Prelude: Carter and Rebecca Luka played a bassoon and flute duet of, “He Is Exalted”, followed by “Shout to the Lord,” accompanied on the piano by Julianne Luka.

Featured Testimonies: Rosie Lambert (pictured above) was thankful for the Lord’s guidance and that He recently answered two prayers that she had on her heart. Irina Nasteka reported that God answered prayer for one of the saints in the Ukraine who was near death, but God has healed him and he was able to return home. She gave glory to God for healing two others as well. Emily Luka stated that she learned God can be with you on the mountaintop of praise, but she appreciated how God talks to you in the valleys of difficulties, and those times are when we can be closest to the Lord.

Last Special: Jennifer Worthington and Kaye Montgomery sang “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.”

Sermon: Dwight Baltzell used John 21:1 as his text, and demonstrated through several Biblical examples how precious the presence of God is. He emphasized that Christians should always ensure they are living as God would have them to live, so they can have His presence with them at all times.

Prelude: The orchestra began the service by playing “Be Thou My Vision” followed by “Our Foundation.” Next, Ashley Morgan and Peter Moberg (pictured above) sang “O, Glorious Love,” accompanied by the choir, orchestra, and organ.

First Special: Jennifer and Emmaline Worthington and Victoria Heintz sang “Fear Not Tomorrow.”

Scripture Reading: Dave Lambert read 2 Corinthians 5:17 – 6:2.

Last Special:  The choir sang “For What Earthly Reason” with Kristi Riler as the soloist, accompanied by the orchestra.

Sermon: In his sermon, Alan Lambert began by reading Jeremiah 9:23-24, and encouraged the congregation to keep their eyes on Jesus, appreciate God’s grace, and take advantage of today: the day of salvation.

Prelude: The service started with the orchestra playing “He Leadeth Me” and “We’re Marching to Zion,” followed by the choir singing “The Sound of His Coming” with orchestral accompaniment.

Featured Testimonies: Norman Hall said that when he was saved, he almost felt he needed an introduction to himself because so many things in his life had changed. Thankful for God’s mercy to a backslider, Anthony Mixer said he has the assurance in His heart that he is truly saved. Candy Hall’s blessings began before she was born, she said, and she’s thankful for the Holy Spirit, who has blessed them with peace through recent challenges.

First Special: A men’s quartet (pictured above) sang “Living on the Victory Side.”

Last Special: Michael McCarville sang “The Altar.”

Sermon: Beginning by reading Matthew 9:37-38, Alan Lambert reminded the audience that more laborers are needed for the harvest, and encouraged all to do what they can to share the message of salvation.

A fall trip to a pumpkin patch has been a tradition of our young people for many years, and this fall the outing was held on Saturday afternoon, October 9. As young people arrived at The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island, there were some clouds in the sky but the weather stayed dry for the outdoor activities. Some groups of friends headed straight to the popular corn maze while others went on hayrides or visited the animal barn, which housed cows, chickens, goats, as well as some other animals. The theme of the maze was “Bridgetown,” and an aerial view of the maze revealed a design that featured several of Portland’s bridges. Other attractions at The Pumpkin Patch included a market with fresh produce, a gift shop with souvenirs, and of course there were many different kinds of pumpkins for purchase.

In the evening, the young people met in the Fellowship Lodge for dinner and a youth focus session. The meal included hot nosh buns, which are similar to calzones, and there were three flavors to choose from: pepperoni, Hawaiian, and combination. There was also a garden salad and fruit salad, and for dessert there was a choice of an ice cream sundae, a root beer float, a creamsicle float, or a “purple cow” (ice cream with grape soda).

After dinner there was a time of singing some well-known praise and worship songs and at least one newer one. Next, everyone participated in a game led by Azaria Charles, which began by splitting the young people into small groups. Lyrics from hymns were projected onto the main screen, but some words were missing. Each group had to fill in the blanks on a piece of paper, and the group with the most correct answers won. In a second round of the game, the rules were altered—one line from a hymn was shown on the screen and the groups had to remember and write down the title of the hymn. That was even more challenging!

Following the game, Erik Calhoun showed the second half of a documentary film called “Answers in Genesis.” (The first half had been shown during the last youth focus session.) It expounds on the belief of Creationism, using scientific and historical evidence to back up the Biblical account of Creation. The film features scientists who explain why we believe the world was created by God in six days, and who refute the popular theory that the world as we know it took billions of years to be formed.

At the end of the movie, a girls’ quartet of Julianne Luka, Victoria Heintz, Emmaline Worthington, and Azaria Charles sang “What a Beautiful Name,” and then the session ended with a time of prayer.

Prelude: A brass quartet played “This Is My Father’s World” and “Come Thou Fount,” followed by a young people’s mixed quartet singing “Great Are You, Lord.”

