March 09th, 2016

A Taste of Spring

With the warm weather this week, we are getting a wonderful taste of spring, and it is hard not to be overjoyed by it all. I pray that you will find a way to enjoy this blessing of warmth, sunshine, and the earth reawakening from its slumber this week!

In the bulb there is a flower;
in the seed, an apple tree;
in cocoons, a hidden promise;
butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter
there's a spring that waits to be,
unrevealed until its season,
omething God alone can see.
- Hymn of Promise by Natalie Sleeth

​Blessings on the journey, Jim

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Wilderness: Out of Hiding

Last Sunday's Sermon Snippet:
Out of Hiding (1 Kings 18:1-19:2)
This week, we find Elijah finally ready to confront the King Ahab and show that he has been wrong to stray away from God. Having been sustained by God and now truly becoming God's servant, Elijah is brimming with confidence. It is evident in his instruction to Obadiah to tell Ahab he is coming, in his accusation of Ahab for the trouble he has caused, in his suggestion of a contest to see whether God or Ba'al can light an altar, in his taunts of the rival prophets, and in his pouring water over his own altar. God lights up Elijah's altar, showing who is the true God, and Elijah goes to Ahab to tell him the rain will return to the land. As a cloud finally appears on the horizon bringing a great storm, Elijah is strengthened by the Spirit to run to Jezreel ahead of Ahab's chariot to take his rightful place in Ahab's palace as God's prophet. He has won the battle and, he thinks, the war against those who would lead Israel astray. Yet no sooner does he prepare to celebrate than word comes that Queen Jezebel has vowed to end his life. With a simple threat, Elijah, who had already come through so much, is sent back into hiding and into despair. How can this ever end? Why doesn't God just finish it once and for all? We can relate because this is real life - just when we think we have come through one ordeal and we think the wilderness journey over, something else often arises that is even worse. Sometimes things have to get worse before they get better. And yet, even in the valley of the shadow of death, God is with us to comfort and protect us!

​Looking Ahead
With victory and vindication within his grasp, Elijah was sent into hiding again by Jezebel's furious threat. How would Elijah handle this setback? Would he remain confidently defiant or finally give up as a broken man? Join us this Sunday as we consider "Giving Up" in the wilderness.

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CPR & First Aid Classes

Dinah is offering CPR and First Aid Classes to folks in our congregation in conjunction with a training at Weaver's Karate in Grottoes.​ Both classes will be located at Weaver's Karate in Grottoes.  The class is a two year certification with American Heart Association.  The course is free for teenagers and minimal charge for adults (whatever her costs are).  Contact Dinah for more details. Pre-registration is required. The dates are:

Friday, March 18, CPR and AED, Class 6:15-8:30
Friday, April 1, First Aid Class, 5:30 - 9:00 

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Last Week to Order Lilies!

This Sunday is the last day to order lilies in time for Easter! Lilies can be placed in memory or honor of loved ones. Fill our sanctuary with glorious flowers to celebrate our Lord's Resurrection! Please contact Pam with your orders and questions.

Living in Community

Thank you to Keith for repairing the steps to the office door!

Thanks to Lauren, Rad, Tyler, Chris, and Meg
for sharing our Scripture on Sunday in such dramatic fashion!

If you know of a college student graduating this spring who is a member of or attends our church, please contact Sue Good.

This Week at Port Church

Tuesday, March 8
7:00 pm - Council Meeting

Wednesday, March 9
9:30 am - 2:00 pm - Office Hours
6:00 pm - Wednesday at the Port

Thursday, March 10
9:30 am - 12:00 noon - Office Hours

Sunday, March 13
9:30 am - Worship Service
"Wilderness: Giving Up"
11:00 am - Sunday School
6:00 pm - Confirmation Class at Ciro's​​

Looking Ahead

Last Week for Wednesday at the Port Spring Session - March 23
Maundy Thursday Service - March 24, 7 pm
Good Friday Service - March 25, 12 noon
Easter Sunrise Service - March 27, 7 am
​Youth Sunday - April 3
VBS Training - May 22
Vacation Bible School - June 27-July 1​​