Portland News

December 29, 2019

The congregation gathered on Sunday evening, December 29, to look back at the year 2019 through a slideshow of photos taken at church events throughout the year. As people arrived, they were served a light meal of bento bowls, with Bible verse fortune cookies for dessert.

Once everyone had settled down with their food, the year-end slideshow began, featuring photos provided by photographers Kenny Cripps, Bobbi Downey, Ryan Parker, and a few others who...

December 29, 2019

Prelude: Jane Ewers played “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” and “O Holy Night” on the violin. The choir then sang “Born in Bethlehem.”

First Special: A men’s quartet sang “Do You Hear What I Hear?”

Scripture Reading: Dave Lambert read 1 Peter 2:1-10.

Last Special: Diana Lambert sang “Be Still.”

Sermon: Wayne Butler, from Port Angeles, Washington, took his message from 1 Peter 2:9 and urged any who are tired of sin to come to Jesus and let Him take...

December 23, 2019

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December 22, 2019

The Sunday evening before Christmas, the sanctuary filled to overflowing for the annual Christmas concert. This year, the combined choir, orchestra, and drama cast presented the musical “God Speaking,” directed by Gary Riler.

The program began with the narrator, Karla Calhoun, talking about the infamous “hustle and bustle” of the Christmas season. She explained that while there are many fun activities happening during the holidays, there can also be a lot of stress and...

December 22, 2019

Prelude: The orchestra played ‘What Child Is This?” and “We Three Kings.” The choir, accompanied by the orchestra, followed by singing “The Sounds of Christmas Medley.”

First Special: A ladies’ sextet sang “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly.”

Scripture Reading: Dave Lambert read from John 1:1-14.

Last Special: The choir (pictured above) sang “God Speaking,” accompanied by the orchestra.

Sermon: Darrel Lee preached from John 1:6-9, stating that the Apostle John came bearing witness of the Light (Jesus), and Jesus Christ enlightens...

December 17, 2019

Prelude: The brass played “How Great Our Joy.” The choir followed by singing a Christmas medley including “How Great Our Joy,” “Angels We Have Heard on High, “The First Noel” and “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne.”

Featured Testimonies: Hunter Cripps testified how he had injured his neck while sleeping, but was grateful the Lord took the pain away. Savannah Lee gave thanks that she was saved when she was young and for how the...

December 15, 2019

Christmas on the Campground is a delight every year, yet somehow each year seems even better than the last. From the moment guests stepped onto the campground they were greeted with cheerful music and thousands of dazzling lights illuminating the front lawn. Two notable additions this year were the giant decorated trees near the west chapel. One of them is over fifty-five feet tall, with lights strung all the way up to the top!...

December 15, 2019

On December 15, the Beginner Department opened the Sunday morning service with their Christmas program, once again bringing smiles to every face in the congregation. Dressed in lovely Christmas attire, they filled three risers at the center of the sanctuary, many of them greeting friends and family members with a tiny wave as they entered the room.

The title of their program was “Glory Story,” and it began with a recitation by Charlie Ivany:...

December 10, 2019

Prelude: Graham Calhoun played a trumpet solo, and then Ava Calhoun sang “Silent Night.” Both were accompanied by their grandmother, Janice Calhoun, on the piano.

Featured Testimonies: Deanna Moen shared detail from her recent trip to India, and rejoiced that ten individuals decided to be water baptized during the trip. She explained that this is a miracle because of the persecution people often endure when they take that step. Roth Mom spoke of how his...

December 8, 2019

Prelude: A youth string quartet played “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Then the choir sang “Good Christians All, Rejoice!”

First Special: Shelby Warberg, Michael McCarville, and Imelda Nedelcu sang “Go, Tell It on the Mountain.”

Featured Testimonies: Shelby Warberg said she is thankful for a Christian family, and that working with younger people who are not Christians reminds her of what God has saved her from. Austin Baltzell testified...