Sunset Worship & Creative Arts Ministry

Worship Update 11/6

2009-11-06T17:08:00.000-08:00

From Jay

One of the highlights of my role at Sunset, is the people I get to interact with in ministry. I am often challenged, inspired and encouraged by the people I am teamed with. Tyler Braun is no exception. His intellect combined with his heart make him a joy to be around. I have asked him to write some thoughts about the words we use this year as a ministry, and below is what he wrote.
Jay

By now you've all heard about our worship team's tag line for the year:

"Together we Praise, Together we Serve,
Together we Love."

I've been thinking a lot about that statement this past week and thought I'd share some thoughts to each of you on how that relates to us.

Each week we are all part of helping a worship gathering happen. Sometimes this is from the stage, sometimes from the seats.

First and foremost we desire our worship to be directed towards and focused on God, but when we are doing this on a Sunday morning it is something we do together. Not only as a band, vocals, and tech team, but also we are engaging in worship with the people in the seats.

All this is done together, but I often wonder if God is fully satisfied if it just ends there. If we have a wonderful experience of worshiping God together and we come back a week later and do that again, is that enough?

I'm going to say no, which is why this tagline nails it for me. We praise, practice, and engage relationally together and at the same time as we do this we are serving one another, God, and the congregation. But the last part of the tagline, "together we love," is how this all connects together.

There is this aspect of community and love within our worship towards God that we all too often overlook.

Philippians 2:1-4
"If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care – then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand." (The Message)

I think this is what we desire even more than quality songs played by talented musicians, technicians, and vocalists.

Each weekend we have a little over an hour together to take the focus off of ourselves in order to focus on loving God and those God has placed around us. If our worship only ends with God and doesn't push us towards loving others it has missed the mark.

Note from Pastor Ron
This is a busy week for our family. Our third son Luke is marrying Jamie Steinfeld, his girlfriend of three years, on Sunday, November 8. All our kids who live out of town are coming home. Many of Luke’s friends who are groomsmen are staying at our house, so we have twenty people staying with us this weekend. With the weekend being so busy I asked John Franklin some time ago to preach for me. John is Vice President of Young Life with a busy schedule, but he always does a great job and is very well appreciated at Sunset. His message is “We Have An Adversary” based on 1 Peter 5:1-8. Join us this Sunday for a great message.

SPRING BREAK 2010!! Helene, Honduras
We are going back! Join us and experience what 200+ other Sunset members know about God’s work on the island of Helene! Helene is a small Honduran-island that is English speaking, impoverished and faith-seeking – they need your help with meaningful ministry projects!
Curious for more information or have a desire to serve?
Leader contact info Mark Runberg: 503.380.2736 or md.runberg@yahoo.com
URGENT – Deadline to turn in applications for this trip Sunday, Nov. 8 with a $100 deposit. Applications can be downloaded at our website, click here and turned in to Cindy Heinz at the church office.

Seasons of Service

Food and Toy Needs
Food and Toy, our efforts to provide up to 700 food boxes and toys to families at Christmas has a need for a few more team members:
Assistant Toy Coordinator
Box procurement
Liason to Beaverton School District resource center
For more information please contact Kirsten Williams at kp_williams@verizon.net.

William Walker, Our Adopted School
There is a need to help 5th graders for an hour, one day a month to do more advanced work, working one-on-one with a student in an activity provided by the teacher. Also there is need for Art support, helping students with art projects and art literacy.
To volunteer go to www.www.sunsetpres.org, Seasons of Service, Serving Our Schools then to William Walker. Come to the table in the lobby to speak with our representatives to find out more.

Opportunities to Serve

Ushers Needed!!
We are in need of ushers for all 3 services, especially the 11am. If you are available and willing to serve once a month as an usher, please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org or 503-292-9293x3083.

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.

Sunday Morning Preludes
We are looking for people willing to play the preludes Sunday mornings before The Nine service, in January and February. For more info or to propose a list of your available Sundays please contact Janet Harmon, jkharmony@comcast.net.

Videographers And Set Designers Needed!
We’re looking for people to serve in filming and editing the children’s dramas, for distribution to parents. Also set designers to help plan and build the sets.
Next drama is December 6th. If you are able to help in either capacity, please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org.

Join Sunset Choir
Choir has started!! But it’s never too late to join. If you love to express your heart for God through song, please plan to participate in choir this year. Rehearsal is every Wednesday, 7-9pm in the basement on the west side of the building. For questions or more information, contact jillhofer@sunsetpres.org.

Upcoming Events
November 25 – Thanksgiving Eve Service 7p with RESCUE!
November 26 – Thanksgiving Day
November 28 – Please mark your calendar for November 28th AM. It’s our decoration day in the sanctuary. If you’re available from Noon on please email janetfraser@sunsetpres.org. Donuts will be provided!
December 6 – Kidtropolis Drama
December 13 – Christmas Concert
December 16-19 – Food & Toy
December 24 – Christmas Eve Services 3, 5, 7 & 10pm
December 25 – Christmas Day
January 1, 2010 – New Years Day

Getting To Know Us: Abby Kahl

2009-11-02T11:25:00.000-08:00

How/Why Do you serve at Sunset:
I sing in the choir and I just started singing with the worship team. I serve because when I wasn't there was something missing in my life. It is also a great opportunity to meet new people who also love God and who will challenge me to be a better/stronger christian.

Favorite animal and why?
At the moment my favorite animal would be a cat; specifically my two cats Tiger & Lily. Why? Because they possess a great mixture of independence, unconditional love and they are FUZZY! :) Besides there isn't a better way to end the day, than by curling up on the couch with a blanket, a great book and my cats asleep on my lap.

What are you passionate about?
Music would have to be one of the first things that comes to mind. Combine that with growing in my relationship with God and I'm a happy girl. :) I'm also passionate about helping people; I love doing those little things that help brighten someone's day.

Something that happened yesterday that makes you happy?
I spent Sunday afternoon with my Parents and my extended family. Family is one of the most important things in my life, so when we all get together for a meal or to play card games it makes my whole day!

What's your "day job"?
I am the Director of Agency Products & Services for the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Oregon (IIABO). We provide continuing education, networking opportunities, and other services to the Oregon independent agents. I sell Errors & Omissions Insurance (think medical malpractice for insurance agents) and work with the different agency programs we offer to our members.

Worship Update 10/30

2009-10-30T17:12:00.000-07:00

From Jay

Iron sharpens Iron
I got home last from last weekend exhausted and exhilarated. I had just spent two days in Hume Lake California at a men’s conference, and I was definitely on a spiritual high and a physical low. I had taken a lot of footage of the trip, and was anxious to make a video, and finally got around to it on Wed night. It took me about 4 hours. I was learning a new program, had messed it up more than once, etc., etc. I finally got it all done, posted it everywhere I could, and then the next morning (today actually), showed it to my wife Allison.

About 2 minutes in there was a part on the video where I had been insensitive, and basically was making fun of someone I didn’t know on the airplane. She took one look at it and said you have to take this down. This crosses the line and maybe if you weren’t a pastor or in ministry, maybe (but probably not even then) this would be ok, but you are and it’s not.

I knew she was right, immediately. I pouted though as I deleted it off the places I had posted, realizing I would have to do yet another edit of the video. The reality is I am proud of her, grateful for her, and for people in my life who call it like they see it, and help me think outside myself and make me better.

I could tell you similar stories of the people I work with at Sunset, taking the time and care to point something out to me that has sharpened me and that I needed to hear. It’s part of what I LOVE about the church body as a whole; and you and I need that in our lives, need friends like that. God in His process of refining us, often uses the people around us to do the refining. If you’re like me sometimes the first reaction is defensive or less than warm and grateful; but at the end of the day I’ll take loving constructive criticism over surface relationships every time.

Proverbs 27:17 (New International Version)
As iron sharpens iron,
so one man sharpens another.

Monday, November 2nd
7p Student Center
The Sunset Global Outreach Team is hosting a reception for John and Heather Witherow, our missionaries to South Africa and Zimbabwe. Join us to hear firsthand what this awesome family is accomplishing.

SPRING BREAK 2010!! Helene, Honduras
We are going back! Join us and experience what 200+ other Sunset members know about God’s work on the island of Helene! Helene is a small Honduran-island that is English speaking, impoverished and faith-seeking – they need your help with meaningful ministry projects!
Curious for more information or have a desire to serve?
Leader contact info Mark Runberg; 503.380.2736 or md.runberg@yahoo.com
URGENT – Deadline to turn in applications for this trip Sunday, Nov. 8 with a $100 deposit. Applications can be downloaded at our website, click here and turned in to Cindy Heinz at the church office.

Seasons of Service

Food and Toy Needs
Food and Toy, our efforts to provide up to 700 food boxes and toys to families at Christmas has a need for a few more team members:
Assistant Toy Coordinator
Box procurement
Liason to Beaverton School District resource center
For more information please contact Kirsten Williams at kp_williams@verizon.net.

William Walker, Our Adopted School
There is a need to help 5th graders for an hour, one day a month to do more advanced work, working one-on-one with a student in an activity provided by the teacher. Also there is need for Art support, helping students with art projects and art literacy.
To volunteer go to www.www.sunsetpres.org, Seasons of Service, Serving Our Schools then to William Walker. Come to the table in the lobby to speak with our representatives to find out more.

Opportunities to Serve

Ushers Needed!!
We are in need of ushers for all 3 services, especially the 11am. If you are available and willing to serve once a month as an usher, please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org or 503-292-9293x3083.

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.

Sunday Morning Preludes
We are looking for people willing to play the preludes Sunday mornings before The Nine service, in January and February. For more info or to propose a list of your available Sundays please contact Janet Harmon, jkharmony@comcast.net.

Videographers And Set Designers Needed!
We’re looking for people to serve in filming and editing the children’s dramas, for distribution to parents. Also set designers to help plan and build the sets.
Next drama is December 6th. If you are able to help in either capacity, please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org.

Join Sunset Choir
Choir has started!! But it’s never too late to join. If you love to express your heart for God through song, please plan to participate in choir this year. Rehearsal is every Wednesday, 7-9pm in the basement on the west side of the building. For questions or more information, contact jillhofer@sunsetpres.org.

Upcoming Events
November 25 – Thanksgiving Eve Service 7p with RESCUE!
November 26 – Thanksgiving Day
December 6 – Kidtropolis Drama
December 13 – Christmas Concert
December 16-19 – Food & Toy
December 24 – Christmas Eve Services 3, 5, 7 & 10pm
December 25 – Christmas Day
January 1, 2010 – New Years Day

Getting To Know Us: Rose Braun

2009-10-26T14:16:00.001-07:00

Rose with her husband (Sunset's co-praise band director), Tyler.

How and why you serve at sunset?

I serve at Sunset on the worship team and I am also a small group leader for highschool girls who are now Juniors. Why do I do this? First and foremost I love the Lord with all that I am. I want to live a life of obedience and one full of community. I felt called to work with highschool girls many years ago after I graduated from high school myself. I love the life and energy that they bring each week, and they inspire and challenge me more than they realize. I have been with them since they were freshman and will continue until they are juniors. Every Tuesday night they come over and we dig into the Word, have hard converstations, times of prayer and have a lot of fun! Music has always been a part of my life. I had my first solo at church when I was about 7. In college I was looking for someone to be able to co- lead campus worship, and was directed to Tyler Braun, who is now my husband. It is a neat gift we both have and it's a treasure to share that together. Leading people into the presence of God is something I can't even describe and will never take for granted!

If you had a week to travel any where in the world, where would you go and why?

I would go to Hawaii. It's not too far to travel and I love it there! I have been there 3 times, and the last time was on our honeymoon. I would love to go back there with some girl friends this time and enjoy and relax for a week! What a dream that would be. :)

What are you passionate about?

Things I love and bring me passion are: LIFE, Jesus, the Bible and the life it brings, my husband, friends and family, exercise and health, kids and babies, and massage.

