The Forms of Love. A Publication of First Baptist Church. February 2018 Volume 80, No. 2

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "The Forms of Love. A Publication of First Baptist Church. February 2018 Volume 80, No. 2"

Scarlett Miles
5 years ago
Views:

February 2018 Volume 80, No. 2 The Trumpeter A Publication of First Baptist Church Portland, Oregon The Forms of Love How helpful and encouraging it is that February is the month of love.

This is especially so in a year when several FBC members are grieving the loss of loved ones. At the heart of Christian faith is the affirmation God is love (1 John 4:8).

And in a broken world God accompanies us through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4); we are never alone.

1 February 2018 Volume 80, No. 2 The Trumpeter A Publication of First Baptist Church Portland, Oregon The Forms of Love How helpful and encouraging it is that February is the month of love. Otherwise in the wet, gray days of a typical Portland February, we might all too easily wallow in depression. This is especially so in a year when several FBC members are grieving the loss of loved ones. At the heart of Christian faith is the affirmation God is love (1 John 4:8). God's love creates us out of nothing, as God graciously shares the divine being with us, and redeems us at cost to himself from the sin that corrupts us and mars the world. And in a broken world God accompanies us through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4); we are never alone. The Apostle Paul proclaims that love is the greatest of the spiritual gifts, the supernatural endowments that the Spirit pours out on members of the Body of Christ. At the end of his listing and describing the spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12, he says And now I will show you a more excellent way (1 Corinthians 12:31). Then he proceeds to his description of the of the patience and the kindness and the hopefulness and the endurance of love in what we know as the love chapter (1 Corinthians 13). Love in 1 Corinthians and 1 John and many other places in the New Testament translates agape, which we understand as a self-giving, unconditional love which loves with no thought of reciprocity or return, as the Sun sheds its rays on the earth or a spring surges forth fresh water. The Swedish theologian Anders Nygren wrote a massively influential book called Eros and Agape in 1936, in which he contrasted the unconditional nature of agape with the love of need, eros, maintaining that the former is par excellence the divine love. God gives unconditionally, and what could God possibly need from us? But I'm not convinced that this distinction Continued on page 6

2 The Trumpeter Sermon Schedule February 4 Strong Isaiah 40: Mark 1: February 11 Season of a Remnant Daniel 1 Dr. Jolene Erlacher preaching February 18 Storms, Deserts and Rainbows Genesis 9: 8 17 Mark 1: 9 15 First Sunday of Lent: God's Promises and Presence February 25 Faith When We Can't See Ahead Genesis 17: 1 7, Romans 4: Second Sunday of Lent: God's Promises and Presence SUNDAY 8:45 Contemporary Service 10:00 for all ages 11:00, Sanctuary Cambodian language, Rose Chapel Children s Church for ages 3 through 2nd Grade 5:00 & 7:00 pm: A Jesus Church: MONDAY SATURDAY 6:00 8:00 am: Eye Opener (AA meeting) MONDAY & THURSDAY 2:00 4:00 pm: Drop-In Center TUESDAY : Dinner And A Movie WEDNESDAY : Wednesday Night Dinner 6:30 pm: Adult Bible Study 6:30 pm: High School Bible Study THURSDAY 7:00-8:00 pm: Downtowners (AA meeting) FRIDAY Office closed 6:00 pm: FOCUS Weekly Events February 2018 SATURDAY 8:30 10:30 am: Cambodian Men s Fellowship Bible Study The Trumpeter (USPS ) is published twelve times a year (January December). Find us on the web: and The next Trumpeter deadline is February 19, Please send articles to jchastain@fbc-portland.org Page 2 Dr. David L. Wheeler Senior Pastor Peter Im Cambodian Ministries Chris Shade Associate Pastor Travis Hatton Music Director Keith Ponce Facilities and Events Manager Cathy Francis Business Administrator Jason Chastain Assistant Business Administrator Rebecca Christensen, Kathleen Chastain Reception Joe Robak Sound Technician

The Trumpeter To my FBC Friends, It seems a futile task to try to express my love, joy and thankfulness for all the years - nearly 48 - God has allowed me to be a part of and serve at FBC.

