“The Richmond COG”
Richmond Community Church
December 2003 Newsletter
In this Issue:
Reflections from Pastor Doug
From the R.oC.K.S. Yard
GLORY Gang Visits the R.oC.K.S. Yard
The GLORY Gang
8:00 AM Service Eliminated For The Advent Season
Holiday Decorating and Flyer Distribution
Christmas Sermon Series “The Prophesied Jesus”
Advent Service, November 30th
Baby Shower Goes Video!
MORE In Christ Men’s Breakfast
A Very Richmond Christmas—Variety Show and Dessert
“Hope Has Come”
Attention YAMs!
Ladies Christmas Tea
Open House at the Boldts
Christmas Sunrise Service
Come Celebrate Hanukkah!
Secret Sister Revealing Luncheon
Christian Education
You simply cannot speak of Christmas without the word tradition creeping in there somewhere. And for my family growing up, one of the Christmas traditions that we held so dear was for my dad and my older brother to go somewhere up in the mountains outside of Colorado Springs to chop down our very own Christmas tree. I really don’t know why the didn’t take me. I don’t know if I wasn’t invited, or I didn’t want to go or what, but at any rate it was just them. They would bundle up, pack a sack lunch, make sure the had chains for the car and proceeded into the foothills of the Rockies to bring home a fir tree specimen that would be our pride and joy for the duration of the holiday season.
And traditions wouldn’t be traditions if they didn’t demand to be carried on. And so I have. For years now, I’ve taken our oldest son Jordan with me to get the family Christmas tree. Usually within a few days after Thanksgiving, we too bundle up and set out on our quest for the perfect tree. We get in the van, drive all the way over to Powell and 45th to St. Ignatius Church where the Boy Scouts have a tree lot set up every year. We study the different trees, make our selection, I write a check, the boy scouts load up the tree for us, and we’re home within a half hour.
Alright, so it doesn’t have the romance of the Colorado version of the story, but it’s still our tradition and still fun. But the interesting thing I’ve noticed about traditions is that we always seem to cast them as a thing of the past. I think Charles Dickens had the right idea when he forced us to look at not only Christmas past, but Christmas present and the Christmas of the future. Traditions are so cherished for so many of us because we enjoy doing the same thing again in the here and now. And much of the sentimental value is wrapped up in the fact that we look forward to doing them again—in the future, and the promise we make to ourselves that indeed that will happen. If we only enjoyed the activity once or were told that it would never happen again, the intrinsic value of a tradition would not exist. So traditions are what they are because they span a breadth of time far beyond just the past.
And so it is, and should be as we look at the traditional story of Christmas. Sadly, so often we see the coming of our Lord Jesus to earth, as only a past event—“2000 years ago…” so many versions of the story begin. Indeed its past goes back even further than the event itself as it was prophesied hundreds of years before by the prophet Isaiah, but the story of Christmas is very much today for us. The love, the joy and the peace that we so enjoy singing about, affects us right now as we journey through this life in a world that is very much without such gifts. And it is the salvation that Christ brought us in the past, that not only touches us today, but is our assurance that we will spend all of eternity with him in glory! And that is a tradition that will never die. “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given…and of the increase of his government and peace, there will be no end!” (NIV – Isaiah 9:6a, 7a).
Have a very Merry Christmas…forever!
Here we are in the middle of the fall season. What a wonderful time of the year. The youth group is once again in full force with different activities and weekly meetings taking place. In November, we met and participated in our annual Giving Gathering. This year was somewhat different from the past. The youth group went to several different homes and worked in their yards, i.e. raking leaves. We also baked some cookies and delivered them to a few people from the church. Also, during the month of November, our young people in Senior High helped out with child care at Lynchwood church while they had a fundraising dinner for their church. (As a side note—we were treated to a yummy dinner prepared by David and Lisa Watkins—Thank you!)
As a reminder, the youth continues to meet weekly on Wednesday nights from 7:00–8:30 PM. This is a time focused more on fun and a short devotion along with a time of worship. In Sunday School our class is continuing our studies in the books of the Old Testament. So, please come and check us out! A few Sundays ago, we separated into several groups and each group had to write a rap song and share it with the class. What a talented group of young people we have! We will post everyone’s written rap song on the youth bulletin board so please go by and read what they wrote.
Our December activity will of course be our R.oC.K.S. Christmas Party. Everyone will be participating in a White Elephant gift exchange and also a regular gift exchange valued up to $5.00. We will be meeting (in a location to be announced) from 12:00 noon to 4:00 PM, on Saturday, December 13th. Food and games will be provided along with the gift exchanges. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
GLORY Gang Visits the R.oC.K.S. Yard
The R.oC.K.S. youth group would like to cordially invite the GLORY Gang to attend our R.oC.K.S. Christmas Party on Saturday, December 13th, 2003.
