Worship Update 11/19

From Jay

Joy in worship
Does it seem to be missing lately? Joy in our corporate worship together? I had dinner with a friend last week who expressed to me that very feeling here at Sunset. We discussed a lot of angles, possibilities, song styles, circumstances, etc.; but at one point I had to look him in the eye and say, “A lot of what you may be feeling is because I have lost a lot of joy lately and I’m up there singing.”

I love the passage in Ecclesiastes about there being a time and a season for everything. I have to tell you, I am craving to have a time for joy and thanksgiving in our corporate worship. Not in our current earthly circumstances, but in our eternal and spiritual reality.

I am getting my talk ready for this Wednesday’s Thanksgiving Eve service, and I am camping in Ephesians 1. The amount of joy contained in two paragraphs is unreal. What we have in Christ, what we have been blessed with, and what we have to look forward to is mind boggling and evokes joy.

I lose my joy, I lose my hope, usually it’s when I lose sight of the reality that is revealed to me in God’s Word. Like a bad pair of windshield wipers over time, without realizing it my vision becomes hazy, clouded, and impaired. And then I read a passage like Ephesians 1 and it’s like I got a brand new pair of triple bladed deluxe windshield wipers… suddenly I remember what it is like to see clearly again.

If you have a few minutes give Ephesians 1 a read today and think about how much you have to praise God for.


Hope In Someone Greater
Get ready for an evening of inspiration, worship, and reflection on the hope we have in Jesus. Jeff Johnson is an amazing musician and worship leader who has ministered all over the world. His celtic style and beautiful arrangements make this a wonderful multi-generational opportunity on Thanksgiving Eve. Jay McKenney will speak on hope, and with Jeff, will provide a family time of thanksgiving to start the season together.

Jeff Johnson is joined by Brian Dunning. Their songs have been featured on many best selling contemporary instrumental compilations including those released by Windham Hill (Celtic Christmas, Winter Solstice) and Hearts of Space (Celtic Twilight). Their music is often connected with the novels of Stephen R. Lawhead and they have had music featured in films such as Martin Scorcese’s Gangs of New York. To read more about and hear samples of their music click here.

Jeff and Brian are excited to be bring along Oregon violinist Wendy Goodwin. Wendy has distinguished herself as a versatile and creative presence in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Goodwin is a popular session player and guest performer with artists ranging from pianist, Michael Allen Harrison to singer-songwriter, Michelle Tumes. She lives in downtown Portland with her husband, Andy, and daughter, Vienna. For more information: www.effesenden.com

You won’t want to miss this inspirational night of hope, worship and reflection, so please join us!


Food & Toy 2010 will take place the week of December 14, culminating with Delivery Day on Saturday, December 18. Throughout the week, cookies will be baked, toys will be wrapped, and food will be packed. Please check here for more information about Food & Toy or to volunteer.

Reclaim the story of Christmas through Assist-A-Family. The Christmas trees are in the Lobby with names of families that you can adopt for this Christmas. Full instructions are found in the mailer you received at home recently. If you didn’t get a mailer or need another, stop by the Book and CD desk for the flier that describes this year’s opportunities.


A Time For Celebration
Sunday, Dec 12, 6:30 pm, Sanctuary
Come join us for this year’s Sunset Choir and Orchestra Christmas Concert. This interactive service will feature music from many different eras, representing how Christians have celebrated the birth of Christ for over 1500 years! Invite your friends and family, as this is a concert you won’t want to miss! The concert is free. A free-will offering will be taken.


Opportunities To Serve

Holiday Ushers - Thanksgiving and Christmas are fast approaching. We have three special events where we’ll need ushers. The events and dates are below. If you are available to usher at any of these services, please email alantmitchell@comcast.net

Thanksgiving Eve, Wed 11/24; 7pm
Christmas Choir Concert, Sunday 12/12; 6:30pm
Christmas Eve, Friday 12/24; 3, 5 and 10pm


Upcoming EventsNovember 24, Thanksgiving Eve Service 7pm, info above
November 25, Thanksgiving Day
December 12, Choir Concert, 6:30pm
December 24, Christmas Eve Services 3pm, 5pm and 10pm
December 25, Christmas Day
January 1, New Year’s Day