Favorite childhood memory?

Growing up in Alaska, ever winter we had some mad sledding hills. I have so many fun memories of racing my family members down our icy icy hill!

What's your day job?

My day job is always changing. But if you mean my "work" I would say, I am currently a waitress and trainer at the Cheesecake Factory. I am currently in school for maternity massage therapy and look forward to making that my career in the near future.

Worship Update 10/23

2009-10-23T17:01:00.000-07:00

From Jay

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. J

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.”

Seasons of Service

Habitat for Humanity - October 31st
The CREW (our tech & production team) is doing a community service project in October and we have a couple spots open for anyone who would like to join us!

We’ll be working at the Westside project in Aloha and we have a couple openings left:
8:30 - Noon (need one) Noon - 4 (need two)
Lunch is provided. Let me know if you're available- we'd love to have you join us! RSVP today to janetfraser@sunsetpres.org

Message from Ken
Every week I hear people talking about how they see our church becoming a “serving” church! I want to thank Marlene Duncan for being the Sunset volunteer co-coordinator for Beaverton Compassion Clinic. We are hearing amazing stories from those who were served and also those who served. Thank you to everyone who participated.

Please begin to pray for the teams, the many volunteers, the families and individuals who will be serving and be served by Food and Toy. Pray about what God may be leading YOU to do!

Below are the specific needs in our Season’s of Service. If God is tapping you on the shoulder, contact the appropriate person and let them know!

Volunteers Needed At William Walker School and McKinley School
William Walker is looking for volunteers for a PASSPORT CLUB they are starting. It is an opportunity for kids to learn about geography. There is a training on October 20th from 7-8p in the school library and the club day will be on Oct 29th from 8:45 to 11a. This is a once a month commitment.
McKinley is looking for people to help with a family costume dance on Oct 23rd.
Both contacts for volunteering is Carole Long at carolelong@comcast.net.

Food and Toy Needs
Food and Toy, our efforts to provide up to 700 food boxes and toys to families at Christmas has a need for a few more team members:
Assistant Toy Coordinator
Box procurement
Liason to Beaverton School District resource center
For more information please contact Kirsten Williams at kp_williams@verizon.net.

Opportunities to Serve

Ushers Needed!!
We are in need of ushers for all 3 services, especially the 11am. If you are available and willing to serve once a month as an usher, please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org or 503-292-9293x3083.

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.

Sunday Morning Preludes
We are looking for people willing to play the preludes Sunday mornings before The Nine service, in January and February. For more info or to propose a list of your available Sundays please contact Janet Harmon, jkharmony@comcast.net.

Pop Culture Wanted!
Sermon Research Team
We’re looking for people who have an eye for what is current in movies, art, music, and media to partner with Pastor Ron by researching and using these sources for sermon preparation.
Please contact janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Videographers And Set Designers Needed!
We’re looking for people to serve in filming and editing the children’s dramas, for distribution to parents. Also set designers to help plan and build the sets.
Next drama is December 6th. If you are able to help in either capacity, please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org.

Join Sunset Choir
Choir has started!! But it’s never too late to join. If you love to express your heart for God through song, please plan to participate in choir this year. Rehearsal is every Wednesday, 7-9pm in the basement on the west side of the building. For questions or more information, contact jillhofer@sunsetpres.org.

Upcoming Events
October 25 – Annual Meeting, 6:30p in the Sanctuary
November 1 – Daylight Savings Ends
November 25 – Thanksgiving Eve Service with RESCUE!
November 26 – Thanksgiving Day
December 6 – Kidtropolis Drama
December 13 – Christmas Concert
December 16-19 – Food & Toy
December 24 – Christmas Eve Services 3, 5, 7 & 10pm
December 25 – Christmas Day
January 1, 2010 – New Years Day

Getting To Know Us: Dan Morgan

2009-10-19T11:01:00.000-07:00

This is Dan with his 2 kids, Emily and Andy.

How/why do you serve at Sunset?
Most Sundays I work in the children's area hanging out with a special needs student. I like being able to provide the social interaction and help give his mom a break. I have also worked on the security team for the FUN nights, which is, um, FUN. We would often attend the old evening service so when the chance came up last year to help with the new Sunday evening service, I was excited for the opportunity to provide this option. So, once a month I perform the setup and teardown of the sound equipment and run the sound board during the service. I find it very interesting to work with technical equipment that's not a computer because it's quite different from my day job. Since this was so much fun, I also signed up to work the camera in the big church once a month. That's a bit more stressful knowing that everyone will see it if I make a mistake, but it is also rewarding to find a really cool picture that may get up on the screen. A side benefit of working both with children and tech departments is meeting and working with the great people that make our church run and it's one of the reasons I love coming in to serve.

If you could have lunch with any person dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I suppose the obvious answer here is Jesus, but I also can't think of a better one. I suppose I could think of a question or two to ask, but even just listening to him speak for an hour would be amazing.

What are you passionate about?
Day-to-day I am passionate about my job, responding to urgent needs as quickly as possible and getting projects done the right way so things run smoothly. I love solving problems with software and making computers do what I want. I am also a strong believer in education, especially literacy and math as important building blocks for both children and adults to better grow and participate in our society and provide the capability for self-improvement, spiritual growth, and greater self esteem.

What’s a dream you have that has yet to be lived out?
Probably more travelling to different parts of our country and world. I think it might be fun to take a motorcycle tour of the US.

What’s your “day job”?

Computer programmer at a local semiconductor manufacturer, TriQuint. We make chips that are used for cell phones, wireless internet, and many other communications devices. The process generates a lot of data and my group is responsible for collecting much of the data, reformatting as necessary, storing it, and making it available to various internal and external customers. I also work on factory automation projects to enable our production tools to talk to other computer systems and improve speed and accuracy.

Worship Update 10/16

2009-10-16T17:53:00.000-07:00

From Jay

Can’t Wait

I don’t often get moved to tears in my quiet time with God, but I was this morning. I am in Colossians right now, reading about how Jesus is the fullness of God; that when you see Jesus, you see an exact representation of His Father God.

This study guide book I am in asked this question: “What are some of the difficulties we have in trying to know and relate to an invisible God?”

Suddenly I was hit with a longing to see Jesus face to face like I never have. If He is my best friend, if He is my Redeemer, my Savior, if I am supposed to be drawing closer to Him, it just kind of seems like I should be able to talk with Him face to face, to ask Him questions, to listen to Him, like other people in my life I love and that love me. I can tell you all the answers I have said all my life about how He speaks to me through His Word and how we can pray to Him boldly, etc. And even though I believe in those things with all my heart, I just really, really, really would like to see Him, face to face.

Colossians 1:15-16…

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.He existed before anything was created
and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything
in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see
and the things we can’t see—

And so I wait, along with you, for a time when I finally will see Him standing in front of me.

Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. - 1 Corinthians 13:12

Seasons Of Service

Habitat for Humanity - October 31st
The CREW (our tech & production team) is doing a community service project in October and we have a couple spots open for anyone who would like to join us!

We’ll be working at the Westside project in Aloha and we have a couple openings left:
8:30 - Noon (need one) Noon - 4 (need two)
Lunch is provided. Let me know if you're available- we'd love to have you join us! RSVP today to janetfraser@sunsetpres.org

Opportunities To Serve

New Ushers Needed!!
We are in need of ushers for all 3 services, especially the 11am. If you are available and willing to serve once a month as an usher, please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org or 503-292-9293x3083.

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.

Sunday Morning Preludes
We are looking for people willing to play the preludes Sunday mornings before The Nine service, in December and January. For more info or to propose a list of your available Sundays please contact Janet Harmon, jkharmony@comcast.net.

Pop Culture Wanted!
Sermon Research Team
We’re looking for people who have an eye for what is current in movies, art, music, and media to partner with Pastor Ron by researching and using these sources for sermon preparation.
Please contact janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Videographers And Set Designers Needed!
We’re looking for people to serve in filming and editing the children’s dramas, for distribution to parents. Also set designers to help plan and build the sets.
Next drama is December 6th. If you are able to help in either capacity, please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org.

Join Sunset Choir
Choir has started!! But it’s never too late to join. If you love to express your heart for God through song, please plan to participate in choir this year. Rehearsal is every Wednesday, 7-9pm in the basement on the west side of the building. For questions or more information, contact jillhofer@sunsetpres.org.

Upcoming Events
October 25 – Annual Meeting, 6:30p in the Sanctuary
November 1 – Daylight Savings Ends
November 25 – Thanksgiving Eve Service with RESCUE!

Getting To Know Us: Carrie Wheeler

2009-10-12T11:28:00.000-07:00

Running in costume at the First Run last New Year's Eve - 5K in downtown Portland that starts at midnight!

How/why do you serve at Sunset?
Alpha Course helper/facilitator - I think Alpha is a fantastic course for all Christians and for those exploring Christianity. It helped me understand and make a real commitment to my faith, so I try to support the class in any way I can.
Stage Manager for 5:30 service 1x per month - I'm a night person and sometimes even making the 11 am service is hard for me, so I wanted to help support the evening service and this seemed like a good way to do it!
Church-wide service projects (Bike Fair, Food & Toy Drive, Helping Hands, etc.) - I love community service and the spirit of joy that comes from working together as a group to serve others - one of the things I love most about Sunset!

Your favorite restaurant and why? My old standby is Bastas Trattoria in NW Portland - great food, good prices (for the neighborhood, anyway!), an atmosphere that can be as dressed up or dressed down as you want, and they have their own (free!) parking lot.

What are you passionate about? God, my family, my dog, foster children, music, traveling/experiencing life in other parts of the world, international humanitarian missions, hiking, dancing, camping, chocolate, reading... just to name a few!

If you suddenly won the lottery, what are the first 5 things you’d purchase?
West Beach Resort on Orcas Island (yes, the entire resort!)
Plane tickets to visit my brother and sister-in-law and their two-year-old twins in Tennessee
Pay the deposit for a mission trip to Haiti I've wanted to do for several years now with Haiti Foundation of Hope/Medical Teams International
Dinner for all my friends and family at Bastas
Some much-needed new clothes (I'm starting to feel like a cartoon character!)

What’s your “day job”? Development and Gifts Manager at Chehalem Youth and Family Services, a Christian non-profit providing residential foster care for kids 11-18 and counseling services for the community.

Worship Update 10/9

2009-10-09T16:14:00.000-07:00

From Jay

Words
I follow a pastor named Mark Driscoll who teaches at Mars Hill Church in Seattle. By follow, I mean I listen to his sermons as often as I can via an app on my phone. His sermons have encouraged, challenged and inspired me, so I keep listening.

People love to have an opinion about Mark that know of him (whether or not they know him). I have heard the following, "He's arrogant." "He is cocky." "He is controversial."

I was reading his blog today and he mentioned that he watched a certain movie with his wife. Under the comments, I read several people's comments who wrote something about how awful the movie was and how disappointed they were that Mark watched it, and would Jesus watch that movie with him etc., etc.

I'm not writing about Mark Driscoll. This isn't based on a personal vendetta or about anyone in particular. What I am writing about is our uncanny ability to judge others. It is really on my heart right now after reading Mark's blog.

It's all fine until it's directed at you or me. When someone who has little or no relationship with you lobs an accusation your way and you hear it third person, it cuts like a knife. We can't understand and we think "If that person really knew me, really knew my heart, took the time to understand me, they wouldn't say that." Or, at the very least, we wonder why they didn't come to us first before they start mentioning us to others casually in conversation.

So why do we do it?? Well ultimately I believe it's just one of many things that our heart rushes to do apart from the power of the Holy Spirit. When we can point out wrong in others, it often makes us feel superior and righteous and better than we are.

