Friday, March 11, 2011

Worship Update 3/11

From Jay

Genuine
One of my favorite shows is American Pickers. Two men travel across the country looking for antiques in people’s barns, basements and attics. Sometimes things that look like trash, rusted, dirty and broken, are priceless items. Often the first thing that has to be figured out is if an item is genuine or not. An antique coin or clock or old baseball card can be faked, and it takes a trained eye sometimes to see it.

There is no mark on you that I can look at to determine if your faith is genuine. You might wear a cross and carry a Bible, but that is not the proof of His mark on you. No, it’s much deeper, it’s down to the very core of who you are… a place only He can see. In fact you might appear broken and rusted on the outside, and your faith could be as genuine as its gets.

Your faith is the most valuable thing you own. Strip all else away, all the temporary things in your life, even your life itself, and your faith in Jesus and who He is will carry on through eternity. Have you considered your faith lately? Have you taken a moment and just rested on it, counted on it, and thanked God for it? He gave it to you, and sustains it in you.

“Though you have not seen Him, you love Him;
and even though you do not see him now, you believe in Him
and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,
for you are receiving the end result of your faith,
the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9)


Opportunities To Serve

Musicians Needed!
We are always looking for musicians who want to get involved. If you sing or play, contact us! Right now we are particularly looking for piano players, but even if you play the harmonica or spoons, we want to hear from you! Contact Jay at jaymckenney@sunsetpres.org, or Tyler at tylerbraun@sunsetpres.org

Sunset Choir
The Sunset Choir will be taking part in the Easter service again this year. The choir is open to everyone, just come to practice on Tuesday night at 7pm in the choir room. In order to be ready, we ask that you begin attending prior to the March 15th if you would like to sing on Easter with the choir.

Artful ideas needed!
As we are service planning for the series studying 2 Corinthians we are looking for ideas that use the arts on the theme of reconciliation; works of art, literature, music. Please post ideas on the Sunset worship Facebook page by clicking here or email them to janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.


Upcoming Events
March 21-25, Beaverton Spring Break
April 10, Infant Baptism/Dedication
April 10, Family Series
April 10, Pathways & Connections
April 15, Family Unity Night (FUN), 6:30p
April 24, EASTER

Friday, March 4, 2011

Worship Update 3/4

From Jay

Understand first
At various times in my life I have found myself saying a lot... “They don’t get it.” “He or she doesn’t understand me.” Have you ever felt that inside? To be truly understood, to be truly heard, to be truly known, is very rare in this life isn’t it?

I can’t control someone listening to me, can’t make them understand, and can’t crawl into their brain and see if they have an agenda or if they are sizing me up or if they are thinking about what is for dinner tonight.

The reality is, most of the time, it’s me that doesn’t get it. It’s me that hasn’t taken the time to seek to understand. It’s me that puts my desire to be understood, ahead of understanding another, and therefore I’m doing the very thing that I despise. I want to change that about me. I want to begin to give the gift of really hearing people and finding out where they are coming from. I have a long way to go. In fact, I think I have nowhere to go but up. 

James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry…”


Sunset Lay-Offs Announcement
If you didn’t receive the News & Views with this information on 3/1, please email to Rick Anderson rickanderson@sunsetpres.org.


Opportunities To Serve

Musicians Needed!
We are always looking for musicians who want to get involved. If you sing or play, contact us! Right now we are particularly looking for piano players, but even if you play the harmonica or spoons, we want to hear from you! Contact Jay at jaymckenney@sunsetpres.org, or Tyler at tylerbraun@sunsetpres.org

Sunset Choir
The Sunset Choir will be taking part in the Easter service again this year. The choir is open to everyone, just come to practice on Tuesday night at 7pm in the choir room. In order to be ready, we ask that you begin attending prior to the March 15th if you would like to sing on Easter with the choir.

Artful ideas needed!
As we are service planning for the series studying 2 Corinthians we are looking for ideas that use the arts on the theme of reconciliation; works of art, literature, music. Please post ideas on the Sunset worship Facebook page by clicking here or email them to janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.


Upcoming Events
March 6, Divin’ In Class starts
March 13, Daylight savings begins – Pancake Breakfast between services
March 21-25, Beaverton Spring Break
April 10, Infant Baptism/Dedication
April 10, Family Series
April 10, Pathways & Connections
April 15, Family Unity Night (FUN), 6:30p
April 24, EASTER

Friday, February 18, 2011

Worship Update 2/18

From Jay

Free Samples
When I was in high school my friend Tom Beal and I would go to Nordstrom for free samples of cologne. I remember one day we hit the jackpot, and there was a very cute, nice girl working who I think had a crush on Tom and ended up giving us dozens and dozens of samples of our favorite brands. And this was when they were in those little glass bottles that actually had a pretty good amount in each one.

