September 06th, 2017

Another Storm

As the aftermath of Harvey fades into clean-up and recovery, another storm is on its way to the mainland threatening significant damage. Our United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is ready to assist our local churches and conferences in the recovery process there just as it has done in Texas and Louisiana. With two major storms back-to-back, it is more important than ever that we support the work of this vital organization. First, you can donate to UMCOR's relief efforts by making out a check to the church designated for hurricane relief. 100% of every dollar donated to UMCOR goes to actual relief work because administrative fees are already budgeted for through other sources. This means that more of your donation goes to where you want it to - people in need of help. UMCOR is always one of the highest rated charities. A second way to help is to put together cleaning buckets. We have folks signed up to bring items for three buckets, and others have decided to put together a bucket on their own. If you would like to create your own bucket, see the attached list. Items and buckets are due by September 13th. With this second storm, we may have another opportunity to put together more buckets in the near future. In addition, our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico have asked us for our prayers as they begin to assess the damage done by Irma.

​Thank you for the faithfulness you have shown to help our brothers and sisters in their time of need!

​Blessings on the journey, Jim

Sunday's Sermon Snippet

A Lasting Legacy: Overflowing Poverty (2 Corinthians 8:8-15)
When we see suffering or need in the world - such as we have seen in the aftermath of Harvey - we often are naturally drawn to do something about it. We pray for those hurting and grieving, we give to groups doing good work, we bake a casserole for a struggling friend. We give of our time and treasure to bless those in need and do not give it a second thought. Yet when we consider giving on a regular basis to a charity or our church, the impulse is not as strong and we have doubts. What if we need that money at the end of the month? We can agree with all the sermons we have heard encouraging us to give - because we want to - but putting it into action is difficult because of the real-life implications; and they are real! Our "what ifs" are true concerns - not mere excuses. Paul must have encountered this problem as he encouraged the Corinthians to give to the collection for the poor in Jerusalem. While they have given well when they first heard of the need, their generosity had dwindled with time. So Paul reminds them that he is testing them against others who have given generously - the Macedonians to their north but also to Jesus himself. Jesus had impoverished himself and poured out all he had - even his very life - so that they could have the riches of eternal life. Jesus did this - in fact, God gave us Jesus - because God's essential nature is giving. God gives us life, an abundance of blessings, and the opportunity for eternal life. God is a giver! We were made in God's image - another gift - so it is a part of who we are to give as well. An essential part of being human is to give. When we let our concerns over security and safety hold us back, we miss out on one of the core parts of our lives. This is not to say that we should suffer so that others can prosper. As Paul writes, giving means that those who have much do not have too much and those who have little do not have too little. The point is that all have what they need in their time. At times our poverty may overflow with blessings for others, and at other times our poverty may be filled by the blessings of others. Be the giver that God has made you to be!

Living in Community

Please pray for Landon and Mark & Susie as he recovers from his surgery.

​Thank you to Chris and Meg for sharing your experience in Financial Peace University!

​Thank you, Davida, Tony, and Michelle, for helping to serve communion on Sunday!

This Week at Port Church

Tuesday, September 5
9:00 - 11:45 am - Office Hours

Thursday, September 7
9:00 - 11:45 am - Office Hours
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Sunday, September 10
9:30 am - Worship - "A Life-changing Gift: A Worthy Cause"
​11:00 am - Sunday School

Looking Ahead

​Dianna's Bible Study on John begins next week!
Financial Classes start September 17th!
​Youth Generation Change Class starts September 24th!

​Wednesday at the Port resumes September 13!

​Chili Cookoff & Silent Auction in support of Youth Missions - October 14th!

​Paint Night on Friday, September 22nd - Enjoy fellowship and fun painting a fall scene!
​See Lee for more details. Cost of $25 is due by 9/13.