The truth is if we are honest with ourselves…
if we read Romans and realize what we truly are apart from Christ in our lives…
if we are honest about where we have come from, about our own day to day battles with our flesh and the whispers of the lies of Satan…
and if we were humbled before the holiness of Christ…
we would not waste our time looking for and pointing out the flaws in those around us. Instead, we need to look for ways to build up those around us and look for the good in them. So, what about our "constructive criticism"? That's something we should carefully speak to those closest to us, those we know and love, and those to whom we're very sure God has called us to speak truth, knowing that our words may cause a wound.

Eph 4:28-32...
Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.

Don't grieve God. Don't break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't take such a gift for granted.

Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you. (The Message)

Opportunities to Serve

Praise Band/Vocal Auditions
October 18th… we are looking especially for piano and synth players. Please contact Tyler Braun at tylerbraun@sunsetpres.org to schedule an audition.
Vocal auditions are ongoing; please contact jaymckenney@sunsetpres.org if you are interested in singing. All ages welcome!

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.

Sunday Morning Preludes
We are looking for people willing to play the preludes Sunday mornings before The Nine service, in December and January. For more info or to propose a list of your available Sundays please contact Janet Harmon, jkharmony@comcast.net.

Pop Culture Wanted!
Sermon Research Team
We’re looking for people who have an eye for what is current in movies, art, music, and media to partner with Pastor Ron by researching and using these sources for sermon preparation.
Please contact janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Videographers And Set Designers Needed!
We’re looking for people to serve in filming and editing the children’s dramas, for distribution to parents. Also set designers to help plan and build the sets.
Next drama is December 6th. If you are able to help in either capacity, please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org.

Join Sunset Choir
Choir has started!! But it’s never too late to join. If you love to express your heart for God through song, please plan to participate in choir this year. Rehearsal is every Wednesday, 7-9pm in the basement on the west side of the building. For questions or more information, contact jillhofer@sunsetpres.org.

Production/Tech Team Volunteers Needed!
We are looking for people to fill the following roles:
· Service Director
· Lighting
· Graphics
· FOH Camera Op Week
· Message Slide Designer

In addition we have a new volunteer role: Video production. We'd like to find some video editors in our midst. Are you or do you know someone who could do simple projects for us? (i.e. this week, we have white text (provided) on black screen and need someone to edit.) The level of the projects will depend on who we discover. The content is generally available a couple weeks in advance of the deadline. If you have this skill or know someone at Sunset who does, please email me janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Upcoming Events
October 10 – Compassion Beaverton, info at www.compassionbeaverton.org
October 11 – Infant Baptism and Dedication, church-wide Pancake Breakfast
October 16 – FUN Family Unity Night, 6-8:30p in the Gym
October 18 – Chap Clark conference (morning services and 4-7p)
October 25 – Annual Meeting, 6:30p in the Sanctuary
November 1 – Daylight Savings Ends
November 25 – Thanksgiving Eve Service with RESCUE!

Getting To Know Us: Debbie Schappert

2009-10-07T12:16:00.000-07:00

How/why do you serve at Sunset? I serve at Sunset because it is what God wants me to do. I like to help, and when He lays a need on my heart I try and follow His prompting. I currently am stage manager once a month and love serving on this team. I have wanted to do something in this 'area' ever since I first came to a service at Sunset. So after I joined the church last fall, I felt now was the time to step up and serve! I also had the privilege of co-leading a group of 5 year old's last summer for Kid's Camp, what a great time we all had. I did help a few time with data entry for prayer requests, but ran out of time to continue. Worship & Creative Arts is a good fit for me because I only have to do it one time a month, rather than every week.

What’s your hidden talent? Not sure, I tend to be a 'Jill of all Trades' and can be pretty versatile.

What are you passionate about? I am passionate about my kids and my business, which brings me to 'what is your day job'?. I own a boarding kennel for dogs and cats. We have 7 employee's and lot's of maintenance so between that and having two girls in elementary school, that fills by day up.

What is your favorite meal of the day (breakfast, lunch or dinner) and what would that meal be?Favorite meal of the day is probably dinner, as it is usually the most relaxing time of the day. Favorite food? Anything except fish.

I feel very blessed to be a part of this worship team and of Sunset!

Debbie, thanks for serving! We are glad to have you on our team!

Worship Update 10/2

2009-10-02T16:18:00.000-07:00

Coming Sunday, October 18, 4-7pm at Sunset Presbyterian Church Gym

This Sunset Community Conference is designed to provide the training and tools adults need to understand the adolescent experience and help us integrate our students into the full life of the church family.

Grounded in a solid theology of church life and community, the seminar helps men and women to grapple with their own fears about our changing world, and allows them to recognize and address how these fears are passed down to the kids that God is calling each of us to serve, nurture, embrace and love. This conference features Chap Clark – a well-known practitioner, adolescent and family scholar, author, gifted trainer-teacher and energetic speaker.

Chap has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (cum laude) from the University of California, San Diego, and a M. A. Theology and Master of Divinity from Fuller Seminary and a Ph.D. from the University of Denver in Human Communications Studies, specializing in relationships, teamwork and leadership, and organizational and family systems.

Chap will also be speaking in our 9 am and 11am Sunday morning services. No conference fees; a free-will offering will be taken. Invite your community… friends, neighbors, teachersClick here to register for free children's programming (birth - 5 year olds) for the 4:30 pm session.

Update/Announcement
Worship & Creative Arts is excited this year to be starting a new process that will track when you serve on Sundays. In the past, some of you who serve regularly have flown completely under the radar. Consequently, our database program (and therefore, our church) has had practically no knowledge that you have even attended!

Starting October 11th we will add a check-in component to the stage manager’s job; they’ll check-in every person who is serving on that Sunday morning through a laptop and our FellowshipOne database. So… if you suddenly start seeing your name associated with a barcode in a binder in the green room, don’t be alarmed. J

Service Opportunities

Sunday Morning Preludes
We are looking for people willing to play the preludes Sunday mornings before The Nine service, in December and January. For more info or to propose a list of your available Sundays please contact Janet Harmon, jkharmony@comcast.net.

Pop Culture Wanted!
Sermon Research Team
We’re looking for people who have an eye for what is current in movies, art, music, and media to partner with Pastor Ron by researching and using these sources for sermon preparation.
Please contact janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Videographers And Set Designers Needed!
We’re looking for people to serve in filming and editing the children’s dramas, for distribution to parents. Also set designers to help plan and build the sets.
Next drama is December 6th. If you are able to help in either capacity, please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org.

Join Sunset Choir
Choir has started!! But it’s never too late to join. If you love to express your heart for God through song, please plan to participate in choir this year. Rehearsal is every Wednesday, 7-9pm in the basement on the west side of the building. For questions or more information, contact jillhofer@sunsetpres.org.

Production/Tech Team Volunteers Needed!
We are looking for people to fill the following roles:
· Service Director
· Lighting
· Graphics
· FOH Camera Op Week
· Message Slide Designer

In addition we have a new volunteer role: Video production. We'd like to find some video editors in our midst. Are you or do you know someone who could do simple projects for us? (i.e. this week, we have white text (provided) on black screen and need someone to edit.) The level of the projects will depend on who we discover. The content is generally available a couple weeks in advance of the deadline. If you have this skill or know someone at Sunset who does, please email me janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Upcoming Events
October 10 – Compassion Beaverton, info at www.compassionbeaverton.org
October 11 – Infant Baptism and Dedication, church-wide Pancake Breakfast
October 16 – FUN Family Unity Night
October 18 – Chap Clark conference
October 25 – Annual Meeting
November 1 – Daylight Savings Ends
November 25 – Thanksgiving Eve Service

Worship Update 9/25

2009-09-25T16:49:00.000-07:00

From Jay

Most days

I have been working on a song lately called Most Days. The song isn’t for anyone, it’s just for me, but I thought I would express some of the heart of it if I can.

I have been on staff at Sunset for 5 years. Before that I was in a full time music ministry for 3 years, and nearly full time 5 years before that. Before that I was in church worship teams, choirs, ensembles and other singing ministries on the side. It has been a long time since I was the person coming to church and sitting in the chair.

The danger of that is I can lose touch with reality, your reality. But for today, that is not why I’m writing this. Because the other danger is you can lose touch with mine. So the following are some basic (and not really thought through) thoughts about my reality as someone on staff at a church, some things I think about, some things I struggle with, some things I love about it, etc. My point in this is to let you “in” a little to my brain, and in a sense hopefully let you in on others who work in a church as well, as I find more and more the journey we walk can be so similar.

Most days I’m still trying to figure out life like you are. Most days I feel the battle between my selfishness and God’s spirit so strong that I long for heaven.

Most days I wonder who I’m not reaching out to enough, who is looking down on me for not reaching out to them enough, and realizing I don’t even reach out to my own family enough let alone my church family.

Some days I think I want to do anything but work in music at a church, the wounds you take sometimes don’t feel worth it. But a strong sense of calling, and joy that outweighs the wounds, and relationships that bring life, have kept me in it thus far.

Some days I actually remember a “normal job”, when I worked construction for years and years, and shake my head about God’s plans for my life, and become filled with gratitude to be doing something I’m passionate about.

Most days I realize I have so much more to learn, and that when it comes to relationships in some ways each day starts over, and yesterday’s successes don’t mean today I’m off the hook in learning to love people more.

Some days my motivation “switch” is turned all the way off. God is teaching me the value of showing up in those days, in relationships, in life, and not waiting till I feel “full” to engage. But to also be very aware and let others be aware that my tank is empty when it’s empty.

Some days I get so tired of the same conversations, about church, about music, about serving, about strategy, about leadership, about community, about opinion, that I want to scream. Other days I can hardly wait to dive into the discussion again and see how God will change us, mold us, use us, transform us, mobilize us, and empower us.

Some days I feel that my very presence in ministry, has brought more harm than good, that I lack the skills, lack the vision, lack the leadership, lack the heart, lack the stamina, and lack the love to bring any value to anyone. Some days God reminds me it’s His skill, His stamina, and His love that matters, and that He has more than enough to go around. Those are good days!!!

I could seriously go on forever, but you won’t read forever so I will cut it here. Hopefully something here was insightful or encouraging or revealing to you this day.
Jay

An update from Jay -- Why don’t we sing as much anymore??

Allison and I have been married for 14 years. One of the things we realize we fall into is assuming the other person knows what is in our minds. The reality is, we often don’t, and still need to hear the context, the why, the heart behind an action or decision.

Often times in this ministry I am heading a certain direction based on a heart decision made in the context of team, but realize I haven’t communicated it to the ministry as a whole. From time to time as I think of things I want to address them.

One of the things that has changed in Worship and Creative Arts is the way we approach a weekend. There is a desire to find more ways to engage people, more ways to interact, and more ways to involve people in worship outside of just singing a song. This desire meets the reality of limited time in a service, which is still more or less 70 minutes. The outcome is when the service planning teams comes up with different ways (through prayer and reflection) to engage people differently we sing less.

For example, in the next few months, we are looking at some ways to do prayer and healing differently, to involve the congregation more, and both ideas come at the “expense” of songs normally in that slot. (Still flushing out our plan so I won’t spoil you with details. J) This is intentional. But, if it’s not stated (and you’re playing or singing that weekend with only 3 or 4 songs instead of 6 or 7) you might wonder why there are less songs. We still HIGHLY value praising together in song, but we are looking more holistically at our time together realizing there are many opportunities to grow as a family outside of just singing, in the context of a worship service.

This also means when you serve on Sunday a.m. that your rehearsal on Sunday morning may end a little earlier so that we can run other elements. This will allow you time to grab a bite to eat, relax and be out greeting in the sanctuary as the church arrives!

I also want to take this moment to open the door of my office for you. Let me know if this brings up other things that you have witnessed but don’t feel have been communicated well and you’d like to hear the heart behind it. I know you are not a mind reader and the more informed you are the better!!

Thank you,
Jay

Opportunities to Serve

Sunday Morning Preludes
We are looking for people willing to play the preludes Sunday mornings before The Nine service, in December and January. For more info or to propose a list of your available Sundays please contact Janet Harmon, jkharmony@comcast.net.

