eric Stearns
Choir has moved to Tuesdays! In an effort to move our people along in the discipleship process, we are moving our rehearsal nights to Tuesday evenings at 7pm, starting immediately. The reason we're making the switch is so that we can allow current and future members of the choir to participate in our Wednesday night offerings here at Sunset. Honestly, I felt like since the church was pushing our new Wed study, the choir had a responsibility to make sure we supported it as much as we could. This meant not letting our rehearsals get in the way of people learning God's Word. Now all choir members can join in with the body they serve in dissecting Nehemiah. Praise God with us!

Upcoming Events
September 22, Alpha starts
September 26, Pathways & Connections class 1 of 2
October 3, Pathways & Connections class 2 of 2
October 24, Annual Meetings & Vision Casting
October 29, Family Unity Night (FUN)
November 6, Marriage Simulcast – Love & War

8/27 Worship Update

2010-08-27T16:28:00.000-07:00

From Jay

The Year of the “Why”

People are weird. Have you ever noticed that? They do weird things and respond in weird ways and we think to ourselves, “Weird”. It is always a humbling experience for me when I label someone’s actions as weird and then find out the “why” behind their behavior. A deep pain, a traumatic experience, a void of love, a lifelong disability… our perception of the “what” always changes when we know the “why”.

As Worship & Creative Arts approaches a new season of ministry at Sunset, I am declaring this the “Year of the Why”. We are pretty familiar with “what” we do at church in the context of Sunday morning worship. Here are just a few pretty standards elements: singing, teaching, offering, baptism, communion, dedications, prayer and healing, etc. For a newcomer, any of these could be labeled “weird”. For the longtime attender, any of these could become devoid of meaning losing the “why” and becoming just about the “what”.

And so, I am on a quest to get at the “why” this year… to add meaning, value, and purpose in what we do together at church. And I want to go on that journey with you. I would love to hear your thoughts as we process what this could look like for our church this year. What things do you find meaningful at church and why? What things do you think have become stale and need some “why” injected back into them? What things do we do that you have no clue why and would like to know why? Email me at jaymckenney@sunsetpres.org

Jay

Choir & Orchestra Fall Start

Choir and Orchestra have started! Come join us as we make music for the Lord! No experience is needed to be a part of choir, just a willingness to learn, and a joyful spirit. Be a part of leading this church body to the throne of Jesus through worship. Choir meets on Tuesday (NEW, day change to Tuesday) at 7pm, downstairs in the choir room. For information about orchestra rehearsals, Wednesday at 7pm, please contact Eric at ericstearns@sunsetpres.org or 503.292.3083 x3052.

Upcoming Events
September 12, Church Picnic, Overflow starts
September 14, GIFT starts
September 15, Reveal Bible Study starts
September 16, MOM’s starts
September 22, Alpha starts
September 26, Pathways & Connections class 1 of 2
October 3, Pathways & Connections class 2 of 2
October 24, Annual Meetings & Vision Casting
October 29, Family Unity Night (FUN)
November 6, Marriage Simulcast – Love & War

Worship Update 8/13

2010-08-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

From Jay

CREATOR

Right now Eric and I are writing a song for the upcoming fall series in Nehemiah. It is called Build Us Up. I love the creative process of song writing. Some days it flows and comes naturally, other days the creative “spark” is just not there. Yesterday it was flowing. Today the faucet rusted shut. 

What is the last thing you created from nothing? Songwriters use the brain God gave them, experiences God provided, melodies God composed. Builders use materials from God’s creation, and muscles God designed. Anything that man creates, he creates as a created being. But God… God can speak a star into existence. God can create life… from scratch. God is life.

Is God’s creativity and power and resource effected by our economy? Is anything you face affecting His abilities or hampering His power? The second I begin to think on this is the second I quit feeling sorry for myself and just revel in the power of the God that loves me.

Because God is… there is hope. Because God lives there is beauty. Because God is God you have a reason to be in awe and grateful today. Don’t forget to marvel in His Creation.

Psalm 8:3-4
When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?

