West Main

“Let the children come to me, so not to hinder them; for to such belongs the Kingdom of God.  Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”  Mark 10:14-15

As I seek relationships with other churches, ministers, pastors, I see an alarming trend that worries me.  The church of today seems to place little importance on educating our children on the Bible.  They see it as too much to do, or a “minor issue.”  Many churches have abandoned Sunday school and Bible classes altogether.  Christian education has always been a challenge to the work of the Church.  But, I think we should place it high on our priority lists!

Looking at Jesus, we see that he was always teaching God’s word.  The early Church also looked upon Christian education as one of its essential ministries as “they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

West Main has always been a place that cherishes its children.  The greatest gift, and inheritance we can give to our children is our faith!  Jesus makes it clear that He wants children  to come to know Him, and that He considers it a grave offense for an adult to hinder this process or lead a child astray: “whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Matthew 18:6

Why is this so important? I think it is simple: we want to stir up and nurture faith in Jesus Christ according to His word! The Church should cultivate a living awareness of the risen Christ in our lives! We should seek ways to do this that are current, relevant, exciting and challenging!

The focus of our efforts to educate our beautiful children in the word of God must remain a priority! When we bring our children regularly to Sunday School we provide them with a gift of knowledge that has lifelong value and significance.  When they attend Wednesday studies, they grow further in their knowledge of the Lord and His wonders!  Teaching our kids should never be forsaken! It can never be finished!

I grew up hearing this as my battle cry:  “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, and lo I am with you always, to the close of the age.” Matt 28: 19-20.  Let us not forget then, that this command also includes our own children!

We have dedicated men and women offering their time to teach our kids every Sunday. Take advantage of it!  We have a new Wednesday night program starting that looks to be wonderful! Take advantage of it. We all want the best for the next generations…so what could be a better base than a firm grasp of our Lord and Savior.   Pannell

2013 Northwest Schools of Mission

Northwest Schools of Mission will be in Southern Oregon September 22-27.  We, at West Main, have a special opportunity to listen to these missionaries while they give their presentations in the auditorium on Friday, September 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  The event is open to anyone who would like to observe and we encourage the  participation from our congregation.  The mission displays will be set up in the courtyard.

The following people will be in our area: Adrian Sanchez, Dr. Jeannie Hoffman, Joe Garman, Joana Jones and Keith Wilkins. Adrian will be speaking to our Ladies Class on Tuesday, September 24 and Joe will be speaking to our Youth Group on Sunday evening, September 22.

Mid-Week Class for Adults will begin on Wednesday, September 18 at 6:30 p.m.  Nathan Lake will be teaching a class for adults and the topic will be The Christian Home.


Leadership Retreat

Our annual Leadership Retreat for our Deacons and Elders and their families is scheduled for Saturday, September 21.  We will be in Area “A” at Cantrall Buckley park.  We are asking that you please be there by 11:30 a.m. We have our space reserved from 10:00 a.m. so you can come early and relax.  Please bring the food you would like to barbeque and a side dish or dessert to share.   We plan to be together throughout the afternoon.  If you need more details, please contact Dan Beeks.

Prime Timers

We will have our next Prime Timers Potluck luncheon on Wednesday, September 25, at 11:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room.  Please bring lots of your favorite potluck dishes to share.  We will have a special guest speaker that day.

Financial Peace Seminar

The Financial Peace Seminar was one of the best seminars that West Main has offered.  We are wanting to offer this seminar again - please contact Ron Zielke if you are interested in taking this class.  The seminar will last for nine weeks.


Prayer Requests...

Gwenda Wilmoth requests prayers for her cousin, Pam Goldsmith, who had a recurrence of her cancer...For Kinsey Parker as she travels back to Portland this week...Also for the family of Christopher Evans who has been missing since May...Lori Ragsdale requests prayers for her mother, Sherry, who is elderly...For David Mayes that he will be a man of character to be more like Jesus....For Jenny Way - that she could be more patient and understanding....For all of our military men and women and our President.

Thank You Notes

The Brooks Family would like to send out a special thank you to everyone who came and blessed the baby shower - we deeply appreciate all your generosity and friendship.  We cannot wait to meet our new little bundle of joy.  God Bless.

Dear West Main Church...
Thank you so much for the school supplies for my two children.  A grateful mom.

Tuesday Morning Ladies Bible Class will begin Tuesday, September 17, at 10:00 a.m. in the Fireside Room.  All ladies are invited to attend our Bible Study.  We will be studying the Book of Daniel.

Widow’s Luncheon

Our next Widow’s Luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, September 18, at 11:00 a.m. at Anna Marie Creekside.  Please check in at the front desk for directions to the dining room.  Car-pooling is recommended.

Baby Shower

We are honoring Lane and Whitney Auguston with a baby shower on Sunday evening, October 13, at 5:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room.  Please bring finger foods to share and help us celebrate and welcome this baby boy to our church family.  To contribute towards a group gift, please contact Sally Zielke, Wyndee Thomas or Chaley Johnson.  Whitney is also registered at Target if you need gift ideas.

Ladies Retreat

Our annual Ladies Retreat will be held this year on October 4-6  at the Brookings Best Western Beachfront Inn.  This year’s theme is Confidence.  Invite your friends to join us - more info to come.

Calendar of Events

Sept 17: Ladies Class resumes; 10:00 a.m.;FSR

Sept 18: Widow’s Luncheon; Anna Marie Creekside; 11:00 a.m.

Adult Bible Study begins; 6:30 p.m.

Sept 21:   Leadership Retreat; Cantrall Buckley Park; 11:30 a.m.

Sept 25:   Prime Timers Potluck; 11:30 a.m.; FSR