Tuesday Evening Service

The prelude was a clarinet solo by Ben Yune, accompanied by his wife, Sungun, on the piano. He played “In the Presence of Jehovah.” Their five-year-old son, Jaewon, then sang “Jesus Loves Me.”

Testimonies were inspiring as usual. Dorothy Hanson’s amazing story of coming to Portland when she was seventeen, and getting saved, was thrilling. Al Smith is always full of praise how God brought him to the campground area as a mail carrier. People began to witness to him and pray for him, and one day at his bedside he gave his heart to the Lord.

The choir, led by Dan Walden, sang “Victory All the Time,” and before the sermon Jennifer Worthington sang, “Wonderful Peace.” Brother Jim Maxwell's sermon was very encouraging. His text was James 5:13-14. He spoke of afflictions, saying there are various kinds, not only physical but other trials as well. In 1 Peter 5:7 we find the instruction to cast all our care upon Him, and Isaiah 41:10 says “Fear thou not...” We can be encouraged when we remember that God is in control. The closing song was “Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary.”

Friday Funeral Service

A funeral service was held in the sanctuary on Friday for Brother Bob Green who passed away on Monday, October 26. A faithful veteran of the Gospel and true prayer warrior, Brother Bob gave many years of his life working for the church. He left a legacy to family and friends that will not soon be forgotten.

Friday Evening Ordinance Service

The service opened with a cello solo “How Beautiful,” by Luke Copko, followed by the choir singing “The Blood Medley.”

Michael Mathews sang “I Asked for Water, He Gave Me the Well,” before the sermon on the Lord’s Supper. Brother Clark Wolfe gave the message from 1 Corinthians 11:23-30 telling how the Lord broke bread and gave to His disciples to remember His broken body on the Cross and His shed blood. This is not an ordinance for just anyone, but for His church after they have examined their hearts so as to be worthy.

For the message on Foot Washing, Brother Erik Calhoun read from John 13 verses 1-17. This describes where Jesus set the example by girding himself with a towel and washed the disciples’ feet, telling us “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”

After the foot washing service everyone came together in the youth chapel to give praise to the Lord in singing. Jodi Downey blessed us all when she sang “Jesus Loves Me.” One of the songs everyone sang was, “God Is So Good,” and that was the feeling as people left the chapel.

Sunday Morning Service

The orchestra played two numbers for prelude, “Amazing Grace” and “Fanfare and Processional.” This was followed by a number composed by Brother Ted Friesen: “Covenant of Grace,” with Matthew Lee singing the solo part.

Butch Carey and Gary Wolfe sang “In Christ Alone” prior to Brother Sam Ajayi reading the Scripture reading from James 3:1-12. Before the message, the choir sang “Don't Say No to Jesus.” Brother Darrel Lee's message was taken from James 3, verses 6 and 7, and was about being born again. He mentioned how people today are into “makeovers.” The best kind of makeover we can have is on the inside, rather than the outside. When we are born again, we are changed! The spiritual birth is not gradual but happens in a moment of time. Listen here.

Sunday Evening Service

Jane Ewers and Susan Anderson played a lovely prelude on their violins, beginning with “His Name is Wonderful.” This was followed by the choir singing, “I Was Born to Praise the Lord.”

Carol Englund testified of a cancer scare a while back and how the Lord undertook. Kathy Cantrell gave praise for help with her car on a recent trip and protection of her son when his car spun out on the freeway. Trent Paulsen honored his great uncle Bob Green and his example of willing service for the Lord.

Michael McCarville sang the last special “Three Simple Words, I Love You.” The message was given by Brother Erik Calhoun using as his text James 5:16-17, and was on the subject of prayer. He also spoke of Daniel who was told his prayers were heard the first day he prayed. Brother Erik gave an illustration of holding on in prayer, telling about his grandmother who prayed thirty years for her husband to be saved. Toward the end of his life, her faith was rewarded and Erik’s grandfather was saved. God always answers prayer. Sometimes His answer is “yes,” sometimes it is “no” and sometimes He asks us to “wait.” We can have confidence that He hears every prayer, and will answer in the best way.

Read last week's Portland Recent Happenings here.