Seasons of Service Opportunities for August 2010

Every Sunday in August we will be collecting School Supplies
This year we are joining with the efforts of Love In The Name of Christ (Love INC.) and will be asking you to provide supplies that will be given to several elementary & middle schools in our area, including William Walker & McKinley. Drop them in the supply boxes around the church. Supply lists are available on the supply boxes, our web site--www.sunsetpres.org/go/school_support, the lobby Welcome Kiosk, or in our office.

Sunday, August 29
Responding To A Community In Crisis: A Day of Support at Skyline Elementary School

In the wake of the disappearance of Kyron Horman, we want to encourage the staff and teachers, as well as the families of Skyline Elementary School as they look to begin the school year, by completing the work begun on 5-2-10. We need 150 people to serve. Bill and Maggie Schweinfurth, who led the Skyline team on 5-2-10 will be the project leaders. Here are the things that we will be doing that day:

Finish painting exterior metal handrails
Finish painting trim in two classrooms
Paint one wall in the library
Clean out and reorganize “volunteer” room in basement of school
Landscaping around the school (details not yet known)

For those who are physically unable to work we invite you to walk the school halls and grounds praying for the staff, faculty and students and families of Skyline

How to Register: If you want to help on that day signup by going to www.sunsetpres.org/go/skyline and follow the directions. You and your family can serve following the 9 am service or the 11 am service. Plan to serve for 3-4 hours. Eat before you go, or bring a lunch and your own water.

Opportunities To Serve

Baby Grand Piano
Needed, baby grand piano donation. We’re constantly working to meet the needs of those who come to our services. With some upcoming changes to other weekly services at Sunset, we need a baby grand piano (which is easier to lead worship from than an upright) for the Student Center. If you are able to help with this need, please contact Janet Fraser at janetfraser@sunsetpres.org or 503.292.9293 x341.

5:30p Volunteers needed
If you are a regular attender of the 5:30 gathering we would love to have you come and serve once a month. We are looking for people to help with in the following roles. Ushers, stage managers and powerpoint operators. For more information or to sign up contact janetfraser@sunsetpres.org

Serve Once A Month – With a Great Team
We are in need of ushers for the 11am service. If you are available and willing to serve once a month as an usher, it’s a great opportunity to get your feet wet in ministry. Interested? Please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org or 503.292.9293 x3083.

Communion Help
We are looking for people willing to serve once a month helping with communion. Specific positions needed are prep, servers, and clean-up. If you are interested and willing to serve, please email to carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org or call 503.292.9293 x3083.

Come support and bolster the immune system of the weekend services.
Help us inoculate them with powerful prayers.
Each week, a few of us gather to pray over the weekend services. We typically meet on the night of the service rehearsal, which is generally on Thursday. We'd love to have you join us, whenever it might fit in your schedule. Come once, monthly or weekly.

What to expect: We enjoy a devotional time together first, with the whole service team, at 7pm. That lasts about a half hour. Then we break off for a time of prayer that lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. Join us?
Occasionally the day/time varies. With that in mind, contact Melinda melindalgroth@gmail.com to verify the schedule.

Upcoming Events
August 17-20, Kids Camp, click here for details
Remember to pray for the volunteers & kids at camp this week!
August 29, Serving at Skyline Elementary school, see above info
September 6, Labor Day
September 8, Wildfire starts
September 12, Church Picnic, Overflow starts
September 14, GIFT starts
September 15, Reveal Bible Study starts
September 16, MOM’s starts
September 22, Alpha starts
September 26, Pathways & Connections class 1 of 2
October 3, Pathways & Connections class 2 of 2
October 24, Annual Meetings & Vision Casting
October 29, Family Unity Night (FUN)
November 6, Marriage Simulcast – Love & War

Worship Update 8/6

2010-08-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

From Jay

The Routine of Church

The last thing you want from me is fitness advice. Anyone who knows me knows that I live in the extremes. Up, down, hot, cold, on, off. I once tried to say the word moderation out loud and I choked. I have people tell me about balance all the time when it comes to eating and exercise and, while intellectually I agree, I have never been able to apply that principle practically.

One thing I do know though is this, routine leads to plateau. Meaning if you stick with one type of exercise or movement over a long period of time, eventually your strength gain and benefit from that exercise lessens significantly. Eventually you are, in a sense, wasting your time doing something that is having very little effect on you.

