Dear Church Family. W e s t H i l l s C o m m u n i t y C h u r c h

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1 W e s t H i l l s C o m m u n i t y C h u r c h Volume 18, Issue 7 July/August 2015 Dear Church Family Last week my wife and I, together with our daughter Rebecca visited Yosemite National Park. We love to visit our nation s National Parks! Someday we d like to see them all. Yosemite is certainly one of the best. As we stood in Yosemite Valley and gazed up toward the majestic cliffs of Half Dome and El Capitan we were awestruck with their beauty. As we hiked up toward Vernal Falls and took pictures of the cascading water we were utterly amazed by the sights and sounds of God s amazing creation. And we weren t the only ones! The crowds were thick with onlookers and sightseers who were equally amazed. The multitudes were worshipping the work of God s hand. As we were marveling at the sights, I wondered how much better Heaven will be. If the beauty of the earth is this nice, how can it get any better? Now that s an interesting question! Here s why: Because even though this current world is marred with sin, it is still God s creation and it is still meant to help us prepare for the beauty of Heaven. In Revelation chapters 21 and 22 we learn that one day in the future God will take us to the New Heaven and the New Earth. Some people think of that as an invisible, cloudy place in the sky. TV and pop culture have perpetuated the myth of Heaven as a cloudy, nonphysical, boring existence. That couldn t be further from the truth! The very name New Heaven and New Earth screams out the PHYSICALITY of our eternal existence. In fact, the Bible teaches that our current world will be RESTORED by God to its original intent and form a physical place much like it is now, but with all sin and disease removed, all pain and suffering gone, all wars and hatred ceased. It will be a physical place, yet with a new spiritual reality in which God dwells with us and we can see His face and talk with Him, and walk with Him, and serve Him in perfection. Heaven will be a REAL, tangible place a busy place a place to enjoy God and worship Him with all that we do. We will worship God with our work, we will worship God with our talents, we will worship God by constantly learning, and we will worship God in our relation- ships. There will be no way in which our lives will not bring praise and honor and glory to the King! All of which we can begin to do NOW, in our present world worshipping God as a lifestyle. We don t have to wait until the New Heaven and New Earth, because God has already begun His new creation within us as believers in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17, John 3:7). Over the next 8 weeks, I will be teaching about the REALITY OF HEAVEN. It will be a very physical place, much like our world today. And knowing that, we should be more apt to worship God now, in this physical world; we should be more apt to reach out to others now; more apt to show love now. As the Hymn writer wrote "This is my Father's world. The battle is not done. Jesus who died shall be satisfied, and earth and heav'n be one." God owns this earth. God designed this earth. One day soon, God will RESTORE this earth and make it into the New Heaven and the New Earth that we call HEAVEN. Pastor Marcus Inside this issue Vacation Bible School Elder Highlight Rummage Sale Men s Ministries Summer Birthdays & Anniversaries OUR PURPOSE Building a community of people who are experiencing new life with God and with others, by believing in Jesus Christ, worshipping Him, and learning to live every day by the Word of God.

2 Annual Rummage Sale... Annual Church Rummage Sale July 30,31 & August 1 We need your clean, sellable items delivered to church: Saturday, July 25 9:00 Noon Tuesday, July 28 9AM-7PM Sunday, July 26 12PM-3PM Wed., July 29 9AM-Noon Monday, July 27 9AM-7PM If you need items picked up please let us know! We also need lots of workers. We will be pricing and sorting beginning Monday, July 27 at 9:00 am. Can you slip in an hour or more to help? Come and find your niche Crafts? Books? Toys? Dishes? Clothes? Linens? Hardware? Tools? Electronics? Do you have a pickup available for picking up items to take to the church for those unable to do so? Join us as we endure sore feet, aching backs and the joy that comes working shoulder to shoulder with fellow church family. Please sign up at the resource center we have a spot for everyone! Funds raised will be used toward the Capital Campaign this year, as well as the Youth and Awana programs. Questions? Contact Doug & Pat Iiams, or at pdiiams@comcast.net or call the church office. Men s Ministries... Greetings to you on behalf of WHCC men s ministries commission. Our commission is enjoying the summer with family and friends as we trust you are as well. We are personally aware that challenges continue to come our way daily and regardless of the season of the year. How important and how comforting are the words of Jesus recorded in John 16:33; In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. Some of these challenges are big, some small, some deserved and some undeserved. What peace is ours when we cast all our care upon Him, because He cares for us. (I Peter 5:7) As we point to a late summer men s breakfast meeting, we are evaluating a men s Bible study entitled Measure of a Man written by Gene Getz. We are believing that a good number of our men will join us in this study which calls us as men of God to accountability as leaders in our families and in the community. It is very easy to become complacent in a culture with so many activities and commitments that fill our schedules to the max. We are praying that you will be able to set time aside to be a part of this study. More to follow! Blessings to you in Jesus! Stan Wiens Page 2

