Bonnie is hosting a baby shower for Julie, one of the moms in the Family Promise program. Julie is expecting a girl, Brooklyn, in November.
The shower will be on Saturday, Oct 23, at 2:00 pm in the Lighthouse. If you would like to come to the shower to support Julie, help with the shower, provide a baby gift, or a monetary donation, please let Bonnie know.
Pastor Brett will do a blessing over animals on Sunday, Oct 17, during worship (towards the end.)
God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. —Genesis 1:25
For many of us, our pets have helped us through the last 18 months. Thank God for all animals!
Share from your week; where have you seen God at work?:
Pastor Brett – My God sighting this week was a person who is in higher education reached out to me last weekend through reading something on our website about my Bio. And just the fact that I had been in Santa Barbara and the fact that I had done some different things, he was curious, so he reached out to me. He reached out to me as someone who had experienced some trauma at work. So, he asked for a meeting on Tuesday morning. Through the meeting it was apparent that I was able to share from my own story in a way that was able to help him…. There was a moment when I came walking away, and I went home and told Janelle about it, there’s no way that this was not a Spirit led thing. We’re going to meet again in about a month to do some follow up. For me, how could it possibly be from me being in school in Santa Barbara and he feeling called to reach out to a pastor, how could this possibly be, unless it was from God. For me that was a big moment this week. God is good… moving in my life!
Wendy F. – I have a fun God Sighting from Sawyer, actually. He has been at college for about three weeks. He has come home every other week; I told him he can’t come home every week. He loves seeing the dogs. He called me during the week and said – I’m going to come home on Friday, and I’m going to take the bus. I said – Awesome, I’m going to do nothing and you’re going to figure it all out, it will be great. So, he did in fact arrive, which is very exciting, and he arrived with this story. He went to the bus stop at the end of class, he’s at Oregon State, he gets there 15 minutes early with cash to pay the bus driver. The bus driver said – Oh no, you have to buy your ticket early and we are full. So, his heart breaks, and as he is walking away trying to figure out what he’s going to do, the bus driver yells – Hey wait, come back! A few people did not show up. Thank You, God, for showing Sawyer grace. And the kind bus driver said – You can come on in, but the only way you can pay is to buy a different ticket for similar distance for the same cost and then I’ll scan that and you’ll be good. So, this sweet bus driver, who took care of my son, right, big community, and we all know it was God through the bus driver to Sawyer. He got home and we had a wonderful time, and he just went back last night. Yeah God!
Pastor Brett – That’s awesome, thank you, Wendy.
Debbie – Today is Pastor Appreciation Day! I saw it online. I want to say how much I appreciate you Brett and all the effort in this time; you have been gifted to us for this time and if you don’t feel appreciated, we want to let you know that we appreciate you!
Pastor Brett – Thank you, Deb! Thank you, Bonnie! Thank you everyone. It’s a joy to be your pastor. I’m just getting started!
Martha – First of all, and I’m not going to embarrass them, we have 2 guests here today. We’re very happy to have them. Second of all, because I’m a young, old person, in my day you used to be able to buy a coffee for a dollar, right? Then, it was $2.75; now it’s $3.50. So, here you go I’ve got Pastor Appreciation Day money for you and Janelle to have a cup of coffee on us.
Pastor Brett – Wow, I promise I didn’t ask for money to be given to me, either. Thank you, Martha.
If you were unable to attend worship in-person or online on Sunday, watch it here:
How about that jingle last Sunday!?!
Our annual stewardship campaign has officially kicked off. Be sure to attend each Sunday in October, online or on lawn, to experience all that your stewardship team has planned.
This Sunday, service opportunities and pledge cards will be available. If you prefer, you may pledge online at westsidejourney.com/2022-pledge.
Take a look at this step-by-step chart to get an idea of how you could increase your giving by just a little… and benefit your church by a lot.
Please continue to prayerfully consider your pledge for 2022.
Bonnie is hosting a baby shower for Julie, one of the moms in the Family Promise program. Julie is expecting a girl, Brooklyn, in November.
The shower will be on Saturday, Oct 23, at 2:00 pm in the Lighthouse. If you would like to come to the shower to support Julie, help with the shower, provide a baby gift, or a monetary donation, please let Bonnie know.
Pastor Brett will do a blessing over animals on Sunday, Oct 17, during worship.
God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. —Genesis 1:25
For many of us, our pets have helped us through the last 18 months. Thank God for all animals!