Church on Sunday can be like that. Some of the things we do can be very routine. Here are a few routine things we do at Sunset: communion, prayer and healing, welcome and greet, baptisms, singing, offering, announcements, a message. These elements can have great significance, meaning and value. In communion we remember Christ’s sacrifice for us. When we welcome each other we remember that we are a community and that we are, in a real sense, family and not isolated. When we baptize we are celebrating together a life committed to God. When we sing together we are in a corporate conversation with our Creator that is unique and special. When we share what is going on in the life of our body through announcements we can connect people to areas of support and opportunity they might otherwise miss.

These elements can also reach a point where, for some, they reach a plateau of effectiveness because they have been done it exactly the same way for so long. People often ask me, “Why do you have to mess up that hymn by changing it? It’s just fine the way we’ve always done it.” The point of any type of change to anything we do in church is to highlight the deep meaning and significance and value of what we are doing… and to not let it grow so routine that we miss it and just go through the motions.

I believe with all my heart that what we should seek with all our hearts is not that we would do the same things or the same songs in the same way; rather, that we would seek to worship the same God who never changes, in ways that continue to stretch us, grow us, make us think, and that don’t become too routine.

Exciting Announcement!

From Jay…

Well…the search is over!! And what a search it was. I am pleased to announce that Sunset has hired a new choir director/arranger!!!! The search team, (Tom Davis, Bob Thomas, Heather Krieves, Travis, and myself) had a really impressive amount of candidates to interview. What separated the final pick, Eric Stearns, from the pack was his leadership, passion, and heart for the ministry as well as the family that is Sunset’s choir.

Eric is a music major at Western Oregon University. He has experience and extensive training in choral conducting, (currently on track for his masters level in conducting). He is currently a beloved worship leader at Warren Community Fellowship, and feels like God is calling him to Sunset. I don’t know if I have ever heard a better recommendation from a senior pastor for a music minister than I got from his senior pastor John Wecks, long time seminary prof from Western Seminary.

In addition to choral conducting, Eric is skilled and experienced in theatre, songwriting, singing, charting and arranging, and can play some serious keyboards.

Eric began working with us this week and I am so excited to have him join our community and for you to meet him. Please help me welcome Eric into our family. I am excited and grateful for this answer to our prayers!

Jay

From Eric…

Greetings!

First let me say how thrilled and excited I am about greeting you as the newest member of the Sunset Worship & Creative Arts team! I guess I should introduce myself, give you a little history, and then tell you about the great things we are going to accomplish together for the Lord.

My name is Eric Stearns, and I have been married for the last 8 years to Jennifer. We have two beautiful daughters; Grace, 6, and Rebekah, 5. Gracie is going into 2nd grade, and Bex is starting kindergarten next month. My wife is a middle school special education teacher in Tigard, and for the last 2½ years, I’ve worked as the worship guy at a church in Scappoose/St. Helens. We’ve lived in Oregon together for the last 6 years, having moved here from New York.

I’ve worked in worship ministry since 2002, the first couple of years balancing a theater career while learning how to be a worship arts pastor. Having worked at this full time for the last 8 years, I’m excited about this new opportunity at Sunset. I’ll be finishing up my Bachelor of Music soon, and continuing on to my Master’s of Contemporary Music at WOU. Finding this position at Sunset is a God-authored providence, as I’ll be able to do both at the same time!

As I start to look over some of where the choir has been, I get chills thinking about where we will be going soon! Obviously, Christmas and Easter are big times for us, performance-wise, but we have real opportunities to minister year-round, as well. Funny thing about choir music is that people seem to accept a choir singing about Jesus more freely than if a person stands up and speaks about Him publicly. I plan to take us outside the walls of this building in order to minister to the community around us in a non-threatening way. Over the next few years we will visit nursing homes, prisons, and perform at funerals for people who need some love. This Christmas, we’ll be singing at the Oregon Zoo, during their Zoolights celebration.

Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). As a group, people will know that we are followers of Jesus by the way we love each other and by the way we love our community. Sunset Choir is going to be a place where we will share Christ’s love freely, grow as disciples and musicians, and have quite a bit of fun along the way!

