Connection
Faith Journey Church home of
Gaarde Christian School
11265 SW Gaarde Street, Tigard, OR 97224 Ph. 503.639.5336 http://www.faithjc.com
December 2008 - January 2009
The Truth Project In a recent study, the Barna Research Group revealed a stunning statistic that continues to reverberate throughout the evangelical world. Only 9 percent of professing Christians have a biblical worldview. Because of this, today's believers live very similarly to nonbelievers. A personal sense of significance is rarely experienced, we spend our money and time on things that fail to satisfy and we begin to wonder what life's ultimate purpose really is. We are, in short, losing our bearings as a people and a nation. To counter this slide within the body of Christ, Focus on the Family has launched a very ambitious project called The Truth Project. This DVD based small group study is the starting point for looking at life from a biblical perspective. It will encourage ordinary people, like you and I, who are called by God to make an extraordinary difference in our world. You are invited to join us in this 12 week study, as we journey down the path of living everyday with a true biblical worldview. Our first meeting will be at the home of Van & Kellie Hooper at 6pm on Sunday, January 4th, 2009. Need more information or have questions, please call the Faith Journey Office @ 503-639-5336. ARTICLE
Why is Christmas... ...such a big deal? Why is it that the birth of a baby more than two thousand years ago unites the world every December in a 'tradition' called Christmas? Was there something out of the ordinary that happened that night that caused the shepherds to stop and say, 'Whoa, this could impact the course of history'? Little did they know that what was happening in a manger in Bethlehem, would indeed change the world from that point forward. A Christmas Invitation This December your entire family is invited to journey through and experience anew the transforming truths of this great season every Sunday morning @ 10 a.m. on the campus of Faith Journey Church.
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The Pastor’s Pen
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Dec / Jan Calendars
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Schedule
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Adult Ministries
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Missions News
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West of 55
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Fusion Youth
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Journey Kids
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Royal Rangers
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Missionettes
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Gaarde Christian Sch
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We would like to introduce you to a fantastic couple who have joined our ministry team, Kiel and Niina Downey. Kiel and Niina began serving our youth department as youth leaders in November. This incredible young couple love God passionately and love people just about as much, especially teens! While their next 'destination' on their life's journey is the mission field, their hearts’ desire is to pour out to others until their preparation for missionary life is complete. The Downey's were an answer to prayer and we are truly blessed to have them on board.
Kiel and Niina Downey
the
Pastor’s Pen Christmas with a Purpose
There he stood with his back against the cold cement wall. His hands were two shades of purple as he stood there shivering in his high school lettermen’s jacket. My eighteen year old nephew, like most of my wife’s family are “bargain hunters” in the truest sense of the word. “So um Jordan, tell me again, why are we doing this?” This was said as we stood in a very long line at 4:45 am in the freezing cold outside of Office Depot on “Black Friday.” You know, that glorious day after Thanksgiving day when the stores open their doors wide with all the Christmas (excuse me… Holiday) spirit they can muster in the form of a “UGE sale!” Oh the madness! Oh the sprinting, pushing, shoving and grabbing, grabbing, grabbing! It is so awesome to finally hold high in my hands one of only fifteen (15) mp3 players they had at this “very special price!” Somehow I don't believe this is what the Psalmist had in mind when he wrote in Psalm verse 24 concerning the victory of our Lord: “This is the day of the Lord’s victory; let us be happy, let us celebrate! -PSALM 118:24 TEV I just happen to believe that God has a very good sense of humor, as well as timing. Sometimes it is good to have our world shaken some in order to cause us to focus on what truly matters. I have yet to find someone who showed spending restraint during the Christmas season, full of regret in January when the credit card bills arrive courtesy of the U.S. Postal service. I believe that we can use these difficult financial times to refocus our hearts and lives on the true purpose of Christmas. That is why this Christmas at Faith Journey Church we are going to be examining “The PURPOSE of Christmas” as outlined in Pastor Rick Warren’s new book with the same title. Each week we will have vibrant Christmas worship, special music and a fresh and timely message on “The Purpose of Christmas.”
