This coming Friday evening (November 30th) will be the annual Harvest Dinner. The Alliance Women continue the tradition of putting this event on. Everyone is invited to this delicious meal where everything is provided for you.
This year's speakers are Martin & Judy Johns. They are missionaries to the Vietnamese living in Cambodia. Look forward to great information and stories about what God is doing through these missionaries and others around the world. There will be an offering taken to support the work of the Johns.
All you have to do is show up. Sign ups were taken last weekend during the services, but if you were unable to sign up then, please send an e-mail to office@easthillsalliance.org. We will let the organizers know that you are planning on attending.
Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Thumbs Up at All-Church Meeting
After months of meetings, research, and discussion, and a preliminary meeting earlier in the month, we had our all-church meeting to discuss the proposed sanctuary remodel. The Sunday potluck was well attended (113 adults and kids). Adults feasted on casseroles, breads, salads, and a whole table full of desserts while kids had their own menu and activities in the youth room.
After lunch Pastor Nick brought the meeting to order and there was an overview presented by S.I.T. (Sanctuary Remodel Team) with boards and drawings showing design ideas to this point. We were also able to get a three dimensional view from cad drawings by Josh Brown. A question and answer time followed with particualr interest in the proposed glass doors and the stained glass options.
I was impressed by the wide range of projects that have been researched over the past eight months. Everything from roofing and electrical to lighting and sound have been considered. I see that this is much more complicated than a home remodel.
After discussion and understanding that the details would not be decided on for some time, Jim Hart suggested we take a vote. The vote was to decide on the scope of the project by agreeing to seek approval for a loan from Alliance Development Fund for up to $173,000. The vote was open to everyone. Of the 80 votes cast, 75 were in favor of moving ahead with the project. This seems to me to be a strong "thumbs up" for us to continue with this undertaking.
In closing Pastor Nick thanked the S.I.T. for their many hours of important work for the EHA family. I add my thanks as well. Leon, Bob, Tom, Kirk, Jean, Katrina, and Jeremy, thank you so much! You are the greatest!
After lunch Pastor Nick brought the meeting to order and there was an overview presented by S.I.T. (Sanctuary Remodel Team) with boards and drawings showing design ideas to this point. We were also able to get a three dimensional view from cad drawings by Josh Brown. A question and answer time followed with particualr interest in the proposed glass doors and the stained glass options.
I was impressed by the wide range of projects that have been researched over the past eight months. Everything from roofing and electrical to lighting and sound have been considered. I see that this is much more complicated than a home remodel.
After discussion and understanding that the details would not be decided on for some time, Jim Hart suggested we take a vote. The vote was to decide on the scope of the project by agreeing to seek approval for a loan from Alliance Development Fund for up to $173,000. The vote was open to everyone. Of the 80 votes cast, 75 were in favor of moving ahead with the project. This seems to me to be a strong "thumbs up" for us to continue with this undertaking.
In closing Pastor Nick thanked the S.I.T. for their many hours of important work for the EHA family. I add my thanks as well. Leon, Bob, Tom, Kirk, Jean, Katrina, and Jeremy, thank you so much! You are the greatest!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
All-Church Meeting Scheduled Sunday
November 14, 2007
Dear Church Family,
Hi! Awhile back, I participated in a 10K run that included a post-race prize-giveaway as part of the event. A crowd of about 200 people had packed into a room to see who would win a variety of door-prizes and who would be awarded with ribbons for winning their age group. As I surveyed the size of the crowd and the volume of awards to be handed out, I quickly realized that this was going to be a long affair. I was tired, sweaty, and all I wanted to do was go home and shower. I very nearly left.
In the end, however, I chose to stay around. About 20 minutes into the presentation, my name was picked as the winner of a gift certificate to a local restaurant. On my way up to collect the prize, I remember thinking to myself, "I'm glad I didn't miss this!"
Some things in life are worth staying around for. Free latte samples at Starbucks, a batch of fresh baked bread at the store, a field goal attempt to win the game. Moments like these are worth the wait because of what they can add to life.
I believe with all my heart that we are approaching a moment in the life of East Hills that is worth staying around for. As you may know, we are considering significant plans to do a major remodel of our church sanctuary, foyer and balcony. The project that has been proposed is not mere surface treatment- it will transform the look of our worship center for many years to come.
On Sunday afternoon, we will hold an all-church potluck, and at this meeting, we will vote on the scope and cost of this project. If you consider East Hills to be home for you, then you need to be there to have a say in the future of our church. This is NOT a members-only meeting; this is for everyone.
I believe that this project has incredible potential to make our space more versatile, more functional, and perhaps most importantly, more welcoming to unchurched visitors who attend. First-impressions make a huge difference, and we want every visitor to quickly connect with our congregation because of the atmosphere the room creates.
I hope to see you on Sunday. You'll be glad you didn't miss it.
Blessings!
Pastor Nick
Dear Church Family,
Hi! Awhile back, I participated in a 10K run that included a post-race prize-giveaway as part of the event. A crowd of about 200 people had packed into a room to see who would win a variety of door-prizes and who would be awarded with ribbons for winning their age group. As I surveyed the size of the crowd and the volume of awards to be handed out, I quickly realized that this was going to be a long affair. I was tired, sweaty, and all I wanted to do was go home and shower. I very nearly left.
In the end, however, I chose to stay around. About 20 minutes into the presentation, my name was picked as the winner of a gift certificate to a local restaurant. On my way up to collect the prize, I remember thinking to myself, "I'm glad I didn't miss this!"
Some things in life are worth staying around for. Free latte samples at Starbucks, a batch of fresh baked bread at the store, a field goal attempt to win the game. Moments like these are worth the wait because of what they can add to life.
