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Greetings church family,
When you think of American society and culture, what are the thoughts that come to your mind? Baseball games and hotdogs? Fireworks and apple pie? Neighborhood walks or going to the mall? Is it America the Beautiful or something else that comes to mind?
Once when I was riding into town with my grandmother, I remember her looking up at a billboard and making a sound of disgust. I glanced up and saw a pretty typical advertisement for some sort of soda drink. I asked what the problem was and she said, “The America I grew up in was much better than America now.” This was back in 1998. She went on to explain that the billboard that had the lady in the very low cut dress wasn’t something a typical American would see on the side of the road in her day. America had become a country of low sexual morals and, in the name of business, had objectified and sexualized human beings. As we walked through Walmart together, she took me by the magazine rack to re-enforce her point. There was no denying it.
This week we are going to take a look at Rome as Paul saw it—through his eyes. Rome was a moral train wreck. It also was home to a sizable group of Christians who were living in a culture that challenged their commitment to all things pure and good and lovely.
So, how can we as a Christians in a world full of disgust? How can we stand in purity when everything around us is so polluted with the devil’s garbage?
The answer? The answer is to cling to Jesus as we cling to each other for strength, purity, and support. The church is designed and purposed for such a time as this. Cling to Jesus. Be the church. And flee from the devil’s schemes. Remember, this world is NOT our home.
Pastor Mark Witas
Send your “shout-outs” to info@SunnysideAdventist.org so we can include them in next week’s Communiqué. This is a place you can recognize someone for doing well or going beyond expectations.
Shout out this week to Jackee Duvall and her team for putting together the many Sabbath packets for our children. Thank you, Jackee!
News & Notes
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, all services and meetings at the church have been canceled until further notice. Stay connected! Check out our Facebook page and website. If you are not receiving our emails, please forward your email address to info@SunnysideAdventist.org, so we can keep you informed of our activities.
This Weekend
Welcome to our worship service via streaming video at 11:15 am. Pastor Mark Witas will present our Bible message titled “The Way of Wrath.”
Announcements
Our prayers are with all of you during these difficult wildfire times. Many of you have been displaced. If you need help, please contact us at the church, 503-252-8080, or any of the pastors. We will quickly gather a group to help you.
The Gladstone camp grounds has opened as an evacuation point for Clackamas County fires as a place for RVs. They are asking for more help to staff the camp ground as we minister to evacuees from across our county. There are more than 50 RVs on campus with many needs to attend to. If you can help, please contact Cindy Birmingham to volunteer. Just text her at 503-705-9234. Include your name and when you’re available to help. THANK YOU! It takes a team to get this done.
Sabbath School quarterlies are here! It’s almost time for a new quarter. If you would like a new Sabbath School quarterly contact the church office and we will make sure you get what you need: 503-252-8080, text 971-238-9680, or email info@SunnysideAdventist.org. Or you may get it online at https://absg.adventist.org/nextquarter#lessons.
Cherry Park Elementary School, a neighboring school we have partnered with to assist their students, has sent us their wish list for this school year. They have made it very easy to help by giving us a link to supplies at Amazon.com. These supplies will be delivered directly to the school. The children who attend are many who are in desperate need of any help available. So your help will be greatly appreciated. Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2HOXYTT1LVQ3K?ref_=wl_share. And here is a thank you from principal Kate Barker: “Thank you for always being so supportive. We are so grateful!
Friday, October 2, on the Sunnyside patio, the NextGen group, ages 21-40, will be having a hangout from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. We will be social distancing so bring your masks (if you don’t have one we can provide one for you). If you would like to bring your own chair feel free, but chairs will also be provided. RSVP is REQUIRED as 50 guests are the MAX! Find the Eventbrite link below to RSVP. This is an informal hangout to just belong and become a community together as we continue to recover and grow from the challenges that COVID has presented. If you have any questions feel free to contact Pastor Billy Hungate. https://www.eventbrite.com/…/nextgen-hangout-tickets…
Caring for the Next Generation, an online event.
Sunday, 9:00 AM – 12 Noon.
Hosted by Oregon Conference Children’s Ministries.
An Online Event
Tickets — $20:
Register at the link below:
http://campmeetingvolunteers.wufoo.com/forms/ze1xe740hzc32r
Three presentations to help you to Care for the Next Generation and lift your eyes to the possibilities and potential of what our children can become.
During this difficult time, if you are in need of financial help for rent, utilities, or other needs, the Family Resource Network stands by to help. Or if you know of a fellow church member that may need help and is hesitant to ask, let us know. Call the church office at 503-252-8080 or send an email to info@SunnysideAdventist.org.
Directory Update — We are missing many photos! We would love to have your photo in our directory. If you haven’t given us one, please upload a photo through your Elexio app or send a snapshot to info@SunnysideAdventist.org. If you can’t email it, mail it, we’ll scan it, and return it to you. It does not have to be one that is professionally taken. We just want to be able to identify you with a photo! Thank you for your help with this.