Pop Culture Wanted!
Sermon Research Team
We’re looking for people who have an eye for what is current in movies, art, music, and media to partner with Pastor Ron by researching and using these sources for sermon preparation.
Please contact janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Videographers And Set Designers Needed!
We’re looking for people to serve in filming and editing the children’s dramas, for distribution to parents. Also set designers to help plan and build the sets.
Next drama is December 6th. If you are able to help in either capacity, please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org.

Join Sunset Choir
Choir has started!! But it’s never too late to join. If you love to express your heart for God through song, please plan to participate in choir this year. Rehearsal is every Wednesday, 7-9pm in the basement on the west side of the building. For questions or more information, contact jillhofer@sunsetpres.org.

Production/Tech Team Volunteers Needed!
We are looking for people to fill the following roles:
· Service Director
· Lighting
· Graphics
· FOH Camera Op Week
· Message Slide Designer

In addition we have a new volunteer role: Video production. We'd like to find some video editors in our midst. Are you or do you know someone who could do simple projects for us? (i.e. this week, we have white text (provided) on black screen and need someone to edit.) The level of the projects will depend on who we discover. The content is generally available a couple weeks in advance of the deadline. If you have this skill or know someone at Sunset who does, please email me janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Upcoming Events
October 10 – Compassion Beaverton, info at www.compassionbeaverton.org
October 11 – Infant Baptism and Dedication, church-wide Pancake Breakfast
October 16 – FUN Family Unity Night
October 18 – Chap Clark conference
October 25 – Annual Meeting 6:30pm
November 1 – Daylight Savings Ends
November 25 – Thanksgiving Eve Service

Worship Update 9/18

2009-09-18T16:09:00.000-07:00

From Jay

Freedom in Worship

The music starts, but I can’t quite tell what’s happening. I don’t know this song, and I don’t feel comfortable singing something I don’t know. No one around me is singing either, and the lyrics on the screen don’t even match whatever is being sung from the platform. It’s too loud or it’s too quiet. This song is too fast, and that one is too slow. Song after song it’s the same thing, if I’m supposed to be experiencing or feeling something I’m not, and I don’t think anyone around me is either.

Have you ever thought anything like that? I have many times! Of course, not at Sunset J. Actually most likely for you of course this has happened here, at Sunset, with me leading on a Sunday morning. Contrast that with the opposite feeling of losing yourself in praising Jesus corporately, and the freedom that washes over you as you pour out your affection to Jesus with a room full of people doing the same.

OK so for all the buzzwords and philosophies and ways to think about worship, let me narrow this conversation for a moment down to what takes place in an hour on Sunday, and our time of praising God together, in song. My hope for what happens there, in that time, for you is also my hope as a pastor for your whole life and my whole life as well. What do you think of when you think of freedom in that setting?

For me, one of the places that freedom in worship starts is being rooted in my true identity in Christ. If I am praising from that place… the place of who I am in Him, of what He says about me and my relationship to Him, than I am praising from a healthy place.

When I’m not free, my identity is found in other things. How well I’m singing or not, what people are thinking of me, positive or negative, whether or not I like a song, the look on that guy’s face that must have something to do with me, etc. When I am in this place I am not free, I am in bondage to myself and my thoughts, and my identity apart from Christ.

One of the goals this year, in regards to Sunday morning, is to continue to give all of us in the room the time and space to get to that place… that free place in our worship. To change our perspective from us centered to Christ centered. I believe when we praise from that place we change from consumers of a product to participants in an experience of lifting up the name of Jesus together. This is the heart of what we want to be about. It doesn’t let those who serve here off the hook to do all we can to provide an environment free from distraction, but the heartbeat of what happens in the hour on Sunday is so that we have time and space to move into Christ centered worship together.

Colossians 3:1-2 and 15-17
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Head’s Up!!

Next Sunday The Gathering will change to its new time of 5:30 pm, in the Gym.
This worship service is designed especially as a community based, conversational gathering of the church. It’s a great way to introduce your friends to Jesus.

Praise Night - Freedom Is Here
Sunday, September 27, 7 pm, Sanctuary
Join us for a night of praise! A night of worship at Sunset Presbyterian Church put together by the youth worship ministry and weekend worship teams. It’s a great opportunity to experience God through worship with your entire family.

Opportunities To Serve

Sunday Morning Preludes
We are looking for people willing to play the preludes Sunday mornings before The Nine service, in January. For more info or to propose a list of your available Sundays please contact Janet Harmon, jkharmony@comcast.net.

Pop Culture Wanted!
Sermon Research Team
We’re looking for people who have an eye for what is current in movies, art, music, and media to partner with Pastor Ron by researching and using these sources for sermon preparation.
Please contact janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Videographers And Set Designers Needed!
We’re looking for people to serve in filming and editing the children’s dramas, for distribution to parents. Also set designers to help plan and build the sets.
Next drama is December 6th. If you are able to help in either capacity, please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org.

Join Sunset Choir
Choir has started!! But it’s never too late to join. If you love to express your heart for God through song, please plan to participate in choir this year. Rehearsal is every Wednesday, 7-9pm in the basement on the west side of the building. For questions or more information, contact jillhofer@sunsetpres.org.

Production/Tech Team Volunteers Needed!
We are looking for people to fill the following roles:
· Service Director
· Lighting
· Graphics
· FOH Camera Op Week
· Message Slide Designer

In addition we have a new volunteer role: Video production. We'd like to find some video editors in our midst. Are you or do you know someone who could do simple projects for us? (i.e. this week, we have white text (provided) on black screen and need someone to edit.) The level of the projects will depend on who we discover. The content is generally available a couple weeks in advance of the deadline. Ifyou have this skill or know someone at Sunset who does, please email me janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

September 20 & 27 – Pathways & Connections
September 27 – Praise Night!
October 10 – Compassion Beaverton, info at www.compassionbeaverton.org
October 11 – Infant Baptism and Dedication, church-wide Pancake Breakfast
October 16 – FUN Family Unity Night

Worship Update 9/11

2009-09-11T16:06:00.000-07:00

From Jay

Idol Threat

What do you picture when I say the word idol? Do you see a half naked man (clothed where it counts) with face paint chanting around a fire holding an ancient stone head? Or maybe for you it makes you think more about whether Ellen will work out on American Idol this year. The point is today in our culture we don’t think about idols as relevant to our own lives. That was something people in the Bible or ancient times struggled with.

Why did people worship idols? It was because they thought the idol could give them something they needed and could not get unless they worshipped it.
The definition of an idol:
- a representation or symbol of an object of worship; broadly : a false god
- an object of extreme devotion
- a false conception

Today we can call idols addictions. That is a LOADED statement, and not one I make casually. But, the truth is, there are some things in our lives we run to because they promise to deliver something that in the end they never can. And even though they let us down and don’t deliver, we run to them again.

God says in Exodus “You must not have any other god but me.” He says this because He knows He is the only one that won’t let us down, and that He can deliver ultimately on His promises.

Prayer:
God, be my only God, be the only receiver of my worship and devotion. I long to pour it only Your direction and at times feel like it is going anywhere and everywhere but towards You. Show me the other gods in my life and a greater glimpse of your glory so that my heart will be moved to praise You like You deserve.

Seasons of Service
Thanks to everyone who contributed by bringing school supplies for needy children in the Beaverton School District during August. Your gifts were able to completely supply the needs at William Walker and McKinley Elementary Schools. Other schools in the district also benefited. Thanks again for serving Christ in this way. Pastor Ken

COMPASSION BEAVERTON on Sunday, October 10th:
We ask all to pray about this important event.

"All of us that live in Beaverton (and surrounding areas) are aware of the huge needs many of our neighbors face these days, including those that lack adequate healthcare. As Mayor, I strongly support the upcoming Beaverton Compassion Clinic as a great way to serve some of our most vulnerable citizens." Denny Doyle, Mayor of the City of Beaverton

On October 10, at Barnes Elementary School, 26 churches (including Sunset Presbyterian), are gathering to create Compassion Beaverton. This is a one day outpouring of Christ's love to those in our community in need of basic medical and dental services, along with a friendly smile, warm meal and loads of encouragement. All of these services will be given free of charge.

Invite your family, friends, co-workers, small groups and yes, we are inviting our whole church to get involved in this exciting service opportunity!

For more information about how you can be part of and volunteer for the Compassion Beaverton Team, visit the website at www.compassionbeaverton.org.

Thanks for your prayers and partnership. Christ said in Matthew 25 that when we serve those who are in need we are serving Him. This is that great opportunity we have to serve Jesus by serving those in need. Please join in.
Pastor Ken Mulder

Opportunities to Serve

Join Sunset Choir
Choir has started!! But it’s never too late to join. If you love to express your heart for God through song, please plan to participate in choir this year. Rehearsal is every Wednesday, 7-9pm in the basement on the west side of the building. For questions or more information, contact Jill Hofer, jillhofer@sunsetpres.org.

Production/Tech Team Volunteers Needed!
We are looking for people to fill the following roles:
· Service Director
· Lighting
· Graphics
· FOH Camera Op Week
· Message Slide Designer

In addition we have a new volunteer role: Video production. We'd like to find some video editors in our midst. Are you or do you know someone who could do simple projects for us? (i.e. this week, we have white text (provided) on black screen and need someone to edit.) The level of the projects will depend on who we discover. The content is generally available a couple weeks in advance of the deadline. If you have this skill or know someone at Sunset who does, please email me janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Upcoming Events
September 20 & 27 – Pathways & Connections
September 27 – Praise Night – date moved from August 30th
October 10 – Compassion Beaverton (see above info)
October 11 – Infant Baptism and Dedication, church-wide Pancake Breakfast
October 16 – FUN Family Unity Night

Worship Update 9/4

2009-09-04T16:07:00.000-07:00

(Look for Jay’s Devotions to continue in our next Ministry Update!)

Excerpts from Pastor Ron’s News & Views
Labor Day weekend is here, and our summer vacations are ending. School begins next week, and we all get back to our usual schedules. I’ve tried to keep you aware what the Kincaids have been doing while I was on vacation and study leave, and I will soon be back with you.
Joel and I rafted down the Deschutes River last Saturday through Monday with Steve Pruitt and the guys with Sunset’s rafting ministry. It was an excellent trip, and the men did a fantastic job of planning and seeing we all had a lot of fun. I am happy to report that Joel and I won the water fights in spite of tough competition.

I return to the office September 8 and will preach September 13 (you do remember that is the day I sing my vacation song!). I’ll begin a series of messages titled “Practices For Following Jesus” using texts from our New Testament readings which will begin in Colossians.
Sunday, September 13 will be a big day at Sunset as we launch into the fall ministries. I want you to be sure to remember that we will have an ALL-CHURCH PICNIC right after the 11am service in the Courtyard and Parking Lot. I hope all of you will plan to come and fellowship together. I hear there will be fun games—water balloon toss, three-legged races, etc.—music, and lots of fun activities for everyone—no big program but time to catch up with your friends and meet new people. It is being planned by the Family Unity Nights and Fellowship Ministry who really know how to provide FUN. It wouldn’t be a picnic without food, and hot dogs will be provided, and you are asked to bring your own drinks and something to share (dishes should be disposable or labeled well):
A-E: Side Dish F-K: Dessert L-Q: Chips R-Z: Salad/Fruit

You can drop off your items starting at 8:30 Sunday morning (or Saturday afternoon in the Kitchen from 1:30-3:30pm). Dress comfortably, bring chairs, and come! I’m looking forward to seeing you all.

I’ve heard rave reports about those preaching in my absence and this Sunday Barbara Feil finishes the B.C. Blogs series speaking on Psalm 139. Many ministries begin this coming week, so be sure to check the bulletin and website.
Sincerely,
Pastor Ron

Seasons of Service
Fall is here and we all are making the transitions to back-to-school, changing wardrobes and the general changes of life that come with Fall. For some, life goes on without jobs, adequate food, clothing, and life necessities such as adequate health care.

