Vancouver Today — e.Update May 30, 2012

                             May 30, 2012
 

From Pastor Roger - Conflict is good? The books of the Bible tell many tales of conflicts. Some of the stories are gory and we wonder why it was necessary for us to know the details. Sometimes it shows the depravity of man without God, and sometimes it shows the redeeming power of God. However the stories turn out, most of the time, the conflicts were definitely not a good thing. One conflict that is an exception is found in Genesis 32. Jacob was about to face what he thought would be the fight for his life with his brother Esau. When he heard Esau was coming with 400 men, he knew he was in big trouble. Jacob was not traveling with an army. He was never the strong one. If Jacob and Esau were living in today's world, Esau would be the jock, good at everything physical. Jacob would be the geek, perfectly content to be in the house tinkering with computers. Now facing his formidable big brother and 400 armed men, Jacob is accompanied by women, children, shepherds and a few armed but probably inexperienced fighters. No wonder he couldn't sleep. He sent gifts and emissaries on ahead, hoping to appease his brother, but sleep would not come. He had split his group up, sending them in different directions, hoping to save some of them. He stayed alone, to deal with his thoughts, memories of betrayal and manipulation. In the middle of the night, he knew he was no longer alone. He began to wrestle with the man. Genesis 32:24 says they wrestled until daybreak. In verse 25, we read "When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man." Whatever was in Jacob's mind, he fought with every fiber of his being to save not only his life, but that of his family and workers. By now, Jacob is realizing this is not an ordinary attacker, and he refuses to release him without a blessing. His name is changed from Jacob to Israel, and he renames the location Peniel "…because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared." Conflict is a normal part of being human. If you have more than two people together, there will be conflict, even with identical twins. How conflicts happen and who conflicts happen to are not what matters. What matters is how the conflict is resolved. We had two big groups scheduled to meet in the same room here at the church, at the same time. To make matters worse, on one of those scheduled dates, three big groups had been scheduled. Conflict!!!! What is important is why this conflict happened and how it was resolved. Praise God, we have a busy church, with a lot of great things going on. The Journey is an outreach program to wounded souls. CHIP is an outreach program to banged-up bodies. God's Closet is an outreach to families in need. These are wonderful programs, each one deserving of our support. On the evening when all three groups were using the church, every room in the church was in use. How exciting is that! We had room conflicts because we have members who are involved and active, reaching out to care for basic needs in our community. Even greater were the attitudes of the people who worked to find solutions. If this is the kind of conflict we face in our church today, bring it on! Let's have more rooms full. Let's have more people in these rooms every night of the week. Let's never be satisfied with a church that's only busy on Sabbath mornings. The greatest conflict of all faces every human being. The tragedy is that so many of them don't know it. The joy is that we get to help them understand and face it. We get to help them find their own Peniel, to fight the fight for their lives, where they come face to face with God. Because we are reaching out, they lives can be spared for eternity.

What's happening >June 4, 10:00 am MGAES Groundbreaking for new gym >June 9, 3:00 pm Memorial Service for Lester Zundel Future events: • June 23, 7:30pm, King's Heralds • Natural Healing, Raw Foods Classes with Danny Vierra, June 29-July 1. More THIS WEEK Wednesday, May 30 10:30am Women's 51+ Bible Study 6:30pm Youth Bible Study  Thursday, May 31 Last day of school CAA Friday, June 1  6:00pm Shabbat Service 8:00pm CAA Consecration  Sabbath, June 2 9, 11am Pastor Jeff Richards - "Conversion: Contract vs Love" 10:00am Sabbath School 11:00am CAA Baccalaureate  NEXT WEEK Sunday, June 3 10:00am CAA Graduation Monday, June 4 10:00am MGAES Groundbreaking for new gym 7:00pm Pathfinders Investiture Tuesday, June 5 7:00pm 8th Grade Graduation MGAES Wednesday, June 6 10:30am Women's 51+ Bible Study 6:30pm Youth Bible Study   Friday, June 8  6:00pm Shabbat Service   Sabbath, June 9 9, 11am Pastor Jeff Richards - "Conversion: Religion vs Love" 10:00am Sabbath School

Memorial services for Marlene Leno (May 26) and Lester Zundel (June 9)

Over the past weekend, we lost two members of our church family. We grieve with their families and look forward to the restoration of and reunion with these loved ones at the resurrection. 

