Vancouver Today — e.Update February 14, 2012

                                   FEBRUARY 14, 2012 - Valentine's Day
 

From Pastor Roger - Love Letters Ashley Fantz, CNN, wrote about a book published in 2008 called Love Letters of Great Men. The book's author, John Kirkland, "plundered the depths of cheesy writing throughout history by revered, infamous and just plain awful people." The CNN article focused on excerpts of love letters written by infamous tyrants Napoleon, Stalin, Hitler, and Mussolini. In each case, what started out as loving relationships ended in cruelty in all four, and death in two of them. The greatest love letter of all time shares the greatest love story ever told. "For God so loved the world …" John 3:16. This story has moments that look pretty bad, unless you dig deeper. You'll find a love that doesn't stop when scorned, abused or rejected. Nor does it end when love's greatest gift is destroyed on a cross. 1 John 3:1 (NLT) tells us to "See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children …" In the chapter before, John says he is not writing a new commandment. "…rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment – to love one another — is the same message you heard before. Yet it is also new. Jesus lived the truth of this commandment, and you also are living it." 1 John 2:7-8 NLT The mystery of this love causes angels to marvel at God's constancy, his faithfulness to his ungrateful children. And it is an angel who says, "Everything you have heard and seen is trustworthy and true." Rev. 22:6 NLT There's a lot of hype around Valentine's Day and love, romance, chocolates, gifts, but how much of it is trustworthy and true? As you honor the special person in your life today, also take a moment to tell someone in your church family that you appreciate them. It may be a Sabbath School teacher, a Pathfinder leader, the greeter at the door, the cook in the kitchen, the person who picked up the bulletin you dropped as you juggled children or packages, the person who took time to pray with you, or one of those precious people who always smiles when they see you. Or better yet, try it on that grumpy sales clerk! Love one another. It works miracles.

What's happening Thursday: 7pm - Keepers of the Faith Quartet. THIS WEEK Tuesday, Feb. 14 HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY 7:00pm Love and Respect Marriage Class   Wednesday, Feb. 15 6:30pm Youth Night       Friday, Feb. 17 6:00pm Shabbat Service  Sabbath, Feb. 18 9, 11 am Pastor Roger Walter 10:00am Sabbath School NEXT WEEK Sunday, Feb. 19 9:00am Men's Group   Monday, Feb. 20 7:00pm Finance Committee   Tuesday, Feb. 21 7:00pm History of the Church 7:00pm Love andRespect Marriage Class   Wednesday, Feb. 22 6:30pm Youth Night 7:00pm Church  Board      Thursday, Feb. 23 7:00pm CAA Board 7:00pm Keepers of the Faith Quartet Friday, Feb. 24 6:00pm Shabbat Service  Sabbath, Feb. 25 9, 11 am Pastor Roger Walter 10:00am Sabbath School 3:00pm Adventurer & Discovery Awards 5:00pm Soup, Bread & Games

Vancouver Today — e.Update February 7, 2012

                                   FEBRUARY 7, 2012
 

From Pastor Roger - Comfort my people John 11:35 is the shortest verse in the entire Bible: "Jesus wept." On Sunday morning, we gathered in the ICU waiting room at PeaceHealth Southwest as her family prepared to say their final goodbyes to 41-year-old Tina Oliver Rief. Over the course of my ministry, I've shared many sorrows with my church families. We've certainly had our share of them here in Vancouver. We weep. E.G. White wrote: "To go on without fear we must know that an almighty hand will hold us up, and an infinite humanity in Christ pities us. But do not let us pity ourselves, for this is not the thing to do. It is not enough for us to have faith in law and force, things which have no pity, and never hear the cry for help. We need to clasp a hand that is warm, and trust in a heart full of love and tenderness." 1M: 31/3 "…an infinite humanity in Christ pities us." Not in the sense that we are pathetic, but in feeling our pain. He feels our pain so acutely — over the lost job, broken home, aching body, or death of a loved one — that He weeps with us. Praise God, there's more. Underlying the sorrow and tears, there is often hope, strength, and many times, healing of relationships and hearts. Our tears are often accompanied by helpless wringing of hands, without a clue what we ought to do next. Not so with Jesus. While His tears fall, his "almighty hand will hold us up…" No wonder Isaiah was able to write "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God." Isa 40:1 NIV

