“The Richmond COG”
Richmond Community Church
September 2003 Newsletter
In this Issue:
Reflections from Pastor Doug
From the R.oC.K.S. Yard
News from Pastor Joel
MORE In Christ Men’s Breakfast
Experiencing God…The Musical
Joel Collier To Be Commissioned
Costume Search Underway
Promotion Sunday September 7th
The GLORY Gang
Women’s Group
M.O.R.E. News
Heartwork Ministries
Wild At Heart
Choir and Band Begins a New Season
Wednesday Children’s Worker Needed!
Return To Traditional Sunday School
Teacher Appreciation
It was the church version of the famous Hollywood cocktail party. Instead of sporting martinis and champagne, we milled around with cups of coffee and punch in hand, trying desperately to impress one another with some sort of accomplishment or possession—it really can be the same scene either way. And invariably there is always the one party attendee with whom someone will inevitably get stuck. You know the type—like the “Song That Has No End” they spew forth an eternal flow of verbiage laced with chatter about their children, their latest aches and pains, and of course the deplorable job the President and the rest of the government is doing. And in this case, thankfully, I was not the dreaded party guest, but I was the one that got stuck with him! I’ll call him “Joe” for now…
It’s been more than 20 years ago, and unfortunately my selective memory has blocked much of it out, but I do know the subject was Spanish, and his mastery thereof. Having backed me into a literal corner, it didn’t take Joe much time to get started. Without exaggeration, before long, I had become his student and he was waxing eloquent on the finer points of learning the Spanish language. Now someone listening may have thought “but Doug, it’s your own fault— you only encouraged him by your continual prompting questions!” And, actually, someone was listening…
Finally tearing free from my unsolicited lesson, a new friend, having been eavesdropping and observing the whole conversation, pulled me aside. The resident “psychologist” (I’ll call him “Tom”) put his arm over my shoulder, and with that condescending smile on his face said, “you have absolutely no interest in Spanish do you? You weren’t listening to a word he said—I could tell!” And with a sort of fiendish chuckle, he walked away. Thanks for your support Tom.
But yet his words rather haunted me over the years. Could he have been right? Had I been so rude so as to merely appear interested when I really wasn’t at all? The quandary plagued me for sometime afterwards because there was something in this whole matter that I couldn’t put my finger on.
So I asked myself the point blank question: was I interested in learning something about Spanish that night from Joe, or not? Not being one that’s ever had the knack for multiple language acquisition, I suppose I’d have to say, no—not particularly so. So what kept me there in that corner then—mere politeness? I suppose, yes, to a certain extent, but still there was something more. There honestly was something that captivated me that night—but what was it? Then it dawned on me…
It was Joe himself. It was his passion that fascinated me. It wasn’t as much what he was saying as much as it was the fire in his spirit as he talked about it. That was genuinely interesting to me. It was the person that intrigued me, much more than the subject itself. Oh that I could only find Tom again to explain that to him!
Sadly though our culture has at times gotten this whole concept backwards—if the subject doesn’t interest us, then the person becomes irrelevant. How many times have we skipped an event or activity simply on the premise that it appeared to be “boring” or “uninteresting” or “no where I’m at” or, heaven forbid, “just not my style,” when indeed there was real person behind that podium or musical instrument or out there on the ball field that desperately needed our support not just our interest in the “subject.”
So let me challenge you, if I may. First of all, take a look at the activities in this newsletter coming up. Spread the pages out on a table or desk in front of you. Now go to your refrigerator or bulletin board where you’ve posted all the flyers and notices announcing events that your children, grandchildren, church kids or neighbor kids might be involved in this coming week or month—put those next to the newsletter. And while you’re at it, why don’t you pull out your newspaper or neighborhood chronicle and place it alongside the other material.
Now take a look at all those activities. Some of the capture your interest, and quite frankly, some do not. But now look at all those same activities with different eyes. Rather than seeing what’s in it for you -- look instead for where you can be a support to someone. Is there a junior athlete or artist or a potentially nervous presenter that would light up to see faces of encouragement out there in the crowd? Is there a flailing show out there somewhere that could be bolstered with confidence just by your being there? In short, ask yourself where you can give to someone else, rather than asking what you will get out of it all. I can’t guarantee you’ll ever fall in love with the subject (I never have learned Spanish or any other language for that matter!) but I can guarantee you’ll never forget the joy of being an encouragement to someone else!
Let’s see…where have the summer months gone? Our young people are now back to school and therefore back to the routine of studying, playing in sports and other miscellaneous activities.
Although summer has pretty much come and gone, during the month of August the youth group participated in a couple of fun activities such as a “Day Trip to Seaside” and a painting project in Salem where we painted a storage shed for our CHOG state church office.