 

MEMORIAL SERVICES
Marlene Leno		Lester Zundel
	May 26, 2012, 2:30 pm Died May 21, 2012 Marlene's family suggests that donations in her honor may be made to the Pathfinder Ministry of our church.		June 9, 2012, 3:00 pm Died May 19, 2012
But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: "Death is swallowed up in victory.   O death, where is your victory?     O death, where is your sting?" For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.  1 Corinthians 15:51-57

Vancouver Today — e.Update May 23, 2012

                             May 23, 2012
 

From Pastor Roger - Something to remember Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868. Originally called Decoration Day, a day to honor those who died in service for our country, it has evolved. It's now a day when many Americans choose to pay homage to their deceased loved ones, whether or not they died in military service. Death hurts. It was never meant to be. God didn't create us to die, or to suffer through the death of someone we love. Placing pretty flowers on a grave once a year, or once a month, or even every day, doesn't make it hurt any less. There's no such thing as a peaceful death, or an honorable death, or any of the nice labels we try to put on it. It's not peaceful for those left behind to grieve, to face lonely days, to struggle with the aftermath of loss. Death just plain hurts. I know I don't have to explain that to you today. Our church is hurting as we prepare to say final goodbyes to Marlene Leno. We've had to say too many painful goodbyes to members of our church family over the last few months. If that were the end of the story, it would hurt beyond what we could bear. There is life beyond death. "My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life," we read in John 10:10 (NLT) Christ left us reminders to get us through hard times. Luke 22:19 and 1 Cor. 11:24, 25 describe the rites of communion — breaking the bread and drinking the cup — as a remembrance of the promise of resurrection every time we partake. Paul describes the memorial of baptism in Romans 6:4 (NLT): "For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives." Over the past two Sabbaths, we were privileged to be witness this glorious power as we welcomed new members through baptism and profession of faith. In my daily walk with God, I need to rely on His power to raise me time and time again. I don't think I'm off the mark to say that our church family needs His power right now to raise us up above the illnesses, sorrows, struggles and pain that are against us on so many sides. As you lay flowers on graves this weekend, and as we say farewell to Marlene, picture what it will be like when those graves are torn open with a shout of the archangel and the trumpet of God. Then commit yourself to totally rely on the 'glorious power of the Father' for a new life with Him and with those we laid to rest. There will be no more goodbyes! "I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, 'Look, God's home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.'" Revelation 21:3,4 (NLT)

What's happening >2:30 pm Sabbath - Memorial Service for Marlene Leno. If you plan to attend the potluck lunch after church, plan on bringing extra food. There will be many guests coming for Marlene's memorial service. Future events: • June 23, 7:30pm, King's Heralds • Natural Healing, Raw Foods Classes with Danny Vierra, June 29-July 1. More THIS WEEK Wednesday, May 23 10:30am Women's 51+ Bible Study 5:30pm Gardening Class 6:00pm CAA Senior Class Silent Auction 6:30pm Youth Bible Study 7:00pm CAA Spring Concert 7:00pm Church Board    Thursday, May 24 6:30pm CHIP Graduation Friday, May 25 6:00pm Shabbat Service   Sabbath, May 26 9, 11am Pastor Jeff Richards -   Conversion: Love or Proof 10:00am Sabbath School 2:30pm Memorial Service for      Marlene Leno   NEXT WEEK Monday, May 28 MEMORIAL DAY  Wednesday, May 30 10:30am Women's 51+ Bible Study 6:30pm Youth Bible Study   Friday, June 1  6:00pm Shabbat Service   Sabbath, June 2 9, 11am Pastor Jeff Richards 10:00am Sabbath School

