May 29, 2013
PRESS ON AND HOPE
Last weekend I had the joy of participating in my first big soccer tournament as a coach. I was privileged to be part of the ten year old boys RV Timbers team. They were mixed together from several teams and many had never played together before. They were good athletes, but their lack of chemistry that comes from hours of playing and practicing together was concerning going into the tourney, as we would be playing teams that had been together for some time.
We weren’t sure what to expect. We hoped for the best, but were ready for the worst. Our first game came and went, and we found ourselves victorious! As the next two days played out, we won each match! We were ecstatic!
We got word that we were in the championship facing a VERY tough team from the Portland area that had not lost in seasons and that had already won several GOLD level tournaments. In other words, we went in considered by everyone the hopeful underdog. We weren’t given a great chance.
I could not have been more proud. Our boys came out totally unintimidated. They fought and fought and were actually pretty even, but the other kids managed to squeak in two goals before half time. Still, our boys were not through! As the second half began we notched it up and had several attempts just go wide. Then the opponents struck again. With three minutes left we were down 3-0. But magic happened because our boys REFUSED to give up! In two minutes they scored two beautiful goals and were pressing very hard for a third when the final whistle blew.
It was a tough loss, but one of total pride with our heads held high! The boys NEVER STOPPED TRYING! It was a proud tear-filled moment for me! When you see someone push forward through tough odds and never ever give up hope or stop trying, it is something special.
I hope that is how the world can see us. As people who believe, as people who press on, and as folks who give our best in the greatest times and even in the worst. Galatians tells us, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” The summer is here. Let us enter into it with hope and hard work!
– Pannell
SUMMER 2013
Summers at West Main are special times. We adapt our schedule to accommodate the longer warmer days, daylight, and family vacations. We seek to have a more relaxed and creative congregational schedule that takes advantage of the unique summers we enjoy here in Southern Oregon.
The theme of this summer is, “Connections.” Our goal is to foster inter-generational connections among our members and connections to our community through evangelism and service. Starting this Sunday, June 2nd, Charlie Michael will be teaching a creative and easy to share evangelistic study from the Gospel of Mark. The purpose of this class is to enable you to share your faith in Christ with others. In First Peter (3:15), we are encouraged to “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” Charlie will take you step-by-step through the Gospel of Mark showing how you can share one “answer” to why we have the hope in Christ we do.
On June 9th we will have our Christians in Action and summer kick-off potluck and fellowship. We encourage you to stay after our morning service for food, fun, and fellowship! We will be providing hamburgers and hot dogs fresh off the grill! We are asking our members to bring the side dishes. This is a meal and time for ALL OUR MEMBERS to enjoy! We will enjoy a meal together and an activity that will foster inter-generational connections between our various aged members here at West Main.
Starting June 12th, we usher in our fourth season of Christians in Action (CIA). Over the course of the summer, we gather together on various Wednesday evenings and do a host of service projects for widows, neighbors, and others in need of assistance. There are jobs for all ages and needs! This is a wonderful opportunity to serve others in need!
The biggest difference this summer involves how and when we meet for some of our activities. In the past, we typically met for a second time on Sunday evenings. While there are a couple of times when we will gather on a Sunday evening, we will often meet for a meal right after our morning services. The purpose of these meetings is to encourage us to invite our friends and for more of our members to enjoy each other’s company. We will have a number of Friendship Days in which we encourage you to invite your friends and family to worship and fellowship with us.
In addition to all the above activities, we will have many of our traditional events such as homemade ice cream night, Vacation Bible School, Camp, Emigrant Lake, and our School Supply and Clothing Give-Away.
So as you can tell there is a lot going on at West Main this summer! On Sunday, June 2nd, we will be handing out a small booklet that will have all the dates, times, and descriptions for many of our activities this summer. Be sure and get a booklet, invite a friend, and have a great summer!
– Terry
Vacation Bible School is less than 3 weeks away and is for children in K- 6 Grades June 18-21. We still need help with gifts for children, prizes for the games, and people who can help with the carnival games on Friday. Contact Denise Beeks to volunteer to help. Please mark your calendar for the following VBS Work Days.