3 Elder Board... Pastor Marcus has taught on and encouraged us to memorize 2 Timothy 3:16: "All scripture is Godbreathed, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." This gives us the allimportant foundation, understanding that God directly inspired the human authors of the different books of scripture, giving it His full and absolute authority in all matters. The two additional references I have chosen to memorize show some of the many specific qualities that make God's Word different from anything that has ever been written. Hebrews 4:12: This verse tantalizes the reader's imagination, portraying God's Word as a razor sharp instrument, but precise as a surgeon's scalpel, delving deep into the reader's inner being and exposing what is hidden... even from the reader himself. God shows us that His Word is interactive, and that in the process of revealing His thoughts to us, He helps us to know our own hearts better! Only a loving Creator and Father would have this kind of intimate understanding of what makes His children tick. Isaiah 55:10-11: These verses speak of God's Word as an abundant resource both for the believer and for the seeker...god is able to accomplish His sovereign purpose in every human heart through its miraculous properties!! I need to remember when I am tempted to use my own intellect to "explain" God's intent to others that His Word speaks eloquently for itself. For this reason, any discussion involving our beliefs should include as much scripture as possible, giving us all the motivation we need to get busy and commit as much to memory as we can!! My accountability partner for memorizing the verses above will be Pastor Lon Huff. Bruce Merritt Financial Statement June General Fund Giving - $36, June General Fund Budget - $37, June Total Giving - $50, June Capital Campaign Update: Capital Campaign Giving $542, Capital Campaign Pledges $769, Deaconesses... I love that God allows His children to learn and mature through prayer, obedience, mistakes due to lack of obedience, and even questioning Him. Just as David questioned God to make sure God had given him the correct instructions before going to war, God was not offended but gently repeated His instructions. How gracious He is! Like David, I need repeat instructions, reminders each day to reach out for His Kingdom. Your Deaconess Commission continues to reach out to several more women who have recently become a widow. The month of May and June has seen many ill, grieving and hurting WHCC families. Two baptism Sundays in June were a blessing to all and especially your Deaconesses assisting the candidates. Witnessing the beautiful testimonies lifted hearts. If you know of anyone in our church family who may need a few meals due to illness, accident or hospitalization, please feel free to contact either Julie or myself. Helping one another brings joy to both the receiver and the giver. Dixie Hannon Deaconess Commission Chair Page 3

4 Children s Ministries This July marks a special anniversary in our family. It has officially been 10 years since our oldest son joined our family through adoption. It was completely unexpected and a situation that only God could have worked out in such perfect detail. A little 5 year old I had never met became completely mine the second I laid eyes on him. We accepted him into our family without a second of hesitation. I'm reminded once again of how God has so perfectly created our church family. We hear it often- "West Hills is so welcoming." We welcome each person who walks in our doors and we do it without a second of hesitation. It doesn't matter how old, where they came from, what they look like. The only thing that matters is that God has brought them to West Hills. As we prepare for our Polar Expedition VBS, I am praying for people who will join us in welcoming each child into our doors- no matter what church they come from, what their family looks like, or how they behave. We have an opportunity to 'adopt' children into our church family... even if it's just for one week. May we take the children and families God brings our way and accept them without hesitation. Annie Willems Vacation Bible School... Polar Expedition VBS Where Kids Discover Jesus Love Is COOL July :00-8:30 p.m. Kindergarten - 5th Grade Register in the lobby or online. Worship Pastor... Once again, I am grateful to God for His blessings on our church. Summertime is when many of us take time off and head out of town. It is good to know that there are many skilled musicians that the Lord has brought together to share the work of leading the church in praise. Thanks to Jeremy Waldie for doing a great job leading worship while I was away at the NAB Triennial meeting in Sacramento. Thanks also to Sharyl Weber, Robert Hoem, and Jackie Howden for playing piano while our regular accompanist, Irena was away. You all have done a great job and are a blessing to us all. Even though we have lots of people involved, there is still room for more on the platform or in the sound booth on Sunday mornings. We would especially like to find some more drummers and guitarists to add to our ranks. Please contact me in the church office. Pastor Greg Page 4