For the month of September, we will have a “Back To School BBQ” —see the youth bulletin board for more details. In the coming months, here are some of our scheduled activities. If you have any young person that might be interested in joining us on any of the upcoming activities, please direct them to someone in the youth group or Pastor Val or Liza.
For October, we will be going to the Corn Maize on Sauvie Island and also helping out at the annual church harvest party. In November is our annual “Giving Gathering.” For the last month of the year, December, we will have our annual R.oC.K.S. Christmas Party. More details to follow in the weeks and months to come.
Entertainment Books are also still available for sale and it is valid effective TODAY. The cost is $30. Please see one of the youth or Pastor Val or Liza if you would like to purchase one. This would be a great gift idea for Christmas or and any other special occasion. Checks should be made payable to: “Richmond Community Church (Youth Fund)”.
“One step forward. One step at a time.” These two phrases are wonderful words of wisdom. I was told once that these two phrases are the keys to financial wealth.
If you take the first step in accomplishing a task (which assumes that you have a plan of action,) an amazing thing happens. Some barriers and obstacles to success disappear, new opportunities present themselves, and real challenges can be clearly identified, prioritized, and overcome. Take those first steps to success.
If you move towards your goal one step at a time, then you have chosen to take you journey in bite size pieces. Bite size pieces are easily chewed upon, considered, swallowed and accomplished. Your task doesn’t look so insurmountable.
This is true of our walk with the Lord. Remember, it’s daily Bible reading not reading Genesis to Revelation by tomorrow and it’s daily prayer and worship, not Calvin’s Institutes or ascetic living. In addition, we are not only walking with the Lord “one step at a time,” but we are doing this together in community. We are supposed to support each other, bearing each other’s burdens.
A great place to make those small steps is in a small group. Consider being a part of a small group. Better yet consider leading a small group. Being a part of small group could be the supportive environment you need to go deeper with the Lord. Maybe the Lord is asking to you to be more active in church leadership, but you need to test the waters. Leading a small group is a great way to hone those leadership skills.
The Lord has a place for you in the ministry of His kingdom: Consider small groups.
Mondays
This is short term classes and seminar night. Stay tuned for updates.
Tuesdays
9:30 AM — Ladies Bible Study — This group is lead by Bonnie Cantrell. I have heard more wonderful things about this Bible Study. Starting September 9th, this group will be studying “Jesus” as He is reveal in the Gospel of Matthew. This group will meet at the church.
7:00 PM — “The Forum” — Joel Collier is leading this group again. This is a place to bring your tough questions about theology, the Bible, Christian living, being a Christian in this world, or any question you would like to discuss. There are very few limits. I’m still waiting for someone to ask why the Yankees are not God’s team. The group meets at the church. This group will start on September 9th.
8:00 PM — “Wild At Heart” Men’s Group — Dave Fletcher is leading this men’s accountability group. This group is starting back up on September 2nd. They are studying the book, Wild At Heart. This is a wonderful opportunity to develop relationships with other Christian men as we learn to be men of God. They are meeting at the church.
Wednesdays
7:00 PM — “How to Live the Holy Life” — Pastor Frank Clore is leading this study of the How to Live the Holy Life. This is a very exciting book dealing with a topic that I believe we can’t hear enough about. Is holiness too hard to live out? Plan on attending this study and find the truth. This group is meeting at the Clore’s home. It is located at: 4034 SE Hager Lane, Milwaukie. Their house is one block east of the Oak Grove Fred Meyers’ and is just off Oatfield Road. This group is meeting now!
Thursdays
7:00 PM — Bible Study — This Bible Study is meeting at Marvin and Barbara Allenbrand’s home. Last year, this group was lead by Pastor Val and they discussed Romans. I’ve heard it was a very rich time. Although neither a leader or a topic has been confirmed yet, this will be a wonderful time of study and fellowship. This group starts on September 11th.
NOTE: These are the groups with which we are starting the year . If a group you want to attend doesn’t meet on a night you are available, be patient and let me know. Who knows what the lord will lay on someone’s heart.
MORE In Christ Men’s Breakfast
Men, you’ll want to take special note of our September MORE In Christ (Men of Richmond Empowered in Christ) breakfast coming up on Saturday morning, September 6th at 9:00 AM in Ahrendt Hall. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Jerry Hickson, professor at Warner Pacific College. Dr. Hickson has a dynamic message for men that he is anxious to share, so you will not want to miss it! And of course, as usual, Jason Fischer will be whipping up one of his famous gourmet breakfast specialties in the kitchen, so that alone is worth coming for! If you are able to help provide food or help in the preparation, give Jason a call at (503) 771-2710. Hope to see you all there men—you and a friend!