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Sunday, December 7th: “Christmas Celebration” Sunday, December 14th: “Christmas Salvation” Sunday, December 21st: “Christmas Reconciliation” On Sunday, December 7th, we will be giving away to every family present T.J. Mills’ book entitled: “The Twelve Blessings” of Christmas.” This 91 page hardbound book is filled with special Christmas recipes, craft ideas and traditions surrounding the Twelve Blessings of Christmas; Hope, Faith, Kindness, Family, Warmth, Peace, Beauty, Giving, Music, Memories, Friends and Love. “Christmas Purpose” by Thomas Frisinger What could be the purpose? What could possibly be God’s plan? For sending a helpless baby boy, into an unfamiliar suffering land. It wasn’t for the famous, And it wasn’t for the well. It was for each lost and sin-sick soul, Who would-be condemned to Hell. He wasn’t born in proper pomp, but rather of great promise. His entrance into our world, Was to eventually reconcile us! This world He had created, This world He spoke into existence. Now angels and shepherds celebrated, While Kings would soon stand in resistance. He was born to bear the weight of our sins. He was born to obtain salvation so free. He was born for a heavy cross to affix. He was born as God’s perfect gift to thee. Have a very merry Christmas! Journeying Together;
Pastor Tom
Walking with people, following God
DECEMBER 2008 and JANUARY 2009 Calendars
december 2008 SUN 7 Pasta Feed Luncheon Youth Girls Fundr.
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
10
11
12
13
15
16
17 M’ette / Ranger Christmas Parties
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19
20
West of 55 to Newmans
PM All-Family Service w/ Guest Sam Johnson 14 Adult Christmas Party @ Hooper’s Youth Christmas Party @ GrosJacques’ 21 AM Family Services
GCS NO School
Regular Adult and Youth Services 23
22
24
25
27
26
No Services
FJ Family Christmas @ 6:00pm GCS Christmas Break
No Home Groups 28 AM Family Services
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No Home Groups
30
31 No Services
GCS Christmas Break
january 2009 SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
1
2
3
GCS Christmas Break 4 Home Groups Resume @ 6pm
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13 Policy & Procedure Training Rvw @ 7pm (all staff & volunteer attendance required)
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15
16
17
19 18 Sanctity of Human Life MLK Day Sunday GCS NO School
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21
22
23
24
26 GCS NO School
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29
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31
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Generation Unleashed - Fusion Youth Page 3
Service Schedule Sundays
Wednesdays
8:45 - 9:45 am
Sunday School - All Ages Nursery ( Birth - 2 Yrs )
10:00 - 11:30 pm
Worship Service Children’s Church ( 3 Yrs - 5th Grade ) Nursery ( Birth - 2 Yrs )
6:00 pm
Adult Home - Hooper’s Fusion Youth Home Group - GrosJacques’
7:00 pm
Adult Study in Modular #2 The Gathering - Fusion Yth ( Sanctuary ) Missionettes ( Girls Kinder - 5th Grade ) Royal Rangers ( Boys Kinder - 5th Gr ) Rainbows ( Girls and Boys 3 - 4 Years ) Nursery ( Birth - 2 Yrs )
Thursdays Mondays 6:30 - 8:30 pm
7:00 pm Blue Thread Ministries (1st Monday of each month @ Randol’s)
Office Hours
Tuesdays 5:30 am
Women’s Bible Study
8:00am - 4:00pm Monday through Friday Men’s Bible Study - Davidson’s
Adult Ministries Does your family open their Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning? Artificial tree or an authentic Oregon LIVE Christmas tree? These are just a couple of the choices that all of us have had to decide upon when we struck out on our own. Most of us were raised with something called traditions. According to Webster it's: the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation, esp. by word of mouth or by practice." Wow, isn't that amazing? Most of what we do during the holidays is not found in one of the 20,000 books about Christmas that you can buy on Amazon. No, it comes to us via word of mouth or by practice. No 'how-to' book is given to us about those special rituals we practice during this season, we just do it because we always have. It is humor-
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ous to listen to newly married couples discuss their first Christmas... "Well, I've always had a flocked Christmas tree", "We have to have quiche for breakfast, it's what my mom did." No one ever told them to do one thing or the other, it was passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth or practice. What is striking to me, is how saturated our lives are with Christmas traditions, simply because of them being handed down by word of mouth or by practice. Yet the lives we live the other 11 months of the year simply lack the passion of this great season. Why is that? Could it be that it is just easier to display our passion about Christmas because everyone else is doing the same? What if that were the case 365 days a year, everyone recklessly loving Jesus and displaying that love to the whole world, what amazing an impact we could have. We could resolve this year to not box up the purpose of Christmas when we put away all the decorations. Together let's allow the Christ of Christmas to permeate everyday!
Pastor Kelly GrosJacues
Missions News Have you checked out the Missionary Newsletters lately? You know the book; the one that is mounted next to the World Map. It’s a great place to keep updated on what is going on with our missionaries. If by chance you’ve missed it lately; I am going to let you in all a little information.
