Life can sure change without notice! Has that happened to you? It could be a financial reversal, health crisis, accident or any number of things that changes your life on a dime. Sometimes the change is more in our own spirit when we realize that we have not reached the dreams we held at an earlier time of our life. For instance, we all dreamed big dreams when we were younger, but as we move at a break-neck pace through our twenties, thirties and forties, we can eventually slam head on into the realization that some of our dreams will never be realized.
For some people that realization leads to a mid-life crisis. Some have simply given them up somewhere along the way. Others run into conflict that makes them weary and they settle for less. Still others make bold decisions to trade one dream in for another.
That’s what Joseph did. Talk about dreams! He had some interesting ones. At seventeen he dreamed his ten older brothers would bow down to him. It’s enough he dreamed that dream.· What makes it worse is that he told his brothers about it. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have done that!
The older brothers already had issues with the younger son. Their father favored Joseph. He had even given him a valuable multi-colored coat. That’s the modern-day equivalent of a parent of four teenagers, giving one a smart phone and the other three a stack of quarters each for a pay phone (assuming they could find one on their travels). The brothers banded together and tossed the dreamer in a ditch, eventually selling him into slavery at the first opportunity. The next thing Joseph knew he was waking up in Egypt.
From there his life was a rollercoaster thrill ride. One minute a slave, the next in charge of an Egyptian official’s house the next in prison, the next in charge of the prison. Then he found himself in front of Pharaoh, called upon to interpret the leader’s dreams. With God’s help he was able to warn Pharaoh he would have seven years of abundant crops that he should be put in storehouses in anticipation of seven years of famine. Recognizing his wisdom, Pharaoh put Joseph second in command over all of Egypt.
And because of God’s personal involvement in his life, he was able to save his family, the same family that God was building into a nation. Joseph was in position to bring his family to Egypt and give them the most fertile land to work, and it was definitely fertile. In the time they were there they were “fruitful and increased greatly” (Exodus 1:7).
Joseph could have lost his life getting caught up in the details of his life, chasing his dreams and desires. Instead, he chose a better story: God’s story.
You can do the same. If your life’s dream has stalled, look to God. If you feel like you’re down, don't count yourself out when you can walk with God! If your dream now realized is not all you thought it would be, look to God. He can give you another dream, a better one. One that is not according to the world’s standard but God’s criterion, just like Joseph’s. Then you’ll have a story to tell.
Imagine being involved in the launch of a new TV series that was planned to launch this fall. You are not involved in writing the screen play or casting the individuals to fill the staring roles. You will be helping with the filming and editing so you are deeply involved with the project and the production crew has gathered to be introduced to the cast. This series is expected to be exciting, captivating and reveal a powerful family that will have a world-impating family line.
Everyone in the room is expecting to see a vibrant young couple stroll into the room and wow everyone with their good looks and charasmtic personalities. But when the door opens, the casting agent leads in a 75-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman. Everyone's jaws drop to the floor and there is a collective gasp that unexpectedly escapes everyone's lips. This is certainly not what is expected and definitely adds a new twist to the story.
And yet, this is what God has chosen. His screenplay called for a couple to launch a new nation, one that would impact the entire world. As he would say, a nation through whom “all the nations of the earth would be blessed” (Genesis 12:1-3).
Abram and Sarai stand there, adorned perhaps by dusty old robes and crowned with wispy white hair and loosely fitting skin and as befuddled as anyone else. God chose them to begin a nation. An unlikely pair, especially after factoring in the fact that Sarai was barren. How could God expect to start a nation with a woman who could not bear children?
To complicate the story line, it will be 25 more years before they actually have their child of promise. By that time Abram and Sarai will be 100 years old and 90 years old, respectively (and their names will be changed to Abraham and Sarah). Perhaps Social Security checks will help this special couple decorate the baby’s tent and they’ll be able take naps when the baby does. And the rest, as they say, is history. His story.
God picks people you and I wouldn’t necessarily select to take part in his story. In fact sometimes we are shocked who plays the starring roles in his stories. Unlike the way we do business, he taps people, not merely because of their abilities, but for their availability. God searches for people who are open to be used by him. Since he uses only those who are willing to be used for his purposes, there is no doubt that it is he who is doing the wonder- working. Let there be no doubt, throughout history he is the one making things happen.
That’s good news, isn’t it? In the business world, you may not have a great pedigree. In academics, you may not be a Rhodes Scholar. You may not have a lot of money and you may have average looks. But you may be sitting in a pretty good position to be a top pick for God’s work.
Calling all men, fathers, grandfathers and teen guys! Let's be courageous and lead the way in going to see this movie!
This is a must movie for you. This is one that men and young men should go to together. (And, yes, it is also a great movie for the women, moms, grandmas and young women.) Roberta and I had the chance to preview this movie. When it was over we knew then that we would want every father and son of our church going to see Courageous. It is appropriate for an entire family to see together and have some great discussion over dessert or dinner afterwards. It is well acted, filmed and the story line will keep you engaged.
Take the time to go while this is in the major theaters and help make the statement that quality films with a good message are worth producing and showing in the theater. And, if you go and feel that it was a waste of your time then come see me and I'll personally refund your ticket cost.