I believe with all my heart that we are approaching a moment in the life of East Hills that is worth staying around for. As you may know, we are considering significant plans to do a major remodel of our church sanctuary, foyer and balcony. The project that has been proposed is not mere surface treatment- it will transform the look of our worship center for many years to come.
On Sunday afternoon, we will hold an all-church potluck, and at this meeting, we will vote on the scope and cost of this project. If you consider East Hills to be home for you, then you need to be there to have a say in the future of our church. This is NOT a members-only meeting; this is for everyone.
I believe that this project has incredible potential to make our space more versatile, more functional, and perhaps most importantly, more welcoming to unchurched visitors who attend. First-impressions make a huge difference, and we want every visitor to quickly connect with our congregation because of the atmosphere the room creates.
I hope to see you on Sunday. You'll be glad you didn't miss it.
Blessings!
Pastor Nick
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Tom Keen's Testimony
Last Sunday, Pastor Nick baptized Tom Keen. As usual, Tom told the church a little about himself before making this show of faith in Christ, and his testimony is a powerful one.
Tom believed in God for most of his life, but his household was a spiritually confusing place, with his mother hosting both Baptist and Jehovah's Witnesses Bible studies in their home. As a teenager, he turned away from spiritual things, still believing in God, but not seeking His direction for his life.
Through his daughter, Anya, Tom came to be a part of East Hills. He gradually attended more and more regularly, then joined a Life Group. In that setting, he found Romans 10:9, 10: "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." Tom studied what it means to give your life to the Lord, and about 10 months ago, he accepted Christ.
"I literally felt a load lifted off my shoulders," he said. "If you haven't made that decision, it's the most important thing that can happen in your life. I know that I'm right with God."
Soon after that, Tom encountered severe physical problems. He lost the use of one leg and needed oxygen just to stand up and give his testimony. Instead of turning him away from God once, these trials have shown the value of his faith.
"God is not going to give me anything I can't live with. And if I can't live with it, I'll be with Him."
Tom believed in God for most of his life, but his household was a spiritually confusing place, with his mother hosting both Baptist and Jehovah's Witnesses Bible studies in their home. As a teenager, he turned away from spiritual things, still believing in God, but not seeking His direction for his life.
Through his daughter, Anya, Tom came to be a part of East Hills. He gradually attended more and more regularly, then joined a Life Group. In that setting, he found Romans 10:9, 10: "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." Tom studied what it means to give your life to the Lord, and about 10 months ago, he accepted Christ.
"I literally felt a load lifted off my shoulders," he said. "If you haven't made that decision, it's the most important thing that can happen in your life. I know that I'm right with God."
Soon after that, Tom encountered severe physical problems. He lost the use of one leg and needed oxygen just to stand up and give his testimony. Instead of turning him away from God once, these trials have shown the value of his faith.
"God is not going to give me anything I can't live with. And if I can't live with it, I'll be with Him."
Remodeling Town Hall Meeting: Tuesday, 11/6
Be sure to pick up a hard-copy of the Headlight at this weekend's services. It contains the Sanctuary Improvement Team's recommendations for remodeling not only the sanctuary itself, but the foyer, its front stairways, and the balcony. For many of the structural improvements, such as the proposed new platform, the team has arrived at what they feel is a strong, well-thought-out proposal. Some of the finish options, such as color choices, are further from a final decision and are presented only as examples of what is possible.
The SIT is making the information available now so that we can think it over in advance of the town hall meeting at the church at 6:30 Tuesday. There will be no vote held and no decision made at that meeting, but it is an opportunity for us to offer questions, opinions, and concerns about the proposal. Pastor Nick will lead the town hall meeting, and Bob Shaw and other members of the team will be there.
The church leadership will consider the feedback from the town hall meeting before constructing an official proposal. At a full general meeting, tentatively scheduled for November 19, East Hills members and attenders will have a vote on that proposal.
This Tuesday town hall meeting is an important one. It is a chance to preview and even influence the proposal we will soon vote on. More importantly, no work can can go forward without good participation from church members. The leadership must approve any building project, and the Alliance Development Fund will loan us the money, but neither will try to remodel anything without a show of support form the congregation. My dad, Tom Hight, is on the SIT team, so I know firsthand the importance the team places on thoughtful questions and feedback of all kinds.
(See this archive page for an older Headlight entry listing some of the changes the SIT is considering.)
The SIT is making the information available now so that we can think it over in advance of the town hall meeting at the church at 6:30 Tuesday. There will be no vote held and no decision made at that meeting, but it is an opportunity for us to offer questions, opinions, and concerns about the proposal. Pastor Nick will lead the town hall meeting, and Bob Shaw and other members of the team will be there.
The church leadership will consider the feedback from the town hall meeting before constructing an official proposal. At a full general meeting, tentatively scheduled for November 19, East Hills members and attenders will have a vote on that proposal.
This Tuesday town hall meeting is an important one. It is a chance to preview and even influence the proposal we will soon vote on. More importantly, no work can can go forward without good participation from church members. The leadership must approve any building project, and the Alliance Development Fund will loan us the money, but neither will try to remodel anything without a show of support form the congregation. My dad, Tom Hight, is on the SIT team, so I know firsthand the importance the team places on thoughtful questions and feedback of all kinds.
(See this archive page for an older Headlight entry listing some of the changes the SIT is considering.)
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Update from Nathan Pharr
Guten tag! I hope that all of you are doing well. My, how time flies when you’re having fun! I can’t believe that I have been here for over a month and almost two months already. There have been a lot of things that have taken place since I last wrote a newsletter.
