Abundant Life Church: Parkrose Campus

COME AS YOU ARE - YOU'RE ACCEPTED HERE

Our services are held at the recently renovated Parkrose Campus located one block south of Sandy Blvd on 116th Ave.  This Campus features refreshments from our Life Cafe (downstairs), rockin' worship, the sermon via the big screen, and everything else that provides a "Come as you are" feel, including staffing dedicated to this campus.  Parkrose also offers programs for nursery through high school.  Thanks for stopping by the Parkrose Campus Blog.  We'll use this as place to keep everyone up-to-date on what's happening at the newest multi-site campus for Abundant Life Church (www.coolchurch.com).

 

FUSION: Family & Church FUSING to guide kids in loving God, loving people, loving life.

Click HERE for more information or email leslie@coolchurch.com

UPCOMING EVENTS

Life Cafe Training This Sat, Nov 14th, 9-11AM

Baptisms This Sunday, Nov 15th

Child Dedications This Sunday, Nov 15th

Decorate Church for Christmas Dec 5th, 9AM-Noon

Click HERE for the latest pdf of Cool Stuff! 

Are you afraid?

"…I was afraid… so I hid."

Genesis 3:1

 

I remember being a little guy, around 6 or 7 years old, hiding under my sister's bed terrified of the night. I thought we would surely be chopped up by some axe murderer and I feared for my life. Maybe that's what all kids go through or maybe I had a real issue with feeling secure in our home. Not sure, but I can remember it like it was last night… I was scared to death!

That is also a picture of my life. I hide when I'm afraid. I tend to hide when I am afraid of people, consequences, exposure, or rejection. I believe that shame is at the root of this. I tend to feel shame, it's like an inner judgment on one's self that says, "I'm not acceptable or I'm a consistent failure, not living up to my potential." I feel this way especially after I have hidden my inconsistencies from those I care about. Deep inside I wonder, "Will they abandon me," when I really need their love, support, and encouragement.

I have recognized my hiding is relational and always after I've made a poor choice. Instead of trusting others with who I truly am, mistakes and all, I go into hiding. Afraid of others. Afraid of commitment and relationship. And the anxiety builds. The procrastination takes on a life of its own… When all the while God and others just want to love the real me…

The bible tells us a similar story in Genesis Chapter 3. God loved Adam and Eve and walked with them, talked with them, had relationship with them. Then they made a mistake, a poor choice by eating the fruit that brought them wisdom. After they ate it their eyes were opened. When they realized they were naked, they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves…

After making mistakes here is a list of some of the fig leaves I've sown together to cover myself…

Lying, dishonesty, addictions, anger, anxiety, manipulation, coercion… Fight, flight, or freeze works good for disengaging in relationships too. I wonder if it's true. Is real restoration and reconciliation simple? Is it learning to trust again? Is it learning to trust God and others with the real me? Being able to identify my fears and frustrations?

"….Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord called to the man, "Where are you?" Genesis 3:8, 9

"…I was afraid…so I hid."

Have you ever asked your heavenly Father to remove your fear? Have you put your trust in Him? God knew where Adam and Eve were at and all He wanted was a relationship with them. But they hid, fearing they had broken relationship with Him. Would things have been different if they would have trusted Him, before or after their mistake?

Will things be different for me and you?

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own [the fruit of the tree] understanding; in all your [fears] ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your [life] paths [balanced] straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Will you begin to trust God and others?

"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." James 1:5 (NAS)

My prayer for you and me is that we can trust God and the people He has sent into our lives. I must understand that God is perfect and I can trust Him with my life, including my fears and failures. I must also understand that people are not perfect, but I can find a few good friends to trust with all of me.

Do you understand these things?

Scott

Scott's Thoughts 11.10.09

Another fantastic weekend at Abundant Life Church! 

Pastor George continued the series, “Unbelievable” by taking us through the 4th Chapter of Jonah.

As always you can see the teaching online here.  Below are the key points.

DO I REALLY BELIEVE GOD LOVES ME NO MATTER WHAT?

No matter what I’ve done? No matter where I’ve been? No matter how far I’ve run.

IS MY OBEDIENCE TO GOD CHARACTERIZED MORE AS AN OUTWARD ACT OR INNER DESIRE?

Am I obeying because I have to or because I want to?

Am I obeying because it will make me look good or because I want to honor God?

Would my obedience all about the show or is it sincerity?

AM I MORE CONCERNED ABOUT MY COMFORT OR THE CONDITION OF LOST PEOPLE?

Jonah is a piece of work isn’t he? He is so hypocritical . . . God forgives him and then he throws a temper tantrum when God extends that same forgiveness to the Ninevites . . . he is so selfish . . . he is concerned about his own creature comforts than he is a whole nation of people who are far from God.

 

We wrap up the series this weekend and I hope you’ll join us! 

Thoughts on Grief and Loss

Loss hurts and grief is the toughest pain we have to deal with. We must choose grief voluntarily; it is something we enter into, not something that is done to us. Everyone experiences loss. That is why God calls us to enter into it voluntarily. It heals. It restores. It changes things that have gone bad.

