I confess as I write this, I don’t have this figured out by a long shot. I hear or read these kinds of statements A LOT, and it sounds proper and Christian like to say things like “Worship is not a feeling”, or “We should seek God not an emotional high."
Then the other part of my brain and experience says to me, that there is a “feeling” and “emotion” connected with experiencing the presence of God. Maybe that’s just me? Does it make it not real or cheapen it somehow if I have some sort of emotional high either in a church service or in my car or in my home?
Can we experience a strong emotion or be moved to tears devoid of an actual interaction with the Holy Spirit? Sure. And we should definitely check ourselves constantly to make sure what we are “seeking” is truly Christ, and not just an emotional experience. But can we have strong emotions and be moved to tears because of being hit with the truth or reality of His presence and who He is. Of course! And if I’m being truthful, (why is it
scary for me to say this) I LOVE THE FEELING!!!
I believe it is not my place to judge the experience or heart or motivation of a worshipper of Jesus
Christ. As a worship leader, it is my role to encourage people to praise Him, to seek Him, to honor Him,
both in a 20 minute time block on Sunday morning and also with their lives at all times. But I am not scared of the emotion or feeling that can be associated when it is based on the truth of His presence and reality. I can worship God… when I’m depressed, when I’m elated, when I’m joyful, when I’m full of sorrow, when I’m frustrated, when I’m mad, when I’m optimistic, when I’m cynical, when I’m filled up, when I’m empty, when I’m feeling
deep, when I’m feeling shallow. I don’t have to turn into some sort of emotionless robot to truly seek God. Do I? Isn’t where I base my emotions the most important thing?
Psalm 126
When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream!
We were filled with laughter and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
What joy!
Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert.
Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.
They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest.
Seasons of Service
W&CA Service Project!
Saturday, August 22nd, 9a-4p
Remember our W&CA work day last year at Vernonia? This year we're adopting the William Walker work
day as part of our church-wide Seasons of Service. It's August 22nd, 9am-4pm. We'll be doing things like
laying bark dust, planting flowers, pulling weeds, etc. Lunch is provided, but please bring your own water, gloves, and any landscape tools you might have available.
If you're able to join us, please RSVP to Carrie Peeples (carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org) with the number of people coming with you. We'll plan to meet there: 11940 SW Lynn Field Lane, Portland, OR 97225.
Seasons of Service Update from Ken Mulder
Seasons of Service continues full speed ahead during August. I hope you can help some children in
need in our community.
This Sunday, August 2nd, begins the first Sunday we are asking everyone who attends Sunset to provide critically needed school supplies for children at William Walker and McKinley elementary schools AND for the middle and high schools throughout the Beaverton School District. We will be doing this every Sunday in August.
School supply lists are available at the Seasons of Service table in the lobby, on our school supply donations boxes (located in the lobby and main entrances of our building), and also on the website.
WE ALSO NEED VOLUNTEERS THIS MONTH IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
Handy men, women & youth to help makeover the Modular Offices that will become our new Helping Hands Community Service Center with the following:
- Moving furnishings and materials out (this week)
- Installing new flooring, shelving and appliances (Saturday, August 15 & 22)
- General handy people to help with the William Walker Landscaping Day (Saturday, August 22)
Thank you for responding.
Ken Mulder
Opportunities to Serve
For other ways to serve throughout Sunset and our community, be sure to check your weekly bulletin.
Preludes
“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
We are looking for people willing to play the preludes Sunday mornings before The Nine. Would you be willing to play 4 – 7 minutes of sacred or classical music one Sunday? Instrumental soloists, duets, ensembles welcome!
We currently have openings on 9/20, 10/11, & 10/18. Rehearsal time in the sanctuary, if requested, can be scheduled midweek prior to Sunday’s service. For more info or to propose a list of your available Sundays please contact janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.
Worship Choir
We are looking for people who enjoy expressing their love for God through singing. Worship choir will sing again on August 23rd. Interested but aren’t sure yet? Then contact Jill at jillhofer@sunsetpres.org for more information. All ages welcome.
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
Upcoming Events List
Sundays in August (2, 9, 16, 23, 30) are a Back to School drive to collect school supplies for William Walker students as well as middle & high school students in the Beaverton District. You can find supply lists in the lobby!
August 3-8 – High School Camp, please pray for our students as well as staff and volunteers who are participating in this week’s camp!
August 18-23 – Kids Camp, click here for more info
August 22 – W&CA Service Project! William Walker Landscape Day, 8a to 4p, lunch provided, RSVP to Carrie Peeples!
August 30 – Praise Night – more information coming…
Miss a weekend gathering?
Sunset’s website has podcasts! Catch up on a message you missed here, and choose the Sermon option. You can also purchase a CD from the Book/CD counter in our lobby area.
Ways to stay connected!
We hope these will be places for the Sunset community to encourage one another, gather information and connect throughout the week.
Sunset Worship Community Facebook, check it out by clicking here!
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