Sunset's Season's of Service, Fall 2009 has begun and there are 2 very important opportunities for all of us to participate in.

The First Opportunity
HELPING HANDS FOOD DRIVE on Sunday, September 13th.
Today, 1 in 5 Oregonians goes hungry. You can help meet the needs of these Oregonians by bringing food to the Helping Hands Food Drive, a week from Sunday.
If you're able, please donate from the following categories of food:

Boxed Cereal (hot or cold) Skillet Meals
Canned Meat or Fish Hearty Soups and Stews
Canned Fruit Toilet Paper

We also need volunteers to help collect the food on the Sunday the 13th as well as coordinate, sort and transport the materials around the campus to the new Helping Hands Community Center. Gaylene Barber is coordinating this drive, if you can help please call Gaylene at 503.475.3575 or email her at gaylenebarber@verizon.net.

The Second Opportunity
COMPASSION BEAVERTON on Sunday, October 10th:
We ask all to pray about this important event.

"All of us that live in Beaverton (and surrounding areas) are aware of the huge needs many of our neighbors face these days, including those that lack adequate healthcare. As Mayor, I strongly support the upcoming Beaverton Compassion Clinic as a great way to serve some of our most vulnerable citizens." Denny Doyle, Mayor of the City of Beaverton

On October 10, at Barnes Elementary School, 26 churches (including Sunset Presbyterian), are gathering to create Compassion Beaverton. This is a one day outpouring of Christ's love to those in our community in need of basic medical and dental services, along with a friendly smile, warm meal and loads of encouragement. All of these services will be given free of charge.

Volunteers are needed in the following areas:
Medical Professionals Team Equipment Team
Dental Professionals Team Set-up/Clean-up Team
Children's Area Team Interpreters Team
Hospitality Team Financial Team
Shuttle Services Team Social Services Team
Parking and Security Team Follow-up Team
Public Relations Team Prayer Team

Invite your family, friends, co-workers, small groups and yes, we are inviting our whole church to get involved in this exciting service opportunity!

For more information about how you can be part of and volunteer for the Compassion Beaverton Team, visit the website at www.compassionbeaverton.org.

Thanks for your prayers and partnership. Christ said in Matthew 25 that when we serve those who are in need we are serving Him. This is that great opportunity we have to serve Jesus by serving those in need. Please join in.

Pastor Ken Mulder

Opportunities to Serve

Join Sunset Choir
If you love to express your heart for God through song, please plan to participate in choir this year. We start the fall and Christmas season with rehearsal on September 9th. Rehearsal is every Wednesday, 7-9pm in the basement on the west side of the building. For questions or more information, contact Jill Hofer, jillhofer@sunsetpres.org.

Production/Tech Team Volunteers Needed!
We are looking for people to fill the following roles:
· Service Director
· Lighting
· Graphics
· FOH Camera Op Week
· Message Slide Designer

In addition we have a new volunteer role: Video production. We'd like to find some video editors in our midst. Are you or do you know someone who could do simple projects for us? (i.e. this week, we have white text (provided) on black screen and need someone to edit.) The level of the projects will depend on who we discover. The content is generally available a couple weeks in advance of the deadline. Ifyou have this skill or know someone at Sunset who does, please email me janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Upcoming Events
September 13 – Fall Kick-off Sunday, choir & orchestra, and Ron’s Sunset Road song
September 13 – All church picnic (details in the bulletin)
September 20 & 27 – Pathways & Connections
September 27 – Praise Night – date moved from August 30th
October 11 – Infant Baptism and Dedication, church-wide Pancake BreakfastOctober 16 – FUN Family Unity Night

Ministy Update 8/28

2009-08-28T16:50:00.000-07:00

From Jay

The power of the past

Humorous. Cynical. Sarcastic. These are the first three words that come to mind when I think about my late Grandmother Doris.

Quiet. Sad. Strength under the surface. This comes to mind when I think of my late Grandfather Virgil.
I only knew them as a small child and a few vacations back to Florida, but even from that time a basic impression was imprinted on my mind and on my soul of who they were and how they interacted with one another.

Our families are the single most powerful force in shaping who we are today; and not just our own parents, but their parents and their parents. When it comes to sin being passed down, Exodus says I am feeling the effects today in my life from three generations before me!! And the choices I make TODAY will affect my daughter’s grandchildren.

Working at a church a phrase I often hear is we don’t want to just grow wide, we want to grow deep. The problem and the reality of this statement is a church will only grow as deep as the individuals that make up that body.

I am learning that the best change I can bring to a church is a changed me, a deeper me. And it’s the best thing you can bring as well. And sometimes understanding ourselves means looking back at our family dynamics and really analyzing them and how they might be affecting us today. Here is a shortened version of a list of questions to ponder about your family from a book called “The Emotionally Healthy Church” by Peter Scazzero. (pg 95)
- How was conflict handled in your family? Anger? Tension?
- How well did your family talk about feelings?
- Were there family “secrets”?
- Were their “losers” and “winners” in your family? What determined that?
- How was spirituality expressed?

The reality is my ability to love others can be severely hindered and handicapped by my past, and I don’t even know it if I’m not open to the reality of the past.

Together we praise, together we love, together we serve. To grow in loving one another this year, it starts with me and it starts with you. Are you willing to look and pray about what might hinder you today from being a fully loving person in your family and community? It is scary tough work, but it can change us to a place where we become deep and wide.

Seasons of Service Fall 2009 is ready to kickoff!

First immediate needs are:

1) This Sunday is the last Sunday to bring your schools supplies.

2) The first Sunday of each month throughout the year we will be having a FOOD DRIVE. Because Sept 6th is a holiday weekend we will make Sunday September 13th the Helping Hands Food Drive. Bring canned fruit, boxed cereal, canned meat or fish, skillet meals, soups and stews, toilet paper.

NOW…. I would like to introduce to you ESL, one of the longest and most important outreaches Sunset has……

Sunset ESL is gearing up for fall session. This small but effective ministry reaches the local community personally and ministers to families’ most basic needs – the ability to communicate in order to find employment, feed hungry children, maintain fair housing, understand children’s teachers and navigate a complex culture. Sometimes, an ESL Volunteer is the most effective advocate a student has, someone who can help them make a phone call about immunizations or find a market for goods and services.

Sunset ESL in a nutshell:
- ESL means “English for Speakers of other Languages”
- 100 adults study English at Sunset Presbyterian Church every week.
- 50+ kids have a safe place to learn and play on Saturday mornings.
- Students may have advanced university degrees or lack even elementary education
- 10% of students attend Sunset Presbyterian Church regularly, and 40% attend a local church.
- 30% of students feel Christ’s love and compassion at Sunset ESL, but don’t know Him personally.
- Half of ESL Volunteers help OUTSIDE the classroom.
- NO LANGUAGE other than English is necessary to Volunteer with Sunset ESL.
- 45 Volunteers are needed each quarter. Are you ready to join the team?

Sunset ESL needs you! Can you fill out a form? Can you cut a muffin into quarters? Please join us on September 19 to help register students in the morning, followed by lunch for interested volunteers. The afternoon is devoted to training and information to help you cross cultures and languages.

For more contact information, please click here. Our ESL Ministry Director, Nanci Leiton will be available to answer your questions or help you sign up after services on Sunday mornings, Sept. 7th & 14th and at our evening service on Sept. 14th.

Blessings,
Ken Mulder
Minister of Outreach

Opportunities To Serve

Join Sunset Choir
If you love to express your heart for God through song, please plan to participate in choir this year. We start the fall and Christmas season with rehearsal on September 9th. Rehearsal is every Wednesday, 7-9pm in the basement on the west side of the building. For questions or more information, contact Jill Hofer, jillhofer@sunsetpres.org.

Production/Tech Team Volunteers Needed!
We are looking for people to fill the following roles:
· Service Director
· Lighting
· Graphics
· FOH Camera Op Week
· Message Slide Designer

In addition we have a new volunteer role: Video production. We'd like to find some video editors in our midst. Are you or do you know someone who could do simple projects for us? (i.e. this week, we have white text (provided) on black screen and need someone to edit.) The level of the projects will depend on who we discover. The content is generally available a couple weeks in advance of the deadline. If you have this skill or know someone at Sunset who does, please email me janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Upcoming Events
September 13 – Fall Kick-off Sunday, choir & orchestra, and Ron’s Sunset Road song
September 13 – All church picnic (details in the bulletin)
September 20 & 27 – Pathways & Connections
September 27 – Praise Night
October 11 – Infant Baptism and Dedication, church-wide Pancake Breakfast
October 16 – FUN Family Unity Night

Ministry Update 8/21

2009-08-21T15:18:00.000-07:00

From Jay

Together we praise, together we love, together we serve

Imagine you are at Starbucks, (or Peet’s or wherever) and you are in line waiting to order your favorite mix of coffee and sugar, and then the guy behind you starts singing. You don’t think too much of it, and can’t quite make out the song but you don’t turn around or anything. Then someone else in line joins in, along with a couple of people seated around the tables. Now it’s just plain weird and you are looking for the hidden camera.

And yet… every Sunday, we come together, and we sing. Why?

It is normal in our culture for people to consume music. It is normal in our culture to see people with headphones on, they’re listening to a song only they can hear and walking to their own beat. What’s abnormal is for us to share music, to participate in it together.

And yet… every Sunday, we come together and we sing.

Here are some genres of music listed on the iTunes store: alternative, blues, latin, hip hop, electronic, reggae, country, R&B, pop, rock, soul, classical etc.

And yet… every Sunday we may give up our music style of choice and sing songs together.

Can’t we just praise God on our own? Ps 92 says “It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High”. Can’t I just do that in my car? We all like different music anyway, what’s the point of coming together and singing?

As a church we state the importance of caring for one another and we give a lot of effort and energy dreaming about how we will love our community together. We hear sermons about serving the poor. These things are much easier discussed than actually achieved.

But here’s a beautiful reality: when we have a foundation of consistently joining together in praise, we can accomplish anything together. When we sing together, when we praise together, we enter into a shared experience. This experience is not about the style of music being played in the moment, it’s not about whether it’s classical or rock, or even whether or not I have a voice. It’s about the space we enter into together… a space where we are reminded that there’s a bigger story… His story… and that this world doesn’t revolve around us as individuals, but around God. This is a space where music and praise moves from “mine” to “ours” and from observation to participation. We submit our individual voice to the collective voice of community; and in the process, we learn to submit our individual actions of love and service combining them in a multiplied expression that has a greater impact on each other and the community. When we engage together, praising God in this way, we open the door to loving each other and serving our community in profound ways.

One of the beauties of community is how we carry one another. Maybe today I don’t feel like singing. Maybe today I don’t feel like I can even lift my head or open my mouth to utter a word of praise. Maybe it’s all I can do just to drag myself to church. But in community, my brother and sister to my left and behind me and in front of me can sing for me. They express to God what my heart longs to but cannot do on my own.

And maybe today I can’t see past myself to love another or serve someone. But my brother and sister reach out to me and lift me up and their example spurs me into action.
Together we praise, together we love, together we serve. It’s a gift, it’s beautiful, and I honestly dream that we continue to gain much, much more of the shared experience of living life together, serving together, and praising together.

Exciting News from Pastor Ron and Jorie!

Our family is flying home from Michigan this week and will be going to Seattle to visit our son David and his wife Holly who had their first baby August 14, Leah Christine Kincaid, 5lbs, 14oz, 19". Yes, Jorie and I are grandparents!!! We are excited. David is a resident in anesthesiology at the University of Washington.