An invitation has been distributed or mailed out, but if somehow your name did not get on our list, please let us know immediately. We will be meeting (at a location to be announced) from 12:00 noon until 4:00 PM. There is more information on the invitation with regards to bringing a White Elephant exchange gift and another Regular gift to exchange valued up to $5.00. Please come prepared to have lots of fun and of course, and empty stomach since food will be provided. We ask for you to please RSVP to Liza by Sunday, December 7th, so we will know how much food to prepare. This is the same deadline for the youth to turn in their permission slips. Liza can be reached at either (503) 356-5025 (home), or (503) 975-4752 (cell.) If you have any other questions, please give us a call. We look forward to this time of fun and fellowship. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
The Glory Gang is enjoying interacting with other groups from our Richmond Church Family. Saturday, November 22nd, we enjoyed a breakfast with the Fellowship of the Y.A.M. group as our guests. Next month the R.oC.K.S. Youth have invited us to share in their Christmas Party on Saturday, December 13th, in the afternoon.
We are looking forward to hosting the Portland area hymn sing on a Saturday afternoon in January, watch for the date. All are invited…not just seniors.
Carol LaFont
8:00 AM Service Eliminated For The Advent Season
Beginning November 30th, we will be having only the 10:30 AM service on Sundays. This will run through December 28th. We feel it is so important for the church to be all together for the Advent Season, so we will all be worshipping together in the one service. Be sure friends and family are aware of this change for the holiday season.
Holiday Decorating and Flyer Distribution
On Saturday, November 29th, you will have two great opportunities to serve. At 10:00 AM, we will gather to decorate our sanctuary for the holiday season. Anyone can help. Donuts, coffee and juice will be provided. But also, at the very same time, those that are not the decorating type are invited to help distribute flyers in our neighborhood, advertising our Christmas activities. This simply means rolling up a flyer and placing it in a door handle. Both activities will convene at 10:00 AM and much help is needed in both areas. Bring the whole family and help get the holidays rolling at Richmond!
Christmas Sermon Series “The Prophesied Jesus”
This holiday season, Pastor Doug will be presenting a brand new sermon series entitled “The Prophesied Jesus.” Because the prophecy leading up to the coming of Jesus is often overlooked, we will be spending the entire Advent season looking at the brilliant fulfillment of prophecy from the book of Isaiah that the Savior is to us still today. And, as always, the way to get the most out of any sermon series is to read ahead the passage for the next week. So take a look at the sermon schedule for each of the four Sundays of Advent and Christmas morning and take advantage of this opportunity.
Sunday, November 30th, 10:30 AM — “Jesus—God With Us” — Isaiah 7:14-17
Sunday, December 7th, 10:30 AM — “The Sacrificed Jesus” — Isaiah 53:1-12
Sunday, December 14th, 10:30 AM — “The Wisdom–Filled Jesus” — Isaiah 11:1-16
Sunday, December 21st, 10:30 AM — “The Redeeming Jesus” — Isaiah 44:1-5
Thursday, December 25th, 6:30 AM — “The Reigning Jesus” — Isaiah 9:1-7
On Sunday evening, November 30th, at 6:00 PM, we will be observing our annual Advent Service. This is a special time of focus to prepare our hearts on the upcoming holiday season. Pastor Frank Clore will be sharing, and Kelly Henderson leading us in worship. Also included in this evening will be the receiving of our annual Advent offering. This years offering will be sent to the Plummers, missionaries in Tanzania, that have gone through a tremendous amount of trial in the last year. Also, we will be including in the evening our Giving Tree. Everyone is invited to take a tag off the tree and purchase a gift for a family in need. This years gifts will be given to IRCO, the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization.
For all of us that have been anticipating the arrival of Jacob and Jessica Jurado’s little bundle of joy (Jacob and Jessica are part of the Richmond family now pastoring in Rapid City, South Dakota), we have an opportunity to be a part of a baby shower—without leaving Portland! On Thursday, December 4th, at 7:00 PM in the Conover Room, Jessica’s mother, Jeanne Weems will be hosting a video shower for the Jurados! All you need is bring your gift unwrapped, Jeanne will video tape the festivities and send both the tape and the gifts to Jacob and Jessica. Should be fun time for all, and the whole church is invited. If you have any questions at all, call Jeanne Weems at (503) 807-9037.
MORE In Christ Men’s Breakfast
Men, our monthly breakfast for December, put on by our MORE In Christ men’s group will feature as a guest speaker our own Vern Pierce, who is currently doing an internship at Richmond. Vern has a testimony of commitment to The Lord and the church that will be exciting to hear. Also enjoy a great breakfast prepared by Jason Fischer that you won’t want to miss. Plan on coming and bringing a friend. Date is December 6th at 9:00 AM and just for the month of December we will meet in the Conover Room.