I can’t wait to meet you all at our first rehearsal! I won’t have a regular office schedule until September, as I’m finishing up my duties at Warren Community Fellowship over the month of August. Please feel free to contact me via email or phone if you have questions, though. Until then, remember to be the Church!

Blessings in His name!
E.C. Stearns

Seasons of Service Opportunities in August

Every Sunday in August we will be collecting School Supplies
This year we are joining with the efforts of Love In The Name of Christ (Love INC.) and will be asking you to provide supplies that will be given to several elementary & middle schools in our area, including William Walker & McKinley. Drop them in the supply boxes around the church. Supply lists are available on the supply boxes, our web site--www.sunsetpres.org/go/school_support, the lobby Welcome Kiosk, or in our office.

Sunday, August 29
Responding To A Community In Crisis: A Day of Support at Skyline Elementary School

In the wake of the disappearance of Kyron Horman, we want to encourage the staff and teachers, as well as the families of Skyline Elementary School as they look to begin the school year, by completing the work begun on 5-2-10. We need 150 people to serve. Bill and Maggie Schweinfurth, who led the Skyline team on 5-2-10 will be the project leaders. Here are the things that we will be doing that day:

Finish painting exterior metal handrails
Finish painting trim in two classrooms
Paint one wall in the library
Clean out and reorganize “volunteer” room in basement of school
Landscaping around the school (details not yet known)

For those who are physically unable to work we invite you to walk the school halls and grounds praying for the staff, faculty and students and families of Skyline

How to Register: If you want to help on that day signup by going to www.sunsetpres.org/go/skyline and follow the directions. You and your family can serve following the 9 am service or the 11 am service. Plan to serve for 3-4 hours. Eat before you go, or bring a lunch and your own water.

Opportunities To Serve

Baby Grand Piano
Needed, baby grand piano donation. We’re constantly working to meet the needs of those who come to our services. With some upcoming changes to other weekly services at Sunset, we need a baby grand piano (which is easier to lead worship from than an upright) for the Student Center. If you are able to help with this need, please contact Janet Fraser at janetfraser@sunsetpres.org or 503.292.9293 x341.

5:30p Volunteers needed
If you are a regular attender of the 5:30 gathering we would love to have you come and serve once a month. We are looking for people to help with in the following roles. Ushers, stage managers and powerpoint operators. For more information or to sign up contact janetfraser@sunsetpres.org

Serve Once A Month – With a Great Team
We are in need of ushers for the 11am service. If you are available and willing to serve once a month as an usher, it’s a great opportunity to get your feet wet in ministry. Interested? Please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org or 503.292.9293 x3083.

Communion Help
We are looking for people willing to serve once a month helping with communion. Specific positions needed are prep, servers, and clean-up. If you are interested and willing to serve, please email to carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org or call 503.292.9293 x3083.

Come support and bolster the immune system of the weekend services.
Help us inoculate them with powerful prayers.
Each week, a few of us gather to pray over the weekend services. We typically meet on the night of the service rehearsal, which is generally on Thursday. We'd love to have you join us, whenever it might fit in your schedule. Come once, monthly or weekly.

What to expect: We enjoy a devotional time together first, with the whole service team, at 7pm. That lasts about a half hour. Then we break off for a time of prayer that lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. Join us?
Occasionally the day/time varies. With that in mind, contact Melinda melindalgroth@gmail.com to verify the schedule.

Upcoming Events
August 17-20, Kids Camp, click here for details

August 29, Serving at Skyline Elementary school, see above info

Worship News 7/30

2010-07-30T09:53:00.000-07:00

This is an excerpt from the new Theatre Arts Newsletter written by Dania Behrens. If you are interested in being added to the distribution list, please email your request to carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org.

Why do theatre in church?
When I tell people why I love storytelling it ALWAYS involves my dad. Every night when I was young, after my mom had already tucked me in I would say, "Daddy... tell me a story about when you were a little boy."

And he would (of course). It seemed that there were always new stories. Some adventures, some funny, some painful, some scary but all about his life. All great.

He is a storyteller, he can't help it. He is how I fell in love with stories. For me they were stories of a different world. A world with handmade tortillas, and La Llorona (one of the many Mexican boogie men characters), there was a tree with a rope swing that was just a little too close to the barbed wire fence. Where my dad wore tailored polyester pants. This world was magic as the world of any story is. He opened up my passion for cultures and people and of course, their stories.