Life at Liel:
Life at Liel goes by at a whirlwind pace, or so it seems. I don’t think a week has gone by that has been “slow.” Some days will go by slowly, depending on what needs to get done or how much sleep I have had or other factors, but for the most part, the weeks fly by. Soon after I wrote the last newsletter, the high school students at BFA had a “Fall Party.” The theme dealt with movies, so the students dressed up as different characters from different TV shows or movies. I had the privilege of being dressed up as a wolf from a Little Red Riding Hood spin-off movie. Sorry! No pictures! :P Soon after that, I had my first weekend off (Friday after noon until 8am, Tuesday morning). Since I did not know the area that well, I decided to explore some castles with a Resident Assistant from another dorm. We got some basic directions and managed to eventually find our way (after turning around a couple of times…and finding a palace instead of a castle). Overall, though, the weekend was very relaxing and restful, which was needed. The other weekend that I had off, I was able to go hiking in the Swiss Alps (see the picture at the top of the page). It was absolutely gorgeous up there.
Since the dorm has both middle school and high school students in it, sometimes the schedule can get crazy. It is almost as though we have to duplicate events for the students. Early in the year, the high school students had their “Fall Party.” Just recently, the middle school students had their “Fall Party” with the movie theme again. Sometimes the Korean kids have worship at the school. To do this, they have to stay in after school and eat supper with all the other Korean students. Afterwards, we have to go pick them up. Since two of the students at the dorm are involved in volleyball, we’ll have to drop them off at the school early in the morning on a Saturday if it is an “away” game. There are a million little scheduling items that need to be considered with all of the students at times. Little did I know growing up that this must have been how my parents felt!
One of the phrases that have been used frequently in the dorm by the staff is, “Middle school drama.” This could entail a couple of students getting upset because another student at the school likes one person more than the other. It could also involve students learning life lessons about what friends they can trust information with. Some students have come home crying…life isn’t always easy, but we try to give the students affection, grace, love, and discipline.
General Schedule of my week:
Mondays I have off, so I usually sleep in, then I’ll either meet up with some other RAs or I will spend time watching movies. In the evening, I’ll play basketball and volleyball with staff from BFA and Germans from the community. Tuesdays, my main job is to wash the vans we use and do some small maintenance on them. Wednesdays are staff meeting days, where we will either meet as a whole Residence Life staff or I will meet with all the other RAs. Thursdays are the dorm parents’ day off, so the other RA and I manage to do everything fairly smoothly. My main job that day is to do laundry for the 8th grade students. We have a couple of helpers who come in during the evening to help with study hours for the students, so that’s nice. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are the more relaxed days. I’ve made hot breakfasts twice already and I’ve also made cookies a couple times and no one has complained yet, so I think my mom taught me well!
Something to look for in the next newsletters:
In the next few newsletters, I will be introducing the students that I work with to you. They will be writing a short paragraph about themselves and I will also include a picture of them. J
Praises
The driving test went well and I can drive students around!
I am feeling much more comfortable in my job.
Prayer requests
That I would be steadfast in feeding myself from God’s word.
Pray for growth in student’s lives (emotional, physical, spiritual).
Physical healing for a girl who got kidney stones in our dorm.
That the rest of the support monies would come in.
That God would be glorified in everything that we do.
With love,
Nathan Pharr
Contact info:
E-mail address: nathan_pharr@yahoo.com
Address: Hauptstrasse 29
Schliengen Liel 79418
Germany
Life at Liel:
Life at Liel goes by at a whirlwind pace, or so it seems. I don’t think a week has gone by that has been “slow.” Some days will go by slowly, depending on what needs to get done or how much sleep I have had or other factors, but for the most part, the weeks fly by. Soon after I wrote the last newsletter, the high school students at BFA had a “Fall Party.” The theme dealt with movies, so the students dressed up as different characters from different TV shows or movies. I had the privilege of being dressed up as a wolf from a Little Red Riding Hood spin-off movie. Sorry! No pictures! :P Soon after that, I had my first weekend off (Friday after noon until 8am, Tuesday morning). Since I did not know the area that well, I decided to explore some castles with a Resident Assistant from another dorm. We got some basic directions and managed to eventually find our way (after turning around a couple of times…and finding a palace instead of a castle). Overall, though, the weekend was very relaxing and restful, which was needed. The other weekend that I had off, I was able to go hiking in the Swiss Alps (see the picture at the top of the page). It was absolutely gorgeous up there.
Since the dorm has both middle school and high school students in it, sometimes the schedule can get crazy. It is almost as though we have to duplicate events for the students. Early in the year, the high school students had their “Fall Party.” Just recently, the middle school students had their “Fall Party” with the movie theme again. Sometimes the Korean kids have worship at the school. To do this, they have to stay in after school and eat supper with all the other Korean students. Afterwards, we have to go pick them up. Since two of the students at the dorm are involved in volleyball, we’ll have to drop them off at the school early in the morning on a Saturday if it is an “away” game. There are a million little scheduling items that need to be considered with all of the students at times. Little did I know growing up that this must have been how my parents felt!
One of the phrases that have been used frequently in the dorm by the staff is, “Middle school drama.” This could entail a couple of students getting upset because another student at the school likes one person more than the other. It could also involve students learning life lessons about what friends they can trust information with. Some students have come home crying…life isn’t always easy, but we try to give the students affection, grace, love, and discipline.
General Schedule of my week:
Mondays I have off, so I usually sleep in, then I’ll either meet up with some other RAs or I will spend time watching movies. In the evening, I’ll play basketball and volleyball with staff from BFA and Germans from the community. Tuesdays, my main job is to wash the vans we use and do some small maintenance on them. Wednesdays are staff meeting days, where we will either meet as a whole Residence Life staff or I will meet with all the other RAs. Thursdays are the dorm parents’ day off, so the other RA and I manage to do everything fairly smoothly. My main job that day is to do laundry for the 8th grade students. We have a couple of helpers who come in during the evening to help with study hours for the students, so that’s nice. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are the more relaxed days. I’ve made hot breakfasts twice already and I’ve also made cookies a couple times and no one has complained yet, so I think my mom taught me well!
