Monday, July 9, 11:30 am Lunch Bunch, Family Room
Monday, July 9, 1:30 pm Westside Readers
Tuesday, July 10, 6:30 pm Bible Basics, Lighthouse
Thursday, July 12, 6:30 pm Girls of Grace
Friday, July 13, 10:00 am Life Group
Saturday, July 14, 8:30 am Men's Breakfast, Family Room
I was standing in line, freezing, outside of the kiosk at Bridgeport Mall to order something for dinner. I had been stuck three hours at the Apple Store, and while my computer rested in the warm building, I was standing, shivering in line behind this guy ordering lots of burritos. While we waited we chatted, teeth chattering, and discovered we were both clergy, and that I knew and had worked with his predecessor at MacLaren Youth Authority. Chaplain Sean Page is a delightful, vibrant light at MacLaren, and a joy to meet. Therefore, I’ve wanted you all to meet him too. He is coming to share about his work and about the fact that there are many kids who have lost their ways and need the chance to meet the Father. God had already been working in my heart about volunteering at a prison, but had not found a way. Then Sean was in front of me, and God opened this really BIG DOOR. Meeting the youth there in MacLaren has been so impactful. God has worked in my heart and given opportunities for His Word to impact their lives. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Sean and hear God speak through Him.
Tuesday, July 3, 6:30 pm Bible Basics, Lighthouse
Friday, July 6, 10:00 am Life Group
Host Families are needed for this summer's Japanese students. Your family provides food, lodging, and transportation for 13 nights, from July 24th to August 6th. They will be learning English at True Life Fellowship Church in the mornings, and then going on a field trip each afternoon. The family receives $30 per night for expenses. Contact Mimi Imai at 971- 352-0007. It's well organized and fun!
Question: What makes you feel the richest with Jesus?
Answers:
Some specific items are still needed for the auction: gifts for the $25 table; wine and soda in glass bottles; and oral auction goods, such as jewelry, travel opportunities, and tickets to events. Remember that the donation form is online, under the Auction tab. It's also available in the entryway of the church.
Did you know that some scholarship money is available? If interested, please contact Pastor Brian after July 1.
The excitement is building!
The words Paul employs in prayer for the people in Ephesus are powerful. They are dynamic. There is a sense that he knows exactly what needed to be written for them to hear what they too could pray for themselves. We are learning to sit, to “rest” in what God has provided for us -- that we are chosen, adopted, born into God’s family, redeemed, saved, and seated with Jesus in the heavenly realms, indeed, sealed by God’s holy spirit. The list of what God has accomplished is impressive. And to note that where we have been seated is above every rule, power, authority in ANY age. This is quite a statement especially to a people living in a place replete with demonic forces. What Paul said was that there’s nothing to compare with Jesus. There’s no power stronger. So often in our lives we allow all kinds of powers to dwarf God, but in actuality, nothing is bigger, NOBODY is bigger than Jesus. Come sit in the powerful gift of the provision of this Heavenly Father, this Lord, through the person of Jesus. Come receive. Come experience. Come be filled. This Sunday we are just going to practice that very thing as Josh Hobson, a friend of Westside, leads in worship while Pastor Brian is in England.
This Sunday is our Fourth Sunday Feast! Bring your favorite "picnic" dish to share. Will it be something "traditional" -- fried chicken, watermelon, potato salad -- or are your picnics more exotic? It will be exciting to see what you bring! We promise delicious food without any ants!
UPDATE: Volunteers have been found to help Kathy move. She still seeks a caregiver. And she is in need of pots/pans/utensils for the kitchen, and furniture. Gently used is fine. Items may be brought to the church; please label "For Kathy."
Kathy, an elderly, disabled woman, is looking for someone to do various chores and grocery shopping for her. You would need your own transportation. It would require about five hours a day of your time and she is offering $1500 per month. If you need somewhere to live, a live-in option is also a possibility; same pay and free rent.
If you have limited time and are available now, she also needs help relocating to her home from a local hotel. No furniture, just bags, to be moved.
If you can help, please contact the church office to get her phone number. The office is open Tuesday and Friday between 9 am and 3 pm.
Question: What is a dream you have had but never seen materialized?
Answers:
Pastor Brian would like to borrow 2 large duffle bags to take to the Dominican Republic (to carry the supplies we're gathering). He will do his best to return with them. If you have one (or two!) available, please email the church office. Thanks!
The people in the great metropolis of Ephesus knew much about power and magic -- in their realm magic was real, not just imagined. People manipulated power for their own ends. They sought control of others and sought the blessing of so-called gods through their spells. Paul exhibited a power unheard of, however. It was something that thwarted all their attempts at power and control. It hindered their spells. It broke their strongholds and it was not rooted in many gods but in One God, whom Paul called Jesus, who as a man had died, come again to life and ruled over all powers and principalities in the heavenly realms. There was no one like THIS ONE. And the people of Ephesus bowed to Him, burned their scrolls and charms, and in return discovered a grace and a life never before experienced. With Jesus came freedom, and a named identity they had only dreamed of. It was something to sit down in, to rest in, to find hope in. This was new. It was a grace, an undeserved favor, and it held a deep meaning. Come enter worship and discover anew a place to SIT, to REST, and to BE all you’ve ever dreamed possible.
Tuesday, June 19, 6:30 pm Bible Basics, Lighthouse
Thursday, June 21, 6:30 pm Prayer Team, Family Room
Friday, June 22, 10:00 am Life Group
Laura and her daughter, Yaretzi, will be celebrated tomorrow, June 16, at 2:00 pm at the Day Center at Sunset Presbyterian. All are invited to share ice cream and other desserts. Contact Bonnie Becker for more information.
The "Beacon of Light" auction is still five weeks away, but there are already some fabulous items being donated. How much shall you bid on some of these?
Don't forget - your donation form is due by July 1. Items must be dropped off at the church by July 15 (office hours are Tue and Fri, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm). It takes both donations and buyers to make an auction a success. Be sure to donate -- and invite your friends to the event!
Saturday, July 21
6:00 pm Silent Auction begins; Dinner
7:15 pm Live Auction
Summer fun for preschool through 5th grade kids that encourages them to explore God’s world through science, music, Bible stories, crafts, and service. Camp runs from Thursday, July 19 through Saturday, July 21, and concludes with a family celebration BBQ and the opportunity for hands-on community service as a family. Register at http://cedarmillchristumc.org
Question: Who are you in the world? Who are you in Christ?
Answers:
The Revett's latest newsletter will tell a little of how you help Ava Guarani children stay out of vulnerable situations on the streets of the Asuncion metro area. You can also read the update at www.tmrevett.blogspot.com
Monday, June 11 11:30 am Lunch Bunch, Family Room
Monday, June 11 1:30 pm Westside Readers
Tuesday, June 12 6:30 pm Bible Basics, Lighthouse
Pastor Christy Dirren
will be here this Sunday!
When asked "who are you?" one may answer by your name, your role, or give a blank stare pondering why they are inquiring of your identity. The primary answer is influenced by the context in which the question is being asked. If you were living in the SW coast of Asia 2000 years ago - modern day Turkey - you may have answered if you were a Jew or a Gentile, an apostle, a prophet, maybe even a magician. Paul's letter to the Ephesians addresses identity in the community and most important, in Christ.