The Lighthouse - January 27, 2016

House Church

What a snow storm we had this past weekend! I hope that you came through it no worse for wear and that the snow on your road and driveway is melting quickly.

Once we knew that the storm was going to be as big as had been predicted and that we wouldn't be able to dig out in time for worship on Sunday, our family made plans to have church at home. We have done this on snow days past and have enjoyed the time together as family. It's not anything too formal - light a candle, read a Scripture or two, talk about it together for a few minutes, pray (especially for those working to clear the snow), and sing a couple of songs. Our older boys have enjoyed this so much in the past that they had suggested that we invite the neighbors over to join us when we all have cancelled services.

So that's what we did this weekend. We invited everyone on our block to come over around 10:30 for some house church. Come Sunday morning, three other families joined ours for a time of worshipping together. In fact, one of our neighbors - a saint of a man - walked down the street to help one of our elderly neighbors make her way safely to our house so that she would not slip. The ages ranged from 2 to 94. It was a great time of worship together. Our boys read Scripture, we all took turns praying, and Courtney played piano and a couple of the neighbors shared songs on the guitar. It did not matter that we were from different churches - even different denominations. It did not matter that we had kids coloring and playing in the middle of the floor while the adults talked and sang. As Paul wrote to the Galatians, there are neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female in Christ because we are all one (3:28). I give thanks for good neighbors and for the Spirit of God that is present wherever only a handful are gathered!

If you would be interested in planning house church for your family (and maybe even neighbors) in the case of a future snow day, please let me know and I will be glad to get some things together to help.

Blessings on the journey, Jim

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Worship This Week

With our worship service having been cancelled on Sunday due to snow, we will push forward with our series "Forgotten Folks of Faith" this Sunday by looking at someone who had little to offer to God but gave what they could anyway. Join us this Sunday as we hear the story of "The Broke"!

Super Bowl Sunday Is Coming

The Super Bowl is coming, and it's time to choose your side - Broncos or Panthers! Share which team you'll be cheering and help them win the Port Church Super Bowl by bringing in any of the items listed below for worthy causes in our community! Boxes marked with each team's logo will be placed in the vestibule at the church both this Sunday and next. Place your items in your team's box and stay tuned to find out who will win!
 
South River Elementary Clothes Closet
Underpants for SPED Kids – medium men and ladies
Underpants for Girls & Boys – size 10-12 & 14
Sweat Pants & Leggings (Dark Colors) – all sizes are needed, but the kids are K-5
 
AVA Care
Diapers – size 3 and 4 – (although all sizes are appreciated Newborn – Size 5)

Food Pantry
This time of year we see a lot more people, so they will take can fruit, can vegetables, cereal, soup, spaghetti & sauce, crackers, etc.
 

Living in Community

• Please pray for all the workers in our community who are continuing to help ensure the safety of our roads and who will drive on difficult roads to serve those in need of help.

This Week at Port Church

Wednesday, January 27
9:30 am - 2:00 pm - Office Hours
6:00 pm - Wednesday at the Port

Thursday, January 28
9:30 am - 12:00 noon - Office Hours

Sunday, January 31
9:30 am - Worship Service
"Forgotten Folks of Faith: The Broke"
11:00 am - Sunday School

Looking Ahead

• Ash Wednesday - February 10
  
• Youth Sunday - April 3
• Vacation Bible School - June 27-July 1