Lots to update about and I apologize it has been too long since our last update.
Trev and I had a great visit home before Christmas. We had our pastor dedicate Ali at our home church which was a huge blessing. It was very sweet to visit California but we always feel like Portland is home. We love our city. Ali is doing great and we are loving parenthood. She is a sweet girl and we are blessed to be her parents. She is so loved by so many people - we are grateful!
Sunday Night Service
Sunday Jan 12, Trev and I both woke up and immediately knew we were getting sick. With the long day ahead, we knew we needed to depend on the Lord for strength and energy. A few minutes later, my family let me know my Grandpa had passed away that morning. Tears and prayers followed. I knew it would be easy and comfortable to slip into a negative state, questioning what had happened and asking God 'why today?' I had every reason to feel that way, right? Instead I prayed and committed the day to Jesus asking Him to be my strength and vision and guide. I already knew we couldn't do this - this Portland thing- this church plant- this church service - without Him. But now it was even more evident. What was previously a need I knew was now a need I felt. It was real. This was all real now. Fighting our way to get up, Trev and I headed to a local church we attend. Our friends prayed over us and the pastor prayed over us at the beginning of the service. After arriving home, exhausted, our friend came over to help prepare the meal. We were making chili and it was his friends recipe so she came over as well. Luckily she took over and cooked the meal. We had a million things to bring: bowls, silverware, bread, butter, snacks for the kids, kids curriculum, ladles, napkins, my guitar, drinks, communion supplies. Oh ya, and song lyrics, which I left sitting on our printer. We made it over to the location slowly; traveling with giant containers of chili is dangerous, especially with me since I'm the one who once spilled baked potato soup all over the front seat and floor of my brand new car. We made it to the location and after several trips back and forth to the car, we got everything unloaded and set up. People started to arrive and we shared a wonderful meal together. It was nice, a little chaotic, but it felt good. It felt like home. With a few last minute changes like Trev changing his entire message a few minutes beforehand and me changing my songs quickly since I had forgotten the song lyrics, we began our service. Nicole took the kiddos and jumped in like a champ. Trev preached and I played a few songs. We took communion as a family together. It felt surreal- our first service. We had a great turn out and everyone seemed very excited for our next one which will be February 9.
Community Groups
We still have our community groups going - our east side study which is at our house on Tuesdays, our west side study in Lake O on Thursdays, and our atheist Bible study which meets on Wednesdays. Our studies have been growing and it has been encouraging to see some new faces. We always have a meal together before study on Tuesdays and now our host home on Thursdays has begun doing the same. There is something special about breaking bread together.
Prayer Requests
-Our next Sunday night service
-Wisdom in next steps and new community groups
-Opportunity to reach more people in our city
-Developing more leaders so the church can continue to grow
Thank you for taking the time to read. We truly appreciate your prayers and support. love to you all.
Julz