Yesterday morning I sat down to read my Bible and I thought, "Daddy, tell me a story." It struck me; I didn't do it on purpose or to be funny. It came so naturally to look up and ask this. He tells me stories from years past. Some scary, some stern, some funny, always teaching. Stories teach, Jesus knew that, he often taught in parables.

Tell your stories, the good and the bad. Who knows who they will inspire, or teach, or just make laugh? It is all valuable. Listen to the stories God wants to tell you, in His word and in the words and lives of others.

Seasons of Service Opportunities for August 2010

Every Sunday in August we will be collecting School Supplies
This year we are joining with the efforts of Love In The Name of Christ (Love INC.) and will be asking you to provide supplies that will be given to several elementary & middle schools in our area, including William Walker & McKinley. Drop them in the supply boxes around the church. Supply lists are available on the supply boxes, our web site--www.sunsetpres.org/go/school_support, the lobby Welcome Kiosk, or in our office.

Sunday, August 29
Responding To A Community In Crisis: A Day of Support at Skyline Elementary School

In the wake of the disappearance of Kyron Horman, we want to encourage the staff and teachers, as well as the families of Skyline Elementary School as they look to begin the school year, by completing the work begun on 5-2-10. We need 150 people to serve. Bill and Maggie Schweinfurth, who led the Skyline team on 5-2-10 will be the project leaders. Here are the things that we will be doing that day:

Finish painting exterior metal handrails
Finish painting trim in two classrooms
Paint one wall in the library
Clean out and reorganize “volunteer” room in basement of school
Landscaping around the school (details not yet known)

For those who are physically unable to work we invite you to walk the school halls and grounds praying for the staff, faculty and students and families of Skyline

How to Register: If you want to help on that day signup by going to www.sunsetpres.org/go/skyline and follow the directions. You and your family can serve following the 9 am service or the 11 am service. Plan to serve for 3-4 hours. Eat before you go, or bring a lunch and your own water.

Opportunities To Serve

Baby Grand Piano
Needed, baby grand piano donation. We’re constantly working to meet the needs of those who come to our services. With some upcoming changes to other weekly services at Sunset, we need a baby grand piano (which is easier to lead worship from than an upright) for the Student Center. If you are able to help with this need, please contact Janet Fraser at janetfraser@sunsetpres.org or 503.292.9293 x341.

5:30p Volunteers needed
If you are a regular attender of the 5:30 gathering we would love to have you come and serve once a month. We are looking for people to help with in the following roles. Ushers, stage managers and powerpoint operators. For more information or to sign up contact janetfraser@sunsetpres.org

Serve Once A Month – With a Great Team
We are in need of ushers for the 11am service. If you are available and willing to serve once a month as an usher, it’s a great opportunity to get your feet wet in ministry. Interested? Please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org or 503.292.9293 x3083.

Communion Help
We are looking for people willing to serve once a month helping with communion. Specific positions needed are prep, servers, and clean-up. If you are interested and willing to serve, please email to carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org or call 503.292.9293 x3083.

Come support and bolster the immune system of the weekend services.
Help us inoculate them with powerful prayers.
Each week, a few of us gather to pray over the weekend services. We typically meet on the night of the service rehearsal, which is generally on Thursday. We'd love to have you join us, whenever it might fit in your schedule. Come once, monthly or weekly.

What to expect: We enjoy a devotional time together first, with the whole service team, at 7pm. That lasts about a half hour. Then we break off for a time of prayer that lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. Join us?
Occasionally the day/time varies. With that in mind, contact Melinda melindalgroth@gmail.com to verify the schedule.