On Sunday Mike Matousek, our Minister of Operations, will be preaching the 4th in the B.C. Blogs series from The Psalms. Mike graduated from one of the finest seminaries in our country--Bethel Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota-and has been a wonderful gift to our staff and church. I'm sure he'll have some fresh insights.
Sincerely, Pastor Ron

Seasons of Service

School Supply Drive
We are collecting school supplies for our adopted school, William Walker and McKinley Elementary and for various Beaverton Middle and High Schools. You can bring your donations each Sunday in August. Thank you to all of you who have donated generously! Below is a list of the items still needed:
Crayola fine & broad tipped markers
Crayola water color paint sets
Ticonderoga pencils, triangular & chubby
Hand sanitizer
1 1/2 inch three ring binders
Unscented wipes
Pocket folders
Glue sticks (we have plenty of liquid glue)

Helping Hands Is Moving To Mod Building!
FINALLY, the modular building on the West end of our campus is the new site of our Helping Hands Community Center. It has been all cleared out and is ready for volunteers to put in a new laminate floor (donated by a person in our church and that unskilled people can put in), put in shelving and new appliances (also donated). If you can help Saturday, August 22nd beginning at 7a, we will be pulling in the new laminate flooring. Then on Saturday, August 29th we will be moving and installing the shelving and appliances. If you are available to help, please contact Cindy Heinz at cindyheinz@sunsetpres.org or 503.292.9293 x3054

Opportunities to Serve

Join Sunset Choir
If you love to express your heart for God through song, please plan to participate in choir this year. We start the fall and Christmas season with rehearsal on September 9th. Rehearsal is every Wednesday, 7-9pm in the basement on the west side of the building. For questions or more information, contact Jill Hofer, jillhofer@sunsetpres.org.

Production/Tech Team Volunteers Needed!
We are looking for people to fill the following roles:
· Service Director
· Lighting
· Graphics
· FOH Camera Op Week
· Message Slide Designer

In addition we have a new volunteer role: Video production. We'd like to find some video editors in our midst. Are you or do you know someone who could do simple projects for us? (i.e. this week, we have white text (provided) on black screen and need someone to edit.) The level of the projects will depend on who we discover. The content is generally available a couple weeks in advance of the deadline. If you have this skill or know someone at Sunset who does, please email me janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Upcoming Events

Sundays in August (2, 9, 16, 23, 30) are a Back to School drive to collect school supplies
for William Walker students as well as middle & high school students in the
Beaverton District. You can find supply lists in the lobby!

September 13 – Fall Kick-off Sunday, choir & orchestra, and Ron’s Sunset Road song
September 13 – All church picnic (details in the bulletin)
September 20 & 27 – Pathways & Connections
September 27 – Praise Night – date moved from August 30th
October 11 – Infant Baptism and Dedication, church-wide Pancake BreakfastOctober 16 – FUN Family Unity Night

Worship Update 8/14

2009-08-14T16:40:00.000-07:00

From Jay

Red Bull Hearts

There are friends in my life who are stressful for me to be around… I love them, but they stress me out. They are constantly fidgeting, moving, shifting, talking fast, never calm, always kinetic until they crash and sleep. They are like walking cans of Red Bull.

I contrast that with my mother in law Vicki, and her demeanor. Her eyes are full of life. But her presence is calm. She is at peace. And you feel calm around her.

I believe our hearts are like walking cans of Red Bull. They are constantly looking, moving, shifting, searching for meaning, for purpose, for love. They have to have it. Your heart won’t rest until it finds it. And I believe Satan would be content to keep us on a wild goose chase the rest of our lives. He continually offers this or that or the other thing, promising it will meet the hearts longing; he then laughs in our face when it doesn’t, but quickly gets right back to work pitching the same thing as long as we will bite.

I’m on a journey right now in my walk… it’s about how to find my foundational longing(s) met in Christ. I’m on a journey to find out what it means to find my peace in Him, to press into Him. So easy to say, but finding out what this ACTUALLY looks like in real time, in real life, is a lot harder. What I am learning slowly is when my longing intensifies, when I’m feeling restless, alone, when my heart begins to wander and search, I need to let it. I need to wait. I need to quit trying to quickly numb it and preoccupy it, and instead wait and search for Christ, patiently.

What about you? Are you letting your heart always settle for cheap imitations that don’t ultimately satisfy? What are some ways you have been duped with your heart longings? What is the biggest one you are being offered right now? Where have you tried to satisfy the longings and found it left you emptier than before, or at least side tracked from the real deal? I, for one, am so burnt out on cheap imitations that I am on a quest for the real deal.

Psalms 33:18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.

Psalms 39:7 But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.

Psalms 43:5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Proverbs 13:12Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Seasons of Service

W&CA Service Project!
Saturday, August 22nd, 8a-3p
Remember our W&CA work day last year at Vernonia? This year we're adopting the William Walker work day as part of our church-wide Seasons of Service. We'll be doing things like laying bark dust, planting flowers, pulling weeds, etc.

We know that this work will bless an entire community of staff, teachers, students and families.
Lunch and beverages will be provided. Work teams are being formed and team leaders are still needed. If you're able to join us, please RSVP to Cindy Heinz cindyheinz@sunsetpres.org with the number of people coming with you. We'll plan to meet there: 11940 SW Lynn Field Lane, Portland, OR 97225.

More Seasons Of Service opportunities…

School Supply Drive
We are collecting school supplies for our adopted school, William Walker and McKinley Elementary and for various Beaverton Middle and High Schools. You can bring your donations each Sunday in August. Thank you to all of you who have donated generously! Below is a list of the items still needed:
Crayola fine & broad tipped markers
Crayola water color paint sets
Ticonderoga pencils, triangular & chubby
Hand sanitizer
1 1/2 inch three ring binders
Unscented wipes
Pocket folders
Glue sticks (we have plenty of liquid glue)

Helping Hands Is Moving To Mod Building!
FINALLY, the modular building on the West end of our campus is the new site of our Helping Hands Community Center. It has been all cleared out and is ready for volunteers to put in a new laminate floor (donated by a person in our church and that unskilled people can put in), put in shelving and new appliances (also donated). If you can help Saturday, August 22nd beginning at 7a, we will be pulling in the new laminate flooring. Then on Saturday, August 29th we will be moving and installing the shelving and appliances. If you are available to help, please contact Cindy Heinz at cindyheinz@sunsetpres.org or 503.292.9293 x3054

Opportunities to Serve

Preludes
“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” - Red Auerbach

We are looking for people willing to play the preludes Sunday mornings before The Nine. Would you be willing to play 4 – 7 minutes of sacred or classical music one Sunday? Instrumental soloists, duets, ensembles welcome!
We currently have openings on 9/20, 10/11, & 10/18. Rehearsal time in the sanctuary, if requested, can be scheduled midweek prior to Sunday’s service. For more info or to propose a list of your available Sundays please contact janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Summer Worship Choir
We are looking for people who enjoy expressing their love for God through singing. Worship choir will sing again on August 23rd. If you plan to join us, please attend rehearsal at 3pm in the Sanctuary on Saturday, 8/22. Please RSVP to Jill Hofer jillhofer@sunsetpres.org. All ages welcome.

Join Sunset Choir
If you love to express your heart for God through song, please plan to participate in choir this year. We start the fall and Christmas season with rehearsal on September 9th. Rehearsal is every Wednesday, 7-9pm in the basement on the west side of the building. For questions or more information, contact Jill Hofer, jillhofer@sunsetpres.org.

Production/Tech Team Volunteers Needed!
We are looking for people to fill the following roles:
· Service Director
· Lighting
· Graphics
· FOH Camera Op Week
· Message Slide Designer

In addition we have a new volunteer role: Video production. We'd like to find some video editors in our midst. Are you or do you know someone who could do simple projects for us? (i.e. this week, we have white text (provided) on black screen and need someone to edit.) The level of the projects will depend on who we discover. The content is generally available a couple weeks in advance of the deadline. If you have this skill or know someone at Sunset who does, please email me janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Upcoming Events
Sundays in August (2, 9, 16, 23, 30) are a Back to School drive to collect school supplies for William Walker students as well as middle & high school students in the Beaverton District. You can find supply lists in the lobby!

August 18-23 – Kids Camp, click here for more info, please pray for our kids as well as staff and volunteers who are participating in this week’s camp!
August 22 – W&CA Service Project! William Walker Landscape Day, 8a to 3p,
lunch provided, RSVP to Cindy Heinz!
September 13 – Fall Kick-off Sunday, choir & orchestra, and Ron’s Sunset Road song
September 13 – All church picnic (details in the bulletin)
September 20 & 27 – Pathways & Connections
September 27 – Praise Night – date moved from August 30th
October 11 – Infant Baptism and Dedication, church-wide Pancake Breakfast
October 16 – FUN Family Unity Night

Worship Update 8/3

2009-08-04T10:32:00.000-07:00

The “Feeling” of Worship by Jay

I confess as I write this, I don’t have this figured out by a long shot. I hear or read these kinds of statements A LOT, and it sounds proper and Christian like to say things like “Worship is not a feeling”, or “We should seek God not an emotional high."

Then the other part of my brain and experience says to me, that there is a “feeling” and “emotion” connected with experiencing the presence of God. Maybe that’s just me? Does it make it not real or cheapen it somehow if I have some sort of emotional high either in a church service or in my car or in my home?

Can we experience a strong emotion or be moved to tears devoid of an actual interaction with the Holy Spirit? Sure. And we should definitely check ourselves constantly to make sure what we are “seeking” is truly Christ, and not just an emotional experience. But can we have strong emotions and be moved to tears because of being hit with the truth or reality of His presence and who He is. Of course! And if I’m being truthful, (why is it
scary for me to say this) I LOVE THE FEELING!!!

I believe it is not my place to judge the experience or heart or motivation of a worshipper of Jesus
Christ. As a worship leader, it is my role to encourage people to praise Him, to seek Him, to honor Him,
both in a 20 minute time block on Sunday morning and also with their lives at all times. But I am not scared of the emotion or feeling that can be associated when it is based on the truth of His presence and reality. I can worship God… when I’m depressed, when I’m elated, when I’m joyful, when I’m full of sorrow, when I’m frustrated, when I’m mad, when I’m optimistic, when I’m cynical, when I’m filled up, when I’m empty, when I’m feeling
deep, when I’m feeling shallow. I don’t have to turn into some sort of emotionless robot to truly seek God. Do I? Isn’t where I base my emotions the most important thing?

Psalm 126
When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream!
We were filled with laughter and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
What joy!
Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert.
Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.
They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest.

Seasons of Service
W&CA Service Project!
Saturday, August 22nd, 9a-4p

Remember our W&CA work day last year at Vernonia? This year we're adopting the William Walker work
day as part of our church-wide Seasons of Service. It's August 22nd, 9am-4pm. We'll be doing things like
laying bark dust, planting flowers, pulling weeds, etc. Lunch is provided, but please bring your own water, gloves, and any landscape tools you might have available.

If you're able to join us, please RSVP to Carrie Peeples (carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org) with the number of people coming with you. We'll plan to meet there: 11940 SW Lynn Field Lane, Portland, OR 97225.

Seasons of Service Update from Ken Mulder

Seasons of Service continues full speed ahead during August. I hope you can help some children in
need in our community.

This Sunday, August 2nd, begins the first Sunday we are asking everyone who attends Sunset to provide critically needed school supplies for children at William Walker and McKinley elementary schools AND for the middle and high schools throughout the Beaverton School District. We will be doing this every Sunday in August.

School supply lists are available at the Seasons of Service table in the lobby, on our school supply donations boxes (located in the lobby and main entrances of our building), and also on the website.

WE ALSO NEED VOLUNTEERS THIS MONTH IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

Handy men, women & youth to help makeover the Modular Offices that will become our new Helping Hands Community Service Center with the following:

Moving furnishings and materials out (this week)
Installing new flooring, shelving and appliances (Saturday, August 15 & 22)
General handy people to help with the William Walker Landscaping Day (Saturday, August 22)

ALL VOLUNTEERS MAY SIGN UP AT THE SEASONS OF SERVICE TABLES OR ON LINE.

Thank you for responding.
Ken Mulder

Opportunities to Serve

For other ways to serve throughout Sunset and our community, be sure to check your weekly bulletin.

