Every phone call I have received over the last 24 hours has started with the same question: How's Pastor Scott? I'm thankful to report that Pastor Scott's heart surgery went as well as could be expected and he is now in the process of recovering. Although it was not a robotic procedure, it was less invasive than they feared and his outlook for a full recovery is excellent. I was able to sit with him and Dorothy for a few minutes last evening and they are thankful for your prayers and support as they made it through the day yesterday. Right now, they expect that Pastor Scott should be able to go home on Sunday to continue to get stronger. Keep Scott and Dorothy in your prayers as they face the recovery from this serious surgery.
1.) You'll see a bit more of our church elders in our worship services and as a part of our visiting plan. While I expect to spend lots of time in the coming weeks and months getting to know lots of members from different groups in our church, I won't be available at every moment for everything. The elders are well equipped to assist in spiritual care where necessary and I look forward to partnering with them to make sure that we can visit members when they need it most. If you are aware of a situation where we can serve well in connecting with a member or a family, call me or the church office and we will care for the situation.
2.) It's important for us to know what to expect when we come for worship on Sabbath mornings. With Pastor Scott off the preaching schedule for now, you will see a bit more of me preaching on Sabbath mornings. When I am unavailable, we will have a mix of our Sunnyside elders and well-qualified guests from around the Oregon Conference and Union. I think you will find that the Sunnyside tradition of meaningful, cohesive worship experiences will continue.
Please keep God's church in your prayers as we all work together to provide for the ministry of this spiritual community.
Hope to see you tomorrow as we worship our Creator together.
Tomorrow, Sunday, May 17, 3:00 pm, the Oregon Sinfonietta, Donald Appert, conductor, will present a concert here at Sunnyside Church. Featured works will include the Schumann Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54, with soloist Jordan Strang at the piano; and the Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 36.
Student assistance applications are now available. For those families seeking aid in attending one of our Adventist schools for the 2015-2016 school year, please pick up forms at the church office and have them completed and returned to Rosie by June 22.
For Youth and Adults: Two new books:"Red Coats and Scimitars" by Patty Knittel, the story of Karl Schwartz, a German boy growing up in the Ukraine in the late 1800s.
"The Fighter" by Ken Vogel, about Piari of Papua New Guinea, a tribal warrior who ultimately traded his weapons for a Bible.
For Primary/Juniors: Learn about the "Adventures of the Littlest Dolphin" in a family of spinner dolphins of Hawaii written by Arlene R. Taylor; or read "A Change of Heart" by Kristian F. Hart, the exciting story of a young boy, Micah, growing up in Capernaum during the reign of Tiberius Ceasar.
For Preschool: Another book by Arlene R. Taylor, "Aimi at the Hospital" teaches how doctors and nurses help us when we hurt. Or read to your preschooler a lesson in working for what you want, "The Super Red Racer" by Dave Ramsey.
On May 23, 7:00 pm, Laura Whidden and Alison Brook will be in concert at Sunnyside Church. Laura and Alison are singers/ songwriters from Michigan with a heart for ministry. Besides being great friends, they have 25 combined years of touring, writing, and recording experience that lends itself to a beautifully blended presentation. For the tour "The Heart and The Healer" Alison and Laura are setting out to serve the people of the Pacific Northwest. During each presentation, they plan to weave together story and song to tackle topics such as addiction, depression, and mental health. They will top off each program by exploring the victory they have found in Christ and community. Laura and Alison will show that through The Healer there is a remedy for the wounds of the heart.
Sabbath, May 30, 7:00 pm, Portland Adventist String Orchestra will be in concert here at Sunnyside.
June 13, 6:00 pm, our annual Strawberry Vespers will present us with some of Portland's finest musicians followed with strawberry shortcake for all!
The annual Portland Adventist Elementary School Constituency meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2015, 7:00 pm, in the PAES Gymnasium. The agenda is: 1) Worship/Prayer, 2) Minutes for May 2014 meeting, 3) Finance Report/Budget 2015-2016, 4) Administrative Report.
Laura Whidden and Alison Brook in concert. Laura and Alison are singer/songwriters from Michigan with a heart for ministry. Besides being great friends, they have 25 combined years of touring, writing, and recording experience that lends itself to a beautifully blended presentation. For the tour "The Heart and The Healer" Alison and Laura are setting out to serve the people of the Pacific Northwest. During each presentation, they plan to weave together story and song to tackle topics such as addiction, depression, and mental health. They will top off each program by exploring the victory they have found in Christ and community. Laura and Alison will show that through The Healer there is a remedy for the wounds of the heart.