I also remember once when I was there with several friends. When we cut through the women’s fragrance section I picked up a sample bottle and sprayed the back of my friends coat with 10 plus sprays of a very feminine smelling perfume. Seemed funny at the time, but I was the one that had to follow him around the rest of the time and smell it.

Paul had a life changing encounter with Christ. Paul didn’t know Him and was persecuting His followers, but Christ forgave him, turned His life around, and gave Him a new reason to exist… to spread the truth about who He was and how to know Him. As a result, Paul’s life became about that mission. In a sense he spent his life with a new bottle of cologne going around and spreading its aroma, the aroma of Christ.

You didn’t know Christ. And while you were still a sinner, He died for you, forgave you and drew you to Himself. He has given you a new reason to exist. He has given you His Spirit, a sweet smelling and saving aroma to those He is saving. And He wants you to spread it.


Opportunities To Serve

Musicians Needed!We are always looking for musicians who want to get involved. If you sing or play, contact us! Right now we are particularly looking for piano players, but even if you play the harmonica or spoons, we want to hear from you! Contact Jay at jaymckenney@sunsetpres.org, or Tyler at tylerbraun@sunsetpres.org

Helping Hands Food DriveSunday, February 27th
This is the first Helping Hands food drive this year. There are only 2 All Church Food Drives this year, so let’s make the most of both of them!

Food Items Needed:
Cereal - Rice - Canned Fruit – Juice (No glass jars) - Canned Fish and Chicken.
Thank you for your support in past food drives. Your generous donations allow Helping Hands provide 3 to 5 days of groceries for families in need.

Sunset Choir
The Sunset Choir will be taking part in the Easter service again this year. The choir is open to everyone, just come to practice on Tuesday night at 7pm in the choir room. In order to be ready, we ask that you begin attending prior to the March 15th if you would like to sing on Easter with the choir.

Artful ideas needed!
As we are service planning for the series studying 2 Corinthians we are looking for ideas that use the arts on the theme of reconciliation; works of art, literature, music. Please post ideas on the Sunset worship Facebook page by clicking here or email them to janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.


Upcoming Events
February 18-20, Wildfire Winter Camp – Pray for our middle school ministry this weekend!
February 27, Food Drive for Helping Hands
March 1, DivorceCare starts
March 3, Resolving Everyday Conflict Study starts
March 6, Divin’ In Class starts
March 13, Daylight savings begins
March 21-25, Beaverton Spring Break
April 10, Infant Baptism/Dedication
April 10, Family Series
April 10, Pathways & Connections
April 15, Family Unity Night (FUN)
April 24, EASTER

Friday, February 11, 2011

Worship Update 2/11

From Jay

POSITION
My wife and I tan very differently. We both love being outside, we both love the sun. She wears 5000 SPF sun block capable of walking on the surface of the sun while not being harmed. I never wear any (I know, I am dumb). She is usually doing yard work, or has a visor on; I am looking for every opportunity to face the sun. The lines when I mow are wavy because I’m looking up instead of where I’m going. At the end of a long day, we will both go in and look completely different as far as the effects of the sun. We were both out there for the same amount of time, but because of how we positioned ourselves, totally different results.

Two people can sit in the same worship service for the same amount of time and leave with very different results. The same God is there for both, the same Spirit. One comes open, with a heart positioned towards listening for His voice, through (and sometimes despite) whatever happens that day. The other comes wearing 5000 SPF on the heart; capable of… well, you get the picture.

The light of Jesus is shining, right now, onto you and into your life. What is the position of your heart? Is it facing Him, positioned toward Him? Or is it turned away… and are you letting all kinds of walls block you from experiencing the warmth of His love?

Psalm 27:8
My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
Your face, LORD, I will seek.

2 Corinthians 4:18
"So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone,
but the things we cannot see will last forever."


Sunset News
If you did not receive last week’s or this week’s News & Views from the Commission, via email or mail, please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org.


Opportunities To Serve

Helping Hands Food Drive
Sunday, February 27th
This is the first Helping Hands food drive this year. There are only 2 All Church Food Drives this year, so let’s make the most of both of them!

Food Items Needed:
Cereal - Rice - Canned Fruit – Juice (No glass jars) - Canned Fish and Chicken.
Thank you for your support in past food drives. Your generous donations allow Helping Hands provide 3 to 5 days of groceries for families in need.

Artful ideas needed!
As we are service planning for the series studying 2 Corinthians we are looking for ideas that use the arts on the theme of reconciliation; works of art, literature, music. Please post ideas on the Sunset worship Facebook page by clicking here or email them to janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.