David and Dorothy Yunuba have been back in Djibouti for a month now getting settled in. Because prayer works they have found a nice apartment to rent. They are in a 4-plex surrounded by trees, shrubs and a few red flowers. There is an attractive brass-colored grillwork on the windows too. The grillwork keeps the thieves away and the pigeons off the window sills. They also have big, black crows that should go away when they learn someone is living there. They give God thanks for answered prayer that their visas for Djibouti have been renewed for a full 12 months! We need to pray for them as they renew old friendships and pursue new ones, pray for David as he teaches 4th year English twice a week, and that their monthly financial support remains stable.
• Russ and Beth Chambers
Ken Huff has been back in Cambodia for three months now. Some highlights since returning have been taking the ninth grade graduates from their home to Phnom Penh to start college, and signing a brand new protocol with the Cambodian government to open their first Teen Challenge. Much prayer is needed as there have been many challenges as well as many divisions and conflicts arising with the national church, between AG missions works from different sending countries and between the US missionaries and some of the national leaders. Also pray for the situation between Cambodia and Thailand as it is very tense. And pray for Ken as he is teaching Systematic Theology in Khmer at the Bible School. As you can see they have a lot going on in their lives. They depend on our prayers so let’s be a part of God’s mission.
Donna Randol
Missionaries to OSU (Chi Alpha)
• Carl and Terri Gibbs • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Missionaries to Africa Tamara Henkes Missionary to Romania Dennis & Diane Holcomb Missionaries to Poland Ken Huff Missionary to Cambodia Eric & Jacquelin Jenkins Missionaries to Algeria Steve and Julie Kramer Missionaries to the Netherlands Bill & Carol Paris Missionaries to Tokyo, Japan Josh & Renee Ransom Missionary to China Matt & Heather Reigel Missionaries to Germany John & Beccy Rodli Missionaries to the Azores Ryan & Christy Thomas Missionaries to Mexico Rob & Jeanel Shipley Missionaries to East Africa David & Dorothy Yunuba Missionaries to Africa John & Carolyn Stewart Missionaries to Indonesia Chuck & Janet Wilson Missionaries to Botswana
West of 55 senior adult ministry Psalm 31:19 “How great is your goodness , which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.
Praise the LORD for His faithfulness to His children! After a long-term wait and uphill battle, Jeff Newman’s spine surgery finally took place and was very successful. He is AT HOME with his family in Dundee. Our senior adult ministry will be headed to pay him a visit on Sunday afternoon, December 7th, immediately following the Pasta Feed Luncheon. All are welcome to join us! Sincerely,
Pastor John Granholm Page 5
Youth Ministries books... movies... tv... music... WHAT are they taking in? What happens when a 17-year-old girl falls helplessly in love with the sexiest boy in the world… who’s also a vampire? Millions of dollars are made off the story. Such is the pop culture phenomenon known as Twilight. Seventeen million copies of the books have been sold worldwide, and midnight showings for the opening of the movie sold out quickly. So what do we as parents do with the choices that our children are faced with everyday particularly in the area of movies and books? What is our role?
their media choices. The Internet is not the only place where kids come across unhealthy messages. Reading engages the mind in a different way than music, TV, or movies; there’s much more imagination involved. Knowing that reading makes an impact on our kids, let’s be sure to keep an eye on what our kids have on their book shelves.
these books to discover a way to initiate a conversation about love, romance, or even sex with our teens, so be it. Remember to focus on asking questions, rather than giving lectures.
Finally, as popular as many books are, the films they spawn will reach a much larger audience. As influential as books can be, movies can leave an Secondly, let’s note that kids often de- enormous impact on young people’s vour books that focus on love, passion, minds, don’t assume that because your and romance. Young readers have child has read ‘the book’ that the movie questions; such books provide answers. will be an ok choice. When in doubt Unless you want your kids to only hear about whether to allow the movie go some author’s take on the subject, preview it yourself. And remember There are lots of points to consider speak up. Love and romance are issues parents should always feel free to when deciding if our kids should read a that most teens struggle to understand. make the final decision about a book book and/or watch the movie that of- We must be prepared to wade or a movie, even if it is the unpopular ten follows a successful book offering. through those questions with them in “No, not this one”. search of answers. If that means we First, we must remember to monitor our have to read a few chapters from kids’ reading material in addition to
Children’s Church Ministries
Children’s Church
Did YOU take the POPOUT Challenge?
Freedom Kids
Those that did have helped us tremendously in reaching our annual missions giving goal, $1,500. THANK YOU! As of the writing of this article (Nov 26), we have raised $209 so far this month through the challenge. We have one Sunday remaining for collecting POPOUT funds and are $104 away from our goal. And, WOW! We are so proud of this group of children and the youth leaders who assist us in ministry on Sunday mornings. Their commitment to the sacrifice called for in this fundraising effort has been nothing short of impressive.