Life at Sunnyside
Church Service September 19
Pastor Wendy Witas
Ted Mackett
Debbie Matongo
Wendy Witas, Polly Moody
Pastor Mark Witas
Baby Shower September 20
Marlan & Chelsea Glovatsky
Eva & Jeff Dickerson
Adventist Education
Portland Adventist Elementary School
http://www.paes.com
Portland Adventist Academy
http://paasda.org
If you’re an Amazon shopper, you can add Portland Adventist Academy as your AmazonSmile charitable organization. Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchases to PAA. You can feel good knowing that you’re helping our students receive a Christ-centered and character-driven education! Create your account at www.smile.amazon.com. Search charitable organizations for Portland Adventist Academy. Link: https://paasda.org/news/amazon-smiles-at-portland-adventist-academy/
Bus Driver needed for the Coming School Year! Portland Adventist Academy is looking for a bus driver for the coming school year. The qualified applicant should have, or be able to obtain, a commercial driver’s license to transport students to and from PAA and Tualatin Valley Academy. The job pays $20 per hour. To apply, contact Darcie Hordofa at 503.255.8372 or dhordofa@paasda.org. Learn more on the PAA website HERE.
Area Events and Announcements
Adventist Book Center’s Open House Sale extends from September 13 to October 4. Download their flyer to view the sale items. ABCflyer.
Oregon Conference Planned Giving and Trust Services. One of the benefits offered through the Planned Giving and Trust Services Department of the Oregon Conference is tax savings. Did you know that you can give all, or a portion of your required minimum distribution (RMD) from your IRA for your tithe and offerings, and not have to pay taxes on those funds? In the same way, you can give stocks directly through the Planned Giving and Trust Services Department as a donation, and avoid capital gains tax. Find out how it works by contacting Leslie Caims at the Planned Giving and Trust Services Department at 503-850-3570, or see us online at oregonadventist.org. We are here to help you provide for those you love, and also support God’s cause in the Oregon Conference.
PACS NEWS: (Portland Adventist Community Service)
PACS Food Pantry Drive-thru OPEN Mon-Fri from 9:00-11:00 am. We are still operating with social distancing and social responsibility. If you or someone you know needs food please tell them about us. If you cannot make it to PACS please send a note with someone and they can get you food. Any questions please call PACS at 503-252-8500 or email pacsfood2020@gmail.com. Located at 11020 NE Halsey St, Portland OR 97220
PACS Thrift Store is OPEN – we have temporary hours: Mon-Thurs 9:00 am-5:00 pm & Friday 9:00 am-2:30 pm. Our donation drop off center is open and we value your donations but due to a high volume of donations please call ahead to see if we are accepting, 503-252-8500. Located at 11020 NE Halsey St, Portland OR 97220
PACS Thrift Store – At Home Shopping: www.facebook.com/groups/pacsthriftstore Empty Egg Cartons? PACS Needs Them! If you have any 12-count empty egg cartons we would love to take them off your hands to use in our food pantry! Please drop them off at our Office or Donation Receiving. Thank You In Advance!
Job Openings at PACS Full-time Development/Marketing Associate – Seeking a candidate who can effectively communicate the PACS mission and vision to our community, constituents, volunteers, and donors. See full job description visit, http://www.pacsonline.org/job-openings.
Job Opportunity
One of our members needing a babysitter/nanny for their two children, 7 months old and 3 years old, on two Sundays per month. The Sundays are flexible, the hours would be from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. If you can help this family out, please call the church office at 503-252-8080.
Housing Needed We have received a request from an older adult single male that he is in need of housing in Multnomah County. He is interested in finding a room or sharing an apartment. If you know of something available, please contact the church office at 503-252-8080.
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ALL SERVICES AND MEETINGS CANCELED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
From an abundance of caution and in consultation with Adventist Health and the Oregon Conference Office and in cooperation with the Governor of the State of Oregon, the Sunnyside Seventh-day Adventist Church will not be holding public gatherings for the next few weeks. This includes all committee meetings and group Bible studies. The pastoral staff and administration of Sunnyside realize that many of our members fit the demographic of at-risk people in regards to COVID-19. Because of this, we believe the most loving thing to do is cancel services for now.
We encourage all our Sunnyside members to take advantage of this time to connect with each other in meaningful ways. Call friends that you know will miss our weekly fellowship the most. Enjoy Sabbath family time. And wash your hands!
Since we will not be collecting offerings for the next few Sabbaths, please remember your local church by giving online (click on our website link), drop your gifts in the door box at Rosie’s office, or send your gifts through the mail, marking your intent for each gift clearly. Pastors and Rosie will still be on the clock and available via phone or email for appointments and visitation.
Please share word of this with all the folks you may know that do not frequent social media, have access to email or have limited communication in other ways. Please join us each Sabbath on Live Stream for services. Watch for email and social media updates on what services Sunnyside will have to offer. These are uncharted waters for Sunnyside Church and the Oregon Conference. Please keep us all in your prayers as we attempt to navigate well. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46
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Sunnyside News 