Worship Update 5/22

From Jay

Have to ask “Why”?
If I were to spend an hour with you, and watch you at your work or play, I would see a surface shot of your life. This is the picture that most of us see of each other, the surface, or the tip of the iceberg. Underneath the waterline though, lies a massive, deep, complicated block of history for you and I; experiences, circumstances, fears, successes, failures, dreams, aspirations, etc.

At 35, I still feel largely unable to tap into what drives me, what it is that’s really below the surface. I acknowledge the iceberg, I understand intellectually that there are deeper issues that affect my surface behavior, but I’m still waiting for that “breakthrough” where I can tie the two together and began doing some monumental work in my life. I would really like to do this without paying a lot of money to someone to do it for me.

To do that we have to try and to keep asking, “Why”? Why did that conversation make me so angry? Why does this person make me feel inferior or unworthy? Why is this activity so life giving and restoring to me?

And I think we also need to continue to ask “why” in our churches or ministries. Why are we spending our time and resources in this or that? Why do we say this instead of that? Churches (like people) can have deep, below the surface, hard to get at, complicated things like history, experiences, circumstances, fears, etc. The difference is now instead of one iceberg, you have dozens, hundreds, thousands of them floating around and bumping into each other, trying to navigate the current.

I believe that in our life, and in our churches, we need to continually ask why. Why? So that we are sure we can point back to a noble reason, purpose, and mission… and if we can’t find the reason we must consider a new course of action that allows us to answer that “why” question with confidence.

In Case You Were Wondering

Vocal Workshop was a blast!!
We had about 15 come to our free vocal workshop last Thursday night. Marisa was EXCELLENT, and we all learned a lot and had a blast doing it.
We will keep you informed of the next training opportunity. I (Jay) want to encourage as many of you as possible to try to attend these (if the particular discipline is something you are passionate about), so you can develop and cultivate the gift that God has given you.

CBU Concert, an update from Jill Hofer
Wednesday, May 13th we were privileged to host the choir and orchestra from California Baptist
University. I could not be more proud to be a part of Sunset then I was for this event. I watched our people love well by serving food, moving tables, singing with their hearts, providing housing and so many other things. I am not sure which was more inspiring to me, watching the concert or just watching people use their gifts in a spectacular way. We truly ministered to the students, which in turn allowed them to minister to us more effectively. This is a true picture of the body of Christ.

I believe that any style of music must bring life and energy to a room. That comes through in
expression, movement, dynamics, and most of all the heart behind the message of the song. I am so thankful that the Sunset Creative Arts ministry demonstrates this in so many ways. It is truly a privilege to be a part of such an amazing group of people.

THANK YOU to all who attended and served at the concert.


Some info from Pastor Ron’s recent News & Views email…
(Last Sunday) I thanked all the people who helped lead our LEGACY Building Campaign.
Here's the bottom line-over the last three and a half years we received $6,637,339. … It is a
privilege to be pastor of such generous people who trust God to provide. Below is a report of
how we have spent these monies:

PAID DOWN DEBT ON EXISTING SANCTUARY $4,725,971
Beginning Loan Balance $8,125,971
Current Loan Balance $3,400,000

PROJECTS COMPLETED (or scheduled soon) $2,599,472
Fundraising Costs $ 118,464
Sanctuary Sound/Lighting $ 144,719
Architectural/Legal $ 106,667
HVAC System $ 135,426
Fire Alarm System $ 22,572
Building Envelope $ 53,371
Parking Lot Upgrade $ 21,422
Loan Fees/Interest Costs $1,301,831
Finishing Interior Spaces $ 600,000
(2nd floor classroom, basement/choir room, Children's Ministry Offices)
Office Phone System Upgrade $ 45,000
Gym/Fellowship Hall Divider
Replacement $ 50,000

I want to encourage you to continue to give to the building fund. We have many future
projects that depend on your gifts. Gifts to the building fund are strategic gifts. They help us
build facilities that get used over and over again to minister to people. Here are some of our
future projects. Other than debt reduction we haven't made decisions on which projects will
be next. The point of my sharing this list is to let you know we do have upcoming projects
that will depend on your gifts.

POTENTIAL FUTURE PROJECTS $10,000,000+
Debt Reduction/Interest Payments $3,400,000
East Entrance Remodel $ 50,000
Sanctuary Equipment Completion $ 30,000
Lobby Rework $ 75,000
Outdoor Reader Board/Signage $ Unknown
Chapel $1,500,000 ?
Sanctuary Balcony Completion $1,000,000 ?
Children's Wing Expansion $4,000,000 ?
Atrium Off South Lobby Doors $ 500,000 ?
Pond Upgrade $ Unknown

COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR SHOPPING DAY RESULTS
Saturday's Shopping Event was a success! Columbia Sportswear shoes and clothing were
distributed to 86 families (287 persons). William Walker School accounted for 11 families (53
persons), and the balance of the shoppers were 75 families (234 persons) from Sunset or their
friends. Everyone left with something, and many had several clothing items. Several Bibles
and books were also distributed. It was a wonderful outreach opportunity to the community.
The Helping Hands of 47 volunteers and the donation by Columbia Sportswear brought smiles
to lots of people in need. Thanks to all who made this ministry successful.
Pastor Ron

Opportunities To Serve

Safety at Sunset
One of the “holes” left after our recent layoffs is the need for a representative from W&CA on the Safety Team. We’d like to fill that hole with a volunteer. Safety on our campus is a responsibility of the Operations team, but they need input and support from all the other teams to handle the variety of needs at Sunset. Those needs range from maintaining a safe work environment for our staff to handling an emergency that might occur on our campus.

If you’re interested in representing W&CA and being a part of Sunset’s Safety Team, please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org. The Safety Team meets once a month on the fourth Thursday from 10 to 11am; however, they may be open to changing the time.

Production/Tech Team Volunteers Needed!
We are looking for people to fill the following roles:
Service Director
Lighting
Graphics
FOH Camera Op Week
Message Slide Designer

In addition we have a new volunteer role: Video production. We'd like to find some video editors in our midst. Are you or do you know someone who could do simple projects for us? (i.e. this week, we have white text (provided) on black screen and need someone to edit.) The level of the projects will depend on who we discover. The content is generally available a couple weeks in advance of the deadline. If you have this skill or know someone at Sunset who does, please email me janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Upcoming Events

Adult Ministries Evening of Support
If you are unemployed or under-employed or walking with someone who is, join us
Tuesday, May 26th at 7:00p. Our focus will be on financial strategies for periods of
unemployment.

May 25 – Memorial Day
May 26 – Evening of Support (see above)
May 31 – (Sunday) Infant baptism/dedication and Choir & Orchestra
June 7 – (Sunday) Communion