We need your help!
Sunday, June 2: 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Wednesday Evening, June 12
Saturday, June 15: 9:00 a.m. - noon
Monday, June 17: 9:00 a.m. until finished
VBS is the one big event that our younger children have every summer - let’s make it one that will impact their lives!
Southern Oregon Christian Camp is July 7-13 at the Box R Ranch and is for those who have completed third grade through Seniors graduated in 2013. Registration forms are available at the information center in the courtyard. Camp cost is $150.00 if paid in full by June 10. After that it is $165.00 with final registration deadline of June 25.
Camp Kitchen Drive – Check the lists at the back of the auditorium for items you can bring to help supply our camp kitchen this year. Then bring the items and place in the boxes provided.
Attention ALL Deacons – Please meet with Terry and Brian in the Fireside Room right after morning service this Sunday to sign up helpers for our summer events.
Ladies Bible Class Annual Summer Barbeque -- It’s that time of year again...time to kick off the summer season with lots of food, fellowship and fun! Ladies, please come join us at the home of Bill and Barb Viera on Tuesday, June 25, at 11:00 a.m. until whenever. Please bring lawn chairs and comfortable shoes - all the rest will be provided. Please try to car-pool as parking is limited.
Tornado Disaster Relief – We will have a special collection this Sunday, June 2, for the victims of the recent tornadoes. Please prayerfully consider how you can give. We want to raise at least $1,000.00 for this effort. Thank you so much.
Prayer Requests . . . For the victims of the tornadoes in the Midwest...Danny Williams asks prayers for his friend who has turned his back on God. Please pray for guidance...Melanie Rennels asks prayers for her friend, Lynn, who has a huge tumor in his side. The treatments have made him lose his hair and his energy...Jacob Stapp & Zach Kirk ask prayers for their teacher, Mr. Turk, who was seriously injured in a bike accident. Pray for quick healing...Colleen Abbott asks prayers for safety as they travel to Nevada to visit her grandma as she recovers from colon cancer surgery...David Mayes asks for continued prayers for Cora to be a good influence; for Barbara to come to Christ; and for himself to be a better example...For our President and all of our military men, women and families.
April Financial Statement
INCOME:
General Fund Contributions |
|
$ 22,486.90 |
Non Budgeted Contributions |
|
$ 10,813.91 |
Development Funds & Rents |
|
$ 995.00 |
Interest/Other Income |
|
$0.76 |
Total Income for Month |
|
$ 34,296.57 |
EXPENSES:
Administration and Payroll |
|
$13,357.78 |
Youth on Fire |
|
($313.00) |
Vision Ministries |
|
$865.30 |
Office |
|
$881.86 |
Nurturing Brethren |
|
$603.00 |
Operational Ministries |
|
$1,708.91 |
Worship & Facilities |
|
$979.99 |
Non-Budgeted Mission |
|
$570.00 |
Development & Kings Hwy |
|
$4,998.42 |
Total Monthly Expenses |
|
$23,652.26 |
***************************************
JUNE SERVERS
Coffee Servers: HELP NEEDED
Nursery: June 2 & 30: Kathy York & Juleanna Lake
June 9: Zana & Tabitha Walker
June 16 & 23: Ronda Holm & Rachel Liles
Greeters: Mike & Carlena Eddy; Russ & Shawna Gann
**************************************
MAY ATTENDANCE
1st Sunday 231
2nd Sunday 283
3rd Sunday 259
4th Sunday 237
Calendar of Events
June 1: Come & Go Wedding Reception For Kayla & David
At the Zielke's Home From 2:30-4:30 p.m.
June 18-21: VBS
July 7-13: Camp at Box R Ranch
Teen Calendar of Events
July 1: Rogue River Rafting Trip
July 17: Neighborhood BBQ and Water Games
July 20-27: Agape Blitz Mission Trip; Portland
August 17: Water Park Day For All Families In Redding
Labor Day Weekend: Faith Quest