Let's be Courageous,
Pastor Tom
One of the most important questions we should ask periodically is, "Why does OCEC exist?" Last fall 25-30 of our church family met for a Vision 2011 and Beyond weekend workshop centered on this question. A smaller group is continuing that good beginning and gaining clarity in what God is directing for OCEC. The following expresses our current understanding.
OCEC exists to help individuals of all ages embrace a lifestyle of Living Love toward God and people.
The reality is that Living Love is not natural! We believe everything begins with God and His love for us. God, through Jesus, lived love toward humanity and the result is our hope in Jesus Christ. As a result of placing our hope in Jesus, we come into relationship with Him through faith. In relationship with Jesus, we are called to and motivated by the Holy Spirit to love God and love our neighbor.
Now, for the person who is in relationship with God through Jesus, the cycle begins again with Him working through us. In Him and by His Holy Spirit in us, we are compelled to begin and grow in Living Love toward all people starting right where we live in our home, neighborhood, community and city. We begin living love because we have overflowing hope in Christ and we inspire others to place their hope in Christ. We begin living love because we have a zealous love for God and our neighbor and it compels us beyond ourselves. In order to continue living love we will, by the compelling love of God, take risks by faith in our Almighty God.
Our aim is to inspire individuals to embrace a lifestyle of Living Love through
God's Word ~ Worship ~ Prayer ~ Spirit-Filled living ~ Relationships ~ Service ~ Evangelism
It is imperative that the mission of OCEC is clearly directed and supported by God's Word. The following Scriptures provide the foundation on which God is directing OCEC.
It is immediately apparent that Jesus' words and those of the apostle Paul, as inspired by the Holy Spirit, do not give room for OCEC to sit complacent and comfortable as people and society suffer and race toward a godless eternity. God is compelling us through Christ's love to live love through the power of the Spirit.
No doubt God intends us to continue to build up His followers while at the same time moving outside the walls to influence our world and actively seek to bring people to faith in Christ. God has helped us expand our ministry through two Shelter Homes and many opportunities to serve. Our A.C.T.S. (Action, Compassion, Truth, Sacrifice) Team is helping us have impact. Along with doing service projects, we must include a readiness to share the Gospel with our words as the Spirit opens doors. The Lord directed the purchase of the home of House of Hope. This year we are charged with developing and implementing a fundraising plan to reimburse funds in savings that were used to complete this purchase.
As the year unfolds we will be stretched as we extend our hands through mission trips, VBS, Summer Ministries, Ambassadors in Sport Soccer Camp and our 4th Love in Action Weekend. I am excited about the direction God is giving for our spring, summer and fall themes for worship and Growth Groups. When the Holiday Season arrives, our hands will reach out again to help but to also inspire through a Dessert Theater and other Christmas emphases. Let's go forward in faith and by the power of the Holy Spirit and look with anticipation at what God will do through us!
We are incredibly blessed with a strong pastoral/ministry/support staff who partner with so many fantastic volunteers. I am so thankful to the Lord for bringing Brian and Lisa See to serve our Senior High Youth as Pastor Erin stepped down from ministry. Thank you Lord! Praise God that we have committed ourselves to joining hands, loving each other and stepping into the future living love for our King and the world around us!
2010-11 Sunday School Average: (Sept. to current) 398 (down 1 from 2009-2010) High of 462 in November
2010-11 Worship Average: (Sept. to current) 558 (up 16 from 2009-2010) High of 939 on Easter 2010 (Up 6 from 2009)
2010-11 Total Attendance: (Sept. to current) 926 (down 1 from 2009-2010) High of 1051 in December.
Preschool:
Grade School:
Junior High:
Senior High:
Next Gen.:
Growth Groups:
Music and Prayer:
Women:
Men:
ACTS, Action Compassion Truth Sacrifice:
Marriage:
Visitation:
As we enter the Christmas Season, I am so thankful to be part of a church that has a long history of serving in this city. Oregon City Evangelical’s history, of worship and service, dates back to 1885. Despite turning 125 in 2010, OCEC is younger and more active than you might think! I’m thankful for the three services each Sunday morning and the incredible leaders for ministries that reach out to every age and stage of life- children, Jr High, Sr High, women, men, marriages, Prime Timers (55+), and young adults. It is inspiring to know that the church is alive with babies, children, teens and adults of all ages!
I praise the Lord that OCEC is motivated to serve. We find joy in serving our community. I say “Thank You” to all those who have helped at homes, schools, city facilities and care centers. I praise the Lord for the help you, the OCEC family, is giving again this Christmas with food boxes and gifts for needy families. In addition, through YOUR efforts, we are providing food for 25 children at Mt Pleasant Elementary through their Back Pack Buddies program. And, sometime in the very near future, our second Shelter Home will be open and assisting a family to get back on their feet and thrive again. YOU are doing what God is directing in this city and region- Praise the Lord!
As we finish out 2010 and begin a brand new year, I encourage you to experience the Christ of Christmas. Remember, He is The Gift that made the difference 2000 years ago and He is the only gift that makes a true difference today. Have fun, be safe, celebrate with joy and let the world know that Jesus is here!
Joy to the World,
Pastor Tom
The Daniel Challenge
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