A Very Richmond Christmas—Variety Show and Dessert
Now here’s the variety show of the season you won’t want to miss! Featuring choir, band, ensembles and soloists, you’ll hear everything from “Joy to the World” and “O Come all Ye Faithful” to “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and “Sleigh Ride”, and even Pastor Doug’s famous version of the “Twelve Days of Christmas”! And, as if the show were not enough, some of the most delectable desserts will be served right at your table! A fun evening for the whole family, two shows will be offered: Saturday, December 6th, and Sunday, December 7th, both evenings at 6:00 PM. Come and enjoy!
On Sunday evening, December 14th, at 6:00 PM, the sanctuary choir under the direction of Kelly Henderson will present the moving worship musical “Hope Has Come.” The music is rich and inspirational, but more than anything the incredible spirit of Christmas worship that you will experience is something you won’t want to miss.
The holiday season is upon us. That means it’s time for our holiday YAM event.
This December 16th (yes, it’s a Tuesday), we are going to the Grotto. We will listen to the Glencoe High School Choir (Ali’s old high school, and her sister Lindsay is currently singing in the choir) and look at the Christmas Festival of Light displays.
Everyone will meet at our (Sam and Ali’s) new house at 2211 SE 90th Ave, just north of Division, at 6:00 PM. From there we will carpool to the Grotto (the parking is free and the admission is only $6.00 per person), hear the choir sing at 7:00 PM, then we can walk around and look at the lights and different things. When we are ready to leave, we will all go back to our house for hot chocolate, coffee, tea, apple cider, etc. Except for the (30 minute or so) concert, all of the other displays and stuff are outside, so you’ll want to dress warm! We hope this will get you in the Christmas spirit, if you aren’t already.
In the spirit of the holiday season, this event is open to anyone who wants to go. Please RSVP to: SamShipley@juno.com or call (503) 256-1102. We look forward to seeing you all there.
Love in Christ,
Sam and Ali Shipley
Ladies, coming up on Saturday, December 13th, at 11:30 AM, we will be having our Christmas Tea. I encourage you all to attend and celebrate the Christmas season with your sisters in Christ. Help is needed with clean up and food preparation. If you can help with this please see Ami Broeland. We will have a set menu, so please talk to Ami to see what food is needed.
The tea will also feature an ornament exchange. Please bring a wrapped ornament, that cost $5.00 or less, with your name inside the wrapping. If you have any questions or are available to help please talk to me.
Ami Broeland
On Sunday, December 21st, stop in at Pastor Doug and Teri’s house, 2412 SE 40th Ave, across the street from the church, anytime between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM for a time of holiday refreshment and fellowship. If you’d like to bring a plate of goodies, that would be great, but if not, just come and enjoy the good food and have a cup of hot chocolate or cider, and have a good visit around the fire. Merry Christmas from your pastors!
Note: No evening service at the church, and this activity replaces the previously announced caroling party.
Join us bright and early on Christmas morning at 6:30 AM for our Christmas Sunrise Service. We’ll sing carols of the season and Pastor Doug will share the concluding message in the Christmas sermon series, entitled “The Reigning Jesus.” A wonderful Christmas tradition for the whole family.
Our Jewish congregation, known as Avdey Torah Hayah, that meets in our facility, has invited us to celebrate Hanukkah with them on Friday afternoon, December 26th, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, in Ahrendt Hall. Technically called the “Eighth Day of Hanukkah Party”, Rabbi Garcia will present a short teaching on the true meaning of Hanukkah, the candle lighting, then traditional Hanukkah cookies and desserts, tea and coffee will be served. What a wonderful opportunity to observe this great tradition.
Secret Sister Revealing Luncheon
On January 10th, at 11:30 AM we will be having our Secret Sister Revealing Luncheon. This is for ladies who are currently involved in the Secret Sister Program. We will be revealing whose name we had this last year, so see if you have a good guess as to who has your name. All Secret Sisters will need to bring a gift (that costs $20.00 or less) for their Secret Sister as well as a salad to share. If you will be unable to attend this luncheon, pleas let Ami Broeland know.
For all ladies that would like to be involved in the Secret Sister program in 2004, the information forms will be available on the Secret Sister table in the Narthex starting December 7th. All forms need to be turned in to Ami Broeland no later than December 28th. The new Secret Sister program will start January 12th.
Ami Broeland
Mark your calendars for January 31st, for the How-To Convention, at Vancouver First Church of God.
Prayerents, please remember to encourage and pray for your child during the month of December as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Things God won’t ask:
God won’t ask the square footage of your house, but He’ll as how many people you welcomed into your home.
God won’t ask how many friends you had, but He’ll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.
God won’t ask about the clothes you had in your closet, but He’ll ask how many you helped to clothe.
Nancy Mahns
This page was last updated on
Friday October 27, 2006.
Please email the webmaster with
any questions or concerns about this site.
Copyright © 2002-2003 Richmond Community Church. All rights reserved.