What's happening Today: 3:00pm Tina Oliver Rief Memorial Feb. 23, 7pm - Keepers of the Faith Quartet. THIS WEEK Tuesday, Feb. 7 7:00pm History of the Church, Richard Wright 7:00pm Community Services Center Board  Wednesday, Feb. 8 6:30pm Youth Night 7:00pm Elder's Meeting 7:00pm Worship Meeting      Thursday, Feb. 9 7:00pm Community Group Leadership Training      Friday, Feb. 10 9:00am God's Closet 6:00pm Shabbat Service  Sabbath, Feb. 11 9, 11 am Gordon Pifher, The Love Graph 10:00am Sabbath School 2:30pm Gordon Pifher, The Love Graph, continued 3:00pm Tina Oliver Rief Memorial NEXT WEEK Sunday, Feb. 12 9:00am Men's Group   Monday, Feb. 13 7:00pm School Board   Tuesday, Feb. 14 HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY 7:00pm Love andRespect Marriage Class   Wednesday, Feb. 15 6:30pm Youth Night       Friday, Feb. 17 9:00am God's Closet 6:00pm Shabbat Service  Sabbath, Feb. 18 9, 11 am Pastor Roger Walter 10:00am Sabbath School

Vancouver Today — e.Update January 31, 2011

                                   JANUARY 31, 2012
 

From Pastor Roger - Practice makes perfect Malcolm Gladwell, in his book Blink, explores actions people take, seemingly without thinking, in the blink of an eye. In the chapter, "Seven Seconds In The Bronx", Gladwell describes several situations where people describe how time or action seemed to slow down, and peripheral sounds and objects faded away. He also describes the opposite, where people failed to process information and respond appropriately. He writes, "You must rehearse it … because only if you have rehearsed it will it be there." Later, he says, "…we are able to develop our rapid decision making with training and experience." He describes a police officer's decision not to fire his gun in a critical situation, calling it "…the gift of training and expertise —the ability to extract an enormous amount of meaningful information from the very thinnest slice of experience." Gladwell says "Every moment — every blink — is composed of a series of discrete moving parts, and every one of those parts offers an opportunity for intervention, for reform, and for correction." Paul wrote to Timothy that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16,17 If we haven't trained ourselves in Scripture, developing understanding and the ability to pull key texts at critical moments, we'll be like the person Gladwell writes about, forgetting to hit the call button on a 9-1-1 call. We're asking for help but not connecting with the Helper. One month has gone by in this new year. Some of you have been diligently following your Bible reading plan. Others have been pulled every which way by life, family, even church work — important things that need to be handled.  You may have missed a day or more of Bible study. I want to encourage you: God is still there. If you missed study, pick up your Bible and start again. And again. And again. As often as you stop. God will always be there.

What's happening SAVE THE DATE: Feb. 23, 7pm - Keepers of the Faith Quartet. THIS WEEK Tuesday, Jan. 31 7:00pm History of the Church, Richard Wright  Wednesday, Feb. 1 6:30pm Youth Night      Thursday, Feb. 2 7:00pm Community Group Leadership Training      Friday, Feb. 3 6:00pm Shabbat Service  Sabbath, Feb. 4 9, 11 am Pastor Roger Walter: The Treasure Principle, Part 3 10:00am Sabbath School NEXT WEEK Sunday, Feb. 5 9:00am Men's Group   Tuesday, Feb. 7 7:00pm History of the Church, Richard Wright  Wednesday, Feb. 8 6:30pm Youth Night 7:00pm Elder's Meeting 7:00pm Worship Meeting      Thursday, Feb. 9 7:00pm Community Group Leadership Training      Friday, Feb. 10 9:00am God's Closet 6:00pm Shabbat Service  Sabbath, Feb. 11 9, 11 am Gordon Pifher, The Love Graph 10:00am Sabbath School 2:30pm Gordon Pifher, The Love Graph, continued

Thank you, from the Richards family

Dear Church Family,

As I sit here tonight in my big comfy chair, my heart is overflowing with gratitude. Gratitude for tiny finger smudges on my nicely cleaned refrigerator, gratitude for hugs and good night kisses. Gratitude for late night talks with friends, gratitude for the peaceful quiet after a busy day. Gratitude for a million little things, that most days I take for granted. 

Today our family loaded into our car and drove to the church to pick up bags and boxes of groceries that were lovely picked out for our family.  As I loaded and unloaded those cans, boxes, jars and fruit in to our pantry, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. Gratitude to each of you who sacrificed of your time and means to show a little bit of Jesus to our family.  

 

As I stocked our pantry to the brim, I couldn't help but reflect on some 7 years ago when we first arrived at this church.  My feelings of apprehension of joining a new church quickly were dissolved as we were enveloped with love and kindness. As the years have come and gone and this small church has grown and changed, my heart has continued to be impacted with the kindness and love that each of you has chosen to show our family.  This love and kindness has in small and big ways shown me the very heart of our Father.  For this I am most grateful!

In this world of sadness, stress and discontentment, I find our community of faith to be the very anchor for my soul, a place where I am experiencing God. For this I say Thank You! Thank you to each one of you who has been part of our journey in small or big ways. Thank you for being God's blessing to us!