Featured Testimonies: Karen Lambert, visiting from Los Angeles, California, said that although there was a time in her life when she didn’t want to follow God, she is thankful that she yielded her life to Him at age twenty-five because she never got away from the Lord’s tap, tap, to call her back to Him. Lee Voreis testified that when he was saved in 1961 at age fifteen, the Lord helped him, later sanctifying him in the barn as he prayed by a bale of hay, filling him with the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and keeping him as a soldier in Vietnam.

First Special: The choir sang “Happiness.”

Last Special: Diana Lambert and Shelby Warberg sang “Remember Me.”

Sermon: Alan Lambert (pictured above),visiting from Los Angeles, California, read Matthew 24:44 as his text, and encouraged his listeners to watch and pray and be ready for Jesus’ soon return for His Bride.

Prelude: Ty, Chandler, and Francesca Mom played “Amazing Grace” as a violin trio. Chandler and Francesca then followed with a violin/cello rendition of “I Need Thee Every Hour,” and then Ty and Francesca (pictured above) played a rendering of “Blessed Assurance” on their violins.

Featured Testimonies: Victoria Heintz testified that the Lord has kept her since she was six years old, and when she needs peace or guidance or anything else, He is there to help. Praising God for His healing power, Irina Nasteka also thanked everyone who joined in prayer for a relative who God raised up after a month in a coma. Dwight Baltzell thanked God for His saving grace in helping him pray through to salvation as a young man. Rodica Musgrave gave thanks that God has been with her down through the years and said that despite the storms that arise, the Lord speaks peace, gives comfort, and is with her.

First Special: Susie Asaya, Victoria Heintz, and Genevieve Worthington sang “Eye of the Storm.”

Last Special: Emily Luka sang “You’re the Only Jesus.”

Sermon: Erik Calhoun began by reading Hebrews 4:12 as his text, and spoke of Jesus’ new covenant—a new and living covenant that was bought with His own Blood.

Prelude: The orchestra played “There Is a Savior” and “I Sing the Mighty Power of God.” Then the choir sang “Triumphantly the Church Will Rise.”

First Special: A women’s quartet (pictured above) sang “Wonderful, Merciful Savior.”

Scripture Reading: Tom Pricskett read Revelation 20:11-15.

Last Special: Victoria Heintz sang “He is My All.”

Sermon: Dave Lambert took his text from Revelation 20:11-15 and said that after the Millennial Reign, Jesus will judge all those whose names are not in the Book of Life. This will not be a trial, but a sentencing. He encouraged everyone to "settle out of court" by repenting now, while there is still time.  

Prelude: Pianist Janice Calhoun and organist Sungun Yune played a duet of “How Great Is Our God” and “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.”

First Special: The choir sang “Only By the Blood of the Lamb,” featuring Deborah Brenner as soloist.

Featured Testimonies: Ethan Baros testified that he received salvation at age six after returning from a Portland camp meeting and praying with his parents. Bam Olayisade (pictured above) said he was saved at a youth camp in 2012 and has since received sanctification and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. He thanked God for helping him to be patient instead of bitter when his wedding was delayed for a year due to COVID-19 restrictions. Ann McCarville recalled that when she decided to be a stay-at-home mom, she had wondered who she would witness to, and God spoke to her heart and said she would be a witness to her children. She said she is thankful her kids all love God. Caleb Copko thanked God for protecting his young son during a recent surgery. He said he used to rely on his grandparents’ and parents’ prayers, but now he realizes someone will be relying on his prayers, and he is grateful for the example that was given to him.

Last Special: A mixed quartet sang “The Time Is Now.”

Sermon: Tom Pricskett preached from Amos 8:11 about how the Gospel is personal. He said God wants to have a heart-to-heart relationship with each individual, and that is made possible by spending time in His Word and in prayer.

Prelude: Chris and Marcus Luka played a trombone duet of “Grace that is Greater Than All Our Sin” and “Wonderful Grace Medley.”

Featured testimonies: Rob Moen mentioned that a few weeks ago he had lunch with an old school friend he hadn’t seen in almost thirty years, and the friend asked if he still went to the same church. He was happy he could say yes, and is thankful the Lord has kept him. Austin McCarville testified that recently he was stressed about starting school and a new job, but he tried counting his blessings and God turned his stress into thankfulness. Susie Asaya said she just started high school and has been worried about being able to keep her faith in that environment, but God has given her strength and encouragement through Scripture. Dave Green said that as a child he feared the Rapture because he was not ready for Heaven, but at age ten, he prayed and was saved, and that fear turned to expectation.  

First Special: The choir sang “Out of His Great Love.”

Last Special: Barry Morgan sang “Jesus Paid it All.”

Sermon: Roth Mom (pictured above) preached from Galatians 5:22-23, which lists the fruit of the Spirit. He said God’s love toward people is unstoppable, so He gives joy unspeakable, faith unshakeable, and peace that passes all understanding.    

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