A new musical entitled “Experiencing God…The Musical” will be presented by our Sanctuary Choir on Sunday morning, September 7th in both the 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM services. Be forewarned that this is much more than a musical presentation. You will find yourself face to face with your own Christian walk and how you can draw closer to God. This performance will be repeated on Sunday evening, September 14th at 6:00 PM at the Aloha Church of God (map).
Joel Collier To Be Commissioned
On Sunday morning, September 28th, the Richmond Community Church will officially commission Joel Collier as our Minister of Outreach and Small groups. Commissioning is an act that comes specifically from the local church that recognizes the call of God upon a person’s life to do a particular task in that body. Therefore it is with great honor that our church will commission Joel. Congratulations Joel. It is a joy to have you on board with us!
For a Christmas presentation this year, our children are going to be singing an adorable version of the song “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.” Naturally, “toy” costumes would fit the bill perfectly! So, if any of you are avid garage sale or thrift store people and spot a child’s costume such as a wooden soldier, ballerina, bear, doll, or anything along those lines, would you grab it and consider donating it to our children’s choir? Any size is fine as we can fit the child to the costume! See Pastor Doug if you have any questions.
Promotion Sunday September 7th
Come celebrate with us, in the sanctuary, as we promote our kids to the next grade levels. We will watch them grow right before our eyes through pictures. (Well, at least the last 7 years.) We will end the celebration in Ahrendt Hall with Brunch foods brought by you. Sign up sheets are on both boards with ideas of what we could use.
The Glory Gang resumed their monthly gatherings on August 22nd with a luncheon meeting at the “Best Buffet” restaurant. It was decided that we will endeavor to establish some sort of a phone buddy system so that we can check on each other’s well being.
Also, the desire has been expressed to get better acquainted with the young adults in the church. To that end, the Glory Gang would like to invite the YAM group and other young families to breakfast in Ahrendt Hall on Saturday morning, September 20th, at 9:00 AM as our guests. We are looking forward to seeing you there.
Carol LaFont
Ladies, we have a lot of exciting activities coming up for fall. In September we will be having a Pizza and movie night to celebrate back to school. In October we will have a thrift store treasure hunt / costume hunt. For November we will have a nice relaxing dinner out. And for December our Christmas tea. The location, dates and times for these activities will be announced so keep your ears open. Also a reminder for all Ladies involved in the Secret Sister program please remember to do something for your Secret Sister once a month. I look forward to seeing you all at our activities this fall.
Ami Broeland
The month of August has been busy for the men’s group. The 1st and 2nd was the Promise Keepers Conference here in Portland. 8,000 men from the Pacific Northwest attended the two day event. On Friday night 1,398 men went forward for the Alter call. Included in that number were 300 men who accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. The others either went down with their friends or recommitted their lives to the Lord.
When the MC Rick Kingham made that announcement on Saturday, those men received a standing ovation for their decisions. But, truth be told all the glory goes to God. To me the one thing that hit me hardest was the numbers that Rick gave to show how different groups can effect people coming to know the Lord.
Rick, told us that if a teenager comes to know the Lord there is a 16% chance that the rest of their family will be saved. If a wife/mother comes to know the Lord there is a 31% chance the rest of her family will also be saved. But if a father/husband comes to know the Lord there is a 93% chance the rest of his family come to know Jesus as their personal Savior.
We can have the most impact in a world that doesn’t know the Lord, but we are the least likely to share our faith. As men in order to share our faith we first have to admit to ourselves that we are not in control and that we cannot do anything on our own. That in order to be a success we have to rely on the Lord. As long as we follow the plan the Lord has laid out for our lives not only will we see our lives improve but we can bring other men to know the Lord.
One of Saturday’s sessions was from the Dare-2-Share ministry. Their message was as simple as could be. Their ministry is called 2-6-2 Evangelism. The concept is a way to share the good news of Jesus Christ by asking 2 opening questions followed up by 6 Biblical truths, ending with 2 closing questions. The ability to convey the gospel of Jesus in such a simple uncomplicated way is one of those that when you hear it you will say why didn’t I think of that.
The other session that had the biggest impact on me was from Portland’s own Jose Zayas. Jose is not a newcomer to ministry as he was part of the Luis Palau Evangelistic Association. Jose’s ministry is called A-1-8. The Biblical basis for the ministry is Acts 1:8 “…You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” A simple message but the one theme that ties all of the book of Acts together.
All the sessions had their points on how to become a true servant of the Lord. But, I still find myself, 4 weeks later trying to find my Jerusalem. I know the one place I have never considered as Jerusalem is my workplace. The Lord has shown me in the last few days that the workplace as well as our church family and neighborhood in which we live is our Jerusalem.
