July 18th, 2018

225 Years and Counting!

This year marks the 225th anniversary for Port Church! It is hard to imagine how much life has changed and how much the church has developed over the years. Two things have remained constant for those two and a quarter centuries: that God has loved and called the generations who have called Port Church their home and that those folks have sought to live faithfully and serve God. As we mark this anniversary, we are making plans for a fun time of celebration!

On September 29th, we will host a festival in Bradburn Park (we are working on alternatives in the case of bad weather). We have plans for fantastic food, a silent auction to benefit youth missions, games for kids, a cornhole tournament, live music, an art contest, and a revival service in the evening to wrap it all up. Mark your calendars and plan us to join us for the afternoon!

As we celebrate our heritage, we want to invite you to share your stories of Port Church. What has this church meant to you and your family? What stories about our church stand out in your memory? What stories about generations past at our church need to be told? Whether you are newer to our community or have roots that go back generations, we want to hear your story. Submit your stories (typed up and emailed, if possible; handwritten and/or printed out, if necessary) to the church office by August 15th. If you have photos of special memories, please share those as well by emailing a scanned copy or bringing a copy by for us to borrow.

We look forward to celebrating with you! Blessings on the journey, Jim

Calling All Singers

We are exploring the possibility of preparing a Christmas cantata this year. Practices would likely be held on Wednesday evenings starting in September. If you would like to be part of a choir for this, please let Linda know as soon as you can so that we can gauge the level of interest.

Back-to-School Bingo and Blessings!

The beginning of the new school year is still a little over a month away, but it will soon be time to get ready for a new start to a great year! We will play Back-to-School Bingo with the elementary-school kids on Sunday, August 12, from noon to 1 pm. Lunch will be provided, and kids will be able to win prizes of school supplies to help them get ready!  On Sunday, August 19, all kids are invited to bring their backpack to worship as we have a Blessing of the Backpacks - a time of prayer for the school year. Each child will receive a special reminder that God's got their back whenever they go to school!

Summer Bible Reading Plan

Day 36 - Matthew 13 - Kingdom Tales
Day 37 - Luke 16 - Of Two Worlds
Day 38 - John 14 - One Final Meal Together
Day 39 - John 15 - Vital Link
Day 40 - John 16 - Grief into Joy
Day 41 - John 17 - Commissioning
Day 42 - Matthew 26 - Appointment with Destiny
This week's readings focus on Jesus' continuing ministry and his journey towards the cross. As he spends one final meal with his disciples, he teaches them one last lesson and prepares them to carry on his ministry in his absence.

Living in Community

Thanks to Olivia and her InMotion Praise Dance Team for a wonderful message
about the Parable of the Prodigal Son this past Sunday!
Thank you, Liz and Adam, for arranging the group to join us
and setting up the space for them!

Mark your calendars for our Nativity Workday on Saturday, October 6.
We will be repairing sets to be used in our Drive-thru Nativity on December 14-15.

This Week at Port Church

Wednesday, July 18
9:00 - 11:45 am - Office Hours
Thursday, July 19
9:00 - 11:45 am - Office Hours
Sunday, July 22
9:30 am - Worship: "Clutter: Shame"
11:00 am - Sunday School

Looking Ahead

Paint Night - August 10, 6-9 pm
Back-to-School Bingo - August 12, 12-1 pm
Blessing of the Backpacks - August 19
Wednesday at the Port - September 12 
Potato Drop to benefit local hunger ministries - September 15
225th Anniversary Celebration - September 29
Nativity Workday - October 6