Preludes

“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
We are looking for people willing to play the preludes Sunday mornings before The Nine. Would you be willing to play 4 – 7 minutes of sacred or classical music one Sunday? Instrumental soloists, duets, ensembles welcome!

We currently have openings on 9/20, 10/11, & 10/18. Rehearsal time in the sanctuary, if requested, can be scheduled midweek prior to Sunday’s service. For more info or to propose a list of your available Sundays please contact janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Worship Choir

We are looking for people who enjoy expressing their love for God through singing. Worship choir will sing again on August 23rd. Interested but aren’t sure yet? Then contact Jill at jillhofer@sunsetpres.org for more information. All ages welcome.

Production/Tech Team Volunteers Needed!

We are looking for people to fill the following roles:

Service Director
Lighting
Graphics
FOH Camera Op Week
Message Slide Designer

In addition we have a new volunteer role: Video production. We'd like to find some video editors in our midst. Are you or do you know someone who could do simple projects for us? (i.e. this week, we have white text (provided) on black screen and need someone to edit.) The level of the projects will depend on who we discover. The content is generally available a couple weeks in advance of the deadline. If you have this skill or know someone at Sunset who does, please email me janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Upcoming Events List

Sundays in August (2, 9, 16, 23, 30) are a Back to School drive to collect school supplies for William Walker students as well as middle & high school students in the Beaverton District. You can find supply lists in the lobby!

August 3-8 – High School Camp, please pray for our students as well as staff and volunteers who are participating in this week’s camp!

August 18-23 – Kids Camp, click here for more info

August 22 – W&CA Service Project! William Walker Landscape Day, 8a to 4p, lunch provided, RSVP to Carrie Peeples!

August 30 – Praise Night – more information coming…

Miss a weekend gathering?
Sunset’s website has podcasts! Catch up on a message you missed here, and choose the Sermon option. You can also purchase a CD from the Book/CD counter in our lobby area.

Ways to stay connected!

We hope these will be places for the Sunset community to encourage one another, gather information and connect throughout the week.
Sunset Worship Community Facebook, check it out by clicking here!

Worship Update 7/24

2009-07-24T17:16:00.000-07:00

From Jay

The Story of Your Life

I bought my ticket on Fandango. I have extra money for a tub of popcorn and a bucket of diet coke, and I’m going to see the midnight showing of the story of your life. What would I see when I watched?? Is it the movie you would have scripted if you were in charge? Should I read the book first?

Here’s a possible version of the highlights in my life story:

1. Innocent childhood growing up in the SE corner of Disneyland, CA.
2. Along with piano and guitar lessons also trained in 6 separate martial arts and a junior teen special Jack Bauer training camp.
3. Because my IQ was so high through high school (at Disneyland High), I was chosen to audit a college of my choice and give suggestions on how they could improve things, and I receive an honorary doctorate for my time.
4. Approached by the United Nations for a full time career full of purpose and vision and changing the world with passion and purpose. (somehow also responsible for starting Google in the midst of this!)
5. Decide to purchase Disneyland when I turned 50 thus giving my extended family and friends a place to vacation for free or just hang out on Main Street for a BBQ now and then.

So often our real life stories turn out so different. My story… your story… the stories of people I know and love have much different highlights, or lowlights then what I might have scripted for myself.

Broken families Learning disorders Loss of loved ones
Financial hardship Frustrated career paths Unstable or unsure future
Never even been to Disneyland

So how do we trust the Author of our lives, when our story feels like a script we wouldn’t choose? Consider for a moment the Table of Contents in the life of Jesus. Consider the highlights and lowlights:

Came to earth long before current luxuries of technology and comfort (no iphone and certainly no Disneyland)
Faced massive opposition and persecution
Never married
Friends abandoned Him
Crucified on a cross in His early thirties

However… His life was all about passion and purpose and love and meaning. Would we have written His circumstances differently for Him if we were in charge of His story? Thank God we weren’t, and thank God He is in control today and we aren’t. Yes, we can trust Him – with our lives and with our stories. How can you best use your unique script to bring Him glory?

An excerpt from today’s News & Views by Pastor Ron

Over the last several weeks I have been dealing with several difficult issues. When I have weeks like that, I sometimes wonder why I became a pastor. But this past week I was reminded why, and I want to share this great experience.

A few weeks ago I met with a young man who told me he had not grown up in a Christian home. Like many families today his family did not attend church. He started attending Sunset recently, however, and has enjoyed being here immensely. When we first met together, I gave him an assignment to read a book and meet with me again in a few weeks. This last week I sat with him again and asked him what he had learned about Christ from his reading. He shared with me, and I asked if he was ready to commit his life to Christ. He told me he was, so we prayed together, and he committed his life to Christ and is all excited about following him!

That experience reminded me why I became a pastor…. being with someone who makes a commitment to Christ never gets old. It is an experience I hope every one of you has during this next year-praying for a friend or family member and helping them come into a relationship with Jesus.

This week I finished the sermon schedule for next year. We will be reading the New Testament beginning in September. That will be a lot more doable for all of us. Reading the New Testament only requires one chapter a day five days a week. We will begin in Colossians in September.

Now, let me share a need I am hoping some of you can help us with. Our middle school program Wildfire meets on Wednesday nights. However, we have some families who live far enough away from the church that it is nearly impossible to get their middle schoolers here on Wednesday nights. We have others whose middle schoolers have activities that keep them from coming on Wednesday nights. So this spring we began a middle school program that meets Sundays at 9:00 am. Kurt Brandemihl is looking for a number of individuals or couples who would be willing to head up that Sunday morning middle school group. The primary need is for people to teach. Chap Clark, who will be preaching at Sunset October 18 and leading a ParenTeen Seminar, tells us that 85% of people who commit their lives to Christ do so before the age of fourteen. Middle school years are critical. If you have a middle schooler or have a heart for middle schoolers and understand how critical the middle school age is and would be willing to teach or provide leadership for this Sunday morning group, please let Kurt Brandemihl know right away--kurtbrandemihl@sunsetpres.org. You could end up having a wonderful experience like I had this past week.

Today I am flying to Michigan to join Jorie and our three youngest daughters. I will be preaching in a church in Bethany Beach and would appreciate your prayers. You are in for a treat this Sunday. John Franklin, one of the four vice presidents of Young Life, will be preaching from the book of Job. Job is a fascinating book, and John will bring it alive. Don't miss it. ….

I hope all of you have a great summer.
Pastor Ron

Opportunities To Serve

Preludes
“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” - Red Auerbach
We are looking for people willing to play the preludes Sunday mornings before The Nine. Would you be willing to play 4 – 7 minutes of sacred or classical music one Sunday? Instrumental soloists, duets, ensembles welcome!

We currently have openings on 9/20, 10/11, & 10/18. Rehearsal time in the sanctuary, if requested, can be scheduled midweek prior to Sunday’s service. For more info or to propose a list of your available Sundays please contact janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Worship Choir
We are looking for people who enjoy expressing their love for God through singing. Worship choir will sing again on August 23rd. If you plan to join us, please contact Jill at jillhofer@sunsetpres.org for more information. All ages welcome and participation in midweek rehearsal is encouraged.

Production/Tech Team Volunteers Needed!
We are looking for people to fill the following roles:
· Service Director
· Lighting
· Graphics
· FOH Camera Op Week
· Message Slide Designer

In addition we have a new volunteer role: Video production. We'd like to find some video editors in our midst. Are you or do you know someone who could do simple projects for us? (i.e. this week, we have white text (provided) on black screen and need someone to edit.) The level of the projects will depend on who we discover. The content is generally available a couple weeks in advance of the deadline. If you have this skill or know someone at Sunset who does, please email me janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Upcoming Events
August will have a Back to School drive to collect school supplies for William Walker students
August 3-8 – High School Camp, click here for more info
August 18-23 – Kids Camp, click here for more info
August 22 – William Walker Landscape Day, 8a to 4p, lunch provided, sign-up in the lobby!

7/19 Worship Gatherings

2009-07-19T19:31:00.000-07:00

The NINE
Prelude: piano instrumental
Welcome & Announcements: Pastor Ron
Transition: Laura VanderGiessen
Song: Mighty To Save
Song: Fairest Lord Jesus
Song: With All I Am
Cap with prayer: Laura
Offertory: Family Business (honoring Barb Feil's 15 years at Sunset): Pastor Ron
Prayer of Blessing: Pastor Ron
Message: How To Help The Hurting: Pastor Ron
Drama
Transition to Prayer & Healing: Laura
Song: Blessed By Your Name
Song: It Is Well
Song: I Exalt Thee
Closing Announcements/Benediction: Pastor Ron
Postlude: I Exalt Thee (instrumental)

the eleventh hour
Prelude
Song: I Exalt Thee
Song: Came To My Rescue
Song: Rescue
Cap with prayer: Laura
Offertory: Family Business (honoring Barb Feil's 15 years at Sunset): Pastor Ron
Prayer of Blessing: Pastor Ron
Message: How To Help The Hurting: Pastor Ron
Drama
Transition to Prayer & Healing: Laura
Song: Blessed By Your Name
Song: Hosanna
Song: Might To Save
Closing Announcements/Benediction: Pastor Ron
Postlude

TheGathering at6pm
Welcome/Announcements: Pastor Ron
Song: Everlast God
Song: Blessed Be Your Name
Song: Just As I Am
Spiritual direction: Laura VanderGiessen
Song: Came To My Rescue
Song: I Lift My Hands
Cap with prayer: Laura
Offertory: Family Business (honoring Barb Feil's 15 years at Sunset): Pastor Ron
Prayer of Blessing: Pastor Ron
Discussion time: Pastor Ron
Message: How To Help The Hurting: Pastor Ron
Closing Announcements/Benediction: Pastor Ron

Worship Update 7/17

2009-07-17T05:56:00.000-07:00

From Jay

Let Your Love Go
Hope that is hidden is selfish. Love that is held back is wasted.

In track, my favorite race was the 1500 meters (100 yards short of a mile). In a sprint like the 100 yard dash, it’s easy to give it your all… to go all out, because it’s short and the race is going to be over in seconds. In the 1500, it’s much harder to give it your all for the whole race. It is easier to find times to hold back. The worst feeling at the end of any sporting event, or really anything, is to leave knowing that I didn’t give it my all and that I could have given more.

When it comes to serving at a church, sometimes I leave with the same feeling. The feeling that I know I could have given more or that I know I held back. What do I hold back? Love.

I love Jesus, and I love worshipping Him. I love His creation of music and the part it plays in bringing Him glory. I love technology and the part it plays in bringing Him glory. I love His church, His message, His people, and His community. So what I am tempted to hold back every Sunday, (let alone the rest of my week) is that love. It’s vulnerable and scary to fully engage, to fully enter the moment, to fully give myself away emotionally in whatever I’m doing. It’s easier to hold some back.

Jesus didn’t do that, He didn’t hold back, He invested Himself fully in whatever moment He was in. And here’s the thing, when I don’t invest fully, people feel it. Love comes out in the way I treat people, love comes out in the way I worship. There is a noticeable difference in our offering of praise on Sunday or our service in the community throughout the week, when we hold back love. When we let all our love go, for God and for people, we encourage the community to love more.

Let your love go.

It's a book release, and you're invited!!
Photographer Elaine Heasley has put together a 7"x7" photo book of the Serves Up day last year in Vernonia. As she was sorting through photos, she thought it would make sense to provide the context and story that unfolded that day.
You can preview (and buy if you’d like) her new book at Blurb:
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/invited/533389/3d956800543b3f2a9fb4bf27e5daf8a8

Pastor Ron’s News & Views
Last Sunday we talked about the importance of caring for our cities. I shared with you that the image of Bible-believing Christians in the Portland Metro area is not particularly positive. Stop average Portlanders on the street, and you will find they think of Christians as judgmental, anti-homosexual, hypocritical, only concerned with making converts, and uncaring. I believe one of the best ways to change this image is by caring for our cities with no strings attached. If they see we really want to help our schools and cities, they will see we really do care.