Upcoming Events

August 5-6, Leadership Summit, East Hill Church in Gresham
This two day event is one of the largest gatherings of Christian leaders around the world. It’s an annual injection of vision, skill development and inspiration for the sake of the local church.
For more info or to register: willowcreek.com/summit. Mention Sunset and get WCA discounted rates. Got questions? Email rickanderson@sunsetpres.org

August 17-20, Kids Camp, click here for details

August 29, Serving at Skyline Elementary school, see above info

Worship News7/16

2010-07-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

From Jay

Wounds

Peel back the outside layer to get a good look at the average heart, and you will see the scars and open sores of the wounds we all carry. Different things wound us in different ways. So often the wounds are words. Words carry so much in them: the ability to bless, to inspire, to love. Words also have the ability to deflate, to strike, to dishearten. Proverbs says wounds from a friend can be trusted more than kisses from an enemy. But too often it’s not our friends with good intentions, its people with no relationship, and no care for you, that shoot out the arrows that can pierce deeply and do more damage than they may even have intended.

I have told many of my friends that I can’t wait to get old so that I can go and find young people, who look different than me, who like different things than me, who lead differently than me, who worship differently than me, and then use my words to bless their socks off. I can’t wait to just look for Jesus in them, to look at their heart and the things that matter, and exhort them on and bless them. If I am being totally honest, I crave this… especially in the few years I have left of being somewhat passable as “young” (approaching 40 now), but truly don’t think it will happen. I crave more of the generation before me seeing my heart and using their words to bless and exhort me with their wisdom, rather than using words which dishearten and discourage. I pray that my heart remains soft enough and that I remember my desire to bless long enough to actually do it when I look in the mirror and see white hair and wrinkles. (I am going to bleach my hair and layout more to get there faster. :) But seriously, what will allow that to actually happen is the grace of my Savior.

Does it sound like I have been wounded recently?  Truthfully nothing more than normal, or more than you have probably received in one way or another recently yourself. Thankfully I serve at a place where the encouragement and life comes much more often than the wounds, and for that I am thankful!

How many times have I wounded Him? It was my sin, my rebellion that drove Him to take the ultimate wound for me. He did not win me over by showing me how much I hurt him or how much I wounded him. He won me over by meeting my wounds with His grace and forgiveness.

Your words, my words, carry with them a blessing or a curse. They hold in them so much power for harm or for good. Don’t underestimate the gift of communication you have been given. Use it to bring hope, life and love to others. Draw on Christ in you and then spill Him out to those in your sphere of influence.

Opportunities To Serve

Baby Grand Piano
Needed, baby grand piano donation. We’re constantly working to meet the needs of those who come to our services. With some upcoming changes to other weekly services at Sunset, we need a baby grand piano (which is easier to lead worship from than an upright) for the Student Center. If you are able to help with this need, please contact Janet Fraser at janetfraser@sunsetpres.org or 503.292.9293 x341.

5:30pm Volunteers needed
If you are a regular attender of the 5:30 gathering we would love to have you come and serve once a month. We are looking for people to help with in the following roles. Ushers, stage managers and powerpoint operators. For more information or to sign up contact janetfraser@sunsetpres.org

Serve Once A Month – With a Great Team
We are in need of ushers for the 11am service. If you are available and willing to serve once a month as an usher, it’s a great opportunity to get your feet wet in ministry. Interested? Please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org or 503.292.9293 x3083.

Communion Help
We are looking for people willing to serve once a month helping with communion. Specific positions needed are prep, servers, and clean-up. If you are interested and willing to serve, please email to carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org or call 503.292.9293 x3083.

Come support and bolster the immune system of the weekend services.
Help us inoculate them with powerful prayers.
Each week, a few of us gather to pray over the weekend services. We typically meet on the night of the service rehearsal, which is generally on Thursday. We'd love to have you join us, whenever it might fit in your schedule. Come once, monthly or weekly.

What to expect: We enjoy a devotional time together first, with the whole service team, at 7pm. That lasts about a half hour. Then we break off for a time of prayer that lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. Join us?
Occasionally the day/time varies. With that in mind, contact Melinda melindalgroth@gmail.com to verify the schedule.

Upcoming Events

August 2-7, Highschool MOVE Camp, click here for details

August 5-6, Leadership Summit, East Hill Church in Gresham
This two day event is one of the largest gatherings of Christian leaders around the world. It’s an annual injection of vision, skill development and inspiration for the sake of the local church.
For more info or to register: willowcreek.com/summit. Mention Sunset and get WCA discounted rates. Got questions? Email rickanderson@sunsetpres.org

August 17-20, Kids Camp, click here for details