By Pat Murphy -- I miss you all. Most of you have been experiencing this pandemic since March. We, the Murphy’s, have just started to experience it. We returned from a trip to Israel and Egypt in late March. I had the time to take on those tasks I have been successful...
By Jane Lewis -- “Stop! I want to get off! Life isn’t supposed to be like this!" I wonder if Adam and Eve ever said that to themselves or to each other. Certainly not while they were in the beauty of the Garden of Eden and enjoying intimate fellowship with God, but after their fall...
By Sally Bland -- God moves in miraculous ways! During this pandemic we have seen God continue to draw people closer to Him by freeing up our time and breaking down the walls and distractions in our lives. One of the opportunities God put before us was to reach out to the families living in...
By Jessica Heimbegner -- It has been a blast to add on being the Interim Youth Director at Greater Portland Bible Church. We started gathering in person at the start of July and have created the rhythm of a mid-week bright spot during one of the most challenging times I have ever known youth to...
By Richard McElroy -- I know it’s been a while since we’ve seen one another, but know you are loved, thought about and prayed for often. We all are in the Father’s hands. Whole-hearted! That’s been on my mind and stirring my heart lately. What does it mean...
By Greg Lunsford -- During my preparation for the sermon this week I landed on John 13:35 and I rested there for a while: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” As Jesus followers, love is to be our calling card. Specifically, how we love...
By Wayne Williams -- Hey campers! This is our annual church campout weekend! This is the weekend I’ve looked forward to every year for almost 30 years. I love the smell of campfire smoke. I love sitting around the campfire with friends old and new and talking about things heavy and...
By Caris Power -- Which is true? “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” or “Out of sight, out of mind.” We have been absent from each other, at least in the form of physical Sunday morning gatherings, for over 19 weeks. That is four and a half months. Come September, if...
By Rithu Lowry -- I don’t know about you, but I’m struggling right now. I am on edge, anxious, scared, and angry. Not only because of COVID, but also because Barry lost his job mid-March. For years, I attempted to address stress with alcohol. I would drown myself with whatever wine...
By Joyce Wachsmuth -- The title page of the the July/August 2020 edition of Christianity Today magazine caught my attention this past week. It stated, “Vanishing Vows” with the subtitle, “Can the church save what’s left of marriage?” Andy Olsen, managing editor of...