Something to look for in the next newsletters:
In the next few newsletters, I will be introducing the students that I work with to you. They will be writing a short paragraph about themselves and I will also include a picture of them. J
Praises
The driving test went well and I can drive students around!
I am feeling much more comfortable in my job.
Prayer requests
That I would be steadfast in feeding myself from God’s word.
Pray for growth in student’s lives (emotional, physical, spiritual).
Physical healing for a girl who got kidney stones in our dorm.
That the rest of the support monies would come in.
That God would be glorified in everything that we do.
With love,
Nathan Pharr
Contact info:
E-mail address: nathan_pharr@yahoo.com
Address: Hauptstrasse 29
Schliengen Liel 79418
Germany
Rentz Germany Update
BABY DANIEL IS BORN!
My beautiful wife Jenny gave birth to our 4th child on August 22 at 9:50am. Daniel weighed in at 10 lbs. 6½ oz. We praise the Lord that the last 3 months of constant travel did not result in any complications and that both Jenny and Daniel are doing well. Below is a picture of Erich, Emily and Thomas as they meet their brother for the first time.
My beautiful wife Jenny gave birth to our 4th child on August 22 at 9:50am. Daniel weighed in at 10 lbs. 6½ oz. We praise the Lord that the last 3 months of constant travel did not result in any complications and that both Jenny and Daniel are doing well. Below is a picture of Erich, Emily and Thomas as they meet their brother for the first time.
TRANSITION BACK TO BERLIN
Our transition back to Berlin feels like a gift from God. Thank you to all of you who have been praying for us. The move into our new apartment on the other side of Berlin has gone better than we could have hoped. We have wonderful neighbors who also have kids including one who is 7 and likes to play with Erich and Emily. Our wonderful teammates moved our belongings from storage into our apartment a couple of days before we arrived in Berlin. What a blessing! You have been the hands and feet of Christ to us. After 8 weeks we finally have phone and internet service and, praise the Lord, we were able to purchase a used van less than 12 hours before Daniel’s birth! Erich and Emily were able to begin school Aug 27th and now I am preparing to take a short refresher class in German prior to full-time ministry. The culture shock and exhaustion from moving was greatly diminished this time and renewed contact with old friends here in Berlin added to our sense of belonging. We are Home! Thank You Jesus!
CHANGING MINISTRY ROLLS
We began our service in Berlin at Berlin International Church (BIC) in 2001. After 2 ½ years there, we joined Jerry & Shelly Kragt in planting Open Door Church on the other side of Berlin. Now that we have returned, our ministry assignment is once again with the BIC. As we complete our transition to Berlin we join Steve & Karen Mack in serving at BIC. Chuck will be preaching for the first time Sept 16 but our main responsibility at this moment is to build relationships, learn the vision, visit the different ministries to better understand what God is going at and through BIC, and to prepare for formal responsibilities by the end of fall.
PRAISES AND PRAYER REQUESTS
1) We praise God for the blessings He has showered down on us during this time of transition including an apartment, a vehicle, etc. Please pray for the completion of all the details necessary in our transition to Germany (i.e. finding Dr.s, getting the kids integrated into school, our new neighborhood and church ministries, completion of language refresher course, etc)
2) We praise God for our Missionary Teammates and how they have expressed Christ’s love in tangible ways. We are so glad to be part of a team!
3) Please pray for our integration into the ministry at BIC and our partnership with Steve & Karen Mack. It always takes time for us to grasp the vision and ministries of a new assignment and at the same time to build positive personal and ministry relationships with our co-workers.
4) Please Pray for our relationships with the people at BIC as well as with German non-believers outside the church. One such friend commented to Jenny several days ago that he is thankful and even drawn to the fact that, although we are Missionaries in his country, we have not tried to “missionize” him. It is the testimony of a living and active God at work in our lives that draws him to us!
Friday, September 21, 2007
Heart to Heart on the Front Porch
After a summer off, Heart to Heart has reformed for the fall season. I have felt lately like something in my life is just missing, and after our first Thursday together I know what it is. My heart has missed Heart to Heart. Getting together with a group of women who nibble and chat comfortably together, but have a heart to seek God and get real is just the best. We have met just once and already it feels like coming home. Actually it feels like coming home to the front porch...a comfy friendly place to kick back. "Front Porch" is the title of our current series as we learn what the Bible has to say about work and rest. Each week we also have planned a special presentation on organizing, cooking, personal safety, and other practical topics. If you feel like you are just missing something, check out Heart to Heart on Thursday mornings and evenings. I hope to meet you on the front porch!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Fall Activities Planned for Women
After a summer hiatus, East Hills women’s ministries are preparing for another season. The two main areas of activities expressly for women are Alliance Women and Heart to Heart.
Alliance Women is headed by a team that includes Chris Church as President. Their schedule and plans for the coming year have been put together; the key meeting time is the second Tuesday of each month. The first meeting is Tuesday, September 11th, at Chris Church’s home at 3028 Maple in Longview. Their focus is missions and prayer with lots of fun and meaningful activities added to the mix.
The second area is Heart to Heart, which will again be meeting in a revised format on Thursday mornings and evenings beginning September 20th. This ministry is led by me and features Bible studies, times of fellowship, and this year a few surprises thrown in.