Upcoming Events
February 14, Valentine’s Day
February 18-20, Wildfire Winter Camp
February 27, Food Drive for Helping Hands
March 1, DivorceCare starts
March 3, Resolving Everyday Conflict Study starts
March 6, Divin’ In Class starts
March 13, Daylight savings begins
March 21-25, Beaverton Spring Break

Friday, February 4, 2011

Worship News 2/4

From Jay

Competent
I debated writing anything this week. There is a lot of noise, a lot of things to read, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to add to your pile. So if you decide to read this in the midst of all the communication you are receiving from Sunset, than I guess this is for you. 

Are you a competent person? Here is how competence can be defined:

- properly or sufficiently qualified or capable or efficient
- adequate for the purpose
- having sufficient skill, knowledge, ability, or qualifications

Your mind may race to your job field, or your schooling, or your interests… but think about it more in terms of your overall life. Are you competent to live and live well? Are you competent to love? Are you competent to make a difference?

I must state now, in this writing, my incompetence. I am not properly or sufficiently qualified to lead my family, serve in a church, or even write this devotional each week. I am not competent to make a difference. I am not adequate for the purpose. I don’t have the sufficient skill, knowledge, ability, or qualifications.

My competence comes from Christ and Christ alone… it comes because He loves me and forgives me and pulls out the best in me. It comes because He is my Creator and the author of my life. He is faithful and steadfast and His motivations are pure. His Spirit lives in me and I have access to His strength at all times. He is my rock and my salvation. He and He alone can make a difference through my life.

Your competence comes from Christ as well. He is competent to make a difference through you. Lean into that and into Him today.

John 15:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you,
you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.


Sunset News
A communication was sent this week from both the Sunset Commission and from Pastor Ron. If you did not receive a copy of this communication via email or mail, please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org.


Opportunities To Serve

Artful ideas needed!As we begin service planning for the new series studying 2 Corinthians we are looking for ideas that use the arts on the theme of reconciliation; works of art, literature, music. Please post ideas on the Sunset worship Facebook page by clicking here or email them to janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.


Upcoming EventsFebruary 13, Family Series and 5:30pm service CANCELLED
February 14, Valentine’s Day
February 18-20, Wildfire Winter Camp
February 27, Food Drive for Helping Hands
March 1, DivorceCare starts
March 3, Resolving Everyday Conflict Study starts
March 6, Divin’ In Class starts
March 13, Daylight savings Begins
March 21-25, Beaverton Spring Break

Friday, January 28, 2011

Worship Update 1/28

From Jay

The dawn is coming
I am a true Oregonian. I love most everything about this state from a scenery and seasons standpoint. I even love a good Oregon rainy day. If there is one thing that can get to me though, and this isn’t specific to just my home state, it is the darkness of winter. The length of the darkness from sunset to sunrise I can find hard to deal with. There is something about an early sunrise that inspires hope, speaks of renewal, and whispers of action. When you wake up and it is still dark, everything in me says, GO BACK TO BED, NOTHING TO SEE HERE! 

If you are like me, this is sometimes how it has felt to be a part of the family at Sunset lately. I love this church. I love these people. As the weeks have turned to months and we have faced the void of information and clear direction, maybe you are like me and the sheer length of it has been more than a little hard to deal with. And regardless of how the night settled upon us, I find myself craving and leaning and straining for the sun to rise. I keep remembering that saying, “It is always darkest right before the dawn”.

I believe the dawn is coming.

I believe God cares for us. I believe He is teaching us things that can only be learned in an in-between time like this one. I believe God has not abandoned us. I believe in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. I believe in the healing power of God. I believe in the unity of the Trinity, and for God’s power to accomplish unity in His church. I believe in reconciliation, restoration and renewal. I believe God can rebuild, rework, and retool. I believe God is not tired, worn out or weary. I believe He is still the essence of life, of love, of hope, of grace, of justice, of truth. I believe He is still in the business of saving lives, and still desires to partner with you and me in His great mission.

Like the rising sun that shines
From the darkness comes a light
I hear Your voice and this is my awakening


Opportunities To Serve
Artful ideas needed!
As we begin service planning for the new series studying 2 Corinthians we are looking for ideas that use the arts on the theme of reconciliation; works of art, literature, music. Please post ideas on the Sunset worship Facebook page by clicking here or email them to janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.


Upcoming Events
January 30, Overflow Play Day
February 6, No 5:30p service due to Super Bowl
February 13, Family Series for MS/HS Parents
February 14, Valentine’s Day
February 18-20, Wildfire Winter Camp
February 27, Food Drive for Helping Hands
March 1, DivorceCare starts
March 3, Peacemaking class starts
March 6, Divin’ In Class starts
March 13, Daylight savings Begins
March 21-25, Beaverton Spring Break

Friday, January 21, 2011

Worship Update 1/21

From Jay

The power of the gospel
Recently I was involved in helping interview someone for a ministry position in a small ministry located in the Portland area. This person had a long history with evangelical church ministry and service. There were lots of boxes to check off in the interview, including going over the basic questions of faith.