Vancouver Today — e.Update May 16, 2012

                             May 16, 2012
 

From Pastor Roger - How's your credit score? Your credit score is crucial to your existence in modern American society. It only takes one late payment to adversely affect your credit score. Your credit card interest rates can go up if you are late with one utility payment, even if you make timely payments on the cards. It's not a very forgiving world, this world of credit around which so much of our society revolves. Did you know there are 29 instances of some form of the word 'credit' in the New International Version of the Bible? Five refer directly to monetary debts (Deut. 15:2, 2 Kings 4:1, Ps. 109:11, Isa. 24:2, Hab. 2:7). Three obliquely refer to financial debts (Lev. 7:18, 1 Sam. 18:8, Esther 2:22). Two relate to the consequences of disobedience (Isa. 50:1, Eze. 18:20) The remaining 19 (list below) proclaim the good news that God has redeemed our debt to sin. Ten are found in Romans 4. We often talk about Abraham's faith and review the list of his actions. For the most part, Abraham's life is a study of good deeds, faith and obedience. Paul puts Abraham's good works in a different light. He starts off saying Abraham would have something to brag about if he was justified by his works, but not before God. Rom. 4:3 and again in Gal. 3:6, Paul harks back to Gen. 15:6: "Abram believed the 0Lord, and he (God) credited it to him (Abraham) as righteousness." "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed…" Rom. 4:18. Do you believe only when things are going well? When God answers your prayers the way you want them answered? When your bank balance is comfortable and your credit score is good? When God heals the person you love? Or do you believe 'against all hope'? When there isn't enough in your bank account to pay your rent or buy groceries? When you lose your job, your home, your car? When your prayers for healing seem to go unanswered? When you lose a loved one? Abraham did not waver "through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he promised. This is why 'it was credited to him as righteousness.'" Rom. 4:20-23. And here's the best part: "The words 'it was credited to him' were not written for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness — for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead."Romans 4:23,24 How's your credit score in the Bank of Heaven? God is willing and waiting, wanting to cover your overdrafts. He only asks you to believe. And when you mess up, as you surely will, God doesn't raise the stakes —no matter how many times you slip. It's the best credit score you'll ever have. "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21 NIV God's credit references: Genesis 15:6 Psalm 106:31 Luke 6:32 Luke 6:33 Luke 6:34 Romans 4:3-6, 9-11, 22-24 Galatians 3:6 Philippians 4:17 James 2:23

What's happening >Gardening Class tomorrow >Future events: • June 23, 7:30pm, King's Heralds • Natural Healing, Raw Foods Classes with Danny Vierra, June 29-July 1. More THIS WEEK Thursday, May 17 8:00 am CAA Spring Picnic 6:30pm CHIP 7:00pm The Journey 7:00pm CAA Awards night   Friday, May 18 6:00pm Shabbat Service   Sabbath, May 19 9, 11am Pastor Danny Kim — "New Creation" 10:00am Sabbath School 3:00pm Adventurers & Discovery Clubs 3:00pm Ken Hamilton Memorial  NEXT WEEK Sunday, May 20 9:30am Gardening class 10:00am Adventist Community Services Awards 4:00pm CHIP 7:00pm Prophecies of Hope Monday, May 21 5:30pm Gardening Class 7:00 Pathfinders 7:00 Finance Committee Tuesday, May 22 5:30pm Gardening Class Wednesday, May 23 10:30am Women's 51+ Bible Study 5:30pm Gardening Class 6:00pm CAA Senior Class Silent Auction 6:30pm Youth Bible Study 7:00pm CAA Spring Concert 7:00pm Church Board    Friday, May 25 6:00pm Shabbat Service   Sabbath, May 26 9, 11am Pastor Jeff Richards 10:00am Sabbath School

URGENT help needed for God's Closet this evening

It's going to be a late night! If you can spare any time this evening to help sort clothes, please drop by the Fellowship Center.

God's Closet needs your help today

Today is sorting day for God's Closet. There are literally mounds of clothes that need to be sorted. If you have 30 minutes, an hour or two, or more, to help, stop by the Fellowship Center today. They'll be sorting until 6 pm, or until they're done.

The children in need in our community thank you!

Vancouver Today — e.Update May 9, 2012

                             May 9, 2012
 

From Pastor Roger - What's your name? If someone asks for your name, the answer is automatically out of your mouth, before your brain has even processed the question. It works that way because you have processed that information so many times it's saved in an auto-response area of your brain. It's as automatic as lifting a fork to your mouth. In modern English, your name is what was written on your birth certificate: Jane, John. In many ancient cultures and even some cultures today, your name is a description of you, and it could change over time. In crossword puzzles, the clue "name" is often used for title, and vice versa. So, what's your name? There's a familiar song, "His Name is Wonderful." The lyrics are based in Isaiah 9:6 "…And he will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." If you were to do a study of the names of God, you would find a very long list. Jehovah-Shammah (Ez. 48:35) "The Lord who is present." Jehovah-Rapha (Ex. 15:26) "The Lord our healer." There are many more descriptions or names of God. So, what's your name? What name would your spouse give you? How would your children describe you? What about your coworkers? The person who sits near you in church every week? The driver in the car on the road with you? More importantly, what name would God give you? Would you be called Faithful? Are you Trusting? It is our fervent prayer that "the Lord who is present" would be able to call this church and its members Faithful, True-to-His-Will, Just, Loving, Giving — that without much time for thought, we would be true reflections of all of the names or characteristics of God.