The specific plans for both of these ministries, as well as other opportunities for women, will be unveiled at a special evening event in the Fellowship Hall on Thursday, Sept. 13, at 7:00. Called "Autumn a la Mode," it will feature presenters, handouts, prizes, free childcare, and of course pie a la mode. All women are invited to check out what is new for them this fall.
Alliance Women is headed by a team that includes Chris Church as President. Their schedule and plans for the coming year have been put together; the key meeting time is the second Tuesday of each month. The first meeting is Tuesday, September 11th, at Chris Church’s home at 3028 Maple in Longview. Their focus is missions and prayer with lots of fun and meaningful activities added to the mix.
The second area is Heart to Heart, which will again be meeting in a revised format on Thursday mornings and evenings beginning September 20th. This ministry is led by me and features Bible studies, times of fellowship, and this year a few surprises thrown in.
The specific plans for both of these ministries, as well as other opportunities for women, will be unveiled at a special evening event in the Fellowship Hall on Thursday, Sept. 13, at 7:00. Called "Autumn a la Mode," it will feature presenters, handouts, prizes, free childcare, and of course pie a la mode. All women are invited to check out what is new for them this fall.
Combined Service, Barbecue, and Baptism
East Hills' next combined church service will take place on Sunday, September 9, at Kelso High. It is a 10:30 meeting bracketed by food: Chris Simmons and her hospitality team will be responsible for coffee and snacks before the service, and a barbecue is planned for afterward, with the church providing all grills, hamburgers, and hot dogs. Finally, there will be a baptism that same Sunday, although the location for this has not been set.
This is one of the few times during the year that the entire church can meet in one place. Pastor Nick is preaching, Matt Milligan leading worship, and there will also be drama and special music. The staff will be announcing information about the ministry programs for the coming year, including important news about new directions for our small groups.Childcare is available for newborn through fifth grade.
This is one of the few times during the year that the entire church can meet in one place. Pastor Nick is preaching, Matt Milligan leading worship, and there will also be drama and special music. The staff will be announcing information about the ministry programs for the coming year, including important news about new directions for our small groups.Childcare is available for newborn through fifth grade.
Back-to-School: Year 4
On August 19, East Hills held its fourth annual Project Back-To-School, with Lori Shero returning as the organizer. We supplied more than 60 children attending Butler Acres and Wallace schools with their backpacks and school supplies. The kids brought lists of their teachers, and our volunteers were equipped with lists of what supplies each teacher requires, so each kid could fill his new backpack with just what he needed. At the same time, but we served hot dogs to kids and their parents, washed their cars, and had a Hoppin' House for some to play on while others stocked up.
"The volunteers and donators were generous," Pastor Ann said. "The people who worked were enthusiastic, welcoming, and genuinely expressed the love of Christ to kids and their families. It was enjoyable to be a part of this event."
There were enough leftovers that we were able to make up six extra backpacks and deliver them to Barnes for needy students, and still more extra supplies will go to 25 kids at Community House.
"The volunteers and donators were generous," Pastor Ann said. "The people who worked were enthusiastic, welcoming, and genuinely expressed the love of Christ to kids and their families. It was enjoyable to be a part of this event."
There were enough leftovers that we were able to make up six extra backpacks and deliver them to Barnes for needy students, and still more extra supplies will go to 25 kids at Community House.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Rentz Baby News!
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Chuck & Jenny Rentz, our former Missionaries in Residence, have given birth to their fourth child. Daniel Stephen was born August 22 at 9:50 a.m. He was 22 inches long and weighed 10 lbs. 6 oz! Jenny and the baby are both doing well. Daniel joins big brothers Erich & Thomas, and big sister Emily. Chuck wanted to express his thanks to our church family for the love offering that was taken in May. It helped them purchase a 7-passenger van, which they brought home the day before the baby was born! God is good!
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Baby has arrived!
We are pleased to announce the safe arrival of Madelyn Grace Stumbo. She was born Tuesday, July 31, at 10:56 AM, weighing a whopping 8 lbs, 11 oz. She is 21" long and has a little tuft of silky hair. She joins big sister Alyssa Joy Stumbo who is 2 1/2 years old and happy to have her new playmate. Michelle is doing fine and expects to be home by Thursday. Pastor Nick appreciates your love and prayers for his family. Please call the office for updates, or watch this space. More pictures soon!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
God's Invitation: "Will you become part of the miracle?"
The following story of a miracle was shared with me by Mary Hagle. I know you will enjoy reading this and being reminded again that we are in touch with a God of miracles! ~Ann
Early in 2006, I began praying in earnest about relocating to Longview/Kelso to share housing with Susan, Emmett and Sydney Turya, my daughter and grandchildren. Susan had bought a house with room for me in it, and we had been talking about sharing housing for several years.
As I continued to pray about the move, I was asking God how He intended to use me in my new home and community. I very clearly heard that my first calling was to pour love, acceptance and forgiveness on Susan, Syd and Emm. That was an easy assignment for me! Next?
My prayers shifted as I prayed for the right place to work outside our home. I began a job search in March, asking God for a place where my experience and education would meld with my heart’s desire to let people know God loves them. I began by thinking I had to have a position in place before I moved. That didn’t materialize, and I found myself having to rely more and more on God to find a job as the weeks rolled by. I was praying that the position I would be led to would fit Richard Nelson Bolle’s statement: “a place where my heart’s desire meets the world’s greatest need”.
I prayed that doors would be closed for positions that were not the one He had chosen for me. By June I had completed at least thirty applications, knowing ONE was the right one that He would choose for me. My main activity during that time, even though I was busy filling out applications, printing resumes, going to interviews, was to pray for the Grace to keep my eye on the prize of knowing that He was going ahead of me, arranging for just the right job. It was necessary to continue to say no to fear when I continued through the months not finding a position, but trusting God to choose for me because I couldn’t know which one was best for me, but that He did.