If you were unable to attend worship in-person or online on Sunday, watch it here: https://holtrich.my.webex.com/recordingservice/sites/holtrich.my/recording/b9f6efff0699103a8ddd5e5b734d2275/playback
Reflections for October 3rd: God’s inability to let go of a life of service to others. Scripture reading & sermon on Acts 9:36-43
Lisa (relayed through Pastor Brett) – My dad’s illness. The doctor kept giving a terminal diagnosis for my dad, Mark Williams. I was angry at God about losing my dad prematurely. He was able to be a grandfather and we had years left with him. The theme of timing in the scripture with Peter reminds me that my family was able to have more time with my dad, despite having this terminal diagnosis. I identify with the maker of the quilts, Tabitha, who is making tunics and cloaks for the disciples. I have done this a couple of times and I have thought carefully and prayerfully about each stitch and each seam; how this tradition of handing things on like this is just a wonderful embodiment of love through the generations.
Debbie – The Women’s Group is going through Jamie Winship’s Knowing Rediscovered Series. One of the stories he told about was when He and another fellow were praying with a Muslim guy asking God to talk to this Muslim person. And when they were praying, the Muslim guy just started sobbing and sobbing. Finally, he stood up and asked – What happened? The Muslim responded – Well, The Christ came and took me as a baby and was washing me clean and said my name and told me – Come home son. The thing that was interesting about this story is that Peter said - Tabitha, Jesus said – Lazarus. If you don’t think that God knows your name, He knows each and every one of your names and He calls you by name. And that song – He knows my name, is just apropos. The Muslim guy said – When I pray to Allah, all he says is – What do you want, slave? He never called me by name, so I know this is the Christ!
Pastor Brett – He knows each one of us by name. Amen. Love that…. Tabitha, get up!
Our annual Charge Conference is scheduled for Monday, Nov 8, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. All are invited to attend; however, only members may vote.
At Charge Conference, we get the opportunity to review the past year and anticipate the next. We do some church business as well, such as voting on the pastor’s compensation package.
More details to come.
Our annual Stewardship campaign kicks off this Sunday! Be sure to attend in-person or online to hear this year’s jingle written by our own Sally S!
Take a look at this step-by-step chart to get an idea of how you could increase your giving by just a little… and benefit your church by a lot.
There’s lots more to come but begin now to prayerfully consider your pledge for 2022.
Share from your week; where have you seen God at work?:
Bonnie – God gave me an opportunity this week to help Family Promise. They were having a little get together of the people who are in the hotel program, at the hotel in Beaverton. The folks that were going to provide dinner couldn’t because of a family emergency. So, I was able to step in and help them with that. I met five really cool people that are in that program. I don’t know their exact circumstances or anything but, I think God put them in a place where Family Promise can help them. One of the ladies is 42 years old, her name is Julie; I would ask for prayers for her, she is pregnant. She is at a higher risk pregnancy because of her age; she’s going to have a little girl named Brooklyn. I would like to have Westsiders help with a little baby shower for her. I think that God is putting that on my heart to help with that. I wonder if she’s ever had a baby shower before. The people at Family Promise are encouraging all of these folks. So, let’s just pray for Julie and I’ll let you know more in the future about a baby shower.
Pastor Brett – Thank you, Bonnie. For Julie and for Brooklyn we will pray, for sure.
I will step towards you all in vulnerability and say that one of my worst fears is to be left with the kids by myself…. My wife was out of town this week from Wednesday until Saturday… So, I had the boys by myself. I tell you, the single parents out there are the real heroes in this world. The kids made it and I made it. But, I think God shows up in really mundane things like making it through a day; the meals that we have together with friends and family. And even though there was no big conversion moment this week, just reflecting here this morning, I feel very grateful for the week I had. I am very grateful that my partner is back…
Martha – I think Janelle deserves breakfast in bed and a massage; a day at the spa, actually. I think she deserves that in appreciation of all things that she does for you.
Two weeks ago I went for a Sleep Test and got through it… Then, on Thursday I met with the Sleep Specialist and he gave me the results. So, I had my choice between the machine or the mouth guard. The night before I went to the specialist I was talking to God and saying – Please, make this test be okay, so all I have to have is a mouth guard, if I have to have anything. So, all I have to have is a mouth guard. God took care of me, He really did. He knew that I did not want that machine sticking out of my head.
Pastor Brett – Thank you, Martha.
This is the last Sunday in September. Remember to bring your donations for our September Random Acts of Kindness, My Father’s House.
My Father’s House is a non-profit shelter ministry that opened to meet the needs of homeless families. Many of these families have no idea of how to obtain or keep a job. Some need professional counseling. All of them need HOPE.
Sally S provided us with a very specific list of current needs. You can find it here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B4BABAF22AB9-september As always, you may choose to donate cash if that’s easier for you. Mail a check to the church or donate through the giving link on our website. Be sure to indicate that it’s for RAoK or My Father’s House.
Thank you!
Here’s a letter from Merry concerning the Western Farm Workers Association:
Hello Westsiders,
Thank you to those who helped out with our Back to School drive this month. We were able to get backpacks full of school supplies, tailored to each student’s requirements, for 170 kids! It took many hands to make light that work! It starts with a parent who is a member with our Benefit plan making a request, and the many steps in between to accomplish our goal.
