Worship Update 1/15

from Jay

Disconnected

Disconnected:
having been divided: having the unity destroyed; a split group; not plugged in or connected to a power source.

Not too many situations in life where that is a good word. Connected is so much better.

Though I have certainly experienced disconnection in my life, I had never heard the word more than I hear it at church.

Now I hear the word and feeling expressed all the time. “I feel disconnected.” I have heard it so much I think I could sell t-shirts with that on the front and make a decent living.

Can I be really blunt? That phrase scares me to death as a leader. It scares me because sometimes what I hear when this is said to me is, “Jay, it’s your fault, it’s your failure as a leader that I am feeling disconnected.” When I go through my own periods of isolation, the helplessness I feel when I know someone or many people feel that way can be overwhelming.

I know what church is supposed to be, what I and we want it to be… a place of community and a place of connection, a place with connection to Christ and connection to one another. I long to be able to hear and hear often, “I feel so connected.” Or to know that Sunset, was like the church in Acts where we read, “All the believers were together and had everything in common”, or, “The believers were one in heart and mind.”

We all have a limited amount of time, bandwidth, and energy to connect. I do believe that, in general, I choose whether to isolate or to connect, to engage in community or to back away from it.
What do you see as things that enhance connection and community or help destroy it? I would love your input.

Opportunities to Grow

Correction!
WCA All Ministry Training Day
We gave you a date last week that we discovered needs to be changed, sorry for any confusion. As soon as we are able to find a new date we’ll let you know!

All Church Conference!
Nancy Heche Guest Speaker - Febuary 21, 2010
Dr. Nancy Heche is a popular Bible study teacher, author, and speaker. She holds a masters and doctorate degree in Pastoral Counseling and is the author of The Truth Comes Out. Dr. Heche will be speaking at all services, sharing her life story of dealing with homosexuality in the lives of people she loves. Nancy’s story is one of faith and survival as she learns that the only person you can change is yourself. Nancy shares how to respond lovingly, yet appropriately, to homosexual family members and friends. Find God’s presence and power for any situation—His grace is what offers anyone who has faced disappointments of difficulty, hope and encouragement for the future.

There will also be two afternoon seminars entitled "What to do when you don't know what to do" and "What to say when you don't know what to say."

Focus on Marriage –
Saturday, February 27, 8:15 am – 3:30 pm, SPC Gym
Celebrating God’s Design for Commitment is live via satellite. Join thousands of couples all across America as we celebrate God’s design for commitment. At this marriage-strengthening simulcast we will tackle Christianity’s biggest challenges – empowering you and your spouse to stay faithful, committed and encouraged in your marriage. Excellent faculty, cost $35 per couple.

TURKEY Short-Term Ministry Opportunity
5 more team members needed!
SPC is partnering with People International, taking a short-term missions team to Istanbul, Turkey, June 19 - July 1. The purpose of this team will be to provide a children’s program for the children of missionaries, while their parents attend a weeklong conference. There will be opportunity to tour Istanbul and the city of Ephesus. Two of SPC’s missionary families are part of PI and will be
attending the conference.

Attend the last, no obligation, information meeting on Sunday, January 24, in Conference Room 2 (west end of lobby). Choose the best time for you: 10:15 to 11a or 12:15 to 1p

Opportunities to Serve

For other ways to serve throughout Sunset and our community, be sure to check your weekly bulletin.

Ushers Needed!!
We are in need of ushers for all 3 services, especially the 11am. If you are available and willing to serve once a month as an usher, please contact tracifranzke@sunsetpres.org or 503-292-9293x3083.

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 tracifranzke@sunsetpres.org or call 503.292.9293 x3083.

Upcoming Events

January 15-16, 2010, Mission Connexion, Crossroads Community Church
Over 120 informative workshops, over 70 mission exhibits and resources.
Open to all - free admission. Crossroads Community is located in Vancouver, WA
For more info www.MissionConneXion.com
This Sunday, January 17…
Pancake Breakfast after morning services!

Night of Hymns, 6:30p
A night when theology, history and tradition collide for one of your favorite times together as a church in worship and song. Invite your friends who you know love hymns as much as you do and make it a special night.
Tuesday, January 19, check your bulletin for additional info…
Divorce Care, 6:30p, Upper Room
Unemployment Support, 7p Fireside Room

2010 NW Regional Men’s Conference
This begins on Friday, January 29th (7-9 pm) and resumes on Saturday, January 30th
(8 am-12:30 pm).

Location: New Hope Community Church
Just off I-205, across from the Clackamas Town Center in Clackamas.

This is our Men’s Retreat for 2010. Register at: www.nwmensconference.com

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!