5 Youth Pastor... Summer is flying by as you read these words. - We had 66 campers attend Middle School Camp this year. Please pray that God will move in the hearts and minds of all those present this year! - There are two backpacking trips planned this summer. The first is a 30+ mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. This is a new event for us. In August, our second trip will take us back to our favorite destination, Pamelia Lake, which gives us an up and close view of Mt. Jefferson - Please pray for our upcoming High School Summer Camp where we are anticipating 80+ campers. Our desire is for a safe and meaningful time at camp where campers grow in their relationship with God and each other. - There are still lots of opportunities for students to be involved in summer activities. We have Vacation Bible School, the annual Church Rummage Sale, as well as some fun (and messy) Youth Night activities planned. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for all of your support. Please continue to pray that everyone attending Youth Group feels connected and loved! In His Grip, Pastor Bobby I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. - John 15:5 The REALITY of HEAVEN Summer Sermon Series begins July 12 Birthdays & Anniversaries July Birthdays Beverly Rosecrans 07/05 Bill Implom 07/07 Christine DuVal 07/09 Millie Holmstrom 07/09 Kaden Willems 07/13 Paul Aldrich 07/16 Toni Roehl 07/16 Todd Brumfield 07/17 Tim O'Neill 07/18 Linda Merritt 07/19 Lynn Bathurst 07/20 Karen O'Connell 07/20 Scott Nagel 07/26 Helen O'Neill 07/26 Mary Jo Nixon 07/27 Kimberly Aldrich 07/28 Elliot Lownsbery 07/28 Don Decker 07/29 Rebecca Hannon 07/29 Breanna Fenn 07/30 Tom Thompson 07/31 August Birthdays Curt Leggett 08/01 Michele McNall 08/01 Larry Rowat 08/01 Robert Buechner 08/02 Corey Linerud 08/02 Joe Glad 08/03 Aiden (Sam) DuVal 08/11 Joyce McMillan 08/11 Joyce Nagel 08/11 Sherry Buechner 08/13 Greg Denney 08/15 Ron McNinch 08/15 Jeremy Waldie 08/19 Marcus Elmer 08/22 Melissa Glad 08/22 Dannie Fryou 08/23 Mary Ann Elmore 08/24 Andrew Denney 08/25 Jenna Fahey 08/25 Darrin Campbell 08/26 Susan Roberts 08/27 John Callahan 08/28 Ed Gossien 08/30 Asher Hunt 08/30 July Anniversaries Gordon & Nancy Brouse 07/03 Reed & Renee Reavis 07/10 Joe & Judy Willems 07/11 Todd & Julie Brumfield 07/12 Kevin & Lauren Haas 07/17 John & Sharyl Weber 07/19 Rick & Janet Noyes 07/23 Tim & Nancy O'Neill 07/26 Michael & Karen O'Connell 07/27 Tom & Kristin Thompson 07/27 August Anniversaries William & Kari Velez 08/04 Doug & Pat Iiams 08/07 Daniel & Lara Matarrese 08/07 Scott & Tiffanie Bradley 08/10 Dan & Shelley Kuykendall 08/13 Simon & Alicia Garcia 08/17 Thomas & Lynn Bathurst 08/23 Mike & Lisa Niblock 08/23 Don & Alice Decker 08/25 Herb & Joan Shaw 08/30 Page 5

6 W e s t H i l l s C o m m u n i t y C h u r c h Marcus Elmer Senior Pastor Greg Denney Worship Pastor Bobby Van Kleek Youth Pastor Lon Huff Community Life Pastor Annie Willems Children s Director Julie Brumfield Church Administrator Sunday First Hour 9:30 a.m. Sunday School for all ages Second Hour Worship Service Awana Club September May 10:45 a.m. 6:00 p.m. Tuesday Middle School Youth Group 6:30 p.m. Wednesday High School Youth Group 6:30 p.m. Breakthrough Prayer Team 7:00 p.m Brush College Rd. NW Salem, OR Phone: LABEL