Worship Update 1/29

This week’s devotion from Jay McKenney;
http://jaymckenney.wordpress.com/

Are you an iron man?
I get sucked in every year watching the Iron Man footage from Hawaii. There is a 99.9% chance I will never compete in one of those. But I love watching the stories of people who push past the pain and finish, or attempt to finish when it would seem in their situation impossible. I try to look away but can’t when it shows individuals whose bodies, legs, knees have given out; but their minds keep them somehow stumbling forward long after most of us would have given up, till they finally reach the destination they have been striving to attain, and then they rest.

I think this is, in reality, how we approach Christ. We come broken. We come empty. We come in pain.

I also feel like one of the battles we continue to fight in church though is appearing like we sprint to Christ… in clean running uniforms… no dirt on our shoes… breathing easy… not breaking a sweat. If we have it that together, why do we need Christ? I think it is easy to make a subtle shift into thinking that Christ needs us, that He needs us to run for Him because we are good runners. He doesn’t and we aren’t. We need Him and He is the good runner. He needs us to come broken, humbly, needy.

I love the song Hungry. My favorite verse is the 2nd verse…
Broken I run to You
For Your arms are open wide
I am weary, but I know Your touch
Restores my life

Matthew 11:28-30:
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

What type of things happen at church that hinder or help us be a place where we can be broken?
Feel free to shoot me an email at jaymckenney@sunsetpres.org

Opportunities to Grow

WCA All Ministry Training Day
Sunday, March 14th, 12:30p
New day set! Put it on your calendars and look for more information in the weeks to come…

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.

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 503.292.9293 x3083.

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.

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

February 7, Helping Hands Food Drive
February 12-15, Middle School Winter Camp, for more info click here

February 13, Men’s Breakfast, 7:30-9a
Features Monty Williams, Assistant Coach of the Trailblazers; he will be speaking and will bring with him one of the team players. Monty has played basketball in the NBA, coached with the San Antonio Spurs when they won NBA championships, and is a strong Christian with a great testimony. Monty will be able to shed some light on the drama we have had on the Blazer team this year. All men are invited along with their sons and daughters, friends, co-workers, and classmates. Cost for a full breakfast is only $6.00 each
SIGN UP this weekend in the lobby or online here

February 21, All Church Conference (more info above)
February 27, Focus On Marriage (more info above)
March 14, WCA All Ministry Training Day, 12:30pm

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!