When I asked what it meant to be a Christian, there was a long, confusing response filled with some Christian sounding words and concepts, but void of clarity. I then asked how he understood someone comes to be saved… same type of reply. I kept trying to rephrase my question, suddenly realizing that I was literally crawling out of my skin to hear him say a few simple things back to me. That he had been lost, and spiritually dead in his sin. That the reality of Christ’s sacrifice for that sin had become real to him at some point, and that the gift of grace had been received. That he was forgiven. That he knew where he was heading based on the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and not any power of his own.

But it never came.

Over the next couple of days, I began to realize a couple of things. The first one is that the simplicity of the message of the gospel is also mysterious and a revelation. And the second is that I became more grateful for its power in my life.

For those of us who rely on the hope of the gospel, it is medicine to our souls when we hear it. We rejoice from the inside out because the wonder of it remains.

Take a moment today, and contemplate what has been revealed to you about the truth of Jesus Christ. That you were lost… that you’ve been found… that you are forgiven.

If the message isn’t clear to you, ask God to reveal Himself to you, until it is.

1 Corinthians 1:18: The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.


Opportunities to Serve
Artful ideas needed!As we begin service planning for the new series studying 2 Corinthians we are looking for ideas that use the arts on the theme of reconciliation; works of art, literature, music. Please post ideas on the Sunset worship Facebook page by clicking here or email them to janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.


Upcoming Events
January 26, Alpha class starts
January 30, Overflow Play Day
February 6, Super Bowl Party
February 13, Family Series for MS/HS Parents
February 14, Valentine’s Day
February 18-20, Wildfire Winter Camp
February 22, DivorceCare starts
February 27, Food Drive for Helping Hands
March 3, Peacemaking class starts
March 6, Divin’ In Class starts
March 13, Daylight savings Begins
March 21-25, Beaverton Spring Break

Friday, January 14, 2011

Worship Update 1/14

From Jay

Relentless love
Ever since I worked in construction, my spine has been temperamental. I remember I used to come home after hard manual labor and couldn’t take a full breath because something was just “off”, and I would have to lie face down on the ground, and then Allison would walk up and down my back. I would have her stop at a certain spot and say “there”, and she would hop a little (sometimes a lot) and then I was back in proper alignment and could take a full breath again. Having someone step on me, walk all over me, and even jump on my back was unpleasant but worth it. This happens less now that I sit at a desk all day, but every once in a while she still does this for me.

Sometimes I wince when I feel God messing with me to bring me back to proper alignment with Him. Sometimes I want to say “Get off my back Lord.” His pursuit of me is relentless. His pursuit of you is relentless. He will allow everything you know to be shaken. Everything, except what you know to be true of Him, and His promises, and His love, and your future in Him. Over and over again, He brings me back to that core knowledge in my spirit, stripping everything else away.

I believe God does the same thing with His church. When we just want everything to work, and to avoid pain and unpleasantness, God will allow anything and everything to bring us to the point of stripping everything away till all that remains is Himself, and His truth, and His promises, and His love. I long for our church to be able to take a deep breath soon and to thank God together for bringing us to a point of health. For now, I thank Him for His relentless pursuit of us, both individually and as a church body. I pray that you and I learn to continue to lie down before Him and be okay with Him messing with us in whatever way He sees fit.


Opportunities To Serve
Artful ideas needed!As we begin service planning for the new series studying 2 Corinthians we are looking for ideas that use the arts on the theme of reconciliation; works of art, literature, music. Please post ideas on the Sunset worship facebook page by clicking here or email them to janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Mission ConneXion Northwest 2011Friday & Saturday, Jan 21 - 22, Our Church!
www.missionconnexion.com
We are hosting one of the largest conferences to take the gospel to the nations. Plan now to attend and/or volunteer. Admission is free, content is powerful! Volunteers check back page of Sunday’s bulletin to be contacted.


Upcoming Events
January 26, Alpha class starts
February 6, Super Bowl Party
February 14, Valentine’s Day
March 3, Peacemaking class starts

Friday, January 7, 2011

Worship Update 1/7

From Jay

Your new gift
The other day I was at a party, celebrating an announcement of a new life that was to be born several months from now. It was a gorgeous house, great food, great company. There were people there from all different churches. Within minutes, the topic of Sunset and where we are as a church came up and I was asked about it. Ever happen to you?

It is always humbling to listen to how people see it, hear it, view it from the outside… people not a part of our Sunset family. It is interesting to hear them say they actually read our facebook page, etc.
Something happened that night that changed my perspective big time. A couple that was there began to minister to me. They had been through a very painful situation at a church, similar in many ways to Sunset. The husband told me that he had received an “Honorary Phd” with all that he had learned. The wife had been on staff, led worship and the church had been their family.

