Into The River

9/4/16. Week 1 in the Gospel of Mark. The life of John the Baptist retells the story of Israel as it should be.

And the life of Jesus, encapsulated in this scene at His baptism, retells the Story of the world as it should be as well.

// Jeff Patterson preaching on Mark 1:1-15 #GospelofMark

8/28/16. Week 8 of Summer Psalms series "Songs of Strength" and the eighth week of our Summer journey with the Story Catechism (chapter twelve: RETURN). As far is the east is from the west, that's how far the Father has removed our transgressions from us.

// Jeff Patterson preaching on Psalm 103 #SummerPsalms #RenewSummer #weareintheStory

8/28/16. This morning we heard of the opportunities before us through partnering with YoungLives in hopes of reaching single teen moms with the love, grace, and hope of Jesus. We welcome Kari & Rachel of YoungLives » 

email: [email protected]

web: http://portlandsouthyounglives.younglife.org

YoungLives, seeks to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His unconditional love with pregnant and parenting teen moms. They do this by engaging in relationships, treating each mom and child with love and respect, and supporting their needs. Mentorship is a vital and effective conduit for sharing Christ’s unconditional love and grace nature. Through these relationships, the unique needs of teen moms are met, and girls are empowered and equipped to be thriving mothers and members of society, all while growing their faith in Christ. #localmission

8/21/16. Week 7 of Summer Psalms series "Songs of Strength" and the ninth week of our Summer journey with the Story Catechism (chapter twelve: MULTIPLY). We heard an update from Paul Hunter, director of Next Generation Ministries, on their continuing work in Uganda. The stories and truths he shared with us help us grasp the significance and opportunities of partnering with them as "a river of relationships connecting resources to needs."

// Paul Hunter teaching #SummerPsalms #RenewSummer #weareintheStory #NGMUganda

8/14/16. Week 6 of Summer Psalms series "Songs of Strength" and the eighth week of our Summer journey with the Story Catechism (chapter twelve: MULTIPLY). King David felt alone, like he was in solitary confinement to his circumstances, and defenseless. It's chaos on every side.

He responded —as we read in Psalm 86 — to this situation by leading his heart on a journey through a known land: the path back to God, reminding himself over and over who God is. This is the song of the united heart.

// Jeff Patterson preaching on Psalm 86 #SummerPsalms #RenewSummer #weareintheStory

8/7/16. Week 5 of Summer Psalms series "Songs of Strength" and the seventh week of our Summer journey with the Story Catechism (chapter fourteen: JESUS IS BETTER). We had a tremendous time at Family Camp as the Renew Church Family (August 5th–7th).

Here's an audio clip of some Renew Kids reciting part of the Story Catechism, followed by Hannah Hoover sharing about the next part of her journey toward the World Race. (Note: the audio of the sermon message was not captured.)

#SummerPsalms #RenewSummer #weareintheStory

7/31/16. Week 4 of Summer Psalms series "Songs of Strength" and the sixth week of our Summer journey with the Story Catechism (chapter twelve: GRACE). King David had everything going for him. Why did he walk out of the way of duty, choosing temptation over the will of God? This is the king's song of repentance.

// Trevor Hanna preaching on Psalm 51; 2nd Samuel 11-12 #SummerPsalms #RenewSummer #weareintheStory

7/24/16. Week 3 of Summer Psalms series "Songs of Strength" coincides with sixth week of our Summer journey with the Story Catechism (chapter ten: The Desperation). Why do mountains and oceans, the sun and stars move us as deeply as great art?

Because they are great art.

Nevertheless, we know that good, nonverbal communication is easily misunderstood. We need something more. We need Revelation.

// Psalms 14-22: Psalm 19 #SummerPsalms #RenewSummer #weareintheStory

On Sunday July 3rd we considered the themes of Duty and Dependence, whereby the beauty of God overwhelms our hearts and what used to be a mere duty receives a whole new energy to be joyfully performed, even with pleasure!

The following Sunday we sang "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" (original lyrics by Sir Robert Robinson) with added closing verses borrowed from one John Newton's hymns. The fully hymn "We Were Once As You Are" is listed below, with the chosen verses emphasized. . .

7/17/16. Week 2 of Summer Psalms series "Songs of Strength" coincides with fifth week of our Summer journey with the Story Catechism (chapter eight: The Shame). There is always freedom in love and obedience. What do you do when the foundations of your life are falling apart?

// Psalms 1-13: 2nd Corinthians 12:9-10 #SummerPsalms #RenewSummer #weareintheStory