Worship Update 10/9

From Jay

Words
I follow a pastor named Mark Driscoll who teaches at Mars Hill Church in Seattle. By follow, I mean I listen to his sermons as often as I can via an app on my phone. His sermons have encouraged, challenged and inspired me, so I keep listening.

People love to have an opinion about Mark that know of him (whether or not they know him). I have heard the following, "He's arrogant." "He is cocky." "He is controversial."

I was reading his blog today and he mentioned that he watched a certain movie with his wife. Under the comments, I read several people's comments who wrote something about how awful the movie was and how disappointed they were that Mark watched it, and would Jesus watch that movie with him etc., etc.

I'm not writing about Mark Driscoll. This isn't based on a personal vendetta or about anyone in particular. What I am writing about is our uncanny ability to judge others. It is really on my heart right now after reading Mark's blog.

It's all fine until it's directed at you or me. When someone who has little or no relationship with you lobs an accusation your way and you hear it third person, it cuts like a knife. We can't understand and we think "If that person really knew me, really knew my heart, took the time to understand me, they wouldn't say that." Or, at the very least, we wonder why they didn't come to us first before they start mentioning us to others casually in conversation.

So why do we do it?? Well ultimately I believe it's just one of many things that our heart rushes to do apart from the power of the Holy Spirit. When we can point out wrong in others, it often makes us feel superior and righteous and better than we are.

The truth is if we are honest with ourselves…
if we read Romans and realize what we truly are apart from Christ in our lives…
if we are honest about where we have come from, about our own day to day battles with our flesh and the whispers of the lies of Satan…
and if we were humbled before the holiness of Christ…
we would not waste our time looking for and pointing out the flaws in those around us. Instead, we need to look for ways to build up those around us and look for the good in them. So, what about our "constructive criticism"? That's something we should carefully speak to those closest to us, those we know and love, and those to whom we're very sure God has called us to speak truth, knowing that our words may cause a wound.

Eph 4:28-32...
Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.

Don't grieve God. Don't break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't take such a gift for granted.

Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you. (The Message)


Opportunities to Serve

Praise Band/Vocal Auditions
October 18th… we are looking especially for piano and synth players. Please contact Tyler Braun at tylerbraun@sunsetpres.org to schedule an audition.
Vocal auditions are ongoing; please contact jaymckenney@sunsetpres.org if you are interested in singing. All ages welcome!

Communion Help
We 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.

Sunday Morning Preludes
We are looking for people willing to play the preludes Sunday mornings before The Nine service, in December and January. For more info or to propose a list of your available Sundays please contact Janet Harmon, jkharmony@comcast.net.

Pop Culture Wanted!
Sermon Research Team
We’re looking for people who have an eye for what is current in movies, art, music, and media to partner with Pastor Ron by researching and using these sources for sermon preparation.
Please contact janetfraser@sunsetpres.org.

Videographers And Set Designers Needed!
We’re looking for people to serve in filming and editing the children’s dramas, for distribution to parents. Also set designers to help plan and build the sets.
Next drama is December 6th. If you are able to help in either capacity, please contact carriepeeples@sunsetpres.org.

Join Sunset Choir
Choir has started!! But it’s never too late to join. If you love to express your heart for God through song, please plan to participate in choir this year. Rehearsal is every Wednesday, 7-9pm in the basement on the west side of the building. For questions or more information, contact jillhofer@sunsetpres.org.

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
October 10 – Compassion Beaverton, info at www.compassionbeaverton.org
October 11 – Infant Baptism and Dedication, church-wide Pancake Breakfast
October 16 – FUN Family Unity Night, 6-8:30p in the Gym
October 18 – Chap Clark conference (morning services and 4-7p)
October 25 – Annual Meeting, 6:30p in the Sanctuary
November 1 – Daylight Savings Ends
November 25 – Thanksgiving Eve Service with RESCUE!