They were able in a very short time to minister to me, to encourage me, to love me, in a way that others could not, or cannot, because this couple had been there.

We are about to start a new series in 2 Corinthians. Listen to these words from the first chapter:

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.

Have you ever looked at the hard stuff in your life that you have personally faced this way? To see your experiences as a gift that you are now able to help others with the comfort of God?? We wouldn’t choose it before we go through it, but the way God can redeem the hard times in our lives is a miracle only He can pull off. If you call Sunset home, you have a new gift to offer people that you may not have possessed before. Praise God.


Opportunities To Serve
Artful ideas needed!As we begin service planning for the new series studying 2 Corinthians we are looking for ideas that use the arts on the theme of reconciliation; works of art, literature, music. Please post ideas on the Sunset worship facebook page by clicking here or email them to janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Mission ConneXion Northwest 2011Friday & Saturday, Jan 21 - 22, Our Church!
www.missionconnexion.com
We are hosting one of the largest conferences to take the gospel to the nations. Plan now to attend and/or volunteer. Admission is free, content is powerful! Volunteers check back page of Sunday’s bulletin to be contacted.


Upcoming Events
January 9, Communion Sunday
January 16, Pathways & Connections class starts
January 16, Choir & Orchestra Sunday plus Infant Baptism/Dedication
January 26, Alpha class starts
February 6, Super Bowl Party
February 14, Valentine’s Day
March 3, Peacemaking class starts

Friday, December 17, 2010

Worship Update 12/17

From Jay

Blackberry Bushes
When I was little there was a field near where I lived with massive blackberry bushes that towered over our heads. My brothers and I would take a sheet of plywood and a machete, then carve out paths through it and make big rooms of clearing in the middle. I remember how hard it was to hack through those twisted sharp branches, and how consuming they were, and how endless they seemed. I also remember how quickly they grew back, crowding and choking out the paths we had cleared.

This is what it feels like sometimes for me as a Christian when I go to “seek His face”. It feels like blackberry bushes of self, and chaos, guilt, and sin, and setbacks, and tiredness, and confusion and a million other things crowd out my clear view of Him. After a couple of weeks of hacking through the brush of life I’ll come into a few days of clearing, and I’ll meet Him there. And there is rest… there is healing… there is hope. My personal experience though is that it is always short lived, and it simply will be on this side of heaven, the blackberries will keep growing.

This week we are going to sing Came To My Rescue. I drink these words in today as I seek another meaningful glimpse of the face of my Savior.

Falling on my knees in worship
Giving all I am to seek Your face
Lord all I am is Yours
My whole life I place in your hands
God of mercy humbled I bow down
In Your presence at Your throne
I called… You answered
And You came to my rescue and I
I wanna be where You are


Opportunities To Serve
Holiday Ushers - Christmas is fast approaching. We have three Christmas Eve gatherings where we’ll need ushers. If you are available to usher at any of these services, please email alantmitchell@comcast.net

Christmas Eve, Friday 12/24; 3, 5 and 10pm


Upcoming Events
December 24, Christmas Eve Services, 3pm, 5pm, 10pm
December 25, Christmas Day
January 1, New Year’s Day
January 9, Communion Sunday
January 16, Pathways & Connections class starts
January 16, Choir & Orchestra Sunday and Infant Baptism/Dedication
February 6, Super Bowl Party
February 14, Valentine’s Day
March 3, Peacemaking class starts


New Bible Study Begins in January
RECONCILED: Pursuing Relationship with Christ and Community is the title of our study starting after
the first of the year. Just as we did with Nehemiah, 2 Corinthians will be our book of focus for the whole
church study. Our research writing team has done an outstanding job of writing this study just for
Sunset. It’s designed that we all will grow deeper in our understanding of God’s Word and how it applies to our lives individually and to the whole church at Sunset. Make plans now to be a part of this
intriguing study. For more info or to register click here.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Worship Update 12/10

From Jay

First Priority
As someone who cares deeply about what happens on a Sunday and about protecting a space where you can come and connect with God, this weekend makes me lose sleep. All of us are waiting for some sort of announcement that, as I write this, we are not even sure is going to come and if it does we don’t know what it is. And no matter what it is it will be hard for everyone. Meanwhile we are in our second week of advent celebrating the “Joy” candle. That should be fun.

Sometimes when things are really hard we throw this verse around. Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”

I think what trips us up is our expectation of “for the good”. You and I can fill in “for the good” with whatever version of “good” that suits us. But the “good” was not a blank for us to fill. The “good” is defined in the next sentence…

“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son…”
~ Romans 8:29

That’s the good work… that you and I would become like Jesus.

Does God want Sunset to succeed, and His name to be lifted up here? Yes, but that is secondary to His desire to shape the image of his Son in your heart and in mine.