All excellent, amazing, awesome, fantastic, wonderful, spectacular and God Blessed things: the blessing of so many friendships, teaching and nurturing children and youth to love and serve Jesus,

My heart is full of joy and thankfulness for being partnered with Wayne Bridges (27 1/2 years), Vicki Bridges, Violeta Sandu, Claudia Papagolos, Janice and Ellen Chellis, Ryan A few words from Mary

Their support and high work ethic through all the "cooking adventures" over the years was phenomenal as well as fun and rewarding. I am so grateful. Lots of hard work and all to the glory of God.

So with mixed feelings I have given notice of my retirement. The memories of my journey here at FBC are God blessed and will last a lifetime.

3 The Trumpeter To my FBC Friends, It seems a futile task to try to express my love, joy and thankfulness for all the years - nearly 48 - God has allowed me to be a part of and serve at FBC. The saying goes, "all good things must come to an end." Let me rephrase and respond on good things. All excellent, amazing, awesome, fantastic, wonderful, spectacular and God Blessed things: the blessing of so many friendships, teaching and nurturing children and youth to love and serve Jesus, Circle friendships, Pathfinder Class friends, and of course the honor and privilege of serving as Chef for 27 1/2 years. My heart is full of joy and thankfulness for being partnered with Wayne Bridges (27 1/2 years), Vicki Bridges, Violeta Sandu, Claudia Papagolos, Janice and Ellen Chellis, Ryan A few words from Mary Lofland, Ester Mejias, Barbara Bridges (many volunteer hours), and others who participated in the church dinner programs. Their support and high work ethic through all the "cooking adventures" over the years was phenomenal as well as fun and rewarding. I am so grateful. Lots of hard work and all to the glory of God. Also, I am so grateful and blessed with my amazing and awesome friendship with my sister in Christ and coworker in children's ministry, Bev Simmons. So with mixed feelings I have given notice of my retirement. The memories of my journey here at FBC are God blessed and will last a lifetime. But the time has come for transition and a new direction in my life. After the death of my dear husband Nate 17 months ago, after his nearly 3-year battle with cancer, my life changed forever. I am downsizing etc., and on a new journey. God has lovingly and kindly and directionaly enabled me to move on and out of the grieving process. God has been the calm in all the change around me February 2018 "Yesterday He helped me, Today He did the same. How long will this continue? Forever, Praise His Name! I echo the words of King David who expressed it so simply and well in Psalm 31:14-15a: "But I trust in you, O Lord: I say, You are my God. My times are in your hands." So thanks for the journey and all the multitude of wonderful and joyful memories. May God whose love never ends continue to guide and bless you. Mary Olson Page 3

The Trumpeter February 2018 From the Desk of the Associate Pastor We have a very interesting Lenten Season this year.

If that is discouraging to you, know this: Easter morning will dawn by the light of a full moon.

Some News: Youth The youth had a fun Christmas Party at the end of December. We typically have our party after Christmas so we can re-gift all of the unwanted presents in our White Elephant Game.

For the first part of the year we will be exploring what it means to be a Christian by looking at the idea of courage. Being a Christian takes tremendous courage and strength.

In our original Jesus Can Do curriculum we have explored stories of Jesus s baptism, healing, feeding, and walking on water.

It is a wonderfully accessible and visually rich group of lessons. Throughout the end of Lent and the Easter season they will be hearing stories of God s Good News.