After the very hot weather this summer, we are going ahead with installing air conditioning in our building that is more than 100 years old. And before the rainy season starts, we'll be working on a drainage system so that the annual lake in the back yard will stop trying to fill the basement. The wooden fire escape and the playground equipment are also too rickety for use. These last two projects will begin when there is sufficient funds. Wouldn't it be nice to get these done before the Winter? Please consider donating towards these projects if you are able. Please ask any questions you might have to the Operations Manager, Parker, at 503-681-9399.
I continue to arrange dental care for our members, and help with the many different ongoing efforts. Give me a call if you have ideas for us.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Merry Goldthorpe
503-690-1908 home
503-840-7410 cell
Share from your week; where have you seen God at work?:
Pastor Brett – I’m going to start with something that Gayellyn sent me. Gayellyn is in California visiting with some of her good friends so she can’t be with us this morning. This is what she sent me on Tuesday. She said – After last weekend and another very hard day on Monday with William, (her son who served in Afghanistan) I got to work this morning (Tuesday) and noticed a card I have out on my shelf. I got this card from a coworker about 11 years ago when William was in Afghanistan. It has a picture of a puppy with a bright red scarf running through a field. The inside of the card says “There’s no need to fear, Super Pup is here!” I decided to reread what my friend had written: “William is going to stay safe, think happy thoughts for him, or think of Super Pup if you start to worry; he’ll save the day!” God knew that I needed to be reminded that He is always watching out for my children and I need to trust that and give my worry over to God. God had Jen send that card to me when William was in physical danger; God showed it to me again this morning.
How awesome is that? Amen. Thank you Gayellyn for your testimony this morning.
Jan – Good morning. You know that my husband is struggling with this terrible depression that has incapacitated him. He now is stricken to the bed, he doesn’t get up at all; his legs are getting contractures and he can’t even bend them when I try to get him up over the side of the bed. Anyway, on Friday morning I had this song that came into my mind when I first woke up – The Anchor Holds. Does anybody here remember it? It’s an awesome song. Well, when Pastor Brett referenced the anchor this morning, I thought – Yes Lord! You know, this has been a long storm. Then when I went to read my Bible that morning, Friday morning; actually it was my birthday, I had a wonderful birthday. I came to this verse, listen to this, it’s Hebrews 6:19: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus is!” He is our hope, our only hope that will not ever let us go. Long story short… My son came over and got the computer in the room where my husband is on a hospital bed now; he got the computer going so we can get Day Star Christian TV Channel. So, my husband has to listen to Day Star…. it’s in the room where he is… with all the TV Evangelists preaching away to Wayne and he can’t turn it off!
Pastor Brett – That’s awesome. Thank you, Jan.
Janelle – Brett & I live in the same neighborhood as Andrew & Wendy; they really have a passion for knowing the neighbors and loving our neighbors. During Covid, we’ve actually had a lot of opportunities to know our neighbors a lot more with regularity, which I’m sure is true for a lot of you. We got invited to a casual gathering with a bunch of young families. We know a lot of older people in our neighborhood… which is great because we have all these grandparents. But there were all these young families from all over the big area of our neighborhood. Brett was on it, he got contact information. It was just such an answer to prayer in a whole new way; feeling like this door is opening to be friends with more people that are at our life stage to where it feels more natural to be neighbors and friends. I felt like God was on the move!
Pastor Brett – Yes, Amen. It’s almost like Janelle took the words right out of my mouth, because that’s what I was going to share. Thank you Janelle. I will just add my 2nd to that experience. How amazing is it – that the two great commandments are love God and love your neighbor. So, we know that our neighbors are close to God’s heart at all times.
Michele – Hi. What I wanted to say is – If there’s anything that I’m really learning here in Michigan with the hospice care is – I can’t believe the outpouring of kindness and the caring of all the people dealing with hospice; the people that work at this hospice association, the neighbors that Jan has, all of the friends that Jan has. The way these people have come through, it’s such a blessing and you just know that God is working, God is there helping us through this. If you saw the kind of wonderful things that these nurses do. They come in the middle of the night if we have a problem… It’s really heartwarming to see, with the way things are nowadays, to see such kindness it kind of surprises you anymore.
Pastor Brett – Amen, thank you Michele.
This Sunday, Sep 19, we are blessed to welcome Wendy Palau as our guest speaker during worship. Here’s a short bio from palau.org/nigeria:
Wendy Palau shoulders a burden for the lost, born out of her own experience of living apart from Jesus Christ for the first 24 years of her own life. While born into a wonderful Christian home on the island of Jamaica, her heart wandered and sought fulfillment in all the world offers. At 25 years of age, God mercifully revealed Himself and she experienced His radical transformation. She and her husband Andrew have since dedicated their lives to serving churches around the world through city-wide evangelistic outreaches. Each one features a strong focus on meeting the spiritual and physical needs of the least in this world.