And so whenever and whatever we find out together, and as your mind races with however you are prewired to react, remember that in these moments, God’s first priority is that you and I would become more like Jesus as a result.


Food & Toy 2010 will take place the week of December 14, culminating with Delivery Day on Saturday, December 18. Throughout the week, cookies will be baked, toys will be wrapped, and food will be packed. Please check here for more information about Food & Toy or to volunteer.

Reclaim the story of Christmas through Assist-A-Family. The Christmas trees are in the Lobby with names of families that you can adopt for this Christmas. Full instructions are found in the mailer you received at home recently. If you didn’t get a mailer or need another, stop by the Book and CD desk for the flier that describes this year’s opportunities.


Opportunities to Serve

Holiday Ushers - Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching. We have three special events where we’ll need ushers. The events and dates are below. If you are available to usher at any of these services, please email alantmitchell@comcast.net

Christmas Eve, Friday 12/24; 3, 5 and 10pm


Upcoming EventsDecember 12, Choir Concert, 6:30pm
December 24, Christmas Eve Services 3pm, 5pm and 10pm
December 25, Christmas Day
January 1, New Year’s Day

New Bible Study Begins in January
RECONCILED: Pursuing Relationship with Christ and Community is the title of our study starting after
the first of the year. Just as we did with Nehemiah, 2 Corinthians will be our book of focus for the whole
church study. Our research writing team has done an outstanding job of writing this study just for
Sunset. It’s designed that we all will grow deeper in our understanding of God’s Word and how it applies to our lives individually and to the whole church at Sunset. Make plans now to be a part of this
intriguing study. For more info or to register click here.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Worship Update 12/3

From Jay

Unexpected Cold Front
I adore the snow. Every single year I am optimistic that we will have a foot of snow at some point and that it will shut down normal life for a week. Even though it’s only happened like that maybe 3 times in my memory over the last 20 plus years, I still always believe that this is the year.

So when we had the unexpected cold front a couple weeks back, I thought, “Here we go!!” Apparently it is just waiting until Christmas morning. I’m cool with that.

I had another unexpected cold front of a different kind hit me this week. I was in a meeting about Sunset’s focus this year of “Reclaiming the Story” (think Advent Conspiracy…). The bottom line of this is that because Christ came, we go. We want to embrace the real meaning of Christmas. Since He came and changed everything for us by His love, this should change the way we celebrate Christmas, and the way we love the surrounding community. This is the real story of Christmas.

I sat there realizing that while I agreed with this intellectually, my heart this year had not caught the vision. In fact, my heart felt cold towards it.

I went back into my office and pleaded with God to change my perspective, to warm me up to His heart, to catch the vision, and to have it move from my head to my heart.

The reality is, even though I have known Christ my whole life, I easily can become preoccupied with “stuff”. This year I have been thinking so much about what I would be buying my family and how I would afford it that it has consumed the majority of my thoughts regarding Christmas.

But I don’t want that. I want to lead my family well. I want to teach my girls about Christ, and the incarnation, and relationship, and love. I don’t want to miss this opportunity to continue to expand on my response to God’s love and have it reach outward… beyond my little world and out to neighbors and people in need. I want to seize the opportunities that a church like Sunset provides to care about people that need both resources and Christ. I want to Reclaim the Story.


Food & Toy 2010 will take place the week of December 14, culminating with Delivery Day on Saturday, December 18. Throughout the week, cookies will be baked, toys will be wrapped, and food will be packed. Please check here for more information about Food & Toy or to volunteer.

Reclaim the story of Christmas through Assist-A-Family. The Christmas trees are in the Lobby with names of families that you can adopt for this Christmas. Full instructions are found in the mailer you received at home recently. If you didn’t get a mailer or need another, stop by the Book and CD desk for the flier that describes this year’s opportunities.


Opportunities to ServeHoliday Ushers - Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching. We have three special events where we’ll need ushers. The events and dates are below. If you are available to usher at any of these services, please email alantmitchell@comcast.net

Christmas Eve, Friday 12/24; 3, 5 and 10pm


Upcoming EventsDecember 12, Choir Concert, 6:30pm
December 24, Christmas Eve Services 3pm, 5pm and 10pm
December 25, Christmas Day
January 1, New Year’s Day

Friday, November 19, 2010

Worship Update 11/19

From Jay

Joy in worship
Does it seem to be missing lately? Joy in our corporate worship together? I had dinner with a friend last week who expressed to me that very feeling here at Sunset. We discussed a lot of angles, possibilities, song styles, circumstances, etc.; but at one point I had to look him in the eye and say, “A lot of what you may be feeling is because I have lost a lot of joy lately and I’m up there singing.”