4 The Trumpeter February 2018 From the Desk of the Associate Pastor We have a very interesting Lenten Season this year. Ash Wednesday falls on February 14th, better known as Valentine's Day combining the romantic with the repentant. This puts Easter on Sunday, April 1st, also known as April Fool s Day. If that is discouraging to you, know this: Easter morning will dawn by the light of a full moon. So, for the last two weeks of Lent, both the light of day and the light of night will be increasing each day. Such a great metaphor for the true Light coming in our lives. Some News: Youth The youth had a fun Christmas Party at the end of December. We typically have our party after Christmas so we can re-gift all of the unwanted presents in our White Elephant Game. I scored a new University of Oregon hat. I cannot believe nobody wanted to steal it during the game (they must be Beavers fans). For the first part of the year we will be exploring what it means to be a Christian by looking at the idea of courage. Being a Christian takes tremendous courage and strength. How can we develop that courage and trust it to be a guiding force in our lives? Kids The younger groups have been looking at all that Jesus Can Do. In our original Jesus Can Do curriculum we have explored stories of Jesus s baptism, healing, feeding, and walking on water. All of this will prepare them for looking at the last week of Jesus s life during the season of Lent. In March we will begin a new curriculum called Shine. It is a wonderfully accessible and visually rich group of lessons. Throughout the end of Lent and the Easter season they will be hearing stories of God s Good News. Perhaps, if you are lucky, they will share some of that good news with you. Mission Trip We are in the preliminary stages of our Mexico Mission Trip Plans. For now, I can tell you it is scheduled for the last week of June so save the date. We are working with Amor ministries to coordinate a house-building effort in Mexico. It will be a great opportunity for the youth and parents alike to participate in a rewarding endeavor. That s all for now. See you in Lent! Rev. Chris Shade Adelaide Marian Greer, daughter of Drs. Devon & Emma Greer, pictures with her namesake, was dedicated at FBC on December 24, Dear FBC Friends, After seven years of zero income and five years of appealing to SSA, I will begin receiving funding this month, February To all who have assisted me with dental and sundry expenses during this time, MANY THANKS for your generosity and support. The Lord has cared for me through y'all even as He delivers me at present! Shalom. Christiana Dearborn Page 4

The Trumpeter Cambodian Ministry News Cambodian ministry has been here at FBC since June 1975. More Cambodian refugees came during the 80s, after the Killing Fields.

Twenty-seven years of those thirty-eight, we have been served and fed on Wednesday nights and at Fellowship Sunday dinners by Chef Mary Olson and her excellent crew.

There were up to thirty children and youth in the Sunday school classes in the children s department. Their lives were changed through that ministry.

What a blessing to have Mary working in this ministry that built up the children with the word of God from a young age.

5 The Trumpeter Cambodian Ministry News Cambodian ministry has been here at FBC since June More Cambodian refugees came during the 80s, after the Killing Fields. The ministry has been growing and active in the church ever since. Twenty-seven years of those thirty-eight, we have been served and fed on Wednesday nights and at Fellowship Sunday dinners by Chef Mary Olson and her excellent crew. Also during those years Mary was a teacher to our Cambodian refugee children, including my three children. There were up to thirty children and youth in the Sunday school classes in the children s department. Their lives were changed through that ministry. Now some of the young people grown through Mary s ministry have been serving churches in this community and beyond. What a blessing to have Mary working in this ministry that built up the children with the word of God from a young age. Proverbs 22:6 says: Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. In recent years, Mary and Nate Olson partnered with the Cambodian Children Ministry in Cambodia through our ministry as well. We Cambodians and their children deeply thank you, Mary, for your spiritual investment in the lives of these children as February 2018 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 well as your work in the nutritional program for all of us at FBC for the last twenty-eight years. Sunday, January 21, was the last Sunday Fellowship Dinner for Mary. A big crowd joined to celebrate the last meal prepared for us by Mary and her outstanding crew. To the Cambodians and me that meal seemed another Thanksgiving Dinner with the recognition of her excellent service for us over the last three decades. The Cambodian mission trip was part of that program as well. We also gave thanks to all our 2017 team members. I would like encourage you all to join us serving this children s ministry through your prayers, financial support and joining us on the next mission trip as well. An update of the Cambodian Children Ministry is available online at I pray that you all continue to abide in His word and to serve our living God this year as he has plans for all of us in many ways according to the spiritual gifts given to us through Christ our Lord. Rev. Peter Im Page 5