What's happening >Sign up for the Gardening Club (see attachment). >Future concerts: • June 23, 7:30pm, King's Heralds THIS WEEK Wednesday, May 9 6:30pm Youth Bible Study   7:00pm Elders Thursday, May 10 12noon God's Closet 6:30pm CHIP 7:00pm The Journey   Friday, May 11 9:00am God's Closet 6:00pm Shabbat Service 7:00pm Prophecies of Hope  Sabbath, May 12 9, 11am Pastor Danny Kim —        "The Hardest Thing" 10:00am Sabbath School 7:00pm Prophecies of Hope NEXT WEEK Sunday, May 13 9:00am Men's Group 4:00pm CHIP 7:00pm Prophecies of Hope Monday, May 14 7:00 Pathfinders 7:00 School Board Tuesday, May 15 6:30pm CHIP Wednesday, May 16 6:30pm Youth Bible Study   Thursday, May 17 8:00 am CAA Spring Picnic 6:30pm CHIP 7:00pm The Journey 7:00pm CAA Awards night   Friday, May 18 6:00pm Shabbat Service   Sabbath, May 19 9, 11am Pastor Danny Kim — "New Creation" 10:00am Sabbath School 3:00pm Adventurers & Discovery Clubs 3:00pm Ken Hamilton Memorial

Fwd: Vancouver Today — e.Update May 5, 2012

                             May 5, 2012
 

From Pastor Roger - Trust enough to honor  You've all heard the statement, "You can't get blood out of a turnip." What about water out of a rock? In Exodus 17 and Numbers 20, we read about Moses bringing water out of rock. Not just a trickle or a little stream, but gushing water — enough to quench the thirst of thousands of people and all of their livestock. A show of power, miracle of faith and, yet, a reminder of our weakness. God gave Moses specific instructions in Numbers 20:6. He was to speak to the rock and it would "pour out its water." (NIV) In his frustration with the non-stop grumbling and venting he had endured, Moses struck the rock. Not once, but twice. There are some important lessons for us in this story: God's instructions were specific, and Moses clearly failed to follow orders. Yet God didn't humiliate Moses by withholding water. As far as the people knew, Moses had done as God commanded. I am so glad God doesn't expose us, but gives us opportunities for redemption over and over again.   We could certainly understand if God chose to withhold the water, but he didn't withhold His blessing from the people. Can't you just feel the frustration Moses must have felt? How often have you felt this kind of frustration with the drivers around you? With your colleagues? Your family? I'm so glad God doesn't get frustrated with me, and I rejoice that he continues to pour out His blessings.   There was a definite consequence to Moses' disobedience. "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them." Numbers 20:12, NIV God's love and mercy was evident in giving Moses a peek at the promised land. If we had to rely on our obedience to receive eternal life, we'd all be lost. Thankfully, God steps in and covers our tracks with His love and mercy. He not only opens the doors to His kingdom, He stands there with arms stretched wide to welcome us. There was a popular Christian song in the 70s: Anybody here wanna live forever, say "I do!" Anybody here wanna walk on golden streets, say "I do!" Anybody here sick and tired of livin' like ya do? Anybody here want a home with love forever, say "I do!" Do you trust God enough to honor Him as holy? Enough to want a home with Him forever? Say "I do!"

What's happening >Sign up for the Gardening Club (see attachment). >Future concerts: • June 23, 7:30pm, King's Heralds THIS WEEK Wednesday, May 2 6:30pm Youth Bible Study   Thursday, May 3 6:30pm CHIP 7:00pm The Journey   Friday, May 4 6:00pm Shabbat Service 7:00pm Prophecies of Hope  Sabbath, May 5 9, 11am Pastor Roger Walter       Sabbath Thru the Ages 10:00am Sabbath School 7:00pm Prophecies of Hope    NEXT WEEK Sunday, May 6 9:00am Men's Group 4:00pm CHIP 7:00pm Prophecies of Hope Tuesday, May 8 6:30pm CHIP 7:00pmYoung Adult Wednesday, May 92 6:30pm Youth Bible Study   7:00pm Elders Thursday, May 10 12noon God's Closet 6:30pm CHIP 7:00pm The Journey   Friday, May 11 9:00am God's Closet 6:00pm Shabbat Service 7:00pm Prophecies of Hope  Sabbath, May 12 9, 11am Pastor Danny Kim 10:00am Sabbath School 7:00pm Prophecies of Hope