I love the passage in Ecclesiastes about there being a time and a season for everything. I have to tell you, I am craving to have a time for joy and thanksgiving in our corporate worship. Not in our current earthly circumstances, but in our eternal and spiritual reality.

I am getting my talk ready for this Wednesday’s Thanksgiving Eve service, and I am camping in Ephesians 1. The amount of joy contained in two paragraphs is unreal. What we have in Christ, what we have been blessed with, and what we have to look forward to is mind boggling and evokes joy.

I lose my joy, I lose my hope, usually it’s when I lose sight of the reality that is revealed to me in God’s Word. Like a bad pair of windshield wipers over time, without realizing it my vision becomes hazy, clouded, and impaired. And then I read a passage like Ephesians 1 and it’s like I got a brand new pair of triple bladed deluxe windshield wipers… suddenly I remember what it is like to see clearly again.

If you have a few minutes give Ephesians 1 a read today and think about how much you have to praise God for.


Hope In Someone Greater
Get ready for an evening of inspiration, worship, and reflection on the hope we have in Jesus. Jeff Johnson is an amazing musician and worship leader who has ministered all over the world. His celtic style and beautiful arrangements make this a wonderful multi-generational opportunity on Thanksgiving Eve. Jay McKenney will speak on hope, and with Jeff, will provide a family time of thanksgiving to start the season together.

Jeff Johnson is joined by Brian Dunning. Their songs have been featured on many best selling contemporary instrumental compilations including those released by Windham Hill (Celtic Christmas, Winter Solstice) and Hearts of Space (Celtic Twilight). Their music is often connected with the novels of Stephen R. Lawhead and they have had music featured in films such as Martin Scorcese’s Gangs of New York. To read more about and hear samples of their music click here.

Jeff and Brian are excited to be bring along Oregon violinist Wendy Goodwin. Wendy has distinguished herself as a versatile and creative presence in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Goodwin is a popular session player and guest performer with artists ranging from pianist, Michael Allen Harrison to singer-songwriter, Michelle Tumes. She lives in downtown Portland with her husband, Andy, and daughter, Vienna. For more information: www.effesenden.com

You won’t want to miss this inspirational night of hope, worship and reflection, so please join us!


Food & Toy 2010 will take place the week of December 14, culminating with Delivery Day on Saturday, December 18. Throughout the week, cookies will be baked, toys will be wrapped, and food will be packed. Please check here for more information about Food & Toy or to volunteer.

Reclaim the story of Christmas through Assist-A-Family. The Christmas trees are in the Lobby with names of families that you can adopt for this Christmas. Full instructions are found in the mailer you received at home recently. If you didn’t get a mailer or need another, stop by the Book and CD desk for the flier that describes this year’s opportunities.


A Time For Celebration
Sunday, Dec 12, 6:30 pm, Sanctuary
Come join us for this year’s Sunset Choir and Orchestra Christmas Concert. This interactive service will feature music from many different eras, representing how Christians have celebrated the birth of Christ for over 1500 years! Invite your friends and family, as this is a concert you won’t want to miss! The concert is free. A free-will offering will be taken.


Opportunities To Serve

Holiday Ushers - Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching. We have three special events where we’ll need ushers. The events and dates are below. If you are available to usher at any of these services, please email alantmitchell@comcast.net

Thanksgiving Eve, Wed 11/24; 7pm
Christmas Choir Concert, Sunday 12/12; 6:30pm
Christmas Eve, Friday 12/24; 3, 5 and 10pm


Upcoming EventsNovember 24, Thanksgiving Eve Service 7pm, info above
November 25, Thanksgiving Day
December 12, Choir Concert, 6:30pm
December 24, Christmas Eve Services 3pm, 5pm and 10pm
December 25, Christmas Day
January 1, New Year’s Day

Friday, November 12, 2010

Worship Update 11/12

This week we wanted to share a few highlights of ways you can
celebrate the holidays with friends, family & your church family!


Hope In Someone GreaterGet ready for an evening of inspiration, worship, and reflection on the hope we have in Jesus. Jeff Johnson is an amazing musician and worship leader who has ministered all over the world. His celtic style and beautiful arrangements make this a wonderful multi-generational opportunity on Thanksgiving Eve. Jay McKenney will speak on hope, and with Jeff, will provide a family time of thanksgiving to start the season together.

Jeff Johnson is joined by Brian Dunning. Their songs have been featured on many best selling contemporary instrumental compilations including those released by Windham Hill (Celtic Christmas, Winter Solstice) and Hearts of Space (Celtic Twilight). Their music is often connected with the novels of Stephen R. Lawhead and they have had music featured in films such as Martin Scorcese’s Gangs of New York. To read more about and hear samples of their music click here.

