August 10th, 2016

The Power of Community

Community is a powerful thing! When we live life together, we are never alone in the trials that we face or in the joys that we celebrate. Port Church is a great example of the power of community - from partnering with members of our community for Vacation Bible School to supporting the work of South River Elementary in helping children in need, from praying together and for one another to the celebration of meals together, we are a village church. 

Beginning August 21st, we are going to celebrate in worship the power of community and our being "The Village Church with a Mission to the World!" Each week, we will have a special part of our worship service to be in community:

August 21 - Blessing of Teachers - Join us as we give thanks and ask God's blessing for our teachers as they begin a new school year!

August 28 - Story of Faith - Join us as we hear a special testimony from someone we hold dear!

September 4 - God's Labor Day - Join us for a special day of worship that will lead us out into the community for small mission projects! Be on the lookout for a sign-up sheet in the coming weeks.

September 11 - Blessing of First Responders - Join us as we give thanks and ask for God's protection and guidance for all of our first responders in our community!

I look forward to seeing you as we join together as a village church in the name of Jesus Christ!

Blessings on the journey, Jim

Lazy Days of Summer

During these hot days of August, our worship is focusing on our need to take Sabbath time to rest and be with God, especially during these "Lazy Days of Summer!"

Sunday's Sermon Snippet: Life
Luke 13:10-17
Rest is an essential part of life, so taking the commandment to rest and refrain from work during Sabbath time seriously is a good thing. Taken to an extreme, however, we might wonder if we can possibly do anything because so much of life is working for one purpose or another. On the other hand, our culture has gone to the other extreme, with a day of rest being virtually non-existent. What are we as Christians to do in a world where Sabbath rest seems to be all or nothing? This tension is nothing new, and Jesus faced this same issue when he encountered a woman who had been ill for many years on the Sabbath day. When he healed her (which was considered work), the religious authority was upset and claimed that healing should wait until another day when work was allowed. Jesus replied by pointing out that even the most observant of God's followers would untie a donkey to lead it to water on the Sabbath, so this woman should likewise be unbound from her illness. Far from being an inappropriate day to heal, Jesus claimed that the Sabbath was the right day to do so. In saying this, Jesus reveals a good principle for us to consider regarding work and rest. The Sabbath is meant to honor, preserve, and build up the holiness of life. Resting in God does just this, but so does healing this woman so that she can rest from her illness. In discerning what "work" is allowed when we are trying to take time for Sabbath rest, the law of life is a good guide. Does what I am doing give life to me or drain it? Does what I am doing give life to another person or drain it away? This week, take time for Sabbath rest to do something that fills you with life. Also, find something you can do for another person to give them life and rest.

Looking Ahead
Taking time to rest is a part of a healthy life and a vital faith, but can't I just get it when I feel tired or really need it? Why should I take time each week to rest when there is so much to be done?  Join us this Sunday as we celebrate the "Jubilee" of how God works through rest to give us a new beginning!

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Living in Community

Blessings to Tristan who has been playing piano occasionally
for the worship service at Mount Vernon Mennonite Church!​

Congratulations to April on being one of 50 youth from the state
selected for the Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program!

​This Week at Port Church

​Wednesday, August 10
9:30 am - 2:00 pm - Office Hours

​Thursday, August 11
9:30 am - 12 noon - Office Hours
​
​Sunday, August 14
9:30 am - Worship: "Lazy Days of Summer: Jubilee" 
11:00 am - Sunday School

Looking Ahead

Blessing of Teachers for the new school year in worship on August 21
If you know a teacher, invite them to join you for this special blessing!

Children's Back-to-School Bash on August 21, 4-6 pm, at Bradburn Park
All elementary school kids invited for an afternoon of fun!

Blessing of First Responders in worship on September 11
If you know a police officer, fire fighter, EMT, or other first responder,
invite them to join us so that we can say thank you for their service to our community!

Wednesday at the Port kicks off on September 14!

Charge Conference, October 23