Worship News 6/11

Why do we put out a devotional every week? Or do devo’s in our practice times on Thursdays? The answer is because we are very interested in your spiritual journey and in your walk with Christ. It’s more important to us that Sunset be an environment where you can be fed rather than the fact that you can play the guitar or you know how to operate Media Shout or however you may be serving at Sunset. That is the heart of why you receive this update each week. So with that said, here is this week’s devotional…

From Jay

What’s driving you?

Have you ever read some verses from the Bible or heard a talk and thought, “Yeh that’s nice, but I wish I lived like that”? Or “I wish that described me”? It happens to me a lot… it happened today when I read these well-known verses from Ephesians 6. Can you read them now, and as you do, examine yourself to see if this describes your typical day. Are the challenges and thoughts expressed in these verses close to your reality and consciousness?

Ephesians 6:10-18 Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Often times the things that are controlling my thoughts are the newest piece of technology, or the workout that I am currently obsessed with, or the movie I can’t wait to see. And then I read something like that and I long to have those type of thoughts… the big picture of life type of thoughts, the struggle of the unseen world and the connection with the Holy Spirit’s guidance and power.

And it’s not that some of the things I mentioned are wrong, but when they become what is driving me in a day, what controls me, then they become distractions that steer me off course.

So what about you, can anyone relate to my struggle? What are some normal things that are in your life that threaten to become out of balance with Christ and His kingdom being the main thing? Can I challenge you to pray about those to God today or this week?

Questions or comments? jaymckenney@sunsetpres.org.


NOTE: the 5:30 gathering has permanently moved up to the student center and Overflow is in the gym.


Connect, Experience, Serve, Go
You may (or may not) have heard about Sunset’s discipleship emphasis in recent months. The bottom line is we are trying to get better church wide at helping people grow in their relationship with Christ, so that no matter what stage along the journey someone is, they can be helped to move forward as a result of being a part of this community.

We have loosely categorized these stages into 4 areas; Connect, Experience, Serve and Go.

Connect: Works with people's first encounters with our church family, and we want Sunset to be welcoming, inviting, warm, Biblical, relational and loving.
Experience: Moving people forward to increased Biblical knowledge, increased responsibility in the Kingdom of God and towards wholeness of mind, body and soul.

Serve: Intentional opportunities geared toward all levels of spiritual development inside and outside the church, releasing and empowering people's gifting and using it as a catalyst for spiritual growth.

Go: Relationship building with unbelievers, spiritual coaches, mentors, developing leaders etc.

Does one of these make your heart beat faster? We are looking to mobilize and equip some people together that have a passion and interest in one of these areas. Can you connect with me asap if you think this might be you? jaymckenney@sunsetpres.org.


Opportunities To Serve

Serve Once A Month – With a Great Team
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, it’s a great opportunity to get your feet wet in ministry. Interested? Please contact carriepeeples@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 carriepeeples@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
June 19-July 3, HS Mission Trip
A team of 15 graduating Jrs & Srs and 4 adults will be heading to Helene Honduras
Please remember them in your prayers!
June 20, Father’s Day
August 2-7, Highschool MOVE camp
August 17-20, Kids Camp