After moving to Kelso June 1st, all through the month I continued to meet my financial obligations through the small reserve I had, paying my bills, spending my reserve, saying no to fear, and holding out for God’s job for me.
One of the places to which I applied was a small nonprofit agency where they were offering a position as a case manager. Since I had experience in that capacity at Big Sisters/Big Brothers in Seattle, I applied. The Executive Director called me, and wanted to talk about my financial management background as well.
She was away on a trip to Texas for a week after her call, so I waited for her return, still hunting and praying. When she returned, the last week in June, she asked if I would come to her home, as she was tired from her trip, and I picked up salad for us at the deli and met her there. I had felt for those two weeks, after our first conversation and her return, that I should postpone making any decisions until I talked to her.
In the middle of that two-hour conversation, she suddenly interrupted what we were discussing to explain that in 1987, as she prayed for a renewed surrender of her life to God’s will, she felt His hand at her back, pressing her forward and saying she should go back to school to learn how to manage nonprofit organizations, and begin a ministry for young mothers and fathers and their babies, ages 0-3. My heart leaped! This could be the place God had chosen for me!
You probably are familiar with Parents Place (www.parentsplacelongview.org), and the astounding statistics of need in our community. The Director, Judy Bailey, had come back to the work after retiring eight year earlier, the death of her husband, and problems in the management of the agency, and told me she was tired and ready to give up, and then I walked in the door.
After thirty years’ experience in social service, financial management and nonprofit organizations, I’m wearing a lot of hats at Parents Place. I’ve always believed that if we are open to it, God is always preparing us for His next assignment, and it is clear to me that God has prepared me for coming to Parents Place.
We are busy there, making applications for grants and foundational funding, renewing contracts with social service agencies, and making plans for the future of Parents Place. I believe God wants to perform a miracle of changing the Pathways 2020 statistics for Cowlitz County, and I’m happy to be part of that process. I believe God wants to continue to do miracles of changing lives, one at a time, through this little agency, and many others in our community.
I believe He very carefully and specifically led me there, so that is miraculous to me; first that He cares enough about me to arrange for this position, at this time, and secondly, that He so clearly wants to do miraculous things for very young parents and their babies, so that they will have the opportunity to know He loves them.
I hear God’s invitation: “Will you become part of the miracle?” I am humbled and filled with gratitude for His direction in placing me at this job, at home with my sweet family, and at this Church. It is very clear to me that He was walking ahead of me all along, preparing the way.
Early in 2006, I began praying in earnest about relocating to Longview/Kelso to share housing with Susan, Emmett and Sydney Turya, my daughter and grandchildren. Susan had bought a house with room for me in it, and we had been talking about sharing housing for several years.
As I continued to pray about the move, I was asking God how He intended to use me in my new home and community. I very clearly heard that my first calling was to pour love, acceptance and forgiveness on Susan, Syd and Emm. That was an easy assignment for me! Next?
My prayers shifted as I prayed for the right place to work outside our home. I began a job search in March, asking God for a place where my experience and education would meld with my heart’s desire to let people know God loves them. I began by thinking I had to have a position in place before I moved. That didn’t materialize, and I found myself having to rely more and more on God to find a job as the weeks rolled by. I was praying that the position I would be led to would fit Richard Nelson Bolle’s statement: “a place where my heart’s desire meets the world’s greatest need”.
I prayed that doors would be closed for positions that were not the one He had chosen for me. By June I had completed at least thirty applications, knowing ONE was the right one that He would choose for me. My main activity during that time, even though I was busy filling out applications, printing resumes, going to interviews, was to pray for the Grace to keep my eye on the prize of knowing that He was going ahead of me, arranging for just the right job. It was necessary to continue to say no to fear when I continued through the months not finding a position, but trusting God to choose for me because I couldn’t know which one was best for me, but that He did.
After moving to Kelso June 1st, all through the month I continued to meet my financial obligations through the small reserve I had, paying my bills, spending my reserve, saying no to fear, and holding out for God’s job for me.
One of the places to which I applied was a small nonprofit agency where they were offering a position as a case manager. Since I had experience in that capacity at Big Sisters/Big Brothers in Seattle, I applied. The Executive Director called me, and wanted to talk about my financial management background as well.
She was away on a trip to Texas for a week after her call, so I waited for her return, still hunting and praying. When she returned, the last week in June, she asked if I would come to her home, as she was tired from her trip, and I picked up salad for us at the deli and met her there. I had felt for those two weeks, after our first conversation and her return, that I should postpone making any decisions until I talked to her.
In the middle of that two-hour conversation, she suddenly interrupted what we were discussing to explain that in 1987, as she prayed for a renewed surrender of her life to God’s will, she felt His hand at her back, pressing her forward and saying she should go back to school to learn how to manage nonprofit organizations, and begin a ministry for young mothers and fathers and their babies, ages 0-3. My heart leaped! This could be the place God had chosen for me!
You probably are familiar with Parents Place (www.parentsplacelongview.org), and the astounding statistics of need in our community. The Director, Judy Bailey, had come back to the work after retiring eight year earlier, the death of her husband, and problems in the management of the agency, and told me she was tired and ready to give up, and then I walked in the door.
After thirty years’ experience in social service, financial management and nonprofit organizations, I’m wearing a lot of hats at Parents Place. I’ve always believed that if we are open to it, God is always preparing us for His next assignment, and it is clear to me that God has prepared me for coming to Parents Place.
We are busy there, making applications for grants and foundational funding, renewing contracts with social service agencies, and making plans for the future of Parents Place. I believe God wants to perform a miracle of changing the Pathways 2020 statistics for Cowlitz County, and I’m happy to be part of that process. I believe God wants to continue to do miracles of changing lives, one at a time, through this little agency, and many others in our community.