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SUNDAYS @ 10:00AM
Their willingness to make a sacrifice for the sake of the gospel, and to maintain that sacrifice for all 26 days of the POPOUT challenge, should challenge all of us. How much are we truly willing to sacrifice for the One who sacrificed it all for us? Another Christmas is fast approaching and along with it the rush and busy-ness that have become a part of our annual traditions. As your days become filled and your to-do lists grow longer than there are hours in the day... pause. There is a reason for all this celebration and activity. Let’s make sure our children see beyond the presents, lights, trees and treats... to the manger where it all began.
Glen and Ann Slayter
Services for 3 yrs - Kindergarten
On Sunday mornings, our little ones (three years old through kindergarten age) meet together to learn, sing and play.
JourneyKids Services for 1st - 5th graders
Kids, bring along your energy on Sunday mornings for Journey Kids! This is no time to sit back and watch... every child is an integral part of the service. Together, we’re learning to worship, serve, reach out and translate what we’re learning into action in our own lives.
The laughs are many and the surprises frequent. Join us!
Royal Rangers clubs for boys kindergarten through 5th grade
The Royal Rangers are gearing up for the 2008/09 Christmas tree recycling fundraiser. This year, proceeds will be used to fund another exciting year of Rangers in 2009, and will also be invested into the Children’s Ministries at Faith Journey Church, including Freedom Kids and Journey Kids on Sunday mornings and the M’Pact program for girls on Wednesday evenings. How can you help? Agree to donate your tree for recycling by adding your name to the signup sheets, coming soon to the GCS/Faith Journey Church lobby. Thank you in advance for your support. Now is the perfect time to join our Rangers program! Rangers is a Christian-based club for boys, Kindergarten through 5th grade, that meets each Wednesday night at Faith Journey Church from 7-8:15pm.
We pursue our mission of "Reaching, Teaching, and Keeping Boys for Christ" with an important balance of Bible lesson and adventure each meeting. There will be lots of fun in the weeks to come. The Ranger Christmas party is December 17th, when we will be romping around on giant play structures at the Inflatable Kingdom. In addition to that, we have the Pinewood Derby scheduled for February and a snow trip in March. Please call the church at 503-639-5336 for more information or join us any Wednesday night from 7-8:15pm to get started. Don't miss it!
Glen Slayter
M’Pact clubs for girls first through fifth grade ‐ and ‐ Rainbows club for preschool aged girls and boys
One of my favorite things about Christmas is the wonderful memories I have. Some of those memories include the activities I did with my Missionette Stars class. We always had a fun Christmas craft we worked on for several weeks along with going caroling to a nursing home. Much has changed in the 37 years since I was a Missionette. The name of Missionettes is now M’pact, which is one I am having a tough time remembering – so I often forget and still call it Missionettes. Getting the name right is going to be one of my New Years resolutions. One thing that hasn’t changed is the fact that kids still love being part of a club and making crafts. We will be busy making Christmas crafts this December along with our Christmas party scheduled on December 17. Your child is welcome to come join us on Wednesday nights and be a part of memorable Christmas traditions.
Connie Frisinger
M’Pact Clubs Coordinator
December 3 M’pact Club
December 24 Christmas Eve – no class
December 10 M’pact Club
December 31 New Years Eve – no class
December 17 M’pact Christmas Party
January 7 M’pact back to regular schedule
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Gaarde Christian School For maybe months now you’ve prodded your children and searched the stores for that one gift which will bring a squeal of delight on Christmas morning. What satisfaction it brings you as you see their reaction to the gift they’ve received. Yet this gift pales in comparison to the gift God gave on that first Christmas, Jesus.
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” I Corinthians 9:15 God’s gift is far more valuable than any gift we could ever purchase. His gift offers peace, joy and a hope of eternal life with Him. He is looking and waiting for each of us to take hold of this gift. How much the heavenly Father must rejoice when we reach our arms up to Him and receive His gift. My prayer is that each of you will take hold of God’s great gift this Christmas season. May God bless you in incredible ways with HIS peace, joy, and hope.
In His Service,
Kellie Hooper
GCS Administrator
11265 SW Gaarde St. Tigard, OR 97224
GCS Dates to Remember Dec 2nd – 5th
Santa Secret Shop
Dec 17th
Christmas Chapel, 9:00 am
Dec 19th
No School, Day Care Open
Dec 22nd – Jan 2nd
Christmas Break
Jan 5th
School Resumes
Jan 12th
Re-enrollment for 2009-2010
Jan 19th
Martin Luther King Jr Day,
Jan 26th
Teacher Work Day,
No School or Day Care
No School, Day Care Open