So, join us throughout the year ahead in serving our area. We are collecting food and toys this month for our annual December Food and Toy Ministry. We will be sprucing up William Walker Elementary School on Saturday, August 22. If you can help that day, it would be a great project for the entire family.

I also want to alert you to a special need we have for leaders with our college, high school, and middle school programs. Mike Giering, our high school and college director, and Kurt Brandemihl, our middle school director, have shared with me they can use many more leaders. Ninety-five percent of Christians make commitments to Christ before their 18th birthday. These are critical years. If you can help in one of these areas, please let me know or talk directly with Mike or Kurt.

This Sunday I will be talking about how we can help the hurting. There are lots of hurting people in our community and in our church. A kind word shared at just the right time can be very helpful. We will also be honoring Barbara Feil this Sunday at all three worship services. Barbara has served here for 15 years in so many ways. Join me in honoring her for excellent service to Christ and Sunset.

See you Sunday - Pastor Ron

Opportunities to Serve

Preludes
“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” - Red Auerbach
We are looking for people willing to play the preludes Sunday mornings before The Nine. Would you be willing to play 4 – 7 minutes of sacred or classical music one Sunday? Instrumental soloists, duets, ensembles welcome!

We are currently scheduling August – November dates. Rehearsal time in the sanctuary, if requested, can be scheduled midweek prior to Sunday’s service. For more info or to propose a list of your available Sundays please contact janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Christmas In July
It’s finally summer in Oregon, but it’s Christmastime at Sunset! In order to keep our costs down for our annual Food and Toy Drive in December we are celebrating Christmas in July.

Everyone can play a part in this amazing ministry by bringing either canned food (see list below) or toys and gift cards (see list below) to church any Sunday in July and drop them off at the Food and Toy collection points (Courtyard and just outside the East Entrance).

Please plan now to bring your donations on July 12th, 19th or 26th.

Food Donations
Spaghetti Sauce (26oz)
Peanut Butter (16oz)
Canned Fruit (15oz)
Applesauce (2#)
Cranberries – Sauce or Jelly (15oz)

Toy Donations
Approx. $15 retail value
No Stuffed Animals Please
Gift Cards (Target, Fred Meyer, Kohl’s…)
Movie Tickets
Art Kits

Worship Choir – Next week!
We are looking for people who enjoy expressing their love for God through singing. Worship choir will sing again on July 26th and August 23rd. If you plan to sing on those dates, please attend rehearsal at 8pm in the Sanctuary on the Thursday before the Sunday’s listed. Interested but aren’t sure yet? Then contact Jill at jillhofer@sunsetpres.org for more information. All ages welcome.

Production/Tech Team Volunteers Needed!
We are looking for people to fill the following roles:
· Service Director
· Lighting
· Graphics
· FOH Camera Op Week
· Message Slide Designer

In addition we have a new volunteer role: Video production. We'd like to find some video editors in our midst. Are you or do you know someone who could do simple projects for us? (i.e. this week, we have white text (provided) on black screen and need someone to edit.) The level of the projects will depend on who we discover. The content is generally available a couple weeks in advance of the deadline. If you have this skill or know someone at Sunset who does, please email me janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Upcoming Events
Sunday’s July 19 & 26 -- Christmas in July! Bring your donations for Food & Toy (details are above)
August will have a Back to School drive to collect school supplies for William Walker students
August 3-8 – High School Camp, click here for more info
August 18-23 – Kids Camp, click here for more info
August 22 – Serving William Walker School Day

Getting To Know Us: Dustin Erhardt

2009-07-13T10:30:00.000-07:00

How/why do you serve at Sunset?

I haven't been coming to Sunset for very long, but I love the sense of community and raw faith I've seen demonstrated here. I've been blessed get to play my guitar and sing on the stage, and I hope to find some other ways to serve too.

One thing you want to accomplish in the next 10 years.

I'd love to be able to continue songwriting and playing, and help others do the same.

What are you passionate about and why?

I'm passionate about worship, especially when God's people come together. I believe that God uses our worship to get things done, just like He does with prayer.

Favorite vacation memory?

I haven't been on many exciting vacations per se, but I've done some traveling and met a lot of really great people. It's really cool to see fellow Christians from all over the country and be reminded that God's still working through us all.

What’s your “day job”?

I travel and play in a band called Sixteen Cities. We just finished our first national album, which will be in stores October 10th.

Ministry Update 7/10

2009-07-10T17:02:00.000-07:00

From Jay

Goin’ all in
There’s an ARMY recruiting station close to my home, right by Blockbuster Video and a pizza joint. From time to time, I’ll see the guys with short haircuts and pressed suits going in there with a wide- eyed teenager about to sign a chunk of their life over to the military. There have been times in my life when I have had the fleeting thought: “That would be nice”. There is something in each of us that wants to go “all in” on something; to leave everything behind and commit solely to one purpose with no distraction.

Matthew 13:44-45:
44"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
45Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”

Today I ask myself, “Would I give up anything for Christ if He asked me to?” Would I give Him my iphone? My truck? Would I give Him my house? My job? Would I give Him my family? Would I give Him my friends? Do I realize the treasure I have in Christ? Do you? Are you “all in”?

Ask yourself right now if there is anything in your life that you think is more valuable or important than what you have in Christ. Do your actions show it?

“God, I don’t want you to have to take everything from me before I realize what I have in You is everything. But if that is what it takes, then God take it all.”

Prayer Challenge from Pastor Ron
I hope you all had a good celebration of Independence Day on July 4. We pulled out the barbecue, lit some fireworks with our family at our house, and then went to the spectacular Oak Hills Fireworks display along with many thousands of people from this community. The freedom we enjoy in our country deserves the celebration.

A week ago in my Sunday message I talked about the East Indian evangelist K. P. Yohannan's experience at his first American prayer meeting. He came to hear one of the most famous pastors in the United States preach. That Sunday the pastor told the people there were some things heavy on his heart and invited them to come pray at the midweek service. K .P. decided to attend. In India and other places around the world where Christians are persecuted prayer is the centerpiece in church life. Everyone comes to pray, and most people are on their knees before sun-up each morning.

K. P. came early anticipating a large crowd. When he got there, he was surprised to find the chapel empty. A few people wandered in at the prescribed time of 7:30 pm. Forty-five minutes later an elderly man, not the pastor, walked in to lead the meeting. He made a few devotional remarks and closed in prayer. As the seven attenders filed out, Yohannan sat there in stunned silence. Is that it? Where was the pastor who had a burden?

Most American churches are not known for prayer. Prayer is rather far down the list of our priorities. So I invited people to stay and pray with me after each morning service a week ago. I am so grateful for all who stayed. About 100 joined me after each service. During the Sunday evening service I made the prayer time part of the service, so in a sense I made them stay and pray with me. It meant so much to me to see people praying for the president, our economy, our marriages, and our church. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 God says, If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." This was a promise to the people of Old Testament Israel. It is still a promise that is relevant to us today. God tells us if we humble ourselves and turn from our sins and pray, he will answer our prayers. He will heal our churches and our nation.

I encourage you to make prayer a centerpiece in your life. Begin your prayers with praise, confess your sins, pray for leaders in our country, and pray for leaders in our church. Pray for your family members. Pray for people you want to come to know Christ. Pray through all the details of your day.

This Sunday my message is titled "Caring For Our Cities". Often Christians are seen as people who do not care about their cities. The cities in our Portland metro area have so many needs. We can make a difference by meeting some of those needs. This is one of those messages when I felt as though the words just came to me from God as I wrote them. I hope to see you this Sunday.

Pastor Ron

Opportunities To Serve

Christmas In July
It’s finally summer in Oregon, but it’s Christmastime at Sunset! In order to keep our costs down for our annual Food and Toy Drive in December we are celebrating Christmas in July.
Everyone can play a part in this amazing ministry by bringing either canned food (see list below) or toys and gift cards (see list below) to church any Sunday in July and drop them off at the Food and Toy collection points (Courtyard and just outside the East Entrance).
Please plan now to bring your donations on July 12th, 19th or 26th.

Food Donations
Spaghetti Sauce (26oz)
Peanut Butter (16oz)
Canned Fruit (15oz)
Applesauce (2#)
Cranberries – Sauce or Jelly (15oz)

Toy Donations
Approx. $15 retail value
No Stuffed Animals Please
Gift Cards (Target, Fred Meyer, Kohl’s…)
Movie Tickets
Art Kits

Worship Choir
We are looking for people who enjoy expressing their love for God through singing. Worship choir will sing again on July 26th and August 23rd. If you plan to sing on those dates, please attend rehearsal at 8pm in the Sanctuary on the Thursday before the Sunday’s listed. Interested but aren’t sure yet? Then contact Jill at jillhofer@sunsetpres.org for more information. All ages welcome.

Production/Tech Team Volunteers Needed!
We are looking for people to fill the following roles:
· Service Director
· Lighting
· Graphics
· FOH Camera Op Week
· Message Slide Designer

In addition we have a new volunteer role: Video production. We'd like to find some video editors in our midst. Are you or do you know someone who could do simple projects for us? (i.e. this week, we have white text (provided) on black screen and need someone to edit.) The level of the projects will depend on who we discover. The content is generally available a couple weeks in advance of the deadline. Ifyou have this skill or know someone at Sunset who does, please email me janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Upcoming Events

July 12, 19, 26 Christmas in July! Bring your donations for Food & Toy (details are above)
July 12-16 – Middle School Camp, click here for more info
Please pray for our middle school students and camp volunteers this week.
August will have a Back to School drive to collect school supplies for William Walker students
August 3-8 – High School Camp, click here for more info
August 18-23 – Kids Camp, click here for more info

The church truly is the hope of the world.
This year’s Leadership Summit (August 6-7) is being held locally at
Easthill Foursquare Church in Gresham. Because of our past involvement
in hosting the Summit, we’re given a special rate to attend this year.

Important! This rate is only to be used by members and
regular attenders of Sunset. If you’re bringing a friend you
can register him/her with your special code; otherwise,
it’s not for use outside of Sunset. This code allows you to
attend for a savings of $160. Our special rate is only $95.

This year’s faculty is again outstanding! This conference is geared for every adult in our church. You will once again be challenged to Lead Where You Are. There are sign-up sheets at the Book and Tape Counter in the Lobby or… register at www.willowcreek.com use our special discount code of: SD9SP to receive our special rate of $95 (Students $75). This rate expires 7/30/2009!

Getting To Know Us: April Curtright

2009-07-06T10:51:00.000-07:00

April pictured here with fellow choir member Jilly Gossett and Choir Director Jilly Hofer.

How/why do you serve at Sunset?
I'm in the choir, I occasionally do special media projects, have done data entry, and generally just hang around a lot helping where I can.

Why do you serve?

Because I love and believe in the ministry of Sunset, especially the Worship & Creative Arts team. I love the PEOPLE on W&CA, they have become my family. I love serving next to them to bring glory to God. Choir is the most important area of service for me. Those people mean the world to me. I love singing and have learned so much from Jill's leadership and her love of people and music.

When you have a day to spend any way you want, how do you choose to spend it?

With people I love. God has blessed me with some pretty amazing friends, and nothing makes me happier than spending time with them...doesn't matter what we're doing as long as we're together.

What’s your favorite time of day and why?
On just a regular day, probably early morning because that's generally when I have my time with God and do some writing.

Current top 10 songs on your playlist?
It's hard to choose just 10...
You Are Everything by Matthew West
Don't Get Comfortable by Brandon Heath
Every Time I Breathe by Big Daddy Weave
How Would I Know by Kathy Troccoli
Only Hope by Jill Hofer & Nikki
He Reigns by Women of Faith Worship Team Rebirthing by Skillet Hold Me Jesus by Big Daddy Weave That's How Much I Love You by Kathy Troccoli Made to Worship by Chris Tomlin