I believe He very carefully and specifically led me there, so that is miraculous to me; first that He cares enough about me to arrange for this position, at this time, and secondly, that He so clearly wants to do miraculous things for very young parents and their babies, so that they will have the opportunity to know He loves them.
I hear God’s invitation: “Will you become part of the miracle?” I am humbled and filled with gratitude for His direction in placing me at this job, at home with my sweet family, and at this Church. It is very clear to me that He was walking ahead of me all along, preparing the way.
Mary Hagle
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Caitlyn Shaw Memorial
Caitlyn Shaw, 10, passed from earth to heaven on July 1st. Her life will be celebrated at a memorial service at Barnes Elementary School on Friday, July 13th at 7PM. Caitlyn and her family have been attenders of East Hills, and Pastor Nick will be officiating at the service. Brown's Funeral Home is hosting an online book of memories for Caitlin. You can visit the site and see some favorite pictures and leave a message for Caitlyn's family.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Pirate University Graduates First Class
Our vacation Bible School, called Pirate University, is now history. We had a great week, June 25-29, with the church filled with little pirates learning about courage, following directions, teamwork, and kindness. Pastor Nick was not available for the week, but a mysterious new guy called Captain Nick Sparrow was around all week. Hmmm. There was a slight resemblance, but, no, it couldn't be that our senior pastor would really be a pirate captain, now could it? Arrrrgh.
It was great fun to be a part of this yearly event. The stage and drama set the course of excellence for the week. Here is part of an e-mail I received this week: I just wanted to say another big hootie hoot for the VBS drama team and all those who were involved with the set building for the sanctuary. I know the Wilson family did so so much and the drama and those incredible sets just really made VBS! It was fantastic!!! They were fantastic! The kids all commented that the drama and the sets were their favorite of all of VBS. How impressive and what a dedication they have!
There was also excellence behind the scenes. Our P.U. staff mornings began in Pastor Caleb's office with a prayer time. And each day waiting for us was a morning snack, beverege, verse on a scroll, and piratey treat. Thank you to Susan and Mary for your creative care.
There were about 40 volunteers who made Pirate University a success. If you were one of them I hope you have a sense of the difference you made. You answered the call and helped kids see the power and love of Jesus Christ. Behind the scenes or out front, one task or all week, you are the heartbeat of Pirate University. Thank you so much.
It was great fun to be a part of this yearly event. The stage and drama set the course of excellence for the week. Here is part of an e-mail I received this week: I just wanted to say another big hootie hoot for the VBS drama team and all those who were involved with the set building for the sanctuary. I know the Wilson family did so so much and the drama and those incredible sets just really made VBS! It was fantastic!!! They were fantastic! The kids all commented that the drama and the sets were their favorite of all of VBS. How impressive and what a dedication they have!
There was also excellence behind the scenes. Our P.U. staff mornings began in Pastor Caleb's office with a prayer time. And each day waiting for us was a morning snack, beverege, verse on a scroll, and piratey treat. Thank you to Susan and Mary for your creative care.
There were about 40 volunteers who made Pirate University a success. If you were one of them I hope you have a sense of the difference you made. You answered the call and helped kids see the power and love of Jesus Christ. Behind the scenes or out front, one task or all week, you are the heartbeat of Pirate University. Thank you so much.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Great Commission Coffee Company
Do you love great coffee?
Do you love supporting Missionaries?
Now you can enjoy both simultaneously. Simply order your coffee through the Great Commission Coffee Company. As much as $3.00 per pound of coffee goes directly to support Alliance Missionaries. Place your order today?
www.gccoffee.com
Alliance - 100% Colombian Blend
Tozer - French Roast Blend
Simpson - Sunday Morning Blend
Do you love supporting Missionaries?
Now you can enjoy both simultaneously. Simply order your coffee through the Great Commission Coffee Company. As much as $3.00 per pound of coffee goes directly to support Alliance Missionaries. Place your order today?
www.gccoffee.com
Alliance - 100% Colombian Blend
Tozer - French Roast Blend
Simpson - Sunday Morning Blend
Thursday, June 21, 2007
The Look of the Improved Sanctuary
On June 11, the Sanctuary Improvement Team met and studied drawings, made by Bob Shaw, based on their own discussions and the feedback they have received from church attenders. Bob, an architect, chairs the meetings, and the other members are Tom Hight, Jeremy McAninch, Kirk Sherrell (an engineer), Katrina Mendenhall (an interior designer), Jean Imholte, and Leon Rennells (a recently retired City of Longview building inspector).
As you enter the East Hills building as shown on the drawings, you come in through glass doors. Changing the layout of the stairwells is not practical, but much can be done in the foyer to make it feel more open. The partial walls left over from previous remodeling are pared to only the structurally essential pieces. The large window in the rear wall of the sanctuary is replaced with two smaller ones, one on either side, and all the doors into the sanctuary are also glass. The coffee area is upgraded with a permanent counter, sink, and its own hot water heater.
The sanctuary is fully carpeted, and chairs replace the pews. Darker wainscoting comes up as far as the horizontal divider in the windows, then gives way to lighter paint. The ceiling fans are gone, and the lights replaced, probably with new pendant lights in a similar arrangement.
In the drawings, the platform is the same height, but extends about three feet farther out. The platform reaches all the way to the wall on the congregation's right, and to the edge of the outer doorway on the left. Instead of a lip, almost the entire raised area is surrounded by two steps, 18 inches wide in front and a foot on the sides. The steps in the very back of the stage are gone, and the projector is mounted from the ceiling. The overall effect is that the usable platform area gained is much larger than the seating area lost.
