September 07th, 2016

Past, Present, and Future

September 11th is one of those days of which, for those of our generations, we will always remember where we were when we heard the news of the attacks. As we approach the 15th anniversary of that fateful day this Sunday, our memories are likely to be brought back to the forefront. After all, we are a people of memory. So much of what we do, so much of our ritual, is based on remembering what God has done in our lives during the good times and the bad. Worshipping God means remembering in faith how God has been faithful to us in all circumstances.

But as God's people we do not only remember days past. We also remember the promise of days to come. We remember that there is a day to come - the Day of the Lord - when God's kingdom will be made complete, a day when justice shall roll down like waters and righteousness as an ever-flowing stream, when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, when swords will be beaten in plowshares. We remember in hope that there are better days in the future.

Even as we remember the past and look forward to the future, we are called to live fully into this day - the only day we have now. Because of our faith in what God has done and our hope at what God will do, we live today in the love of Jesus Christ.

In faith we remember the past, in hope we look toward the future, and in the present we live in God's love. Because in all times - good and bad - these three abide: faith, hope, and love, and the greatest of these is love.

Blessings on the journey, Jim 

It Takes a Village

We are finishing up our series on community and how we are called to work together this Sunday.

Sunday's Sermon Snippet:
​to Change the World! (Luke 10: 1-11, 17-20)
The problems that families in our community and across the world face are enormous. It is overwhelming to consider how we might begin to tackle the larger problems when we face so many problems already in our own homes and church that are already challenges. Thankfully, it is not just up to me or to you to change the world. It takes a village working together through the power of God's Spirit. In the middle of his ministry, Jesus called 72 of his followers and sent them out to change the world. We can glean a few things from the instructions he gave these first missionaries about how we are called and sent out into the world. 1) Jesus told his followers to ask the Lord to send harvesters into the abundant harvest because there were so few workers. When we are overwhelmed by the problems of the world, we start with prayer for God to help us. Changing the world starts with prayer. 2) Jesus sent them two by two - working together is the key. If we see a problem to face in the world, we need to find someone to work alongside us. Changing the world is not a solo job. 3) Jesus told the missionaries to take nothing with them. Changing the world does not take a big bank account or a crowd folks; it just takes trust and faithfulness. 4) Jesus told his followers to simply go out, live among the people, proclaim the message of God's kingdom, and heal those who were sick and oppressed - all simple things (yes, even healing is simple when we consider that healing can mean more than physical healing but also emotional and spiritual - a timely word of encouragement, a listening ear, and a kind presence can all lead to healing). Changing the world begins not with huge programs but with simple acts. 5) The missionaries returned to Jesus to report what had happened, and Jesus taught them that, though he was proud of what they had done, what they should be excited by is that they belong to God. Sometimes we may fail but God still loves us. Changing the world leads us back to Jesus and his love for us. May we be so bold as to go out to do the small things that together will change the world. May we be the village church with a mission to the world!

Looking Ahead
Join us this Sunday as we recognize and thank our first responders and live out how "It Takes a Village to Heal the Brokenness!"

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Supporting South River Elementary School

As school has gotten started, Nurse Jan has let us know of a few of the items she needs for the clinic to help children be ready to learn and grow.

Flushable wipes
Belts
Underwear: womens 7, girls 14-16
Jello cups
Granola Bars (no nuts/peanut butter)
Clorox Wipes

Be a part of the village supporting our students, and bring any of the above items to church this Sunday!

Reminder: Leading Our Church

As we prepare for the upcoming year and the ministries we will undertake in Jesus' name, we will be looking to identify leaders of our church for 2017 and beyond! To help our nominating committee in their discernment, please fill out the short survey that can be found online here. You will be asked to complete a short spiritual gifts inventory, share your interests, and let us know if you feel called to any particular ministries or to step back from ministries you are already involved in. This should take only about five minutes but will help our church tremendously. Your input will help us to better match leaders to roles God has gifted them for. Thanks for your help!

Living in Community

Thank you to everyone who participated in God's Labor Day! We had 10 folks pray over the school and 3 folks head out to meet out neighbors, while others made 32 Cups of Blessings and 15 Cards of Encouragement. Thanks for making a difference in our community! 

Volunteers needed for Wednesday at the Port:
Servers and cleaners needed - whether you can help one week or many,
you are what makes this ministry possible!
See Sue for more information.

This Week at Port Church

​Wednesday, September 7
9:30 - 2:00 - Office Hours

​Sunday, September 11
9:30 am - Worship: "It Takes a Village... to Heal the Brokenness" 
Blessing of First Responders
Confirmation
11:00 am - Sunday School

Looking Ahead

Wednesday at the Port kicks off on September 14!

Chili Cookoff and Silent Auction for Youth Missions, October 15

Charge Conference, October 23​

Drive-thru Nativity - December 9 & 10