With much Gratitude,

Stephanie Richards

Pastor Gene Heinrich

FYI. Some of you may have already heard, but Gene is okay! Please keep the Heinrich family in your prayers. Praise the Lord it wasn't worse! See below for more details. 

roger

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: Krissy Barber <Krissy.Barber@oc.npuc.org>
Date: January 26, 2012 5:02:38 PM PST
To: Krissy Barber <Krissy.Barber@oc.npuc.org>
Subject: Pastor Gene Heinrich

As many of you may have already heard, Pastor Gene Heinrich, pastor of the Rockwood church, was in a serious accident last evening with a drunk driver. Pastor Heinrich apparently was hit head-on by the drunk driver and his car was totaled. The rescue crews had to use the jaws of life to extricate him from the car. He was taken to OHSU where we understand he has an arm broken in four places, but apparently no internal injuries. I am sure he was jolted pretty severely and will be sore for some time. Please remember him and his family in your prayers.

Vancouver Today — e.Update January 17, 2011

                                   JANUARY  17, 2012
 

From Pastor Roger - Secret Prayers — by Lois Pecce. Copyright © 2012 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION © 1982. There is a passage of Scripture that conveys such hope and joy that it should be at the top of every parent, grandparent, teacher, pastor, and sibling's precious promises list. I'm talking about 1John 5:16. The whole of 1 John is a treasure, but my focus is this verse. "If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that." Verse 17 explains, "All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death." The good news is that God does not give to any human the task of judgment. Not one of us can determine whether anyone has sinned the "unpardonable sin" of eternal rejection by God.   What this text means to me is that I can lift my child, my grandchild, my brother, my sister, my friend, my spouse, (and myself) in prayer, claiming for them in Christ's name the gift of eternal life. Human Request I've heard it explained this way: When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, Satan claimed rulership of the earth and its inhabitants. One divine stipulation remained for humanity: free choice. Heavenly agents were restrained in their activity on earth and could only be summoned by a human request. Every believer in Christ, our Intercessor, is called to the ministry of intercessory prayer. It is the highest privilege and duty of a Christian. Oswald Chambers, in his book, My Utmost for His Highest, states that "Worship and intercession must go together; one is impossible without the other. Intercession means raising ourselves up to the point of getting the mind of Christ regarding the person for whom we are praying." (Ref. March 30 reading.) Jesus put it ever so simply: "Ask, and it will be given you…" (Matthew 7:7).   These are not days to leave issues and loved ones to the "hands of fate." Temptations for all ages, especially youth, are innumerable and multiplying. This is a time, that with every thought of a loved one, our secret "closet" prayers claim their souls for Christ.

What's happening: Jan. 25: Oregon Conference Town Hall/Lay Advisory Meeting   Jan 27-Feb. 2: Community Group Rally Weekend SAVE THE DATE: Feb. 23, 7pm - Keepers of the Faith Quartet. PLAN AHEAD to invite your friends and neighbors. Check out our Concerts and Events page on the church website. THIS WEEK Tuesday, Jan. 17 7:00pm History of the Church, Richard Wright Wednesday, Jan. 18 6:30pm Youth Night 7:00pm Finance Committee     Friday, Jan. 20 6:00pm Shabbat Service     Sabbath, Jan. 21 9, 11 am Pastor Roger Walter  10:00am Sabbath School 3:00pm Memorial Service/Nanette Lane's Father 5-8:00pm Soup, Bread & Games, Fellowship Hall NEXT WEEK Sunday, Jan. 22 9:00am Men's Group   Tuesday, Jan. 24 7:00pm History of the Church, Richard Wright 7:00pm Church Board Wednesday, Jan. 25 6:30pm Youth Night 7:00pm Oregon Conference Town Hall/Lay Advisory Meeting, Vancouver Church     Thursday, Jan. 26 7:00pm Oregon Conference Town Hall/Lay Advisory Meeting, Holden Center, Gladstone 7:00pm CAA Constituency      Friday, Jan. 27 6:00pm Shabbat Service 7:00pm Community Group 101 (Introduction) Sabbath, Jan. 28 9, 11 am Pastor Kurt Johnson 10:00am Sabbath School 2:00pm Community Group 101 (Introduction) 2:30pm Pathfinder Bible Bowl 5:00pm Community Group 301 (Leadership training). Dinner included

Prayer Changes Lives

We are drawing to the end of our 10 days of prayer in coordination with
Operation Global Rain and God has been blessing abundantly. Have you been a part
of this special time of prayer? If you haven't why don't you consider attending,
maybe tonight or at one of the final remaining times.

Friday evening at 7 pm in the Board Room, (Tonight)
Sabbath morning at 10 am in the Board Room (Tomorrow)
Sabbath evening at 7 pm in the Board Room (Tomorrow)

We are seeking God's face to pour out His Holy Spirit upon each one
individually, on our families, our church, our world.

Come join us, I guarantee you will be blessed! God IS pouring out His Holy
Spirit Power, be a part of it.

— Leslie Cassageneres