Jeff and Brian are excited to be bring along Oregon violinist Wendy Goodwin. Wendy has distinguished herself as a versatile and creative presence in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Goodwin is a popular session player and guest performer with artists ranging from pianist, Michael Allen Harrison to singer-songwriter, Michelle Tumes. She lives in downtown Portland with her husband, Andy, and daughter, Vienna. For more information: www.effesenden.com

You won’t want to miss this inspirational night of hope, worship and reflection, so please join us!


Food & Toy 2010 will take place the week of December 14, culminating with Delivery Day on Saturday, December 18. Throughout the week, cookies will be baked, toys will be wrapped, and food will be packed. Please check here for more information about Food & Toy or to volunteer.

Reclaim the story of Christmas through Assist-A-Family. The Christmas trees are in the Lobby with names of families that you can adopt for this Christmas. Full instructions are found in the mailer you received at home recently. If you didn’t get a mailer or need another, stop by the Book and CD desk for the flier that describes this year’s opportunities.


A Time For CelebrationSunday, Dec 12, 6:30 pm, Sanctuary
Come join us for this year’s Sunset Choir and Orchestra Christmas Concert. This interactive service will feature music from many different eras, representing how Christians have celebrated the birth of Christ for over 1500 years! Invite your friends and family, as this is a concert you won’t want to miss! The concert is free. A free-will offering will be taken.


Opportunities to Serve
Holiday Ushers - Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching. We have three special events where we’ll need ushers. The events and dates are below. If you are available to usher at any of these services, please email alantmitchell@comcast.net

Thanksgiving Eve, Wed 11/24; 7pm
Christmas Choir Concert, Sunday 12/12; 6:30pm
Christmas Eve, Friday 12/24; 3, 5 and 10pm


Upcoming EventsNovember 24, Thanksgiving Eve Service 7pm, info above
November 25, Thanksgiving Day
December 12, Choir Concert, 6:30pm
December 24, Christmas Eve Services 3pm, 5pm and 10pm
December 25, Christmas Day
January 1, New Year’s Day

Friday, November 5, 2010

Worship Update 11/5

From Jay

We are not alone
A friend lent me a book that I started reading today about preventing and overcoming church conflict. Dozens of examples and stories from churches have been crafted into one story, to show common ways a church family enters into serious conflict.

What we are going through at Sunset is a new experience for me. For some of you it is new as well. Others of you have seen this before in former churches you attended, some of you more than once. What struck me immediately as I began reading this book was how similar the situations and examples mirrored Sunset’s, as if the writer had somehow been spying on us before he wrote his book.

The explanation for this is that human nature is human nature, and it is played out similarly in churches all the time. Different names, different timings, different specifics, but the players are all human like you and me. We are not alone.

I have learned and am learning a lot about myself through what we are experiencing together right now. One huge one is that I am learning to be less judgmental towards people’s reactions. There are literally thousands of complexities in someone’s life, from their childhood, parents, friends, experiences, beliefs, circumstances, education, and even down to how they slept the night before that go into how they respond to a current crisis. I have to let people be people. I can only control my response, not someone else’s, not yours.

I think where you and I can come together on the other side of an initial wave of response, is looking out for each other, and to extend grace to one another, and love.

1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 10:24
No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

We are not alone. We have God, and we have each other.


Opportunities To Serve

5:30p Volunteers neededIf you are a regular attender of the 5:30 gathering we would love to have you come and serve once a month. We are looking for people to help with in the following roles. Ushers and PowerPoint operators. For more information or to sign up contact janetfraser@sunsetpres.org

Serve Once A Month – With a Great TeamWe are in need of ushers for the 11am service. If you are available and willing to serve once a month as an usher, it’s a great opportunity to get your feet wet in ministry. Interested? Please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org or 503.292.9293 x3083.

Communion HelpWe are looking for people willing to serve once a month helping with communion. Specific positions needed are prep, servers, and clean-up. If you are interested and willing to serve, please email to carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org or call 503.292.9293 x3083.

Come support and bolster the immune system of the weekend services. Help us inoculate them with powerful prayers.
Each week, a few of us gather to pray over the weekend services. We typically meet on the night of the service rehearsal, which is generally on Thursday. We'd love to have you join us, whenever it might fit in your schedule. Come once, monthly or weekly.

What to expect: We enjoy a devotional time together first, with the whole service team, at 7pm. That lasts about a half hour. Then we break off for a time of prayer that lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. Join us?
Occasionally the day/time varies. With that in mind, contact Melinda melindalgroth@gmail.com to verify the schedule.


Upcoming Events
November 6, Marriage Simulcast – Love & War
November 7, Daylight Savings Ends
November 24, Thanksgiving Eve Service 7pm, A Celtic Thanksgiving
November 25, Thanksgiving Day
December 12, Choir Concert, 6:30pm
December 24, Christmas Eve Services 3pm, 5pm and 10pm
December 25, Christmas Day
January 1, New Year’s Day