This will be a Sunday you won’t want to miss!
Share from your week; where have you seen God at work?:
Pastor Brett – My oldest who is 6 started 1st grade this week. It was amazing to walk to the school and see all the other parents and kids walking in. It was like a joyful parade. I’m sure some parents like me were a little nervous but, to see the kids back together, it was just a moment where I thought – you know, life is going to go on, like it’s going on. I’m thankful for the Beaverton School District that basically said – It’s more important for the kids to be in person than at home. And I think that there’s some leadership in that, that we might follow. I was moved by several things this week but, that was probably at the top of my list.
Wendy F. – Good morning everybody. I was reminded last week of my God Sighting which is a little old, it’s from the month of August. A very large God Moment in my life in August; coupled with Pastor Brett’s service last week on magic, it’s a perfect connection. So, in August I had some heart issues that sent me to the ER twice and I was in the Cardio Unit of St. Vincent’s twice. They thought they had fixed me the first time. What I had was Idiopathic Ventricular Tachycardia and it ended up being a version that was not fatal; if you’re going to have this fancy heart issue, it’s the best version you can have. My structure was great but, I had electrical signals that were going haywire. They first gave me medicine and sent me home and we crossed our fingers, we hoped that worked; it did not work. So, I went back in and this is the miracle, this is the God Moment – To me, hearts and doctors are unbelievable. You know already that they are unbelievable but, magnify that by 100 when you go through experiences like this. I think hearts are delicate and if you’re going to have a heart issue you are very likely to die; that is totally not the case! My God Moment was – They were able…I was having these sessions where my heart beat would go up to 170 – 200 bpm and it would go for hours on end. I was having that everyday. They did an ablation where they put a catheter up into my heart and zapped it in some places and I have been fixed since August 18th, not a single one, so, amazing God Moment to me. If that’s not God, I don’t know what is! Everyday to never again, working through the doctors and all of the technology that we have. So, saying that I am grateful, is such an understatement. Thank you, God! Team God.
Pastor Brett – Yes, Team God. Thank you Wendy and I’m very glad that you are here to give witness to that too. As I’m sure, many of us are.
Gavin – Good morning. In the race to get to church on time… You know, I’ve been accused probably jokingly of being a very cautious driver. A little squirrel shot out from the side street about as fast as a little squirrel could; I thought for sure he was a goner. I didn’t feel him if I hit him but, I doubled back to check it out and he was nowhere to be seen. So, I’m assuming I missed him. Why that’s a big deal – I still carry the guilt from graduation of high school day when my 410 cubic inch Mercury took out a squirrel and I had to double back and make sure he went to the happy hunting ground. You know, all that flashed before my eyes in a split second when… I thought for sure he was gone. But, God took care of the squirrel and He took care of me, so, I only have one guilt with a squirrel.
Pastor Brett – Thank you, Gavin.
Martha – I do have something. As I listen to Gavin, I realize the fact we have good hearts in this church. Whether you are slowing down to 20 mph in school zone or slowing down because you’re afraid of hurting something, our hearts are still good. So, a prayer of thanksgiving, even though we have a squirrely Pastor at times, we do have good hearts in this church. Thank you.
Pastor Brett – That’s awesome…
If you were unable to attend our online or in-person worship on Sunday, view it here:
On Sunday, Sep 19, we are blessed to welcome Wendy Palau as our guest speaker during worship. Here’s a short bio from palau.org/nigeria:
Wendy Palau shoulders a burden for the lost, born out of her own experience of living apart from Jesus Christ for the first 24 years of her own life. While born into a wonderful Christian home on the island of Jamaica, her heart wandered and sought fulfillment in all the world offers. At 25 years of age, God mercifully revealed Himself and she experienced His radical transformation. She and her husband Andrew have since dedicated their lives to serving churches around the world through city-wide evangelistic outreaches. Each one features a strong focus on meeting the spiritual and physical needs of the least in this world.
This will be a Sunday you won’t want to miss!
Reminder: For September, our Random Acts of Kindness is for My Father’s House.
My Father’s House is a non-profit shelter ministry that opened to meet the needs of homeless families. Many of these families have no idea of how to obtain or keep a job. Some need professional counseling. All of them need HOPE.
Sally S provided us with a very specific list of current needs. You can find it here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B4BABAF22AB9-september As always, you may choose to donate cash if that’s easier for you. Mail a check to the church or donate through the giving link on our website. Be sure to indicate that it’s for RAoK or My Father’s House.
Items may be dropped off at church anytime in September. Thank you!