6 The Trumpeter Samedy Kay... 2/1 Paz Mark... 2/1 Alex Paul... 2/1 Canny Mark...2/2 Saphoeun Prom...2/2 Kanica Thong...2/2 Theresa Reilly...2/5 Micah Davis-Wheeler...2/6 Ted Fischer...2/6 Yom Huon...2/6 Eric Mickelsen...2/6 Sonnary Chan...2/7 Pat Pickett...2/7 Lim Chan...2/8 Dick Smith...2/8 Ron Spence...2/8 Rodger Verdieck...2/8 Peggy Hamilton...2/9 Oniel Sanchez...2/10 Somaly Suon...2/10 MEMBER BIRTHDAYS Judy Kimbrough... 2/11 Dini Davis...2/12 Vivian Garrett...2/13 Vern Chartier...2/14 Chanry Khao...2/14 T. K. Olson...2/14 Mal Williams...2/14 Joan Klaassen... 2/15 Steve Morasch... 2/15 Ren Rath... 2/15 Paula Snyder... 2/15 Bettyjean Spence... 2/15 Mindee Garrett...2/16 Serafin Martinez...2/16 Darcia Hing...2/18 Tara Casper...2/19 Meade Moran...2/19 Bev Brininstool...2/20 Vanny Cao...2/20 Chen Cao...2/20 February 2018 Sothy Prom...2/20 Lila Smith...2/20 Ron Callahan...2/22 Rinoa French...2/23 Marina Otsuki...2/23 Lucy Martinez...2/24 Julie Perkins...2/24 Grant Shearer...2/24 Mary Ann Aschenbrenner...2/25 Mick Johnson...2/25 Brent Kellogg...2/25 Euna Flammia...2/27 Jeanette Oberfoell...2/27 Pat Hales...2/28 Rick Lawrence...2/28 Cletus Moore Jr....2/28 Janice Rydman...2/28 Yergeniy Volchanskiy...2/28 Continued from page 1 applies so neatly and cleanly to the divine love as we might think. For instance, God took delight in all that he had made according to the creation narratives in Genesis, and he was accustomed to walk in the garden in the cool of the day in the company of our first parents according to Genesis 3:8. And in a heartrending passage in Hosea, the Lord speaks through the prophet to his beloved Israel: When Israel was a child I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the more they went away from me; they kept sacrificing to the Baals, and offering incense to idols. Page 6 Yet how can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my fierce anger (Isaiah 11:1 3, 8 9) The Lord Jesus, looking out over Jerusalem, exclaims: Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! (Luke 13:34) This is the divine eros; God makes Godself vulnerable to us, rejoices with us when we are faithful (Luke 15:7) and grieves over us when we are unfaithful. In John's Gospel, on the eve of his passion, Jesus tells the disciples, I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father (John 15:15). This is yet another dimension of love, the love of friends, colleagues, beloved companions, denoted by philia in the Greek. The bottom line: God is the source of every dimension of love; God loves us not with a remote, haughty love, but with a deep and complex affection which is the very source of our well-being and selfworth. Trust that love; dwell in that love, share that love! Dr. David L. Wheeler

7 28 FEBRUARY 2018 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Dinner and Bible study Dinner and Bible study Dinner 7:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service 15 5:00 pm C.E. Meeting :00 am Men's Breakfast 18 12:30 pm Fellowship Dinner 19 Trumpeter content due 20 7:00 pm Diaconate Meeting 21 Dinner and Bible study Dinner and Bible study Trumpeter mailing Dates and times are subject to change. Please contact the FBC office to verify.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Portland, OR (USPS 642-900) is published twelve times a year (January December), at First Baptist Church, Portland OR Periodicals postage paid at Portland, Oregon.

8 Periodicals Postage Paid at Portland, OR (USPS ) is published twelve times a year (January December), at First Baptist Church, Portland OR Periodicals postage paid at Portland, Oregon. Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Trumpeter 909 SW 11th Avenue Portland, OR Good bye and good luck, Mary. You have touched so many lives here, and we are all blessed to have known you.

Cycles of Life. A Publication of First Baptist Church. August 2015 Volume 77, No. 07

Cycles of Life. A Publication of First Baptist Church. August 2015 Volume 77, No. 07 Volume 77, No. 07 A Publication of First Baptist Church Portland, Oregon Cycles of Life Even in an increasingly secular world, the church is still called upon to validate major events in our life cycle,