If we don't grieve our losses we end up hopeless, fearful, and stuck (spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically).

How does that happen and why? Grief is God's way of helping us process the pain in life.  It becomes the process by which we become available for new, good things. Like forgiveness, God uses forgiveness to help us experience the joy of new relationships, so that we're not stuck in the past. Friends, there is a process to grieving our losses and I'll give you a quick run through on what that looks like and where we can get stuck.  Please remember that grieving is a process and there is not a specific timeline for each season.   Here is a list from Dr. Henry Cloud on the stages of grief.

1. The loss (reality) For grief to occur something bad has to happen. Jesus told us that we would have troubles (John 16:33). Here are a few examples.
Death of a loved one. Death of a dream. Death of a season of life. Death of a relationship. Death of a plan. Failure. Rejection. Loss of health. Financial issues.

2. Protest (I don't want this to be true) Many people fight, flight, or freeze to protest reality and deal with pain, instead of entering into a season of grief. Freezing (appeasing) is so common. It's similar to losing hope and blaming God for not "showing up."

3. Despair (This could be depression or giving in) When protest and bargaining don't work, we begin to realize that what has happened is true. That life will never be the same. This is the beginning of grief; it is the point of embracing the loss.

4. Sadness, Loss, and Grief Proper (Letting Go and Saying Good-bye) When we hit bottom, when we realize that this really is true; we "lose it." We break. We cry. The sadness is the letting go of the reality. It is saying good-bye to what can never be. But it is the beginning of true healing as well.

5. Resolution and Resurrection (Understanding and Becoming Available) The sadness does go away. We bring the learning and understanding and experience with us. Whether good or bad, what was lost was an experience, and from it we take understanding and wisdom for the rest of life. The process is complete, the person has grown, and the past is now the past and it is not affecting the present, except in greater wisdom or the pleasant memories of a loved that has passed on. The death experience has given way to the resurrection of a new life. The person grieving. God also takes us through experiences so that we can be there for others who are just entering a season of grief, pain, and loss.

Psalm 34:4 “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”

Here is good counsel from Michael Dye (The Genesis Process)

There are two ways to resolve loss:  grieving and forgiving.  It is important to engage a trusted counselor.

….Don’t be surprised if racing thoughts, pictures, or feelings from old memories flashback in your mind.  You will be tempted to deal with this stress/loss/pain by unhealthy coping behaviors.  Don’t do it!  It’s important at this point that you act upon what you know rather than what you feel.  Call your counselor and talk about your feelings.  Trust God and reach out to others for support. 

It is difficult to look at your pain and loss, because you fear a river of tears will flow from a mountain of grief, or that once you undam that river, you might never be able to stop it.  The process of grieving is a cycle.  Grief will not kill you, it just feels like it.  To normalize your feelings, read The Grief Stages (Kubler-Ross) listed below, starting with shock and denial, and ending with acceptance:

STAGES OF GRIEF

1.    Shock/Denial – Numbing out, blanking out, avoiding thinking about “it”

2.   Anger – Blaming someone or something, feeling injustice, and rage

3.   Bargaining – Thinking “If I’d only….”  And dealing with guilt, vain regrets of the past, and fear of the future.

4.   Depression – Feeling hopeless, helpless, disappointed, isolated, and lonely.  Inability to enjoy anything.

5.   Acceptance – Embracing reality, forgiving and moving forward, forming new relationships while trusting God.  (Hardest Part of Health and Wholeness)

Unresolved guilt and grief may cause you to feel shame, which you need to talk about with a counselor.  Losses need to be grieved to be resolved.

Do you need a 2nd Chance? Join us Tomorrow

I hope you can join us for church tomorrow (9:30 or 11:00)!  Pastor George is bringing a message on “2^nd Chances” from the book of Jonah 3^rd Chapter.  This message has the potential to change your heart.  Here are 4 Key Thoughts to think about as you prepare to receive tomorrow’s message:

 

· God doesn’t give up on me!  (Do you feel like He has?  Do you think He even cares about your life or circumstances?)

· God can still use people who have run from Him.  (God can use your life to make a difference in others’ lives, no matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done!)

· God wants us to be His loving presence to all people..  (Do you think you’re too far gone or someone in your life could never change?)

· God is a God of second chances but not infinite chance.  (God is merciful and full of grace but if you choose not to receive His love you will be isolated, alone, and separated for eternity.)

Philippians 2:9,10 “…at the name of Jesus every knew will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

 

AND…..  We always look forward to seeing you.  Abundant Life is a family and we come to worship and celebrate our heavenly Father!

 

In His Amazing, Transforming Love,

 

Scott

Craft Day

 

 Saturday November 7, 10:00 - 2:00

At The Parkrose Campus

Community Room,

-downstairs-

 

Come enjoy a relaxing day making Christmas Cards.