The railing on the loft is raised to bring it up to code, and the partial wall above it removed to improve air circulation. The handrails along the stairs leading to Kidville are replaced as well. The foyer carpet treatment continues up and down both sets of stairs and into the loft.
Although the full SIT has yet to weigh in, and many details of wiring, ventilation, and insulation are still uncertain, a majority of the team has seen the designs and is positive toward the look and general intent of them. After the full team has had its say, the next step is to get bids on the biggest expenses-- carpet, 255 chairs, and construction of the new platform-- and determine how much of the work we can do ourselves.
"We're very happy with the quality of comments we've gotten," Tom said. "The drawings are tracking pretty well with what people want."
As you enter the East Hills building as shown on the drawings, you come in through glass doors. Changing the layout of the stairwells is not practical, but much can be done in the foyer to make it feel more open. The partial walls left over from previous remodeling are pared to only the structurally essential pieces. The large window in the rear wall of the sanctuary is replaced with two smaller ones, one on either side, and all the doors into the sanctuary are also glass. The coffee area is upgraded with a permanent counter, sink, and its own hot water heater.
The sanctuary is fully carpeted, and chairs replace the pews. Darker wainscoting comes up as far as the horizontal divider in the windows, then gives way to lighter paint. The ceiling fans are gone, and the lights replaced, probably with new pendant lights in a similar arrangement.
In the drawings, the platform is the same height, but extends about three feet farther out. The platform reaches all the way to the wall on the congregation's right, and to the edge of the outer doorway on the left. Instead of a lip, almost the entire raised area is surrounded by two steps, 18 inches wide in front and a foot on the sides. The steps in the very back of the stage are gone, and the projector is mounted from the ceiling. The overall effect is that the usable platform area gained is much larger than the seating area lost.
The railing on the loft is raised to bring it up to code, and the partial wall above it removed to improve air circulation. The handrails along the stairs leading to Kidville are replaced as well. The foyer carpet treatment continues up and down both sets of stairs and into the loft.
Although the full SIT has yet to weigh in, and many details of wiring, ventilation, and insulation are still uncertain, a majority of the team has seen the designs and is positive toward the look and general intent of them. After the full team has had its say, the next step is to get bids on the biggest expenses-- carpet, 255 chairs, and construction of the new platform-- and determine how much of the work we can do ourselves.
"We're very happy with the quality of comments we've gotten," Tom said. "The drawings are tracking pretty well with what people want."
Arrr... again!
Pirate University, our 2007 Vacation Bible School, will be in session next week, June 25-29, 9:00 to noon.
Each day, 60-80 children, entering kindergarten through fifth grade, will meet in the sanctuary, now transformed into a pirate ship with the help of some sails on loan from Bob Simmons. After a morning meeting with Captain Nick Sparrow as master of ceremonies and Captain Calebarbossa in charge of music and games, the kids will break up by age groups and take turns attending one of four different sites on each of the first four days. Pastor Ann helped plan the week's events and will help at one of the sites, and Lori Shero is VBS Director.
Never a small project, this year's VBS was made more difficult by the need to create all of the materials and lessons from scratch, rather than using one of the store-bought, canned curriculum sets as we have in the past.
"We did it all, all out of our creative team's heads," Lori said. "It's just going to teach them how to be good pirates."
The Wilson family is writing a serial drama for Pirate University, and they will also take the lead in performing it. About 20 people will work all five days, not counting others who helped beforehand or have smaller jobs. And many church members contributed small toys and other prizes.
"We are delighted with the volunteers we have," Ann said. "They are capable. Many are veterans of VBS in other years."
On the first four days, each age group will learn about one of the University's four piratical virtues: courage, teamwork, kindness, and following directions. The teamwork site has a salvation message, but because many of the young pirates will already know Christ, all sites will have value for Christian kids as well. On the last day, instead of breaking up, the kids will participate in a "pirate fair" together, including a treasure hunt at Rotary Park, the finale of the drama, and the handing out of the final loot.
"Pray for each of the kids that come," Lori asked. "Some of them don't know what they're going to be hearing. Pray for them to extend what they hear to their families."
Each day, 60-80 children, entering kindergarten through fifth grade, will meet in the sanctuary, now transformed into a pirate ship with the help of some sails on loan from Bob Simmons. After a morning meeting with Captain Nick Sparrow as master of ceremonies and Captain Calebarbossa in charge of music and games, the kids will break up by age groups and take turns attending one of four different sites on each of the first four days. Pastor Ann helped plan the week's events and will help at one of the sites, and Lori Shero is VBS Director.
Never a small project, this year's VBS was made more difficult by the need to create all of the materials and lessons from scratch, rather than using one of the store-bought, canned curriculum sets as we have in the past.
"We did it all, all out of our creative team's heads," Lori said. "It's just going to teach them how to be good pirates."
The Wilson family is writing a serial drama for Pirate University, and they will also take the lead in performing it. About 20 people will work all five days, not counting others who helped beforehand or have smaller jobs. And many church members contributed small toys and other prizes.
"We are delighted with the volunteers we have," Ann said. "They are capable. Many are veterans of VBS in other years."
On the first four days, each age group will learn about one of the University's four piratical virtues: courage, teamwork, kindness, and following directions. The teamwork site has a salvation message, but because many of the young pirates will already know Christ, all sites will have value for Christian kids as well. On the last day, instead of breaking up, the kids will participate in a "pirate fair" together, including a treasure hunt at Rotary Park, the finale of the drama, and the handing out of the final loot.
"Pray for each of the kids that come," Lori asked. "Some of them don't know what they're going to be hearing. Pray for them to extend what they hear to their families."
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