I hope most of you have heard by now that David Smith has enthusiastically accepted the position of Pastor of Worship and Global Partners at GPBC. David and Ruth will arrive in Portland late in the day on Sunday, March 6th, and will be with us in church the next Sunday. We are excited to...
This Sunday is Valentine’s Day. To celebrate, many of us will take time to tell those special people in our lives how much we love and need them. My family always celebrates with a fancy home-cooked meal, dessert, and family games! This week is also the start of the Lenten season where we...
Just three months ago, my husband Ken and I were blessed to go on a short term mission trip to Madrid, Spain to work with Dan and Eva Anderson at the Friendship House. They have established this community center to assist people in their neighborhood, a mixture of native Spaniards and Muslims...
The search for new pastoral staff is an arduous process for the search team, the elders, and the applicants. Most applicants don’t survive the process either because we see that they are not a fit for our church or they see that we are not a fit for them. I’m happy to report that one...
We are just about through January. Time passes so quickly – it seems like just yesterday we were putting up the Christmas tree! But, I have to admit, time seems to be dragging when it comes to this Whole 30 food diet I started at the beginning of January. I only have 14 more days before...
“Too blessed to be stressed. Too anointed to be disappointed.” Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks quarterback. As some of you know, I enjoy watching football. Honestly, I not only enjoy it, I look forward to watching the game with great anticipation! During the holidays Doug and I...
Silent night, holy night,All is calm, all is brightRound yon virgin mother and Child.Holy Infant, so tender and mild,Sleep in heavenly peace,Sleep in heavenly peace. Silent night, holy night,Shepherds quake at the sight;Glories stream from heaven afar,Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!Christ the...
Waking up to snow is always exciting! Last Sunday my family experienced this joy as the kids jumped out of bed and begged to go and play in the snow. They were full of energy as they ran outside to have a snow ball fight, play with friends, and build a snowman. Portland tends...
It’s the New Year 2016! It’s a new beginning, for some, a fresh start. Old challenges are over and new ones are just beginning. It’s a time to look back once more at the full year of 2015 then head forward into 2016. So where are we headed? It’s so easy these days...
You are receiving this newsletter on Christmas Day. So, Merry Christmas! Here are two things that are more important for you to do today other than reading this blog. Do both of them if you can. Engage in a meaningful conversation with one or more of the family members or friends that you...