Sondra Hughes will be providing card kits.

$10 to make 10 Christmas cards

Sondra and Barb Belgrave will help you make your cards unique.

Bring a snack to share and your own drinks.

Coffee and tea will be provided.

If you want to work on your own craft project feel free to bring it to work on.

RSVP Barb so she knows how many kits to put together.

503-854-3199

stampnbarbie1@verison.net

 

On Saturday December 5, 10:00 - 2:00 there will be another Craft Day making

Appliqué tea towels for Christmas. Cost to be determined.

What does a men's accountability group do?

I recently helped establish a men’s accountability group.  I asked several men to join me in the journey of becoming a man of God.  I must say upfront that I am far from being the man I long to be.  I realized early in my walk that I need structure and accountability in my life.  I also learned that I tend to isolate when I am not engaged in open and honest relationships.  I wanted to share a few things that we value as a group.

The reason:   I believe that these types of relationships and commitments are needed for most folks.

Here is what we committed to:

We decided as a group of men to prioritize our lives and be accountable to the things that we want to become.  We do not focus on all of our poor choices and mistakes. 

Accountability is to give an account of our lives to each other.  We are a group of men that trust each other with our deepest fears, longings, and beliefs.  We also trust each other with our dreams, goals, and desires. 

Our goal:  Discipline

Discipline is simply making a decision in advance.  We are accountable to plans and goals made ahead of time.  If I want to work out and lose weight I will set my alarm clock and put out my clothes the night before. 

Discipline, not desire, leads to our Destiny – Ted Roberts

So here is how we prioritized our lives as men of God.

We have a group agreement to be accountable to the following priority list and actions.  Group accountability is when each member agrees to be committed to a common goal.

1.    God – Attend weekend service, daily bible study or audio bible, serve in a ministry

2.    Wife – Pray with wife daily, commit to one time per week to spend just with her; i.e. date night, lunch, coffee, ECT.

3.    Kids – Commit to fusion one night per week, spend time being present and engaged, don’t make them a higher priority than wife and God (This includes boundaries for their activities)

4.    Vocation/Ministry – Work hard and live with integrity.  Commit to leading your ministry and developing others.

5.    Hobbies/Entertainment – Make sure to set aside time to have fun!  Don’t go through the week without enjoying yourself

I want to explain a couple things on our list.

God must be our highest priority.  When He is at the center of our lives everything else falls into place.  We agreed to attend church, daily bible study, and to serve Him in a ministry.  We agree not to place our wives or children above our love for God. 

Our wives are the second highest priority.  God blessed each of us with amazing wives and we must lay down our lives for them (not an easy thing to do for a bunch of selfish dudes).  We agreed to be accountable to praying with our wives daily, taking time each week to spend with them, and making sure they understand how special they are to us. 

Our children are a blessing from the Lord and we love them greatly.  But we have agreed not to put them above our wives or God.  Each one of us has placed them above God and our wives and understands that this is idolatry and will not bring blessing.  We agree to put God first and our wives because our kids need to understand that we live in an epic story and He is at the center of our lives and when they experience us loving their mothers well, they will be blessed.  We agree not to place our kids above a balanced, healthy life.  We have agreed to stay accountable to keeping our kids activities in balance too.  We have agreed to implement Fusion in our homes and lead our children in the ways of the Lord.

We are striving to live with integrity and honor in our vocations.  We long to develop and minister to others through our God given talents and abilities.

We also agree that life has to be fun!  We stay accountable in the area of joy, fun, and celebration.

Scott's Thoughts 10.28.09

There are amazing things happening at the Parkrose Campus of Abundant Life Church:

• Great Worship Services
• Amazing Messages delivered by Pastor George Powell and the Pastoral Staff
• Creative Messages and use of technology to advance the Kingdom of God
• Fantastic Student Ministries
• Phenomenal Children's Ministries
• Life Cafe providing Starbucks and Espresso
• Awesome Leadership in all areas of ministry
• Cool websites and blogs
• A variety of outreach opportunities
• Opportunities to serve others

I hope you'll join us this weekend!  2 identical services: 9:30 or 11:00.  We are in the middle of a life-changing series entitled, "Unbelievable."  If you missed the first or second message click here to watch and download lifenotes.

Have a great week!

Scott 

Scott's Thoughts 10.20.09

The Parkrose Campus was rockin' last weekend!  Lisa Tyler led worship with an amazing team! 

Pastor George brought a fantastic message as he kicked off the "Unbelievable" series.  It is a 5 week series that takes us through the book of Jonah.  If you missed the message please view it online here.  Here are the key points:

Three things to know when you run from God:

1. You can run from God but you cannot outdistance God.

Psalm 139:7 "Where can I flee from Your presence?"

Godisnowhere (God is nowhere or God is now here)

2. The storms of life are not meant to pay you back, but to bring you back.

3. You don’t have to wait until the perfect storm before you turn back to God.

Please join us this Sunday as we continue the journey through Jonah.  Invite a friend!

Scott