August 23rd—25th was the state Church of God men’s retreat. I have to admit I did not attend so I will direct you to Mark Gebler for details of the retreat.
The M.O.R.E. In Christ breakfast resumes Saturday September 6th at 9:00 AM. The guest speaker is Dr. Jerry Hickson, from Warner Pacific College. And as always, we will be able to enjoy the great cooking of our own Jason Fisher.
In closing I have just one question, Where is our Jerusalem and what is God calling you to do?
Dave Fletcher
Clean Closets
3 years ago Richmond Community Church gave birth to a new ministry of giving. I was the janitor of the church and one day as I was cleaning I came across a room in the basement that had become a catch-all for things not needed over the years “but we’ll hang on to them just in case.” You may have a room or drawer like this one in your home. I know I do. Prior to this, Mary Andres had put out a call for someone to help organize a Pastors Cupboard so coupled with finding this room I went to Pastor Doug and asked permission to clean it out. I saw a purpose for the room beyond the mess. Pastor kindly gave me his permission so the work began. It is one thing to say you are going to do something but it is another to actually do it. Much blood, sweat and yes, tears (stubbed toes, pinched fingers, sore muscles etc…) has gone into transforming “The Giving Room” from a floor to ceiling catch-all that benefits no one to a place for people to draw from to help meet their needs as well as their neighbors’ needs. I say all this to make one point. The church was not the only place that had dead space that needed cleaning. My heart had closets that hadn’t been cleaned in years. Just like “The Giving Room” it took much Blood, Sweat and Tears to save it from its’ own dead space. Only they didn’t belong to me, they belonged to my Savior, Jesus Christ.
How about you? Do you have closets that need cleaning? Give your heart to Jesus. He is the original “Mr. Clean.” Let Him do a Heart Work in you.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.” — I John 1:9.
You did a super job giving to the “Back to School” project. We delivered 15 bags of school supplies to The Salvation Army for them to distribute to children in our community.
Next week is delivery day for all your donations you have given over the summer months. “The Giving Room” is bursting! Everything will be donated and we will start all over again for the new quarter. We will be giving to several outreach ministries during the next quarter as many ministries are already falling short of needed supplies due to so many families being out of work. I will share a list of particular items needed in the October newsletter. Please keep “The Giving Room” in mind as you do your fall cleaning. And keep the refundable cans and bottles coming as they are our resource for stocking our food shelves. You are an incredible family. Thank you for being you! Any questions? Please call.
For His Precious Name Sake,
Judie Nelson (503) 669–3594
The “Wild at Heart” group is moving to Tuesday night at 8:00 PM. We took the month off and are looking forward to getting back to the series. If you are interested let me know or join us Tuesdays.
Dave Fletcher
Choir and Band Begins a New Season
This is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to make your musical debut!! Our choir and band will be starting rehearsals for a new season on Wednesday evening September 10th (please note that this is different than the September 17th date announced in last month’s COG.) Band rehearsal is at 6:30 PM and is made up of anyone that plays any band instrument (flute, trumpet, etc.) The music is approximately on a 2nd year band level so just about anyone will enjoy the experience. Choir rehearsal is immediately following at 7:00 PM and runs to 8:30 PM. The choir, under the direction of Kelly Henderson, will be starting a Christmas musical entitled “Hope Has Come.” It’s a moving musical (in every sense of the word!) that you’re bound to enjoy! See Pastor Doug if you have questions about either group.
Wednesday Children’s Worker Needed!
Thriving on Wednesday evenings is our fantastic youth program and choir—but this opens up a tremendous need for someone to work with our younger children up through the 6th grade. As of now we only have one very dedicated worker to work with the smaller children up through kindergarten, and they are only able to commit to every other week. Is there anyone that could help in this area? If someone could initiate an actual program for kids, that would be great, but even simple child care would be a tremendous blessing. If you could help in any way, please contact Nancy Mahns at (503) 491-5591 or see Pastor Doug.
Return To Traditional Sunday School
Following the summer experiment of Multigenerational Sunday School and promotion Sunday on September 7th, we will return to our regular Sunday School classes on September 14th at 9:30 AM. There are classes for all ages, so be sure to come and enjoy the class planned for your age or interests.
Thanks to all who led or participated in the multigenerational classes to make them the great success that they were!
Sunday, September 21st at 6:00 PM, join us in Ahrendt Hall as we honor our Sunday School teachers. We are blessed with many who are willing to give of their time and energy to plan and lead or teach classes, Adventure Hour Kids Church, or work in other ways with our children.
Let’s come together to show our appreciation with a fun time of food and fellowship. Watch for further details.
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