We have designated the third Sabbath of every month after the worship service to pray for the people who live in the Rockwood neighborhood, our church's mission field. While this collective effort by the church takes place at a specific place and time, we are inviting all of us, however, to bring this community to God weekly during our family and personal prayers. Pray especially for our immediate neighbors beyond the fences and boundaries of the church property and remember that "the prayer of the righteous person is powerful and effective." (James 5:16).
As part of our service and witness to the local community this year, the church will be sponsoring utility vouchers to assist non-members with shut-off notices from PGE, gas, water-sewer or phone. Please stop at the table in the lobby after the worship service and pick up a utility voucher and mark the amount you wish to contribute. Place this slip in the tithe and offerings envelope between now and Saturday, December 21. If you donate online, please mark this giving for the "Humanitarian Fund." These financial gifts need to be turned in by the third Sabbath of the month, so the funds can be distributed by Christmas.
The designated monthly Evangelism Community Sabbath falls on the second Saturday of the month, and this special occasion provides a unique opportunity for us to invite non-church people from the local community and including our friends, neighbors, and family members to experience Adventist worship and fellowship together with us. The next Evangelism Community Sabbath is scheduled for Saturday, January 11, 2025.
Our church library has resources to aid you in Bible study, whether studying by Bible book or by topic. For example, the book "Rediscovering Joy" by Herbert Douglass examines the books of Philippians and Colossians and addresses practical applications, such as "Experiencing God's Power" and "Living Without Anxiety". Please stop by the library after the worship service and check out theses reading resources and others in support of your spiritual journey.
The church leadership is committed to equipping and empowering church members for ministry. Our next discipleship training is scheduled for Saturday, February 1 during the regular Sabbath School time (9:30 10:45am), and this would involve the youth and adult classes only. Pastor Puni will present on “Being Faithful to the Biblical Text” as part of our discipling strategy for the church. Remember to mark this important church activity in your schedule for 2025, and plan to attend.
On the second Monday of each month the Portland Adventist Community Service Center operates a mobile food pantry with volunteers loading the trailer at PACS in the morning from about 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. In the
afternoon they distribute food to those in need from 4:00-6:00 pm at 124 NE 181st Avenue, and each month PACS serve about 35 families. PACS need drivers and volunteers for morning loading and afternoon distribution. If you have time with a heart for service, then consider this an opportunity to be part of God’s presence in community. Please contact Kamille Ross
directly (971) 284-2824, if you are interested.
Our local congregation is committed to God's mission, to make disciples of all peoples, and will be involved and participate in the General Conference (GC) prayer initiative scheduled for the month of January. The Discipleship Ministry will provide more details next week on how we will implement this program in our church but note these dates in your calendar for your planning purposes.
The annual Gladstone Camp Meeting provides opportunities for members of the Oregon Conference to meet together for Christian fellowship, Bible study, equipping and training, resourcing, encouragement and inspiration. The Conference, in faith, is already planning for the 2025 camp meeting, but they need our help for next year and beyond. We can all chip in by contributing to this fund-raising campaign with the goal of raising $450,000 by March 31, 2025. Give online (click here) or write "Gladstone Camp Meeting" on your tithe and offerings envelope.